Finally! A Local Networking Event in New Jersey! #blogpointpleasantbeach

Blogging and networking events are few and far between here in New Jersey. Because we are located so close to both New York and Philadelphia (depending on where you live), most events are held in one of these major cities.

If you are a blogger from New Jersey, you have to make the trek to either New York or Philly. I am never one to pass up a trip to either NYC or Philly, but sometimes it's pretty awesome to hop in my car for a 10-minute drive to an event.

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with local bloggers and network with local business women...all within a 7 minute drive from my house!!! You can't beat that!

Carly Walko from ThirtySomethingFashion hosted an event at Lola's, a women's apparel and accessories boutique in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Not only did I have an opportunity to meet some fabulous women who live and work this area, but I had a chance to shop too! And I took advantage of the great deals and fabulous clothes at Lola's!!

Carly lined up some great sponsors including The Ark Pub and Eatery who provided super yummy appetizers including clams casino and Mexi skins (half of a jalapeno stuffed with mac and cheese and wrapped in bacon). Oh. My. God. The Mexi skins were off the charts delish! Daniel's Bistro's shrimp cocktail hit the spot, and Point Lobster Company warmed our insides with a to-die-for lobster bisque.

I was excited to catch up with some old blogging friends and meet some new ones.

Above from left: Me, Margaret, and Carly

It was a small but intimate group, which gave us a chance to connect and enjoy quality conversation. I met some new friends and made some business connections and caught up with some bloggers that I have known for years.

I ran into Laura, an acquaintance and friend of friends who is a Rodan & Fields consultant. Laura provided a raffle prize, and she and I got to chatting about my rosacea and sensitive skin. Laura gave me a great recommendation for a R & F skincare system. I'll be checking it out this week and researching the ingredients, before & after pictures, and testimonials.

From l. to r., me, Laura L., Margaret, Carly, Laura B.

And of course, a little shopping happened too!

I stepped out of my style comfort zone and bought this fabulous faux leather and sequin skirt. Isn't it fab? And Carly gave me some great ideas for styling it. Once the temperatures get into normal ranges, I'll break it out of the closet! I really couldn't pass it up. It was 75% off of $49...$12.25, people. That's just plain CRAZY!!

I also bought this top. I loved the print and the colors. Although I can wear this top now, I am super excited to pair it with white jeans in warmer temps. The top was also 75% off. The original price of the top was $68. I paid $30 for both items!!!! Crazy good deals!!

Many thanks to Carly, Lola's, and all the sponsors for a fun night of mingling over food, wine, and fabulous clothes.

And a special note of thanks to The Good Home Co. for the providing goodies to take home. The lavender dryer sheets are AMAZING!

If you are local to the Point Pleasant area, be sure to check out all of the above sponsors.