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By Shanna, July 28, 2009 8:36 pm

I was so impressed with the turn out at TBEX – the first year (of many I’m hoping) was an overwhelming success.  Kim, Debbie, and Maren were so amazing in organizing this event!  I was happy to help out with swag bags.  I pretty much lived with boxes of swag for  weeks a head of time  but the finished bags were great! (check out Debbie’s post here).

I’ve been working with GoGalavanting for about a year now but my blog – as you can see – is still baby-sized and trying to find it’s voice.  And as a newbie blog, meeting and listening to so many writers that I look up too was unbelievable!  Wendy Perrin and Chris Elliot were among my favorites. and Sean from BootsnAll was a definite crowd pleaser.

Part of the sessions covered marketing yourself and finding your voice (something I do need to work on)  But I am still having a hard time grasping this concept personally.  I think it’s difficult to think about branding yourself and marketing yourself and still be authentic and genuine.  I thoroughly  enjoyed just sitting back and listening to the panelists and the audience interact.To say I felt inspired would be an under statement.  To be surrounded by people who are all following their passions is so encouraging.  There was no competition, no airs – just simple advice and support.

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By Shanna, July 24, 2009 10:30 pm

Tonight was my first experience with meeting  fellow tweeters. Many, if not all, of the ladies at dinner tonight I felt like I’ve known for ages since I follow them but to guess who was who based on who an avatar …well that’s a whole ‘nother story. Some big personalities on twitter don’t necessarily match up with their in person persona (and vice versa) but all in all a stellar gathering at Heaven on Seven. Most of the women at dinner had children and blogged about travel with children – something I know very little about, but it was fantastic to chat with some of the ladies about how they work blogging, tweeting, updating, and travel into their busy lives.  I’m pretty pumped to see what more amazing tidbits I can take away from TBEX.

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By Shanna, July 19, 2009 5:49 pm

I know my blog is still pretty mini but I’m excited to learn from all the fantastic bloggers that will be attending the Travel Blog Exchange coming up on July 26th!  I’ve been helping

Kim & Debbie out by collecting all the great goodies for the swag bags!  My apartment seems to be growing smaller by the day but I know it’s worth it.  The swag bags will be filled from something from Starbuck’s coffee  to Rosetta Stone…and everything in between.  I think this is the first time I’ll be disappointed if I’m not able to snag a bag for myself (for other conferences I’ve attended or worked at generally the most thrilling item inside is a pen or lip balm…so far neither items have shown up at my door but you never know…I’m expecting 34 more boxes (yup, that’s considered a pallet) tomorrow!

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By Shanna, July 16, 2009 10:41 pm

Aiden George
7/16/09
5 lbs 6 oz
18.5 in
9:25 am

I’m pretty much in love already.  Can’t wait to watch this lil man grow up!

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By Shanna, July 1, 2009 9:42 am

I’ve been wanting some nice pictures of myself to put up on my website and use for social media profiles…and to feel pretty.  I’m writing a profile on Monica Zibutis for GoGalavanting – she’s done some amazing destination weddings (stay tuned for that article…coming out in the August issue) …anyway Monica was sweet enough to take some great pictures of me.  I was a little nervous becuase in general becuase I usually hate what I look like in pictures but in-between fits of laughter and embarassment I think I was able to pull it together for a couple really amazing pictures!

Aw, I feel pretty – thanks Monica!

Here are some of my favorites!