I had no idea what to expect at my first BlogHer. I knew there would be bloggers, I knew there would be parties. What I didn’t know was how awesomely invigorating the experience would be. Think summer camp meets night club night meets book club, meets slumber party meets festival.

I fly into New York using Porter—holy shit, it rocks. I can’t get enough biscotti, cappuccino, or cookies or juice. Hello lounge. Love it. Real glasses to drink my wine from cinches the deal for me—I officially love Porter.

I love New York more. Last time I was here plaid shirts and Doc Martens were all the rage. It’s been over a decade. Seriously. Now I’m here for three days sans babies and hubby. I’m ready for adventure.

I arrive and line up to buy a ticket for ground transportation – a shuttle from Newark airport to the city. Four other blogHers are in front of me and some awesomely sketchy dude who calls himself Cheney (I couldn’t make this stuff up) asks if instead of waiting for a shuttle bus we want a limo into the city for 10$! Score of the century.

He could easily be scamming us but my four new friends and I go for it. So the adventure begins. We get to the hotel via our rad 1980’s disco ball black limo only to discover he wants $18 for the ride. First New York lesson: Don’t take the black limo’s even if the driver’s name is Cheney.

That night I hit the first party of the weekend: The Canadian BlogHer Embassy. It’s a gathering of ultimate MILFS. I chat with Mrs. Erica Ehm and a bevvie of other bloggers and leave with a bag full of goodies. New Moon Cookies, Mabels Labels, A funky Natrel USB key and adorable Mini Mioche t-shirt are highlights of the goody bag. Little did I know this would only be the beginning of swagland.

The next day, I throw some clothes on and hit the ‘newbie’ breakfast to discover myself in a room with 1000 other ‘newbies.’ The size and scope of BlogHer is outrageous. Everything is big, the number of people, the sessions, the parties, the sponsors, it’s all out of control.

After breakfast I attempt to attend the sessions or workshops and quickly learn that the conference is not about sessions, it’s about networking, partying and anything BUT the sessions. Luckily I hook up with the who’s-who of Canadian personalities and bloggers and we end up also hitting the town. I see the meatpacking district and do champagne and arugula salad at Pastis. I discover Magnolia cupakes. I visit the High Line. I lose my oyster virginity. I visit the lower east side. I buy rice pudding at Rice to Riches. I fall in love. With New York, with a gaggle of women that I now consider extremely close to my heart. I feel like the ultimate MILF. I feel like the 16 year old head cheerleader I once was. We dine as a massive group. We laugh our asses off.

It’s exhilarating. I’ve met my tribe. Just a few of the powerhouses who I fell for include: Haley (http://cheatymonkey.com/), Corinne (http://www.havebabywilltravel.com/main/home.htm), Nadine (http://martinisformilk.com/), Rebecca (http://www.bunchfamily.ca/), Brandie (http://thestar.blogs.com/parentcentral/), Rebecca (http://playgroundconfidential.com/), Emma (http://herebewillers.com/), Maureen (http://weewelcome.com/weeapp/index?N=0&Ne=1), Cora (http://www.momcentralcanada.com/), Lianne (http://www.sproutright.com/index.php), Karen (http://kidsarealrightto.blogspot.com/), Joanne (http://twitter.com/joanneacri), Theresa (http://twitter.com/theresaalbert), Emma (http://embracethechaos.ca/), Kimberly (http://www.kimberlyseldon.com/), and Tracy (http://www.sleepdoula.com/).