On Friday night at Blissdom, we had a special treat. We had a private performance from Harry Connick Jr. How awesome is that.  I’m quite pushy and made my way to the front of the crowd. It also helped that my friends were also standing in the front. He put on a great performance and also talked to us about the projects he’s involved in. The best part of all though? We got to take a photograph with Harry. Isn’t that awesome?

Photo courtesy of Darcy of Life With My 3 Boybarians.

Featured in photo from left to right: (Jennifer, Sarah, Harry, Me, and JJ).

I was also able to capture some of Harry’s performance on my camera and my little Flip video camera.  I was like the paparazzi trying to get my photos in.  Just imagine fifteen women (bloggers, even worse) trying to get the best photos and videos of the performance. It was quite funny.  At one point, I was literally taking photos over JJ’s head while she squatted down. Be forewarned though, my video is not the greatest.  You can tell many people were also trying to get photos and videos, because there are parts were people’s arms got in the way.

Last photo courtesy from Casey, Moosh in Indy

And last, but not least, my awesome video of Harry Connick Jr.

As you know that I attended the Blissdom Conference in Nashville last weekend.  And if you didn’t know this, well you must not read my blog.  I mean really, who wouldn’t read my blog.  Anyway, I lost my camera charger for my SLR somewhere in my house.  My camera died halfway through Saturday night. I was pretty bummed because I knew that the night was young, and there were pictures to take.

They had this great Casual Pajama Party and Movie Night Planned.  It was great,e veryone dressed really comfortable.  There was food and snacks.  But I knew it would good if I stayed around for awhile. I was only able to take 2-3 photographs while I was there. But then, the fun began.  Hmmm, oh yes, karaoke……cause you know karaoke brings out the magic in people.  Everyone becomes a professional singer. Even bloggers.  I saw some great entertainment when the karaoke began. But really, I’m so glad that I had my purse with me. My purse is always full of junk, but I had an epiphany…you see, I had my Flip Mino in my purse. How awesome is that! I love this little mini video camera.

Because it captures awesome events like this…

It is ironic that the week before Valentine’s Day, that I’m so full of love.

I’m in love with blogging.

I’m in love with meeting other bloggers.

I’m in love with blog conferences.

I’m in love with learning from others.

I’m in love with photography.

I’m in love with the Internet.

I’m in love with my family who supports me and my blog.

I’m in love with Orange County, CA, as it doesn’t snow here and I was able to return safely.

As I sit on my Macbook (love) and my iPhone, I see the traffic and the new subscribers.  I see the tweets and pictures.  I’m so filled with love from my former and new friends that I’ve connected with over the past weekend.  This was my second blogging conference in my little blogging life.  I’ve been doing this for two and a half years now.  It is amazing how much I’ve accomplished in the past year, really.

I started my journey on a plane ride.  What a coincidence that I ran into Jim, at the airport.  Jim and I have a shared love of  Monster Trucks and all things Star Wars.  I was already nervous about flying. Perhaps, I may have taken a Xanax.  I was able to chat the entire way without thinking about the bumps along the way.  We met up with Tanis at the airport and I got one of my first giggles for the weekend, her sparkle stick aka her cane.  Tanis recently had surgery, but made the trek all the way from Canada to come and speak this weekend.  We hopped into a cab with some great gals, Brittany and Liz, from  Fleishman-Hillard whom were here for the Tastemakers Potato Challenge.

We arrived at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, which was huge.  I was overwhelmed.  I went on the hunt for my roommate, Shannon.  I didn’t realize that the hotel was so big, and that she would be on the far end of this huge monstrosity. I was literally sweating by the time I finally reached the room.  I did not think about sweating in Nashville, because the weather outside varied from 30-40 degrees. I was able to collect myself and meet some old and new friends for dinner.

Laurie from Tip Junkie, Tiffany from SITS Girls, and Sugar from Sugar in the Raw

Look at me, surrounded by beautiful, talented and intelligent women, and one man, Busy Dad.  Each of us has our own skills and talents. How amazing that we were able to all connect through this conference, over a few days, to make things happen for the next few years.

This is why I blog.

This is why I flew across the country to Nashville.

This is why I’m not Angry.

This is why I will go again next year.

Stay tuned for more details about Blissdom in the next few days.  Now, I just need to edit my photos, edit my videos, and think of more fabulous things to stay.  I just couldn’t get enough.  As my friends, Lindsay and Shannon said, “Where is Julie? Julie is with a different group of people every time we see here.” That’s me.  The Ambassador of randomness and friendship, who’s not so Angry in person.

P.S. I wasn’t being snarky at all in this post.  I was speaking the truth.  I will add this to the list of the best experiences in my adult life.  It ranks up there with the firearms safety class I went ton for work a few years ago. But alas, Blissdom can’t compete with guns and unlimited free ammo.

Photo collage made with letters from the The One Letter Pool Group on Flickr.

I’m sitting here on my third day at The Blissdom Conference.  It is being held in Nashville, TN at The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center.  I’m overwhelmed with friendship and information. It’s like a girl’s weekend with 500 of your best friends.  Everyone “gets” you and they know what you are talking about. I will write out more as the week goes on. But, you’ve got to see this hotel, it’s amazing.  It is like an entire city is just right here.  I’m going to share some photos with you. And you can only imagine the blisters I have right now, from walking, and walking….

Last week, I did a post about my fabulous new rain boots.  I’ve also made a few other purchases recently. I always have a love/hate for fashion.  I try and get a few new pieces each season, but at the same time, I’m quite picky.  When you wear a uniform 40+ hours a week, you don’t need as many clothes as the person who works in an office.

I’m not a big fan of the skinny jean trend right now.  I have thick short legs, and the “skinny” look does not flatter me at all.  I am starting buy the darker washes, which seem somewhat dressy to me at times, but they are quite slimming. I picked up two new pairs of Gap jeans when I was shopping with Stacey, the BFF, a few weeks ago. I have to buy petite or ankle length jeans, so I always have to try on a million pairs to get the length right.  I’ve tried all the brands (expensive, mid-range, and even cheaper brands). But I’ve found that the length on Gap jeans is always the perfect length for me.  I was lucky that it was Tuesday also, because Gap gives 10% off for their cardholders.

Sexy Boot Jeans (saturated dark wash)

Curvy Jeans (saturated dark wash)

I think the perfect pant or jean can be a great foundation.  I buy a ton of basics and mix and match my shirts and/or accessories with them. I do buy some bolder stuff from time to time, a girl has got to be a little wild and trendy.

When it comes to shoes, I’m a total tennis shoe girl.  I am that person, who will wear my Converse, with just about anything.  I think I have at least five pairs.  But, I had to get some girly shoes.  I love the ballet flat trend, but I try and avoid toe cleavage.  Seriously, I’m just weird like that. But, I don’t like any part of my toe showing.  I was super excited when I found these Born ‘Lovely’ Flats from Nordstrom.

So I wrote about buying basics, but I do wear some non-basic things. I do buy many things that are denim, black, navy blue, and other dark colors. But I try and mix in some color to make it pop.  If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you will remember my awesome pink coat.  I bought this in November at a local boutique.  I am still in love with it. But I’ve also found some great patterned shirts that are on my mental wish list.

Field of Fancy Blouse

Lush Rosette Top in Eggplant

INC Embroidered Jersey Tunic

I do buy dresses and skirts from time to time. I just don’t wear them all the time.  I bought this skirt from Anthropologie earlier in the Fall. I also have new newer dresses that I haven’t worn yet.  But I have fallen in love with these dresses lately, and I think they are very classic.

Blooming Sapphire Wrap Dress

Longing-For-Yellow Dress

I could do an entire post about earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories.  But I mostly find these items at random places. I’ve found things at local boutiques, Target, and in clearance baskets at some of my favorite stores.

It may look like I only buy expensive clothing.  I’m a budget too.  I have tons of solid colored tees from the Gap and Target, that I wear daily.  But sometimes, you need something nicer.  I also try and figure out cost per wear.  I may spend a little more on a pair of shoes or a dress, but if I know that it has a classic look, and I will get several wears out of it.

You are probably wondering, why is Julie talking about fashion today? Well next week I’m leaving for the Blissdom Conference in TN.  I need to start thinking about what I am going to pack.  I completely over packed for BlogHer.  I actually had to pay a ton of money on my way back from Chicago.  I do not want to let that happen again.  So I’m trying to evaluate my closet, and make the most out of my outfit choices.

It may look like I have my act together on what to wear, but I don’t.  I’m always so unsure.  I see great outfits put together in the store, and I think to myself, “I could never do that”.  I see the current trend of mix and matching different patterns and colors.  I just can’t seem to do that.  I may always be one of those preppy matchy-matchy people.