When Kristin and I started our business journey here at our blog and at our online boutique, LoveFeast Shop we couldn’t imagine that eventually our journey would lead us to hosting boutique events in our cities, Baltimore and Minneapolis.  To begin with they were a way to mingle with the blogger friends we were making in each of our cities.  Eventually they grew as our business grew to include businesses and brands.

“Whatever you do, do it with gust-0.”

BlogLove events are places for both businesses, brands and bloggers to connect in real life.  We know a great place for meeting and greeting is a great party.  And, we love to throw those.  Seeing relationships spark and grow and meeting businesses that are unique and have a great story is exciting.  Creating a unique boutique event to create that kind of synergy is just another one of our passions.

Our BlogLove “Refresh & Renew” event sparked a relationship between two of our guests Samara ~ Simplicity In The Suburbs ~  & Jennifer ~Stella & Dot ~ , and one of our event sponsors, gust-o.  They are hosting a spring beauty event Thursday, May 30th at gust-o in Minneapolis.  The event is at 6pm and you’re invited to come!

We love that we are a part of the story in creating relationships that keep on growing.  We can’t wait to see our friends and to get some tips on spring beauty, blow outs and baubles!!  Sounds like a great night indeed ~ hope to see you there!

RSVP to gusto at info @ gust – o dot com & let us know in the comments if we are going to see you there!

 To find out more about our BlogLove networking events for bloggers, brands and businesses CLICK HERE.

Some weeks ago we hosted another BlogLove™ blogger networking event in Chris Ann’s hometown of Minneapolis.  We had a great time meeting local bloggers new and old who came out for some small bites, inspiration and networking.  This BlogLove™ theme was “Refresh & Renew.

We spread out a LoveFeast Table filled with delicious treats to go along with the signature drink from the evening, jarred Moss Mojitos fresh from a bucket of ice.

Our amazing location hosts, Tina and Ryan of the sustainable living lifestyle store Moss Envy were the epitome of hospitality.

Special thanks to Liv Lane, who inspired us with words to help us define our vision, brand and direction.

Thanks to our Swag Bag Sponsors for providing wonderful introduction to your businesses.

Much thanks to Moss Envy ~ Liv Lane ~ gusto blow dry bar for providing gift blow drys ~ The Salt Cave Minneapolis for gift session ~ Punch Pizza for pizza gift cards ~Kerrygold for cheese and Rustica for bread & gift cards ~ Kiddywampus for kids’ gift pack ~ Massage Envy for facial giveaway ~Be Small Studios for original fine art prints ~ & Burger Jones for drinks.

Special thanks also to White Peach Photography for event photography!

We had a great time once again.  Thank you so much for the sponsors, businesses, bloggers and talent that made this Minneapolis bloggers event possible.   We’d love to have you join us for the next event!  Leave a comment below and we will add you to our guest list!  You can see more information on our BlogLove™ events HERE.

We are really excited for BlogLove Refresh & Renew!  As always we will have a lovely table of bites and refreshments and a fun gathering of creative and inspiring people.  And, a great swag bag filled with some goodies as you leave!  ~ Oh and don’t forget that after-party.

DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

At our March 9th event at Moss Envy we are excited to have Liv Lane join us for an inspiring message on how to stay inspired and to continue feel creative at blogging.  Liv is launching a new blogging ecourse starting April 8th and has tons of insight on how to continue to blog successfully in a way that you truly love.  Prepare to be “refreshed” and “renewed” in your vision for you and your blog.

 “I can’t wait to connect with so many rising stars at the BlogLove Event and share heart-thumping insights and no-cost ideas for making sure their blogs remain rewarding and fulfilling for years to come. I  know it’ll be a high-energy, feel-good gathering – and am honored to be part of it!”  ~ Liv Lane

We are grateful for our host, Ryan and Tina of Moss Envy.  Moss Envy is a sustainable living lifestyle store here in Minneapolis.  Both Ryan and Tina are knowledgeable and passionate about their business.  Our lovely hosts are excited to meet and connect with the local blogging community.  They will be rolling out the green carpet to welcome us there!

We don’t want to give away all our secrets.  But, many local business were happy and excited to reach out to our Twin Cities blogging community.  One of the fun bits in our swag bag is something really nice from Gust-o, a blow dry bar, right next door to Moss Envy.  With out giving too much away, let’s just say next time you want your hair to look absolutely fabulous – they’ve got you covered!!

We, like  many of you look forward to our periodic BlogLove events.  There aren’t many ways to connect in-real-life when what you do is tethered to a computer at home.  A gathering like “Refresh & Renew” BlogLove event can give you time to make those relationships, have a great night out, and walk away connected and inspired.  We hope you join us!  We’d love to meet you or if we have already, see you again! ~Chris Ann & Kristin

Check out some of our past events HERE.  BUY A TICKET for the March 9th event HERE.

Our next BlogLove event will be held in the sustainable living lifestyle store, Moss Envy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event’s theme is “Refresh & Renew” and is meant to inspire conversation around you and your blog’s growth. Come ready to network with bloggers, engage with businesses, make new relationships and get re-energized around your story and your passion.

Please join us for another inspiring LoveFeast™ BlogLove™ Event.

BlogLove Refresh & Renew

March 9, 2013, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Moss Envy ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota

BlogLove Events are for any blogger who is interested in connecting with others bloggers, brands, and businesses.  You can see some of our past events HERE.  There will a festive atmosphere with plenty of time to make connections, enjoy some light fare and drinks, make-up touch ups available from our location host, Moss Envy, a beautiful swag bag and plenty of friendly faces.  You will also receive a free drink ticket for the Refresh & Renew After Party which will be across the street at Burger Jones on West Lake Street, Minneapolis.

We think getting together in real life inspires us all to continue to create, engage and share!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

For a few years, we have hosted BlogLove Networking Events in Minneapolis and Baltimore. If you’ve never heard of or attended a BlogLove Event, we wanted to show you what they’re all about.

Each event is unique! When we set out to create events, we knew we wanted our guests to walk away with a few things. One, to be inspired! Two, to experience something new and unique. Three, to connect with brands and last, to make great new friends!

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of our past events. Click the pictures to read more on each event.

Our First Event was BlogLove Zeke’s in Baltimore, (see our Pinterest board for additional inspiration: HERE) where our guests did an espresso tasting and toured a coffee roastery.

BlogLove Zeke’s

Then we headed up North to Minnesota and hosted BlogLove European Marketplace. (Pinterest board: HERE) This event was at a local antique store and spilled out into a lumber yard alley way. Our guests shopped, enjoyed hand massages from Aveda and noshed on homemade Spanish Caesar Salad straight from the LoveFeast Table Kitchen.

BlogLove European Marketplace

Later that year, we hosted a small group of bloggers at an Aveda store in the Twin Cities area. This was an intimate event where each of our guests was pampered and treated to an evening of spa pampering. (Pinterest board: HERE)

BlogLove Aveda

The following year, we invited bloggers from the Baltimore/DC area to join us at a trapeze studio for BlogLove Takes Flight (Pinterest board: HERE) where they heard the story of a woman who has spent her life exploring what it means to live life off of the ground.

BlogLove Takes Flight

Our last BlogLove Event was Spark & Style (Pinterest board:HERE) and was hosted at a clothing boutique in Minnesota. Our guests participated and watched a fashion show and were pampered with gifts from our sponsor Therapon while enjoying beats from a local DJ.

BlogLove Spark & Style

We want to let you in on a secret…we are busy planning a number of fabulous NEW BlogLove Events for 2013! We have it on pretty good authority that there may even be one at the end of next month, in Minneapolis.

If you’re interested in attending an event, please leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to add you to the list!

The next part of our LoveFeast Table journey we want to introduce you to is our BlogLove™ events.  The idea of hosting in-real-life events was pretty natural for us.  You see, we hosted a ton of events together, back in the day when we lived in the same state of Maryland.  We hosted showers, dinner parties, plotted wedding tablescaping and backyard BBQ’s, evening dinners on porches, picnics and a Valentines Dinner at Kristin and Devon’s coffee shop.  Planning a party has always been a part of our friendship.  After we started blogging and went to some local meet-ups, we both wanted to meet the bloggers in the cities we lived in Minneapolis and Baltimore.  We decided then to host gatherings for other bloggers so that we could meet them in-real-life.

We plan each BlogLove™ event to be experiential and inspiring.  We think when bloggers come together to experience something beautiful, interesting or meaningful they get to know each other more and walk away inspired.  That is how connections happen.  When bloggers, brands and businesses come together in a wonderful environment, creativity is sparked and conversations begin.  We love to help create that kind of synergy.  We think our readers benefit too!  We have new blogs ideas, people and brands to introduce them to!

We plan each BlogLove™ with all the guests in mind.  We want them to feel welcomed, included, entertained and walk away with some inspiration.  Here are some of our past events.

Our first event was BlogLove™ Zeke’s held at Zeke’s Coffee in Baltimore, Maryland.  Since Kristin and Devon use to own a coffee shop, it was a natural place to start.  The experience that night included a coffee tasting, a tour of the roastery and conversation and connections between a group of mostly food bloggers.

The next BlogLove™ we planned around a summer vacation.   Kristin’s family was coming out to visit our family in Minnesota. We planned it in Chris Ann’s  small town and were surprised and thrilled when bloggers from all over the Twin Cities and even Iowa made the trek for BlogLove™ European Marketplace.

We had such a great time with the gals from Aveda at “European Marketplace” that it was wonderful to get away for a “Moment of Wellness” at the Aveda store in Edina Minnesota to plan our next event.  We were introduced to and pampered with Aveda products and had a great time at BlogLove™ Aveda.

Our next event was in Baltimore, BlogLove™ Takes Flight.  It was held in a trapeze studio inside an old warehouse in the middle of the city.  We were inspired by the work of a trapeze artist, who explained to us the art of non-verbal language in a way that inspired a wonderful conversation between our guests.

Our latest event was BlogLove™ Spark & Style.  This event was sponsored by Therapon.  We  introduced our guests to Therapon’s skin care at a fashion focused event at a boutique.  Blogger guests walked the runway in inspired fashions, got make-up tips from Chanel from the Mall of America and nibbled on treats by LoveFeast Table including our very own Sparktini we created for the event.

We have a great time planning our events.  If you are a brand or business or blogger that would like to sponsor, participate or add swag to an event we would love to hear from you.  We are always looking for creative ideas, stories and people to partner with.

BlogLove™ Events are experiential blogger networking events that bring together bloggers, brands and businesses  in an intimate experience that inspires creativity, conversation and relationships.

Our past events:

• BlogLove™ Zeke’s
• BlogLove™ European Marketplace
• BlogLove™ Aveda
• BlogLove™ Takes Flight
• BlogLove™ Spark & Style

Our next event is going to be in Washington, DC.  We hope if you are in the Baltimore/DC/Virginia area you will follow our journey and find a way to join us at our next BlogLove™ event.  We are looking forward to meeting you!

Kristin and I got the opportunity to try Theraderm Skin products in the last six weeks.  Therapon was our sponsor for the last BlogLove™ blogger networking event, Spark & Style.  We were happy to be able to send our BlogLove™ guests home with a good sized sample of the Skin Renewal System to try.  The system works in 4 easy steps.

The first three cleanse, exfoliate, and repair~ I love that the bottle are numbered.  It makes it easy to follow the steps,  especially if you are starting a cleansing routine for the first time.

The first step is the Cleansing Wash.  It is a soap-free, gel.  A little goes a long way, a dime-sized amount on damp hands or a wash cloth is all you need.  You massage in a circular motion for about a minute and rinse with warm water.  I have been thrilled with how it quickly loosens make up, waterproof mascara and foundation off with ease.

Step number 2 is the Fruit Acid Exfoliant.  This is a clinical-strength lactic acid that you apply to the application pad.  You simply add about 10 drops on a cleansing pad and apply to neck and face.  The textured pads promote a deeper penetration of the Fruit Acid Exfoliant while mildly exfoliating the skin.  You also do not rinse this off.

The 3rd step is the Reparative Gel.  I like anything with the word reparative in it.  You apply a thin layer all over your face and neck.  You do not rinse off this step.  Unlike other products or serums I have tried, I liked the way this gel did not in anyway interfere with my make up or foundation.  It disappears into your face and goes to work.

The 4th step is the Moisturizer.  I am a firm believer in moisturizing no matter what your skin type.  This is a rich oil-free product.

There it is ~ 4 easy steps to healthier skin that is more beautiful!

One of the other things I appreciated about Theraderm was that I found improvement on my skin right away.  I also was amazed that my skin did not react in any way to trying a new product or the fruit acids as I had experienced in the past.

We are so happy to be able to share Theraderm with you!  We are delighted to be working with a brand that supports bloggers gathering together and values the stories we share.  While this is a sponsored endorsement ~ truly, we would only share with you a product that we believe is of quality and will add to your own personal “Spark & Style”.   We believe looking and feeling good are just another way to savor a beautiful life!  I do not have perfect skin, however, I have found that after using this system, my skin has healed quicker, has a healthier glow and other imperfections seem to be fading.  In other words ~ it’s working!!  And ~ that makes me happy!

If you are a Minnesota blogger and tried the product since our BlogLove™ Spark & Style event we’d love to hear how you like it!  If you haven’t tried it yet ~ check it out by clicking through our Therapon affiliate ink on the side of our blog or here.

Last Saturday night Kristin and I hosted our 5th BlogLove™ event.  This was our 3rd event in Minnesota.  Our BlogLove™ events bring bloggers, businesses and brands together for what we hope is an inspiring time.  Kristin and I were so happy to have so many guests join us for BlogLove™ Spark & Style!

DJ Kane kept the Houndstooth energy popping!!

Thanks to our models who worked their own “Spark & Style” walking the room in Houndstooth fashion.  Amber from Houndstooth, dressed the “Spark & Style” blogger models who were:  Missy ~ Marketing Mama, Jennifer ~ 30 Days of Honey, Jilene ~ Be Put Together, Kristin & Chris Ann ~LoveFeast Table, Kristin ~ High Heels And A Hammer, Kara ~ LaunchHER, Sasha ~ Fabuliss. These gals all have tons of their own spark & style!  And, they were gracious to help us out!!

The evening was upbeat and fun!  There were familiar faces and new faces.  We hope you all got to meet someone new and reconnect with a bloggy friend in real life!

Thank you to Christina representing Therapon, who sponsored our evening networking event.  Therapon is a clinical grade skin care line that knows that beauty and quality comes from within.  We were excited to be able to shared the quality of their product that we believe will give you that outside spark!  We were inspired by all the spark and style reppresented at this BlogLove event.

We hope your time at BlogLove™ left you inspired as well!  (Cristina ~ Therapon, Kristin & Chris Ann)

Bloggers who attended BlogLove™ “Spark & Style” are invited to link their recap posts here.  “Spark & Style” recap posts by bloggers who attended this event that are linked to this post will be entered into a giveaway for our LoveFeast Mother’s Tree Of Life necklace with birthstones.  The giveaway will be drawn on Sat, April 9th.

Today I went over to Houndstooth Boutique the location for our next BlogLove™ event, “Spark & Style”.  I needed to go over last minute details with Amber (the owner of Houndstooth) and of course check out the fashion.  Later I realized that this would be the perfect time to link up with an a popular blog party called What I Wore Wednesday over a Lindsey’s blog The Pleated Poppy.  Hi Lindsey!  These are some of the looks I tried on today at Houndstooth.  (Sorry the pics are out of focus a tad, Amber was not acquainted with my camera…but I think you get the jest of what they were like!)  The day defiantly put me in the mood for spring!

Amber shared with me a little bit about what it trending for spring!  High waist-ed jeans ladies!  With flares!  Silk buttoned down shirts, unusual graphics, bohemian florals and shades of nude.  In accessories ~ feathers, turquoise, natural stones and crystal accents.  Leather wrap bracelets are going strong!

We’re looking forward to seeing you at BlogLove™ Amber is giving all guests 20% off (exception: sale and Oie Jewelry).  We are having a special Oie Jewelry Trunk show too.  Bring your wallets ~ you can always get a new handbag at Houndstooth!

You can get a BlogLove™ ticket HERE: http://bloglovesparkandstyle.eventbrite.com/

You don’t know how excited Kristin and I are for this upcoming BlogLove™ event.  For one thing Kristin gets to fly in and we get to have some fun!  Who says our little plan for more time together IRL (In Real Life) isn’t working?!  Yeah, so we had to incorporate, start a business and plan a big party to do it!!  But, that is just what we love to do!!

Our latest BlogLove™ “Spark & Style” event was actually planned almost 8 months ago.  Houndstooth had added some gift cards to our BlogLove™ “European Marketplace” swag bags.  We came in to thank Amber and do some shopping and spend our gift cards!  Our shopping trip then blossomed into a full out Houndstooth Fall Fashion vlog.  (We’re excited to do our next vlog for spring fashion!)  One thing led to another….and well, our next event is coming up this Saturday, April 2nd, 7pm at Houndstooth!  You can get your BlogLove™ “Spark & Style” ticket HERE!

Here’s what to expect~ Kristin and I are looking forward to greeting new and old blogging friends at the Houndstooth door!  We will be happy to offer you refreshments from Shakers Vodka and the local Crofut Family Vineyards and other drinks and of course yummy bites to nibble on!

Therapon is our sponsor!!
We will be introducing you to our friend, Christina from Therapon.  You will have an opportunity to talk with Christina about Therapon’s facial skin care line and test some of their products!!  (We are trying it out now and can’t wait to share about it!)  Therapon skin care is a high quality pharmaceutical grade product the restores your skin’s radiance.  It is a gentle effective clinical product that works!  Here are what some of our friends have to say about Therapon.

Our event will be a relaxed, fun and fashionable get together of local Twin Cities bloggers from all sorts of blogging interests.  During the evening we will have an informal blogger-model fashion show with gals from these blogs & business:  Sasha from Fabuliss, Kara & friend from LaunchHER,  Missy from Marketing Mama, Kristen from High Heels And A Hammer and Jilene from Be Put Together.  They will strut the runway with their “Spark & Style” to the music of DJ Kane!  Amber will be on hand to offer advice and shopping help for spring fashion.  She is an expert on helping you pull together an up to date look!  There will be a 20% off discount for the evening and time to shop as well! And, there will be a jewelry trunk show by Oie Jewelry.  So, bring your purses!!

Also on hand will be Carrie from the Chanel counter at Bloomingdales at the Mall of America.  She will be giving us tips on pretty spring make-up as well as bringing an awesome product swag bag representing the cosmetic counters at Bloomingdales including of course Chanel!!  She’s also bringing a Chanel gift basket to give-away worth at least $250!  (Word is she tends to go over board!!)  Can’t wait to see what she brings!

And~like all of our other BlogLove™ events we work hard to find quality brands and business that we like to be represented in our BlogLove™ swag bag.  We find many times these items or products are represented or made by women!  Women owned businesses are something we definitely support and believe in!  There will be swag and giveaways from these business at BlogLove™ “Spark & Style” ~

Therapon Skin!  Christina will be doing hand treatments, handing out samples and giving everyone the Skin Renewal System for you to take home and try!  There will also be some great Therapon Skin giveaway kits!

Amber ~ Houndstooth Boutique along with a special BlogLove™ 20% off discount will be have giveaways and swag!  There will adorable swag from Gussy Sews, My Urban Halo and Red Stamp!  SavvyMN is going to represent with some special giveaways as well!  (By the way~they did a great feature article on us here!) And~ like always Erin from The Vintage Pearl has made us a custom “BlogLove” charm.

We can’t wait to see you!!  We are looking forward to hearing all about you and what gives you your “Spark & Style”!  Because we believe you have it!!

See you soon! Chris Ann & Kristin