What a whirlwind of a weekend Amanda and I had last week. Even with five nights in Seattle, the trip flew by. We were in town for the BlogHer Food Conference, though instead of attending sessions we chose to eat our way around the city, visit local spots and enjoy several lively parties. Here’s a look back at our fun-filled weekend.
photo via Amanda
Thursday began with a fun cooking video shoot with the National Pork Board alongside several talented bloggers. We enjoyed great food, lively conversation and lots of laughs. Watch for the pork videos coming later this year.
From left to right: Sandy & Paul (Reluctant Entertainer), Jaden (Steamy Kitchen), Diana (Eating Richly), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Jenny (Picky Palate), Lauren (Lauren’s Latest), Jessica (The Novice Chef).
After the shoot Amanda and I stopped at Top Pot Doughnuts, a spot we’d heard so much about. The doughnuts were beautiful—and that old-fashioned glazed one practically begged to be eaten.
The shop’s interior was charming, with a small library and upstairs seating that made for a relaxed visit.
Yes, this is a typical sight on our trips—snapping photos of our food.
Look at the size of that glazed doughnut—absolutely fabulous.
photo via Amanda
That Thursday evening we attended a party and had a great time. I was nearly seven months pregnant then, so my chubby face in photos is from that stage of pregnancy—one of those fun memories to cherish.
photo via Amanda
I loved meeting Leigh Anne from Your Home Based Mom—she is kind, stylish and lovely in person. It was a pleasure to connect in Seattle.
Thursday night continued at a Ziplist party. Even though I was exhausted, I had a blast in the photo booth with friends. In the picture: Darla (Bakingdom), Shelly (Cookies and Cups), Kristan (Confessions of a Cookbook Queen), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Leslie (The Hungry Housewife), Jenny (Picky Palate), Shaina (Food for My Family), and Tara (Unsophisticook).
photo via Amanda
Friday was filled with sightseeing and more eating. We attended a Tasty Kitchen party organized by Ree and Betsy, and it was a joyful gathering of familiar faces.
Attendees included Jenna (Eat Live Run), Maria (Two Peas and Their Pod), Jenny (Picky Palate), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Elise (Simply Recipes) and Bev (Bev Cooks).
photo via Amanda
It was great to meet Lisa from With Style and Grace—funny enough we were both pregnant and wearing stripes.
photo via Amanda
From left to right in this photo: Bev (Bev Cooks), Lisa (With Style & Grace), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Maria (Two Peas and Their Pod), Jessica (How Sweet It Is), me, and Tracy (Shutterbean).
photo via KitchenAid
Maria, Amanda and I at the KitchenAid table. Yes, that’s my baby bump again.
On Saturday we visited Yellow Leaf Cupcakes—a lovely shop with gorgeous treats.
photo via Lori
No food conference experience is complete without dessert—so on Saturday night we had a dessert PJ party with friends. Brooks from Recipe Boy stopped by and charmed everyone with his cuteness.
Sunday morning a Tree Top group bus took us to Lake Chelan, Washington. The view from my hotel room was stunning—an ideal start to the day.
We toured the Tree Top apple orchards, which overlook the lake—an absolutely beautiful setting.
After the orchard visit we enjoyed a memorable dinner at Benson Vineyard Estate Winery. The views were breathtaking and the meal was one of the most beautiful dining experiences I’ve had.
photo via Epicurean Mom
The dinner group included me, Katie (Epicurean Mom), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Sandy (Reluctant Entertainer), Shaina (Food for My Family), Kim Sunee, Amie (The Healthy Apple), Jessica (The Novice Chef), Karlynn (The Kitchen Magpie), Louise (Mom Start), and Julie (Mommie Cooks).
We began with beautifully presented appetizers before moving into an elegant banquet room for dinner.
We dined until we were completely satisfied—an unforgettable end to a wonderful trip. Many thanks to Tree Top for an exceptional finale to our weekend.