Hi SI family! I’m back from my bloggers’ conference in Austin TX, and I have to say – I had the B-E-S-T time! Today I’m sharing a few iPhone pics that I took at the conference and around downtown… and ohhh, and wait ’til you see who the keynote speakers were…. woohoo!

Let me start by saying, there are huge benefits to blogging. You can work in your jammies at 2 am, wake up whenever you want, be your own boss and make your own rules as you go. Not to say that I do all that… but I could. 😉  The downside of all that goodness is blogging can feel isolating. You don’t get to drive to work and say good morning to smiling familiar faces or chitchat by the water cooler. Although… I have to throw in a side note here. YOU guys are AMAZING! You all comment, email, and join me on social and this REALLY helps to keep me inspired and connected – so thank you!

So, back to the conference. It has been a long 4 years since the last time I was on a plane so it was fun to fly again.  I sat beside an Austinite and learned things about the city even before I landed. Here’s the plane coming into Austin.

The conference was held at the Omni Hotel right downtown. A beautiful property. We all felt so welcome and looked after. Here’s the atrium taken from the elevator coming down from my 10th-floor suite. It would have looked even more impressive if I was on the 19th floor I’m sure!…. everything’s bigger in Texas, right!? 🙂

The conference was amazing because not only did I learn a lot, but it was exciting to hang out with other online publishers. And it was so nice to meet bloggers that I’ve been following for years. Karen from The Graphics Fairy, Lauren and her husband at Blesser House, Diane at In My Own Style and John and Sherry from Young House Love to name a few. There were food bloggers (gotta love them!!!), fashion bloggers, and I even met Maralee from Manners Mentor who is an etiquette expert!

And check this out! The keynote speakers were also spectacular. Randi Zuckerberg was a delight (ya, that’s Marks sister!) and Andrew Shue (if any of you remember him on Melrose Place) and his wife Amy Robach (Good Morning America) were also great. Unfortunately, I had to cut Andrew and Amy’s talk short to catch my plane back home.

The weather was a balmy 80° – a far cry from the cold weather here in Toronto. I took the opportunity to go for a few long walks and soak up the warm sun. I visited the Texas State Capital building and walked the grounds – just beautiful.

And even though this may give you a little laugh, I’m still going to share. During the conference, they brought us in the most delicious doughnuts. Any of you who know me know I’m a bonafide donut junkie. After tasting one, I wanted more!  I walked the city blocks to VooDoo Doughnut on 6th St and indulged in a few of these spectacular goodies. The shops’ atmosphere was cool and eclectic with live music, chandeliers, and colorful decor. If any of you get the chance to visit, the Memphis Mafia doughnut is to die for!!!

My takeaway… good things come when you put yourself out there and try. I was SO nervous about this conference, but I went anyway. And looking back, those are all the same feelings I had when I first started painting furniture and writing this blog. Like most things in my life, the best and most meaningful things have come from taking a risk and stepping out of my comfort zone.

I can’t wait to start painting again so I’ll be back next week with a fun before and after for you!

ANY OTHER DOUGHNUT ADDICTS OUT THERE? 😉 FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!

Have an amazing and inspiring week my friends!

Denise XO