Tag: Mountain Mama Cooks

Small Batch Granola

One of my favorite snacks of all time is granola. When I saw this recipe for Small Batch Honey-Pistachio Granola on my dear friend, Kelley’s blog, Mountain Mama Cooks, I had to make it. My kids and I loved it, and we have made it so many times that we know it by heart. I decided to change up her recipe just slightly to make this Small Batch Granola for some last minute holiday food gifts. I substituted pecans and almonds for her pistachios, but both versions are spectacularly simple. I found these super cute Christmas tree shaped jars at Walmart, and I had made budget friendly food gifts with ease. I gave one of these to my friends yesterday, and she called to tell me it was already gone. She asked for the recipe. Well, here it is….

Mixed Berry and Orange Smoothie

When I was in Park City last month, I was lucky enough to stay with my first blogging friend, Kelly, from Mountain Mama Cooks. Not only is Kelley a blogger, but she has had her own private chef business in Park City for many years. The first day I was there, we went to work out. Afterwards, she made the best Mixed Berry and Orange Smoothie, which I tried to recreate when I got home. She used almond milk instead of juice in hers, and it was fabulous. I didn’t have any on hand, so I used pomegranate juice. This smoothie recipe is so refreshing after a workout or makes a great breakfast if you add Greek yogurt or protein powder.

Travel To Park City: Evo Conference: Tuesday Travel

I love traveling. A week ago, I was fortunate enough to travel to Park City for Evo Conference for the third time. Evo is one of my favorite blogging and social media conferences in the ideal destination: Park City, Utah. This year was a little different for me since my daughter, Leigh, came with me, but it was a blast! We went a day early to spend time with my first blogging friend ever, Kelley, from Mountain Mama Cooks. We had so much fun with Kelley’s amazing family.

We spent the afternoon at Utah Olympic Park, which I highly recommend!

We got to see Olympians in action as they trained in the pool (super cool!). We also went on the alpine slide, a tour of the park and so much more. If you get to Salt Lake or Park City, don’t miss out on heading to Utah Olympic Park.

Here are some of my favorite photos of the remainder of our trip:

A stunning view from The Canyons

Always a beautiful sunrise in Park City

Shots taken from a photography walking tour workshop with Todd from White on Rice. It was so fun!

One thing I love about Evo: making wonderful new friends. With Carrian from Oh Sweet Basil

Evo always has fun-filled food workshops. We had a few contests, and our table won.

Speaking of winning, I was so shocked to hear I won the trip to Disneyland in California, a grand giveaway at the conference. The team from Disneyland and Southwest are amazing! Huge thanks!

We are so excited to travel to Disneyland. I have never been to that part of California, and my 3 children have never been to the state of California, so I have Evo to thank for that!

I miss you Park City and everyone from Evo. I can’t wait to see you again very soon!

Evo Conference: Learning, Sharing and Being Inspired

Last year, I was lucky enough to win a ticket to my first ever social media conference: Evo Conference in Park City, Utah. I was lucky enough to go, and I was wowed. This year, I paid my way without a second thought. To say the least, it didn’t disappoint. Many have said that Jyl Pattee and Rachel Herrscher “made lightening strike twice.” The picture (above and thanks to Paul, Sandy’s husband) was taken while I was on the Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort. Okay, what was this guy doing? I was freaking out that he was so close.

Evo, for me, is about learning, feeling inspired, seeing old friends and making new ones. I was lucky enough to meet Jennifer, (above) from Piggies & Paws, last year. She is one of the most incredible women with such a great heart that I have ever met. This year I made so many new friends. I love this group (below) with Sandy, Aggie, and Maria. All are hugely talented food and entertaining bloggers. I am honored to know them in person, and I have a feeling we will be lifetime friends. Thanks to Maria for sharing her photo with me.

And while this wasn’t a food conference, there were two more amazing food workshops. We learned photography tips from Helene from Tartlette, one of my most favorite blogs (see below). She is so nice, humble and genuine.

Our lunch with Helen and the Chefs of the The Canyons was held at Lookout Cabin, a picturesque setting overlooking the mountains.

Just a look at our view from our table (below).

Our meal was scrumptous as well, and we learned how to make all of the fabulous recipes from the chefs. This shrimp dish was just one of the mouth-watering appetizers we learned to make at home.

Day two, I went to the other food workshop which was held at the Waldorf Astoria resort sponsored by Bushs Beans with Todd and Diane from White on Rice Couple. I was lucky to meet this dynamic duo last year, and words can’t describe their talent, generosity and gift of teaching. Here’s Todd in action.

We learned more about food styling from Diane, and then we each got to practice our styling. I couldn’t get over Jennifer, from Baby Making Mama, with her beautiful baby on her back while shooting away with her camera on the ground. Now that was inspiring!

She was a delight to photograph (even though I was supposed to be food styling).

I must admit that one of the scary parts of the trip is when we took a gondola ride up to another mountain to the closing party sponsored by Together Counts. It got really windy, and while in mid air, the gondola stopped for what seemed like an eternity. It was frightening to say the least. When we got to the top, we suggested maybe taking the edge off. So we did. I had so much fun with Annalise, Kelly and Lisa, three of the most talented and genuine people I have ever met. Extra thanks to Kelly (second to the left) for her incredible hospitality. We met at the conference last year, and this was the second time I have seen her this year.

So what else can I say about EVO? I learned so much at this conference about social media, business, entrepreneurs, women, friendship, community and more. I have never met so many creative and passionate people in one place. There are so many others I want to mention who I don’t have photos of but Jen, Gena, Jenn, Alisa, Paul, Cameron, Marla, Diana, Jamielyn, Missy, Evan, Melissa, Heidi, Helen and Dara are just a few. I just feel lucky to have had this experience. It brings a smile to my face. Just look at it with Aggie (below) and Maria (bottom).