There’s an incredible buzz of excitement in the air this Saturday morning, as I finally carve out a moment to share a truly special milestone. It’s 6:20 AM, and with the comforting sounds of Gilmore Girls softly playing in the background (a classic Saturday morning ritual, of course!), my heart is brimming with gratitude and joy. This post has been eagerly waiting to be written, celebrating a significant moment for Fit Foodie Finds and our wonderful community.
Dear readers, Fit Foodie Finds recently marked its fifth anniversary, and it was an absolutely unforgettable day! This wasn’t just any celebration; it was a deeply meaningful event for several reasons. Firstly, reaching five years is a monumental achievement for any small business or independent blog. It represents countless hours of passion, dedication, and growth. Secondly, the opportunity to celebrate this journey with cherished friends, supportive family, and dedicated FFF readers made it incredibly special. Thirdly, we were incredibly fortunate to collaborate with some truly outstanding local Minnesota brands, showcasing the vibrant community we’re proud to be a part of. And perhaps the most heartwarming surprise of all? My incredible friend Davida flew all the way from Toronto to be there! I’ve genuinely never been successfully surprised in my life, and the fact that Linley and Brooke managed to orchestrate her unexpected appearance was nothing short of miraculous. My genuine shock and delight, captured perfectly on camera, is something I’ll treasure forever. You can witness the pure joy of the surprise unfold in the video at the very end of this post!
The perfect backdrop for our anniversary festivities was the exceptional Alchemy in the North Loop, Minneapolis. Their vibrant and welcoming space created an ideal atmosphere for our community gathering. I am profoundly thankful to be a part of their incredible fitness and wellness community. If you reside in the Twin Cities and haven’t yet experienced Alchemy, I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit their North Loop location and try an A10 class – it’s an invigorating experience!
A Taste of Minnesota: Our Exceptional Food & Drink Partners
Our fifth-anniversary party was a true homage to the ‘Minnesota Made’ spirit. Linley and I were thrilled to collaborate with some of our most beloved local businesses in the Twin Cities, allowing us to share their amazing products with all our party guests. We believe in supporting local, and these partners truly represent the best our community has to offer.
Exquisite Wine from Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese: When it comes to fine wines in the Twin Cities, Surdyk’s stands in a league of its own. Their reputation for an unparalleled selection and knowledgeable staff is well-deserved. If you find yourself in Northeast Minneapolis or even passing through the MSP airport, a stop at Surdyk’s for a glass or bottle of their superb offerings is an absolute must. Their commitment to quality perfectly complemented our celebration.
Craft Beer from The Freehouse: A personal favorite for happy hour in the North Loop, The Freehouse generously provided a fantastic selection of their local Minnesota craft beers. Their menu is always a delight, offering a diverse range of flavors that appeal to every palate. It was wonderful to share their excellent brews with everyone, adding a distinct local flavor to our gathering.
Innovative Coffee by Blackeye Roasting Co.: What could be better than coffee on wheels? The incredible team from Blackeye Roasting Co. brought their distinctive trike, serving up refreshing cold brew to our guests. Their unique approach and exceptional coffee truly made them a standout. A special shoutout also goes to Team Quixotic Coffee for their fantastic support in making this happen!
Beyond these fantastic local beverages, we knew a Fit Foodie Finds celebration wouldn’t be complete without some FFF original recipes. Linley and I lovingly prepared two distinct types of chili: a hearty Beef and Bean version and a delicious Vegetarian Quinoa option, both served with an array of delightful fixings. For dessert, we laid out an indulgent spread that catered to various tastes and dietary preferences. Guests enjoyed our popular Cherry Pie Energy Balls, decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls, wholesome Paleo Pumpkin Brownies, and a truly magnificent gluten-free and dairy-free funfetti birthday cake crafted by our incredibly talented friend, Michelle. Every bite was a testament to the joy of healthy, delicious eating!
The Culinary Delights of Fit Foodie Finds
Celebrating with Our Incredible Community of Friends and Family
I honestly never anticipated the overwhelming turnout for this party; over 60 amazing people came to celebrate with us! It was an incredibly moving experience to have so many of my favorite people (with the exception of my wonderful Mom and Dad, who were there in spirit!) gathered in one room. The entire evening felt like one giant, joyous celebration, which was precisely what I envisioned. My heartfelt desire was for everyone who has played a role in making Fit Foodie Finds a reality – from contributing to its growth to simply being a loyal reader – to come together, enjoy delicious food, savor great drinks, and share laughter late into the night. This sense of community and connection is truly what fuels FFF every single day.
And look! We even managed to capture a precious moment with the entire Fit Foodie Team in a group picture! Yes, I absolutely consider Davida an integral part of this incredible journey. Her support and friendship are immeasurable.
I want to extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to every single person who came out to celebrate with us. It was such a pleasure to connect with so many Fit Foodie Finds readers who are local to the Twin Cities. Your presence made the evening truly special and affirmed the strong community we’ve built together. For those who couldn’t make it, and for everyone who wants to relive the fun, I’ve put together a comprehensive album of additional photos on our Facebook page. Be sure to check out THIS album for more memorable moments from the party!
“Talk Foodie to Me” T-Shirts: Wear Your Passion!
The “Talk Foodie to Me” t-shirts were an absolute hit at the party – quite clever, wouldn’t you agree? Since the event, I’ve received numerous inquiries about where you can purchase one of these stylish and fun “Talk Foodie to Me” t-shirts. Good news! Due to popular demand, I’ve decided to open up sales for a limited time! You can place your order for this fantastic t-shirt until Wednesday, December 2nd (which is exactly two weeks from today). This means you have the perfect window to order one just in time for Christmas – what a fantastic gift idea for the foodie in your life, or even for yourself! Please note that while orders can be placed now, shipping will commence in mid-December. We appreciate your patience as we prepare these special items.
Each shirt is priced at $29.99, plus an additional $5.00 for shipping. To place your order and secure your “Talk Foodie to Me” tee, please CLICK HERE.
These exclusive shirts are printed on a high-quality, fitted Women’s American Apparel Tri-Color tee – we believe in offering only the best! They tend to run a bit small, so I recommend sizing up for the perfect fit. For reference, I typically wear a small in t-shirts, but I opted for a medium in this style, and it fits perfectly. If you have any questions at all about the sizing, material, or anything else regarding the shirts, please don’t hesitate to email me directly at fitfoodiefinds(at)gmail.com. I’m here to help ensure you get the perfect “Talk Foodie to Me” shirt!
A Heartfelt Expression of Gratitude
I want to extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to everyone who made the Fit Foodie Finds 5th Anniversary celebration a reality. First and foremost, a giant thank you to Linley, my incredible rock and partner in crime; I couldn’t have pulled this off without your unwavering support and hard work. To Davida, you are truly the best friend a girl could ever ask for, and your presence, despite missing your initial flight, was a testament to our friendship and truly graced our event. Brooke, your talent behind the camera captured every precious moment perfectly, and I’m endlessly grateful for your beautiful photography. To the entire Team Alchemy, your space and hospitality were outstanding; thank you for allowing us to host our celebration in your wonderful venue. And finally, and most importantly, THANK YOU to all the Fit Foodie Finds readers. Your continued support, engagement, and passion for what we do allow me to live my dream every single day. Your presence, whether in person or through your loyal readership, means the world to me.
The Unforgettable Surprise!
And now, as promised, for the moment that truly made the day even more magical. Prepare to witness the pure, unadulterated joy of Davida’s surprise arrival!