Blend Retreat Recap: Part 1

Lindsay, Janetha, and Katie did an astounding job putting together an event to truly revolve around the community of the blog world.

These ladies know how it’s done. No cliques. No negativity. No strict schedules. No being cooped up in conference rooms. 100% pure fun and involvement with one another. Allow me to welcome you into the atmosphere…and if you weren’t physically there this year, I sure as heck hope you can make it next year. I know I’ll be there! I’ve already been recruited to do another boot camp with my pal, Lindsay.

Friday Evening

I was so stoked Friday afternoon to meet my good Atlanta pals Laura and Heather at the airport. We ended up having seats close together, which helped the time pass by very quickly for the flight. At least for us. Maybe not so much for the poor folks likely annoyed by our jabbering around us. Oh well. We were too excited. 

As soon as we landed, we took a cab and booked it to the retreat. We checked in and then I went to my room to get prettied up as quickly as possible since the Friday evening cocktail party had already started.

After finally meeting some AMAZING pals and socializing for a bit, we all headed in to the dinner.

It started with a glass of chardonnay and a salad…

…then a chicken, quinoa, and vegetable dish…

…all served alongside the catching up with blog friends, old and new. I spent a good bit of the time chatting with Heather from Heather’s Dish. We have wanted to meet in person for forever and it felt so great to finally have that chance. I’m so happy she was able to make it out for a few of the events since she lives in the area. I wish I had a picture of us together! We’ll just do a picture of the mini cupcakes instead.

Shortly after dinner, most of us headed back to our rooms to get an early start for bed. I roomed with Lindsay’s sister, Katy (such a sweetheart!), and we crashed really quickly.

Saturday Morning

Well, I already let you in on the fun we had at boot camp that morning.

It was actually my first time leading a group that large. How cool! I felt in my element, though, so I wasn’t too nervous. Or maybe it was all those aminos I drank?

The kind and fitness inspired people from FitMixer sponsored the boot camp workout.

Can I just say how cool they all are? I loved them! And their branch chain amino acids mix. I was stoked we got to go home with a full container and make it for myself – even if it did mean getting my bag searched at the airport. I can’t wait to try their other stuff, too.

After the boot camp, we all refueled with some breakfast sponsored by Xagave. They really did it up right and even had the whole set-up decorated!

I got to try Xagave for the first time with a plain Chobani, some dried cherries, and some special local granola that was a lemon blueberry flavor. I adore lemon and blueberry together.

I also had some fruit (mango and blackberries for the win!) and a blueberry muffin that was made with whole wheat flour and Xagave instead of sugar.

Such a good breakfast!

Saturday Afternoon

Not too long after fueling up with breakfast, we set out for the quintessential Colorado event. You simply cannot go to Colorado and not do a hike. At least I think so. Saturday afternoon we did just that.

We were just a teeny little group, no?  

The hike itself was about 2 miles to the top and had a lot of very steep climbs an slippery, rocky sections. It felt right up my alley. I LOVE hiking and now I have a rekindled need to do so again pronto with my family.

For this trip, my gal pals Courtney and Alyssa sufficed.

Oh, you girls know how much I love ya!

Even with all the huffing and puffing on the way up, we made it and the views were definitely worth it!

Once we all made it safely back to level ground (thank goodness I didn’t sprain an ankle or something!), we ventured back to the lodge and considered going to the afternoon yoga session. However, once our booties parked it on the couches, we knew that wasn’t happening. The next few hours included nothing more than snacking, laughing, and girl talking it up. A huge perk of Blend – freedom to chill and really get to know each other. I loved it!

This seems like a pretty good stopping point, so stay tuned for tomorrow for part 2! I promise you won’t want to miss it. #crazyphotosalert

Your Turn – Do you like to hike? Ever had agave or branch chain amino acids?

Tagged as: blend retreat, blog friends, fun, travel, weekend recap

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