"Hey Cheapo! What in the world does #MNO-09 mean?"
Well, it appears to not mean too much of anything...unless you are a mommy blogger (or a non-mommy) who deserves a much needed evening AWAY! To recognize National Mom's Nite Out, #MNO-09 is a hash tag that was formed in Twitter so we could stay connected to all of the Mom parties across the nation.
Being our first real "meet-up"and not really knowing what to expect, my good friend Michelle and I decided to drive together. We were talking about how exciting but strangely weird the whole situation felt. After some discussion, we realized it was going to either be a REALLY fun time or a REALLY bad time. I mean, think about it...you are walking into a room full of ladies of whom which you've never met though you FEEL like you've known forever, and they already know things about you though you've never personally told them anything. Understand?
Toni, Rhonda (from Mimi's Toes) & Michelle (from michellependergrass.com)
How did it all turn out you ask? It was AWESOME!!! How generous of Evelyn Bay to donate their beautiful meeting room to our group and what an extensive menu of pastries and drinks they have. I was almost overwhelmed at making a choice - until I heard the words: "Frozen. Hot. Chocolate. - from more than once person. I know, I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but teases your interest, right? Upon ordering, the barista asked if we wanted whipped cream on the top (um, did you really have to ask that?) I wish I had thought to take a picture of this scrumptious creation. All I can say is that if you ever see this item on a coffee house menu, you won't be disappointed in ordering it. Oh man...I think I want another now.
I was so impressed with the sponsors and giveaways that Stephanie lined up for us: spa packages, museum passes, gift cards, books, goodies bags, photography packages and more! It just wouldn't be in Cheapo fashion if I didn't show you all of the treasures I brought home from this event.
Another great surprise! Coldstone donated an ice cream birthday cake for Erin (from School Teacher by day, Superhero By Night), who's birthday was the day after the meet up. Stephanie also gave her a baby sling since she is expecting a little one on July 16th! Don't let her fool you - there are no flames on those candles. Believe it or not, not one person in the room had a lighter! That's a great thing...unless you are needing to light birthday candles.
In all, there were probably about 20 wonderful ladies that were able to come to this event. A total success...though in the future, intead of #MNO-10, I think we should have #MNO-6/1/09, #MNO - 7/1/09, #MNO-8/1/09...do you agree? *wink*
**Added to say - I did take a picture of most of the group but upon closer look, four people had their eyes closed and one had an expression that she wouldn't have wanted posted online. Don't worry ladies, I'm deleting that pic.**
Other posts about this night that you don't want to miss:
Well, it appears to not mean too much of anything...unless you are a mommy blogger (or a non-mommy) who deserves a much needed evening AWAY! To recognize National Mom's Nite Out, #MNO-09 is a hash tag that was formed in Twitter so we could stay connected to all of the Mom parties across the nation.
Here in Northwest Indiana, we had an AWESOME time! Our gracious hostess, Steph from Adventures in Babywearing, set up 2 events: a pre-event at Butterfly Kisses boutique and the main event at Evelyn Bay Coffee House. Of course, from reading her blog, I recognized Stephanie right away along with her lovely daughter, Ivy. As beautiful as they both are online, they are simply adorable in real life. Thanks Steph for all of your time and hard work in organizing this event!
Being our first real "meet-up"and not really knowing what to expect, my good friend Michelle and I decided to drive together. We were talking about how exciting but strangely weird the whole situation felt. After some discussion, we realized it was going to either be a REALLY fun time or a REALLY bad time. I mean, think about it...you are walking into a room full of ladies of whom which you've never met though you FEEL like you've known forever, and they already know things about you though you've never personally told them anything. Understand?
Toni, Rhonda (from Mimi's Toes) & Michelle (from michellependergrass.com)How did it all turn out you ask? It was AWESOME!!! How generous of Evelyn Bay to donate their beautiful meeting room to our group and what an extensive menu of pastries and drinks they have. I was almost overwhelmed at making a choice - until I heard the words: "Frozen. Hot. Chocolate. - from more than once person. I know, I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but teases your interest, right? Upon ordering, the barista asked if we wanted whipped cream on the top (um, did you really have to ask that?) I wish I had thought to take a picture of this scrumptious creation. All I can say is that if you ever see this item on a coffee house menu, you won't be disappointed in ordering it. Oh man...I think I want another now.
I was so impressed with the sponsors and giveaways that Stephanie lined up for us: spa packages, museum passes, gift cards, books, goodies bags, photography packages and more! It just wouldn't be in Cheapo fashion if I didn't show you all of the treasures I brought home from this event.
Another great surprise! Coldstone donated an ice cream birthday cake for Erin (from School Teacher by day, Superhero By Night), who's birthday was the day after the meet up. Stephanie also gave her a baby sling since she is expecting a little one on July 16th! Don't let her fool you - there are no flames on those candles. Believe it or not, not one person in the room had a lighter! That's a great thing...unless you are needing to light birthday candles.
In all, there were probably about 20 wonderful ladies that were able to come to this event. A total success...though in the future, intead of #MNO-10, I think we should have #MNO-6/1/09, #MNO - 7/1/09, #MNO-8/1/09...do you agree? *wink*
**Added to say - I did take a picture of most of the group but upon closer look, four people had their eyes closed and one had an expression that she wouldn't have wanted posted online. Don't worry ladies, I'm deleting that pic.**
Other posts about this night that you don't want to miss:
9 comments:
i totally feel akward taking pics and videos a meet-up events. I wish I didn't because the MNO would have been an awesome time to get some great pics (you sure did, love the one of steph and ivy!). Maybe next time i will break out of my shell and break out the camera too!
Nice meeting you!
Jen
Hey, I did a pretty good job of fake blowing out the candles there! It was really great to meet you, and I agree MNO should definitely occur more than once a year.
This is great! Nice meeting you at the event! And if I was one of the wierd face pics..thanks for the delete. I would do the same for you! lol
Kristy
Toni, this is such a great post!! When I tweeted that I loved the photos I meant the ones you took with my camera! I didn't realize you'd posted some, too! I am so glad you came, and I really hope we can schedule something more regularly now!! You and Michelle are awesome.
Steph
PS I will always remember you sharing my "winning" moment with me, too!
Steph
Toni, This is an awesome post about such a wonderful evening! Everything you said was perfecto! I felt like I knew you and Michelle forever. Have a Super Wonderful Mother's Day today!
Great post, and I agree, we need to do this more often! It was so great to meet you IRL!
I had such a good time! We're all so close we should have a quarterly coffee night!
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