September 12-14, a group of registered dietitians, who are also members of Healthy Aperture or Recipe Redux, got together in Vermont for the very first Blog Brûlée Conference. While my attendance was partially funded by the sponsors of the event, I was not compensated to write this post.
We had the privilege of lodging at Smugglers' Notch Resort, which was hands down one of the most beautiful places I'd ever stayed at. Being so close to nature and seeing the beauty of God's marvelous creation right before my eyes at every turn, allowed me to tuck away all my worries as well as the busyness of life. I told the Hungryman that we are definitely coming back here! Perhaps I may get on skis for the first time ever! I hear it's quite fun.
As you can see, we were well fed.
Unlike other conferences I'd attended in the past, I loved how intimate Blog Brûlée was as it encouraged openness, honesty, and free-flowing conversations. I felt very much a part of the discussion rather than a body somewhere in the background.
Here's a brief review of the sessions:
- Food Photography Basics led by Regan Jones and Gretchen Brown. When I picked up my camera 2 years ago, I had NO idea that food photography was going to become such a HUGE part of my life. I recently wrote a post sharing my personal photography tips, where I opened up about what draws me to this new found passion. I love how you've got to keep pushing yourself as there's absolutely no room for stagnancy. You're always learning and re-learning. So this session was a great reminder to always have a good grasp of the basic concepts.
- Iphoneography led by Deanna Segrave-Daly. You don't have to own a DSLR to take great photos. Deanna and Liz both use iPhones to take all of their blog photos, and you'd never know! The two must-have apps are Snapseed and Camera+. Guys, with a little bit of tweaking, they seriously bring your shots to life!
- The Art of Storytelling by Robin Plotkin and Brierley Wright. If you struggle with writing, like I do, know that it takes practice! There are absolutely no shortcuts...which I tend to gravitate toward. Just keep at it and you shall reap the rewards. And remember - always edit your work! Read it out loud, highlight or change fonts, find someone to give it a look over...a few helpful suggestions. And I'm sure Brierley is cringing right now at how long this post is..<500 words..yeah, not happening here but will def be working on it!
- Elements of Food Styling by Gretchen Brown. Remember that the food is the hero, so keep things simple. Keep the food wet and moist - save those drippings, sauces, etc. The eye really likes odd numbers so, for instance, instead of 2 muffins, plop another one in the shot.
- Defining and Delivering SEO by Carolyn Ketchum. By making little tweaks here and there, the post you worked so hard on can rank higher than someone else's, someone who doesn't know about SEO. By using it correctly you can tell the search engine, "Hey, my content is relevant and high quality, so you should give me some attention." Some ways to do this is to use 1 or 2 relevant keywords (less is more). Have those words come first in the URL, title tags, the Alt text for images, and use them early in the post.
- Building Your Virtual Community by EA Stewart. Check out my post on Building Your Virtual Community. Sorry for the repetition, but this is me putting what I learned to practice - use good anchor text, meaning type out the actual post title instead of "click here."
- Branding in the Blogosphere and Beyond by Janice Bissex and Liz Weiss. Not only are they hilarious, but they've essentially built an empire! They have their own podcasts, cookbooks, newsletters (they highly recommend using Mad Mimi), iPhone app...I mean the list goes on and on. Amongst many helpful tips, I especially loved the idea of using surveys to engage the audience and to help develop future content. "Authentic, Reliable, Responsive, Engaging, Evolving" = keys to success.
- Monetizing Your Brand by Anne Mauney. Numbers don't matter as much as you think. Make a media kit and approach brands, being specific about how your service can benefit their company. Be bold, assertive, clear, and transparent.
I know that was a lot, but let me assure you, we didn't just sit down and take notes all day. We went to the Boyden Valley Winery and enjoyed wine and cheese pairings. I really wish Cabot cheese was more readily available in Austin. So good!
And before we knew it, the weekend was over. Goodbyes are always tough, but "I'll see you in the virtual world" made it a lot more bearable. Gave me a good laugh, too. There's no way we can disappear from each other ;). A group of us spent some time in downtown Burlington before heading out to the airport.
And, of course, we raided the raw juice store.
I guess you could say that we certainly "set fire to better blogs!"
A HUGE thanks to all of our amazing sponsors:
-Smugglers Notch
-Cabot Creamery
-Boyden Valley Winery
-Welch's
-The Soyfood Council
-Mountain States Rosen
-Davidson's Safest Choice Eggs
-Kashi
Because cheese is still on my mind (thanks to Cabot Creamery), here's a round-up of grilled cheese/panini recipes from my fellow attendees...
- Chipotle Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese - Love and Zest
- Dandelion Grilled Cheese with Fig & Brie - Kara Lydon
-Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese - Meal Makeover Moms
-How to Make Healthier Grilled Cheese - Teaspoon of Spice
Brie, Fig & Pear Panini - MJ and Hungryman
- Grilled Zucchini and Gruyere Panini with Smoky Pesto - An Avocado a Day
- Pumpkin Sage Gorgonzola Grilled Cheese - immaeatthat
- Grilled BCT Sandwich - Kumquat
-Roasted Veggie Grilled Cheese - Meme Inge
- Vegetable Panini on Sourdough - Cape Fear Nutrition
-Rustic Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Pesto - 30 seconds with A & J
-Brie, Ham, and Green Apple Panini - All Day I Dream About Food
Robin @Robinsbite says
Min, how I WISH we had more time to chat! Let's make a date the next time I'm in Austin/your're in Dallas... deal? We'll break some bread together---or at least a grilled cheese!
Regan @ Cabot Creamery says
Min this is a GREAT recap! I'm glad you were able to take away so much info, but boil it down to key nuggets of action items.
And love, love the recipe round-up. A weekend in Vermont tasting cheese will definitely inspire you to seek out all the best grilled cheese recipes you can get your hands on 🙂
Min says
Thanks, Regan! You ladies def know how to throw a party! Can we be invited again next year? 😉 As for the cheese, I wish Cabot was more accessible here in TX. My groceries don't carry it..so sad..
Jen says
Min!
What fun reliving the weekend by reading your post. It was great meeting you and I thank you for offering your photo tips to me. I'm inspired!
Min says
Aww likewise! I look forward to staying in touch and following your journey! Until next time we meet..
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
This sounds really like a spectacular event Min. I am so happy to hear it went so well and you learned a lot. Just reading your post I feel like I got a little peek into the whole experience. Ha ha about Brierley telling you all to stay under 500 words. I need to try that more often.
Min says
I was sooo close to you and yet didn't get a chance to meet-up..so sad..the weekend seriously just flew by! I know, right? 500 words..I've got my work cut out for me!
ellie | fit for the soul says
Once again you read my mind! I was just thinking yesterday & today that I realllllllyyyy want to make grilled cheese. Specifically spicy, and then devour it cartoon style. These look delish, and that picture of your grilled cheese is actually one of my favorites from yours! 😀 Keeping a post short is quite a challenge for me too, but I think I'm slowwwwllllyyyyy getting better at that, haha. Ps: Please know that your writing IS AWESOME. I'll toot your horn. 😉
Min says
Haha "cartoon style?" I just got a mental picture of you eating this. Too funny. Aww thank you Ellie ssi for your continuous support and love that you so generously pour out to me! Our friendship truly means a lot! xoxo
Candace @ Cabot says
It sounds like you all had a really rich - and fun - experience. Having the opportunity to get together with passionated, dedicated food professionals is always a thrill, and a real learning opportunity. Your post summarized the weekend beautifully!
Min says
Thank you, Candace. It truly was an enriching weekend :). I returned home with so many wonderful memories.
Alanna says
Those grilled cheeses...yum! Beautiful pictures and recap. What a perfect time to visit Vermont!
Min says
Thanks, Alanna! I'd seriously LOVE to meet you one of these days.
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
These tips are really helpful, Min! I'd never heard the <500 words tip before - I'm going to have to work on that! And the grilled cheese roundup from your fellow attendees is such a creative way to tie the post together.
Min says
I know! <500 words?!? I've def got my work cut out for me. It was def fun going through/stalking everyone's recipes 😉
Trisha says
Looks like a great trip! I would really like to visit Vermont, especially in the fall. Drooling over all these luscious grilled cheese options!
Min says
Vermont truly was beautiful! I def want to go back soon. We saw colors just starting to change. Can't imagine what it looks like now. I know..grilled cheese tends to have that effect on people haha
Liz - Meal Makeover Mom says
I love how you took our weekend at Blog Brûlée and turned it into a "story" on grilled cheese. Brilliant .. plus now I have so many awesome grilled cheese ideas. Great post 🙂
Min says
Haha I try..I guess I have my moments of brilliance from time to time ;). Thank you! And I'm still upset that I didn't give you the face mask..we were all supposed to put it on together..next time!
Selena @ The Nutritious Kitchen says
Wow! This looks like such an awesoe trip!! All your photos look great and I can only imagine how good all the food was 🙂 and p.s. I am drooling over all those grilled cheese ideas!!
Min says
It truly was an awesome experience! Hopefully I'll get to meet you in person soon? I'm a huge fan of your recipes and photos 😉
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Seriously thank you for summarizing Carolyn's talk.. I feel like I learned so much I didn't know where to start! LOL.
Min says
I'm trying to work on improving SEO, but I'm feeling quite overwhelmed to tell you the truth. Just taking baby steps here ;). Was so awesome hanging out with you, my sweet friend! Hope you're enjoying your new lens! Still can't believe the same thing happened to both of us! Wow..
Marisa Moore says
Great recap, Min! It says it all. Great idea to include the grilled cheese recipe round up - just in time for fall!
I'm so very happy to have met you and look forward to seeing your blog and brand - which are already amazing - grow and thrive!! You inspire me. Cheers to great things ahead!
Min says
Grilled cheese never fails to satisfy my craving ;). I'm so happy that we connected this weekend, and I DEF want to keep in touch with you! Cheers!!
Jenna @ Fresh Food Perspectives says
Well done Min! And I love that #MakeHealthyEasy drop-in. 😉
Min says
Thanks! It's a great hashtag how could I not mention it? 🙂
McKenzie Hall says
Min, it was so, so wonderful to meet you! Your blog, recipes, and photos amaze me 🙂 Hope to stay in touch!
Min says
Aww thank you so much, McKenzie! Likewise! Yes, let's definitely kit virtually and already looking forward to our next meet-up 😉
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
im still bummed about not being able to make it..thanks for the recap.
Min says
I know..wish we could've met. Hopefully our paths will cross in the near future!
Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil) says
What a fab recap (along with a grilled cheese round-up - what's not to love??) So so glad you were with this group - love seeing how far you've come with your blog and the sky's the limit on what you can do professionally for sure 🙂
Min says
Thank you so much, Deanna! I feel so empowered after the conference, and I'm def excited to finally launch my career, wherever that may take me. I'm so glad we finally got to meet, and when we meet next time, I'd love to spend some more quality time with you. I didn't even get to ask about your sweet daughter :(.
Kara Lydon, RD says
Min! Thanks so much for including my dandelion, fig & brie grilled cheese in your round-up! I love your recap and I'm excited to read your post on your personal photography tips! I have a lot to learn from you, my friend 🙂
gretchen | kumquat says
i LOVE that you were there... i only wish we'd had more time to chat together. your site and your sweet personality are inspiring and inviting. who wouldn't want you around?! thanks for the great recap of a really great weekend.
Min says
I know! It must've been really hectic for you 4 ladies though. I shall forever remember your quote about the flower blooming and keeping things "wet and sexy." ;). I truly appreciate your kindness and continuous support! p.s I want you around me all the time!
Carolyn says
Thanks for including my recipe! It was great to meet you.
Min says
It was lovely to meet you too!