BlogHer Food 2014 | Part 2

After a long day of learning, networking and eating, it was so nice to get a good night's sleep. If only this were my view every night!

The next morning I took my time getting ready since I didn't have to worry about checking in, then headed back down for another jam-packed day of blogging info.

I just have to say that there is something so wonderful about food bloggers. Whether I was connecting with people who I keep up with online or meeting folks for the first time, I felt like I had known everyone for years. It's an instant bond... like going to foodie summer camp! {Hey, anyone want to make that the next official conference? I'd sign up!}

The morning started out breakfast and an informative session about social media, which I really needed. Did you know that aside from the blog, I also have to keep on top of my Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram accounts? It's a lot for one girl to do! {Part time, no less!}

Learning from the pros like Amanda {I Am Baker}, Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything}, Jory {co-founder of BlogHer} and Julie {The Little Kitchen} was so very eye-opening. These ladies really know their stuff -- as is evident by their bajillions of followers -- and have learned through trial and error just how to navigate the {often muddy} waters of seamless, efficient social media. Their tips ensured that I'm on the right track and also gave me some new things to consider as far as making my social media more interesting, useful, and user-friendly for the people who count the most -- readers!

But because many times gaining knowledge means having new questions, I decided to attend a session presented by Lisa Wells {Cook Eat Paleo} & Lisa Leake {100 Days of Real Food}. They talked a little more in depth about tools to make Pinterest and Facebook work best for me and reach more of you! It's a little easier to take someone's word when they have over 1 million {!!!} Facebook fans! {P.S. Apparently Facebook isn't working too well for anyone these days...}

Of course, all that learning meant that fuel supplies were running low, so we loaded up on buses and headed to the Mary Brickell Village area of Miami for lunch. After some talk of options, we wound up at this very charming spot called Dolores... But You Can Call Me Lolita. {Yes, that's really the name. So cute, right?} It's an old fire station that was converted into a chic restaurant, and it's just adorable.

Many of us got appetizer portions and passed them around. I love being able to see and taste several of a restaurant's offerings!

This is what toasting looks like when you're with food bloggers.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we sort of missed the bus back to the hotel. Oops. No worries... that's what free public transportation is for, right? IF you know how to navigate the city you're in. We accidentally got a little turned around and wound up on an impromptu tour of downtown Miami via MetroRail. But eventually, we made our way back just in time for more sessions... and snacks.

Speaking of snacks, you guys have got to check out CVS's new line of smart snacks called Abound. When they're officially out, that is. We got a sneak peek. Blogger perks. They sponsored the "snack lounge" at the conference and oh.my.gosh. I'd be lying if I said I didn't go in there at least 10 times to grab some munchies. I'm slightly obsessed with their Blueberry Rice Squares. And I couldn't stop eating the "Probiotic" Trail Mix. Keep an eye out for their launch, folks.

That evening, the closing keynote addressed the tricky task of working with brands. It is a lot harder than you think! Blogging is still a relatively new thing, not to mention the business of blogging {i.e. what and how bloggers get paid}. Often, that newness leaves a lot of room for a disconnect between the bloggers like me who want to bring you fabulous content that you will actually want to read {while getting paid to do so}, and the brands that want to have their products promoted through our platforms. The good news is there IS a way to create a harmonious balance between the two! The bad news: That balance looks different for everyone, and it's up to each blogger and brand to work it out.

{Side Note:} You will notice that over the past year or so I've started to team up with brands and bring you "sponsored" content. In short, this means that I'm being compensated in some way to share information about the brand -- sometimes with product or opportunities, sometimes with money. Gotta pay the bills {and my student loan lender won't let me pay in artisanal crackers. Darn.} However, it is extremely important to me to only choose to work with brands that fall in line with what I believe about food and cooking. I give each opportunity a lot of thought before accepting it, and have turned down those that just don't fit with who I am. As my blog grows, it's important to me to stay true to the essence of its core {food that is as real as possible with the occasional naughty treat thrown in here and there}, and that's why you'll always see a disclosure at the bottom of posts that I'm paid for. Just wanted to let you know how it all works!

That night, the closing party was hosted in the trendy, artsy Wynwood area of Miami at Cafeina Wynwood Louge. It was fun to get dressed up and mingle with all the attendees, but alas, the weekend caught up with me and I decided to call it a night early. But not before meeting the fabulous Ree Drummond {The Pioneer Woman}!

Me & Shaina with her blogging majesty, Ree.

In the end, what I learned at this conference was so important: Whether I make a living or a few extra pennies from my blog, I will always treasure it. Writing is my passion. Writing about food, my bliss! Connecting with people, my delight. The fact that I get to do all of those things in this little spot I get to call my own? Absolutely priceless.

Here's hoping I can attend BlogHer Food next year!