It’s funny because you never expect that four days could change your life.
Change your life in ways you’d never expect.
I always watch the Bachelor and laugh at the women who thing they could feel so emotionally entwined with people they’ve never met before and fall in love in a place that’s far from reality.
Then I attended Snap! Conference.
Four days away from my family… my kids…my husband…my reality.
I was so nervous, like throw up in your mouth just thinking about it nervous, but I knew I was supposed to be there.
As I looked in the mirror one last time at 4:30 Thursday morning to make sure I was “travel ready,” these words from BlogSugar rang in my head, “God has a story for your life and it’s your job to share it with others.” It was said by during the conference by my friend Jeanett.
Then low and behold as I stood in the boarding line in an airport 3 1/2 hours away from her home down, that same amazing woman who spoke into my life only 6 short months ago stood next to me.
She was on MY plane.
And that was just the beginning of the amazingness God did in my life during the course of the weekend.
I even got to see and hug a wonderful friend of mine – Meg – at the airport! It was so great to see her again after hearing her speak at BlogSugar last year.
I spent the weekend surrounded by wonderful women… and left uplifted and encouraged.
I had amazing roommates! There were 9 of us in two connecting rooms and our doors never closed once. While it resulted in probably 10 hours of sleep the whole weekend, it was well worth the hangover when I got home.
I got to ride with these amazing women, Amy and Elizabeth, to the hotel.
Like I said we stayed up late, so coffee was an absolute must each morning. Although seriously no one is cuter than Heather even after getting no sleep!
If you ever want to know what it’s like to travel with me and my awesome friend Carrie, this picture pretty much sums up what our side of the room looked like the whole weekend. I’m surprised we didn’t’ come home with each others stuff.
Tauni and her team of Snapettes did an incredible job at making us feel welcome, sharing their dreams with us and teaching us how to make ours a reality too.
Each and every detail from the speakers, to the decor to the food was perfection!
Meeting new friends was just the icing on the cake! I met Jenna on Twitter a couple months ago and instantly fell in love with her! She is adorable, sweet, kind and a hoot to hang out with.
This girl I couldn’t live without! Not only is she my amazing Virtual Assistant, but she’s one of my besties and I pretty much SQUEEELED when she won her ticket to SNAP!
Happy Birthday Carrie!
Thursday night was the most overwhelming night for me.
I feel out of place… and quite invisible. Everyone seemed to know someone. Don’t get me wrong, I did know people, but suddenly in my own insecurities the 12 people I knew didn’t seem like much in a room of 350 people.
It’s so silly now that I look back at it. I had 12 amazing friends to sit with on night ONE, what did I possibly have to complain or worry about.
Little by little as I shoved my insecurities aside, I began to meet more and more incredible women.
Heather & I
Heather is not only a wealth of amazing information with an adorable shop and blog, but she’s one of the nicest people I’ve met. I can’t wait to continue to get to know her better.
She put my nerves at ease and she helped keep us #hydrated. haha
Brittany & I
I’m pretty sure there are some people were just separated at birth and that’s how I feel about Brittany. She’s awesome and now I want to her to move back to CA and live in a house on my street, or build her one in my own backyard! Pretty please?!
While attending a conference one should remember to carry their iPads, laptops and iPhones wherever you go. Oh and don’t forget your charger!
I’m pretty sure I “plugged in” multiple times a day.
There was a ton of picture taking, tweeting and Instagraming going on.
All the things I truly love about being a blogger!
Queen Bee Market, put on by the lovely and amazing Mique lived up to every amazing story I’ve ever heard.
From the decor, to the shops she chose down to the music…. it was incredible!
I had so much fun browsing each shop for hours. See that adorable Brother Superhero sign? I found it at the lovely Cait Create shop and yup, I brought it home!
I even got to meet someone Jess, who has been such an encouragement to meet in the last few months. Talking to her has given newfound excitement and inspiration for my shop. She’s amazing and so is her shop, go check it out and spoil yourselves with some rosies.
Love these girls. Period. The End.
Spending time with them was a highlight of my whole weekend.
Have I ever told you how much I love to dance?!
Ending the weekend with an incredible dinner, giveaways and dancing left with with more incredible memories than I could’ve ever expected.
And even though I was physically and emotionally drained from all that I had learned and the lack of sleep I had gotten, it felt so good to kick up my heels and boogie with all the amazing people I had met.
I think that sometimes we are often quick to worry about what might go wrong… or how we will fit in, that we let our insecurities get in the way of amazing things that God wants to do in us and through us.
I’m so glad that I was able to put aside the feelings that overwhelmed me on Thursday night and allow myself to open up to the amazing people I met.
Now as I sit at home, recovering (yes, I took a 3 hour nap yesterday) and catching up on emails I’m…
…inspired
… rejuvinated
…overflowing with new ideas for the shop
… and my heart is overflowing with joy just thinking about all the amazing friendships kindled at the conference.
Jacqui, Becki, Carrie, Me. Megan, Heather, Caroline, Danielle (Cameo) and Jacqui
Until next year friends!!!….
I hope to see you there!
Have you ever attended a conference? Which ones do you go to? I really want to attend another one soon!
If you’re linking up this week:
1. Please use the direct link to your post not your blog
2. Provide a link back so others can join us for coffee too
3. Visit others and join them for some coffee goodness.
4. Oh and if you were at SNAP, link up, I’d love to read your recaps
@ragstostitches
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Hi + welcome to my little spot in the blogesphere.
I'm so glad you stopped by.
My name is Alissa + I'm the fun-loving, chocolate addict, coffee drinking
Wife + Mom behind the blog Rags to Stitches.
I hope you’ll pop around and stay for a while.
Wow, this post so makes me want to attend. Is it an invite-only conference or is it just a purchase-tickets-and-go conference? It looks so amazing.
I am beyond excited for you still, even with the event already done and gone! I wish I wish I wish I could have gone! There’s always next year!!!
I’m really hoping that you post more about the sessions you attended and what you learned… Seems like it was all just so amazing!!!
It sounds like you had a blast! I’m glad you came back inspired: ) Always such a great feeling when you put yourself out there like that! Keep telling your story, friend!! Have a great weekned!
I’m wondering about the above things too…do you buy tickets or have to be approved? Just curious. It sounds like a TON of fun!
This is my first coffee date…thanks for having me!
I’m so glad you had a great time. I really feel like your blog has been a huge blessing to me so I’m glad others are getting to meet you and know you too!! Also – I tagged you in a little meme. Do it if/when you like. XOXO. Much love.
I was at Blog Sugar last year and absolutely loved it. Bloggy Boot camp was the first conference I ever attended and loved it! Snap looks amazing!
what a fun recap! I love how you compared the short time and bonding to the Bachelor–it’s so true! i came home so sad that I don’t live closer to the gals i bonded with. and i’m so bummed that i didn’t get to have longer conversations with so many–like you! i also bought that superhero sign because it just brought a sting to my eyes that i just loved. great, honest read;)
Sounds like an AMAZING time! I don’t blame you for being nervous the first night! Sometimes surrounded by friends we can feel completely alone!!! But SO GLAD to hear you got past it and had a great time!
I have never been to single conference or meet up… Sad day. I know… But I so want to!! I’m already hoping to go to Snap next year!!! And if there’s anything that comes up before then that I can make it to!