Top 10 Things I Learned at Food Blogger Connect 2014 #FBC14

It was a whirlwind weekend full of new friends, food, and lots of information. Lots and lots of information!

There is just so much to write that I am not even going to attempt to write it all. So, instead I am going to share the top 10 things I learned at Food Blogger Connect.

Some of it is what I already knew, but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that I’m heading in the right direction!

Top 10 things I learned at #FBC14 (in no particular order): 

1. Opportunity: Sometimes it finds you and sometimes you have to find it.
2. Find your niche. What makes you and your blog different?
3. Have a good idea. Research it. Plan it out. Just do it. A good idea will stay a good idea if you don’t do something about it.
4. Social media is important. Find the ones that really work for you and use them to their fullest ability!
5. I wish I had looked into being a travel/food blogger! I am definitely interested in seeing sites and experiencing food all over the world. (Maybe one day when the girls are bigger.)
6. All brands sell luxury, status, comfort, and so on so what are you trying to “sell”? What you make people feel is just as important as what you make.
7. Remember you can say no. If you aren't comfortable or something doesn't fit with your blog you don’t have to say yes. If in doubt ask questions. Brands are learning how to handle the whole blogger thing so you won’t know unless you ask!
8. Don’t take too many photos. You only really need a handful of photos to relay your story. I know I do struggle with having too much choice, so this was a handy tip for me.
9. If your dream is to publish a cookbook consider an e-book, look at Holly Bell from the Great British Bake Off. She has a mini e-book and her new book is out next month!
10. Food Bloggers and Foodie People are awesome!

So, there was all that learning stuff and then there was the food! We had a lot of variety and it was a lot of fun trying all of it! Each day gave us different choices and I made sure to try each choice. 

I especially enjoyed Tequila Patron everyday, all day! If I wasn't drinking that I had a Good Beans cold brew coffee or a Sweetbird's lemonade! There was some delicious street food too! I didn't take pictures of all of it, but I did get quite a few! 

I have a few products I brought back from the weekend and am in the process of brainstorming ways of using them in my baking! Hopefully they will be posted in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned! 

Drinks are on Me! {Margarita R-Evolution}

I graduated from University with a degree in Visual Arts, but I hadn't declared my degree until halfway through my 3^rd year. Until then I took enough classes to either do the Visual Arts degree I ended up with or a degree in Science, more specifically chemistry.

I loved being in the chemistry lab, but not as much as I loved the print studio.

Recently I was given an opportunity to replicate a chemistry lab at home with a Margarita R-Evolution Kit. The first bonus being I wasn't going to be graded on it and the second I'd get to drink/eat the "experiment." 

The kit includes everything you need to create 3 different ways to enhance a margarita and make it fun! The 3 ways include a Citrus Foam, Azure Bursting Pearls, and Margarita Spherification.

I choose to start with the Citrus Foam! Basically you blend with a hand blender Soy Lecithin, which is provided in the kit, with sugar syrup, orange, and lime juice.

It’s fun watching the foam bubble up and as long as there is enough liquid to blend, you can keep making foam. What a great way to dress up a cocktail!

It did add a little extra citrus kick to the cocktail and I had as much fun drinking my margarita as I did making it! The instructions were clear and easy to follow I think anyone who has an interest in playing in the kitchen, drinking, or science would benefit from this kit or one like it. There are other types available.

I can’t wait to try out the other ways! Hoping to host a cocktail night soon, which would be a great opportunity to use this kit to it’s fullest!

notes: You will need to have the ingredients to make the cocktail and a few other juices and liquors to use this kit to it’s fullest. The kit was provided for me to review, by Cheeky Monkey Cream Chargers, please see my contact/policy page for more information.