6 Reasons Why You Should Attend Local Blogger Events

I am an admin for a facebook group called Bloggers of the PNW. Through this group, I’ve met several amazing bloggers in my area. I’m also a member of another group for Seattle bloggers. These groups have made blogging feel less like a solo-hobby and more like a community based project. The members in each inspire and encourage me all the time, just by seeing what work they put out.

A couple of years ago, I met a handful of PNW bloggers at an event held on an Argosy cruise.

Jennifer, Susannah, Kusum, Me, Angie

After that cruise, we talked about a few of our struggles with blogging and life, including a couple of ladies saying they were struggling with getting pregnant. The connections made that day were real and strong. It was so nice to get to know the women behind the perfect blogs and perfect social media. We all have struggles of various kinds. It’s nice to know that the friends who “live in our computers” can totally understand how it feels. As of today, all of the women in that photo (except me, of course) have had a baby. It’s truly amazing and has been so wonderful to watch.

Bloggers, Babies & Bling Baby Shower

Kusum, Angie and Sarah had a joint baby shower a few months ago. It was held at the Kendra Scott location in Bellevue, Washington. It was gorgeous, and the ladies were stunning!

I got to meet Callie, a wedding and event planner in the Seattle/Tacoma area (Holcomb Weddings). We talked for like an hour about different wedding venues, considerations, guest lists and even more than I should be talking about with a wedding planner considering I’m not engaged… haha. She was so knowledgable and totally in tune with the hot spots in Pierce County, which seems rare (Seattle is in King County, and a more “popular” place to get married than down south).

Her event planning company helped put on the event, along with Missy who took photos and Tammy who designed the floral arrangements (First and Bloom). I learned that these three super talented ladies work together a lot so it was cool to get a mini-version of what that’s like.

Please excuse my black shoes with a blue dress. The weather was really hit and miss around March and I didn’t have closed toed shoes that matched. Oops.

It was so fun to get to get celebrate with these wonderful ladies. Angie and I had time to chat about how life has been, and also managing blogging with every day life/a baby on the way.

Plus, the Kendra Scott store was SO GORGEOUS! In our gift bags, we had a card for a free necklace or set of earrings. I went back last weekend and redeemed mine. I got a tassel necklace, personalized with the color bar. I’ll have to show you my new necklace the next time I wear it. I learned that each Kendra Scott store is designed like her own home. I wish I could visit there. I bet I couldn’t be trusted with a glass of red wine.

I’d never been to a baby shower at a retail location before, and it was totally awesome. I loved getting to spend more time around other bloggers in the area, and hang out again with Kusum and Angie!

Photos by Missy Palacol Photography, shared with permission. You can follow her on Instagram @missy.palacol.

Bloggers’ Earth Day Closet Sale

On Earth Day, a group of bloggers got together at Fresh Tangerine for a closet sale. Fashion bloggers selling their clothes at a fraction of the price and helping the environment by buying slightly worn fashion with mimosas?! Count me in!

I drove up to Seattle on Earth Day and got to meet a few bloggers I’ve followed for awhile. Morrea Seal (who I met at Influence Conference in 2012 and won a pair of her earrings at the end of the conference), Jenn at Hello Rigby, Alyson of Circa 1988, Katrina at The Demure Muse, Lisa at Story of My Dress, Rebecca of Blogger Not Billionaire, and of course, Kim who owns Fresh Tangerine.

I always get a little awkward in these situations, so I left pretty soon after buying the clothes. I do regret that because I would have liked to talk to people more, but I’m still glad I went for the time that I did.

A post shared by Brittany (@brittany_wmsb) on Apr 26, 2017 at 10:52am PDT

I bought this dual material sweater from Ann Taylor and a pineapple tank that I somehow don’t have a photo of yet. I already knew the tank would be perfect for the different camping and festival plans we have this summer. I was right! It was perfect on our Memorial Day Weekend trip. I’ll make sure to get a photo when I wear it at Watershed!

Then, I stopped in for Indian food called Mahajara Restaurant before heading back home. It was soooo good!

So let’s recap:

Why You Should Go to Local Blogging Events

1. Get to know your favorite area bloggers face-to-face;
2. Grow your community of support in your solo-hobby/business;
3. Even if you have a terrible time (you won’t), there’s likely a swag bag or a mimosa;
4. You can discuss your challenges with finding time to blog with people who actually understand it;
5. You’ll meet new bloggers, small business owners and find new blogs you’d never read before; and
6. Your friends who live in the computer will becomes your friends in real life!

What’s the best community event you’ve gone to lately? Do you have any experience going to local blogger events?