This time last week, I was going over the river and through the woods to Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont. I was fortunate to attend the first ever Blog Brûlée, a weekend designed to set fire to blogs. (My attendance was partially funded by its sponsors. I was not compensated to write this post.)
Blog Brûlée brought together a small group of healthy food bloggers (mostly registered dietitians like me) to learn from the best in the business. It was a hands-on learning experience packaged as a great big slumber party. We bonded over breakfast with our roommates in cozy condos, while sitting around the fireplace, on a few bumpy rides through the mountains….
While deciding on toppings at the Cabot Creamery Mac & Cheese bar. Aren’t those little skillets cute?
While visiting the Boyden Valley Winery and sampling hard cider, wine and cheese.
Around a fire pit, while toasting marshmallows…
And while tasting Lake Champlain chocolates. (Yes. Spicy chocolate is a thing and it’s awesome.)
Obviously, there was a lot of food but we learned stuff too. We took a deep dive into everything from food photography and styling to the business of blogging. I left with over 20 pages of notes and 18 action items. Now, days later, I’m still motivated and excited to make my blog a better place to hang out.
I met some fun, creative and incredibly supportive healthy food bloggers.
And it was all made possible by generous sponsors, insightful speakers, and the pioneering founders: Gretchen Brown from Kumquat, Deanna Seagrave-Daly from Teaspoon of Spice, Robin Plotkin from Robin’s Bite and Regan Jones, the founder of Healthy Aperture and several other platforms. These ladies rock!!
Stay tuned for a recipe or two inspired by my time in Vermont.
Min
As I reflect on the weekend, the conversations I shared with you really stick out in my mind. You truly have a gift of making one feel completely at ease while brightening up the spirit at the same time. I truly treasure our time together and look forward to many more to come..in the near future hopefully ;). xoxo
Marisa
How thoughtful, Min 🙂 So happy we connected. I too look forward to many conservations to come. xoxo
Liz - Meal Makeover Moms
It was so fun hanging out with you at Blog Brûlée. We all learned so much, and now it’s time to dig into all those action items. I think I know which one may be at the top of your list. I can’t wait to see how your blog evolves over the next few months!
Marisa
Thanks, Liz! Hanging out with you is always a blast! And yes… lots and lots to do. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Jen
Hi Marisa!
Love your post. And the beautiful picture at the top of the post. I’m still jealous you found that Mac abd cheese bar. How did I miss that?? 🙂
So glad you were at Blog Brûlée. Looking forward to seeing you at FNCE!!
Marisa
Jen, I think I have a radar for mac & cheese 🙂 Can’t wait to catch up at FNCE!
Candace @ Cabot
What a great group. It sounds like you had an amazing time in the Green Mountain State. I love the opening image with the pumpkins and the wagon…just beautiful!
Marisa
Thanks, Candace! It was such a beautiful introduction to Vermont. Can’t wait to get back!
Regan @ Cabot Creamery
Marisa I’m so glad you were able to join us for the weekend!! Glad you enjoyed your time in Vermont, and can’t wait to see where your blog is headed next!
Marisa
Regan, Thanks for the invitation! I’m so inspired. Last weekend was definitely a blog-changing experience 🙂
Karman @ TheNutritionAdventure
Marisa–it was so nice to meet you in Vermont! I agree with what Min said, you definitely have a wonderful gift when it comes to meeting new people! See you in Atlanta 🙂
Marisa
Awww thanks, Karman! I enjoyed meeting you. Look forward to catching up at FNCE!
Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil)
It was so fantastic to finally meet you in person and I can’t wait to see where your blog and your career takes you next 🙂 See you at FNCE!
Marisa
Ditto Deanna! So nice to finally meet you and hang out. I’m so excited for the possibilities…
Jenny Shea Rawn
Marisa, so great to meet you at Blog Brulee and so fun being roomies for the weekend! Looking forward to keeping in touch and see you at FNCE!
Marisa
So nice to hang out, Jenny! See you next month!