Did you ever go to summer camp when you were a kid? You would take classes or workshops to learn new things, eat with all of the other kids in a giant rec hall, hang out with old friends and make new friends, have tons of fun with these old and new friends all week long, then get really sad when it's time to go home and say good-bye to everyone. Well, imagine doing a vegan summer camp as an adult with a ton of other vegan bloggers while on vacation in an amazing city and you would have yourself Vida Vegan Con.
Portland Art Museum
Vida Vegan Con began on a Friday, so Chris and I arrived the day prior. We woke up Thursday morning, took our time getting ready, then headed over to the Portland Art Museum, where VVC was being held, to check in. We checked in, got our swag bags and walked back to our hotel to drop them off. These swag bags were packed with so many goodies, I can't even make a list for you. Tons of awesomeness from Bob's Red Mill, Attune Foods, Peanut Butter & Co., Veggie Grill, Nasoya, So Delicious, Fabe's, Allison's Gourmet, Chicago Vegan Foods, Go Max Go, Wholesome Sweeteners, and so much more.
Swag Bag Contents
We got brunch before heading back to the museum to get the day started. We spent some time checking out the exhibitors in the main ballroom. Chris and I sampled products and got even more goodies from some of the same companies who contributed to our swag bags, as well as Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss, Wayfare Foods, Tofurkey, Go Veggie!, Kevita, Vegan Cuts, Earth Balance, and Upton's Naturals, just to name a few.
Some of our favorite classes that we attended at VVC were:
- Food Styling with Hannah Kaminsky (Wow, this girl is talented! It was amazing to watch her in action.)
- Blog Writing as Writing with Gena Hamshaw (Gena is such a down-to-earth lady and a very eloquent speaker. I went to another one of her sessions later on just to listen to her talk, but not in a creepy way. Chris went to this class actually, while I was in another, and he took so many notes and gave me Gena's handout, so even without going to the class, I'm looking at post-writing in a whole new way now.)
- iPhone Food Photography with Isa Chandra Moskowitz (Possibly the most fun class all weekend. Isa is a riot and I took away some great tips for playing with my phone. Oh, and we each got a fabric swatch used in her upcoming book, Isa Does It. It's famous fabric.).
- Why & How to Expand Your Message to Include Animal Rights with Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan (Definitely the most inspiring class I took all weekend. A week earlier, I'd had an idea for the blog that I was unsure about, but after this class, I was convinced to give it a try.)
- Path to Cookbook Author with Bianca Phillips, Julie Hasson, and Joni Marie Newman (Such an informative session.)
- Incorporating Your Other Creative Talents into Your Blog with Cadry Nelson (This class, more than any other I took all weekend, made me really think outside the box. It had me asking myself questions that I had never thought to ask and had me looking at my blog in a whole new light. Plus, Cadry just bubbles over with positive energy and she is a joy to listen to.)
- Recipe Development & Testing with Terri Hope Romero (Although I already follow most of the tips she suggested, it was great to see them presented to me in a "why you need to be doing this" format.)
- Advanced Photography with Susan Voisin (As most of you know, I do not do the photography for Keepin' It Kind, my husband does. With that said, I still took away a lot of great information and definitely learned a lot).
To be honest, I was pretty nervous going in to Vida Vegan Con because large crowds make me anxious and I always get super nervous when meeting new people. My favorite part of the whole weekend, however, was meeting so many other vegan bloggers, especially ones I had been a fan of for so long. I was pretty starstruck the whole weekend. I had met Cadry on her recent visit to LA, but during this trip we really hung out a lot with her and her husband, David. I had met Jackie before too, but it was so great getting to hang out with her again- this girl is so funny! We also got to meet Erin and her husband Jeff, Amber and her husband Matt, Gena, JL, Ginny, Angela, Isa, Jasmin and Mariann, Dan, Christy, Ashlee, Brian, Eva, Sarah, Joni, Lisa, Nicole, Hannah, Heather, Nirel, Rosie, Stephanie, Andrea, Dianne, Laura and her mother, and a very sweet lady named Amy who I truly hope starts a blog soon (How's that for name-dropping?). It was such a pleasure to meet all of these like-minded, sweet, and wonderful people (I know I'm probably forgetting some people- I'm so sorry!). I wish I had thought to take pictures with everyone but I just never remember to do that sort of thing.
Christy Morgan, Me & Cadry Nelson
The Portland Vegan Breakfast Showcase
The entire weekend we were treated so well. There was a welcome reception hosted by the Veggie Grill; a little pop-up party at the vegan mini-mall (Yeah, Portland has one) with gorditas from Upton's Naturals and Food for Lovers and s'mores from Chicago Vegan Foods; a breakfast showcase featuring food from some of Portland's best breakfast eateries (we had panisse from Portobello, meatloaf benedicts from A.N.D. Cafe, and a sweet & savory biscuit from Back to Eden Bakery); and "Build-Your-Own" Bowl and Sandwich lunches on Saturday and Sunday.
Miyoko's Cheese, demolished by hungry vegans
Then there was the huge Galarama & Silent Auction at Staver Locomotive, with artisan vegan cheese provided by Miyoko Schinner herself, and a So Delicious ice cream sundae bar with brownies from Capital City Bakery. The event raised $4000 for Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest! The evening was hosted by Brian Patton and Melisser Elliot was the DJ. The best part was hanging out with all of our friends, new and old. Sounds like a crazy dream, right?
From left to right: David (Cadry's husband), Gena Hamshaw, Cadry Nelson, Chris, Me & JL Fields at the Galarama
A bunch of us even went to a karaoke bar afterwards. Chris and I were going to do a duet (because we're that cute) if one of two different songs were in the karaoke-list-binder-thing, but neither were there so we did not share our vocal talents. We had a blast anyway until it got late and we got sleepy (I'm so much less fun when I'm sleepy).
Amber Shea Crawley & I at the Karaoke Bar
On Sunday, when it was all over, it was time to say good-bye to all of our new friends. That was my least favorite part of the whole trip. That part actually kinda sucked. I just wish every day was Vida Vegan Con!
Clockwise from top left: Me, Jackie Sobon, Cadry, and Erin Wysocarski; Cadry & I; Isa Chandra Moskowitz & I; Gena & I
I have to give a huge thanks to Jess, Janessa, and Michelle for organizing this incredible event. I can't even imagine the amount of work they had to do to make Vida Vegan Con possible. Chris and I learned so much, ate so much great food, met so many wonderful people, and had just an all-around fantastic time. I can't wait to do it again next year!
And P.S.- I kinda wish we could have a VVC reunion bash sometime before the next VVC (I mean, that's like at least a whole year away!). I don't know when or where, but seriously, how fun would that be?! Who's with me?
Heather
What an amazing experience Kristy- thank you for sharing your recap. Oh if only Portland wasn't on the other side of the Country...maybe next year I can make it happen, this event sounds just too incredible to miss!
keepinitkind
You were definitely one of the people I was missing- I sooo hope you can go next year! It is so worth it. I had a hard time convincing Chris that we should pay $200 each for tickets (we got the early bird price), but we were both blown away by how much bang we got for our buck. Now Chris (and I) can't wait for the next one! 🙂
Caitlin
that looks like such a fantastic time. i really wish i could have made it! next year, definitely. and, i'd be in for a reunion(even though i wasn't there), if i'm invited 😛
keepinitkind
You, of course, would be more than welcome at the reunion. I so hope you and Dayv can make it to the next one! 🙂
Chef Amber Shea
I'm with you! A VVC reunion bash would be awesome!
It was so great to meet and hang out with you...and you and Chris owe us that duet at some later date 😉
keepinitkind
It's a deal! Though I believe Matt has a Lionel Richie song coming our way... 😉
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
Ah, so jealous! I really hope to attend next year!!
keepinitkind
I hope you can come next year too! It's so worth the trip! 🙂
Andrea
I really enjoyed reading your recap and revisiting the fun of VVC. It was so nice to finally meet you and your husband after enjoying your blog posts and great photographs for so long. We attended many of the same sessions and I agree with you that they were so inspirational. I also wish I'd taken more photos of people instead of just food! I had my camera with me all the time but for some reason I hardly ever thought to use it. Next time will be different!
keepinitkind
I'm the same way, Andrea- I get so caught up in what's going on that I forget to say "hey! We should take a picture!" Though when food is served, my camera comes out faster than you can say "Vegan Cheese!" 🙂 Next time, I will take more pics with people and also learn how to look at the correct camera during said pictures. 🙂
Cadry
You captured the weekend perfectly! What a whirlwind of awesomeness! Like you, I was worried at first about meeting a bunch of new people... Would I be too nervous to talk to anyone? If I did, would I run out of things to say? When I told them how much I enjoy their work, would they say, "Who the heck are you?" But in the end the people were absolutely, hands down the best part of the weekend. And that's saying something because there were so many excellent parts to the weekend - the food, the classes, and Portland itself!
Thank you so much for the kind things you had to say about my session! It's just lovely to hear!
I really can't even describe how wonderful it was getting to spend so much time with you and Chris and really getting to know you both. It's like Gonzo said, "There's not a word yet for old friends who've just met."
keepinitkind
It really can't be said better than that, can it? It was so great to meet another couple who we get along so well with and have so much in common with and just have an all-around fun time with. I can't wait to see you both again! xx
Crissie
I love reading all the VVC recaps...it transports me back and reminds me of something I missed! What a great weekend - hope I get to meet you next time!
keepinitkind
That would be so great- I do hope you make it to the next one! 🙂
janet
Sounds like a blast! Thanks for sharing. But where's my swag bag from attending through you. 🙂 Ahh, I got it...virtual swag.
janet
keepinitkind
Thank you, Janet! 🙂
Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack!
Have I toooold.. You lately.. That I love you?
Ha ha! But, seriously, great recap and you are WAY too kind. But, I guess that would go with your blog name. 😉 We MUST get together for dinner or something, soon! <3
keepinitkind
Thank you, Jackie! Can't wait to see you at Randy's party! 🙂
Richa
gosh.. every vvc recap post has me all excited to try and make it to the next one.. ha i might just have an anxiety attack with so many people around me.. or maybe that will get converted to a happy squealing attack.
i love all the classes. looks like everyone had a fantabulous time!:)
keepinitkind
It was a really fun time, but it would've been even better had you been there. 🙂 Trust me, as we were walking up to the building on the first day, my heart started racing and I said to Chris "Oh dear God, what did I get us into?!" I was so nervous. But I met Andrea (from Andrea's Easy Vegan Cooking) right as we walked in and then everything was fine. I felt more comfortable so when I ran into other people I recognized, I felt okay approaching them and saying hi (most of the time. There were a few people I was still pretty nervous to approach. 🙂 ). You'll do just fine if you go next year. 🙂
Emma
I loved summer camp as a kid + am a vegan-blog fanatic so I'm sure I would have loved VVCon. I've so enjoyed reading everyone's recaps.
P.S I think that's the first pic you've shown of your hubby on the blog...very tasty indeed!
keepinitkind
Hahahaha! Thank you- I think so as well. 🙂
Richgail @AstigVegan
Awww I missed out big time! I would have taken the same classes you took, all of them seem very interesting! Also, it's always so nice to meet fellow bloggers face to face. Definitely next time I'll be there!
keepinitkind
That would be so wonderful if you came next time! I would absolutely love to meet you! 🙂
Treesa
Vida Vegan Con has been filling up my email the past few days as it seems all of my favorite vegan bloggers were there! I live in Portland and was bummed to miss out knowing that you all were just minutes away. I hope to make it next year and meet (and hug) all of you in person!
keepinitkind
Oh how wonderful would it have been if you'd been able to come?! Surely, we'll meet at the next one! 🙂
Ashlee
Aw! Look how sunny you look in all those pics! It was such a happy time and this is a great recap! Wonderful meeting you and thanks for the mention, sweet one.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Ashlee! It was such a delight to meet you too- I love your spirit! 🙂
erinwyso
So nice to meet you and Chris, Kristy! If you are ever in Boston, let us know -- it was a pleasure to meet you both!!
keepinitkind
It was so great to meet you guys too- You are both so fun! 🙂 If you're ever in LA, do let us know. We'd love to see you again!
lazysmurf
It was so fun! Reading everyone's posts makes me sad about all the stuff I missed but you just can't be everywhere at once! It was great meeting you!
keepinitkind
It was great meeting you too, Stephanie! I'm still trying to convince Chris that we need to go to the Beagle wedding next summer. We've been wanting to visit Austin so I think this will be the perfect opportunity! 🙂
Annie
Very fun to read everyone's impressions of VVC (haven't read one negative word yet!) - but I have to admit, it makes me blue that I missed it!
keepinitkind
I was blue that you had missed it too! It is so much fun- I hope that you can make it next year! 🙂
Gena
Meeting you was a complete trip highlight. You are the best -- and I'm so glad to have pulled our friendship into "real life."
keepinitkind
It was so wonderful to meet you too, Gena! It was definitely one of the best parts of the trip. I can't wait until we can hang out again! xx
Laura
What a post Kristy! Well done. Lovely to have met you guys.
keepinitkind
It was lovely meeting you and your mother too, Laura! 🙂
Lindsay @ VeganYumminess
Oh man... I am sort of green with envy. LOL. Must. go. next. year. Looks like you had a blast! Thanks for posting pics!
keepinitkind
Yes, you must go next year! It's so worth the trip. 🙂
Hannah
Aw, thanks for the shout out! You're too kind. 🙂
I'm already missing all the fun, food, and craziness... I hope that the next one is just a year away, and not two. It's just too hard to wait!
keepinitkind
I'm missing it too! I wish I'd had a chance to actually meet you, but the timing never really worked out. Your class was amazing, though- it was wonderful to see you work your magic in person! 🙂
rose_petalz
Great recap! Lovely meeting you and your husband and thanks for the mention.