Hello, hello from back home in Alberta 😀
I landed in Edmonton early yesterday afternoon and I’ve been doing my best to get settled in since them. First order of business? Food in my belly. I literally flew through my front door, shedding bags left, right, and center, and raided my kitchen for anything/everything edible. I ended up inhaling an ABJ sandwich and some random veggies while standing over the counter, but man was it good to be back in my own kitchen.. especially because it meant being reunited with this guy right here…
I think I may have a slight problem… 4 days without kabocha and I was going through some serious withdrawals. Anyone want to start a support group? Squash Addicts Anonymous? On second thought, never mind… I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to my addiction, and we’re jumping ahead of ourselves! Before I got to tackle the squash, I had to tackle my suitcase…
Ick. And the worst part of it all? I didn’t even end up using at least half of what was in there. Apparently I’m a fan of overpacking, but in my defense, I did fly in to Minneapolis with only half my suitcase full – I just got assaulted by swag while I was over there…
Yup. They definitely spoiled us. My only complaint is that, because of my allergies, I can’t eat at least 75% of what’s in there, but I imagine it shouldn’t be too hard to find some good homes for those goodies. As for me, I’m quite content with the two things I picked up while I was down there…
Almond butter and books – what more do you need?
Soooo… Healthy Living Summit… Where do I even begin? I mean, I could talk about the sponsors…
Our Gold sponsors, Wild Harvest.
Build your own popcorn and parfait stations.
Blue Diamond almonds GALORE…
There were some amazing flavours like Caramel Macchiato, Mocha, Toasted Coconut, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Wasabi & Soy Sauce. And the best part of all? They’re made in a peanut-free facility #happydance.
I could talk about the speakers…
I could even talk about the city…
But while those were all important parts of it, the best part was definitely the people…
Gina // Kim // Sam — Chipotle for us Canadians 😉
Me and Ari – the jelly to my almond butter 😉
Sam // Gina // Me — photo booth fun.
Kim // Hannah // Sam // Me // Gina — at the cocktail party.
Sam // Me // Gina — at the cocktail party.
I got to spend the weekend with some pretty fabulous ladies, and that, more than anything else, was what made the weekend for me. Yes, I came home with a bunch of free stuff, and yes, I learned some new blogging tips and tricks (which I’ll share with you guys tomorrow), but at the end of the day, it was getting to spend time with the people that really made the weekend for me. After all, what would blogging be without the community? My only complaint is that I didn’t manage to find everyone I wanted to meet, and because of the packed schedule, didn’t get to spend as much time with some people as I would have liked… But there are always other conferences 😉
And now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to cook some oats for breakfast since I haven’t had them all weekend. I’ll be recapping what I actually learned at the conference in tomorrow’s post, so be sure to check back in for that!
Happy Monday, friends 😀
Are you guilty of overpacking? Heck.yes.
What are some of your plane essentials? iPod, books, gum, water, cereal, dried fruit.
Have you ever met any bloggers? Yesssss! But I still have lots on my bucket list.
Awww! How cute that all you gorgeous ladies coordinated your cocktail dresses! 😉 I’m SO glad you had a good time (I knew you would)! I hope and hope and HOPE that I will get to someday meet you and all my other favorite Canadian bloggers one day! And isn’t Minneapolis the BEST?! That’s where I went for my Yoplait adventures and I can’t wait to go back!
I am a habitual over-packer…but it goes along with my severe indecisiveness! I’ve gotta have my options! 😉 And as for the plane, my iPhone, a good book, and some crunchy snacks are all I need!
Are you guilty of overpacking? YES. 50 pounds of luggage for 2 days is excessive.
What are some of your plane essentials? My iPad, magazines, water, and headphones.
Have you ever met any bloggers? My friends that also blog 🙂
Agreed! The best part was 100% the people. I can’t stop gushing about how excited I am that I got to hang out with you! If only it had been for longer… ah well, I know we’ll be seeing each other again! 😀
Oh gosh, I am the worst overpacker. I brought a full sized suitcase for my less than 48 hour trip and I still had trouble fitting all my swag in there! I blame it on being a Girl Guide when I was younger… our motto was “Always be prepared” haha.
It sounds like SUCH an amazing time! I love Minnesota!
I just got back from ten days travelling and am very impressed with the capsule wardrobe I packed! First time ever – I usually fill the same suitcase with just three days worth of clothes. Everything I packed could be worn with at least two other outfits, and I didn’t bother with heels as I knew, realistically, I would never wear them! My plane essentials are pretty much the same.
I’ve met the lovely Laura from Keeping Healthy Getting Stylish, Nicky from Kabocha Fashionista, Naomi from The Gluttonous Vegan, both of the To Happy Vegans, and a few others too. I love blogger meet-ups!
Awe, looks like an amazing time! I would love to meet some fellow bloggers 🙂 I am a HUGE over packer… it’s a problem. Love your dress by the way, pretty lady!
Sounds like you had a blast! I wish I would have gone to HLS this year instead of Fitbloggin. It was fun but HLS looks like it was a blast! I am definitely guilty of over packing. ALWAYS! I’ve gotten better but I always pack at least three more outfits than I actually need. You just never know!
There’s always next year for HLS 😀 I’m hoping that Blend will be happening again as well… I really want to see what that’s like!
Oh yay!! You got a sample of Crio Bru!! You have to try that!! It is amazing! Brew it in your coffee maker and add almond milk and stevia- holy cow! Best stuff in the world. I worked with this company through my blog and they rock! I just ordered my own huge box of all the different flavors today. Great dose of chocolate:)
So glad you had a good time. I hope I get to go next year:)
It looks and sounds like you had a great time. I’m glad to hear it.
THIS LOOKS AWESOME!! And you look awesome! Seriously…get in more of your own pictures. As creepy as this sounds I like seeing the face of the person writing!
Now, if you’re looking for a place to send those peanut contaminated foods, just know that I always welcome food with open arms ;-P
Awwr thanks lady. I know, I know… I need to get better at posting more pics of myself. Work in progress.
THAT DRESS IN THE BOTTOM PICTURES <3 How was your first Chipotle experience? I am an overpacker, but my mom taught me how to be a good packer, so I can fit A LOT of unneeded items into a small space. Plane essentials are iPhone, headphones, snacks, water, and something to read 😀
I have a total crush on that dress as well. And it wasn’t actually my first time at Chipotle – it was Sam’s though. We just don’t have it up here in my part of Canada, so I take every opportunity I can to eat there whenever I visit the States.
I agree, the best part about HLS last year was meeting the people! That’s so nice you met those lovely bloggers in person and bonded so well 🙂 I’m jealous of that crap-ton of almonds! Blue diamond are my FAVORITE for flavored almonds.. .my personal favorite? Honey Roasted. Though I’ve never seen the caramel macchiatto before and I’m pretty sure I would adore that one too. Blueberry is next on my list… hopefully it will come down in price though, that one is more expensive, boo!
All that swag looks glorious! So sad that you can’t eat a lot of it yourself, but I guess that means you get inexpensive gifts for people. Have you tried the Crio Bru? I’ve always wanted to try it because I much prefer cacao to coffee, but it’s so bloody expensive.
The Book Thief is so good! Please let your devoted readers know your thoughts on it. I’m so nosey about what people are cooking and what people are reading, so a post about both is super exciting.
I haven’t tried the Crio yet, but I’m super curious about it! Apparently it’s nothing but ground up cacao, and you can never go wrong with that. Either way, I’ll let you guys know 🙂 And I’m -loving- The Book Thief! It’ll definitely be included in this month’s favourites post, so I’ll be giving my review then.
This conference sounds like so much fun! I can’t wait to hear about all the different things you learned.
I haven’t had the opportunity to meet any bloggers yet. There are SO many that I’d love to meet and I hope I get the chance to go to a conference, so I can meet some.
Yup, definitely an over-packer! Packing for a trip is always something I dread because I can’t decide what to bring, so I totally end up bringing way more than I should and end up not using even half of it. Oh well!
That is awesome, Amanda. There was so much goodness in that weekend but without a doubt, one that trumps it all is the people- the people you can relate to on such a level even without meeting them prior! So glad to see you had a blast! Also hope you OD’d on the blue diamond goods- When I came back from the states I brought over as many packets of the cocoa ones as feasible.. so good!
And give it a few more days and I’ll be joining you in squash anonymous. I’m tempted to post a picture of my hand but I don’t want to scare off readers…be thankful your not a guy… orange tinges on your chest? not cool. I was going to meet some bloggers, but got stood up 😉
haha to be honest and this just stays between you and me (no Greg), I pack reaaaaaaalllly little for trips whereas Greg packs everything “just in case”, lol. It sounds like you guys had such a blast! And it’s so cool seeing a picture of you! 😀 Hehe, am I overreacting now? You’re really tall I think…or maybe I’m just short. (5’2″) 😉
Not overreacting at all 😛 Pics of me are a rarity around these parts – something I kind of need to work on. And I’m all of 5’9… so I guess pretty tall 😆
Oh that swag looks awesome! Glad you had an awesome time!
Ahh looks like so much fun!! I am definitely guilty of overpacking. All the time.
And I soooo want to meet bloggers one day! I’ve met Kath’s husband, Matt, but that’s it!
I over pack always! 🙂 I can’t wait to meet YOU someday girl! It looked like a blast!
If Blend happens again, you better believe that I’ll be there! So I’m hoping that you’re planning on it too 😛
That’s a lot of goodies! If you can’t eat most of them, send some to me! LOL! Just kidding!
HLS looks so much fun!!! 🙂
Hottie in the striped dress!! 😉
You look amazing hun, and Im glad you had such a great time. It looks and sounds like it was such a blast!
Wow, that sounds like an awesome time. I’m glad you enjoyed it and got to meet some other fabulous bloggers in real life.
I would love to overpack, but my hatred for lugging stuff around with me has forced me into being a chronic underpacker. I really hate being loaded down. My mom is a notorious overpacker, it’s embarrassing.
Plane essentials? Lately I’ve not been bringing anything, I just try and sleep through the flight. I get sick of music, if I try reading I usually doze off, and I’m on a mealplan so snacking it’s really an option.
Never met any bloggers in real life, seeing as I’m mainly a ‘lurker’ for now. But you never know what the future might hold!
The Book Thief is an amazing book! You are going to love it if you haven’t read it yet!
You are so gorgeous!!! 😀
Thank you, Floey 🙂
I LOVE the dress you wore! You are straight up rocking it! Looks like a blast and I can see how the best part is meeting your favorite blends 🙂 I’m excited to hear about what you learned!
Thanks Alisha! Not gonna lie… having an opportunity to wear that dress was definitely up there on things I was looking forward to 😉
What a great experience!! You and Gina and some of my favorite Canadians, eh! And you’re very right, the best part of blogging is the community, meeting new people and friendships!
Oh and PS – I bought carnival squash this weekend and it was DELISH! #squashclub
I feel the exact some way, I am so, so glad I got to spend the weekend with you ladies. I hope you enjoyed those oats, I’m sure they tasted extra delicious. 😉
It looks like you had a blast! I love all the free stuff you can get. All of those almonds are enough to convert me into an almond lover. The people at events are ALWAYS the best. I love making new friends, especially ones with very similar interests. And girl, you are gorgeous! Love all your clothes! Hopefully everyone at the summit wasn’t jealous at how great you looked! That striped dress is beautiful.
Are you guilty of overpacking? 6 pairs of shoes for 4 days is too much?
What are some of your plane essentials? iPod, phone, books, gum, water, snackity snacks,
Have you ever met any bloggers? Yesssss (I’m SO lucky), but I haven’t met nearly as many as I’d like to.
6 pairs for 4 days? Nawwww. I took 3 pairs for 2 days 😉
Blogging would be nothing without the community!!! I’m so happy to be a part of it. I’ll see you at HLS 2014 😉
Looking forward to all the tips you learned!
Looks like you had an amazing time. And that haul…jealous! I love the Book Thief, such a beautifully written book.
Looks like an awesome time! Glad you enjoyed yourself!
I’m not really an overpacker most of the time. But sometimes when we go away for a weekend at our friend’s house we look like we’re moving in. It’s ridiculous.
Plane essentials – entertainment (ipad w/ movies), a snack of some sort, water
I’ve never met any other bloggers because I only started doing it around a month ago. But maybe someday!