As you know, I was incredibly nervous before the Learn to Blog seminar. The Marketing Director at Healthworks realized this, so she suggested that we meet at Bouchee before the seminar to go over the format of the talk and enjoy a cocktail to relax my nerves.
Bouchee serves authentic French brasserie cuisine in an upbeat and beautifully designed setting. They have a wonderful outdoor patio for that authentic café experience.
But, Hannah and I sat inside at the bar instead.
I couldn’t decide what type of wine I wanted to drink, so the bartender gave me a sampling of three Chardonnays. Fun! 
The Chardonnays were from Sonoma, Columbia Valley, and Burgundy. I liked them all, but I really loved the Chard from the Columbia Valley. Mmmm!
After a drink to calm my nerves, we headed to Healthworks for the seminar. Hannah kept the event very informal by setting it up in the small cafe area.
Of course, there was food at the seminar! 
I was starving, so I dug right in and prepared a plate for myself.
The seminar itself went pretty well. About 10 women attended, which made speaking in front of a group much easier. I was still super nervous, but I rambled my way through it. I talk a lot when I am nervous!
Hannah opened up the talk with brief introductions and then went on to explain the new blogging program at Healthworks. In the next few months, Healthworks is taking the program and the blog in a new direction.
From now until October 14th, interested bloggers may apply to receive Healthworks Club Cash credit when they blog for HW. Bloggers will be able to earn up to $35/week in credit to use for personal training, fitness sessions, spa services, or café products. Sweet! Good thing I like to blog!
All Healthworks members and employees are welcome to apply. Full details and a link to apply can be found by clicking here.
Next, I talked about the history of Carrots ‘N’ Cake, why I started blogging, and how I got started with Blogger and then WordPress. The women had a lot of questions about blogging, so we covered photography, coming up with strong post titles, how the blog can motivate you and keep you accountable with health goals, and tips for increasing readership. I think I did a good job answering their questions. I actually felt like I knew what I was talking about!
A number of the ladies were actually readers of my blog, so it was cool meeting them in person. Melissa and I snapped a photo after the seminar, so be sure to check out her recap. Her blog has a fun name too!
I was so relieved once the seminar was over! It actually wasn’t as nerve-racking as I had expected. Everyone was so nice and really wanted to learn about blogging, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable– even fun! (I never thought I would say that about public speaking!)
Before heading home, I grabbed another plate of food. I guess had I worked up an appetite!
I arrived home a little after 8:00 pm, ate a quick dinner, and plopped down on the couch with Mal and Murphy. My energy was shot.
After a great night of sleep, I’m feeling much better this morning. I think my internal clock is finally back to normal!
Breakfast post coming soon!
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Yay for getting up there and speaking in public! A phobia which I must also overcome.
I’m glad it went well! I get really nervous public speaking too. I give you lots of credit for being able to do it!
I am so happy your seminar went well!
I wish I had a gym that let me blog for services. How kickass?
Great job…I’m sure it motivated everyone.
Glad the session went well, I wish I could have made it! I was at Bouchee for cocktails last week and didn’t love it, but I might have to give it another try for wine!
See, I told you that you were going to do great! What kind of dip was that with the broccoli?
It looks like they had a ton of healthy food there! That is awesome! I wish that Germany had something like that, that I could go to since I am fairly new to blogging. I guess I will just have to wait until we move back to the states!
@Kathy: Hummus.
congrats on the seminar – of course you knew what you were talking about!
i’m glad it went well though. that blogging program sounds wonderful – wish there was a healthworks near me!
I am glad the seminar went so well! I have no doubts that you did a fantastic blogs, your blog is the best!
Glad it went well. I wish I still went to Healthworks!
Congrats on a successful seminar, knew you could do it!
Nice job Tina! It is such a relief when something you were worked up over is completed. Wish I could have been there!
Yay! Glad the seminar went well
A how to blog seminar? How cool! I wish I lived closer! I love your blog and any help I could get would be great. I would love my blog to take me in new directions.
Sounds like you were very informative. I really wish I could have attended. I am so impressed with that offer by HealthWorks… if only more gyms had such nice deals!
Sounds like a good time where everyone learned a lot!
Sorry… one more thing.
How was switching over from Blogger to Wordpress? Was it hard? I think I about to make that change. I’m just afraid… I don’t know what I am doing!
Healthworks sounds amazing! Why isn’t every gym/health club like that?
@Jamie: Nope, it’s pretty easy actually. Wordpress does everything for you. But, just a heads up, the formatting of your posts might get a little messed up. If you look at some of my old posts, prior to September 2008, you can see that some of them are a little funky. You can see the pics and read them fine, but they just don’t look nice and neat. I’m not sure if it was just my blog or what?
what columbia valley was it? (i grew up near a good chunk of the washington wineries!)
Glad everything went well! I knew it would
What a fun evening! I’m glad everything went well a little liquid courage is all you needed!
so glad to hear it went well! No surprises there, you are fab!
congrats on a good seminar! of course you knew what you were talking about!
I’m glad it went well! That’s exciting that they’re starting up that blog program
Congrats on the successful seminar…looks like you CAN do anything you put your mind to even if it scares you! Great job!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Great work!
I actually love public speaking (in sales, you have to!), but that doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous before hand! Nerves just mean you want to do a good job… and you obviously did!
Congrats on the speaking! The food they had out looks yummy!
ps.. they need to do a blog forum in my area!
Congrats Tina!! Glad the seminar went well – of course it would!
I wish we had a Healthworks in Rhode Island. Maybe they could just expand down this way!
Great Job Tina!! I am soo happy it went well!
What a great idea to get credit toward the gym- too bad I’m not near by!
I notice one of the Chards you tried was from Chateau Ste Michelle which is about 5 miles from my house! I love their wines – super affordable but very good. If you are ever in the Seattle area around Christmas definitely think about going to the winery for a tasting – they decorate the vineyards with white lights – its spectacularly beautiful!
Great job, Tina! That is exciting that you were able to share some of the things you have learned.
That sounds like an awesome seminar. Sounds like you had fun and enjoyed the time the attendees
Great job! It must have felt great to be done.
You go girl!! I get really nervous speaking in front of a group too!!! It’s amazing how your mouth is moving but you have no idea what you’re saying!!
Great work!
I think you should share your presentation for us out-of-town fans
I can totally see you doing an awesome job at the presentation, despite the nerves. It’s really easy to present well when you’re clearly so passionate and knowledgable about the topic. Great work!
I wish I could have made it to the seminar. Next time you do something like this you should consider having someone video tape it and then you could throw it up on YouTube for all to enjoy! Thanks for being a great inspiration and motivator!
Sounds like an interesting meeting! I wish I could have attended – any chance you might post some of those blogging tips?
Sounds like you did a great job! I think “health” blogging is amazing and I found GREAT inspiration in it (reading other blogs at 1st) and now hope to help inspire others as I have been. Keep up the great work, I love your blog…….hey it is named after my favorite cake, how could I not! =) Laura
glad your talk went well – that’s awesome about their deal with the bloggers…wish 24 hour fitness would do that!
Congratulations on the blog seminar! If I were in Boston, I’d love to attend! It’s great that Healthworks is so supportive!
I’m glad you had a successful seminar! I always get nervous before talks too.
I’m sure you did great! The restaurant you went to before hand looks adorable. I love France, and I love when restaurants and cafe’s have the authentic French feel. This one looked like it did. I would have attended your seminar too if I lived in Boston!
Hi there! I’m a new reader and blogger, also located in Beantown. I love Bouchee- sounds like I JUST missed a great opportunity! I’ve been checking out food blogs and yours is terrific! I’m on a quest to get back on the healthy track after a long illness and I’ve been getting some great tips from some really lovely food bloggers. I’ll definitely be adding you to my reader
Jenny
I was at Healthworks right when u started!! You were just starting so i didn’t want to interrupt (or look like a creep lurking in on your seminar!) I just moved to Boston though, and I go to the BB HW and I absolutely love it, I need to look into that blogging opportunity, and hopefully you will be back doing more seminars there!!
glad the blogging seminar went well
jenna
Congratulations! I’m glad it went well. I love Bouchee!! They have amazing macaroni and cheese!
way to go on the blog seminar! I new it was going to be awesome! Your such an inspiration, so i know those ladies had to have learned a whole ton!