In Missouri, I met Christa of C. Jane Create and Laura of Along for the Ride. They both work in higher education, as do I, so we met at the University of Missouri Student Center. Christa even gave me a tour of the student center and student union buildings and I think she saw my inner-geek shine as I peeked in the ballroom and commented on signage ((both parts of my 9-5 gig)).
When I arrived in Kansas City, later that night, I had shared an image of my frozen custard on InstaGram and Sandy of Sandy a la Mode was quick to pick up on my location. She tweeted me to see if I had time to hang out. We met later that same evening for froyo ((yes, I had two desserts that night))! We had a fun time talking about what got us started in our blogging journey and our love for connecting with people from all over the place through blogs and twitter.
As we drove west, I decided it would be fun to meet at least one more blogger along the way. I reached out to Mandy of Mandipidy who lives in the same city we were staying while visiting my family in Colorado. She and her sweet 10 month old daughter met me at a cute coffee shop in Old Colorado City. We got to know each other better while sitting in comfy chairs sipping our iced drinks. Then we decided to take advantage of the nice weather ((low 80s with a lovely breeze)) and walked around a bit, finding a cup cake shop. We had such a fun time talking about everything from living in Colorado Springs to blogging ((and everything in between)).
Have you met any bloggers in real life? I haven't been able to go to a blog conference, but I have learned to make the most of meeting blog friends in real life when I travel. My first great experience with this was when I met Virginia last winter. Here are some tips for planning to meet blog friends in real life:
- Plan ahead, but be flexible. I usually send an email or tweet to see if they want to meet ((depending on how I know/interact with them otherwise)).
- Use it as an excuse to try a new-to-you coffee shop or a favorite local spot. Who doesn't love the chance to try out the new cupcake place in town?
- Be ready to talk about your blog as well as other stuff. As much as we all love blogging, I think it's healthy to mix it up and be ready to go where the conversation leads ((read: I don't walk in with a list of questions)).
I've learned bloggers are just as friendly in real life, as online. So, if you're planning some travel this summer, why not take the opportunity to connect with a fellow blogger?
Have you met a blog friend in real life? What advice do you have?
i love blog meet-ups - and you met one of my faves!!!! isn't sandy the best?!
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun to meet you! I wish you lived closer so that we could have regular coffee dates! :) hope the rest of your trip is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I can't wait to eventually meet up with some of my blogging friends.
ReplyDeletethis is awesome! i love meeting people IRL!! if you're ever in NC you know who to visit next :) :)
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Aw, I'm so jealous! I'd love to meet up with those sweet ladies! I've never been to/met a blogger, & I'm sure I'd be crazy nervous...I'm so shy!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy 4th!
It's SO GREAT that you got to meet fellow bloggers. I love meeting other bloggers because you immediately have someone in common. :)
ReplyDeletegreat recap!! it was SOOO great to meet you and chat over froyo!!! if you are ever back in the area, let me know!! xo
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you are so blessed to get to hang out with them! *slightly jealous*!
ReplyDelete:)
What fun times! I'm jealous as well =) Wish you could see Muskegon in the summer ;) I may have to head out east next summer! (Trying to talk the hubs into it - maybe Penn to see my cousin as well - we'll see).
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