January 11, 2011

Food Blog Camp 2011

Words can’t fully express the greatness of last week’s Food Blog Camp so I’ll let photos do the speaking for me. We stayed at the luxurious Grand Velas resort in Playa Del Carmen and enjoyed wonderful service and fabulous food.

The all-inclusive resort made life pretty easy. We ordered room service each morning before our sessions. Breakfast on the patio in Mexico? Now who can say no to that?

The vast array of freshly squeezed juice available was a major highlight to everyone’s morning.

I roomed with Marla and had a ball. Marla is feisty and passionate about what she does. She’s also a great roommate because she’s the workout queen, and kept me up exercising despite being away from home. Thanks Marla! Lucy (who has the best blog name ever) decided to name us “Big Cook, Little Cook” because Marla is almost a foot shorter than me.

The teaching was fantastic. The small, more intimate setting enabled the speakers to give us one-on-one attention and instruction. The photography/styling sessions taught by Todd and Diane, Adam, and Matt were incredibly helpful. After each session we got some hands-on practice . . .

We all know it wouldn’t be a trip to Mexico without guacamole, salsa, chips, and a little tequila, right? I think several of us may have overdosed on guacamole. Wait, is that even possible?

Most of all, the people really made the trip for me. Elise is incredibly genuine and warm. I was struck by Matt’s humility. Todd and Diane were there to serve and teach us with selfless attitudes. Stephanie is thoughtful, super sweet and incredibly smart. It was a pleasure meeting Michael – he’s got a good heart and kept everyone laughing. Diana is as selfless as they come. Brooke is thoughtful and incredibly loving. What a wonderful group of people with whom to share a week on the beach!

Now I’m home and it feels good to get back into the swing of things. I enjoyed cooking in my kitchen again and seeing Pete and the girls.

This week is exceptionally exciting because my book is finally out! After four years, the moment finally arrived and I’m thrilled beyond words. Next week I’m traveling to Dallas to do some publicity for the book. While I’m there I’ll teach cooking two classes on Saturday the 22nd. If you’re in the area and would like more information, leave a comment below and I’ll follow up with you. I can’t promise an experience like Blog Camp, but would love to meet some of you!

More Recaps from Food Blogger Camp:

Food Blogger Camp (David Lebovitz)
Food Blogger Camp 2011 (Kitchen Corners)
Margaritas & Food Blog Camp (Sally Cameron)
Food Blog Camp: Seeing the Light (Confections of a Foodie Bride)
The Greatest Job in the World(Confections of a Foodie Bride)
Food Blog Camp-Cancun (What’s Gaby Cooking?)
Food Blog Camp! ¡Hola! México! Part Uno(Kitchen Conundrum)
Food Blog Camp 2011 (Mommy Cooks!)
Food Blog Camp: Hello from Mexico!(Daily Nibbles)
What I learned…Food Blogger Camp 2011 (A Communal Table)
Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Food Blog Camp 2010 (Adventures of an Amateur Foodie)
Hola from Riviera Maya (Savuryandsweet)
If You’re Happy and You Know it, Eat Foie Gras (FRANtastic Food)
Food Blogger Camp: Molecular Gastronomy Demonstration(The Recipe Renovator)
Food Blogger Camp Riviera Maya (Family Fresh Cooking)
10 Lessons Learned from Food Blog Camp 2011 (Food Woolf)
Food Blog Camp 2011 in Mexico (Matt Bites)
Community Across the Globe: Food Blog Camp 2011 (The Urban Baker)
Food Blogger Camp Overview ( Recipe Renovator)
Food Blog Camp 2011 (White on Rice Couple)
Wordless Wednesday: My Kind of Camping Trip (Pinch My Salt)

Photo Attribution (used with permission):

Sarah of Daily Nibbles snapped the first photo of the hotel walkway.

David Lebovitz took the juice photo.

Renee of Kitchen Conundrum concocted the photo of steaming milk.

Maggie of Loaded Kitchen provided the photo of the gorgeous girl in the swimsuit.

Marla of Family Fresh Cooking captured the photos of Michael and Marla and me.

Diana of Dianasaur Dishes added the photo of the resort at night.

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27 Comments

Gaby
January 11, 2011 at 9:43 am
I had such a fabulous time with you!! I want to go back NOW!!!! Can't wait to see you again soon! xoxo
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GirlyGreenGirl
January 11, 2011 at 9:51 am
Got my signed copy in the mail this weekend. It's beautiful; congratulations! I literally drooled over the breakfast section and read your every word. Thanks!~ GGG
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mamabear
January 11, 2011 at 10:07 am
I would LOVE to try and head over from Ft. Worth on the 22nd, please send details so I can mentally prepare my husband to stay with all 4 kids. :)
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Sarah Hope
January 11, 2011 at 10:10 am
My hubby and I live in Denton and would love to come when you visit Dallas! Send me some deets!
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Rachel Mash
January 11, 2011 at 10:17 am
My husband and I would also be willing to head over from Fort Worth on the 22nd! Details would be great!
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Lucy Lean
January 11, 2011 at 10:25 am
Lovely getting to know you - can't wait to buy your book and start cooking from it - it looked GORGEOUS - let me know how I can help promote... x
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Kristen
January 11, 2011 at 10:46 am
Looks like it was a wonderful trip!
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Amanda
January 11, 2011 at 10:51 am
Congrats on your book! I have heard nothing but good things!
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Brooke@FoodWoolf
January 11, 2011 at 11:03 am
Carrie, spending time with you was so special and heart warming. I loved the location, the jungle, and the one-on-one time this get away offered. I'm even more excited to be home and start cooking out of your gorgeous cookbook! It's such a pleasure to read! Xoxo B
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Stephanie M at Together In Food
January 11, 2011 at 1:49 pm
What a nice re-cap! It was such a joy to meet you and have the time to get to know each other on the beach and over that enormously large cocktail you received our last night in Mexico. Just bought your book and can't wait to start cooking with it. Having heard your food philosophy directly will make it feel like you're right there with me, teaching me your recipes step by step!
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allison [Haute Box]
January 11, 2011 at 6:22 pm
I can only think of one word :)"Lovely"
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marla {family fresh cooking}
January 11, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Carrie, lovely re-cap. I am so happy we got to spend so much time together at Camp. You are amazing friend that I cherish with all my heart :) Congrats on your book - you know how much I love it! xo
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Michael Procopio
January 12, 2011 at 12:21 am
I'm very glad I got the opportunity to meet you, you know. Thanks for the lovely write up.Oh, and by the way, who let that baby (pictured behind me) into the bar?
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Cooking in Mexico
January 12, 2011 at 4:16 am
It sounds like it was an incredible time for you, and what great photos. A picture is worth a thousand words! Mexico is my home full-time -- I live a few blocks from the beach and know what a special place this is.What is happening in the steaming milk photo?? What is on the plate??Congrats on your book! This is quite an achievement.Kathleen
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Maria
January 12, 2011 at 5:47 am
Glad you had so much fun!
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Diane and todd
January 12, 2011 at 8:19 am
first of all, congratulations on your gorgeous book, we're happy for you. And it was so great to finally get to know you more in person. We're all lucky people. hugs. btw- you're a great dancer.
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Damaris
January 13, 2011 at 7:32 am
I'm so excited I met you and am excited to get your book. Last night I made brownies and kept thinking, "Would Carrie use brown sugar? Would Carrie use whole wheat flour?" I think your work is great and am excited for you. Have a fun and safe trip to Dallas.
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Amber
January 14, 2011 at 11:19 am
I love your recap of camp! It was nice meeting you (although I think we were two ships passing in the night--how did I miss you??). I'm the "gorgeous girl in the swimsuit" here--THANKS for saying that and making my day. :) Maggie is just so great! Love her photo!I hope we can stay in touch! I just love your website and your concept (I write a locavore blog). I'm pre-ordering my book today!
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Sally
January 17, 2011 at 4:36 am
Carrie, I'm still catching up and love reading your take on the "camp" experience. It was wonderful to meet you and I'm so excited for your new book! Yay! I feel we should have celebrated it more pointedly, but we were pretty scattered after our sessions. So kudos and congratulations. I hope you really enjoy your book tour and will become an enthusiastic follower of your work and work in progress! xxoo Sally
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Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer
January 17, 2011 at 6:19 am
Sounds like a fabulous trip, Carrie! xo
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