Monday, July 13, 2015

Viva Las Vegas!

Home sweet home! My husband and I are back in Texas after being in Vegas for four days. Fun fact: We had never flown anywhere together! We took our honeymoon about two months after getting married and we drove! That's the only vacation we've ever taken just the two of us, until VEGAS. Y'all it was so fun!

I'm linking up with Elementary Entourage to tell you about my trip!
We had to be at the airport at 4:50am our time, OUCH! But check out this view!

Wednesday my husband and I landed and went to our hotel. We stayed at Mandalay Bay because we knew we wanted to enjoy a day at their "beach." We were able to check in at 9 am (bless them!) and relax a little before hitting the wave pool! We had a great dinner at The Border Grill. It was amazing, and this was our view:
For those of you thinking about going to Vegas next year, but worried about spending too much while there, check out travel zoo! Our dinner was 50% off because I bought a deal before we left! 

Wednesday night was the TpT hosted meet up. I believe in full transparency, I don't ever want my blog to misrepresent myself. So, to put it simply for now, I will say that 900+ people in one room, none of whom I've spoken to in actual face to face real life, not my thing! So after really stressing out for about 15 minutes, I left and went to gamble with my husband. I won $20! Then off we went to see Mystere, a Cirque Du Soleil show. 
The next day was a half day of conference sessions. I grabbed lunch with my husband and then it was off to the conference! 
(This place was so cute, and the Mac and Cheese was fantastic!) 

It was probably my favorite day because I got to sit in a class taught by Rachelle Smith (I adore her, and she inspired my husband and I to do Whole30!), Hope King (I've followed her since I was a junior in college and she was the first person I bought something from on TpT!) and Michelle Oakes (so sweet)! They covered how amazing powerpoint is and how much it can help your products. While I'm really comfortable with powerpoint, I learned a few new things and got to learn from three of my role models! What could be better?! 

Then on to a beginner seller panel with Cara Carrol. She, along with all the panel members, were so sweet, encouraging and full of great advice! 
I took the most awkward selfie with her, but obviously I love it anyway! I strive to engage my students the way she does. 
Then it was on to a marketing panel that was so overwhelming I didn't even think to take a single picture. Basically I learned that I should change how I do almost everything! HA! ;) So maybe it wasn't that bad, but it was a ton of information in a short amount of time. 

That night my husband and I went to see the Blue Man Group. It was so fun! We were front and center which meant that we had to wear ponchos. We didn't have any plans after the show, thank goodness because I left covered in banana goop and paint. (We got our tickets from travel zoo as well! It was a great deal!) 
Friday was a full day of learning! I got to meet Deanna Jump and Deedee Wills. It was so fun to be at their session. Their passion is so evident! 
Then Jennifer White from First Grade Blue Skies did a session on how to do it all. Spoiler alert (and what we all already know) you can't! But she had so great suggestions for time management and some very inspiring words. Her handouts would be helpful even for those who didn't attend her session! So find her on TpT and download those if you need some time management ideas, and don't we all?! :) 

My last conference session was with Lovin' Lit, Erin Cobb. Erin started her session by saying that she's a true introvert and that she had spent a lot of time building up to speaking in front of so many people. I instantly relaxed, a seller after my own heart. Her presentation was funny and inspiring. Sometimes I feel really strange saying I run a small business, but I shouldn't! She really got me thinking about my attitude regarding TpT and the differences between a hobby and a business. She also gave out a "Teacherpreneur Toolkit" to ever. single. person. Isn't that amazing?! I was so impressed by her generosity. 

The sessions I took were wonderful! They were worth it, and if you didn't go, you should! 

Saturday my husband and I explored! We did some touristy things and enjoyed some frozen hot chocolate! We were so ready to get back to Texas by Saturday afternoon, can you tell by my attire?! 

Did you go to Vegas? If not, are you planning on going next year?! 


4 comments:

  1. The conference was awesome!! 900 + people in one room was definitely a bit overwhelming. I really enjoyed the conference also. I hope to get the chance to meet you next year!
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something To Treasure

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  2. It looks like we had some sessions together, too bad we didn't get to meet in person! I'm glad you had a great time!
    Teaching, Love, Cupcakes

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  3. I did not attend this year, but my goal is to be there next year. I'm with you, a room full of strangers is NOT my thing. I'm getting anxious just thinking about it...so out of my comfort zone. But, I am determined to give it a try next year. Thanks for the tip about travel zoo. I've never heard of it and I am going to go check it out!
    The Blessed Teacher

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  4. You have some great photos...especially of the food!

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