Colorado Food Blogger’s Retreat, Hosted by Lise Ode
of Mom Loves Baking
Parker, Colorado
September 11–14, 2025
Join us for the Colorado Food Blogger’s Retreat, hosted by Lise Ode of @MomLovesBaking, set in the heart of Parker, Colorado—just 30 minutes south of Denver. We’ll be staying at The Retreat House, a beautiful estate nestled on dozens of acres surrounded by natural Colorado beauty. With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, tall pine trees, and the occasional visit from local wildlife, this three-story modern home offers the perfect escape for inspiration, connection, and creativity.
We’ve curated an unforgettable experience designed for intermediate to advanced food bloggers. Throughout the retreat, you’ll connect with fellow bloggers, share ideas, and grow your business in an intimate, encouraging setting. We’re bringing in two incredible guest speakers via Zoom: Philip Elias, VP of Network SEO at Raptive, will share expert strategies to boost your blog’s SEO and reach. Dianne Jacob, a renowned cookbook consultant, will offer valuable insight on how to get your cookbook or food memoir published with a major publisher and craft a compelling book proposal.
The retreat also features two incredible themed dinners prepared by our personal chef, Chef Ryan, complete with wine pairings and fascinating historical tidbits about the food. You’ll enjoy a fun and relaxing cookie baking class with Lise of Mom Loves Baking, as well as plenty of time to mastermind, ask questions, and explore charming downtown Parker.
From the gorgeous surroundings to the inspiring content and delicious food, this retreat is the perfect way to level up your blog, build lasting connections, and treat yourself to a weekend of creativity and community.
Single: $3,200 (1 person in a king or queen room)
Double: $2,800 each (2 people in 1 shared king room)
Bunk Bed Room: $2,400 each (Share a large room with 3 bunk beds - Maximum of 6 people)
Commuter pass: $2,000 (No room included.)
What’s Included
- Airbnb accommodations in Parker, CO for 3 nights
- Two expert speakers via Zoom
- Light breakfasts and lunches
- Two nights of themed dinners with Chef Ryan
- Cookie Baking Class with Lise - Mom Loves Baking
- Super awesome swag bag
What’s Not Included
- Airfare/travel to Denver
- Airport transfers
- One dinner in charming downtown Parker (free time to explore)
Please note all 14 spots of this retreat must be filled by June 1, 2025, for the retreat to take place. Don’t wait! Register today.
Have a question about this retreat? Contact us.
Space is limited, apply today...
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – Arrival & Welcome
Arrive and check-in at the retreat space in Parker, Colorado. After settling in, join us for a warm welcome gathering with light snacks, bubbly, and introductions. Lise will share the retreat highlights, followed by drinks and appetizers hosted by Chef Ryan. Enjoy a delicious, seasonal Italian dinner prepared by Chef Ryan for our first themed evening.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – Mastermind & Guest Speaker
Start your day with a light breakfast, followed by a Mastermind session where we’ll dive into blog growth, monetization, and personalized challenges. After lunch, get inspired by guest speaker Dianne Jacob, a renowned cookbook consultant, who will speak via Zoom about cookbook publishing and writing a book proposal. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore downtown Parker or relax at the Airbnb. Dinner is on your own tonight.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – SEO, Mastermind & Cookie Decorating
Enjoy a light breakfast before heading into the second Mastermind session, followed by a special guest speaker from Raptive via Zoom, focusing on SEO strategies for bloggers. After lunch, Lise will lead a fun cookie baking class. Later, Chef Ryan will host drinks and appetizers, followed by a memorable 7-course tasting menu.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – Farewell
We’ll wrap up the retreat with a light breakfast of coffee and pastries, giving you time to exchange contacts, take photos, and reflect on your favorite moments from the retreat. Depart by 10:00 AM, leaving with new friends, skills, and inspiration to take your blog to the next level.
Hi, I’m Lise Ode, the baker behind the popular blog Mom Loves Baking where I’ve been sharing my love of baking, recipes, and kitchen tips since 2013. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow a community of food lovers and bloggers. With over 815K followers across social media and being a two-time finalist in the historic Pillsbury Bakeoff, I’ve learned so much about the food blogging world, and I’m passionate about sharing that knowledge with others.
Connecting with fellow food bloggers is one of my favorite things, and while it's not often we get to meet in person, I truly value those opportunities! So, I decided to make it happen and host my very own retreat. We’ll not only be learning, sharing, and networking, but we’ll also be enjoying some amazing food together in a stunning setting. Whether you're looking to grow your blog, meet other bloggers, or just enjoy a weekend of inspiration and delicious bites, I can’t wait to meet you and help you take your blog to the next level!
Dianne Jacob coaches food writers on how to get a cookbook published, pitch freelance stories, start newsletters, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their writing. She specializes in book proposals. Dianne is the author of a multiple award-winning book on food writing, Will Write for Food: Pursue Your Passion and Bring Home the Dough Writing Recipes, Cookbooks, Blogs and More. She also co-authored two pizza cookbooks with chef Craig Priebe and has won awards for her food writing in such publications as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, and Lucky Peach. Dianne has judged cookbooks for the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She has also judged for a national magazine awards. Previously a journalist and newspaper, magazine and publishing company editor-in-chief, she writes a monthly free newsletter aimed at food writers.
Philip Elias is Raptive's VP of Network SEO, bringing over 10 years of experience in the field. He’s passionate about leading teams and implementing effective search optimization strategies for multi-million-dollar businesses. With expertise in keyword research, SEO analytics, link building, and managing high-performing teams, Philip has a proven track record of boosting website visibility, improving rankings, and increasing organic traffic, all of which drive higher user engagement and revenue. What excites him most about digital marketing is its fast-paced, ever-evolving nature, along with the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of smart, driven people. Coming from a wrestling background, Philip thrives on staying ahead of the competition while developing his team members—and he’s found that the “real-life adult” version of that is SEO.
Accommodations in Parker, CO
The Retreat House Airbnb is a beautiful estate that sits on dozens of acres surrounded by Colorado beauty with a landscape of wildlife, pine trees and sweeping mountain views. Fall in love with the surroundings and the backdrop of the Rocky Mountain range! This 7,300 sf house has three levels of well-designed living space. There is plenty of room to spread out, and numerous gathering places to enjoy time with friends and family.
Our Retreat Chef
Ryan Sparzak is the creative force behind Cookery Amendola, where he and his mother craft personalized dining experiences that celebrate flavor and connection. Inspired by his parents—his mother’s love for cooking and his father’s gift for gathering—Ryan discovered the power of storytelling through food during a memorable meal at Barbara Lynch’s No. 9 Park. Today, he brings that inspiration to life with seasonal, locally sourced dishes that honor tradition while offering something deeply personal.
Booking
Half of the retreat cost (50%) is due at booking. The remaining 50% is due by June 1, 2025. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and PayPal. Trip prices are listed in U.S. dollars.
For added flexibility, you'll also have the option to pay in installments using Klarna at checkout—split your total into smaller, interest-free payments to make budgeting easier.
Travel to and from Denver
Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Denver and to The Retreat House in Parker, CO (about 30 minutes from the Denver airport) on Thursday, September 11 at 3:00 pm MDT, when the retreat commences. Guests will be responsible for getting themselves from The Retreat House to the airport or their next destination on Sunday, September 14.
Costs
The price of the retreat covers Airbnb accommodations for 3 nights, two expert speakers via Zoom, breakfast each morning, lunch on the two main days, two special dinners by Chef Ryan with cocktails and wine, cookie baking class with @momlovesbaking, awesome swag bag, and the welcome wine reception.
Single-occupancy, double-occupancy, bunk bed room (sleeps 6), and commuter rates are available.
Cancellation
Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance.
If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation or costs related to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, there may be limitations relating to activities. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result of changing circumstances. Please know that we are working closely with our partners to plan and execute a safe retreat for our guests, but there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 when traveling. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge and assume these risks associated with travel.
We reserve the right to cancel this retreat if fewer than 14 participants have signed up by July 1, 2025. We will send an email confirmation to all participants when this number has been met. If Mom Loves Baking initiates the cancellation, we will refund all payments.
Have a question about this retreat? Email Lise@momlovesbaking.com
I live in Denver. Can I attend and not stay in the airbnb?
Yes. Please email us at Lise@momlovesbaking.com if you are a Denver resident and would like information on a commuter package.
Is breakfast included?
Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be provided each morning.
Are children able to attend this retreat?
All participants must be 21 years old or older to attend this retreat.
Will we have any free time?
You will have some free time in the evening on Friday to explore Parker.