Blissdom 2012 and a Giveaway

It's almost midnight and I'm trying to find a way to express what I've experienced at Blissdom. I find this ironic because when I'm home, I have no problems coming up with something to say. But when I'm away at a conference about writing, I've got writer's block.

Let's start with how I got here. Because I'm a writer in the frugal niche, I was invited to be a community leader at this conference. As we all know, I'm far from shy, so I was more than happy to help out.

I was also asked to be a mic wrangler for one of the sessions. My session was full of people who had a lot of questions to be answered, so I was running all over the fruit loopin' place. I think they just wanted me to get some exercise.

At the very beginning of the conference, I was given a frugal living sign for all of the sessions I'd lead. Well, I promptly lost it at the first bar we visited. Don't ask. I made a new one out of cardboard which I thought was not only frugal, but crafty. Maybe I could lead the craft niche as well?

Blissdom is not all business. There are plenty of parties too. Blissdom is known for sparkle, so this shirt was my sparkle contribution. Of course I got it for 75% off at Macy's with a coupon. I wouldn't want to let my niche down.

It was such an amazing experience. How could it not be? Rascal Flatts, Joe Jonas, Hershey's chocolate, friends, wine, dancing, inspiring speakers, and free stuff. It's pretty hard to beat all of that!

That said, I think my favorite thing about Blissdom is the community. Most of the time I'm writing to you from the comfort of my couch while I'm wearing my jammies and my pink Muppet slippers. What? You think I'm kidding? Check it out....

Totally not kidding.

So the thing that's comforting about Blissdom is that I get to spend time with a thousand other people who spend their time typing while wearing fuzzy slippers too. It's like going back to the mothership.

Even though I've been having a blast, I didn't forget about all of you. Because let's face it, I wouldn't be here without you, right? So,  I put together a giveaway out of the goodies I collected from the expo floor from the past couple of days.

Now, it's really late at night, and I'm completely spent, so the photo above is just a taste of what's in the prize package. Free product coupons for various products, free Glade goodies, the coolest cereal bowl ever.....

No, really, look at this thing! It's made out of this sturdy type of foam and looks like splashing milk. I got two for my kids and they are going to think I'm a rock star. And yes, my kids are easily impressed. As am I.

And you know you need these cow jammie pants courtesy of the Got Milk folks.

I collected a bunch of other goodies too, but you'll just have to be surprised. I'm too tired to take any more pictures, so you are going to have to trust me on this one. It's a nice prize package!

I was also supposed to get a pair of these Dr. Scholl's sneakers in a size 10, but they ran out. Apparently size 10 shoes are popular. And here I was thinking that only myself and men wore size 10 shoes. Who knew?

At any rate, I grabbed a size 8 because I figured at least one of you could wear them. So into the prize drawing they go!

Here's what you need to do to enter....

Leave your first name, last initial and the state you are from for the prize package pictured on my hotel bed. If you'd like to enter for the size 8 shoes, leave a separate comment with your first name, last initial, and the state you are from and let me know that you are entering for the shoes. Clear as mud? Great!

Entries must be received by Friday, March 2nd, 11:59pm ET. Good luck!