Creative Estates Conference 2011

 It's official.  I've been smiling so much the past few days, that my cheeks hurt. lol.

I'm still on a "Creative Estates high" and just can't seem to come down!

I had SO much fun!

I felt so empowered, being around THAT many talented, creative women.

I could share with you all, each and every detail that I loved about the conference in writing... but I'll spare you, and let the pictures do most of the talking.

Because you KNOW with about 200 bloggers in one place...

that there were pictures... LOTS, and LOTS of pictures :)

Here's a rundown of what all went on!

The first night at the conference the event started off with a bang!

Cupcakes and Cocktails with the whole crew.

Hosted by the fabulous ladies from TomKat Studios.

It was a great way to meet and mingle, with all of the fabulous ladies who were attending.

 

photo credit The Tomkat Studio

The next day was the official "start of the conference"

I couldn't resist getting a photo of all us girls with our Jo Totes.

I wasn't kidding before, these bags are a MUST have!

Destiny from A Place for Us, Jen from Tatertots and Jello,

 Amy from The Idea Room and Ellie G from Less Cake More Frosting

photo credit from A Place for Us

Oh my gosh, I just can't even tell you how much fun these two days of classes,

breakout sessions and meeting new friends was!

If I had all the time in the world to tell you each persons blog, pictured... I would.

But instead, head on over to my new friend Kim's blog, Today's Creative Blogs,

to check out the attendance list for lots of these fabulous bloggers :)

and if you were at CE and haven't included YOUR blog there, then get on it girl!

Jamielyn and her adorable Baby

Becky Higgins, me, Megan from Brassy Apple

I think that if you talked to ANYONE who attended, they would tell you the same thing.

That there were some awesome tips, tricks, advice, and thoughts, shared in ALL of these fun classes!

Complete with "The Wave"...

thanks to Megan's shouts, Becki's encouragement and MY Bloggie :)

photo credit Scissors & Spatulas

I had the opportunity to speak on a panel with Char and Stephanie.

It was, well, Very Lively ... (dot, dot, dot)

:)

Probably the MOST fun I've had, speaking in front of people ... EVER! lol

Our topic was...

Thank you Whipper Berry ladies, for the fabulous photos :)

photo credit: Whipper Berry Girls

Friday, was probably the BEST Girls Night Out, I've ever had.

I don't think I've laughed that hard... in a LONG time.

Thanks to Kim, Jill, Amy, Kim, and Becki

And that's saying something :)

I don't know how Stephanie, Kendra, and Kristyn pulled it off, but it was awesome!

photo credit Lil' Luna & Jamie Lynn photography

Me and Kristi & Kelli from Lolly Jane Boutique

After Friday, things just got plain ol' crazy!... and I pretty much was too busy acting like a giggly

16 year old, to snap anymore pictures. ha!

But I have to tell ya... My plan that I had, for my "House of Smiths" photo booth

collage, went off without a hitch :)

I knew it would be fun to have all of these smashed-together, silly pictures for the blog... so I recruited almost EVERY person, who was willing to "get personal" with me. lol

These snapshots are definitely my favorite part of this whole post.  Because to me, there is nothing better then seeing happy, smiley, friends, having a fabulously fun time :)

Thank you Tauni and Shey for making all of this possible.

There are not enough words OR pictures, to express how grateful I am

to the two of you, for putting on such a ridiculously successful, fun and uplifting event :)

THANK YOU!
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Oh, and PS.
The "BIG NEWS" that I wanted to tell you is...
Next year, Creative Estates will be...
in SLC, UTAH!!!
Whoo hoo!
Save up money for your tickets NOW!, because I want to meet ALL of YOU!
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I wanted to give a BIG shout out to Clever Girls,
 for the awesome sponsorship to this great conference!
I am always thrilled to pair up with those Clever ladies, to spread the word :)