August 2 – 4, 2012. New York City. BlogHer. Photo recap.
I still can’t believe I flew across country for a blogging conference! The trip was fast and furious. The conference was so-so. The city far exceeded my expectations.
I flew direct from Long Beach to New York on jetBlue. I was so pleased with jetBlue and their customer service! A lot of friends had flights canceled on the way home due to rain. We were luckily just delayed. You’ll see more photos of “BlogHer Tarmac” later this week.
We got into the city very early – like 6:00 am early – and before a rain storm hit! I traveled with a couple other bloggers and we camped out in the Hilton lobby until I dragged my butt across the street to Starbucks for a much needed coffee.
Yes, New York bagels are pretty much awesome. I really don’t understand why we can’t get those on the West Coast. That early morning before the BlogHer chaos began was one of the highlights of the trip. I sat on the steps outside Starbucks and took in the sights and sounds of the city. I typed out a few notes on my iPhone to remember the moment. ”The streets are jammed with yellow cabs, skyscrapers, construction workers, squeaky brakes, and blaring sirens. I can see the letters ‘R’ and ‘A’ as I look toward Radio City Music Hall.” My friends Jessica, Terri, Erin, and Shannon showed up before I got any more wax poetic about the city.
I rode a New York City subway – two times in fact. First to Greenwich Village for a New York City Food Tour (I’m writing a separate food post for later this week) and again to Little Italy for dinner with friends. Thank God both times were with someone who knew how to navigate the subway system. By the way, waiting for the train just about sucks the life out of you. It’s so hot down there!
Hey, that’s me in Times Square! I was attending a private party in the Viacom building which overlooks Times Square. No Carson Daly (MTV’s TRL used to air live from there). Thanks to Erica for braving the rocks and snapping this photo of me.
Oh yeah, I was there for a blogging conference too. Unfortunately, these photos don’t really represent the education part of BlogHer. Yes, that’s me sitting inside a Kohler bathtub. Kind of Ah-mazing. I got a sneak preview of Starbuck’s new Verismo system, ogled all the organizational goodies at the Martha Stewart for Staples booth, and asked for “more birthdays” from the American Cancer Society.
I have a bazillion more photos to show you — especially from the food tour! Take a second to check out my Facebook page to see more photos from New York City!
1) It was lovely meeting you. You are adorable. I’m so glad I picked your table to sit with at lunch.
2) The organization products in that booth had me drooling.
3) Subway heat is freaking insane. It is like being in an oven.
4) I wish I had taken more time to enjoy the city.
5) I wanted to visit the American Cancer Society booth, but I was scared my emotions would get the better of me. I’m weak.
Oh lord, the BAAAAAGELS. And the black and white cookies. I think those are the two things I miss most about living in NYC. The heat? No thank you. And the subway in the heat? Oh HELL NO.
Sounds like such an amazing trip!!
Starbucks was definitely my go-haven of the conference. I hate that I didn’t take more pictures but I will have to now that I just signed up for your weight loss challenge. It was the pictures from BlogHer that gave me a wake-up call on exactly what I need to do! – GET FIT!
If the Starbucks people doing the demo had taken credit cards, I would have bought one right then! So glad we met, sorry it wasn’t for longer. Next time!