Monday, August 1, 2006

Shop Till You Drop

This morning we got up and went to the convention center to take a closer look at the new Longaberger products. We spent a few hours there before we came back to the hotel for our next shopping adventure.

One of the highlights of visiting Columbus is shopping at Easton Towne Center. It is by far, the most unique shopping experience I've ever had. Got some fabulous goodies at The Container Store and Crate and Barrel to take home.

Tonight we went back to the arena for the closing session. The most exciting part of the evening is Bee Line for Baskets. This is where they select someone from the crowd and they have 30 seconds to fill as many shopping carts with baskets as they can. If they pick a special colored basket, they draw a section and row and everyone sitting on that row gets a free basket. OUR ROW WON!! Mom and I both walked away with the retired Ficus basket. It's gorgeous and huge.

Tomorrow morning we are heading for Nashville... after we pack the car. That's going to be something to see!

Sunday, July 30, 2006

You Can Never Have Too Many Baskets

Today is the first day of the Longaberger Basket BEE. I am a Longaberger consultant and this is our annual conference. Sure, we go to learn about new products and programs and ways to grow our businesses, but it's really about the shopping!!

Today was a great day. Mom and I got up, planned which seminars we would go to and off we went to the convention center. We went to the workshops we planned on, but the main event came at 3 o'clock. That was our scheduled time to get into the obsolete product sale. This is always my favorite part of the BEE. Basically you get to go in and purchase all kinds of retired products for unbelievable prices. I picked up some pottery pieces I've been wanting and liners to several baskets. I'm psyched.

Tonight, we went to Nationwide Arena for the General Session and that is where we got our first glimpse of new products... including Holiday. It's all fabulous... email me if you want to see a catalog or flyer! When we were on our way out, we were given a gorgeous new American Craft Traditions Medium Market Basket for FREE, a piece from our So Rachel line of jewelry, and a pack of catalogs and flyers. It's been an amazing day, but I can't wait until tomorrow, so I can get a closer look at all the new products.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Over the hills and through the woods to Amish Country we go!

If you travel about an hour and a half north east of Columbus to Holmes County, you will encounter the largest population of Amish in the United States. Last year we made our first visit and there was no question that we were coming back again this year!

We had lunch at The Amish Door in Wilmot, OH. I thought we might never get there... we were so busy looking at the scenery we missed a turn and took a little detour through the beautiful countryside. After lunch, we made our way back to Berlin & Millersburg to stop in at some of the local businesses.

I am very intrigued by their way of life and each time I visit the area, I find more reasons to go back. Next year, I will have to plan two days in Amish Country, because one is just not enough. This is a great place to visit with the entire family. I was in absolute heaven with all the crafting ideas around!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Buzzing with Excitement

It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas! It's time for the Longaberger Bee! I have been a Longaberger consultant for three years. Going to the BEE is always the highlight of the year. For the 2nd year, my Mom has agreed to come along for all the fun and excitement.

We left Nashville early this morning and had an exciting stop planned in Louisville. One of my all-time favorite people lives in Louisville. Her name is Amy and she and I were Alpha Gamma Delta sorority sisters in college at Murray State University. I had not seen her since I moved away from Louisville 8 years ago.

We stopped by to have muffins and coffee with she and her beautiful boy, Alex. She took us on a tour of her gorgeous home while we visited. It was so good to see her and reminded me of how much I have missed her and that I need to keep in better touch with my old friends.

Once we were back on the road, we stopped about an hour south of Columbus at an outlet mall where I finally purchased my first Coach purse! Talk about a momentus occasion. I have been searching for 'just the right bag' for quite a while and wouldn't you know, when I got there, they had it, but weren't supposed to sell it until Monday. Must have been my lucky day, because they agreed to let me buy it a few days early and I LOVE IT!

From there, we were off to Columbus!!

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Come Spa with Me

Today is an exciting day for me. It's been about a year since I moved out of my old condo and I've not had my girlfriends over for any kind of get together. For those who know me, this is highly unusual. I finally decided that I didn't care whether my house was in perfect order... it was time for a get together!

I went to a spa party at my best friend Lisa's house a few months ago and I agreed to have one so she could get something for free. So, I had the girls over to Spa with me and we had a great time. If you are looking for a fun afternoon for your girlfriends, call a local Beauti Control consultant and have her come do a Spa Escape for you. The products are actually really great and you get lots of freebies for hosting it. My girlfriends and I all had fun and we all got products that we will actually be able to use at home.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Must be a Philly Thing

It's day three in Philadelphia... and the last day of our trade show. My feet and legs are sore, but not the worst they've ever been. Fortunately, this show has been very short in relation to most of the others we do.

Tonight, I went with three co-workers to a great place called Bookbinder's. It's a well-known seafood restaurant in the old city area of Philadelphia. What a great time we had! The food was incredible and the service was a welcome change to what we had experienced so far. Good thing we were on the company tab... while it is good and worth the price... it was quite expensive.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Brotherly Love

My job takes me to different cities across the US about 10 times per year. To most people, travelling for work sounds very exciting... and most of the time it really isn't. But, I am in Philadelphia for the American Culinary Federation annual conference and trade show. My company is sponsoring the conference as well as the Pasty Chef of the Year competition.

I have never been to Philadelphia before and it is pretty cool to be in the city and staying just a few blocks away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. There is so much history here... and it is all so fascinating!

Tonight, I ventured out to a place called The City Tavern for dinner. It was originally built in 1773 and was home to many historically significant events. The food was so-so, but the atmosphere is great and a wonderful experience. If you find yourself in Philadelphia, this place should be on your list of places to go!