The insanity that is the BlogHer conference returns to Chicago this year. I’m excited, nervous and already exhausted preparing for it by trying to get in as many workouts as I can before I go. Late nights at the conference means sleeping in as late as possible in the mornings, so no working out for me. All the running around will be exercise enough, I’m sure.
This also means that I won’t be blogging much if at all here at This Mama Cooks! Instead, check me out on Twitter. I’ll also be posting pictures (including food porn) at the This Mama Cooks! Facebook Fan Page.
Have black slacks/t-shirts/skirts/shorts – will travel
Even though we were told that we didn’t have to buy new clothes for the conference, I did because I’m down a dress size from last year (yay!) and last year’s stained t-shirts and baggy, faded capris weren’t cutting it, you know? I found some amazing bargains at Kohl’s (shorts and capris for around $16), Marshall’s (sandals for $20-30) , TJ Maxx (sterling silver earrings for $20), Christopher & Banks (a $16 red jacket), Chico’s (a $30 leopard print dress) and Sears (a $20 polka dotted dress). And I’m bringing a few blouses and a skirt from Blogher07, too.
Yes, I’m a bit of a clothes horse at times. (You should see my vintage dress collection.) Still, with people like Tim Gunn from Project Runway and Carson Kressley formerly from Queer Eye showing up, the pressure is on. Did I mention that I have an appointment with Suave celebrity stylist Luke O’Connor and his team to do my hair on Saturday? I’m a hostess at BowlHer and have to look my best, you know! (Ugh, me bowling. I’m terrible at it.)
I’m also bringing lots of comfy Danskin yoga pants (WalMart) and cotton t-shirts (Target) for the drive back and forth as part of the GM sponsored BlogHer Carpool. Thank goodness that I’m driving, because I’m not sure how I’d get all my clothes to the conference and all the swag home. It’s also a way to make sure I eat healthfully at least part of the time, since I’ll be bringing sandwiches, fruit and veggies to nosh in the car on the way there. Maybe we can stop at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s on the way back for snacks? I’m sure OnStar can help us figure that out.
BlogHer’s cooking with gas
One of the first things I get to do once I make it to Chicago is to join up with a few other mom and food bloggers at the Quaker Oats gathering at Common Threads at the Washburne Culinary Institute. Common Threads is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. One opportunity the organization has for Chicago’s needy kids during the summer is the Common Threads Summer Camp, which teaches 8-11 year old mini chefs about world cuisine and kitchen skills. We’ll be cooking up some tasty Caribbean dishes with the kids. Common Threads supporter and Top Chef Chicago winner Stephanie Izard will be stopping by the summer camp to visit with us and the kids, too.
Speaking of celebrity chefs, a few will be stopping by the BlogHer conference including Paula Dean at the WalMart booth and Rick Bayless, who is doing a cooking demo at the National Pork Board booth.
Me, me, me
I’ll miss the only food blogging specific session FoodBlogging in the Time of Recession because I’ll be speaking at a Room of Your Own 2 Session: Sponsored v. Unsponsored – Blogging for $$ Where Do You Stand? on doing product reviews.
At some point, I’ll be interviewed by BlogTalkRadio’s VP of Partnership Marketing and Integration, John C. Havens for Pepsi’s Live with Purpose site about food blogging. (The website should go live just before the conference starts.)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plans
So much for missing the food session, but not to worry since there’s plenty of chances to get together with the food and diet/health bloggers over breakfast and lunch. (Thank you nice people at BlogHer who heard our cries for more protein at breakfast. Then again, it’s Chicago and home of the Super Fans, cheezboigers, and brats. Could be scary.)
I’ll also be hanging out with my food blogging friends at a special dinner at the Greek Islands restaurant. If you’re a food blogger who’d like to join us, leave a comment below, and I’ll see if there’s still room. It’s by invite only and ONLY FOR FOOD BLOGGERS. You’ll have to leave your spouse, kids and your BFFs back at the hotel, sorry. (Exceptions made for breast feeding moms, of course, as long as you let us hold your baby so you can get a few forkfuls in.)
I’ll also be having lunch with the people at GreenWorks to learn more about their green cleaning products for the laundry, bath and kitchen.
And dinner? Well, that’s what heavy appetizers and free drinks are for. Glad I packed a pair of stretchy yoga pants to drive home in.
Foodie BlogHer related posts:
- Food Bloggers Dish on Where to Eat in Chicago by Kalyn Denny of Kalyn's Kitchen
- The best of Chicago – the Billy Goat Tavern (my post from the BlogHer 2007 on where to eat while you’re in town)
The best of Chicago – the Billy Goat Tavern
Meet my next Blogher09 sponsor
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This is my first year at Blogher and I’m just going to wing it on my agenda. Sounds like you have an awesomely full and fun schedule ahead! I’ve had one entry accepted at Foodgawker–don’t suppose that makes me a foodblogger?
Honestly though, food blogs are among my favorites after photography ones.
Heather, the thing about the food blogging community is how nice and supportive they are. And winging it at BlogHer and going with the flow is a great plan too. I’m a little concerned that I’m overbooked and won’t have the freedom to drop things to meet up with people.
Hi there-I am so darn excited to meet you and share laughs over the food blogger diner Friday night. Yippee!
Jennifer, I’m excited to meet you, too! Just promise not to tell everyone I’ll be pigging out on gyro meat and baklava, OK?
Girl, I hope I get a chance to see you, you rock star you! Looking forward to it!
It will be fun! I think I bought less new clothes this year than I ever have for BlogHer. Looking forward to the Greek Food too! (What we eat at BlogHer stays at BlogHer, right?)
My motto for the conference: “What we eat at BlogHer stays at BlogHer.” Unfortunately, it also stays on my hips. However, White Trash Mom is bringing me some of her Jenny Craig food to try. And I have my diet drink powder and green tea, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Can’t wait to see you Kalyn!
I hope you will join me at Diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com for Crock Pot Wednesdays. The details for that and the Mister Linky are already posted. The first giveaway item has been announced and you can expect the additional ones over the next few days. The date of the first event is August 5. Thanks for sharing.