Arizona Blogger Meetup!

Wow, what a night! The day was absolutely wonderful too from what I've heard, and I am anxiously awaiting the photos to I can pretend like I was there too! I was sad to miss the daytime activities but what I experienced at the actual dinner event was amazing. It was absolutely surreal to meet so many people that I already "knew," but didn't quite know. And also to meet so many new friends! One thing I wish though is that we had more time; I would have loved to sit down with every single lovely person there and chit chat for awhile. Next time I am thinking we should organize some sort of "speed chatting" event and get to know everyone a little more. How awesomely awkward would that be? haha!

The whole night went incredibly well, from the outstanding waitstaff at La Bocca, to the delicious food, to the raffle prizes. It seemed like everyone had a lot of fun, and I hope that was the case! I was running around like crazy, so of course I didn't take many photos, and the photos I did take...kind of suck. That's what I get for using a cheapo point and shoot (my nice one broke at my sister's wedding, boo!).  Luckily we had Kaerie there, so the professional photos will be uploaded in the next couple of days and shared on the Flickr group I just created for the event. If you're not familiar with Flickr groups, let me be the first to tell you how amazing they are! Our group will basically be a collection of all the photos from the meetup. Simply join the group, upload your photos, and share them with the group so everyone can check them out! Awesome. I uploaded the few (bad quality) photos I have, and if you took any, please do the same! I'll be uploading the pro photos there, as well as any and all from everyone else. If you don't have Flickr (it's easy to sign up and it's free!), you can always email me the photos and I can upload them for you, giving you credit of course! (sometimessweetblog@gmail.com).

I'm currently writing a "how to" post about creating your own meetup in your town (with the help of Kelsey and Chelsea), so if you're interesting in planning and hosting one where you live we'll provide you with a starting point and some guidance! Also, if you attended I would love some feedback below.  Did you enjoy it? What would you have changed? As for me, I would have loved to encourage more mingling so separate groups could break out a bit more, but I know how hard that is to do. Plus, we all have our groups we are comfortable with, but it would have been neat to mix it up a little more.

I also wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to my partners in crime, Kelsey Strothers and Chelsea Brown. We each worked hard to plan the entire event over the past three months and it was so satisfying to see it come to life last night. I love those girls and I so appreciate their interest when this meetup was just an idea I threw out on Twitter. 

Ladies: I'll have the list of bloggers who attended up tomorrow, and don't forget to visit the AZ Blogger Meetup Flickr group and add your photos or email them my way!  I'll be posting a round up of photos next week. I also look forward to visiting each and every one of your blogs, and getting to know you a bit more. Thank you all so much for coming out- it was truly a fabulous night. Until next time...

More info/Arizona Blogger Meetup

For those not attending this event, thanks again for bearing with me through these posts. Saturday is so soon, and then you'll never have to hear "Arizona Blogger Meetup" again! (or at least until next time) haha.

First up, check out write up from the Phoenix New Times write up on the event! Awesome.

We also have quite bit of information for you-

For the daytime crowd:

-Since we're going to be outside and walking, don't forget to wear comfy shoes!

-Be prepared to purchase a light rail ticket (around $3) if the group decides to take it to shops further in downtown and midtown Phoenix.

-Don't forget to carry cash with you (IDs also!) as Aloft is suggesting we pay with cash if we buy drinks from their lounge when we are freshening up before dinner, and also it is easier for small shops in downtown to accept cash over credit/debit

Since the meet-up is happening in both Phoenix and Tempe, deciding where to park can be tricky. If you are comfortable with driving downtown, then we would suggest parking in the dirt lot by the Phoenix Public Market (Pierce and Central). After the meet-up is over we would also suggest driving to Tempe and not leaving your car in Phoenix (as it might not be so fun to ride back the light rail to Phoenix once the dinner is over).

If you feel more comfortable parking in Tempe and taking the light rail into Phoenix, we would suggest parking in the Brickyard, at a meter, or possible in one of the ASU parking lots (check the signs before you park though, as some don't allow free parking on weekends). The light rail will take you between 30 and 40 minutes to get downtown, and you will want to get off at the Van Buren stop. Once you're off, walk toward Filmore Street (you will hit the park on your right before you make it to the street though).

There is a street fair (Festival of the Arts) going on during the day in Tempe until 6pm, but parking will open up towards the evening. You can also visit this link to view all the public parking in the Mill Ave. area as well.

If you are going to be late and want to be sure you'll be able to meet up with the daytime group, or run into any problems, feel free to email Chelsea (Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com).

And, here's all of the location info for the day and evening:
1. Civic Space Park - 424 N. Central Street (Phoenix, AZ- all below are also in Phx)
2. Lola Coffee Shop - 1001 N. 3rd Avenue
2. Mercantile - 828 N. Central Avenue
3. Vintage by Misty - 818 N. Central Avenue
4. Cityscape - 1 E. Washington Street
5. Heritage Square - 6th Street and Monroe
6. The Grow-OP 902 N. 6th Street
7. Butter Toast Boutique - 908 N. 6th Street
8. Jobot Coffee - 918 N. 5th Street
9. Frances Vintage - 10 W. Camelback Road (they will be providing us with goodie bags on our stop there! So great.)
10. Aloft Hotel - 951 E. Playa Del Norte Drive (Tempe, AZ)
11. La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Winer Bar - 699 S. Mill Avenue (Tempe, AZ)

One more thing: I was going to try and compile a list of guests and their blog names, but I didn't have everyone's information there isn't enough time to gather it all. However, we will have name tags for you to fill out at the event! As of last night, we have a total count of 48 guests attending the dinner! Very exciting. Have a great day and SEE YOU TOMORROW! Yay! xo

Arizona Blogger Meetup (3/26)...more details!

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With the meetup FIVE days away, I thought I would share some of the amazing raffle prizes that will be given away during the dinner on Saturday night.

And remember, if you want to attend dinner, check out this post, and/or send $17 to sometimessweetblog@gmail.com via paypal by WEDNESDAY. Hank and I can only come to the dinner portion, so I really, really hope most of you can make it to La Bocca. I am just so excited to meet all of you!

I'll post a list of all the dinner attendees on Friday along with some additional information about the daytime activities, but for now here are the prizes that have been graciously donated by all of these wonderful shops!

gift basket of sweets and treats from Miette Pastry Shop in San Francisco
prize package from Frances Vintage and Smeeks
prize package from the Grow-Op, Butter Toast, and Mercantile Boutique
gift basket from Funk Off! Vegan products
print from Livy Love Designs
necklace from Dolly and Boy
$25 gift card to Stella Grace Boutique
$25 gift card to Monkey and Squirrel
$30 gift card to Up Country Vintage
$40 gift card from The Blue Balloon

...and even more still in the works!

So, come on out and enjoy DELICIOUS food, meet fellow bloggers/future friends, and treat yourself to a nice night out in Tempe at La Bocca. And don't forget, there's also going to be a photographer there to capture it all. Chelsea, Kelsey and I can't wait to see you there!

Arizona Blogger Meetup (3/26)...DETAILS

We are so excited to announce the following details about the Arizona Blogger Meetup that is taking place on Saturday, March 26th.

The main event is dinner, which will be taking place at La Bocca on Mill Ave. in Tempe at 7pm. We've booked this great local spot knowing that it can accommodate all of our needs including delicious food, a great price and capacity. The dinner will cost $17 per person, and will provide plenty of food and space for us without us having to rent out a pricey venue. Plus, Mill Ave. is centrally located and allows meet up-goers the freedom to use public transportation and also provides a wide range of before and after activities.

So, like I mentioned above, the cost for our private party/buffet style dinner is $17 per person and includes the following (vegetarian options included):

• 10 assorted bruschettas
• 1 large goat cheese and pear salad
• 20 assorted pizzas 
• raffle with prizes
• event photographer

*drinks will be paid individually, on separate tabs

In order to enter the event, you MUST be pre-paid by Wednesday, March 23rd. Please send your payment of $17 per person to sometimessweetblog@gmail.com via paypal and be sure to specify your full name (and any paid guests' names) in the notes section. Because this is a buffet style dinner, any guests in attendance must pay the $17. Thanks for understanding. :)

Also, as mentioned above there will be a raffle and many amazing shops and businesses have donated items that will be given away throughout the night! Some of the items included: treats from world-famous Miette Cakes in San Francisco,  a gift basket from Frances Vintage and Smeeks Candy Shop in Phoenix, and a $40 gift certificate to The Blue Balloon, just to name a few. Additionally, there will be a professional photographer in attendance to capture this special evening.

And even better, the meet up is an ALL-DAY event! Here's the full schedule:

• 12pm- Meet at Civic Space Park in Phoenix, hang out and get to know one another
• 1pm- Go on a walking tour of downtown Phoenix, hitting Mercantile, Misty's Vintage, Cityscape, Cartel Coffee Lab, and end at The Grow-Op (with a few extra stops along the way)
• 2:30pm- Work on crafts with The Grow-Op crew (flower boxes and flower crowns)
• 4pm- Check out Butter Toast and other local shops around Roosevelt Row
• Afterward- head over to Tempe via car or lightrail, freshen up in the space provided by ALoft, enjoy a refreshment or two in their adorable bar (under 21 is okay), and get ready for a fun evening at La Bocca which is right down the street!

We are all SO excited and cannot wait to meet you! Please comment below or email me if you have any questions and one of us will get back to you right away.

See you soon!

Arizona Blogger Meetup...roll call!

 Alright, the date has been set!

Saturday, March 26th, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ

Kelsey, Chelsea, and I are all working on this together, and we are so excited to get the ball rolling. We've been emailing back and forth a lot in regards to plans and we're starting to really narrow it down to what the event will entail. As of now, we know there will definitely be a dinner party at a downtown Phoenix restaurant, and we are also working out the details for a fun, blog-centered daytime activity.

But first things first, we need to get a headcount so we can lock down a location and then start planning out the details.

Please comment below and let us know if you're planning on attending, and also if you'll be bringing anyone with you (significant other, etc.).  Be sure to leave your email address along with your comment too.

This is not an exclusive event- it's open to ALL bloggers, so if you have friends that don't read this blog, but would like to come, please reach out to them and direct them to this post. If you'd like to grab the photo above and post it on your blog to spread the word, that would be awesome too! Just be sure to point back here so we can have the initial RSVPs all in one place. From here, we'll solidify the plans and then send out invites via email with all of the details.  I really hope we have a great turn out, and I'm anticipating that we will! It's going to be tons of fun, and a fantastic way to meet new people and connect with other bloggers.

Can't wait to hear back!

xoxo