And more – Food Blog Forum

 photo credit: Jennifer Holt of Walt Disney World 

When I first started blogging it was all about a baking project my daughters and I started 2 summers ago. It’s changed into so much more.

In addition to sharing what I love, blogging has also opened up an entire new world of friends. Some are fellow bloggers and some are just readers. Some of you I connect with here on the website, some prefer facebook, some Google plus, even twitter (which I’m still trying to use) and Instagram (which I’m totally lost on but love seeing everyone else’s latest photos!)

I had left a very public job 2 years before and while I didn’t know it at the time, I needed blogging to fill that social loss. Now blogging is part of my daily life, my “job,” my other purpose, besides being super mom, always available (which I love) to my 3 children.

Blogging is and can be a  job if that’s what you want it to be.  I don’t mean a humdrum, oh no, it’s Monday and I have to go to work, I mean IT”S MONDAY! I need to go interact with others and bake up something wonderful, amaze myself with how much better my photos have gotten. And if I’m lucky, make money while I do it. That’s why you see ads on my site. It’s why you see a sponsored post every now and then. I need help paying for my chocolate supply (and internet, hosting, equipment and other stuff.)

If you want to start a blog, think carefully about what you name it. Not knowing all the ins and outs of Facebook I didn’t even think about being able to have the same name as another page. After many searches my FB page became Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate. I’m stuck with it.  As for the website, I was able to make it just “and more.”

And More. It covers a lot. Recipes that aren’t chocolate or even sweet. Posts that have nothing to do with food. Did you know I sew? My girls and I made these easy Hobo Bags last year.

Now almost 2 years later. I’ve finally decided to categorize my “and more.” This is where I will post the things that just don’t fit somewhere else but that I really want to share with you.

Food Blog Forum was my first “real blog conference.”  Held at the most magical place in the world-Walt Disney World.  Just a little tip. All Disney employees will be happy to take your photo with your camera or phone (even if they are taking those photos they want to sell you.)  I was able to spend all day in the parks on Friday with the family before heading off to the Welcome reception Friday night. I was so nervous. I wouldn’t know anyone. I knew several bloggers who would be attending. There was an awesome Facebook Group for the conference. Lots of chatting, tips given.  I wasn’t alone for long. As my youngest calls her, my Bloggy BFF Roxana of Roxana’s Home Baking was there and found me right away!

The food was incredible, just look, they put pretty flowers on our food!

the speakers were generous with their information, the swag was overwhelming, but for me, it was all about the people. Finally getting to meet all those wonderful ladies (and men) who I chat with, share ideas, solve problems and just generally consider good friends here on the internet.

My photos are terrible and next time I’ll take my “big girl camera”

Say hello to

Liz-That Skinny Chick can Bake, Karly-Buns in my Oven, me and Kim Cravings of a Lunatic

Jessica from A Kitchen Addiction, Christie from Food Done Light, Kristen from Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker, me, Tanya of Lemons for Lulu and Karyn of Pint Sized Baker and Dieter’s Downfall.

This lovely lady is Jenni of Pastry Chef Online

and

 Julie of The Little Kitchen.

This was a small conference, only 100 bloggers and I probably didn’t get to meet half of the attendees. Next time, I’ll make it a point to meet the rest of the wonderful bloggers, and this conference is worth it so I will be there next time.