WOW What a weekend! Simply amazing! A.) I was in NY. B.) I was surrounded by the most amazing women ever and C.) I received some very happy, hopeful news but more on that in a bit… promise! :)
Sorry I didn’t post during the conference. I was hoping to get at least an inspiring quote published but it just didn’t happen. I was soaking up every possible moment that I could. Friday started with the BlogHer 5K and had a blast running and chatting with TrainerMomma. After a wonderful time networking and attending sessions at the conference I ended my day at a cocktail party with some amazing food bloggers, including the unbelievable Ree and Jaden. Yea… I felt a wee bit out of my league but it was an awesome time. Afterwards Sahar (from FatFighter.TV) and I walked around the city soaking in the amazing New York energy.
Saturday was more of the same awesome-ness (have I used that word enough?) with a bit more pressure mixed in. It was my day to present. The topic? Fitness Blogging – Motivate Yourself and Your Readers which is something I’m not only passionate about but have been doing for 5 years now. I was confident but nervous. Who isn’t when they are about to moderate a panel in front of a room full of people?
I’m happy to say it went well. The audience seemed interested, there were lots of great questions and I don’t think many people walked out. Always a good sign. :) If you are interested in the discussion we had click here to check out the transcript on the BlogHer web site.
After the presentation I chatted with a few folks and had a really great conversation with Lorrie. This is the second BlogHer were we’ve been able to hang out. She is totally… yup you guessed it… awesome!
By 4 o’clock I was done. FINISHED. Wiped out. I ended up skipping the end of the conference and chilling in my room for a bit. Then my friend Jen and I (in the picture above with me) decided to hit the town.
We really wanted to see a show so we walked to Times Square. There’s Jen checking out the tkts board. See her? Waaaaaaay over there? ;)
We decided on The Adam’s Family and purchased tickets from a "broker". At least that’s what he called himself. Regardless, he was an absolute trip!
I did wear a cute dress for our night out and I have to admit they are getting more and more comfortable. And I don’t mean physically, I mean mentally. I’m trying to break out of my typical jeans and t-shirt look. I think it’s about time.
Since we were all dressed up, had tickets to the show and an hour to spare, we went out for sushi at Blue Fin. A-mazing!
On the walk to the theater we jokingly oogled some cheesecake.
Then it was time for the show.
Afterwards we met up with Lorrie again and hung out at a bar for a few hours sipping sangria and chatting.
We then strolled back to the Hilton and hit the CheezburgHER party for a bit. We were both hungry and enjoyed our midnight snack guilt free.
It was a late night but I still woke up bright and early for my training run. I met Kath, Jess, Caronae, Tina and Tara in the lobby and we hit the Central park loop for 6 miles. Here’s a picture Jess, Tina and I on a water break thanks to Kath.
I didn’t get a chart from the Nike+ (long story) but I took this sweaty picture as "proof." :)
*sigh* OK.. on to this "Blissfully Beaming" part. A few minutes after that picture was taken I took a pregnancy test on a whim. I was a few days late, not really worried about it but curious. I have been back and forth on this baby thing over and over in my head but I just couldn’t shake the nagging little voice that’s been telling me it’s the right time.
You may or may not know of my miscarriage earlier this year but that was more devastating to me then I really wanted to admit. Every pregnant women I’ve seen has almost brought me to tears. Every baby, a sad smile.
I’m happy to say the test was positive. HOWEVER, I am not getting my hopes up and I’m trying really hard not to think about it. Almost impossible, I know.. but doable. Last time I was so worked up and I tried so hard to keep it a secret it stressed me out. You may think I’m crazy for announcing this on the blog so early but whatever happens, I’m going to spill my guts anyway so I decided to do it sooner rather then later.
Wow I think I’m speechless now. What do you possible talk about after you tell everyone you’ve had a positive pregnancy test but you don’t really want to talk about it just quite yet?
I know! how about the fact that after this crazy, amazing, EXAHAUSTING weekend I am in no way ready to start the work week. Oh! and it’s not just any work week but my LAST work week. That’s right… 5 little days are all that’s between me and complete professional freedom.
WOW
I can hardly believe it myself. Actually, I can hardly believe anything I wrote in this post.
Today I am full of peace, gratitude and happiness.
121 Responses to Back From BlogHer Blissfully Beaming :)
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BlogToLose
What's Cooking in my kitchen?
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I've never had a tuna melt. Is that weird? I guess that's what happens when you grow up not liking mayonnaise. I never ate tuna salad or egg salad or chicken salad. Honestly, they always kind of grossed me out. Then I realized.. hey.. why does tuna salad have [...] -
I have no idea where this idea came from. I was hungry. It was lunch. I had Brussels Sprouts. That was all the catalyst I needed.:) I decided to use a slice of real bacon to add flavor and little fat that would help sauté the sprouts. I'm trying [...] -
WOW was this good. I mean seriously good. It's not vegetarian so don't start throwing stones. I'm calling it a Garden Vegetable Burger because I use the new Laughing Cow Smooth Sensations Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread. It was this recipe on Allrecipes.com that inspired [...] -
I drink water 99.9% of the time but every so often it just doesn't cut it. I want something else. Something more. Something slightly sweet. Today was one of those days. I decided to make a refreshing drink based on the famous Arnold Palmer, half lemonade and half iced [...] -
The other day I made a whole chicken on the grill in pieces. It was delicious! Just a little BBQ sauce and an open flame is all I need to make The Husband happy in the dinner department. I also picked up a few ears of corn from the grocery store. They aren't in season [...] -
Let me explain so you don't think I'm making a chili recipe and just put it on pizza. I'm calling this vegetarian Chili Pizza because chili is what inspired flavors. I think I told you. Little Bean is really into, well, BEANS! We go through a can about every 2 days. Yesterday [...] -
I've confessed my inability to follow recipes here on GreenLiteBites many, many times. I don't know why it's so hard for me. I can barely follow some of my own and I wrote the darn things! I think most of my problem stems from not having all the ingredients listed and, [...] -
Leftover brown rice and leftover sauce meet in this quick lunch idea inspired by my favorite food of all time: Pizza. I swear I can turn anything into a pizza concoction. Have you seen all my pizza ideas? I've used everything from pumpkin to zucchini, polenta to wontons. Nothing is off [...] -
This isn't a recipe just an idea I had to share. I can't believe how good it was! I've never had grilled pineapple. Can you believe it? I just never really had the desire to grill it before. When you love something raw sometimes it doesn't occur to you to cook it. [...] -
I whipped this up for lunch on a whim today because, well, I have a baby who's obsessed with three things… Cheese, Beans, and Avocado. No, really. Look... It's my go to meal for him so I find myself with beans and avocado readily available. [...] -
You know that tradition 7 Layer Mexican Dip? The one with the cream cheese, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, green onion and olives? Yea. That's the one. Well I had a craving for it the other day. Well, not exactly for it as I can never make anything the way it's suppose [...] -
If you go through the archives of GreenLiteBites I have about 5 total beef recipes. Five. Compare that to the 80+ I have tagged with chicken/turkey there's a clear winner in the meat department on my blog and in my home. I don't have a beef with beef (omg The Husband [...] -
I'm a kitchen sink smoothie maker. Whatever I have on hand goes in the blender and viola! A quick breakfast or a healthy snack. Last year I posted an "Elastic Approach" to how I make smoothies but I still like to share specific combinations that worked really well. This was one [...] -
The other night it was just the kids and I home for dinner and I decided to make what I wanted to make no holds barred. Without The Husband home it's much easier for some reason. Hmmm wonder why? Ok, not here to husband bash.. really.. I'm not! I'm here [...] -
*sigh* I was really hoping to share an awesome turkey burger idea. I had grand plans for my leftover ground turkey. The results was alright but they could have been so much better. I added diced pineapple, red pepper, green pepper, oats and soy sauce to the meat and formed 2 patties. In hindsight I [...] -
I made this on a total whim yesterday having no idea if it would work. To my surprise it did AND the husband actually said he liked it... UNSOLICITED! Here's the story. I had only 4 tilapia fillets defrosted for dinner. I knew it wasn't going to be enough for us [...] -
This is a slight reboot of a recipe I posted last year simply called Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili. Staying true to my use-what-I-have-on-hand roots I, well, used what I had on hand and made a similar dish with a spicy twist. Topping the result with avocado added a cool creaminess that [...] -
Did you hear? The Laughing Cow recently launched Smooth Sensations a line of 5 cream cheese spreads. There's Classic Cream, Classic Cream Light, Strawberries & Cream, Garden Vegetable and my favorite… Cinnamon. It's a sweet wedge of creamy goodness! Today I decided to use my new favorite flavor [...] -
Confession time, I recorded a 30 minute video making this with both kids (partally) 2 nights ago. I miss videos. I really do but they seem so much more difficult with 2 children. I'm also having technical difficulties with my video recording and audio syncing making it VERY time consuming to edit. [...] -
A couple of years ago I shared a modified version of Sloppy Joe's I made for a party. Everyone loved it but I've been wanting to try to make something similar for the family on a smaller scale and without the pre-made canned Manwich sauce. I don't particularly have any issues [...] -
Yesterday I was dreaming about a salad. Not just any salad, but a chickpea filled, cucumber, and red onion salad with a fun, tangy dressing. Unfortunately, I had no cucumber or red onion. Well, that's a lie. I had a half of cucumber but it was a mushy mess and [...] -
Dinner meals are getting harder and harder for me to share lately. I've gone back to just whipping things up without really measuring anything (this meal was going to be one of those until I realized I still had enough light to take some photos.) I've also instituted a few brainless meal nights [...] -
Three years ago I posted a video called "Makin' Hard Boiled Eggs" where I shared my system for, well... making hard boiled eggs. Genius name, I know. I'm smart like that. Anyway, since then I've gotten tons of feedback and comments thanking me but all the information is locked in a long winded 10 minute [...] -
Yup. You read that correctly. BEET as in those red vegetables that stain your fingers pink. Honestly, I have no idea what possessed me to make this. I don't particularly like beets. I mean I like them, but I don't looove them. Two summers ago I made them for [...] -
Yesterday I decided to rediscover simple foods. Part of my cooking slump has to do with over thinking. So I did what I used to do, simply react to what I have on hand. This is what I came up with... Starting from top left around.., [...]
About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
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Congrats Roni!!!! Such great news all around :)
Oh Roni, what wonderful news! And it sounds like BlogHer had a beautiful ending! :) I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
I’ve been lurking as I am on my journey to loose 72 lbs. I had a m/c too between my 2 kids – wishing you the best in the next 9 months.
Roni – I had a miscarriage (10 years ago next month) at 13 weeks. I went on to have two wonderful girls that are now 9 and 5 1/2 that are the light of my life, but I still remember how scared I was to feel excited about the pregnancies. I will never forget that baby, that my husband and I nicknamed ANGEL. We have even talked to the girls about Angel after a family friend miscarried and they wondered where the baby went to. The girls love the fact that their ANGEL is in heaven playing with our two dogs and my husbands best friend (that they adored) that died. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Congrats, congrats, congrats, congrats!!!
I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. :)
Hi Roni!!
I’m so happy for you and your family. I just read about your miscarriage. I’m not sure how I missed that post. I’m sorry you had to go through that heartbreak. I unfortunately know too well the pain as I lost my first pregnancy early on.
Here’s to you and your family! Only good thoughts and love because you deserve it!! xoxoxo
Congrats on your news… that’s wonderful! I’m all teary here, you didn’t say much earlier this year, but you could tell it had a deep impact. Praying for a healthy, happy pregnancy for you!
Congrats! I am so incredibly happy for you and your family. What a wonderful way to end your BlogHer weekend :)
Congratulations! And I pray for a happy and healthy pregnancy for you!
Congrats on the big news! I think it is good that you shared it here — because as I mentioned in your session the other day, even sharing the tough stuff (if God forbid something “should happen”), can help your readers relate and help them through tough times as well…
I loved meeting you on Saturday!
~jessica
Congratulations Roni. This week is the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Totally here to support you.
PS: Just so you know, you are my favoritest blogger ever!!
Congratulation’s! I will keep you in my prayers. I know from experience its hard to be happy when you are so nervous, but keep happy thoughts in your heart and mind.
Thank you for being so open and CONGRATS! I’ll keep you in my prayers as well…so exciting!
Congradulations!
Mazel Tov! Keeping you and the jelly bean in my thoughts and prayers that all will be wonderful!
Wow, such a wonderful post. Congrats!
I love reading your blogs. I just started hitting the gym recently after taking 3 and a half years off after giving birth. Your stories motivate me and I love your vegetarian recipes.
Best of luck and keep smiling. Congratulations.
Roni, you’re amazing! you were the first food blog I followed back when you had Weight Watchen : ) you’re very motivating, I love how you put it all out there, congratulations and you’re def. in my thoughts!!
WOW! What a great trip to NYC! That would have been funny if I ran into you in Times Square this weekend and didn’t even know it! I posted pics of my own NYC adventures on my blog today!
I am praying hard for you that your test is a real, true, honest-to-goodness POSITIVE and that all goes well and healthy for you. Yes, praying hard.
Roni- Not sure how I missed that post back in April.
You are not alone! My very first pregnancy was ectopic. Thankfully we caught it early enough that no damage was done.
I just knew that something was wrong. It was hard enough to go through that – I can’t imagine losing a baby later in a pregnancy!
But when I got pregnant with my son I just knew that everything would be fine.
If you are feeling great than I’m sure it will all work out well – We are all SO excited for you and can’t wait to follow you on your journey!
(hugs)
Congratulations Roni! You are certainly on an adventure right now with so many new exciting things happening in your life. Take it all in and enjoy it!
I am so glad that you had an amazing weekend in NY. You look fab in the dress Roni.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that this pregnancy will work out just fine. My sister also had a misscarriage around the same time (give or take a few months) as you and has informed me that she is pregnant and feeling amazing (and all is going well).
Positive thoughts to you and your family.
Roni, I will keep your family in my prayers. You deserve the best, you are such a great mom!!
I wish I could tell you how much hope you have given me today.
When we had our miscarriage in June, I kept telling myself, “Roni survived this.” although I know people in my life who have had miscarriages, I somehow focused on you as the person who continued to live her life in a meaningful and honest way.
And now this amazing news? I am thrilled for you. Thrilled. And maybe even thinking about allowing myself to consider the possibility that I may find myself holding two pink lines again.
I celebrate with you. And send as many healthy mama and baby vibes as possible. (As does Mrs Potato Head.)
Congrats Roni! I’m so happy for you! I’m dying to hear how you told your husband…by phone or did you wait till in person to tell him the good news?
A text with a picture of the positive pregnancy test. How else? ;)
His response…. “That looks like 2 negative signs. You must be doubly not pregnant.”
LMAO
that’s great news, i was just thinking the other day that your son would be a great big brother,after watching the last video you made!!!
Congratulations! Wishing you and the baby a safe and healthy pregnancy!
Congratulations! What an uplifting post!
CONGRATS!!! I’m so happy for you =)
Yay! I’m so happy for you Roni!!!!! :) Can’t wait to hear all about your pregnancy – all in good time of course… Wishing you the best most comfortable and healthiest of pregnancies :) I am 6 weeks away from giving birth myself, so I’ll be very interested to read all about your experience :)
CONGRATS! :)
Since you don’t want to talk about it… I’ll very quietly say CONGRATS! That is awesome! But shhh….
BlogHer sounds like a blast, you inspire me every day, woman!
~Lisa
~http://www.acceptyourchallenge.com
Congrats Roni – I will keep thinking positive thoughts for you!
Wahoo!!!! Congrats….on everything.
Congrats!!! Both on the baby, AND on the last week of work! Sounds like perfect timing to me!
Congratulations!!! It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. I realize I don’t *really* know you in person, but I follow your blogs because there’s just something so relatable about your outlook on life and where you are right now in it.
Your little guy will make a great big brother and assist you much like my 5 year old does me with the 1 year old baby (I think it’s about the same age gap, maybe?) I find the age difference to be really helpful as they want to teach the younger one and also don’t have as many feelings of jealousy throughout the experience.
Congratulations indeed! I will hold your family in my prayers that this one is a strong and healthy pregnancy. I believe with all my heart it will be though.
Sounds like a fun trip! Congrats and best wishes with your pregnancy!
Congrats!! Wonderful wonderful news, and blogher looked fun too!
Congrats! What wonderfule news. Here’s to a happy and healthy 9 months!
Congrats, Roni! And I am so glad we got to hang out so much. :)
Hi Roni! Long time reader, very occasional poster. I am thrilled for you! I know how devastating a loss can be myself. My first pregnancy was an ectopic that resulted in a tubal rupture. The pain ran deep. We have our 2 beloved daughters (5 and 7) now, so it all worked out. I hope hope hope the same to you. Will be looking forward to your updates :-)
you’re so great .im so glad that you have these blogs.you have helped and continue to help so many people,including me.
im keeping my fingers and toes crossed and wish you the best.
fingers crossed about he baby! i am the same way–have done in vitro several times (worked once, miscarriage several other times) and each time my husband makes me promise not to tell anyone early on and EACH time I announced the BFP the day I took the test!!!! it is just so exciting–i totally understand!!!! :)
Next time you’re in NY I’d love to join you for a run/walk! I am so sorry you have been going through a tough time, but you are a strong woman.
Best,
Amanda – aplusplan.com
Roni – having had two miscarriages myself, when i found out I was pregnant for the 3rd time I decided I needed the support of every one around me so I told everyone, and I realized it was in God’s hands and whatever happened, happened, and guess what? My baby just turned 9 at the end of May. So congratulations, I am so happy for you…cherish this time!
Like so many others on here, I can relate personally to having a miscarriage. I made the mistake of keeping it a secret for a long time. I have since learned that the support of family and friends was what I needed all along. You are smart to share, because so many people on here want to be a part of your support network! Congratulations!
I am overjoyed for you!! I heart babies <3
I’m so happy for you, Roni! Congratulations!!!
So thrilled for you!
Congratulations Roni! I’ll keep you in my thoughts and send out the positive vibes!