Hi friends, I am very excited to (finally) start this new blog, since my last (very short-lived) blog locked me out and threw away the key. Being the tech-challenged right-brained gal that I am, I decided to start a new one rather than bother tech support (otherwise known as my husband, Rob). After wracking my brain over a worthy first post topic, I have decided to talk about my trip to the Pillsbury Bake Off Contest last November.
A tourist in Vegas
So, it is a bit embarrassing that during the months leading up to the Pillsbury Bake Off, the thing I was most looking forward to was to sleep in a hotel room for three nights BY MYSELF. So I went a day early to get acclimated to Vegas time. Good thing I did, because I was likely the only one in Sin City at 8pm drifting off to a re-run of Everybody Loves Raymond. That’s just how I roll. I awoke at the crack of 4am. I stayed at the Aria resort and casino, thanks to General Mills. It is stunning there, and the room had a remote that worked the blinds. After 20 minutes of struggling with how to work the remote, this is what I saw:
So, I have three kids. I am not used to being alone. I thought it would be cool- The freedom, the quiet, the going potty by myself…but it was weird. So I went people watching at the gorgeous Patisserie at the Aria.
Then I went to the Bellagio to take in the sights. Mostly to see the Chihuly glass and the chocolate fountain and the amazing fall display they had out:
The first day of the Pillsbury Bake Off
When it was time for me to head to the convention center to check out the 46th Pillsbury Bake Off setup, my nerves took ahold of me. To my surprise, as soon as I went up the escalator, the Pillsbury doughboy appeared like a beacon of hope in the distance. I had to run up and squeeze him. Wouldn’t you?
Then I looked over and saw this:
After signing in and getting some awesome swag (a pillsbury tote bag filled with goodies from various sponsors, the cookbook(!), our schedule, and name tag), I met my first fellow Pillsbury Bake Off finalist Helen Fields. She was as nice as could be, and she ended up being someone who had been to the Bake off before. She gave me lots of tips, and we got to be friends over the course of the weekend, along with some other amazing people. In retrospect, the big take away that I “got” was some amazing, supportive friends that have the same (obsession) interest that I have in cooking, baking, and creating. It was priceless!
The rest of the experience was kind of a blur, and I realize that this is getting long, so I think it will have
To be continued in Part 2….
I wish we would have been able to meet earlier. I couldn’t even tell you what I did my first day there. I was probably blowing my allotted $20 mad money on the slot machines. Touring the Bellagio with you would have been much more fun. So hope I get to see you in Nashville. Fingers crossed for both of us.
I wish we had hung out, too! It was definitely a highlight getting to know you. We can wander around Nashville aimlessly! Here’s hoping…
Yes! That would be great, especially if Jen is there too. I have found I kind of like going to these things solo. Kind of takes a bit of pressure off and gives me an opportunity to get to know my contesting friends.
Meeting you was a highlight of the PBO for me as well. Thanks for the kind words. I just want to know, can you make cream gravy now?
Looking forward to seeing more on your blog.
Yes! But I am sure that your cream gravy is better than mine. I need to get to Texas sometime to try it out. Say hi to your daughter and sister for me!
What a wonderful blog!!! Almost made me feel like I was actually there!!! Look forward to reading the rest ………. hope to meet you in Nashville!!!
Thanks Susan! I really hope you get to go to Nashville! It is a once in a lifetime experience….
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Thank you!