I’m slowly getting back into work mode after an inspiring couple days in NYC. Filled with a lovely gathering hosted by Blog Brunch. A full day of Alt Summit conferencing. And a last minute breakfast with two of my favorite food bloggers—Apt. 2B Baking Co. and La Buena Vida. In case you’re wondering, I ended up ditching the dress for cropped pants and a ruffly top. Chunky necklace and pointy toed shoes made the cut. But at the end of the day, I forgot about appearances (as noted in the mirror much later that night) and let the time take its course. I learned a couple lessons along the way too.
1. “Find likeminded people. Make sure they’re respectful and a good bunch.” —SwissMiss
There I was. Sitting in a room with likeminded, crazy people bloggers. Following their dream, whatever that even means. Listening to the brilliant and very inspiring Tina of SwissMiss bestowing her rules to live by. My favorite rule—Don’t be a complainer. Instead make things better.
2. Business cards are not necessarily 3.5″x2″ anymore.
But they are every bit as beautiful and globs more creative. I’m slightly in love with One Charming Party’s card cookie cutter. And Haeley’s from Design Improvised, who was also my roomie.
3. Designing your business card as a designer is hard work.
Not to mention making sure it’s dual branded. And having a blog named after Martha Stewart while walking around her headquarters is also hard work [buries head in sand].
4. Sometimes the realMartha shows up.
And everyone pulls out their iphones as fast as humanly possible. Who knows what she said. We all got a picture.
5. It’s necessary to take pictures of food when you’re one of the handful of food bloggers there.
So that people wont confuse you with a fashion blogger. Oh wait. We know that wont be an issue.
6. Tweeting during a talk is rewarded these days. #thanksbing
But for real, thanks Bing! I’m loving my new Wacom Tablet.
7. Wearing your hair in a bun is perfect for a rooftop party.
That’s on the water. Hides humidity almost perfectly. And painted Chinet plates make pretty bunting. Not sure if the credit belongs to Martha or Alt. Either way, it was perfect.
8. It’s only a matter of thyme before cocktail hour begins.
Of course Martha serves Vodka Thyme Lemonade. At least that’s what the model-by-day-bartender told me it was called.
9. “Find what you love. Don’t stop until you find it. You’ll know when you do.” —SwissMiss
I’ll end with another quote from Tina—Find what you love. I’ve been spending the last 4 years trying to figure that out. During that time, I started a blog. And got lost in the blogosphere, in the best possible way. I could never find a reason to leave, so I’m staying. Redesigning my blog (surprise!) and launching something new and exciting. Because I think I’ve found it. They say you’ll know when you do.
Thanks for sharing your lessons. I learned a thing or two myself. 🙂
Thanks so much for the inspiration roundup! The experience sounds amazing and enriching! [:
Gasp! What a lovely recap. I didn’t get to go so I am loving reading all of these posts. It looks like you had such a wonderful and memorable time. And you got a tablet?!?! What?! So awesome. 🙂
Sounds like it was well worth your time. Can’t wait to see the re-design! I attended BlogHer food here in Seattle and left overwhelmed. I too fell into the blogging world but not as a designer or writer or artist, but as a chef. The hardest thing I’ve ever done! I see now why most chefs don’t write blogs. Hahaha!
Do I spy that bun on A Daily Something’s Alt Recap, 7th down? I noticed your shoes first and then realized it was you!
http://www.adailysomething.com/2012/08/recap-alt-nyc.html
You spied right. Although I’m pretending I don’t look like that in real life 🙂 It’s must be the angle. Ha!
I just started blogging and when people ask why, I tell them I’m resolving my midlife crisis. Eventually (hopefully!), I’ll figure out exactly what I want to do next and how. For now, I’m enjoying my peek into the blog world and hoping they’ll let me stay. Thanks for the inspiration (this post in particular, your great blog in general). 🙂
Isn’t blogging wonderful like that? It’s a space where you can explore anything and see what fits. Please oh please stay in the blogging world! PS—glad I could be a tiny inspiration.
Great recap! Love the sweet journal. And yes, tablet = amazing. You’ll never go back on that either 🙂
You’re so right—madly in love with this tablet! Pretty sure I’m wearing down the pen too fast.
Oh I bet it was so amazing! At least I could be there through your blog post and tweets. And can’t wait to see what you’re designing (:
Missed you there! We still need to get together sometime!
looks like such a great time! plus, I love your multipurpose business cards. I’m waiting for my hair to grow back out for some good roof-top bun action 😉
I get so close to chopping my hair off and then I remember the bun. Save the bun 🙂
Love the recap, Melissa! It was great to meet you in person. Let me know if you ever want to venture to the Elephant Trunk Flea! It is fantastic. Here is the link. http://www.etflea.com
So good to meet you too Brooke! And loved your bag. I told my husband about that Flea Market. Would love to go sometime!
Love the end quote, and the new site loo. Good job!
Thanks Diana!
One of the best conference recaps I’ve read in a long while…I chuckled the whole way through! Now I can only hope to score tix to the next Alt!!
P.s. Love the dual sided business cards!
Thanks Liren! Keeping my ears peeled for extra tickets for. At the conference I heard multiple mention they bought tickets to SLC but weren’t sure they could make it. Fingers crossed!
one day I WILL make it to one of these things. I swear it!
Yes, please!
Thanks for “taking” me to the event, and for some drinks too! 🙂
Cheers 🙂
Thanks for sharing, very thought provoking and motivational!
inspirational !
This was such a lovely and inspiring blog post! It sounds like you had an awesome weekend. Thanks so much for sharing the highlights:)
I’m excited to see what you’re doing next. Coming to this space always inspires me so much and I can tell that there are great things in store for you.
Kathryn, this is like the biggest encouragement. Thank YOU. Seriously, thank you!
great recap, melissa! it was fantastic meeting you! both of those quotes from tina are my favorite, too… actually, her entire keynote is my favorite set of quotes ever. 🙂
So good meeting you too Erika! Agreed—Swiss Miss totally rocked the show. I think I need to frame my notes from her. Shes good. Real good!
Such an inspiring day and happy for you that you’re finding “what you love”. I’m still on that journey, but feels like I’m moving in the right direction. Too bad that I didn’t get to meet you at Alt last week. Definitely felt a little short on food bloggers in the crowd!
Bummed I didn’t meet another fellow food blogger. We should have had a little meet-up! Next time for sure.
The journey can feel so long and overwhelming. But in hindsight, its well worth traveling. Even with all it’s bad days. I’d love to hear how yours unfolds/is unfolding!
What an inspiring post!! I’m still trying to figure out ‘what I love’. Now if only you could help me resdesign MY site. 😉
Isn’t it such a plaguing question?! I was searching hard and wandering for 4 years straight. It was a tiny bit debilitating at time. PS—I might just be able to help you with that. Stay tuned!
I’m glad to hear it took 4 years. I have a couple more to go. 🙂 Okay, I will!
I had such a great time rooming with you and would love to do it again at Alt NYC 2013 (especially if you bring those nutella cookies again). 😉
I had such a good time too! Alt NYC 2013 sounds perfect. Count me in! Nutella cookies will be provided 🙂
I’d love to go to the conference. Did you see my friend Jennica Komenda from Little Green Notebook at all? She was speaking just as Martha walked in!
I did see her speak! She was great. I’ve been following her blog for awhile looking for tips to make my space pretty. She’s got mad skill. You’ll have to come next year! So much fun and inspiration.
I’ll definitely try and make it.
Sounds amazing. I’m excited for your announcement! 😉
Glad to have finally met in person and officially claim you as one of my ‘likeminded’ peeps!
Great little lessons you shared….. now if only I can learn the trick to activating my Wacom on a MacBook Air with no CD drive…. we’ll be in business! xx
+
Amy
Amen! So, so glad we met Amy. You are a gem!
Nooo…can you download the driver online? Email Bing. They can do anything.
For all of us who couldn’t attend something like that…thanks for giving us a peak into another world!
Such a nice wrap up, so funny (esp. the crazy people part:)
Thanks Jeanine! Still shedding tears you couldn’t come. One of these days we must meet!
Sounds like an awesome, inspiring day! I’m so bummed it sold out before I could grab a ticket! And I’m excited to see the new site and what your up to next 🙂
Thanks Adrienne! Bummed you couldn’t come. Those tickets sell out way too fast. Thankfully I was by the computer both times they went on sale (my wallet is not so thankful).