I am going to BlogHer! I bought my ticket. I put the badge on my blog. I’m not sure about lodging or transportation (I’ve got time to figure that out) but I am committed!

This is my first time going to BlogHer and I am overwhelmed, but excited at what lies ahead. My decision to go was the result of positive peer pressure 🙂 After a Cincinnati Women Bloggers meeting where I said I was not planning to go, because of the cost but thought I needed to to find a way to go! If I didn’t, I might be the only one out of the loop at the August meeting when the rest are talking about all the new knowledge they gained from BlogHer! I remember how it was when they returned last year, talking about what they learned and the bloggers they met, this year is my chance!

Since my blog focuses personal finance and my next goal is saving for a house, I thought it would be beneficial to apply for the BlogHer scholarship from Protect-A-Bed.

This blog started out a little more than three years ago as an replacement for my online business, which I could not maintain while in graduate school, full-time. I thought it would just be a creative outlet and a way to stay connected with the women I met in the online craft business world, but during grad school it was a way to stay connected to my mom and sister while I lived out of town. It has helped me stay true to my financial goals, share craft projects, recipes and information about libraries. Additionally, I have been drawn into others’ lives both for interests we share and those we don’t and find I’m always learning!

The same goes for my involvement in the Cincinnati Women Bloggers, where I have had the opportunity to meet local bloggers in real life. I not only learn about what they blog about, but also topics related to blogging and social media. The oppportunity to go to BlogHer means I will not only be able to apply what I learn and meet more bloggers, but come back and hopefully share my knowledge other bloggers who were in my shoes last year!

Like so many things in life you get out of it what you put into it and ready to make the most of BlogHer with a little help from Protect-A-Bed!