2011 Countdown to National Conference

[PCLaurel]

I might have mentioned this elsewhere in another conversation about Conference, but never ever eat a meal alone! Always find someone else to sit with - whether it's another single person or a group who happens to still have seats at their table. You'll meet someone new, get some great ideas, have fun, etc. And even if you're shy - just start things off by saying, "Is anyone sitting here?" - or - "Is this seat being saved?"

 

[debbieskitchenhelper]

I love this site,, everyone is so helpful. Thank you everyone for all your tips and ideas and friendship.

 

[raebates]

You'll find a lot of helpful people at NC. It amazes me how free people are with advice about how to succeed.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 14. There are 84 days until the start of National Conference.Are you getting excited? I am. I’ve printed off the agenda. I’ll be checking CC every couple of days for more tidbits of information. For the past few years they’ve given a few nuggets at a time.

 

[KCPChef]

Thank you so much Rae for all of the wonderful tips that you give us! Do you know who makes the conference binder? Will anyone be making that this year? I think that its wonderful!!!

 

[raebates]

I'm not sure who does that, but I imagine they'll share it soon.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 15. There are 83 days until the start of National Conference.Begin now making a list of the things you hope to learn at NC. If you’ve never been before, think about what you most want to know. What areas of your business would you most like to improve? Write down your questions. Read them over frequently. This will plant them in your brain, and you’ll be more likely to recognize an answer when you hear it. That’s one of the best things you can do to prepare your mind for NC. It will also help you to decide which workshops to choose.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 16. There are 82 days until the start of National Conference.You can ride the shuttle to McCormick no matter where you stay. Your name badge will act as your shuttle pass. Just remember not to wear your name badge while walking around Chicago, since it really pegs you as a tourist.

 

[pchockeymom]

Today is April 16. There are 82 days until the start of National Conference.

You can ride the shuttle to McCormick no matter where you stay. Your name badge will act as your shuttle pass. Just remember not to wear your name badge while walking around Chicago, since it really pegs you as a tourist.

Is this for safety reasons or "don't look like an idiot reasons?" I am curious about the safety of the area we will be staying. Big city vs. little woman, need to know how to handle myself.

 

[PCLaurel]

I've never been to conference so I can't speak to that particular area, but I have traveled by myself. I would say both your reasons are correct, but the biggie is safety. Anything that pegs you for a tourist will make you an easy target for things like pickpockets. Don't be scared off - just be smart, use common sense, and be aware of your surroundings. It also helps to walk around with a buddy if you can.

 

[chefa]

The first year I went to NC we were out walking around downtown Chicago near midnight and there were tons of people around & I felt perfectly safe. Just be aware of your surroundings & that's true of any place!

 

[raebates]

Yes, it's for both reasons. I can't say I've ever felt unsafe while at NC. Just remember that it's a large city. Anything that pegs you as a tourist also could peg you as an easy target. Plus, while the name badges are great for declaring your status and successes at NC, they aren't exactly a fashion accessory.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 17. there are 81 days until the start of National Conference.Have you made your travel plans? My group is driving in, but if you're planning to arrive in Chicago by train, plane, or bus you'll want to make your plans and reservations soon.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 18. There are 80 days until the start of National Conference.If the only clothes you have that would be appropriate for NC aren't comfortable, you need to do something. You can have the clothes you already have altered, or you can buy new. Just remember that it can take lots of time to find clothing that fits your body and your budget. That is, of course, unless you’re one of those people who easily wears just about anything. If that’s you, don’t tell me. I’m afraid it would alter my good feelings toward you. LOL!Remember that comfortable doesn’t have to mean sloppy. I know your shorts, tank top, and flip flops are comfortable; they just aren’t appropriate for NC. Clothes that fit well, and that includes shoes, can be business-like and still be very comfortable. It probably won’t surprise anyone that I already have my NC wardrobe planned out, right down to the unmentionables. That reminds me—make sure your unmentionables are comfortable, too. Ladies, a bra fitting between now and NC is a wonderful gift you can give yourself. A well-fitted bra is comfortable and can make you look even more fabulous.

 

[lt1jane]

Ladies, a bra fitting between now and NC is a wonderful gift you can give yourself. A well-fitted bra is comfortable and can make you look even more fabulous.

Not to mention younger and thinner!! Having the girls up where they belong is much more flattering. "Girls" by your waist makes others think of old ladies who just don't care about thier appearance any more.

 

[chefa]

Rae,
I'm glad I'm not the only one who has practically already packed for conference! But I didn't think of a new bra. Gonna add that to my weekend shopping list! LOL!!

 

[Teresa LM]

I want to know who came up with the idea that nearly all bras need to have underwires now? OUCH! I had one on the other day and we were out picking up garbage. I am bruised from the dumb underwires!

 

[raebates]

Teresa, there are lots of great, supportive bras out there without underwire. I know because I've tried them on. By the way, if your underwire is bruising you your bra does not fit properly. A good bra fitter will be able to help you figure out not only what size you wear (which, by the way, may be different depending on brand, style, and features), but what you want to look for in finding your perfect fit. For instance, I wear a lot of knits, so I look for a smooth, structured cup.

 

[crystalscookingnow]

I hate bras without the underwire! lol I haven't had any bruising either so maybe you should try a different brand or size?? I couldn't go without it!

 

[Teresa LM]

I think the bruising came from bending over 5,000 times and the fact that I am built wrong. LOL! I don't have that much to carry in my bra, so the underwire is a bit of an overkill. ; )

 

[raebates]

LOL! Then, Teresa, you really might benefit from a fitting. I have no connection with any bra-fitting company. I just know that it made a huge difference in how comfortable I am. It also made a real difference in how my clothes fit.

 

[Teresa LM]

You've been watching too much Oprah! LOL!

I'm up here in the boondocks. I don't even know if there is a place around here that would do bra fittings. I'll have to check into it. Is it any worse than a mammogram? ; )

 

[raebates]

Trust me, it's not too much Oprah. I never watch the show. I discovered bra fittings through research on creating a style that would work for my short, short-waisted, curvy figure. It's no where near as bad as a mammogram--no squishing involved. I did have to get over my concern about having someone in the dressing room with me, but I figured it was her job. I probably didn't have anything she hadn't seen before--bumps, bulges, and cellulite included. To find a good bra fitter, look for places that cater to post-mastectomy needs. I know it sounds weird, but I've found that many of those places offer great bra-fitting services for everyone. An internet search for bra fitting might work, too. Some upscale department stores have bra fitters available. Some intimate apparel places (like Victoria's Secret) employ them as well. Just make sure it's and actual trained fitter and not just someone with a measuring tape. There's a difference between properly measuring you for a bra (which just about anyone can do) and doing a proper bra fitting.

 

[cookinforyou]

is every little NC tidbit under the NC tab on CC? or should I be looking everywhere on CC for info?

 

[raebates]

It should all be under the NC tab eventually.

 

[Becca_in_MD]

I'm starting to take notes for my feedback survey after Conference. I really want to blast Experient for the housing registration, and I know I will forget by the time July comes around.

 

[lt1jane]

To find a good bra fitter, look for places that cater to post-mastectomy needs. I know it sounds weird, but I've found that many of those places offer great bra-fitting services for everyone. An internet search for bra fitting might work, too. Some upscale department stores have bra fitters available. Some intimate apparel places (like Victoria's Secret) employ them as well. Just make sure it's and actual trained fitter and not just someone with a measuring tape. There's a difference between properly measuring you for a bra (which just about anyone can do) and doing a proper bra fitting.

I spent YEARS wearing the wrong bras. Another place to look is a place that caters to nursing moms. A nursing mom needs a good fitting bra to encourage milk production. After I had my son, I finally got fitted and was amazed to discover that what I had been wearing before his birth wasn't even close to a proper fit.

DO NOT let someone tell you that if the cup is too small, just go up a number or two. (You might be able to get away with one band size, but go up two band sizes and you have no support at all. You might as well go braless and no one wants to look at that! This is why so many people run around with the girls around their navel.) Did you know that cups come larger than D and DD? They go up to L. I am an I or J depending on the manufacturer.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 19. There are 79 days until the start of National Conference.If your loved ones are questioning your desire to go to NC, do your best to include them in the excitement. Have them help you brainstorm about things to take, things to ask, things to see . . .

 

[Teresa LM]

I am an I or J depending on the manufacturer.

Bragger! LOL!


Back to the conference talk! I wish I could go.....

 

[lt1jane]

I am an I or J depending on the manufacturer.

Bragger! LOL!

Back to the conference talk! I wish I could go.....

NOT by a long shot!! You have no idea how hard it is to find a decent fitting one. Because of the size I am, I also have to shell out big bucks for every one I have, they are not cheap!! Sometimes I get lucky and can find them for $40, $50-$60 each is the norm!! I would love to be tiny and spend $10 on them. I also know better than to even think of going to Victoria's Secret or WalMart, they do not carry my size and try to convice me I can just go up a band or two.

I ony mentioned that to emphasize the importance of not going up in band size by more than one size (sometimes they're more comfortable). If it's too loose, they don't hold anything at all.