My Special USA Adventure

Started with a 7 hours flight to Baltimore. I travelled with my fellow demo and friend Zoe and we stayed at her friends house for a few days while getting to know Washington DC a bit better.
It was a lovely trip but Oh My Goodness was it hot! everyone kept saying "You picked the hottest week to visit" thank Goodness everywhere had air con inside.
We did some shopping and we visited this beautiful city on Segways. After last year's tour in Vienna I think I will always choose to sight see a city on a Segway if there is an option for that. Its a fabulous way to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short space of time with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide and a lovely breeze even if it was a hot breeze, it was still better than no breeze.
We saw 25 of the famous buildings in this fabulous city and I only wish I could have had at least another 2weeks to explore, there was just so much to see and do.

The famous Washington Monument currently under repairs after some damage cause by an earthquake 2 years ago. Although surrounded by scaffolding is still impressive looking and its lit up so it looks spectacular at night.

The magnificent Capitol Building.
World War II memorial, huge and very beautiful


And the most famous of them all of course , The White House. And as it was during the week the President was in his office working :)
I also managed to find my way into this famous shop, not sure exactly what I’m doing in this photo.

Didn’t actually buy any craft things as quite frankly I sell the best papercrafting products on the market but I did get some nice silk hydrangeas flowers for a few flower girl dresses I have to make for my cousin’s daughter’s wedding.
The other place we visited (which was stunning) was the home of George Washington, Mount Vernon.

Didn’t actually visit the main house but we had a look from not to far away, and we spent a fair amount of time in the gift shop :)   We also enjoyed a delicious dinner at the famous Mount Vernon Inn on the last night before heading to Salt Lake city for the US Convention.
Convention was off the scale amazing, nearly 6000 demonstrators choose to celebrate Stampin Up's 25 birthday.
The opening session was very emotional with Shelli taking to stage first then Sterling joined her then one by one  her five daughters, sons in law and grandkids joined the main stage. The crowds were going crazy, they are so very loved :)

We also listened to this year’s theme song which was performed live on stage by a famous *The Voice* contestant named  Ryan Innes.
Soon after we received our BAGS !!

The convention bag is a big thing as each year we get a different one. Here are my lovely downline members with their bags. From left Bekka (hiding behind hers :) ), Teri, Julie and Ellie. Ellie was Julie’s guest for Convention and later the Incentive trip lovely girl and i loved getting to know her.
Look at all these people!!!  I have to say it didn’t feel like there were 6000 people there, apart from maybe when we tried to get out the main hall after a session ended :) . But this time was spent talking with people and getting to know them a bit, everyone was so lovely, they really did make us feel welcomed, I love SU demos :) .
The main Expo area was huge with lots to do and see and i took 100’s of photos for you.
I didn’t take any swaps to this event apart from 21 needed for the incentive Trip. I never travel light so room in my suitcase was limited and decided against swapping plus with all the travelling they would have got squished and ended up a crumpled mess. That didn’t stop me coming home with some fabulous swaps from generous people I’ve had the pleasure meeting. I took many addresses and plan on mailing everyone who kindly offered me a swap a card back. I did warn them that it might take me 6 months to get to it though :)
look at them all here :)

You might not be able to see well but two projects that look like cards in the middle section of the photo (dress form with black label framelits and rolled up roses below) were not ready made cards but mini card candy kits. These demos had an example of the finished project for you to photograph or look at and all the bits to make the project were included in this mini kit. I really loved that idea and loved them for offering these cute kits to me :)
And my favourite gift I received was from my talented downline Teri,

She made me this tag book with the wonderful Soho Subway papers.
 
Each of the tags were decorated on both sides, labour involved for sure. You can visit Teri’s blog HERE.
Jenny Moors made one of these lovely tins for each of the UK attendees, she is so sweet and thoughtful, thank you Jenny :).
  Isn’t that cute? or shall I say isn’t that super cute? I definitely got back home with a few famous American sayings under my belt, I LOVED every second of this trip and cannot wait to share more with you.
Till next time thank you for your visit and take care, hugs xxx

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