Food Blogger’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration

Early yesterday morning, I awoke to a car pulling into the driveway and the front door opening. My husband Shawn rushed into the house, dropping my keys on my nightstand. He’d accidentally taken them with him to work, and returned because I needed them. After all, it was the Saturday after Thanksgiving and this year’s designated day for the Food Blogger’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration (check out our first one here). The kids and I had to hit the road for the drive from Connecticut to New Jersey.

The kids and I seriously couldn’t wait, so it was such a blessing that he drove all the way home to drop my keys off. We love getting together with my blogging friends. It’s always a good time.

Anyway, Food Blogger’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration … Cate O’Malley hosted us — Joanne, Patsy, myself and others. And it was an evening filled with good food and good conversation. Our party this year included a catered dinner and potluck desserts, which was really the best of both worlds — a stress free dinner and delicious selection of after dinner treats.

When we get together, the conversation always naturally turns to blogging related topics. It’s nice because we can talk backups and trademarks and strategy and really get in-the-know answers from each other. This year, we talked a lot about blogging and social media — specifically, the importance of regular participation on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram — and the challenges of managing it while also blogging, parenting, handling our other responsibilities, etc. After talking with them, I vowed to be better at keeping up with Instagram … something I’m sporadic about.

The conversation also turned to blogging conferences. We’ve all attended several, and shared notes on what’s worth it and what we might want to attend in 2013.

We also talked our plans for holiday cards this year. Shutterfly, who sponsored the party, provided samples and catalogs for us to check out at the party, and some of the new designs were really lovely. I love how many of the cards combine the holiday messages almost seamlessly with the images. I also love how a select few have space for Christmas letters for those that love to send them. I’ve been digging through the site today, trying to decide what cards we’ll be sending this year — because as Cate pointed out, sending time is now.

Next, I need to find (or take) the perfect photo for our holiday cards. Do you send a photo card? If you don’t have your holiday shot yet, check out Shutterfly’s family photo site right here for tips.

One more thing … Shutterfly is also having a CardWorthy Photo Contest on their Facebook page from now until December 9th. You can upload a photo into one of their 2012 holiday cards to enter, and there is a new theme every week. The grand prize is a dream trip for a family of four (the winner chooses the destination!). The 1st place winner will receive $500 in Shutterfly credit, 2nd place will receive $250 in Shutterfly credit, and 3rd place will receive $150 in Shutterfly credit. You can enter right here.

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Disclosure: Shutterfly sponsored the party I attended this year. They are also providing me with a coupon code for myself and to give away in exchange for this post. However, all opinions are my own.