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...

Creative Tea Time Recap {PRETTY Photo Overload}

This past Saturday, I had the great pleasure to attend Creative Tea Time, an event in Dana Point, Ca filled with endless creativity, splendid sips of tea, sweet conversations with beautiful ladies and crafting galore!

Meagan from Fairly Fabulous, LeAnn from Lele's Little Soiree and Tracy from Creme De La Gems, put their amazing talent and creativity together to create this gorgeous and fun day for approximately 40 women to enjoy. Not only did they make this event super successful but the sponsors REALLY BLESSED each and every attendee with swag that included mounds of amazing-ness and beautiful detail. You will see what I mean in a photo below. 

We also took home at least 6 different craft projects that each of us made during this event. My projects included, a stamped spoon, a small hot air balloon, a mason jar winter globe, hoop art, a stamped wood plank and a succulent terrarium. I didn't think I even had it in me to create 6 different crafts in one day but I did!! I already used them within my home decor as well so I will be posting those photos soon.

Until then, enjoy this little peek of the day. (Warning: photo OVERLOAD)

Natalie of Take the Cannoli won a leather tassel necklace and bracelet set from the shop in one of the giveaways that was presented. She is the sweetest!

I am so thankful for each an every one of these ladies! Meagan, LeAnn and Tracy, THANK YOU so much for creating a beautiful crafting wonderland for all of us to enjoy and for putting everything together. The details were spendid and just PERFECT-the entire day was PERFECT! I cannot say thank you enough! Ashley, thank you for all of your help and work that you put into this day. Your hilarious personality was the topping on the cake. LeAnn and Ashley's mom, you are a ROCKSTAR! You worked in that kitchen like a super chef and created DELICIOUS foods and LOTS of it! This event wouldn't be the same without you. THANK YOU.

Last but certainly not least, Tara, thank you for coming to this event with me and going on the super early road trip with me. You are one of my best friends and this day was even better because you were there. :)

Check these ladies out: Meagan from Fairly Fabulous, Tara from Laila's Charming Pieces, LeAnn from Lele's Little Soiree and Tracy from Creme De La Gems. 

After all of the crafting and mingling, several of us ladies who attended Creative Tea Time, drove to San Clemente to visit some pretty shops (where I got one of my favorite maxi dresses) and had a yummy dinner at a mexican restaurant near the ocean.

It was such a great night to end such a wonderful day!