The Healthy Living Summit has officially arrived!
Woo hoo!!!
What a Day! What a Day! What a Day!
To say planning a big event like this is stressful, is a complete understatement. There were a few minor fires that needed to be distinguished today that had everyone on edge. But, honestly seeing that sign and meeting over 200 bloggers and readers this evening made it all 100% worth it. It should be all smooth sailing from here, right? 
Let’s back track a little first.
A gang of us met for lunch earlier this afternoon for what we were hoping would be a quick bite to eat The plan was to head out of the hotel and find a cute local cafe to dine at. Unfortunately our quick bite to eat turned into an hour long scavenger hunt for a lunch spot.
After a few failed attempts at various restaurants, we were directed to the Berghoff Restaurant for a true Chicago food experience.
At first we weren’t sure this restaurant was ‘us’ It has a old, historic feel that seemed a little elderly for our taste. However, we were all starving and willing to eat anywhere.
The table started with bread.
I had a few bites of the crunch garlic flat bread thingy and a piece of rye bread.
Tina and I split the seasonable Octoberfest house beer.
It was the perfect treat on a hot summer day.
You’ll never guess what six out of our table of seven ordered.
Roasted Sweet Potato Panini? Why, I don’t mind if I do.
I loved the concept of the sandwich, but wish it had been served on other bread. I was also wondering where the fig confett was or the goat cheese? But, let it be known none of those things stopped me from finishing the whole thing.
I also did my fair damage on the chips. I love fresh chips, especially the soggy potato-y ones.
A hot day needs cold yogurt
small tart with chocolate chips, strawberries, and kiwi
The best part about dining with bloggers is that no one is afraid to share.
early check in at the summit began this afternoon at 3:00.
Kath, Tina, Heather, and I had so much finally putting some faces to the names we have been studying for the past couple of months. It also felt good to give all that swag away! I saw some tweets in the #HLS stream and happy to hear everyone has been enjoying their swag. 
Then it was time!
The Healthy Living Summit kicked off with the official OpenSky 2010 Healthy Living Summit Cocktail Party at LaSalle Power Co in downtown Chicago.
What a whirlwind of new people to meet and greet! I felt like a little stalking tweeter randomly walking up to people and saying ‘I know you!’
It was also great to reconnected with bloggers I haven’t seen in what feels like too long!
Like the reunited DC crew! ‘Run Bloggers Run’ :)
MELISSA!!! (Whom, I attacked when I saw on the stairwell!)
EVAN!
There were drinks (I had a dirty martini)
There was food
I had a little bit of everything (LOVED the Turkey burger sliders)
There was even a photobooth!!
I think it’s safe to say the party was a huge success!! Woo hoo!!!
Many Thanks to OpenSky for sponsoring the cocktail party!
Thanks to Sabrina for creating the wonderful party play list
And Thanks to Jenn for finding the location for us.
Like my shoes?
You can have them. After 3 hours in the heels I think my feet were ready to revolt. All I can say is OOUUCCCHHHHH.
It was a long day, so I called it an early night and returned to my room when the party ended (shoes in hands )
Chocolate was obvious missing from my life this evening. Good thing I had one of Val’s Chocolate Macaroons stashed in my bag for a midnight treat.
mmmmm… perfection.
Tomorrow is the big day of events. Eeekkkk!!!
And here we go…
GOOD NIGHT!!!
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry but I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH YOUR DRESS. Looks fantastic on you.
Oh wow, that looks like so much fun! It’s so weird how you feel like you know someone so personally through the blogging world when you don’t really. Wish I could’ve been there!
Everyone and everything looks SO fantastic! Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I dooo like your shoes! Fun day : )
So fun! Wish I could be there!
And if you’re a size 6 too, I’ll take those shoes right off your hands for you
Cute dress, cute shoes. I can tell you know you looked fabulous!!
hehe, I meant this dress was gorgeous… commented on the wrong post lol!
you look SO beautiful in that dress! though it’s really no surprise since you’ve always been gorgeous.
i’m completely in love with your dress! absolutely adorable!
Looks like it’s unanimous: you’re dress is fabulous!
Oh, I want to be there next year so badly! Looks amazing! Good job ladies!
So fabulous to finally meet you in person, Meghann! You looked gorgeous and I thought the party was spectacular. Thank you so much for the shout out. I truly look forward to the conference today and seeing the result of all of your hard work!!
OUCH on the shoes! Hope your feet are doing okay today.
Love all the pictures of everyone. And isn’t it crazy how well we can know each other through blogs and recognize someone…but they may not recognize us. No matter what though, everyone connects so well. Love the blogging community!
looks like it all went well! everyone looks so nice all dressed up!
Looks like soooo much fun! I gotta go next year!
I LOVE your dress – where did you get it from??
I just have to say that you look absolutely stunning in that dress!
Share with us what’s in that swag bags, I read all about how great they are, but nobody said what’s in them
Meghann, who is your dress by? It’s truly lovely…
Love the photos from the event. I’m catching up on all my blogs – how did you get involved? It’s awesome – wow!
Meghann, is Evan the only boy at this conference? It seems like it’s almost all women. Why?
Your dress = seriously cute and looked amazing! Wish I had a blog so I had an excuse to come!
CUTE dress!!
cute dress.. and the shoes look like they’d kill.. much better as sandals haha
It looks like that dress is about to fall off! It would look better with straps, I think.
LOL – I am NOT happy in that one photo!!