Sooo it took me a little while to write this, didn't it? I realized that many of you have read recaps from several other bloggers who attended
Blend, and for the most part mine would have been the same. We all attended the same meals and workouts, we all talked to the same brands, went on the same hike and many of us explored Park City together as well. What I want to talk about today is why
Blend was one of the best weekends of my life (and no, it wasn't just because of the swag!). Blend was great because of my own mindset, and because of the other women who attended. My time in Utah was the first time I'd ever been pushed out of my comfort zone and still felt like myself. I'll share more on that in a future post, but because I felt like my normal, everyday self, I was able to be more confident, outgoing and friendly than I'd ever been before.
And what happens when you have self-confidence? You get to know the people around you. And let me tell you, Blend had a great group of people.
Photo Courtesy of Stephanie
A few of them I had met before, including my wonderful repeat roomies,
Ari and
Nicole. These two always make me smile and laugh, and I hope we stay friends for a very long time!
As well as my roommate
Ashley, who I'd met before briefly but loved the experience of getting to know her so much better. Ashley and I are so similar in many ways, and yet very different. She is such a strong person, a wonderful wife and mother, and a great listener.
One of my favorite moments of Blend was meeting
Janae. I have been reading her blog for years and she inspires me with her strength and her faith. Of course pictures of her adorable daughter Brooke don't hurt either. Why did I love meeting her so much? SHE recognized ME. That moment made me feel so loved and special, and reminded me that my blog and writing don't go unnoticed.
Getting to meet
Annette was like getting together with an old friend. Despite never meeting her before, it was like we'd known each other forever. Although she was only there for one night, I was so grateful for the extra time I got to spend with her and her daughter, Lily. She is a role model and an inspiration to me in so many ways.
Lindsay Cotter felt like a big sister figure to me, with her quiet confidence and quickness to take care of me and everyone around her. She loves to serve others as well as talk, listen and share.
Lindsay Wright, one of the organizers, has been a huge influence on my own change of perspective and growing faith. Her honesty, her love for her family, her desire to bring together a community and realness has always impressed me. I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet her, hug her and thank her.
Beyond these women, almost everyone I met I was able to connect with quickly: fellow redheads, sisters in Christ, runners, cocktail-lovers, listeners, readers, and so much more. Blend was not just a fun retreat in Park City, Utah for me, it was a lesson that I have so many people who support me, that I can be myself around people I barely know, and that I need to make a lot more money so I can start visiting these ladies!
Photo Courtesy of Lindsay
Have you ever met someone that turned out exactly as you imagined? Tell me about one of your favorite weekends ever! 
As well as my roommate Ashley, who I'd met before briefly but loved the experience of getting to know her so much better. Ashley and I are so similar in many ways, and yet very different. She is such a strong person, a wonderful wife and mother, and a great listener. 
One of my favorite moments of Blend was meeting Janae. I have been reading her blog for years and she inspires me with her strength and her faith. Of course pictures of her adorable daughter Brooke don't hurt either. Why did I love meeting her so much? SHE recognized ME. That moment made me feel so loved and special, and reminded me that my blog and writing don't go unnoticed. 
Getting to meet Annette was like getting together with an old friend. Despite never meeting her before, it was like we'd known each other forever. Although she was only there for one night, I was so grateful for the extra time I got to spend with her and her daughter, Lily. She is a role model and an inspiration to me in so many ways. 
Lindsay Cotter felt like a big sister figure to me, with her quiet confidence and quickness to take care of me and everyone around her. She loves to serve others as well as talk, listen and share. Lindsay Wright, one of the organizers, has been a huge influence on my own change of perspective and growing faith. Her honesty, her love for her family, her desire to bring together a community and realness has always impressed me. I was grateful to have the opportunity to meet her, hug her and thank her. 
