NYC’s “Scholastic in the City” – I could have stayed!

It’s been a few weeks since returning from BlogHer10 in New York City. While I had hoped to be caught up with laundry, deadlines, and snuggles with my 3-year old…. not so much. An extra weekend trip along with some mysterious red bumps on my daughter has made for a very chaotic few weeks….so it’s no wonder I’m just now getting around to telling you about my whirlwind trip to NYC (made possible in part due to my generous sponsor, La Madeleine).

The entire time in NYC really was a whirlwind, but I was ready for part of that. This being my fourth trip to NYC, I know there’s always too much to do. I just didn’t know what to expect out of my first BlogHer conference/experience. So, I’m starting with one of my favorite events while there – “Scholastic in the City”, hosted by Scholastic!

Those who know me well could have predicted……while I enjoyed some truly amazing meals in NYC, met some incredible bloggers, and yes, was spoiled with some swag, one of my absolute favorite things that weekend was “Scholastic in the City”. It’s wasn’t a shock – I’m an avid reader. Always have been, ever since I was a child and loved ordering books from the Scholastic Book Club at school (TIP: It’s now online)!  So, to be surrounded by Scholastic executives and wonderful bloggers who get how inspiring  books can be – well, it was a perfect event for me.

Throw in an incredible view of NYC on a rooftop terrace while eating breakfast, inspiring speakers, and a shopping spree in the Scholastic Store – WOW!  A huge thank you to Billy DiMichele, Tracy van Straaten, Carol Marschesano and everyone from Scholastic for making it an unforgettable event.  An extra big thank you to Francie Alexander, Scholastic Chief Academic Officer, who,  by the way, reminded me so much of my 5th grade teacher.  I was so inspired by her message as she spoke of  issues impacting the education of our kids.  Scholastic gets it – maybe that’s why come this October, they’ll be celebrating 90 years!

If you are ever in NYC, you must visit the Scholastic Store in Soho – now one of my favorite places of all time. Yes, I could have stayed there all day (NOT KIDDING). I was one of the last to hop on the Magic School Bus headed back to the Hilton for many reasons……taking advantage of photo-ops with characters, not being able to choose among the thousands of items in the store quick enough, and enjoying the sheer fun of the bookstore.  I’ll have to bring my daughter someday (they host birthday parties and have free events too)!

But….I had to leave store and the Magic School Bus behind, and head out to the real school bus with one of my wonderful roommates, Cathi. The whole drive back, I was still answering Scholastics’ question posed to all of us….what books impacted you growing up? I remember the memorable titles shouted out during breakfast…….and I can think of even more today!  Can you?

***Please Help Scholastic Help a Child in Need – it won’t take but a click of your mouse to help a child, really!