Networking + Oyster Shells (Plus, A Giveaway!)

I have this problem. 

(Well, besides the fact that I start every snapchat with, "Sooooooooooo...")

I'm petrified of networking. It is frustrating because I live for a party. I love to throw a party, I love to attend a party, I just like the word... party! So why am I so terrified to go to networking events, something that is essentially a party? 

In the event that I psych myself up and actually go -- rather than bailing last minute -- I become a total weirdo. Not the cute, "Oh my, I have so many adorable quarks" kind of weird. More like the, stand in the corner with my hair covering my face trying to blend in with the plants lined along the wall so that maybe no one will notice that I'm there and I can make my exit.

Why am I so bad at this? I went to a blogger event a few weeks ago at Lululemon and I could not have been more awkward. First mistake, there was no alcohol at this event. I don't know why I agreed to a booze-free blogger event. When I walked in the door, everyone was already in groups so I acted like the most interested Lululemon shopper of all time. 

I then tried to psych myself up for joining in a group's already-in-progress convo. I swear it looked like I was trying to work myself into double dutch. One step forward, one step back... repeat x12. I eventually grabbed like 8, $70 tank tops and headed to hide out and kill time in the fitting room. 

Do you think I'm ridiculous? Well, I don't blame you. I think I'm ridiculous too. 

It is just so damn frustrating that I'm like this and can't seem to break it. Why can I be the life of any party I go to, but be so cripplingly shy at a blogger or networking event? WHY? 

Point here is that I have another event to attend tonight. Tonight's event is at my favorite Dallas hotel, The Joule, and more in my comfort zone -- but not just because there will be booze. Ok, wait, yes, that's exactly why it's more in my comfort zone. 

Tonight's event will be my first official event representing @dallaslovelist which gets me super excited. Attending events, parties, sporting events, festivals and new restaurant openings is the exact reason I started this new account, so here's hoping my excitement will out-weigh my nerves. I guess I was just hoping to get to attend these events with CB, not solo! Ah well, baby steps right?

Plus, I'm much more comfortable jumping into a convo about cool things to do in Dallas (the theme of tonight's event) than I am jumping into a convo about fitness. FITNESS WHOLE PIZZA IN MY MOUTH, AMMMIRITE? 

But Dallas.... Dallas I can always talk about! 

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Before I sign off today I'm super excited to introduce you to a new jewelry boutique that you're going to be OBSESSED WITH. Angie, who has been a blogging friend of mine for as long as I can remember, started a new, beautiful collection of oyster shell necklaces called Sweet Bay Society. Every oyster is locally harvested from the Apalachicola Bay region in Florida, cleaned and artfully hand painted by Angie! Plus, 5% of every sale is donated to Friends of the Reserve, a non-profit organization whose members provide assistance and support to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s goals and programs. 

Angie is offering everyone an additional 10% off through the month of June by using the code "summertime"! 

I've got my eye on this one which would be AHHHMAZING for the 4th... and you know anything yellow is my kryptonite. 

Now, how about you win one for you and a friend??!!

Just enter below to win two necklaces, one for you and one to give to a buddy! Plus you'll have the chance to earn another entry via Instagram later today! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway