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). 
Heather, Laura, and me with my wine glass. I must have been going to get a refill. Just kidding.
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,
LC
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!
We had too much fun and not enough time! XOXO I miss you!
Great recap! Can’t believe it’s been a week already! It went so fast I didn’t get a chance to talk to everyone including you! Next time! 🙂
Loved the lemon bites! Thanks for sharing! That pic of you and Lindsay is awesome! Love it!
so glad you liked them Mollie! Can’t wait till next year!
Looks like sooo much fun!!! I must go next year!
Beautiful recap, my friend! This makes me so nostalgic for the few hours I spent at the retreat–I want to go back and experience it all! Until the opportunity arises again next year, I’ll live vicariously through your photos and words; it truly was an amazing gathering. 🙂 And I’m so SO grateful I had a chance to give you a hug! xoxo <3
p.s. Healthy Bites order coming tomorrow! 😀
i know, i so wish we could have had longer, but i’m cherishing the small time we had. YES!
Oh man alive I missed out. Looks and sounds like SOOOOO much fun Lindsay. Love how you recapped the whole thing. I kinda felt like I was there. 😉 Hugs!
Gah I wish I hung out with you more! I’m trying to get a week-long blend retreat started! 😉 It was good to chat with you a few seconds! You’re such a beautiful person! <3
oh i so agree! i wish i had more time with you Amanda. And so many others! A week long retreat would be perfect! I’m in!
What a fantastic weekend… and fantastic recap. I love re-living it through these posts!! Thanks also for the Drink Chia shout out! That first picture of you and Lindsay is one of my favorites- old friends connecting… it’s the best!
look how pretty you are with your gorgeous touseled hair! so glad you had an amazing time. definitely want to try that laughing cow cheese!
i dress up from time to time. haha. And yes, the cheese, it’s SOOOO GOOD!
you need this cheese, it’s freaking amazing!!! Gosh, i would have stolen more for you if i had known. LOL!
Blendiful–LOVE it!
You’re such a sweetie, it was fun to meet ya! <3 Also, loved the choc mint healthy bits. Mmmmmm!
It looks like you all had a blast!
so wish you could have been there!
Me too! I am totally planning for next year!
Perfect recap! I was really happy to see the little sponsors too! I love seeing small companies participating in events like this! I still can’t seem to find the words to describe how amazing Blend was. I’m ready to go back! I’m just hoping it’s not another full year before I see you again!
the small companies make it so unique, yes? Love that! Love you, miss you!
LOVED the re-cap and loved meeting you!! I need to order some balls stat!
SO good!! I should of went out on the run with you! I napped for like 2 hours! lol!
oh i wish you would have run with us too! Next time! PROMISE
Omg… so jealous – it looks like an AMAZING time. I want to know how to get some of these bites!! They look so good and I hear amazing things about them!!!
wish you were there! ANd email me anytime for the bites friend!
This was truly a blendiful recap! what fun, love and friendship to be had! I’d love to go!
p.s. You look absolutely gorgeous!
p.p.s. Mint Choco Chip Balls….yum!
xo
We need a private retreat! I want you all to myself. #Selfish #CantHelpIt you’re like the glass of wine that is so good, I refuse to give anyone a sip. LOL just kidding, but really we should plan something, you and your hubs are always welcome to stay with us here in SoCal. Blend was so fun, there needs to be more than one event like this!
Gah!! LOVE this and love all of these pictures and the happiness and joy pouring from these pictures and words!! such a beautiful experience!!! I wish I was there! you look stunning, I cannot say it enough 🙂 XO
it made me miss you more! I need a reunion with YOU!
Blend sounds like it was an absolutely amazing time. I so wish I could’ve made it! Hopefully next year will be the year.
You captured the weekend so perfectly! Your words describe it so wonderfully.
Even if we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I still consider you a blend:)
We will meet one day!
you are a TRUE BLEND! I can’t wait to meet you, i know i WILL!
Oh my I am so jealous…maybe and hopefully next year I can make it! Looks like it was an absolute blast, with so many great women, food, and is that you with a dress on and makeup??? Hugs Crazy Cotter!
you are the cutest (and sweetest!). I wish you would have gone to dinner with us on Saturday. I feel like we didn’t get to hang out much.
i was kicking myself for not going with you all. But i hope we can see each other soon, i do need more calee time, for SURE! PLEASE!!!!!
Love this! Blend is SO on my bucket list of conferences to attend. Hope to meet you there someday!
I am so bummed that I couldn’t make Blend work this year, I need to make it work for next year! Looks like an amazing weekend with amazing people!
Best recap! No, really!
You captured it, lady!
PS– GPP *shudder* TERRIFIES me now that I have heard you and Laura and Sara talking about how freaking sore y’all are.
I mean… if it can bring YOU to a …what was it? wun? Waddle Run…
I would be wheelchair bound. And somebody else would have to push it.
LOL! I almost needed a wheelchair. No joke. Please come next year. You can room with me.
It looks like such a fun time! I want to go next year — can it pleeease come to the Midwest? I hear that Indianapolis is nice ;).
That quinoa burger sounds amazing! It looks like you had a fabulous time!
Wow Lindsay… I LOVE this recap. It made me realize just how much we fit in to such a short amount of time. We need to plan a longer amount of time. With more dessert and wine tasting. And Healthy Bites!!! That Lemon – I was surpsied at how much I loved it because I am not a fruity sweet person. They are all gone.
i have a blend hangover. But it’s a good hangover. One i want to carry one for days. Let’s go back for more!
This post must have taken forever. Fantastic recap! The pics are great, you look beautiful, happy and fun. What an awesome empowering group.
It’s great to be surrounded by such a healthy, happy community.
Amazing. It looks like the BEST girls weekend ever if you ask me. I totally wish I was there!!
What wonderful recap! It’s funny reading some of these because while we all did many of the same activities, and definitely shared many of the same meals, there were also so many different perspectives, outlooks…and restaurants where people at dinner. 😉
Thanks for hanging out with me in the airport! I wish we would have had more time together…but one day I WILL get my butt back to Austin!
Hey! Wish we got to hang more. It was so great to finally meet you in person. Hopefully it wont be too long until we meet again 🙂
oh me too friend!! I need that picture of us! email it to me. Love you and talk soon, k?!
xxoo
Looks like such a blast! btw I love your wavy hair!!
Totally jealous – I wish I went! I have to go next year.
what a blast! Thanks for the great recap and so glad you had an amazing time!!!
You’re gorgeous Linds! Glad you ladies had such a fabulous time!
I STILL can’t believe we didn’t get a picture together! I LOVE the photobooth pics though, so much fun! Hopefully next year I’ll be able to enjoy more of the food, I was so impressed with how each sponsor thought of everything… I seriously can’t wait for ‘Blendiful’ 2014 🙂 love you girl xoxo
wow what a swag bag! mmmmm vino all around! wayyy too much going on in pgh for me to leave for park city but i’d love to make it out there someday!
I love your recap and you’re such a gorgeous girl! I definitely would have went back for seconds… and thirds 😉 of wine! Glad you had a great time!
I love this post and YOU! I’m going to keep reading all the Blend recaps and pretend that we’re still there. hehe. It truly was a beautiful and inspiring experience and so full of community. Can’t wait to go back next year!
haha that pic of me and michelle at dinner is just terrific 🙂 xoxo friend. great recap! love you!
Did I read that you’re coming to Chicago in August?!?! For what? I live only an hour south! I’d love to meet up with you if you have time!
Blendiful… I love that! My only complaint about the whole trip is that it was way too short! Another day or two would have been much appreciated ;). I’m already excited for next year!
So much fun in those pics!!! I have so enjoyed reading the posts, seeing the pics & Instagram too!! You all look like you were having the best time AND the place was beautiful!!!
The fun pics with the posing – LOVE!
I absolutely LOVED getting to meet you this past weekend and spend some time chatting. Though, how’d we get away WITHOUT getting a picture?! 🙁 Can’t wait for next year! 🙂
Sigh! SO happy that you got a chance to unwind and chill for a few days. It was certainly well-deserved! Looking forward to our Austin mini-Blend ;). If worst comes to worst, I’ll be crashing in your guest room ;). (I’ll pay in Healthy Bites help!) Beautiful pictures! I’ll be in them next year, k? Xoxo
great recap, and you got some amazing picture girl! I need to get some more of your healthy bites, the paleo lemon cream were amazing!
wow sweetie, I feel so blessed to be included within your post! thank you so much! Blend definitely did go by too fast – I wish we had more time together! I honestly miss you so so much! Thanks for all of the love and we will keep in touch through emails and text – I promise <3 you're a light in my life 🙂
well you are my DOLL! and i cherish my DOLL!
<3
All of that food looks delish!! I need to be at Blend next year 🙂
Sounds like an incredible weekend!!!
Maybe one of these events I will get to go to!!!
thank you again for the healthy bites – you’re a freakin’ genius!!! xoxo
i miss you so much already!! thanks for all the great hugs!
i miss you more. xxoo
I loved following your trip on IG! Definitely worth looking into 😉
Hi Lindsay! I just recently stumbled across your blog & I absolutely love it! Your recipes are awesome and I can’t wait to get into the cook and start making some of them. I also love all your posts on Kombucha…I recently started drinking it and my “guts” have never felt better 🙂
You are absolutely gorgeous and radiating in all of the pictures! Count me in on joining next year – hold me to it!!! XO
OH I WILL!!!!
Sounds like a great weekend! I hope to join all of you next year!
you will, you must!
Blendiful <- Love it! You described it perfectly…I would've traded all that swag for just one more day with my ladies! So glad I finally got a chance to meet you! And just so you know, Tess isn't going to let me get out of a trip to Dallas soon…she keeps luring me in with tales of grandeur and grocery stores! 😉
yes yes, come, then you both roadtrip to austin!! PLEEEEEEEASE! I miss your face!
What a beautiful weekend! I can’t wait to join in next year!!
oh i can’t wait either. So excited to meet YOU!
Sounds like such a great weekend! So neat to finally meet everyone in person and spend time with friends who share what you’re passionate about. Great recap! 🙂
sure was! you must come next year friend, k?
Beautiful recap! Lots of lovely pictures to help remember the weekend. I LOVED meeting you and hope we have the opportunity to hang out again! 🙂
we might be in Chicago in august. EEK!
You should definitely let me know if you are! I’d love to get together–maybe try a fun restaurant in the city or something. 🙂
Blendiful is certainly right! I was loving all the Instagram updates from Blend and now am looking forward to all the recaps. You can bet I will be there next year if I have to drag my exams and textbooks with me. And I will finally be legal WINING age. 😉
i will bribe you with healthy bites to come next year!!