Blissdom Canada 2013 Recap

Happy Friday everyone! Today kicks of the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, so I’m in a very festive mood. With a weekend full of family dinners, hanging out with my siblings while their home AND our engagement brunch, it’s going to be a great one. Plus I have Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream in the freezer – enough said.

Before I get this turkey holiday started, I wanted to share a quick recap of the blogging conference I went to last weekend, Blissdom Canada 2013 (all photos from them!). I went into it expecting to get some advice on how to improve the blog, maybe some pointers on creative writing and interact with some members of the online community. I apparently I had no idea what was coming, because what I left with was so much more than I expected. I left feeling like I was starting over again, in a good way.

I can’t say enough about all the bloggers I met. I went into this conference not knowing a single person and as the days leading up to the conference arrived, I started to get really nervous. What if no one talked to me? What if I said something awkward? What if I got broccoli stuck in my teeth?

I walked into the room and I could hardly eat all the delicious food because my stomach was churning so much. Then someone introduced themselves and introduced me to their friends who introduced me to their friends, and before I knew it I wasn’t so nervous anymore. Here I was with women who understood why I do what I do. They had their own stories, offered up advice, told me of their own trials and tribulations. We shared our fears, our goals and LOTS of laughs together. Thank you to everyone who was there last weekend!

By day, we were attending keynote speeches, seminars and microsessions that had our brains swimming with ideas. At every event I was seated with different bloggers and I was able to connect with them, learn their stories and share many laughs. There was always smiles at every table when you sat down.

By night, the party began! Dancing, drinks and pampering – we were spoiled!

Every speaker was outstanding. They shared their journeys and encouraged us to continue on ours. As one person put it – there is nothing wrong with being in the middle of your story. We all still have so much farther we can go, which is really exciting when you think about it. One session even had us make a business plan – where do you see yourself in one year? Two years? Five years? Ten years? I’d never thought past the next few months prior to this!

There was also the chance to connect with some great companies with products I actually use. I had a consultation with the ladies at Philosophy and they were so helpful with demystifying my skin routine. I almost wanted to give her a hug when we were done!

Hallmark had a great booth that changed every day and the last display was Christmas themed. I was so excited to see all the new products they have for the holiday season. They even had a mailbox to send letters to family, friends or even fellow bloggers attending the conference.

From regular Peppermint Teas from Tim Hortons to the sponsored breaks like these smoothies from Sunlight, there were lots of great goodies to keep our energy levels up.

And a few treats to satisfy our sweet tooths too.

I wasn’t expecting there to be so much music, but it was everywhere, including an appearance by Canadian jazz crooner Matt Dusk. He sang a variety of songs, including Lady Gaga. I could listen to him sing just about anything!

Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black did a knockout concert on the Friday night.

Before she left, I was able to say hi and she gave me a big hug and told me to “keep inspiring and doing what you love”.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend – and in the words of Jully…

Keep Inspiring