The Stepmom Event of the Year!
Many of you are probably familiar with BlogHer, the annual conference for women bloggers. I haven’t been, but I understand it’s a fabulous event—women from all over the country temporarily abandon their families to swarm a city (this year it’ll be San Francisco) and chat it up with thousands of kindred bloggers for a couple of days.
If you’re into big crowds and break-out sessions, this could definitely be your thing. If you get spooked by packed elevators and name tags, it might not appeal. So, how about something on a much smaller scale? And catered specifically to stepmoms? And less conference-y and more girlfriend getaway?
Think cocktails, great food, spa treatments and gal-pal gossip. A 48 hour slumber party, if you will.
Interested? Please read on.
Simplicity in the Suburbs and I have decided to team up and start a new tradition. A modern day shower* for the stepmother. The first ever (that I know about ) organized Stepmom Getaway in Austin, Texas – Summer 2008.
Some of you may remember my post last fall, where I suggested an indulgent event where stepladies from east, west, north and south get together to celebrate our second wife status. I suggested afternoon drinking in our wedding gowns, gorging on cheese and exchanging gifts that we can actually use, like new bras and prescription drugs.
A 48 hour slumber party, if you will.
Can you even imagine how fun this would be? I KNOW! But before we get too involved in the planning, it’s important we gauge the level of interest out there in having such an event.
So, please, if you are at all intrigued, take a look at the questions below and let us know how best to plan what could be one amazing and unprecedented weekend. A movement, a revolution, my dear ladies! Let La Belle Mere * Tour 2008 begin!
1) What would be your number one reason for attending this event?
2) How organized would you like this weekend to be? (minute-by-minute plans, loosely organized activities, super casual)
3) How much cash would you be willing to pony up for this event? We’d work to get a discounted block rate at a downtown hotel for attendees.
4) What would be the best month for you to attend? Early, mid or late summer 2008?
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
Cocktail Reception
Opening night speaker
Group dining experience
Morning coffee talk
Spa treatment
Makeup advice
Trunk show
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke)
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh)
What else?
6) Would you prefer an event that is stepmom restricted or open to friends and family (excluding husbands and kids) who are stepmom sympathizers?
7) How likely are you to attend this event?
Ladies, feel free to leave your comments on this site or over at the burbs.
*The Stepmom Shower: A modern day celebration where new and seasoned stepmoms gather together for an afternoon (or two) of girlfriend frivolity and adoration.
*Mais oui, that’s French for Stepmother, ma petite amie
Image courtesy of Onewed.com
Tags:austin, blog, blogger, blogher, convention, San Francisco, stepmom, stepmom shower
I’ve been to BlogHer and I thought it was great; I’m pretty sure I’d get just as much out of this event as I did BlogHer. That said…
1) To meet other stepmother who would help me feel like I’m not alone. No one has ever faltered from having too many friends.
2) Loosely organized would be nice; a few break outs (total workshop-speak) on when the ex is a pain in the butt versus when the ex is friendly; dealing with stepmotherhood and pregnancy; legal issues (you could probably get sponsors actually).
3) Total cost? probably around $1500-$2000 including air and hotels
4) If we’re talking Austin, any time in the spring or late fall would be divine.
5) All of the ones you mention; maybe a wine tasting?
6) My husband is dying to go to Austin just the two of us; I don’t know if the ex would be too thrilled if we mentioned we were going to a stepmom weekend.
7) If you build it, I’ll come.
by the way, I’d love to help in any way I can. I’m a digital editor by trade so if there’s anything I can help do that requires writing, digital marketing, etc. let me know!
Awesome Erin- would love your help. Will be in touch. Are you going to Blogher this year? I’m tempted since it’s in my hood.
Okay, here are my answers:
1. To meet some of the other stepmom bloggers face to face.
2. I would prefer something on the casual side, but wouldn’t mind a speaker or two.
3. I don’t know how much I can spend. Cost is definitely a factor and Austin is definitely not within driving distance of my home.
4. Anytime after the second week in June (when school gets out) would be best for me.
5. I’m good with whatever is organized.
Please let me know if I can help. I don’t know what it is I can do that you haven’t already covered, but I’m up for it!
I know it’s premature, but I’m getting excited already…just knowing that two of my favorite bloggers are up for it.
Spread the word to your blogger base. Let’s get as many women interested as possible. That’s the first step.
I plan to come!
1.) I’d like to meet other stepmom bloggers I’ve been getting to know online in person.
2.) Loosely organized would be good.
3.) Around the price of what BlogHer costs would be good — somewhere in the $500 - $650 range for basic activities and hotel (not including airfare). I’d rather spend less money and go with less fancy digs, myself.
4.) Not during BlogHer is the best time for me so far this summer. Other than that, I’m pretty flexible.
5.) I like the idea of cocktails and group dining experiences. That sounds really fun. I’m mostly interested in getting to know the other attendees, so I don’t really care about hearing a speaker. I wouldn’t be very interested in make up lessons or spa treatments or trunk shows. I WOULD be interested in a cowboy boot shopping trip, since we’ll be in Texas, and what better place to find good boots? Other than that though, I’m more interested in food-related getting to know each other experiences than in beauty-related ones. What about a hike or a walk or a visit to a local monument or nature preserve or a little Austin sight seeing?
6.) How about women only?
7.) I’m very likely to come, but money is a factor. If it ends up being in my price range and it’s not during BlogHer I’m almost 100 percent sure I can be there. I really want to come!
I promise not to propose a date that conflicts with BlogHer and just for Jill, I will add mechanical bull lessons as the top activity. Ok, maybe not.
The stars at night, are big and bright
*clap* *clap* *clap*
Deep In the Heart of Texas……
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
I do have one thing that I would really like to do—-I’ve never been to the Alamo, and I can’t get that close and not go!!!!
Man Izzy, plan something like this when there is no way for me to attend.. *pouts* Wish I could come, but I am stuck in Germany. I think you all should come here LOL..j/king
I think this sounds very exciting, and Austin is a place i’ve always wanted to visit…here are my answers to your questions….
1) To meet other stepmoms and fave bloggers
2) loosely organized/casual
3) I don’t know how much money, but less than 1K i would imagine.
4) mid/late summer
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
Cocktail Reception - definitely
Opening night speaker - from the organizers only
Group dining experience - fun
Morning coffee talk - yes
Spa treatment - maybe but not a must
Makeup advice - maybe but not a must
Trunk show - maybe but not a must
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke) yes, yes, yes.
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh) - duh
6) Would you prefer an event that is stepmom restricted or open to friends and family (excluding husbands and kids) who are stepmom sympathizers? stepmoms only
7) How likely are you to attend this event? if the time is right, very likely
We (fellow stepmom) are VERY excited about this idea!!! We are from the area so we would just drive down any weekend!
1) What would be your number one reason for attending this event?
To see that we don’t have it as bad as some others…LOL! To hear from some of the more experienced stepmothers for some great advice!
2) How organized would you like this weekend to be? (minute-by-minute plans, loosely organized activities, super casual)
Casual!!!
3) How much cash would you be willing to pony up for this event? We’d work to get a discounted block rate at a downtown hotel for attendees.
$200 we are locals!
4) What would be the best month for you to attend? Early, mid or late summer 2008?
Late summer!
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
Cocktail Reception
Opening night speaker
Group dining experience
Morning coffee talk
Spa treatment
Makeup advice
Trunk show
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke)
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh)
What else?
All of that sounds superb!
6) Would you prefer an event that is stepmom restricted or open to friends and family (excluding husbands and kids) who are stepmom sympathizers?
Stepmom restricted PLEASE!
7) How likely are you to attend this event?
LIKELY!
beingsteppedon,
If you are local, then why don’t I know you! I’m always on the prowl for local Austin stepmoms.
Be in touch.
So glad you are all into this!
[...] February 20, 2008 by zarlyng Hey- Have you all seen this? [...]
i definitely can’t make it this year, but i will be there for the second annual stepmom conference extravagannzzzzaaaaaa. keep us posted. i’m really excited for this.
wait, isn’t it like, HOT in texas in the summer? what about an extended weekend getaway in the snow? like snowboarding/skiing/sledding/spiked hot cocoa? i’m just suggesting…
1) meeting other stepmoms.
2) loosely organized activities.
3) no more than a grand?
4) name a date and i’ll be there. except not this year.
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
6) i love “stepmom sympathizers”!! definitely keep them on the list.
7) quite likely. next year.
Cocktail Reception–check
Opening night speaker
Group dining experience
Morning coffee talk–check
Spa treatment–check
One organized event –winery–check
Shower basket-O-gifts–check
Hi Izzy — I would love to attend something like this — great idea! — and I live in Austin, so I’m a guarantee for this and am also up for less structured stepmom get togethers too! So if you’re prowling for other Austin stepmoms to share cocktails and stories, talk to me!
As for answers:
1. Meeting other stepmoms, without a doubt. I have lots of friends who are moms, but none who are steps, and the experience is so unique and complicated. I wanna talk!
2. Loosely organized. A speaker (lunchtime speaker, perhaps?) would be good, but I’m looking more for connecting than anything else.
3. Not sure. Since I’m local, I’m imagining spending on meals, to chip in for space, etc. You might also see if local stepmoms would be willing to host visiting steps to help defray travel costs.
4. Late summer, though it’s true (as Yolanda said) that Austin is unbearably hot at that time. It’d be a shame to show off our fair city in its worst light.
5. Here are some Austin ideas — cocktail reception followed by two-stepping at the Broken Spoke. A day at The Crossings, where we could share meals, lounge by the pool, and those who are interested could splurge on spa treatments. I don’t need things like makeup or trunk shows and am more inclined toward casual mix and mingle events with some rabble rousing (the Spoke!) and pampering mixed in.
6. I’m most interested in stepmoms only, though if there are real “sympathizers,” that’s fine too. For example, I’ve got friends who aren’t stepparents, but grew up as stepchildren. Their perspectives have been really useful for me…
7. As long as I’m in town, I’ll be there.
Hooray!
I would love to attend but don’t know if it will be possible this year for several reasons. However, I will keep looking for updates to see if things get planned and if I will be able to attend. Oh, and I agree with beingsteppedon’s answers to your questions….yes, I’m being lazy today and not typing anymore than I have to…sorry!
Vee- great ideas re The Spoke (just down the road from me) and The Crossings.
Spread the word in Austin…
IR
If the dates don’t intefere with the kids coming this summer I’ve very interested in coming.
I will say this: Texas in the summer??? I hope all activities are indoors and air-conditioned. LOL!!
Answers:
1)To meet other stepmoms, especially those that we interact with in the blogging world.
2)Loosely Organized.
3)Opening Night Speaker, Group Dining Experience,
4)Organized event (Live Music)
5)A little gift basket would be nice.
6)Please include stepmom supporters. Then it might not matter what the dates are! :)
I’m looking forward to meeting all different kinds of people. Even those that I’ve butted heads with. Let by-gones be by-gones! :)
Seriously, the thought of heading down to Austin for this puts such a smile on my face. I’ve never been to Austin and I would just love to meet some of the fabulous ladies I read.
:-)
1) Reading what everyone has to say has been such a relief, and so moving for me. Hearing it all in person and just being able to say thanks would be reason enough. I’m also a native Texan.
2) Loosely organized.
3) $400-700
4) late summer 2008?
5) Cocktail Reception
Opening night speaker
Group dining experience
Morning coffee talk
Spa treatment
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke)
6) Would you prefer an event that is stepmom restricted or open to friends and family (excluding husbands and kids) who are stepmom sympathizers?
7) How likely are you to attend this event?
I think this is a GREAT idea! I would love to be involved.
1) What would be your number one reason for attending this event?
To meet other stepmoms that I can connect with. Sometimes, being a stepmom is just downright difficult, and it would be wonderful to meet the ladies all over the net that give and receive support on a daily basis.
2) How organized would you like this weekend to be? (minute-by-minute plans, loosely organized activities, super casual)
I would prefer loosely organized or minute-by-minute.
3) How much cash would you be willing to pony up for this event?
This one is tough. I’d have to think about it, and talk to my husband.
4) What would be the best month for you to attend? Early, mid or late summer 2008?
Beginning or middle of month is best of me.
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
Opening night speaker
Group dining experience
Morning coffee talk
Spa treatment
Makeup advice
Trunk show
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke)
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh)
All of the above!!!
6) Would you prefer an event that is stepmom restricted or open to friends and family (excluding husbands and kids) who are stepmom sympathizers?
Step mom restricted, please.
7) How likely are you to attend this event?
I would love to! My fears would be the finances, and being around women I don’t know.
Ladies,
I am thrilled by all this response. It’s official– Samara and I will start moving forward with planning this event pronto and adding a page to the SMM site that includes progress, details and how to sign up.
Coming soon.
Again, so happy to see so many of you interested and I am looking forward to meeting you all this summer!
IR
Izzy - What a great idea. I’d so be there! I’m watching for updates….
Are you freaking kidding me with this?!??! YES YES YES!! Let’s do it!!! Now to answer your questions…
1) To meet other like-minded souls and to connect. OH the joy of not feeling ALONE in this unusual role!
2) Loosely organized would be great.
3) Hmmm….yeah I’m not sure. As low-cost as possible would be great.
4) Well, I’m a wedding photographer, and Summer is my busiest time of the year, so for me, the best time would be late June/early July or maybe early August.
5) I would love EVERYTHING! :)
6) I would love an event that is open to other stepmom sympathizers. No children, though. A time to get away from the kids for a while would be crucial.
7) Incredibly likely, provided it happens during a time when I have no weddings!
Thanks so much for offering to set up an event like this! It sounds SO FUN!!!!!
Jenny
Grise Photography
Hey Izzy - I’m back… somehow, accessing your site was crashing my work PC, but now I’ve got 5 mins at home I needed to answer you. I’d love to come, but depending on the $$$ situation I may not be able to. But I’m already putting coins in a jar to see what I can come up with.
Ladies, I’ve been out of town and as soon as I return to Austin — I will update you with mucho details.
IR
1) What would be your number one reason for attending this event? - Learn from the wise women who have survived this strange road I am taking…
2) How organized would you like this weekend to be? loosely organized activities and a good dose of down time
3) How much cash would you be willing to pony up for this event? We’d work to get a discounted block rate at a downtown hotel for attendees. Enough to be in a good hotel, have some memorable meals, and throw in a spa treatment or two
4) What would be the best month for you to attend? Early, mid or late summer 2008? Not June, otherwise flexible
5) Which of the following would you like (or not like) included in your weekend getaway?
Cocktail Reception Yep
Opening night speaker Notreally
Group dining experience But of course!
Morning coffee talk Ditto!
Spa treatment Ditto!
Makeup advice Nah
Trunk show Nah
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke) Yep - winery tour or kareoke after a long dinner cold be fun…
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh) Not really…..
What else?
6) Prefer stepmom restricted
7) How likely are you to attend this event? Pretty darn likely if the dates work out.
1. I would like to meet other cool stepmoms who are smart and funny and understand how hard all of this is.
2. Kind of organized, with workshops or speakers who are experts in the field
3. Depends on what’s included, a few hundy?
4. Summer is pretty open, just not weekend of June 28th
5. Cocktail Reception Yes, please
Opening night speaker Yes, please
Group dining experience Yes, please
Morning coffee talk Yes!
Spa treatment Maybe
Makeup advice No, thank you
Trunk show Maybe
One organized event (live music, shopping trip, winery tour, karaoke) Maybe (winery tour sounds good)
Shower basket-O-gifts (duh) Yes, please
6. Prefer stepmom restricted
7. Depends on dates and cost, but am very interested!
[...] Jennifer: 1. I would like to meet other cool stepmoms who are smart and funny and understand… [...]
OMG….I just found this websit and LOVE it. I am a new stepmom and would also love to meet other stepmoms who can understand what I am going through.
To answer the questions…I would prefer it be restricted to stepmoms, wine tasting is always good and so is shopping for the the fun things. Breakout sessions and guest speakers are always helpful also.
Izzy –
I’m checking out United right now to use FFMiles to book. How many lovely ladies are signed up? I’m still figuring out logistics but I’m 90% sure I’ll be there.
Awesome! I will be posting an update about the gig so far later this week. Would LOVE to have you in Austin!
IR
[...] for La Belle Mere being in Austin, TX on August 8th will close in two weeks. La Belle Mere is a Weekend Getaway for [...]