A couple of weeks ago I traveled to Deer Valley, Utah to attend a blogging inspiration retreat. This relaxing weekend was put on by Carrian of Oh Sweet Basil. There were 15 amazing food bloggers there to share, eat and have fun the entire weekend.

I left on a Friday and had just a little bit of problems with my flight so I arrived LATE. I would just like to say fashionably late — right? I showed up about an hour late to dinner at The Mariposa Restaurant at Silver Lake Village. Luckily the girls chatted for a while before I arrived so I was able to come in on the 3rd course of the night which was pan seared scallop with risotto. My stressful day was now behind me with this meal. The dinner just got better as each course came to the table to be paired with a great wine. I was now in the company of old and new friends. After dinner we made our way back to our house for the weekend.

Our house was absolutely breathtaking and stood out in the winter snow. It may have been dark outside but I could have stared at the house for hours just marveling at the sight. I finally made my way into the house which was beautifully decorated by Rod Works. I didn’t have to go too far to find my bed for the weekend. I shared a room with Ashley and Barbara. Bunk beds mind you. On my bed was sitting a pretty monogrammed bag with my initials that was full of swag. Thank goodness for Carrian telling all of us to make sure we had plenty of room in our suitcase because there were a lot of great companies sending us goodies. Christmas definitely came early for all of us.

After checking out my swag bag I went upstairs where all of us came together to start off the weekend of gaining inspiration or just trying to find the inspiration we have lost over the past couple of months. It was great talking with everyone about their own personal lives and how they find time to blog. I especially payed attention to all the mom bloggers since I am now a stay at home mom. We also had some delicious baked goods while we were talking from Krusteaz. After a couple of hours of chatting I was beat and took off downstairs to get some much needed rest.

Up and at em. We were up at 6 am for some Yoga. This was my first time to experience yoga and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could tell it worked because my legs were shaking the entire time and my arms were sore. Thanks to LOLE for our class that weekend.

After yoga we loaded back up in our escalades provided by Deer Valley Resort and we headed back to the house to eat breakfast. Breakfast was provided by Star Fine Foods, Anolon, Real Foods Market and Charming Beard Coffee. After a light breakfast I was fitted for my ski clothes from Skis on the Run. I was literally treated like royalty when the guy arrived at the house. The girls had been fitted the day before but since I was late they came the next morning to fit my boots, skis, goggles and ski pants.

My outfit was now complete and we were finally headed to the mountain for my ski lessons. I’ve been skiing about 5 times but a year ago I BUSTED pretty hard in Keystone and now I have this fear about skiing and falling. Gordon was my ski instructor and he was fabulous. He was able to let me know what I was doing wrong and what I need to think about to correct my form. Shaun and I are already planning a trip back so I can go skiing again.

After my morning ski lessons it was time to head back to house to prepare lunch. We were all grouped into preparing certain meals while we were there and I was on lunch duty. My group planned a grilled cheese bar with tomato basil soup and chicken noodle soup. Our sponsors for lunch were Wusthof knives, hamilton beach, Pacific Foods, Real Salt and Heber Valley Cheese. After lunch we all gathered back into the main meeting area to talk some more about blogging and numbers.

That night we were treated to a special 5 course dinner and pairing at RiverHorse. We were seated in a quaint private room where we were seated in a square so we could see one another. The food was unbelievable and I wanted more of everything. I was able to try macadamia nut crusted alaskan halibut, foie gras, trio of wild meat, pork belly (which was my favorite) and a ton of dessert options.

In the morning I was treated to chicken and waffles. Growing up in the South you can’t go wrong with this breakfast. The chicken was even baked so you wouldn’t feel real guilty about eating it. Our sponsors for breakfast were Real Foods Market, Gold Medal Flour and Hamilton Beach. After breakfast everyone started to pack up and get ready for our trips home. While we were loading up Whole Foods Market stopped by to send us all off with take home lunches.

I had a bit of traveling problems coming back home but other wise that was a fantastic getaway weekend with my NEW friends. I can’t wait to see everyone again in the future.

If you ever looking for a great family vacation or just a nice getaway weekend, then I highly recommend Deer Valley. It is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to get back. I also highly recommend the RiverHorse Restaurant if you are on a date night.

Here are the lovely ladies that attended the Inspired Rereat. Carrian, Lauren, Annalise,  Megan, Deb,  Lauren,  Alyssa,  Becky,  Nikki, Barbara, Ashley and Kristy.

Again thanks to all of our wonderful sponsors for the weekend. Deer Valley, Red Maple Run, Grace and Lace, Brin and Bell, Real Salt, Nature Box, Beauty Box 5, Rod Works, Vintage Silverware, Krusteaz, Lole, Anolon, Star Fine Foods, Real Foods Market, Charming Beard Coffee, Skis on the Run, Gold Medal Flour, Wushthof Knives, Hamiliton Beach, Pacific Foods, Heber Valley Cheese, and Whole Foods Park City.