First Trip Away & A New Blogging Gig

Mr. Crafty Nest stayed back with Logan for the 2 days I was away for a blogging thing in Ohio (I’ll tell you about that in a sec). He totally rocked the Mr. Mom thing but I think our toddler wore him out. He told me that he doesn’t know how I do it day in and day out. Umm, lots of coffee and wine? Seriously though, I just do it. Some days I don’t do it particularly well, but Logan seems to be turning out OK so I must be doing something right. It was nice to feel appreciated though, and by the second day of my trip I was dying to return home to my boys.

The reason why I left my boys to fend for themselves was to train for my new blogging gig with Chiquita. Yup, I’m talking about the company with the bananas (and avocados and pineapples too I learned). They are starting up a new online community for moms and they asked little ol’ me, along with 4 other mom bloggers, to be Charter Chiquita Moms. A pretty sweet new blogging gig right?!

Finally getting to wear my coat this winter, it’s practically shorts weather in AZ now.

The first leg of my trip was uneventful and I enjoyed the many perks of traveling sans-toddler. I only had to bring 1 carry on bag with me and I leisurely sipped my Starbucks as I worked on a blog post. No wrangling or juggling involved. But I still missed him. Boy did I miss him! I missed him so much I looked at photos of him all the way to Ohio. I’m such a first time mom.

There was a delay with the first flight so I had a brisk jog across the Charlotte airport to make my connecting flight. I was the last one on the plane but I made it and got a little workout in too. When I arrived in chilly Cincinnati, I spotted a driver holding a sign with my name on it and the Chiquita Mom logo. I totally played it cool and professional as I took out my phone and took a picture of it. The driver thought I was nuts I’m sure.

My grandma’s vintage clutch made an appearance at the party. Isn’t the decor fabulous?

Shortly after arriving at the hotel, I got purtied up (thanks to my August moms, Twitter and Instagram friends for the fashion advice) and headed to cocktail hour followed by a fabulous dinner. My kind of training! The cook incorporated Chiquita products into the menu for the night and it was AH-MAZING! Every single calorie was well worth it, especially for the Bananas Foster. Those Chiquita peeps know how to throw a party and completely spoiled us!

Angie & Tricia enjoying the yummy food.

The next day was filled with actual training. What they didn’t fly us across the country to eat dessert and sip champagne? After learning more about Chiquita, I’m proud to affiliate myself with a company that makes a difference. The highlights from my trip were meeting Chiquita’s CEO (who’s an avid tweeter), learning how to cut a pineapple, chatting with people who totally get my obession with pinterest and instagram, finally being able to wear my winter coat, getting a sneak peek at the new online community (can’t wait to show you!) and meeting these lovely mamas…

Katie, Me, Mr. Fernando Aguirre (Chiquita CEO), Angie, Natalie & Tricia 

I’d love for you all to join me over at the new Chiquita Moms community that launches in February. Here’s a Chiquita Moms VIP link, where you can sign up to be the first to know when the website goes live. I was on a conference call with the other moms last night and let me just tell you that this community is going to rock (and I’m not just saying that because Chiquita is paying me)! 

Disclosure: I am a Charter Chiquita Mom and Chiquita flew me out to Ohio, all expenses paid. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. PS- If anyone finds the cute apron I wore in the photo above please return to Vanessa (it was lost somewhere on the way to the airport).