---Photo by Arnold at Inuyaki.com---
Today is Wednesday and I’m still processing the happenings from this last weekend in San Francisco. This was my first trip alone without my family I’ve taken in 9 years. When I initially bought my ticket for Blogher Food 09, my intention was to get away on a much needed break. But as the conference weekend approached, both excitement and anxiety started growing within me.
This may come as a surprise to some but yesterday my blog turned 7 months old and I still feel like such a newbie within the food blogging community. I’m still navigating the ins and outs of food blogging and the very idea I would be attending a conference with so many bloggers was overwhelming not to mention the all-star panel of speakers through out each session. But once I arrived to my hotel the anxiety melted away into peace.
There were so many people I wanted to meet and even now I realize how many of them I did not have the opportunity to do so. But as I reflect on last weekend, I am so thankful for the wonderful community of friends (old and new) I spent time getting to know better.
If I could share with you a few tidbits of what I learned as a food blogger this weekend it would be this:
Be authentic and original. When I started blogging I had no idea what I was doing. I was easily tempted to try to be like “this person” or “that person”. As Dr. Phil would probably say, “How’s that working for you?”. Um, not very well. Sometimes I feel like I’m back in Jr. high and I want everyone to like me and fit in. But really, I’m not in junior high and whether you like me or not, it is not what defines me or my blog. I used to think my blog was below par of everyone else because I make and bake simple everyday food. But with the help of my food blogging friends, I now see that I do add value just for being me being true to the readers who find my recipes and enjoy my posts. There is room for everyone in the blogging community from all across the spectrum. I will never be the best somebody else but will always be the best possible me. Be authentic and original and your readers will come.
Find inspiration. Like all bloggers (or at least I think all bloggers) I get burned out. Often times I will look at others blogs to find the inspiration I need to fuel creativity. Its out there, just look out your window and you’ll find it. Finding inspiration isn’t as hard as one might think. It may come as a picture, in a conversation, or in nature.. but its there.
Community. I find food bloggers to be some of the nicest and passionate people out there. This weekend I met so many wonderful people I’ve admired for so long. Many of them I’ve been blessed by their recipes, photographs, story telling, etc. But from my experience, you only experience the benefits of community by being involved in the community. Find others who are like minded and share the same passions as you. The support you’ll receive in return is priceless.
Finally I just want to mention a few people who helped make my trip fabulous. And just for fun, I will identify them by their Twitter handles:
To my room mates @AshleyRodriguez and @JenniferPerrillo, thank you for putting up with me. I wish the slumber party could have lasted forever.
To @UseRealButter, @SweetTartelette, @WhiteOnRice, and @Inuyaki: I appreciate all you did for me… imparting laughter, craziness, and fun. And Jen, you are the coolest craziest photographer I know!!
To @SimplyRecipes, @SteamyKitchen, @ThePioneerWoman, and @JenJenK: Thank you for the fabulous After party. The swag was like being at an Oprah’s Favorite Things show, but better!
And finally to my Hero: Thank you for making me want to be better. Talking to you was an unexpected Hallmark moment for me I will never forget.
For those of you who want to read some re-caps and photos of Blogherfood 09, I’ve listed them here:
Two Peas and Their Pod
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Great recap! It was so much fun. I miss it! We need to meet up next time:)
Seriously Alice? I could have sworn you’ve been at this for years! You’re one of the most authentic people I met all weekend. So glad to have met you!
So glad you came away with the clear understanding that you can be you and still shine! I’m relatively new to your blog but I love your voice. It’s warm, genuine and bubbly – and that’s how I think of you!
I LOVE it! I can really feel how you felt going through and experiencing it through your words! LOVE the picture and all you sad. I completely agree and can totally relate to everything you said. Thanks for reminding me about what is the most important in working on my blog – just being me and not worrying about anything else.
Alice – this was so honest, raw and refreshing. I’m so proud of you for writing this. You are going places and I’m so excited to watch the ride.
What a wonderful post. I really enjoyed your tips, some of those things you just need to be reminded of so thank you. When I started my blog about a year ago I too thought that my food would be too simple compared to the many food blogs out there but I figured it would be best to just share the way I cook and who I am.If people like it then great. If not, at least I am having fun doing it and my husband is sure enjoying the the variety of cooking that goes with posting daily recipes on a blog.
It seems that BlogHer food was a wonderful event. Too bad I missed it. Maybe next year.
P.S. Thanks for the link love too!
Alice, thank you. Your stories and recipes inspire me everyday. And a big thank you for introducing me to such a sweet person in Ashley. I miss you bunches and you always have a place to crash in NYC.
Alice, you have a great blog and an authentic voice that I enjoy. I’m so glad we got to meet this weekend.
Great reading your thoughts from BlogherFood! Sounds like a great time… Wish I could have been there. Happy 7 months of blogging… I love your recipes and photos!
I totally agree – being authentic is the most important thing – that and doing what you love to do. I really love blogs that focus on everyday food! Those are some of my favorite blogs, and yours is one of them! So keep on doing what you’re doing!
oh, that sounds like fun. I hope you enjoyed your trip. I just found your blog and I really like it so I put a link on my site. Please check it out! Linn
Thanks everyone for your sweet comments.
Oh Alice…I heard it was such a lovely weekend, and I’m so bummed I couldn’t pull it off. I really loved reading your post b/c I’m a new blog as well and it sure is daunting at first. Your blog is absolutely an inspiration to me–such beautiful photos, and you have a unique and defined voice. So you’re good to go there
But I do think it takes some time to figure out your niche and what feels like it’s authentically “you.” I think I’m still wading around in that gray area. I’m so glad you all enjoyed our beautiful city! Keep up the good work.
Megan,
Thanks for your sweet encouraging comment. I’m still trying to figure out my niche.. at first I wanted a baking blog, but I also cook so much. Whatever feels right and natural to you is one step in the right direction. Also there is so much diversity in food blogs these days that you can really make it anything you want to be.
Sounds like you had a fun time.
Alice, sounds like you all had tons of fun! I am crossing my fingers that it’s in NYC next year so I can meet you and everyone else. If not, I hope it’s wherever I end up for college. I would have loved to meet everyone face-to-face and converse and learn from everyone. But I hope the experience for me next year will be as great as it was for you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your blog. I actually felt the same way. I started my blog last November 2008 so I can do something for myself. I didn’t know anything about blogging. But through your blogging, you are getting to know yourself better. I would actually like to meet other food bloggers in person and tell them they have inspired me. I was telling Rachel (@tokyoterrace) that the BlogHer event next year should be done in Asia. It looks like it’s not going to happen.
But even through the web, I’ve met a lot of wonderful people who supports my blog. Thanks for your insights. It does help a lot.