I sit here struggling to write this post, as I want to accurately convey my feelings in a respectful manner.
As you know, I’ve been excited for the past few weeks about attending Creative Estates this past weekend. There have been a lot of long days and nights of Hubs working, tons of orders from my shop, and just life in general. I was already pretty fried and looking forward to a break when the news of getting our new house and having to get everything done in under 30 days came down the pipeline. I truly debated as to whether or not I could leave for 4 days with so much going on. But the trip was paid for, Hubs had scheduled the days off, and he insisted that I go and have a great time.
Ashley, Ashley, Me, Nicole…I will love these girls for.ev.er.
Ashley of 5ohWifey….seriously a rockstar!
Me, Nichelle, Lisa, Elise, Ashley, Elisabeth….most down to Earth adorable lovers. Couldn’t have asked for better roomies!
Me and Ilene being turds with our pillow haul
I’ll start with the positive, cause that is the way I would like to remember this weekend. I went to CE with my best friend, and came home with many more amazing girl friends who I’m simply counting down the days until we get to hang out again. There is nothing quite like being together with a big group of girls who “get you”. No having to explain what a blog is, why you are taking pictures of yourself with a tripod, or why you tote a giant camera around with you everywhere you go. These talented crafters, writers, and photographers are “my people”, and there is simply no pricetag that could be put on the friendships I came home with.
Sadly though, that is not where this story ends. For the last few days, I actually considered glossing over this issue and not saying anything. There are others who have, and I wasn’t sure my story was necessary. But the longer I thought about it, the more I realized that I would not be doing anyone a service by staying quiet and letting you all think that CE was nothing but an amazing weekend.
I would like to believe that the event was planned with the best of intentions. I would like to believe that there was no malicious intent, simply mistakes and oversight. I would like to give the benefit of the doubt.
When it comes down to it, there were serious flaws that lead me to not be able to stand behind this event. No drinks all weekend except alcohol and tap water. No fruit, vegetables, or protein. Not enough beds, air mattresses, pillows, or blankets. No toilet paper or hand soap.
These wouldn’t be fatal flaws if the event hadn’t been advertised as including lodging, food, drinks, and craft supplies.
My girl Ashley of 5 Oh Wifey wrote an excellent post about the event that goes into far more detail if you care to read, so I won’t re-hash what she has so perfectly stated.
I feel it is important for me to share with you how the event went, not to bash anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings, but because I’m saddened for the girls who spent far more than I did to be there. I’m hurt that my money was taken for an event that did not happen at all the way it was advertised. Most importantly, I’m scared that if I don’t say something, some of you will go to this event in the future and feel the same way.
Eating a Shave It the size of your head is very serious business in the life of a 2 year old. 
I hit more than a few holes in one! OH YEAH! 
