…but in this case it took a community. An online community of people who voted for simplify 101 when we were nominated for Best Organizing Website / Blog. Thanks to your incredible support, on Saturday night we received the award! I am thrilled…and at a loss for words about it, too. Being nominated, and in the company of the other finalists in this category — Clutter Diet Blog – Lorie Marrero, Jeri’s Organizing and Decluttering News – Jeri Dansky, LifeOrganizers.com – Paul & Valerie Holstein, and Unclutterer Blog – Erin Doland — was a complete honor in and of itself. I mean seriously, those are some amazing blogs and websites. So to bring home the award…well…it’s hard to express the gratitude Jay and I feel right now for your support and votes. We couldn’t have done it with out you. So thank you, simplify 101 community members—YOU are the best.
The weekend was truly a whirlwind; it isn’t every day that this girl goes to Hollywood. Nope, just once—and that happened to be last Friday. It really is quite an interesting place, isn’t it? Now even though Hollywood is the land of the paparazzi, oddly enough, there weren’t any following me around. (I wonder where they were…getting ready for the Grammy’s maybe?) But the net result is that I don’t have too many pictures of myself at the actual event. (I know, boo me, but I was a tad distracted by all the glitz, glamor and excitement.)
So here’s the weekend in review. On Saturday during the day my friend Stacey took me on a guided tour of Los Angeles. It was so fun to meet Stacey (a simplify 101 community member) in person and to see L.A. through the eyes of a local. She shared all sorts of interesting Hollywood nuggets as we drove by sights of interest in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood. We visited The Getty and had a great lunch at the Getty’s café.
After lunch we went to the beach at Santa Monica so I could put my feet in the sand and water. But what fun is getting just your feet wet when you can get half of your jeans and legs wet instead? If you’re going to get wet, why not get really wet, right?
Later that afternoon I met up with Krista Colvin, and we got ourselves ready and then headed over to Raleigh Studios for the event. Here’s a picture of Krista on our limo ride (oops….I mean cab ride) to the awards program.
And here’s Krista on the red carpet. See…a real red carpet. I was on it too…just a few feet behind Krista temporarily playing the role of paparazzi.
After the red carpet and a cocktail reception, we went inside for the dinner and awards ceremony. I sat at the Organize.com table which was great fun and right up in front. This means I have a few good pictures of other people presenting and receiving awards. After the event we took a group photo and something momentous happened: I finally remembered to put my camera in the pile so I could be in a photo. (See I really did attend this event!)
Front row: Terry Shearer, Deborah Shearer, Melissa Medina, (all from Organize.com), Monica Ricci, Julie Morgenstern, me. (See, I really was there!) Back row: Steve Guthrie (organize.com), Lorie Marrero, Krista Colvin and Kevin Watts (Organize.com).
All in all it was a wonderful weekend. Thank you again for your support and votes…it really means the world to us. 🙂 I’d love to hear how your weekend was, too. How did you do with your Finish It list?
I remember Stacey!! She was so much fun chatting with in the early workshops. Hi Stacey, if you’re reading!! 🙂 Love that dress, Aby!
Thanks for sharing your day and your night. My favorite pic – the one of you on the beach! So happy you had a relaxing day before your thrilling night. Again, CONGRATS!
How wonderful for you and Jay! Congratulations! I am SO glad for you both and for Simplify 101!
Thanks for sharing, Aby. What a fun and exciting weekend — CONGRATS!!!
Another “hello” to Stacey : )
oooh, love your dress–that bronze color is terrific with your hair! Congrats again on your win. You were in great company on that list of nominees, that’s for sure!
Look at you in the only non-black dress! Aren’t you glad you didn’t wear black? You look gorgeous. I love all the photos. Congrats on a much-deserved win!!
Hi Everyone!!! and big congrats to Jay & Aby!! Aby, you need to post the rest of the pictures I love the one that’s a headshot & you’re laughing! Wait, I think we laughed most of the day. What Aby’s not telling you is that I said, “Go, get your toes wet” so she runs out as the wave comes in, not knowing that our Pacific waters come from Icy Alaska – quite a shock to the system. You look stunning in the dress!
I am truly happy for you! You and Jay deserve it–you have created a wonderful community that really helps people. Congratulations!
Congrats, Aby. Even though I love those other sites, too, I’m REALLY happy that you (and Jay:-) won. That photo of you at the beach is priceless. Total happiness, I’d say . You need to frame that one (and that was even before the ceremony and award, no?).
Thank you everyone for your congrats! It means a lot to Jay and I. 🙂
@Annie Pazoo,
That photo was before the ceremony and award. Love your idea of framing it. 🙂 Thank you Stacey for taking it.
Aby
How exciting Aby, congratulations!! Wow you must be just so thrilled, what a fantastic honor. You definitely deserved it!!
@Org Junkie – thanks so much! We are thrilled indeed. 🙂
Congrats Aby and Jay – lovely to see these photos. Aby you look fabulous in that dress and I also love the photo of you on the beach – gorgeous shot of you (love that green top and is that one of the scarves you knitted??).
Congratulations! You may not have many pictures but I bet you have great memories 🙂
Congratulations! You deserve it! Love all the photos, especially with you having fun in the water, and your bronze dress is gorgeous!
I got to finish all of my jobs for FIF, so I’m very pleased with myself :o) Looking forward to my next projects for the weekend!!
Congratulations – it’s an award well-won and deserved!!
Hillary
So, so happy for you Aby! You & Jay really deserve this award. Thanks for sharing the news with us and congratulations!!!!!
That’s fabulous!!!!! Congrats Aby!!! You guys earned this award 😀 So happy for you!
Yeah- You so deserve it!!
Congratulations to you and Jay
Congrats Jay and Aby!