Blogggy Meet Up 2007 Recap!
For those of you that were not able to attend, we missed you and quite assuredly talked all about you! We ended up having 9 bloggers come to the first EVA Bloggy Meet Up. The list included me, Girlville, Punchy, Lisa, Sandy (and Aunt Sue!), Norman's Woman, Magnolia Sun, Pam, and on Saturday night, Shannon! It ROCKED. Some of us have been friends for over nearly 3 years and others of us have only recently made contact. I did not feel nervous at all about meeting these women. It was like getting together with old friends. Very comfortable. Next time, I hope more of you can come! No word yet on when "next time" will be, but word on the blogging street is that it will be in the North East (Boston, Philly, NY, who knows). Volunteers to chair the next Meet Up are welcome to step forward! Only criteria needs is time and ability to make decisions in the best interest of the group. (Dear Goodness, I hope I did that!)
One week ago today....
Jason and I headed up to the airport to pick up the first bloggers arriving for our Meet Up. Lisa and her daughter arrived about 8:30am.
I had prepared a sign....
But I recognized them instantly, and the sign never got to be used! So sad.
We had some time to kill so we headed for IHOP. I had a delicious breakfast of pumpkin pancakes and eggs and hashbrowns. (What? Baby's got to eat!!)
Hanging out with Lisa and T felt so normal. When I was getting dressed that morning, I just threw something on and threw my hair in a ponytail (cause it was early!) and knew that they wouldnt care. It's like we were old friends. I'd like to think Lisa loved me the same in the morning as later when I dressed up more. :)
After a long breakfast, and an even longer ride around the Charlotte area, Jason and I dropped them off at the hotel to settle in while we headed back to the aiport to pick up Magnolia Sun!
We headed back to the hotel and all checked-in.
(hotel website photos)
As the Bloggy Meet Up organizer, I had chosen a hotel in Uptown Charlotte that had some amenities that I knew would be important to our group. It offered a free shuttle service to area resturants and businesses (which we used at night for dinners) and a wonderful deluxe breakfast. At night, we would spend a lot of time all gathered on the other side of that fireplace to talk.
Jason and I took a much needed nap Friday afternoon and then he headed home for the night to take care of Emma.
At 6pm, Girlville and I hosted (and really, she brought EVERYTHING) a wine and cheese hour in our hotel room for all of us Bloggers to finally get together and mingle before heading out to dinner.
I know its blurry, but its the only picture I really got of the cheese. And I LOOOOVE me some cheese. Girlville had picked out 4 wonderful cheeses and had an assortment of crackers and wine to drink. Big Thanks to her for orchestrating that event!
Look! There's Magnolia Sun!
Bloggers lounging about the room.
(pic borrowed from Sandy)
This is Girlville (my roommate), me and Punchy!
After mingling (and cofirming that no of the Bloggers were serial killers), we headed down to the lobby to catch the shuttle to our dinner resturant.
(Elevator picture courtesy of Sandy again)
I spent a lot of time picking out the resturants for our Bloggy Meet Up. Menu choices were important but so was menu PRICES. Some people spent a lot just to get to the Meet Up, I didnt want them to break the bank.
I chose Brixx Pizza for Friday night dinner.
(website picture, not mine)
It is a very cool pizza place located about a mile from the hotel. I had been there once before in college and new that the menu would offer a variety of dishes (pizza, pasta, sandwhiches, salad) at affordable prices.
Norman's Woman and Punchy shared this gorgeous looking Quattro Formaggio Pizza.
I had this AMAZING fresh mozzerella sandwhich.
The picture doesnt do it justice, but here's what the menu description said about it:
Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich
roma tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette. served on baguette 7.95
Amazing. Must buy ingredients and recreate at home this weekend.
Here's a group shot of us a dinner.
(picture borrowed from Norman's Woman)
Then we all headed back to the hotel, changed into our Jammies and sat down in the lobby until Way Too Late.
Stay Tuned for Days 2 and 3!
Oh I am SOOOOOO jealous! I must start saving for the next Bloggy Meetup!
Posted by: Leah | October 26, 2007 at 11:27 AM
I can't believe that was a week ago today. I wish we were all meeting again tonight.
You did a great job on finding the restaurants and the hotel. It was all great!
Posted by: sandy | October 26, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I wish we could have been there, you guys look like you had a blast!! Why not a West Coast meetup.... we could meet in Seattle!
Posted by: Amanda | October 26, 2007 at 11:56 AM
I was just thinking today that was just a week ago. I can't believe it. I echo your comments about feeling comfortable with everyone. I can't wait until we can do it again.
P.S. I loved your restaurant choices!
Posted by: Pam | October 26, 2007 at 12:56 PM
First, you did a great job organizing. I for one loved that I didn't have to make any decisions after arriving! Everyone was so casual and calm...super fun! I can't believe that a week ago today I was driving in North Carolina anticipating my arrival! Time seems to speed by faster and faster. I love reading the recaps and the great memories...you chicks are the BEST! To the rest of you, it was well worth the traveling!
Posted by: Punchbugpug | October 26, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Ooh it sounds (and looks) like you all had such a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear more!
Tammy
Posted by: Tammy | October 26, 2007 at 02:29 PM
Looks like you guys had lots of fun! Too bad it isn;t out here on the west coast!
Posted by: MK | October 26, 2007 at 02:36 PM
It looks like you all had a great time. I've really enjoyed reading about the meet up on everyone's blogs.
Posted by: Mrs. D | October 26, 2007 at 02:36 PM
You did an AWESOME job organizing everything, that picture of my reminds me I need to go to TJ to get some cheese - it was sooo good. I would be happy to host if we are still in the area.
Posted by: Magnolia Sun | October 26, 2007 at 02:52 PM
i am loving reliving this event everyday! i cannot believe that a week has already passed since we all met (many for the first time). you did a GREAT job with the planning, the restaurants were really good. i probably gained 5 lbs what from all the eating. good times! i'm ready for the next meet.
Posted by: girlville | October 26, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Looks like soooo much fun!
Posted by: Judy | October 26, 2007 at 06:18 PM
High 5 to you on doing such a WoNdErFuL job organizing the meet~up...so well done! I can't believe it was one week ago tonight at this time we were all down stairs talking, laughing, have a great time.... Boston is a good choice...so is NYC! Heck I will go anywhere to meet up again...I did like the Cruise idea too!
Posted by: Lisa | October 26, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Looks so fun! Getting away with just the girls... oh how I could use a weekend like that!
Posted by: Kris | October 27, 2007 at 11:05 PM
Looks so fun! Getting away with just the girls... oh how I could use a weekend like that!
Posted by: Kris | October 27, 2007 at 11:18 PM
It looks like you all had so much fun. I have read your blogs for so long it's way cool to see you all together.
Jess
Posted by: Jessica | October 29, 2007 at 03:30 PM