Party
Sometimes being open to change opens doors to opportunity.
When I was gearing up to attend BlogHer last summer, I had a series of expectations of that conference. Though, my expectations were far from met, I adjusted those expectations during the conference. And while I might not jump through hoops to attend another BlogHer conference, I did walk away from the conference with some lasting memories.
And then BlogHer surprised me. More specifically, months after the conference, I learned I won a giveaway from Johnson + Johnson. And then they surprised me again. Johnson + Johnson asked me to host a party.
The idea was two-fold. Invite a few girlfriends over. Ask them to donate money or goods to a local charity. And once they arrive, share some good eats, drinks and J+J products with them. Do good to yourself while you’re doing good to your community.
I liked J+J’s approach. So, I agreed to host said party.
This past Saturday, Indian Summer hit Chicago. The skies were blue. Temperatures were in the 70s. And a bunch of lovely ladies descended upon our home for an afternoon gathering. The charity I chose was Connections for Abused Women and their Children. I used to volunteer for their shelter and felt it would be relatively easy to collect donations for the cause. About half my friends brought actual donations. The other half generously donated money. I’ll let some of the photos tell the rest of the story:
Lotion display when friends signed in. 
A special thank you for an additional donation from J&J.
Friends Caroline, Jes, Erika & Chandra 
Bloggers Jessica, Cheryl & Kim
Friend Caroline & me (yes, I was there)
Did you do anything of note over your weekend?
November 9th, 2009 at 7:40 am
You are the best hostess, Nilsa. A few of the girls and I were commenting on this :) You inspire me!
I had so much fun. It was really good for me to get out and meet new people, and get some fresh ideas! Thank you!
And thanks to J+J! I’m so happy they offered this to you, and you picked such a great charity!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:51 am
What a great opportunity, it sounds like a fun time while benefiting others. Love it.
I spent Saturday and part of Sunday in Columbus with my best friend, a group of us went out and had a great time celebrating her little sisters 21st birthday. Lots of fun memories.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I really wish I could have made it! It looks like it was so much fun!
November 9th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I am so glad that J&J provided you a chance to make a bigger impact with your party on the lives of abused women and children.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:48 am
What a nice idea. Having the opportunity to help your community and gather with friends seems very cool.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Well, as you already know, the highlight of my weekend was going to the dump. Ha!
November 9th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Fun! Cute party and great photos, as always.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Sounds like a great idea and great party!
November 9th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Fun J&J party…I love seeing pics with other bloggers I read (kilax)!
I so love your decorating style…is the wreath up yet? (Ha ha).
November 9th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Oh cool! Looks like you were a perfect hostess =)
November 9th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I love the orange paint so much. Sorry, I know that’s not what this post is about but I can’t get over how gorgeous it is.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I cleaned out my closet, traded in my summer clothes for winter ones and cleaned my apartment. So definitely not an awesome weekend like yours!
Funny thing is I use J&J’s dream night cream for my hands at the office because they are usually very dry and I love it!
November 9th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
sounds like a lot of fun, and for such a great cause!
i enjoyed the weather this weekend too!
November 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
The products actually are good for shelters. I used to give my smelly lotion Christmas and birthday to a woman’s shelter. Then people realized I always smelled bad despite their cop-out girly gifts and started giving me gift certificates instead.
November 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Yoga and chores! ha!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
what a great party! and what lovely ladies :-)
we had a lovely indian summer weekend here, too – went hiking on sunday, played soccer sunday night, and had a nice quiet date night w/the man on sat night. perfect!
November 9th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
looks like so much fun. i: 1. studied for a test. 2. spent 4 hours watching a friend get a tattoo. 3. skated. 4. watched a play. 5. found out that i don’t like plays. 6. studied some more.
you had MUCH more fun!!!
November 9th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
This phenomenon amazes me. I’ve read numerous blogs that mention throwing parties on behalf of a company. Is the idea there to build product loyalty with the blog readers? I think it’s a fascinating tactic on the part of J&J and other companies – but as someone who works in marketing I want to know how this actually benefits them!
You look adorable in that picture, by the way. :)
November 9th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
What a fun day with amazing food and a wonderful setting. Thank you again for inviting me!
November 9th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
How fun! I’m still digging the orange walls, too!
It was a low-key weekend here in the D, with equally fabulous temperatures. If only they could stay permanently!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
what a great party! and the best part of it was that it was charity driven – you’re a good person nilsa, duh.
November 10th, 2009 at 2:35 am
I participated in a bachelorette party weekend of debauchery. Looks like we both had some fun!
November 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Looks like a great time! Love the outfit you’re wearing too =)
I do like J&J’s approach, too!