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Jun
13
2013
BlogHer Food Conference 2013, Austin
Tags: Blogher Food Conference 2013
What a fun weekend in Austin, TX! The BlogHer Food Conference 2013 was smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin where hundreds of food bloggers across the country gathered together to learn, socialize and EAT. When you see my pictures below you’ll definitely understand what I mean about eating. Boy did we eat, lol!
If you follow me on Instagram, you got a live preview of my weekend. For those of you who didn’t, take a peek at what we were up to!
First Photo-Left to Right: Lori, Sommer, Sandy, Heather, Betsy, Me, Lisa, Amanda, Maria
What a whirlwind from the second I stepped foot in Austin. I arrived to the hotel and had 5 minutes to change my clothes and run to our first party for Tasty Kitchen with Betsy and Ree. These girls are so sweet and had their party in a lovely upstairs restaurant called La Condesa with amazing lighting. Had a great time talking with these amazing women.
After the Tasty Kitchen party, we scurried over to a KitchenAid party at Uchiko. One of the best sushi restaurants I’ve ever been to. There’s Amanda and I enjoying our dinner 
After Uchiko, we went over to the Ziplist party for desserts and more chit chat time with friends. Busy busy night! Here’s Lauren, sweet baby Blake, Amanda and I.
Chit Chatting with more friends.
Woke up Friday morning to such a lovely view from our hotel room!
First things first, I had Amanda take me back to Torchy’s Tacos where we shared a delicious breakfast taco and these ridiculous fried cookie dough bites coated in corn flakes. Oh baby they were good.
After Torchy’s it was off to Gourdough’s Doughnut Truck. Take a look at this table! Ridiculous.
This happened too. I believe this was the Banana Split Doughnut off of the secret menu. Yikes!
For lunch, we met up with the Michael Angelo’s Brand for a delicious lunch at Backspace. This pizza was one of the best pizza’s I’ve ever had, not kidding. Salivating just thinking about it. Michael Angelo’s mom was one of the sweetest ladies around. She reminded me so much of my grandmother. She has such a love for her family and good food. What a gem she is.
Left to Right: Deseree, Maria, Julie, Me, Lindsay, and Amanda
Here we are after a delicious meal from Backspace. This was such a lovely afternoon.
Photo by Kristan of Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
Not even kidding when I say that snuggling Kristan’s sweet baby Lucy was one of the highlights of my trip. There is something about this little girl that just absolutely melts your heart. Her little and smile and giggle is just perfect. In fact, her and Pax need a play date asap Kristan, come to CA girl Love Love Love this little gal and her mama. Had so much fun chatting with Kristan on our LONG, hot walks back to the hotel.
When food bloggers get together you know there’s bakery hopping. We started at a bakery called Delish then went to Sugar Mama’s. How cute is the little devil cupcake?!
We stopped at a jewelry shop called Kendra Scott Jewelery. I found these sparkly earrings to take back as a souvenir. Love them! Check out the ones Shelly got too.
Later Friday night we went to a lovely dinner at Moonshine hosted by Land O Lakes and Ree, Maria, Sommer, Brenda, and Julie. It was a night of good food, friends and lots of laughs.
The food! I got the Green Chili Macaroni with Chicken. It was to die for. Then there was the Skillet Apple Pie. No words needed to describe the flaky crust on this little pie of heaven.
Then there was the photo booth, with Shelly, Amanda and Maria. Be sure to see Amanda’s re-cap for our silly animated version.
What an honor it was to host a Nestle Lunch Saturday afternoon with Maria and Amanda in organization with Chris from Nestle at the lovely Parkside Restaurant. Chris put together the most lovely group of bloggers for an afternoon filled with great food and wonderful friends. Thank you Chris for the amazing opportunity to work with Nestle.
I absolutely adore Lisa of With Style and Grace. Our sweet baby boys are only a couple months apart and we always have so much to talk about. It’s always a pleasure spending time with Lisa.
Our appetizers were so pretty!! Strawberry and rhubarb with brie bites. Mmm!
Love this shot that Chris captured of us enjoying our lunch.
Lovely Roasted Chicken, Mushrooms, Sweet Corn Puree for lunch. The desserts blew our minds. You are seeing a Butterfinger Mousse with Salty Peanuts and Roasted Banana then a little Key Lime Pie and another crazy good mousse cup.
Before the closing party, hopped on a pedi-cab with Ali and Maria for a Driscoll’s Strawberry Shortcake Party. We were digging our driver’s mow hawk
What a treat meeting Camille, Elyse and Kristen from Six Sister’s Stuff. Also got to meet Kristen of Kristen Duke Photography on the right and Nikki from Chef in Training. Sweetest girls. Just love meeting new blogging friends at these events.
Jessica, Tina, Amanda with Lauren ’s sweet buddy Blake, and me
There’s always the epic photo booth pictures, lol! I cannot get over Lauren’s sweet baby Blake. He was the best little 5 week old baby ever. His little face kills me. Can I have him Lauren? Lol!
So, this Cool Haus Ice Cream Sandwich was one of the best treats of the weekend. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie with Coffee Oreo Ice Cream. Nuff said
Left to Right: Brenda, Sommer, Lori, me, Amanda, Cheryl, Sandy, Kristen
I have known most of these women in the above photo for years online and what a treat to have real one on one time with them. Definitely my favorite part of going to these conferences, just being able to chit chat in person.
As I was getting ready to head to the airport ,Amanda and I got some pictures with these adorable girls….Ali from Gimme Some Oven and Cassie of Bake Your Day. Photo via Amanda.
Left to Right: Karly, Erin, Jocelyn, Aimee, Amanda and me
We also ran into these cute gals. Such a fun and exhausting weekend. Loved every minute of my time in Austin!
I came home to this. Love these boys so much …and to my husband who had the boys all weekend-You are amazing. xoxo
May
24
2013
Food Blog Forum Orlando, 2013
Tags: bloggers, chit chat, conferences, Food Blog Forum Orlando, travel, Walt Disney World
What a weekend in Orlando! The Food Blog Forum took place at Disney World May 18th and bloggers from around the country joined together for a weekend full of food and fun. You know I can’t resist Disney, so I gladly endured the 5 hour flight to partake in the fun. So glad I did!
How gorgeous does FL look from the air? Was so excited to get started with the festivities.
I was aboard the Disney Magical Express Shuttle Bus headed for my hotel. So close!!
We stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for the weekend. It was perfectly stunning.
Back Row left to right: Aggie, Sommer, Katrina, Megan, Rachel, Erin, Gina, Carla, Audra, Julie
Front Row left to right: Meagan, Jenny, Tina, me (Photo via Audra)
After our opening dinner a giant group of us food bloggers were headed to Magic Kingdom. Can you tell we were excited? Lol!
We made it! There’s something so magical about Cinderella’s Castle at Disney. Even as an adult.
Left to right: Rachel, Gina, Megan, Meagan, Carla, Erin, Julie, Me, Jenny, Katrina, Tina and Sommer
First things first, we made sure we got our photo in front of the castle. Then we proceeded to Space Mountain and hunting down churros, turkey legs and dole whips. Fun night indeed
Right photo via Julie
Saturday morning we met nice and early in a lovely conference room at the Grand Floridian to start our sessions. We were so lucky to hear from the Steamy Kitchen Family including their adorable boys, The White on Rice Couple, Elise, Julie, Lindsay, David and so many more. So inspirational sitting in that room.
Photo via Julie
We are ready to go!
During our breaks we always had time for some chit chat and photos. Love all of these gals! Left: Angie, Leslie, Paula, me, Rebecca and Tina. Second photo Aggie and I.
Julie, Amanda and I on Saturday at the conference. Love these gals!
Two of some of the sweetest women around. Robin from Simply Southern Baking and Kiran.
Left Photo via Cate O’Malley
Where there are desserts, you can find Amanda and I photographing like maniacs, lol! Had so much fun. We were served a gorgeous lunch and dessert from the Disney Chefs Saturday afternoon.
Saturday afternoon Amanda and I spent some time at Epcot Center. Love this place. We darted straight to walk eat our way through all of the countries.
Have you ever been to Epcot Center and walked through all of the countries?! It is amazing. You can find authentic foods that you would actually eat in the country you are visiting. We got a steamed BBQ Bun and Curry Chicken Pocket from China, Werther’s Caramel goodies from Germany and Gelato Cookie Sandwich from Italy! What a dream!
Later Saturday night we raced to Hollywood Studios to hunt down a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake and I reluctantly went on Tower of Terror with Amanda. That ride scares me to death, lol! If you look right above the goofy guy folding his arms, that’s Amanda and I. I am closing my eyes screaming and Amanda smiling
Sunday morning Amanda and I packed up and spend a couple last hours at Magic Kingdom. We were determined to try a gooey cinnamon roll we heard about.
How adorable is Gaston’s Tavern?! Get a load of our cinnamon roll we shared. We begged for extra frosting which is a must should you go. Gooey and delicious!
Photo via Julie
Huge thanks to these adorable girls Julie and Lindsay in the above photo who put together this whole event for us. They worked so hard and we are so grateful!
More Food Blog Forum Re-caps (will update as more come in)
Amanda of Kevin and Amanda
Julie of Table for Two
Rachel of Baked by Rachel
Audra of The Baker Chick
Angie of Big Bear’s Wife
Liz of The Lemon Bowl
Amy of Nifty Foodie
Please link in comments so I can add your re-cap!!
Check out my first video attempt from Animoto.com Thanks Todd and Diane for the recommendation!
Chit Chat Eighth Edition, Big Traveling Potluck
May 3, 2013 | Tags: Big Traveling Potluck, blog event, chit chat, food blog conference
This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend The Big Traveling Potluck which is a food blog conference/event that was held in Temecula, CA. My friends Amanda and Angie flew down a day early and we may have had a dessert fest. See below, lol! Oh yah, what you see above is a chocolate chip cookie dough milkshake from the Shake Shack in Crystal Cove. It overlooks the beach. Such a fun spot.
Angie, Amanda and I decided we definitely had to go visit Melody at her “Sweet and Saucy … Continue Reading »
Gold Medal Flour Trip to Kansas City
Jun 26, 2012 | Tags: Gold Medal Flour Trip
I had the opportunity to head to Kansas City with a group of wonderful bloggers to learn all about Gold Medal Flour who I’m partnering with this Fall. What an exciting wheat filled 2 days we had. This first photo was taken at a wheat farm. How fun is that? Let’s take a look at my trip.
We stayed at the lovely Raphael Hotel. The room was adorable!
I kind of LOVE Room Service and enjoyed
Seattle and Tree Top Orchards
Jun 15, 2012 | Tags: BlgHerFood, Conference, Seattle, travel
What a whirwind of a weekend Amanda and I had last week. I thought for sure since we had a good 5 nights in Seattle that this trip would seem nice and long, but nope, it went by in the blink of an eye.
BlogHer Food Conference was going on which is why we came out. We didn’t go to any sessions, but rather ran around town to eat and see our way through Seattle and caught some fun parties too. Let’s take a look at our fun-filled weekend
Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans
May 1, 2012 | Tags: Cafe Orleans, California, disneyland, Monte Cristo, restaurant review, travel
Where to start with Cafe Orleans….we had such a great dining experience a few weeks ago. The Cafe is located right in the middle of New Orleans Square close to Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. It is so charming and looks just like the streets of New Orleans in the French Quarter. There is outside inside dining under the shady patio’s blue striped umbrellas and some indoor seating as well. If you choose to sit outside you get a lovely view of the boats on Rivers of America.
As
Weekend at Walt Disney World, Food Blog Forum Orlando
Mar 20, 2012 | Tags: blog conference, FBF Orlando, Florida, Orlando, travel, Walt Disney World
Last weekend I flew out to Orlando for a Food Blogging Conference, The Food Blog Forum. The conference is put together by Jaden of Steamy Kitchen, Todd and Diane of White on Rice Couple and Julie of The Little Kitchen. These people are downright incredible and made the best weekend happen. It’s hard for me to even know where to start because of all the fun we had. I will let my pictures do the talking, let’s take a look.
I arrived Friday evening right before our opening party at the gorgeous Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I met my roomie Angie of Bakerella at our hotel and we hustled over. As you can see, we had a beautiful arrangement of good eats ready for us.
Wonderland Bakery Newport Beach, CA
Mar 2, 2012 | Tags: CA, cupcakes, Newport Beach, travel, Wonderland Bakery
An absolute favorite stop during me and Amanda’s foodie weekend was was the adorable Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach. I am so lucky because this bakery is right down the street from me, I get to go whenever I want! Next time you are in Southern California, definitely make time to stop in this bakery, especially if you have little girls. It’s a dream inside. Let’s take a look
Not only does Wonderland Bakery have delicious baked goodies, but it has so many cute foodie things to buy. Plates, dolls, books, cake … Continue Reading »
Joans on Third Los Angeles, CA
Feb 28, 2012 | Tags: California, Joans on Third, Los Angeles, travel
Joans on Third is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It is by far one of my favorite places to eat and if it were closer to home I would be in BIG trouble. I have been here a handful of times, first with Angie, Bakerella last year and a couple weekends ago with Amanda, Kevin and Amanda. We got a number of incredible goodies, can’t wait to show!
I ordered the Caprese Sandwich and can I tell you that is is incredible. If you go for lunch, make sure you order it!
Bruxie, Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches Orange, CA
Feb 21, 2012 | Tags: Bruxie, Orange CA, review, travel, Waffle Sandwiches, waffles
Last weekend, one of my favorite friends Amanda of Kevin and Amanda came to visit me in CA for a jam packed foodie weekend. We had so much fun and ate until we couldn’t eat anymore
One of my favorite stops of our weekend was by far Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches in Orange, CA. There is little I can say that can tell you how amazing the food was, you literally have to try it yourself. If you visit Southern California, PLEASE make time to visit Bruxie. You’ll thank me later.
It’s located in Old Towne Orange that is completely charming and full of fun … Continue Reading »
La Grande Orange, Phoenix AZ
Jan 24, 2012 | Tags: Arizona, bakery, La Grande Orange, Phoenix, travel
I can NOT believe all the years I grew up in AZ and I had no idea La Grande Orange even existed! I have to move away to CA to find out about it
I am telling you, if you live in AZ or plan to visit Phoenix, make sure you plan a day to visit. Fun Fun Fun eating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner items on the menu….I have tried a little of each and they are all delicious.
Click HERE to see the Grocery side Menu. Click HERE to see the Pizzaria side Menu. The photo above is … Continue Reading »
Disneyland Resort’s Goofy’s Kitchen
Jan 17, 2012 | Tags: breakfast, California, disneyland, Goofy's Kitchen, restaurant review, travel, Where to eat at Disneyland
When we stayed at the Disneyland Resort Hotel back in November, I knew that one of places we had to eat was Goofy’s Kitchen that is located in the Resort. Now, take my advice and learn from our mistake……make your reservation in advance. We walked up to the counter like idiots saying, “Table for 4 please.” The lady looked at us a little funny and said, “You don’t have reservations?” Needless to say we had to wait a good 30-45 minutes for our table, but there was no way I was missing out on breakfast!
Frozen Hot Chocolate, Serendipity Style!
Jan 12, 2012 | Tags: chocolate, copycat recipe, dessert, frozen hot chocolate, hot chocolate, Serendipity
A few weeks ago I was in NYC for literally less than 24 hours and one of the only things I was able to squeeze in other than what I was there for was a visit to Serendipity for one of my favorite treats…..the Frozen Hot Chocolate. It is massive, chocolaty and perfectly ice-y.
When I got back home I told the boys all about the treat I had and said I would re-create our own version! So…..I got to work
Here is your line … Continue Reading »
Jolly Holiday, New Bakery Cafe at Disneyland
Jan 10, 2012 | Tags: California, disneyland, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, restaurant, review, travel, Where to eat at Disneyland
I was so excited when Jolly Holiday, the new Bakery Cafe opened at Disneyland last week. Thursday January 5th to be exact. My family and I went Saturday afternoon to try it out about 2:15pm. Look at the line! Apparently we weren’t the only ones excited to try it:)
You can find the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at the end of Main Street past the Penny Arcade and Coke Refreshment Corner.
Here’s the Outdoor menu board. Lots of fun things to choose from. Here’s the full menu.
Served After 10:30 AM
• HOUSE SPECIALTIES •
Jolly Holiday Combo $8.99
Toasted Cheese Sandwich … Continue Reading »
The Coffee Shop Gilbert, AZ
Dec 29, 2011 | Tags: Arizona, breakfast, brunch, cupcakes, dessert, Gilbert, The Coffee Shop, travel
There are so many great spots in Gilbert, AZ to eat. If you are in AZ you must run over to The Coffee Shop is located in the Agritopia Neighborhood off of Ray and Higley. It is such a charming little shop full of breakfast, lunch and lots of delicious cupcakes. They even won cupcake wars on Food Network!
The grounds are gorgeous and right next door to The Coffee Shop is Joe’s Farm Grill which is another must visit. Joe’s Farm Grill was on Drive In, Diners and Dives.
