Ok ok, so it’s been yet another week since my last post about BlogHer12. I’m finishing this recap up – all the super experiences outside of the sessions and expo. Let’s go!
Working Out with the Rockettes
One of the best things I did at BlogHer was sponsored by Pfizer (the people who make Centrum and Caltrate). I GOT TO MEET THE ROCKETTES AND DANCE LIKE THEM! A few weeks before the con, I was invited to a special workout with the Rockettes. HELLO. YES, I AM SO IN. If you’ve ever seen me dance (wedding reception), you’ll know I have zero rhythm, which is kind of ironic because the Wife is formerly a high school drummer and drum major. I can’t even clap to a beat for long periods of time. I’ll end up clapping to some other beat other than the music. (Ask me about last week’s FUN. show and the clapping I did there.)
I’m special! – Rockettes Workout – BlogHer 2012
We’re about to learn the Toy Soldier March by the Rockettes!
Our workout consisted of learning two dance routines – 1. Toy Solider March – stiff legs, locked knees and 2. the high kick line! If you want to see better photos and a video, check out Super Exhausted’s blog post. She’s got a great one of me laughing. (Thank you for catching that face!)
Post-workout, the Rockettes answer our questions – BlogHer12
We learned that the tallest dancers are set in the middle of the KICK LINE so that when everyone kicks up to their head, they’re all in-line with each other. Everyone has to try out – all of them, including current season Rockettes. (Sounds like the Laker Girls.) There is a height requirement, and tryouts used to be in NY, LA and Chicago. They are now only held in New York – the line wraps around the block and then some on tryouts day. Some dancers even plan their pregnancy around the Rockettes schedule so they can come back and try out for the following season! Hardcore, y’all. At the end of our workout, we got to ask our two dancers questions. I asked the last question – do either of them blog? Unfortunately they don’t, but obviously they were surrounded by women who’d love to get them started!
Me and two of the world famous Rockettes! – BlogHer 2012
Yes, I took a photo of a photo. Rockettes – BlogHer12
After our workout, we were treated to smoothies by Pfizer. I recommend the strawberry flavor. In our gift bag were two vitamin bottles: Centrum ProNutrients Omega3 and Caltrate 600+D Plus Minerals. Something to note: the Centrum ProNutrients supplement pill is WAY smaller than your typical fish oil pill. (It’s not just a fish oil pill.) This makes it easier to swallow than the horse pills. I know I don’t get enough vitamins in my food – hello, burgers, salads, carbs carbs carbs, and my best friend, coffee. I was really glad to see that the pill size was small. No one needs to feel like they’re swallowing a quarter… every day. Big thanks to Pfizer, BlogHer, and of course, the Rockettes for making my trip to BlogHer so fun this year.
The “BlogHer-inspired Private-ish” Parties
In the evening, I walked over to the California Dreams event sponsored by Single Edition Media and Foot Petals, and hosted by bloggers Cari Bee, Kitty Bradshaw. I met several bloggers at the party including Kia (Jeans and a T-Shirt), the gals from BlogWaffle (who are behind Twitarded!) and TJ (Chronicles of a Fat Girl named Tejota).
Tina Aldatz, Founder and CEO of Foot Petals, and me – California Dreams event – BlogHer12
I also met the founder of Foot Petals, Tina Aldatz! If you haven’t used Foot Petals, give it a try. I have them in all of my heels and a couple of my heeled sandals.
Another use for the Heavenly Heels pads – Cushion the TOP of your foot when wearing peeptoes! – BlogHer12
I told them that heel pads never last with me because my heel tends to scrape the stickers off and I’ve wasted the heel pads. BUT, check this out.. they showed me how to use the heel pad in a different way – stick them under your peeptoe to cushion the TOP of your foot! Genius.
The next evening, I was invited to the Naughty Monkey party hosted by Hello Amanda, Ashes into Fashion, Glamgerous, Nany’s Klozet, and Flor de Maria Fashion. Who wouldn’t want to be invited to a party about shoes?
Naughty Monkey party – BlogHer12 – I could use these….
Oxfords. I could use these too. Naughty Monkey party – BlogHer12
One thing that struck me about this party (well, the showroom) was the variety of styles the brand carried. They went from sandals and wedges to high heels (with sequins and other fun materials) to boots and flats. They’re stylish and affordable. With the way fashion changes so quickly, it’s good to see a brand that offers a lower price point for stylish shoes. If you’re not familiar with the brand, think Steve Madden and Michael Antonio. Thanks to Naughty Monkey and our hosts!
You may have gotten an orange one or a blue one.
My Favorite Part of the Con: Meeting New Bloggers
Here’s the last part of my post/recap. Meeting new bloggers. I had a great time this year meeting new bloggers. I honed in on my elevator speech as I shook hand over hand. I think my business card was also quite helpful in getting people to laugh. (I passed out the Asian blogger card the whole weekend so that my ‘brand’ would be consistent. Don’t worry, I made a bunch of Keep Calm or I’ll Cut You cards too for the next meet-up.)
Most notably, I met the team behind Evil Slutopia at Sparklecorn. For me, they’re rockstars. I started reading their blog when they began to post chapter reviews of 50 Shades of Grey. The blog is not only smart, thought-provoking, and progressive, it’s FUNNY. I asked them about their sponsor Masque, which makes a ‘strip’ that blocks your tastebuds for… oral sex. Let’s call them Blowjob Strips. Genius. Just genius. It’s too bad Masque didn’t set up a booth at BlogHer – they’d have run out of Blowjob Strips. Easily. You know the daddy bloggers at BlogHer would’ve taken boxes home to their wives, too.
OMG I found Asians at BlogHer! – Birds of a Feather breakfast – BlogHer 12
When I sat by myself at the Women of Color table during the Birds of a Feather breakfast, I found it a little intimidating and depressing that I sat by myself. Eh. Whaddyagonnado? But I figured SOMEONE had to sit there to get a conversation going, so I stayed there. And it paid off. I met four more Asian American bloggers just by sitting there! Shout out to Fourth Breakfast, Lady M, Frugal Flip, and my mystery friend whose fitness blog hasn’t been created yet! AND they’re all from California – holla!
Below are a list of bloggers I met and traded biz cards with. Yes, it’s a list. If I forgot your name or blog, please tweet me or email me so I can add you on this list!
This year’s BlogHer was A-OK. I haven’t decided on Chicago yet, but I’m hopeful. Thank you, bloggers, for making this con meaningful and worth it.
Shout-out to my new blogger pals (in no particular order):
- Thien-Kim – I’m Not the Nanny
- Susan – TheSucculentWife.com
- Kimberly – SiliconValleyMamas.com
- Jackie – FrugalFlip.com
- Monica – Lady M
- Olivia – FourthBreakfast.com
- Kia – Jeans and a T-shirt
- TJ – Chronicles of a Fat Girl named Tejota
- Debbie – BlogWaffles.com
- Stacy – BlogWaffles.com
- Jenny – (also of BlogWaffles) and Twitarded
- Evil Slut Clique – EvilSlutopia.com
- Chrissy – FrugalCouponQueens.com
- Lacey – CouponinOnCoffee.com
- Tressa – thestitcherati.com
- Carly – Carly Totten
- Amanda – MarocMama.com
- TerriAnn – CookiesandClogs.com
- Gena – Out on the Stoop
- Irene – WillWrite4Travel.blogspot.com
- Ashley – Momicles.com
I also got to see my pals from So Cal:
- Carolyn – This Talk Ain’t Cheap
- Melissa – MelissaDell.com
- MJ – Teaching in Heels
- Vickie – No Bad Language
Please please please email me if I missed adding you to my list! Catch y’all later and thanks!
great posts, so cool that you got to be such a huge part of BlogHer 2012, and thanks for the recap, it’s (almost) like being there!
chris Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:39 am
Thanks, Ariel! Hope you’ll be there in Chicago… maybe as a sexpert speaker??
awww so exciting! I would LOVE to have been in that dance class. Must have been so much fun!
chris Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:39 am
Dancing was fun! Wish there was a way that all the BlogHer attendees could’ve done the kick line… like a flash mob kick line.
Thank you so much for the shoutout and the kind words about our blog! It was really great meeting you and getting a chance to talk. And your business cards are definitely our faves from BlogHer this year.
chris Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:38 am
Dude, rockstars, gals. You are. I now sound like Yoda…. Terrific to meet you, and thanks for introducing me (and the Wife) to Masque.
I’m so glad we finally met in person!
chris Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:37 am
Me too! Are you still headed to Blogalicious? If yes, I’ll see you there!
It was so great to meet you. It’s an awesome idea to do a list of all the folks you meet at conferences. Great post.
chris Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Great to meet you too! Glad I found another halal chicken/rice fan!