Last weekend I was able to attend a gloriously relaxing event at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that this platform has afforded me and my little family. Our three days were spent packed FULL of fun, pampering, and of course printing!
Check out a snapshot of a life as a blogger.
Cough-Cough-most of my work is done WAY late at night after the laundry piles, dinners been cleared, AND the kids are in bed.
HP Print & Pamper Conference
As a budget conscious lady I chose to drive to the Conference instead of fly. The Prius was loaded up on Wednesday night with ONE-too many shoe options-I had my fingers crossed the weather would cool down and I could wear fall-esqe clothes-not the case. BUT I wanted to be ready. The mere fact that I got a room all to myself for two nights was just what this worn out mother needed. No baby monitors. No puppy barking. No husband snoring. MOM WIN.
Packing List:
Favorite Power Color Top- this one Sundress- this one Black Dress- this one Romper- this one White shorts- Pink Shorts- Black Pants(too hot)-Jeans(too hot) Booties- this pair from Target(AMAZING) Tan Flats- Pink Nikes– Boots(too hot) Plus Yoga Wear-Pajamas- Swimsuit Minnie is My Homegirl T-Shirt- here LOVED being able to have my dresses hang in the car and not get all wrinkly. BUT I definitely got a little worried about rest stops solo. Some unsavory characters in the middle of nowhere desert.
Beyond thankful to be here at #MyPrintlyMoms -thank you @hp & @momtalkradio for this fabulous welcome complete with pampering! #hpsmartmom #momlife A photo posted by Holly Marie (@ascuteasabugsear) on
HP Print & Pamper Conference
After checking in we had the option of nails, make-up, or hair! I love a naked nail and am picky about my nude make-up colors BUT am itching to learn how to curl my hair! I can learn to curl my hair at 30… right?! Well Diesel Salon worked their magic and I ended up with the soft curls of my dreams. Plus I grabbed coffee and met some fabulous bloggers.
I most definitely had to put a smile on and let my stomach ache full of nerves just deal with itself. The bloggers, HP Staff, and Disney Team I had the pleasure of meeting were warm and inviting. My nerves went unfounded.
After I had my pampering session I grabbed my bags from the car and hiked into the resort. Which made me think twice about how much I had packed…
I got changed and headed down for cocktails and light supper out on this gorgeous veranda with 100 of my closest blogging friends. Well, soon to be.
After dinner and mingling we headed into a large carnival complete with games, and TONS of inspiring techware that will definitely make our lives easier in the coming years. We walked around and told each team what we thought about their idea and what it would take for us to get on board with that technology… or if it is even useful.
Open Bar, loud music, and lots of opinions.
A couple of glasses of wine later I walked happily back to my room.
There were surprises left in our rooms after each event and it was so sweet of BSM Media to include our families in the personalized gifts. I sat on my patio and finished my last glass of wine before going inside to set out the outfit for the day. It was HOT so the pants just weren’t going to cut it.
I sweat.
Not the, “Oh she is glowing,” kind. But the OHMYGOSH did she just finish a marathon? So glamorous.
So Power Top, Booties, and White Shorts it was. I was comfortable all day. We participated in some top-secret information sessions at HP, toured their facilities, saw the future(next five years of Projects) and participated in a Shark Tank Session. Loved every bit of it!
Loved driving around and seeing the entire golf course at @ranchobernardoinn in #SanDiego for #MyPrintlyMoms – golf carts are a HOOT! Plus it was wonderful to have such great company! #neverRUNout A photo posted by Holly Marie (@ascuteasabugsear) on
Our bus dropped us off with just enough time to change clothes-or for me to add tennis shoes before our next pampering session. There were five different sessions to choose from and I was given the Golf Pampering Session. Golf Pro included and Mathew definitely made our day with letting us take a small fleet of Golf Carts out to tour the course in detail. Plus it was much cooler to make our own breeze than to stand in the 100 degree heat(hello humidity) and play golf. MUCH better.
After golf we were treated to a wonderful dinner at a lavish place on the property. My plate contained a mountainous portion of the best food I’ve seen in a good long while! A gourmet tater-tot bar took the cake. Delicious. After dinner we were treated to making crafts with the team from MyPrintly. Loved making some goodies to bring home to the family!
Saturday morning came early. I packed up my Prius and checked out prior to grabbing coffee with Justine from The Typical Mom– she is LOVELY and I am so glad we were able to meet! Breakfast and Conference Sessions took place until noon.
We piled on the bus to head up to Disneyland and were surprised by a fabulous goodie from Disney-can’t wait to use it at the parks next time I take the family! We ate lunch and sipped on cold beverages thanks to Rebel Coast Winery– there wines are crisp and delicious PLUS the hidden gems on the label are worth picking up a bottle. Talk about hilariously awesome brand-marketing.
I loved being able to go to Cars Land for the first time! I can not wait to take the kids next year-definitely worth the park hopper ticket. PLUS I took the plunge and started to shoot live video with Periscope- you can find me here. Our time at the Happiest Place on Earth came to an end after the beautiful Paint the Night parade! We loaded up the bus and drove back down to the resort and I hopped in the Prius and drove to my sister’s house in San Diego. A few short hours later we were up and drinking coffee with her two munchkins. Loved being able to snuggle them. Plus I caught one of my sister’s soccer games and cheered loudly as she scored two goals! After they loaded up their white oven(so excited that we will now have a cook-top instead of coil) I took off through the desert to return to my babies.
I’ve spent the last few days catching up on laundry, cleaning and cuddles. Four days and four nights are the longest I have ever been away. I count myself lucky that I have a husband that does everything. He is a true parent. One that I can depend on-and it makes my life infinitely better.
Definitely a snippet into a more glamorous day in the life of a blogger. I am currently in sweats, with a braid and no make-up. Oh reality.
I would love for you to join me on Periscope- Add me here! I shared about our trip to the Phoenix Zoo yesterday and plan on showing you more events that we are lucky enough to attend in the future!
