The one where Paula Deen meets Mrs. Potato Head and I meet Tim Gunn

So BlogHer was a whole two weeks ago and I have yet to share anything about it. I'm sure you're either sick of reading about it or have forgotten about it, so I'll keep things brief and picture-oriented.

BlogHer is an annual two-day blogging conference for mostly female bloggers to expand their horizons, be bombarded by marketing campaigns and co-mingle.

I've said it plenty of times before, but I'll say it again: whenever you have the opportunity to (safely) meet your fellow bloggers, DO IT. I've now met at least a dozen bloggers whose writing I've indulged in for more than a year and I've yet to be disappointed. You really can get to know someone well through blogging, and when you meet in person it's like you're already old friends. Thanks to BlogHer, I've also met a few bloggers that I've been missing out on for the past couple of years. I think most people who attended BlogHer would say the real-life connections you make with the people is the best thing about the conference.

Here are some other good things ...

The Energizer Bunny, encountered during a party thrown by Energizer that featured free massages, free manis and free reusable battery chargers (the last one being a big, big deal as I go through batteries at work like they're going out of style).

Paula Deen meeting Mrs. Potato Head. We saw Mrs. P later in the day, so I can assure you Paula did not try to mash her and mix her with butter.

Tim Gunn. For serious. Tim Gunn. I have my photo with him and his autograph. He told me he liked the name The Modern Gal. Tim, if you're reading this, I like the name Tim Gunn. That's the back of Jessica from Everyday Adventures. Tim Gunn gave her a hug. Not gonna lie, I'm kinda jealous.

That's from my shotbun seat inside the Wienermobile. We took it for a spin around the Loop. I got to use the PA system to wish everyone on Michigan Avenue a 'bunderful day.' I tweeted from the Wienermobile and now have the t-shirt to prove it.

I will say this about BlogHer (and duck while a few people try to throw eggs at my face) -- I got nothing out of the conference sessions. All the ones I encountered were either too basic for my level of blogging or too touchy-feely for my style of blogging (or directed at mommybloggers, which I obviously am not). If I go next year I'm buying the pass that only gets me into the lobby, the expo center (ahem, swag) and the cocktail parties and saving a chunk of change in doing so.

BlogHer ladies, I miss you. Let's meet back up in Chicago, say tomorrow afternoon?

Keep the butter away

Oh, Modern Friends. I have so much to share with you about Chicago and BlogHer. It's going to take some time to think it all out though, so stay tuned.

But first, a teaser:

That would be Paula Deen upon meeting Mrs. Potato Head.

That is all for now. Stories later.

Live and in the flesh at BlogHer '09

I figured since it's less than a week away, it's about time for me to start actually planning out my BlogHer trip.

First things, first. I'm going to do a little light housekeeping of The MG's sidebars, including a new Cast of Characters post. Back in the early days of The Modern Gal, the characters were pretty simple and self-explanatory. But since I might gain a few new readers, I guess it's best they know who they're dealing with. Look for that post coming soon.

Next. For those of you who've been to BlogHer, please tell me what to pack/bring/wear/etc. I have no clue and I'm not good at packing myself. I tend to pack every possible thing I might need for any given situation. Great in upholding the Girl Scout motto of 'Be Prepared,' not so great in trying to stay under the airlines' baggage weight limit.

Finally. Parties. Which ones should I go to? Since I've heard so much about CheesburgHer, I presume that's not one to be skipped. But I need to know what the hot parties are for the not-mommybloger late 20-something crowd.

Also, leave me a note and let me know if you're going! I'll try to have a nametag on all times that says 'The Modern Gal' since most of you don't know my real name or what I look like. I will do my best to stalk you out, however.

Yikes. So much to do.