Cotter Crunch

By now you’ve seen dozens of BLEND RETREAT recaps. Each one unique in their own perspective. But I think it’s safe to say that each one has summed it with these words.

BLENDIFUL. –> Bloggers + friends + BEAUTIFUL scenery, food, memories, conversation, love, and fellowship.

And for those of you who couldn’t make it, please know we felt your spirit/presence. I hope that EVERYONE can come next year! <3

So let me begin.

I arrived Friday just in time for the ATTUNE FOODS snack time. Okay maybe a few moments late due to flight delay, but so glad I got there to see everyone and of course HUG EVERYONE. When you meet blog friends for the first time, it’s like meeting a long lost friend. You embrace, you squeal (ok I squeal), you talk about LIFE!

I was thrilled that everyone liked the Justin’s nut butter and Erewhon crackers, a VERY GOOD sign since I was representing ATTUNE FOODS (Erewhon) at the retreat. It was the perfect summer camp snack along with coffee and tea. Pretty sure we could have lived off this combo all weekend.

After snack time, Abby and I went back to our rooms to unpack and go throw all our swag!! I was in shock at all the goodies, as you can tell. Plus there were many more smaller companies that I just loved discovering. You can read my THANK YOU post for the sponsor details.

Before I knew it, it was time for the SILK (SILKOLOGY) cocktail party. Lauren did a great job of representing SILK and put together some pretty tasty cocktails using their Almond and Coconut milks. SO GOOD! Thanks for drinks Lauren and thanks for the pic!

Abby and I shared a few of the fun Silkology drinks, but of course, there was wine, so of course.. I WINED! And took lots of photos with BLENDS and my WINE. Hmmm.. they must know I like wine or something (insert sarcasm). Winking smile

Heather, Laura, and me with my wine glass. I must have been going to get a refill. Just kidding. Winking smile

Catching up with the beautiful Amanda! Thanks for the photo too Amanda!

Dinner was up next and it was scrumptious.

I had fish with quinoa burger and roasted veggies. Down the hatch it went! For dessert Heather, Laura, and I split the three choices. Panna Cotta was my favorite. And can you tell that Laura was taste tester? Love that woman! she has the best pallet!

Before I knew it, it was 11pm and I was tired. But I couldn’t leave without hugging a few more friends like Bonnie, Brittany, and Maren! Pretty sure I hunted them both down for these pics!

Okay..so let’s get to the next few days. Hold tight. It’s gonna be long!

Both Saturday and Sunday we worked out with GPP fitness in the morning. I have one word for how I feel today as a result to that… SORE. They rocked though. Loved the functional training and the motivation!

Lindsay, Heather, me, and Laura post GPP Flex!

After GPP it was time to EAT! Breakfast was hosted by the amazing Chobani with co-sponsors by Laughing Cow Cheese (love their new cinnamon and strawberry flavors), Blue Print Cleanse (I think I had two juices a day there!), and muesli fusion. Gluten Free options everywhere! I loved it!

After breakfast I handed out my Healthy Bites. Totally a highlight of the whole trip. I loved being able to share my passion with friends. Everyone got a sample pack of two bites. The choices were Lemon Cream Paleo, Vegan Muddy Buddy Mocha, and Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip.

So fun to share with one of my favorite Canadians too! MEG!

Throughout the day we were surprised by more goodies and room drops! Thank you Corepower, Attune Foods, Zevia, soyjoy, and Naturemade! Also thank you ONNIT and Mrs. United States for the afternoon snack and smoothies (not pictured).

Okay, so Abby and I were wiped out after a very eventful morning. We didn’t finish breakfast till 10:30am and decided to rest instead of going on the Pro Bar hike. But then… it hit. The urge to get out and explore! We tied up our running shoes and convinced the twins to run down the to the city center and explore. And I mean literally RUN! I promised them we’d stop at whole foods if they came. It was cold, rainy, but BEAUTIFUL and SO WORTH IT!

picture above from purelytwins.

So now we were really exhausted. But in the best possible way! No time to be tired. haha. We hitched a ride back up the mountain, showered, and decided to walk with a bunch of others to a near by restaurant (Red Tail Grill). So much fun chatting, laughing, and just being US. (Lindsay, Michelle, Lori, Abby, and more)

Look at that, barely anyone is on their phone. LOVE IT!

Post dinner we all had one big GAB FEST in Momma B’s room. She made us Utah Scones (aka fried puffs of goodness). This was probably one of my favorite activities. Just a bunch of ladies (ok and some husbands) chatting, drinking wine, eating dessert, and catching up on life… IN REAL LIFE!

Chatting and laughing with Laura and Christine. Such amazing mom’s that I look up to! Photo from Laura.

The last morning we did another round of GPP bootcamp and enjoyed a post workout Drink Chia courtesy of Laura.

I then had to quickly shower, eat breakfast, and head to the airport early. I was so sad to miss the closing ceremony sponsored by BLUE DIAMOND via Lindsay. But I saw all the great prizes through instagram. Gah, so many great companies that donated!!

Photo from Christine’s Blog

I was sad to leave. I wanted more time. Yes, we were spoiled rotten by amazing companies, swag, and activities. Yes, we stayed in a beautiful resort in the mountains. Yes, we had great food all the time.

BUT…

You know what?

This retreat would have been just as amazing without it all because of the PEOPLE who were there.

Genuine COMMUNITY. Genuine FELLOWSHIP. Genuine LAUGHTER. Genuine Kindness. GENUINE BLENDS.

I wish I had more time with more people, but that only makes me more eager to go back next year! Thank you again to Katie, Lindsay, and Janeetha for a memorable event. And thank you Attune Foods for allowing me to represent your great brand!

Cheers,

P.S.

Now it’s back to work/teaching fitness, back to gluten free blogging, back to sherpaing, and back to healthy bites making!

I’ll be hosting a live chat at 2pm ET with a few other leaders from the Udis Glutenfree community. We’re talking Summer Entertainment and grilling! Tons of Udis GF prizes to giveaway too!