As a mom of two adorable and precious little boys I do not get the opportunity to travel very often. However, I want to improve my blogging skills and grow my blog so I plan to attend a few blogging conferences every year. I’ve been wanting to attend a blog conference called the Build Your Blog Conference (BYBC) for some time now, and this February was the first time I was able to fit #BYBC2016 into our family’s schedule. Luckily for me, my husband was able to stay at home with our two boys so I could attend.
How I WON $500
While I was at the Build Your Blog Conference, in a totally unexpected turn of events, I won a $500 gift card to shop at the City Creek Center – an indoor/outdoor shopping mall in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s just a few blocks away from where the Build Your Blog Conference is held at the Little America Hotel.
I can honestly say $500 is the biggest prize I’ve ever won!
My new blogging friend, Emily and I were sitting next two each other at dinner on Saturday evening when they called my name announcing that I’d won the $500 prize. I was stunned and incredibly excited but learned quickly that the gift card would only be redeemable at the local shopping center. The award was presented to me around 6:30 PM and the stores closed at 9:00 PM. Emily offered to help me navigate Salt Lake City, and together we made it our mission to spend the $500 in prize money before the stores closed; and make it possible for me to take home my gifts before my flight left the next morning.
Kia Sorento – My #1 Choice for Driving in Slush and Snow
Emily and I hopped into my Kia Sorento, a beautiful SUV on loan to me as part of my blogging travels. If you’ve never seen this vehicle you’ve got to check it out. It has All Wheel Drive and it handled beautifully in the slushy snow that stuck to the roadways while we navigated our way from the gorgeous Little America Hotel to the City Creek Center.
In addition to snow and slush, Main Street was under construction, so we found ourselves having to make quick lane changes and sharp turns to avoid construction signs. I never once had to worry about handing the KIA, it responded to the slightest touch with such absolute certainty that it was if the vehicle was reading my mind. A blessing when you’re trying to navigate through road construction on a busy city street through slushy snow! #DriveKIA
Thanks to a drop in Salt Lake City temperatures I was also very thankful for the seat warmers in the KIA as well at the navigation system and blue tooth technology. You can program the KIA dashboard to accept your cell phone signal – making it possible to chat on the phone through the KIA dashboard. Plus, you can control the volume, cruise control and other features straight from the steering wheel. I wish my van back home had all these features and options, and we could really use the four wheel drive.
Another feature I absolutely loved about the KIA Sorrento was the rear camera view and guidelines that appeared in the dashboard screen while in reverse. It made parking in the packed parking garage at the City Creek Center a breeze.
Surrounded by Beauty at the City Creek Center
When Emily and I arrived at the City Creek Center I was amazed by the roof line, twinkling lights, water fountain playground, and all the options for shopping and dining.
The City Creek Center is absolutely gorgeous and if you’re ever in Salt Lake City, I highly recommend you spend some time touring the beautiful walkways, bubbling creek on the lower level, the eateries, and the shopping. Everyone we met was very helpful and I was able to spend my new prize winnings at Gymboree, Ann Taylor, and Macy’s before the stores closed at 9:00 PM.
I found some adorable spring-inspired outfits for the boys, three new dresses for myself and two new short-sleeved shirts for my husband. Our entire family will have new outfits to wear this Easter thanks to the Build Your Blog Conference, The City Creek Center, The Housewives of Riverton (who pulled together the prizes for the giveaway), KIA, and my new blogging friend, Emily.
Newfound Blogging Friendships
The trip was beyond worth it. I’m so excited to share my blogging goals and dreams with my newfound friends through the Build Your Blog Conference 2016. These photos are from some of the networking events at the conference. From top left to lower right: The Housewives of Riverton, Bonnie Andrews from Hobby to Hot, the beautiful sisters Kendra and Lauren from Six Sister’s Stuff, my blogging friends from the Kid Blogger Network, the blogging ambassadors from BYBC #2016, and the cute salesgirl who helped me pick out Easter outfits for my boys at Gymboree.
A Thank You Video
Here’s a short little video Emily took of me on the down escalator at Macy’s. I could barely contain my excitement as we wrapped up our shopping trip to head back to the Little America Hotel to find our friends with the Build Your Blog Conference and the Blogger Network.
What are your favorite travel destinations?
Where do you like to go when you travel? Do you rent a vehicle while traveling? If so, I highly recommend checking out the KIA Sorrento. What travel tips can you share with HappyandBlessedHome.com readers? Please share by leaving a comment below. I love hearing from my readers!
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