TWIN Camp

Remember way back when I posted about me flying across country for the wonderful opportunity to go to Toyota's TWIN camp for a few days?? My gawd, that seems like forever ago {right before they found the mass} but I still wanted to talk about what a wonderful experience I had out in Torrence, CA.

First, I  must just say how excited I was to only bring a carry-on wheely case on the plane with me.  For 3 days away from home.  I think that's amazing.

The first thing I did when I arrived after my 5 hour flight, was run off to squeeze this girl.   I was so excited to see her again {and she's lucky enough to be rooming with me at BlogHer12!}

 

After squeezing her for a bit, I checked into my hotel room.  We stayed at The Beach House in Hermosa Beach and it. was. gorgeous.  I mean... just check out my view!

After drooling over my view, Chelsey and I ran to get something to eat real quick and then walked around Hermosa Beach for a bit with Jess and Wyatt, {one of my other BlogHer roomies!  Jess, not Wyatt ;} taking in all the interesting sites {We seriously thought this girl was dead.  She wasn't.}

We also walked down to the beach so this East Coast girl could stick her toes in the Pacific {26 week belleh!}

We ran back to the room and got ready for our wonderful TWIN camp dinner where we were able to sit with Toyota executives as well as other Clever Girls {including Cat and Edita!}  It was so fun.  And so YUMMY!  I was lucky enough to get two desserts {one for me and one for baby.  What Don't judge.}

The next morning, we were up bright and early to start our day at the Toyota campus.

It was so interesting to be able to sit and talk with people about Toyota's marketing strategies, our car buying experiences, and the huge role that women play in both.  I felt that they really listened to our problems and ideas and we came up ways to improve the car buying experience! 

We also talked about philanthropy, not only on a national level, but on a local community level as well.  There are plenty of ways to get involved and I have a post coming soon about some of the great things Toyota is already doing {and how you can help out a local foundation just by voting online!}

But we certainly just didn't sit in one room all day.  We got to tour the huge Toyota campus... I loved this recharging station that was fueled completely by solar energy. 

We also got to drive a few cars!  I drove the new fuel cell Toyota Highlander, that isn't even on the market yet!

I got to meet such fabulous people while I was there as well.

After lunch, we headed to the Toyota Automobile Museum.  It was so interesting!!

 

 

We did get one group shot of everyone before we left the museum.  Bet you can't find me.  {And I have mad ups for a pregnant chick, right?}

We then headed to a fabulous restaurant that night where we ate yummy food and recapped our day at Toyota...

 

The next morning before I left, I wanted to be sure to soak in the view from my room.  It was so nice to get away, but I also couldn't wait to get home to see my babies again!

I then grabbed a quick breakfast with Chelsey and Kristi before I had to catch my flight, which was a lovely way to end my trip! :)

Overall, it was such a great experience.  I got to talk to so many people, especially from the marketing department in Toyota and they were all wonderful.  I was actually surprised at how many of them were from the South Jersey/Philadelphia area {one I think I played soccer against in high school, ha!} And I want to thank both Toyota and Clever Girls for this wonderful experience!

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of the Toyota.