Blog Elevated at Moody Gardens 2014

I was so excited when I received a message from my friend Danita from O Taste and See inviting me to Blog Elevated in September.  I do like to keep up with all things blog related and going to a conference is a great way to keep learning and stay informed.  But actually even more exciting than the conference was just being able to get away with a good friend and visit…without the kids!  🙂

We had a great drive from the Dallas area to Galveston.  Of course she drove–you know me and driving!  But hours and hours of conversation with a fellow Christian, homeschool mom, and blogger was a blast.  We arrived plenty early to check into our gorgeous Moody Gardens Hotel room.

The first evening was a fun social with food and activities.  It is always fun to meet other bloggers!  The next two days were filled with sessions as well as plenty of social time. 

Lindsay and Bjork from Pinch of Yum were a couple of my favorite speakers.  Danita was very familiar with them from their online blogging resources.  I loved how informative they were, but we got to sit and visit with them, and I just love how real and sweet they were.  I became a new fan just from having met them.  Check out their site! 

Blog Elevated was jam packed with ways to grow your blog business and knowledge.  There were so many great speakers and sessions.  What I loved about Blog Elevated was the balance.  We were presented with so many resources yet the closing speaker was Kristen Welch from We Are That Family.  As the closing speaker she exhorted us to think bigger about our blogs…but not for ourselves.  Think about how we can use our influence for good to help others!  How I loved this ending! 

I was especially excited to meet Kristen.  Her site was one of the first that I started following when I became a blogger, and it was so fun to meet her. 

When the conference was over Danita and I had fun touring Moody Garden’s Ice Land.  They had just received the shipment of ice, and we got to hear what it was going to look like.  All those blocks of colored ice was amazing!  I confess we don’t watch Sponge Bob, but I would love to go back and see the finished ice sculptures.  Check out the website! 

I really liked Blog Elevated and would love to go again next year.  Most of all, it was just great to spend some time with a good friend.  It was such a blessing to get to go.  Thanks so much Danita!