Forks, BlogHer Food, and Seattle!!

As you might know, I was gone most of last week touring the town of Forks with my friend Darla, then heading to the BlogHer Food conference in Seattle.

I was completely nervous about the trip.  I’d never met Darla, and am not so great with crowds…especially crowds that are talking “blog talk”.  I’m kind of ignorant when it comes to technical stuff and photography, so I always feel a little out of my league.

It turned out that I had nothing to be nervous about.  Darla was so fun and adorable, and every blogger I met was nice and fun to be around.

So, since I didn’t get axe murdered or end up hiding in my room hyperventilating while I watched reruns on Bravo, I thought I’d share photos from the trip.

(Please keep in mind that these are all photos I took on my phone…I hate lugging a big camera around)

I arrived in Portland on Tuesday and Darla picked me up from the airport.  After lunch, we headed straight to Forks.  Most of the drive looked exactly like this.

Isn’t it vampirey?

There weren’t many hotel options in ol’ Forks, so Darla and I thought it would be funny to reserve the “Bella Suite” at the Dew Drop Inn.  Shortly after checking in, the front desk person brought us a tray with sparkling cider on ice.

I’m thinking she may have misunderstood the nature of Darla and my relationship.  But whatevs, the cider was really good.

The next morning, Darla and I took a drive around Forks.  There are plenty of guided tours available, but it’s pretty expensive.  If you head to Lappell’s Flower and Gift though, you get a free map with any souvenir purchase.  Forks is really small, so you’re really better off taking your own tour.

After seeing everything in Forks, we decided to head to La Push to see First Beach and eat lunch at 3 Rivers.

The beach was gorgeous, but super duper cold, windy, and drizzly.  I walked up and down the shore wearing inappropriate shoes, no coat, and whining.

To do otherwise would have gone against my very nature.

That evening we drove up to Port Angeles, where we did some browsing and had dinner at Bella Italia.  I did not have the Mushroom Ravioli, but everything looked really great and it was a nice atmosphere.

The next morning, we checked out of the Dew Drop Inn.

But not before I left this note in the Guest Book.

(If you’re having difficulty reading my handwriting, it says… At age 47, with 2 grown kids, I thought my chances for romance were over.  Then I discovered the Twilight Series at my local library and boy was I taken on a wild ride!!  Edward and the town of Forks were forever etched on my soul.  After the books, I knew my journey wouldn’t — COULDN’T be over.  I took to the internet and wandered into a TwiMom chat room where I met an Edward of my own!! (yes ladies…he is a REAL vampire., *sparkles* and all!!)  I ditched my bump on a log hubby and headed here to meet my true love.  What does my future hold…maybe a Renesme of my own?  Thanks, Twilight ,for a life changing journey!!)

Yes, I realize that this probably makes me a bad person.

We headed straight for Seattle and BlogHer Food, where I was rooming with three of the coolest and most adorable bloggers ever.

(From left to right, Darla, Me, Shelly, Leslie)

We decided that lunch was Priority #1, so we headed straight for Pike’s Market.

At the market, we went to Beecher’s Cheese for the most amazing Macaroni and Cheese of all time.

Life. Changing.

The next couple of days were a blur of people and food.

Okay, mostly food.

There was Italian at The Pink Door...

Donuts at Top Pot…

And more cupcakes than I can count.

It doesn’t help when a certain blogger keeps bringing more to your hotel room, either.

But obviously, since I’m pregnant, calories don’t count.

Susan and Paula hosted some amazing parties from the penthouse they were renting, and the view was amazing.

Of course, as I stood on the balcony, I kept my back against the patio door.  I wasn’t taking any chances from that high up.

The conference ended with a pajama party in our room, where I got to snuggle a certain blog baby I’ve had my eye on for awhile now.

It was honestly the highlight of my trip.  Thanks, Maria and Josh, for not being frightened by the manic look in my eyes every time I was around Caleb.  I’ve got baby fever but it’s mostly harmless.

I headed back home at the crack of dawn Monday morning.

I spotted this poster while boarding my plane and had to snap a shot, because it is a LIE.

I have not seen a tray of food on an airplane since 2003.

As fun as the trip was…I have to say that I’m glad to be back home!!  BlogHer Food is in Austin, TX next year…hopefully I’ll be there with a little baby girlfriend for Caleb?

I can’t wait to get back to baking this week!!  Have a very happy Wednesday!!