mapsgirl.ca

mapping our life's journey

You are here: Home / Archives for BlogHer13

The countdown to #BlogHer13 is on! What’s left on my to-do list #BlogHer13Newbie

by

It’s hard to believe that in less than 2 days, I’ll be heading down the road to Chicago for BlogHer with Christy and Aeryn!

I’m really looking forward to BlogHer and our all-girls road trip!  8 hours each way is going to be amazing bonding time.

There’s so much to do in the next few days!

Today I’ll be picking up a 2013 Ford Explorer.  With 3 of us traveling to Chicago on a 8-hour road trip, it’s the perfect time to test drive the new Explorer!

Geek with Style

Tonight, I’ll finish up the laundry and start packing!  With the help of Aeryn’s Conference Travel Checklist, I shouldn’t forget anything.

Trying to figure out what type of clothing to pack is what has me worried the most.  How many dresses? What type of shoes? Should I bring jeans?  I know deep down that what ever I pack will end up being just fine…but I’ll worry anyway.

I need to print out my tickets.  Yes, that is on Aeryn’s list but repitition should make sure that I really don’t forget.

Tomorrow after work, I’ll be getting my hair cut so I’m all neat and tidy.  I always feel good after getting my hair cut so I like to do it before a big event.

How are the other BlogHer Newbies (or not so newbies) doing on their to-do lists??  Have I forgotten anything?

  • Leave a comment to let me know what you’re up to?
  • Am I way behind?
  • Should I add something else to my list?
  • What has you worried the most about getting ready for BlogHer?

Kicking off #BlogHer13 with a bang on a Sea Dog Cruise! #Chicago

by

I’m kicking off BlogHer with a bang…. lots of them as I see Chicago’s scenic lakefront and fireworks on a Sea Dog Cruise!!
Are you ready for an entertaining cruise experience along Chicago’s scenic lakefront?
Come out to Navy Pier and let Seadog show you the city April-October, weather permitting.
Seadog offers four exciting ways to see and experience Chicago from the water:

Lakefront Speedboat Tour 
This 30-minute cruise along the shoreline offers a descriptive tour of Chicago’s famous skyline, while playing your favorite music.

Extreme Thrill Ride 
This cruise is perfect for the dare-devil in you! This 30-minute ride features splash down stops, 180-degree turns, slalom runs and more. River and Lake

Architectural Tour
Enjoy historic views of Chicago’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods during this 75-minute cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Lakefront Fireworks Cruise 
Enjoy front-row seats to the spectacular fireworks display aboard our Lakefront Fireworks Cruise! Cruise along Lake Michigan with an exciting speedboat ride paired with an informative tour of the Chicago skyline, then end the evening with a dazzling fireworks show and top-40 hits playing in the background! The open aired vessel allows for panoramic views, providing a perfect view. The Seadog Fireworks Cruise is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, running from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Seadog is great for both individuals and groups. We offer customizable group events for up to 450 people.
Seadog also features specific holiday cruises, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Halloween. Not only can you enjoy a Seadog Cruise, but your dog can as well! Dogs ride for free, space permitting.

For more information, please visit www.seadogcruises.com/chicago/ or call 888-636-7737.

Planning for #BlogHer13…which sessions do I choose?! #BlogHer13Newbie

by

BlogHer '13

I’m very excited to be able to put this badge on my side bar (look to the right!)

Last year, Blog Her ’12 was in New York City.  How cool is that?!?  But it was the same weekend as Craig’s and my 10th wedding anniversary!  I love Craig more than blogging conferences so there wasn’t even a decision as to where I would be…with the love of my life!

Now this year was a totally different story.  BlogHer ’13 is July 25-27th.  That doesn’t coincide with any major events…no birthdays, no anniversaries, nothing.  So I’m going!!!

First thing was getting a ticket.  By the time I decided to go, the early bird tickets were long gone.  Did I want to buy a ticket full pop? I hummed and haaa’d.  Then a series of things happened….people started talking about BlogHer in my blogger networking group, and the next thing I know, one of the members is offering me her ticket at the early bird price!  It was meant to be!

Now I need a place to stay... Again, a series of events happened… Craig was talking with a friend of ours about BlogHer and mentioned that I was going.  Came to be that they needed a roommate.  This working out perfectly!

Since this will be my very first BlogHer, I’m not 100% sure what to expect.  I know it’s big (over 5000 bloggers!) and I know that I’ll feel like a small fish, but I also know that I’m going to learn a lot!

When I first looked at the agenda a was taken aback.  So many choices!!  Fortunately, Mr. Lady has been doing amazing posts on the BlogHer Conference site where all of the leaning tracks are explained…

As I am reading through all of the amazing sessions, I am liking a few from each track. To ease my confusion about which sessions was happening at what time and where (there are 2 locations!)….I got smart.  

I made chart!  (I’m a poet and I don’t know it!)

Now I can see which sessions happen at the same time and at which location!

Gotta go plan!!

Are you going to BlogHer ’13??
Which sessions are you looking forward to?