I still cannot believe that I was invited to attend CampBlogaway, and I was absolutely thrilled to be there with other fabulous and talented food bloggers. I love being around others who all have such a passion and joyful energy in what they do. I know many of us don’t blog for our income as a ‘job’ per se, but we do it because we love it, we have a strong passion for it, and it gives us that spark to life and who we are. This event was definitely one of those that will be remembered and cherished for a very long time.
Even though I wasn’t able to pay for my own lodging, and had to drive the day of, I was going to do anything that I could to get there! My mom tagged along with me since she is in town, and we were up at 4 am to hit the road by 5 and make it there by the start at 10. Woo! It was about a 4.5 hour drive and wasn’t too bad, plus it was nice to have the extra company 
We made it there with 30 minutes to spare! And I actually didn’t get lost, which is very uncharacteristic of me. I seem to always get myself lost somehow.
The camp was located in the Viking Range showroom, which was like stepping into one of my wildest dreams with all beautiful sterling silver ranges gleaming and glowing.
I would definitely want this in my kitchen. please and thank you.
There were 60 attendees for this day camp and I was absolutely honored to be one of them.
There were so many great sessions before lunch and we got to each introduce ourselves on the big screen too!!
I love how Danny from Food Bloggers Unite showed us that we don’t need all that expensive photography equipment! You have to check out his blog for some great tips. I am really looking forward to jimmy rigging a lighting station. I will have to do a separate post when I get all the materials set up.
For lunch I had a turkey sammie and a side salad.
Definitely my favorite session was with Erika, Rachel, Jenny and Brona titled “How Bloggers Score Cool Gigs”.
Erika was so great, I loved her straightforward and bright personality.
Yes I enjoyed hearing about all their fun gigs and tips for dealing with public relations, but what I loved the most was their humbleness. It didn’t seem like they were superior because they have so many blog hits a day, or score some pretty sweet gigs, but they were super down to earth and I loved that. Everyone was there on the same level to learn and share in the joy of food blogging!
Everyone also had the chance to bring in one of their dishes for tasting and judging for the food competition. I wish I would have had time to whip something up.
The ones I sampled were all delicious!
This plum tart won and I feel so bad I can’t remember who it was from. sorry! It was amazing though!
Here’s my plate after I already ate most of it, oops. I couldn’t resist!
Another great thing about Camp Blogaway . . . SWAG!!!
All kinds of goodies in there.
Zespri Kiwifruit was there as well, so I had to take a few home for leftovers. Man, these are good.
I was lucky enough to win one of the center pieces which included some Wilton Christmas decorating materials. Can’t wait to break this bad boy out in a few months.
I had an absolute blast, hands down. I felt so inspired and ready to improve and enjoy all that blogging has to offer for me at this point in time. We all don’t have a ton of time, spiffy equipment, or money to invest in blogging, but most of the time we do it because we enjoy every moment and it’s just plain darn fun
I have to also thank the National Onion Association for making this a possibility for me.
Check out Camp Blogaway for their upcoming camp April 29-May 1. It looks like another great time!
If you have a blog, why do you blog?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
It looks like you had so much fun! Plus that test kitchen is incredible! I think I would be completely overwhelmed at the setup.
This looks great! Love the swag bags. That plum tart looks wonderful!! I blog because I love writing, I love healthy food, and I love the blogging community
We were THRILLED to have you at Camp and I am bowled over by your terrific coverage of your experience, and the quality of your photos! It was a full day, for sure. Hope to see you again at future Camps.
FABULOUS POST! You were so sweet on your rapid fire elevator pitch, I wish we had chatted. Time passed very quickly! Your recap is spot on. Looking forward to getting to know you on your blog and twitter
Great post, Kristen! I am so happy we had the chance to meet. Perhaps we will connect again at the spring Camp Blogaway?
Hi there I didn’t have a chance to meet you, I was sitting across the room. we have a lot in commin, exercise, cyling, and FOOD!
~Chef Louise
Now this made me feel like I was there again! Terrific. GREG
my oh my – everything looks wonderful – and that kitchen…I AM IN LOVE!
Fun! I can’t wait for your “taking great photos without great equipment’ post–definitely useful for me and my little point-and-shoot!
Congrats on the Wilton score–I’ve already been thinking about Christmas baking recently… why not start soonish?
As for blogging, I do it because I wanted to participate in the community, not just to follow passively… and it’s great to get in touch with people everywhere who have stuff in common, and are happy to share stories (and recipes!) about it.
Kristen,
It was fun wasn’t it? And I learned so much! I’ll be checking out your blog and maybe you’ll let me link to your recipes from time to time. So glad you made it to Camp Blogaway!
All best,
LA
Kristen, thanks for the nice pictures and comments about our showroom. It was such a treat to have this group in and a real learning experience for me. We hope the next time you find yourself down this way you will stop by to say hello or if you ever need to use our showroom for an event, you will do so.
Bob Woods
I love your blog and look forward to reading more. It was so much fun for us to host Camp Blogaway here in our Viking showroom. Thank you for coming and for creating such a beautiful blog about the day – awesome pictures! Congrats on winning my favorite Wilton gift basket full of Christmas cheer. Come back to visit us any time you’re back this way!
Love your photos and so glad I was lucky enough to sit down next to you! We will make a date the next time I’m in Las Vegas for sure!
congrats on being invited to camp blogaway! it looks like it was a great experience, and kudos to you for being willing to drive there. i will definitely watch for your post on how to rig a light box!
How fun is that!? I wish I would have had the opportunity!
Kristen, wish we’d had time to chat at camp. It really was a blast, wasn’t it! Love your photos–feel like I’m there all over again. This is my third visit to your blog, really enjoying it.
Looks like a wonderful experience! It’s always nice to meet people who share your passions. Blogging is truly rewarding for me
What a fun time! Looks like a lot of great speakers too. My husband works for Constant Contact. Their email marketing programming is really great and really professional.
How fun! I am glad that you were able to attend such a neat event. It is always fun to meet other bloggers! I just love the blogging community and just think it is so much fun!
What an awesome experience, Kristen!! Sounds like so much fun. I can just imagine all the bloggers fighting for the chance to take pictures of all the food. hehe And look at all the stuff you got to take home! It’s like Christmas
I blog because I like to send my message to as many people as possible. And, it’s fun!!
wow looks cool how did it go?
Looks like a blast! I wish there was something like that in my area… I’ll have to keep my eyes open.
{ 1 trackback }