PNW Blogger Meet-Up Pt. 1: Networking

Me and Sarah blowing bubbles at the PNW Blogger event Photo via Linnea Paulina Photography

A couple of weekends ago I had the exciting opportunity to travel up to Seattle with fellow Pacific Northwest Bloggers for a kid-free evening of socializing and talking shop. I love the PNW Blogger meet-ups and was thrilled to be asked by Chelsey, The Paper Mama, to help her plan this Seattle event.

I have WAY too many photos and stories to share about the event to do it all in one post. Today I want to share some of the beautiful images that our Pacific Northwest photographer, Linnea, captured of the networking that happened at the event. I'll be back soon to share about my experience of having a full day and night without my son, traveling to Seattle with two (awesome) bloggers, and having a bellhop question me over 50 packages of donated LoSalt and Honest Tea that he was lugging into our room, and the swag that filled the giveaway table and goodie bags!

Gif of photos from the event photos taken by Linnea Paulina Photography

Me taking an Instagram photo! Photo via Linnea Paulina Photography

Three Tips for Networking at a Blogger Meet-Up:

1. Bring cards! I totally forgot to get more cards printed and was just going go without until I got a scolding from my hubby. "That is the WHOLE point of these events," he said. And, while I don't quite agree that it is the WHOLE point... connecting with other bloggers and brands is certainly a big attraction to events like these. I bought little wedding bubbles and attached my blog name to them. I was happy when a few people started blowing bubbles at the end of the evening. (As you might have noticed from the photos... I joined in on the fun!)
2. It is okay, even expected, to have your phone out at these events. Everyone is tweeting/instagraming/facebooking at these types of events. It is a great way to connect. It is a fabulous way to thank sponsors. And, everyone is going to understand why you are taking photos of your drinks, food, shoes, etc. Take advantage of it!
3. Talk to several people, but try to connect with a good handful. I've made a lot of friends through events like these... but, I've also met a lot of people beyond those that became my friends. When my goal is to go in to meet as many people as possible, I come out with a bunch of cards and no memory of who they belonged to. When I try to have a few meaningful conversations, I find that I remember and am remembered more often than naught. A good rule of thumb for after the event, is try to connect via social media or email to those people who you did get cards from so that you can build a relationship online as well! 

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A big thank you to all of the awesome sponsors of the PNW Blogger event! 

Recipe: Whipped Vanilla Bean Butter from Flavored Butters by Lucy Vaserfirer

I was super excited to receive Lucy Vaserfirer's new book, Flavored Butters: How to Make Them, Shape Them, and Use Them as Spreads, Toppings, and Sauces (affiliate link) from Harvard Common Press. I am a big fan of cookbooks, butter, and compound butters... so, it was a pretty perfect fit. Not to mention that the book is written by a blogger from the blog Hungry Cravings and I do love a book written by a blogger! When the book came a long I marked a good portion of the straight-forward recipes to make right away.

The photography in the book is beautiful. I was surprised that there could be an entire book about butter. I mean, I love a good butter, but how many ways can one person do butter? Well, plenty. The book has tips for savory and sweet compound butters and melted butters. I made the Whipped Vanilla Bean Butter as soon as the book arrived at my doorstep. But, this weekend I have plans to make a few more and freezing them for future use. A few of the recipes that caught my attention:

• Gorgonzola-Chive Butter (top a steak with this stuff and OH MY)
• Curry Butter (the photo shows it in spinach... I must have it.)
• Whipped Chocolate Butter (basically a rich buttercream)
• Caviar Butter (What a great way to make caviar go further... would make a tasty party appetizer) 

I'm excited to be invited to share one of my favorite recipes from the book. The Whipped Vanilla Bean Butter was to die for! I made a batch to top some waffles with strawberries and then took the leftovers to create a tasty Vanilla Bean Frosting.

I actually made my own butter before making it into the whipped vanilla bean butter.... I'll share those images later today. Enjoy the recipe!

Whipped Vanilla Bean Butter

Recipe shared with permission from Flavored Butters by Lucy Vaserfirer (affiliate link)

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

• In a mixer fitted wit the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until light and creamy
• With a pairing knife, cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Use the tip of the knife to scrape out the seeds, reserving the pod for another use. Add the vanilla seeds and sugar to the butter and beat until blended, stopping the mixer once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
• To use as a butter, pack into ramekins, pipe, or simply serve by the dollop. 
• To use as a buttercream frosting, spread onto cooled baked goods, swirling decoratively.  
• Soften and rewhip this butter before using or serving if it's been chilled or frozen.

* I received free product with the possibility of review. I do not promise positive reviews in exchange for product. No further compensation was provided. All opinions are my own. An affiliate link is marked within this post.