I just have to start out by saying that I had the best time at the Creative Estates blogging conference this weekend. I went there just knowing of a few bloggers and left with some new friends. There was a ton of networking and a some very inspiring advice from some bloggers with very established blogs.
First, and most importantly, the amazing people I met:

image via Coffee At Three
Clockwise from top row: Aimee from Paging Supermom, Heather from Sweet & Simple, Michele and Lauren from Coffee @ 3, Whitney from Turbo Bubblegum, and lastly myself. I had such a blast getting to know these ladies and many more who I don’t have pictures of. Next year I promise to take more photos.
One of the most important things I took away from the conference was from Char of Crap I’ve Made, who said her motto for this year was “never regret behaving appropriately.” I love that. It’s important to be yourself and share yourself, but don’t share too much. This can be applied on so many levels through out life, not just blogging.
I also learned the importance of social media in relation to blogging. I have been avoiding Facebook like the plague for a couple years now, for a variety of reasons. But I have learned that it is essential in connecting with blog readers on a more personal, day-to-day level. So I am currently working on a Sparkle Facebook page. Will you ‘Like’ me? I also set up a Twitter account, @sparklepantgirl. Twitter is fun, and it’s easy to hold a conversation with others, especially my new friends from Creative Estates.
Coming up I’ll share with you the goods from the swag box and the Handmade Marketplace..
We had such a great time hanging out and getting to know you at CE! We definitely need to keep in touch :).
Wow. So glad you had a great time at Creative Estates. I wish I would have had more time to spend with you girls…maybe next year?
I am glad that you are embracing some of the new tools as well. Play around with them. You’ll figure out what works best for you…
Hope to see you next year in Salt Lake City! In the meantime, let’s keep chatting on Twitter!
I am so happy you signed up for the Twitter. It will change your life. Mostly because we are Twitter friends… and I am annoying enough to change anyone’s life. 😉