This post is on behalf of Ninja Kitchen, but all BlogHer awe and inspiration are my own.
The Big Apple is a place that finding inspiration comes with the visit. Movies, plays, songs, and even BlogHer 2015 are all inspired by the NYC!! When I heard that BlogHer was going to be in the Big Apple this year, I knew that I had to go. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to the city that never sleeps, and thanks to a kick butt partnership with Ninja Kitchen I was able to head there in style and get some culinary inspiration too!
Lucky for me, I have blogger friends here in Minnesota that were headed to BlogHer too, so we got up bright eyed and bushy tailed at THREE AM IN THE MORNING to fly out. You guys know that is code for I drank a LOT of coffee that day. We headed out a day before the BlogHer fun began so we could check out a little bit of the city, and get nestled into our hotel at Hilton Midtown. I mean look at the views from our room.
BlogHer: What makes it so awesome.
One of the top questions I get all the time is what makes BlogHer so awesome. For me, it’s the fact that I can meet friends I haven’t met in person before (or connect with friends I’ve already met), network with businesses that I’ve been idolizing with forever (Hello, Ninja Kitchen), and it refresh my passion for what I do.
Despite what people see through the computer screen, blogging for a living is a LOT of hard work. There were many, many months of 50-80 hour weeks just to get the blog off the ground when I was making no money whatsoever. Those times eventually fade away into shorter work weeks where you start to make money, but it takes a while to do that. Working that much, for little return, can mean burnout, big time! That’s why it’s so important to attend awesome events like BlogHer to reignite that passion for what you do.
Another reason I love BlogHer is because I get to connect in person with brands that I have watched from the sidelines or brands I have only corresponded via email. That’s why this year I was so stoked that Ninja Kitchen reached out to me to work with them at BlogHer. I’m so passionate about taking the stigma out of food, and helping people learn more about awesome kitchen products that help make amazing meals for their families. Ninja Kitchen does all of this and more!
They had a great booth at BlogHer where they were featuring the Nutri Ninja® Auto-IQ™ Pro Compact System. It’s a great little system that makes the most amazing smoothies! They had this great chocolate hazelnut smoothie, and a green smoothie for everyone to try. Plus, they ended up giving away Nutri Ninja systems to bloggers that stopped by the booth.
The smoothies were delicious, but my favorite part was the two great attachments; a coffee-grinder and a spice grinder. You guys know how this girl loves her coffee, and there is also nothing more aromatic than freshly ground spices. It helps take even the most simplest dishes up a notch or two!
Creativity Inspires Creativity
Sure from social media BlogHer might just look like a giant party, but it’s not that. It has some parties and they are oddles of fun (why hello, Boyz II Men) but what makes it so life changing is the creativity there. So many woman from so many different walks of life all in one place just trying to get their story out there; that is what BlogHer is all about. They are just trying to inspire others and find inspiration for their businesses.
While at BlogHer, I got to hear from a rescue company about how they rescue adorable puppies, and learn from Randi Zuckerberg how she unplugs her life to keep her feet on the ground. There was even a heart warming panel about telling your own story about chronic illness and how writing from your heart can not only heal thyself, but help others understand the struggles that go along with diseases like fibromyalgia.
It’s been two years since I went to my first BlogHer, and so much has changed in my personal and my professional life. The takeaways from this conference is that following my heart (with a little side of business knowledge) is the right path to a successful business, and finding something you are passionate about means you will never get tired of waking up each day and doing your thing. The other thing I took away from BlogHer 2015? That I will always come back when BlogHer comes to New York City because my love for this city has definitely not changed after 20 years!
Jennifer says
BlogHer is a fantastic place to find inspiration. I went a couple of years ago, and it was fantastic.
Ashley Sears says
It never amazes me how interesting surroundings and great company can inspire so many great things!
Jennifer says
I know! It’s like we all feed off of each others’ excitement and creativity.
Jeanette says
Looks like you had a great time with great friends. I have not been to one myself I really need to go and connect with all my blogger friends!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love your outlook! Most people are trying to cram as much into BlogHer as they can and miss the spirit of it. It seems you found a great balance at the conference.
Ashley Sears says
I made that mistake my first BlogHer. This year it was all about quality over quantity, and it’s NEW YORK! You have to take time to take the city in. There is so much that you can get inspired by!
Victoria Sconion says
I never been to NY and blogher seems like the place to go to be inspired to create.
Ashley Sears says
I am biased, but I would definitely put that on your bucket list!
Chrysa says
Hey, that’s me!! I’m so glad you came to BlogHer. It was a blast! I’m hoping to learn more about Ninja too!
Ashley Sears says
Why yes it is my Quirky friend! BlogHer was a great time, and so glad I had a “sane” roommate. Well, my version of sane 😉
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I want to head back to NYC sometime soon and maybe catch up with some of my blogging friends. I really hate that I missed BlogHer.
Marina John says
This is awesome! Yes, Blogher is a GREAT way to find inspiration. I hope to make it next year.
Ashley Sears says
I will keep ya posted. Haven’t heard where it’s going to be next year yet!
Jenna Wood says
It’s so great to read about your passion for the city and how the conference opened up your horizons. I spend most of my time at conferences networking, I can often forget to stop and take a breath to take it all in!
Ashley Sears says
I’ve learned to embrace my artsy fartsy side now. It makes life so much more interesting. Had to make some time to just walk Central Park and people watch!
Danielle says
Hopefully BlogHer comes to my neck of the woods soon so I can go. It sounds like an amazing time and I would enjoy attending.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
NYC is my favorite place ever! I have not been in over 10 years, I need to make a visit!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I had a great time in NY for BlogHer. NY is one of my favorite places to visit. I found a lot of inspiration while i was there.
Tammy Roy says
This sounds like it was an amazing trip. I was not able to go to BlogHer this year. NY is a fantastic place to go to.
Elizabeth Lampman says
I always find inspiration when i am on a vacation. NY is such a beautiful city. I am hoping to make it to BlogHer next year.
Liz Mays says
There is always something new to learn at these conferences. I like connecting with the brands too.
Mary Larsen says
Wow looks like you had such an amazing time! I had hoped to go, but had a wedding instead during that time. Maybe next year!
Amber Edwards says
I really wanted to go to BlogHer, but baby got in the way this year. I’m hoping I can make it a reality in the upcoming year. There is so much one can learn and be inspired by at these conferences!
Shauna says
I try to tell myself every year that I will go back to the next conference, just life keeps getting in the way. LOL. I would have loved to go to NYC.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
I had so much fun at BlogHer! Your outlook on the conference is amazing.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
What a great experience! I am signed up for blogher food and can’t wait to go!
candice says
i was in NY for a few of the events but didn’t go to the conference. i’ve been before and just couldn’t spare the time this year. luckily i live close by and can day trip in. glad you had a great time!
Emily says
I’ve only been to one blogher, but it was an experience I won’t ever forget. Love your photos!
Aubrey says
I have always wanted to go to New York. I almost got to go the same week as BlogHer.
Caren Gittleman says
Thanks for this great recap! I have been to tons of Pet Blogger Conferences (since that is my niche), but have yet to make it to BlogHer.
It is definitely on my radar…would have loved to have attended the one in NYC!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I love NYC. We are only a 3 hour drive from there, so we go down often.
Daisy says
What an amazing trip! Now that my little one is going to school, I may be able to travel more on things like this!
Amy Desrosiers says
I have never been to Blogher which is ashamed because I do not live far from NYC. I think next year it will be on my to-do list.
Stacie says
I was at the Blogher in NYC in 2012. It was so much fun! I’m hoping to make it to another conference sooner than later!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What stunning photo’s! It looks like you had a great time and experience!
Meagan says
I’ve always wanted to visit NYC. Attending BlogHer seems like such an amazing experience!
Shauna says
I would go back in an instant. I’ve said it before and will say it again… I love BlogHer…
Lisa Bristol says
This would be such an amazing conference to go to. My Sister went and she had an amazing time. I will have to try to go next year.
Mykidsguide says
What a wonderful time you had with your friends. I would love to attend the Blogher conference next year.
Krystal says
I wish I could have gone. What an absolutely awesome weekend and adventure!