Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits

Disclosure: My attendance at the Blog Brûlée is partially funded by Sponsor’s of the Blog Brûlée and I have received a discounted registration to the event in exchange for writing this post. Opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for my time.

There’s nothing else like doing something for the first time! It’s exciting! And exhilarating! Even a bit scary. Right now, I’m feeling all of these sensations as I plan my trip to Vermont to attend my very first blogging conference, and the inaugural Blog Brûlée! Today’s post is about what I hope to achieve during the weekend of September 12-14 in the mountains with 30 food bloggers!

Like all continuing education conferences, I will be trying to fill my noggin with as much information as will stick. What type of know how is necessary for a good food blog? If there’s one thing I have learned from blogging it’s this: gorgeous photos lure people to your site. Taking pictures of food is NOT something that comes natural to me. When I first began my blog (this September will be my third year anniversary), I didn’t know a thing about photography and getting a picture to go along with my post was not a piece of cake. Admittedly, I still struggle with it at times today. So here’s something that thrills me; I will be picking up photography skills from 3 amazing gals – I consider them the crème de la crème of food photography: Regan Jones of Healthy Aperture; Gretchen Brown of Kumquat; and Deanna Seagrave-Daily of Teaspoon of Spice. What an opportunity!

What else is important? You’ve probably heard this before but I will repeat it, content is king! I cannot think of two better individuals to share their advice on the art of story telling than media personality Brierley Wright from EatingWell.com and Eating Well Magazine (one of my personal favorite foodie magazines) and Dallas, Texas based nutrition and culinary expert Robin Plotkin of Robinsbite. Nutrition is a science, but writing about nutrition is an art. This creative outlet (along with photography) brings balance to my work day!

Better story telling and improved images here we come!!! Is there more? Yes, on a strictly personal note, I am seeking direction. It’s great not having a boss, but there’s a down side to flying solo. Sometimes you need someone to be honest. Someone to tell you… this is great.. or lousy… or you should spend more time doing this… or you’re wasting your time on that. I hate that at the end of the day when my husband asks, “What can I do to help you?” I have to answer, “I don’t know!” I am looking forward to three speakers who are champions when it comes to building a virtual community. EA Stewart, the Spicy RD, has a strategy that aligns with her personal philosophy. Then there is the dynamic duo, Janice Bissex and Liz Weiss, aka Meal Makeover Moms, who have mastered the art of name recognition! Online communities are here and now. My membership in the blogging community Recipe Redux has been an all around positive experience and I attribute much of the growth of my blog to this virtual community. Of course I’m curious how I can continue to use social media to influence, grow and create more opportunities.

photo-174_edited-1 — Behind the scenes with my faithful assistant!

Last but not least, I hope to recharge my battery. Outside of the time I spend with private patients and public speaking, most of my work-time is spent alone; reading, writing, developing recipes, prepping food, grocery shopping, cooking, taking and editing photographs, planning menus and meal patterns, brainstorming and putting together power point presentations. It’s quiet and it gets lonely (thank goodness for my son’s chocolate lab, Brody). It will be great to have some up-close and personal time with individuals I communicate with online and I’m enthusiastic to hear about each and every speaker’s and attendee’s experiences, ideas, passions and dreams. Let’s face it, food bloggers feed off of each other! Pun intended.

Before I close, I’m shouting out to all the generous brands for making this inaugural event possible. I know my first time will be a memorable one! Thank you!