Getting Gorgeous with Degree

I'm not going to lie. I love pampering just as much as any mama. The problem is that it's so easy to lose sight of taking care of and pampering yourself once you have children. Round the clock care of children leaves little time to focus on ourselves.

This past Saturday, I put everything aside to hop the train into New York City to meet up with some of my favorite Philly, Jersey and NYC girls to attend Getting Gorgeous.

The fabulously talented and gorgeous Vera Sweeney and Audrey McClelland invited women bloggers to New York City to indulge themselves for the day. With opportunities to connect with big-name brands whose products are geared towards women, Getting Gorgeous is a chance to take some time out of our busy schedules and focus on ourselves while we learn about and sample lots of great products. With an emphasis on social media marketing, Getting Gorgeous aims to connect bloggers and brands in a fun, informal, and informative setting.

Our lovely hostesses: Vera (l.) and Audrey.

Photo credit: Getting Gorgeous

This year, Getting Gorgeous boasted a list of impressive sponsors:

In addition to the title sponsor @DegreeWomen, other sponsors included @TidetoGo, @HanesComfort, @FlipOutSandals, @SarahPotempa, @DreamWater, @GoodyHair, @Miraclebodyjean, @MiraclebodySwim, @Shopafrolic, @BJsWholesale, @AmyTaraKoch, @LifetimeMoms, @WeightWatchers, @sandalsresorts, @HairRoomService by Michael Duenas and @GetGorgEvents.

After check-in, we headed straight for the mimosas, provided by Simply Orange. What a fabulous way to start the event. Wouldn't you agree?

There was no question what to pair with the mimosa...a Georgetown Cupcake, of course! I may or may not have had more than one. I'll just say that they are like potato chips, and that is all I will say about that!

In addition to hopping around to learn more about the sponsors, there was plenty of mingling. There's nothing better than meeting bloggers in real life. A chance to get away from the computer and get in front of people is priceless.

Rebecca and Tina had their hair styled by Hair Room Service by Michael Duenas.

There was a "red carpet"-style walkway at the entrance. It provided plenty of photo ops.

L. to r., Me, @glamamomnyc, @squashedmom, @lifewithoutpink, @mommysfabulous, and @oboyorganic

I fretted over what to wear. I changed my mind at least ten times. Every time the forecast changed, my prospective outfit changed. In the end, I decided on something stylishly comfortable, and the only new item I purchased was the top. Shopping your closet requires creativity, but I was up for the challenge.

Jeans: Old Navy $29.99

Top: Old Navy $9.99 (sale)

Jacket: Ann Taylor $59.99

 Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction $15.00 (Marshalls)

Necklace: Kohl's $5.40 (sale)

Jersey Girls are in the house! 

Rebecca @ROEmptyMommy, Corinne @ComplicatedMama, and Tina @LifeWithoutPink 

Jill @glamamomnyc and Erica @mommysfabulous

Some Philly girls

(l. to r.), Tina, Jessica, Me, and Mel

back (l. to r.), Rebecca, Joey, Melissa, Shannon, and Tara

Photo credit: Found the Marbles

Taking a break to hang with Joey Fortman.

Photo credit: Tina at Life Without Pink

After working the room, we needed a break! We headed to a local hot spot, Merchants Chelsea to unwind, catch up and refuel.

If about to collapse due to sheer exhaustion is any indication of how wonderful the day was, then I had an absolutely fabulously fantastic day. By the time, I sat down on the train Saturday evening, I was completely cooked. Done. The entire day was packed with good times and good friends. Just what we needed.

Many thanks again to Audrey, Vera and Degree Women for making my first (and certainly not last) Getting Gorgeous event a complete success!

Many sponsors have generously offered the bloggers in attendance and their readers the following discounts:

Belli Pregnancy Safe Skincare: 20% off using discount code: BLOG4401.

Totsy: Exclusive access to top brands and great deals. $15 credit at checkout. At www.totsy.com/vipcom, enter promo code VIPMOM at checkout.

FlipOut Sandals: 20% off using discount code: GORG, expires December 31, 2011.

Lichi Super Fruit: Enjoy 50% off on any LichiSuperFruit.com purchase. Enter promo code gettinggorgeous through April 10, 2011.

Miraclebody: Take 20% off any purchases you make at Miraclebody.com now through April 18, 2011. At Checkout, use Discount Code: GGNYC20.

patemm: 20% off all their patented, award-winning, eco-friendly, round diaper changing systems. Use coupon code: PATEMM.

Pishposh Mommy Stuff: 20% off your purchase with coupon code BUMP20.

Sarah Potempa: Celeb stylist Sarah Potempa has created a line of flat irons and curling irons to help every woman achieve red carpet glamour. Enter promo code: GG2011 to receive $50 off the purchase of a titanium or ceramic flatiron.

Sue Devitt Beauty: 15% off your next purchase using code GGEVENT11 at checkout. Offer expires 4/17/2011 at 11:59 PM EDT.

zulily: Tweet @zulily #gettinggorgeous to receive $10 off $30.

studio jewel, lisa j lehmann designs: 20% off your next order with code: ggNYC11.

Disclosure: I received a swag bag filled with products from the participating sponsors for my time and consideration. I was compensated in no other way to write this post. All opinions are solely mine and are based on my experience at the above event. To view my full Disclosure Policy, click here.