Thursday, May 22, 2014

Elevate Blog Conference 2014 RECAP

Last year, I attended my first blog conference in Newport Beach, Ca. This past Saturday, I returned to the Newport Dunes clubhouse to attend Elevate once again.

It was such an inspiring day to be immersed among such talented women! I feel like there is not enough time in one day to really get to talk and get to know everyone there. Last year, I really regretted not reaching out and networking more so this year, I tried harder to step out of my comfort zone of meeting new people and I still feel like I could have done more. I know a lot of you have felt this way after reading some of your posts. I think it's just inevitable when we are in an environment with so many opportunities and like-minded people around us. If I didn't get to meet you, please comment or email me at lovesparklepretty@aol.com because I'd love to connect with you!

This year, Elevate was incredible once again. From lunch catered by Bj's Pizza, encouraging and talented speakers, lots of AMAZING giveaways, swag for dayyyss, crafts to take home, dinner catered by Cafe Rio, TONS of delicious sweets and a HILARIOUS game of Minute to Win it, this day had my cup overflowing.

I am so thankful for this event put on by Jen from Delightful Deets, Summer from Made by Munchie's Momma and Nichole from Yeung Mother Hubbard with so much help by their wonderful families! I am completely blessed because of each of YOU!

I could go on and on about this beautiful day but instead, here are some photos...



My friend Tara from Laila's Charming Pieces and I went to Elevate together. Such a blessing to share this experience with a close friend!
The lovely Jen and Summer who put their whole hearts into this day!
Ellen Style selfie! Chrissy, you are too wonderful for capturing this!!
Creativity is anything but tidy!
YUUMMMMY tacos from Cafe Rio!
HOLY SWAG!
I spy my dreamcatcher and daisy crown I donated for the giveaway...
Thank you so much to Alissa from Diary of an Addict & Desiree from The 36th Avenue for posting my dreamcatcher! 

I am creating a limited amount of these large dreamcatchers if you'd like to custom order one! They are going quickly so email me at lovesparklepretty@aol.com if you are interested.
Tee-Pee by Tnees Tpees  
Cara from Maskcara demonstrated some of her amazing talent with makeup. Megan from Absolute Mommy got some new eyebrows. Love!
Desiree from The 36th Avenue and Lisa from Lisa Leonard Designs were such wonderful and inspirational speakers!

Desiree, first off, won the key to my heart as she gifted each of us a package of delicious DONUTS! As she shared her heart and her story, she made me laugh SO hard and cry when her words became personal and raw. Thank you so much for your honesty Desiree and opeing up to us!

When I found out Lisa was speaking at the conference, I was ECSTATIC! I totally admire her and when I met her for the first time in person, she truly exceeded any expectations I may have had. She really is so kind hearted and loving. When it was her time to speak, I was all ears...even with a camera lens at my eye. Her words spoke straight to my heart. "The more you are yourself, the better you will be." "Be Brave." "Be Loving." Thank you so much Lisa for sharing your heart!

Chrissy from Let Me See You Sparkle and Stephanie from Life Created gave some photography advice. Thank you both for your courage to speak to all of us! I know you guys didn't have too much time to prepare but you both did great and you are so enduring!

Cara from Maskcara, Ashley from Little Miss Momma and Alissa from Diary of an Addict shared a round of tips for blogging from posing for photography to affiliate links. Thanks girls!
All of the women who helped make this event happen! 
With the beautiful Lisa Leonard.
At the end of the night, we got to take home CRONUTS from DK's Donuts!!
Sweet dreams Newport.
Ended the night at Alissa's house for a little bon fire and snacks. 
Thank you so much Alissa for opening your gorgeous home! I may have not been home until 2:30am but this day was all well worth it!! 

Until next year...

7 comments:

  1. Well you were right.. I do regret not going to the after party!! Always next year ;)

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    1. I knew I would if I didn't go so I'm really happy I did and I had a great time! Not gonna lie though, I was SUUUPEER tired by the time I finally got home. There's next year though. :)

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  2. I didn't get to meet you! I am so sad!

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  3. I love how you captured the day - perfectly done:) Can't wait to see you next year!

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  4. You captured some beautiful photos, my friend! Just adore you! So glad to have hung out! <3 it was such a fun day!!

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  5. So happy you had a great time. It really was a wonderful day. There really are so many people I never got a chance to really talk too also. Beautiful pictures!

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  6. SO wonderful to connect with you again beautiful friend. Your pictures are stunning! Hope to see you again sooner than later! <3

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It makes me really happy to read your comments. Leave some LOVE and have a sweet day! :)