What a trip… I love reading all the recaps, and here is mine. This is long… so grab a cup of cocoa and relax. (and skip down to the end if you want to win some fun prizes!)
Our trip started Friday. Mama (my mother) and I decided to drive to LA from our home in UT – by way of Vegas of course. A quick stop turned into an awesome dinner…
and some major shopping!
If you have not seen the giant H&M in Ceasars, go. Go Now! Needless to say we ended up getting into LA pretty late.
Day 1 started at an 8 am Making Memories VIP event to showcase the new Bravissimo line. Gave my stamp of approval and shared how much I love this line.. then off to the show floor. Followed by a fun Cricut party to celebrate 5 years of the Cricut and then off to dinner with the wonderful ladies of Big Picture Classes. (and if that isnt enough… from there we ended up going to a party where my “uncle” was playing for some live band Karaoke) And meeting up with my dear friend Paolo.
The rest of the week was pretty close to the same relentless schedule.
Day 2 highlight was the Paperclipping Roundtable for sure. I always love being on the show.. but there is something exta special fun and fabulous about getting to actually be sitting with these fantastic ladies. And well, it was cool for my mama to see what it is we do at “CHA”.
Day 3 more make and takes for mama on the show floor, a few more meetings and then off to Vegas. (or we thought)
On the way home, we got a call that my youngest little diva was really ill – throwing up every hour, and asking for me. So I decided that we would skip Sin City and power through and drive straight home. If all goes well… we would be home at about 4 am. IF all goes well. Unfortunately things didnt quite go as planned. In the mountain pass just beyond St. George we got hit by a pretty big snow storm. Hoping to still trudge through… we went on. We only got as far as Beaver before we had to pull into a creepy motel and call it night.
We FINALLY made it home the next day. Since I got home, we have been pass the virus… and now. I am officially butt kicked, totally inspired, and completely exhausted! But I would do it again, and in fact will… CHA Summer will be here before we know it! lol.
As for my favorite product picks? Download “Almost live from CHA” episode of the Paperclipping Roundtable. And be sure to check out the blog all weekend long and I will share more of my favorite finds and inspiration from the show! Wanna win some? Come back to the blog tomorrow (Friday) for an all new weekender giveaway!
I just love Noell and Izzy over at Paperclipping.com , so it was so much fun to see them out on the show floor during this past CHA. Well, before you know it, a friendly hug gave way to the little red light turning on and this little video. Shot TOTALLY impromptu.. but so much fun. And be sure to check out DOZENS of awesome videos from CHA over at Paperclipping.com
And check back here for my next taping of the Paperclipping Roundtable. It is sure to be another fun discussion of all things scrapbooking!
I am in lovely Anaheim, CA for yet another CHA! I have to admit, I have a love/hate relationship with these shows. Mostly love… after all I still find it thrilling to see all the products that the craft industry comes up with. And I really love seeing old friends and colleauges from the industry that has been so good to me. And yes… every once in a while I get to meet someone kind of cool. (Kathy Ireland yesterday, last year Paris Hilton) The parts I don’t love so much… incredibally long days that still leave me feeling like I don’t have enough time and sore feet. (just day 1 and my dogs are tired!)
So to answer my dear Sedona’s question… “What do you on your trip mommy?” Here is a day at CHA.
Today is like most. Up early… out the door for breakfast appointment before my first floor meeting at 9.
Then a day spent between appointments and walking the floor.
(the always love Traci Bautista)
When the show closes I will spend a couple more hours at the business workshops before grabbing a bite to eat.
After a very quick dinner… off to tape another episode of Paper Clipping Roundtable – LIVE from CHA. (This is going to be a blast, again seeing good friends)
Once that is done, back to the hotel for “drinks” with colleagues and old friends…
(Melanie Wood from acdSee – My canadian sista!)
then up to the room for emails, photos, blogging and other work related stuff.
A fun, but long day for sure. Well, I better go! CHA awaits! For peeks of products and projects be sure to check out the Scrapbook Trends magazine blog where I am reporting daily and the Scrapbook Trends Facebook page where I will upload additional projects and finds from the show.
So CHA is coming up and the buzz is really beginning to build. I have had the chance to get some super secret, had to sign contract, non-disclosure type sneak peeks. And as a crafter and fellow scrapbooker… I LIKEY!
I am REALLY hoping that this will be an exciting show again. The last was fun, and I always make the most of the show. However it really felt like everyone was really holding steady. This show, from what I have seen so far.. seems that more companies are going to spread their wings again. Will they all be a home run? Doubt it. The economy is just too tight and we have all gotten to be much more savvy. But still, I think that it will be a good show.
Not to mention, I have been on a diet. Seen success (Down 10lbs so far!) but I really could use some pizza and to hit a taco stand or two. If you see me on the show floor, please say hello. I am blind as a bat but would love to say howdy!
What a week. Totally fun… completly exhausting and busy, but absolutely fabulous!
Here I am chillin’ my last night at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando. [and I mean chillin' - i had the AC blasting at 55] This is hands down my favorite CHA hotel. LOVE IT. The service was awesome, the food was great, the pool is beautiful and the Dream Beds were exactly that… a DREAM. I have not slept that soundly in a long time!
CHA was fantastic. (for my official CHA report swing by the Scrapbook Trends Blog. There is even a giveaway!) It was so nice to see Scrapbook Trends have such a warm reception at the show. It was heartwarming to get so many well wishes and congratuations for my new gig. I am pumped up for all the exciting projects I will get to work on as soon as I return. Projects that will benefit our readers and crafty peeps of all types. After spending the week with Dave and Jody, I KNOW that I have found my new home! These guys are total rock stars and I am happy they are friends beyond just being colleagues. The show days were PACKED with appointments and go sees, by the end of each day we were all pretty tired. And our feet were the casualties for sure. Trade show attending is fun but crazy. Most days we are up at the crack of dawn and not back in the room until well after 10 or 11. At that point, we are usually working, catching up on emails, and trying to not fall too far behind in our regular responsibilities.
Even being here almost a full week, there seemed to be very little time to go out and have any fun. Luckily I got to have a dinner with Allison. Thinking about it, it is hard to believe how long we have known each other now! If you’re a crafter, I am sure you know who Tim Holtz is… but if you ever get to be at an event with him.. look for Mario. He works with Tim. And I have to give him a shout out. I just LOVE Mario. GOOD GOOD people. I really am blessed to work in an industry with so many awesome people!
I did manage to break away for just a few hours one evening to spend the evening with Margie and her girls at the Happiest Place on Earth. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving we got caught in a massive storm. Just a little more moist than we are used to. (if you HAVE To get stuck in the moist with someone, there is no one I would rather get my feet wet with than Margie)
All in all, CHA was an inspiring and exhilarating event. And as always.. is it more than just products. I love finding old and new friends, and reconnecting with those who share my same passion.
