A time to Elevate- a Blogging Conference Recap

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Elevate Blogging Conference; this was my second time going.  This is a smaller conference that focuses on building friendships and connections and helping lift each other up as bloggers and women.  I totally love this conference.

Last year when I went my biggest regret was not getting enough pictures with the ladies I met that day, this year I did not make that same mistake.

Tracy of From a Mom of Boys, Sarah of Little Penelope Lane,  Me

Tracy shared her adoption story of her beautiful little girl, so she is no longer a mama of just boys. You definitely have to read her story, it is so sad what her daughter went through until they were able to bring her home and love her as she should be loved. 

I have meet Sarah a few times before, through blogging and Power of Moms. Sarah is truly a beautiful person inside and out.  She has created a huge crafting boutique in SoCal and even more impressive is the opportunities and experiences she has brought for her daughter Katie.

Top Left to Right: Sarah Little Penelope Lane, Me: Me  Megan of Absolute Mommy.
Bottom: Trisha of Trisha Designs: Chrissy of Let Me See You Sparkle, Ashley of Little Miss Momma, Me

I was so excited to meet Megan of Absolute Mommy, she and I have become good Instagram friends and so I couldn't wait to meet her in real life.  She was a lot shorter than I thought she would be, but she is so awesome and I love how honest and real she is.


The decor was beautiful

The food was so yummy, lunch from BJ's and dinner from Cafe Rio, and cookies that I could eat forever!

I was the first one to fill my Bingo card and started off the day by winning a prize!

Picture courtesy of Chrissy

The speakers were awesome.

I loved Desiree from the 36th Avenue- loved hearing how she began blogging (she had no idea what a blog even was), love her honesty, her genuine smile and her amazing accent.  She gave us great advice about staying ahead of the game when it comes to crafts and projects.  Her message of embracing your "accent" was truly magnificent.

Desiree of 36th Avenue  (Picture from Chrissy)

Chrissy of Let Me See You Sparkle gave great tips on taking pictures.  Chrissy is one of those people that just always bring so much happiness and light to every moment, someone who just makes you automatically smile.  She even gave tips on taking a selfie- including the group selfie-- what do you call a group selfie?

I shot my hand up super fast and was lucky enough to be picked my Cara of Maskcara for a mini makeover.  I wish someone would have recorded her doing my makeup so I could watch how she did it over and over again.  It was fun to hear how she got into makeup and did you know she has her own makeup line? Which I bought some of and love.  She is awesome and so totally sweet too.
Ashley from Little Miss Mama spoke again this year; she spoke at Elevate last year and was the perfect spark and inspiration I needed to get out of the blogging rut I was in at the time. This year she spoke more about practical tips.

Chrissy, Ashley Little Miss Mama and me

We also got to here from Lisa Leonard of Lisa Leonard Design.  I loved hearing her journey and how her company started as something she just did at home to the huge successful business it is today.  She talked about the B's of blogging. The one that stuck out to me the most was 'be brave'-  being brave to be who you are and true to your own voice in blogging.

Lisa sharing her thoughts and wisdom with us

We also got to do some crafts- the lady from Fiskars (who had the best English accent) told our table we were the "creative table" and by that she meant the messiest.  We totally embraced it.

(Picture from Chrissy)

At the end of the night we had some fun with some minute-to-win-it games.  Almost our entire team disappeared (wanting to get makeup advice from Cara, I don't blame them for that) leaving only 4 of us- but though small in number we totally rocked it and won first place!

It was such a wonderful day.  It helped me remember what I love about blogging, it helped me remember the importance of our voice, of our story and our ability to share it.  No one else has your voice, no one else can share your story. Stay true to who you are.  Yes you can gain inspiration from others but if you are not true to you then you will never be successful.  Don't try and be someone else, be you.

I am already excited to go again next year.  Thank you everyone for the wonderful day.