BlogHer Food & Austin, TX via iPhone
This shot could sum up the whole trip simply because we ate Mexican food nearly every day we were in Austin. And I have ZERO regrets on that note. Pictured is a spicy mango margarita from Chupacabra which we visited twice and as I type this I am craving another one of those babies. Also, they put guacamole and pulled pork in their queso. Geeeenius.
I’m so tired but couldn’t go another minute without sharing about my trip to BlogHer Food in Austin, Texas. It was a whirlwind to say the least but it was one of the best whirlwinds, ever. And a great big shout-out to Imperial Sugar for sending me to Austin this year. I’m so happy to have finally gotten to meet my friends with Imperial face-to-face!
Five days in the heart of Texas with some of the most amazing people I know, enjoying some of the most amazing food: what is not to l.o.v.e.?
Ali and I headed to Austin a day early to do some extra exploring. When we went to the Big Traveling Potluck, we learned that it’s best to allow some extra time to enjoy food, drink and sights that you would otherwise miss out on. And from here forward, I will always give myself an extra day in front of the conference to do just that.
Overall, the weekend was full of hugs, laughs, margaritas, Mexican food, pulled pork, brisket, walking, sunshine, learning, networking, conversation and memory making and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Downtown Austin was an amazing city full of charm, history, live music and food that you would not believe. I loved the South Congress district, the food trucks on East 6th street.
I enjoyed many parts of the conference, my favorite session being Todd and Diane‘s session on Mobile Photography. I love mobile photography and of course have lots to learn about photography in general but I think I could listen to those two all stinking day long. Their passion just oozes through their words and their work and I left their session feeling inspired!
The parties hosted by many of my friends and some of my favorite brands were also high points. There is something to be said about sharing a meal with friends whom you have only known online up to this point. I loved nothing more than to have some time to sit down and chat face-to-face with some of my favorite people. Not to mention, Austin restaurants brought out their best for us! Mac & Cheese, grilled cheese, guacamole bar, fish tacos, and the most amazing shrimp I’ve ever had in my life! You hungry yet?
More than anything, I loved getting to meet and spend time with some really, really amazing people. Above: Brenda, Sandy, Sheila, Ali
Below: Laurie, Katie, Lauren
Not pictured: wayyyyy too many to name for fear of leaving someone out. You all know who you are. I am so so happy to have gotten to meet so many of my friends during this trip!
One more thing – thank you all for your emails and tweets and your encouragement and patience while I figure out this whole work-full-time and blog-thing. It’s kicking my butt right now and I miss blogging like I used to but I have confidence I’ll be back to sharing food very soon! I have some treats lined up for you for next week! xoxo
so, so glad I got to see you so much in Austin
I miss you all already!!
I totally agree on the adding an extra day! So great to finally meet you! xoxo
So great to finally meet you in person Cassie!! Jealous of your margarita consumption – I am craving one BADLY!
Cassie replied: — June 13th, 2013 @ 7:53 am
I bet you are! I’m having withdrawals but totally need a detox!
Looks like so much fun! I hear that Austin is a great city, I totally would be eating Mexican for every meal if I were there. BTW, love those sandals.
Cassie replied: — June 13th, 2013 @ 7:53 am
Target! They are really comfy, too
So sad to have missed it. Hopefully we’ll see each other again soon
It looks like you had such a blast!
Cassie, this look like so much fun!! Next year I have to try and make it!
Great recap, Cassie! So glad you & Ali headed in earlier to check out what Austin’s all about. Looks like had a great time in TX and at BlogHer. It was beyond wonderful to meet you! Keep in touch! xo
So sad I could not make it this year. Looks and sounds like everyone had a fantastic time!
What the whaaaaa queso with pulled pork and guac in it? I DIE.
So glad you had a lovely time in Austin! Can’t wait to see those treats you’re planning to share!
Was fun finally meeting you!!!
So happy that I got to meet you in Austin!
I am so glad I finally got to meet you last weekend…you are so sweet! And how did I miss that Mexican restaurant…I need some queso with guac and pork!! Good tip to add an extra day to travel for the fun stuff! I’m going to definitely do that next time
So great to spend some more time with you! It was a great, great weekend!!
I forgot about that pic! If you ever have a sec, can you send it to me? I never got a pic with you and Ali! You know what I love best about reading everyone’s Austin posts? I’m building my own to-do list of places I have not yet tried! Hope all is well in your new job, you’ll find a blog/work rhythm soon, thanks for sharing a sneak peek into your life, and the iPhone pics look great!
PS – I am like the QUESO QUEEN and have never heard of such awesomeness. I’m getting on that right away!
Looks like a fabulous time!
Hi Cassie, I know we only met for just a few seconds, but I was so thrilled to meet you in person. I hope you enjoyed your time in Texas. It certainly looks like you did from your fun photos. Hope to meet you again very soon!
Wish we could have been in Austin. It looks likeyou had a fantastic time!
Cheers,
J+C
Hi Cassie! It was great to meet you and hang out a little bit on Friday night! You will eventually figure out the working and blogging thing, but glad to know you are happy with your new job! Hope to see you at the next conference.
Such a fun weekend! Thursday parties and the closing parties are always my favorite, I could pretty much miss everything else and be happy. SO good to see you, hope your work trip went well and now you get to enjoy a relaxing weekend!
I’m glad you had such a blast!! You definitely deserve an awesome weekend like that for all the hard work you do!
Looks like such a fun (and delicious) weekend!
So wish I could have gone, looks like it was a wonderful weekend!
How fun! I’m definitely going to have to try and make it to this next year!
Cassie- it was so great to meet you! Hope we see each other again soon!
The food sounds amazing and it looks like you really enjoyed yourself
It was so good to finally meet you, Cassie! Thinking about you…hoping your work and blogging find that perfect spot in your life.