Two weeks ago, Liz and I launched a new website called VirginiaBloggers.com.
Our purpose was to make it easier to discover and connect with other local and statewide bloggers (and blog readers), as well as local events and businesses that support our passions. The community of blogging is the reason I ‘keep on keepin’ on’ with it, and I knew Liz felt the same. We turned the #VAis4Bloggers hashtag from a half-serious chuckle into reality!
(Beautiful header designed by Adrienne)
We are so excited about how quickly our blogroll began to increase, the support we have received from both national companies and local businesses–did you catch my feature on feast?–and the discovery of many bloggers statewide that we never knew about. And of course, we wanted to celebrate with a party.
And as we all know, “party,” for food bloggers, means brunch.
[And "party," for Miss Smart, also means goodie bags. 
]
The site was Stella’s, a Greek and Mediterranean taverna with a casual atmosphere and an incredibly extensive (and mouth watering) menu. 
Despite the rainy day outside, the vibe was upbeat and cheerful. [And I got to wear my rainboots, so how bad could the day really be? 
]
Although the lunch and dinner menu is very veg-and-vegan-friendly, the brunch menu is not. [At least at first glance, anyway.] I said to our waitress, “I’m a vegan. What can you do for me?” And I received what can only be described as amazingess in a bowl.
A saute of bursting cherry tomatoes, portabello mushrooms, onions, artichoke hearts, creamy potatoes, and gigante (elephant) beans, seasoned with something deliciously addictive I couldn’t place (but wanted more of), this creation was a winner. The bonus of black kale rounded out the bountiful bowl.
Perhaps because we were all tweeting about how delicious everything tasted (or because I stood up and made a speech?) the chef sent out complimentary loukoumades for all of us.
Although they did resemble cute little chicken wings, these Greek doughnuts were like pieces of puffier, lighter funnel cake, that Stephanie proclaimed “must be covered in crack.”
I know Liz and I were both SO excited* about how enjoyable and successful the event turned out to be. On our way back to pick up my car, we both were just reveling in Virginia (and blogging) love.
*We were only slightly less excited that I color coordinated my flannel with our logo.
Thank you Stella’s for receiving us so warmly, and thank you Chobani and Love Grown Foods for helping make up some delicious goodie bags! [And Lauren for the salted chocolate peanut butter-stuffed strawberries...]
Because I am a nerd–and perhaps a future PTO President?–and love a good raffle, I also raffled off full-sized bags of Love Grown Granola AND the newest peanut butter creation to come out of The Smart Kitchen: Coconut Honey Roasted Peanut Butter.
Because I’m feeling so much Virginia love, and happiness to be a part of a blogging community both regional AND national (AND international!), I want to give away some treats to you. All you have to do is:
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Leave a comment telling me what you love about your city, town, or state OR what you love about the blogging community
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“Like” Virginia is for Bloggers on Facebook
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Follow @VAis4Bloggers on twitter
In exchange for participating in this flagrant bribery for self-promotional purposes, I will mail you your own (full-sized) jar of Coconut Honey Roasted Peanut Butter (unless you would prefer the original cinnamon variety), as well as coupons for free Chobani and Love Grown Granola (which can be purchased at The Fresh Market).
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Speaking of giveaways…we now move from big bowls of bountiful beauty…
…to big bowls of salad!
The winner of my Big Friendly Salad OXO Salad Spinner giveaway is…Matilda!
Source
Just kidding, although it is my favorite Roald Dahl book, too, y’all. According to the number generator on random.org, the winner (and sorry, Jenn, even though you snorted a little bit, I don’t think your entry counted ) is…Kristen @ Not So Domesticated!
There’s something to be said for simplicity. (And for being just a tad bit more domesticated now? ) E-mail me with you address and I’ll send a salad spinner your way!
{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
YAHOOO!!
I’m pumped! Thanks so much … I’ll email you now!
I love the blogging community because they come up with so many creative recipes to try out of the box!
Just liked you on Facebook!
And following you on Twitter – the pbs recipes look scrumptious! I LOVE PB! – Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I love that my town has 4 farmers’ markets to choose from in the spring and summer!
NC is for bloggers, too. Can you start a group for my state?
I want nut butter from the great Sarah!!!!!!!!!!!
My blogging community rocks – these girls are some of the sweetest, most supportive in the world and we all make a good effort to stay connected/hang out whenever possible. We need to have a GA+VA meet up!
I love the philadelphia food scene– so much unique and local deliciousness! and there are lots of great concerts here, too!
i liked the “virginia is for bloggers” facebook page
I love how I have been welcomed in to the blogging community in general. I never expected to have people even read BCDC let alone follow me and comment so regularly and with so many compliments. I feel like I have so many friends across the country now. In fact I keep thinking in the back my mind…Ok Ralph and I will be driving cross country this summer…we could stop in Nashville and Charlottesville and Temecula and maybe we can swing through Canada on the way back. I would love to meet every one of my blogging friends in person to thank them. Haven’t told Ralph yet. Wonder what his reactioni will be…
All I saw was cinnamon honey roasted peanut butter… is there a rule about a VA blogger being disqualified? Or can I perhaps bribe you to bring me some on Thursday?
Such a fabulously fun brunch event, it was so great meeting you and enjoying the afternoon eating delicious food and chatting it up with everyone! Can’t wait to try my coconut pb, it’s on my desk at work for snacktime and has already received some glances and questions – maybe I better put it somewhere safer to make sure it stays there!
Happy Monday girl!
What a fun event! That is so cool you organized it and launched that website. I need to find something like that for NH or Mass.
i love madison, wi so much and feel lucky to call it my home! my absolutely favorite thing about madison is the gigantic and truly awesome farmers market on the capitol square every saturday morning. it’s life changing.
i’m following virginia bloggers on twitter!
i liked the facebook page too! i wish we had something like this in wisconsin…
I am so glad the brunch was a success!!
Phoenix is huge so there is so much going on here, but what I love about my part of Scottsdale is the chic edge we have. We have more of your small local shops, farmers market and shopping.
Ps I am so jealous of the coconut butter. I am on a huge coconut addiction right now!!
I liked Virginia bloggers on facebook.
Follow on twitter <3
What an awesome project! That’s a great idea.
Oh, and that bowl looks like heaven, even for a non-vegan with extra benefits.
The blogging community is always motivating and supportive in terms of all of my healthy living goals and that’s exactly why I love it so much!
can i move to VA?
My door is always open!
Wow – what a cool group you have created!! It sounds like a successful launch too – congrats!
I’ve been lucky to get connected with an awesome group of Atlanta bloggers – some of my new favorite people, actually!
We’re not as official as what you started, but it’s still a TON of fun!
I wish I lived in VA!!!
I wish you did, too.
What do i love about Portland, Oregon? Well, its very eclectic and we have some of the coolest best food trucks around! In fact, we have like little mini cities of food trucks…its awesome. we’ve got some really great neighborhoods with small intimate restaurants and we’ve got a variety of food choices…vegan and carnivore friendly
I’m new to the food blog reading but i’m learning all sorts about other food choices and I’m really enjoying it!
What I love about the blogging community is that I can “meet” other people from across the country! I’m just a reader, but it’s fun to read what other people do outside of my own community!
Liked Virginia for Bloggers on FB!
Following on Twitter, too!
I’ve never wished so hard I lived in Virginia!
Perhaps this should expand to ALL the states…imagine if you could get a ___ is for bloggers in all 50!
I love Victoria, Texas for its friendly people. I always know that I can drive down the street and anyone I see will wave. I don’t have a blog but love reading several, including yours.
I love that picture of us!!!
Awwww. We’re blogger-soul mates! That totally deserves to be on facebook 
Yesterday was SO MUCH FUN! I seriously can’t wait for the next event. I might just need to take a random trip up to Charlottesville to see your lovely face!
Dude. We ARE blogger-mates. Although that does sound a bit like our blogs are moving in together…
I love that I’m close to both D.C. and Baltimore with so many things to do and delicious places to eat!
I’m following @VAis4Bloggers on twitter!
What I love about California is the huge variety of fresh delicious foods (produce, cheeses, wine) that are always available year round!
…. and I follow VAis4bloggers!
So sorry I had to miss all the fun!!
We missed you!!!
The blogging community is full of team support and sharing different ideas and tips to keep us all on a healthy and fit lifestyle!
Like you on FB
Following on Twitter too – thanks for a yummy giveaway!
You are so awesome! Congrats on your big launch and thank you for offering such a sweet giveaway!
I love that all of the bloggers I’ve met in Chicago are so health oriented – and that there is an abundance of healthful activities to do together in Chicago. I’ve done several running meetups and yoga meetups and we’re hopefully going to be working out in Millenium Park & visiting the Green City Market together this summer!
And i LIKE VA4bloggers
And i FOLLOW VA4Bloggers
I love the Pittsburgh Penguins!!!
I also liked the Facebook page…
…aaaaand followed them on Twitter. haha
Oooh, such a toss up between Matilda and The Witches, but I guess Mathilda wins. I remember freaking myself out reading The Witches in bed at night as a 10 year old. It scared me. And Matilda is a freaking genius. Though Mrs. Trunchbull l scared me too.
Wait. What was the question again? I’m totally disqualified.
I love the state of VA and the culture of VA so many sites to see, food to eat and people to visit! Thank you for the great recipes and the yummy giveaway!
I’m following on FB
Fan on Twitter too -thanks!
What a giveaway!! I’m so jealous of all your meetups and fun brunches lately.
That’s what I love about the blogging world – meets up! Bloggers are always so friendly and the conversations never lull.
I love NYC because of all the unique food finds.
I liked on fb!
Liked Virginia is for Bloggers on facebook!
I LOVE Chicago
probably for 10,000+ reasons….I just get chills every time I drive down the highway and glance at the skyline…because I had my first date and later got engaged at Navy Pier…because my old work building has a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe in front of it and no one knows why…our architectural tour…Da Bullz….so many more 
I live in the New Orleans area. I love that there are many, many places in this city where I can show up in head-to-toe pleather and a feather boa and not get a second glance.
I’m also pretty fond of the Jazz-Blues-Funk fusion music exemplified by The New Orleans Nightcrawlers that is indigenous to the area.
I FB like VA is for Bloggers!
I FB like VA is for bloggers!
i love california because 2 hours in any direction and you can be in a different climate/terrain/culture. you can’t get bored!
What’s not to love about Minnesota? We have a great, under the radar, food scene here. There’s something for everyone.
What i love about food in nyc is that there are more choices and options, markets, restaurants and neighborhoods than i could ever visit in five lifetimes. Anything your wildest imagination could come up with is here waiting to be found ( tibetan vegan food? Yup. Australian pubs, cuban markets, swiss cafes, jewish delis….) There will never not be something new to go and see and eat:)
GIRL, I LOVED the PB from Sunday!!! In fact, I loved it so much that I’m going to enter this giveaway. I love the blogging community because of all the unique and awesome people that I get to meet!
So good to meet you, can’t wait to hang out again
And of course I follow on twitter
And now I’m following on facebook too!
i love our local shops and restaurants back home!!