Kenmore Blogger Summit Day 1

It was just last Sunday that I returned home from Chicago where I attended the Kenmore Blogger Summit. But after spending a week in the warm South Florida weather, it almost seems like a dream. I know I already shared with you that I had an amazing time. But I promised you some details….so here goes! Can I mention a sidenote here that is was so cool to pack for one! I mean with airline regulations, I was restricted to 1 carry-on and 1 large purse/briefcase…and it was neat to limit myself and pack lightly.

I had a few anxieties about getting on the plane, and now I’m super excited that I conquered that fear. I mean…not just flying, but being thousands of miles away from my kids, and it all worked out. New York City, here I come! (someday) And what an entrance back into flying I got…..body scans, pat downs, a little bit of turbulence, landing in snowy conditions, and the de-icing of the plane before we left last Sunday. 😉

 Notice my flight was on time to Chicago, but all of the flights that were cancelled once I actually got to O’hare.

When I arrived at O’hare, Kenmore had a car waiting for a group of bloggers that were arriving close to the same time. Four of us climbed into a black escalade, and started the 25 minute drive into downtown Chicago. The snowy conditions delayed our drive, and we ended up with almost 3 hours to get to know one another. I met Tanis of Redneck Mommy, Nicki of Macaroni Kid and Janice of Meal Makeover Moms. As a fellow food blogger, Janice was someone I was familiar with online, as well as through her podcast. It was neat to recognize her familiar voice.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally took the exit that led us into the streets of downtown Chicago. After starting my morning at 5:30am, I was excited to be getting close to the hotel! And I have to say it was incredible to me that I started my morning where the palm trees sway and was now enclosed in a virtual snow tank making our way through a Chicago snowstorm. I’m used to long van trips, but it has been a long time since I woke up in one part of the country and then just hours later was on the other side of the country! Wow….crazy!!

We finally pulled up to the hotel, and by the time we emerged from the escalade, our bags were already tucked securely onto a bellhop’s rolling cart. Can I insert a bit of giddyness here……picture it with me because I don’t want to forget!

I stepped out of the vehicle in front of a swanky hotel that shot straight up to the sky.
The snow was falling in fat, fluffy flakes and I was being treated like royalty. I
had that feeling of “wow…..I can’t believe this is happening to me! and you know just
that general feeling of “mark this down in my memory as a moment never to forget.”

I walked into the hotel and up to the front desk to check in. Let me just say right here it’s the most bizarre feeling in the world to have a reservation that I didn’t make. As a mom of 3 there’s always a lot to manage. I checked in, they handed me a gift bag from Kenmore and asked what else they could do for me. I was in room 1015….10th floor…..at the Sofitel hotel in downtown Chicago! What a luxurious hotel….can I just live there please? Just check out my view from the room! Picture perfect. I’m a huge lover of old buildings, churches, architecture and look at this feast for my eyes!! And while the bellhop was settling me in and turning on lights I walked right over to the windows to take it all in. Pinch me, please!

I was so busy snapping pictures, and checking in with my family and enjoying the sheer beauty of the hotel that an hour went by before I knew it. I finally peeked into the gift bag (thankfully), and found that though my original itinerary said 7pm, they had a cocktail hour started at 6pm. Oops…it was already 5:58pm!

I made my way down to the other bloggers about 30 minutes later….time to mingle and meet everyone. I met a few of the ladies in charge of putting on our event…..people I’d been emailing with while setting up the travel arrangements. Everyone was so nice and welcoming! After getting checked in and signed up for a team for the following day at the Kenmore studios, I began scanning the room for Michelle of Mommy Confessions. Michelle is another blogger that I bonded with over our blog postings…it turns out I wasn’t the only one with the anxiety of flying and jet setting so far from my kids!

Yay…we’d made it in safely, and had a glass of wine to toast! It was great to finally be here. I also met Sara of Sensibly Sara and Rob of Look what mom found…and dad too. Time for dinner and our evening presentation from Google+ Plus. Royalty treatment continued as we were served a 4 course dinner. Everything was delicious, but the dessert was absolutely amazing!

The snow conditions had delayed several bloggers in various places around the country….another group made it in during dinner. After dinner I was excited to finally meet Wendy of Around My Family Table….a food blogger I was familiar with from all of our various online hangouts. She also flew in from a warm climate (Arizona), and we have several things in common like our grain mill and farm fresh eggs. I had the opportunity to get to know her a bit better at lunch the next day, but as always with these events you never have enough time. You’ll defnitely want to check out her food blog when you get a chance. Tell her I sent you. 😉

More details and pictures about my Kenmore experience to come. I can’t wait to share with you about all of their new appliances. I’m sure you’ve heard me mention this Kenmore Elite Grab N Go Fridge….I want one! One lucky blogger got to take one home to review (no, it wasn’t me).

If you enjoyed this post, won’t you consider sharing it with others? Handy share and “Facebook recommend” buttons are below. It really makes my day when you pass things along! To make sure you don’t miss a post or recipe you can either follow Creative Kitchen on Facebook or subscribe by Email in the sidebar. Thanks for reading….I love having company in the kitchen!

{Disclosure: This was an all expense paid trip thanks to the generous folks at Kenmore, but this post, images, thoughts, opinions and words are all my own.}

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11 Responses to Kenmore Blogger Summit Day 1

  1. Sofia Reino says:

    How cool and what an amazing experience. I do totally relate as to leaving the kids and family behind, but much as you said all is good. Would love to learn more about the Kenmore Blog Summit and if it is something they do every year and so on.

  2. Kim Bee says:

    I have to say it sounds like me right now. I am having serious anxiety about going away. I never go away. Good for you for doing it. It takes serious guts to step off the mommy track long enough to go solo somewhere. You did fab. I hope I am as cool as you about it in 6 weeks. Cuz right now it’s sort of freaking me out. lol
    Kim Bee recently posted..Lunatic Loves These Links- Feb 1

  3. Been there many times for work, but never for blogging. Unfortunately that would probably be against policy no employees. I can say this is one gorgeous building, a great experience and we have the best products with over 100 years of experience… nicely written… I will pass along to all my peers!~
    claudia lamascolo recently posted..Simple Italian Crostini Recipes for Game Day Appetizers

  4. Michelle says:

    Oh how fun! So glad you got the chance to get out ! 🙂
    Michelle recently posted..chocolate tart

  5. Gabriellie says:

    How I wish I can attend this summit..I like to learn a lot about blogging..Thanks for sharing..
    Gabriellie recently posted..How To Stop Tinnitus

  6. That sounds like a fantastic experience….I am so happy you got to experience it and lets face a bit jealous over here :). I think the cool part for me would be meeting other food bloggers.
    Bibi @ Frugal Wannabe Cooks recently posted..Chocolate Hazelnut Torte

  7. sounds like a wonderful experience. All the photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
    p.s. don’t be afraid, flying is so much fun!
    Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} recently posted..Mango Chocolate Bread

  8. It was so great to meet you!! I hope we get to go back next year!
    Sara Phillips recently posted..Photo Challenge Day 1: Hands

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