Vulnerability is a powerful and beautiful quality that helps us live more fully. Recently we teamed up with Lorissa’s Kitchen to host an event called Bloodys and Bouldering, where friends and community members stepped outside their comfort zones, tried something new and shared an afternoon of connection, food, and climbing.
Lorissa’s Kitchen has partnered with Fit Foodie Finds for nearly three years. We appreciate them because we share a similar commitment to balanced, healthy living and to sourcing high-quality ingredients. Lorissa’s Kitchen uses 100% grass-fed beef from responsibly raised cattle without antibiotics — and their products taste great. Over the years we’ve collaborated on workouts, holiday charcuterie boards, and pre- and post-workout snacks, but our Bloodys and Bouldering event ranks among my favorites.
Below is a recap of the day for anyone who missed it, along with some reflections on vulnerability and how embracing it has helped shape my life.
Our Favorite Lorissa’s Kitchen Posts
- Ultimate Killer Cardio Strength Workout + Our Favorite High Protein Snack
- Low Impact Strength Workout
- The Ultimate Holiday Charcuterie Board
- What I Eat Pre-and-Post Workout
Itinerary
The event was designed to bring people together to try something different and to embrace vulnerability in a supportive setting. We opened with a short Climbing 101 session led by instructors from Minneapolis Bouldering Project (MBP) so everyone could learn safe techniques and build confidence. After the intro, attendees enjoyed about an hour of free climb time. The crowd included a mix of experienced climbers and complete beginners, and it was inspiring to see so many people challenge themselves and cheer each other on.
After climbing, the group gathered in the co-working space for the “Bloodys” portion of the event. As with any Fit Foodie gathering, food and drink were central. We served charcuterie boards featuring Lorissa’s Kitchen meat snacks, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and plenty of chocolate. Glam Doll donuts spelled out Bloodys + Bouldering for guests with a sweet tooth, and the main draw was our Bloody Mary bar.
The Bloody Mary bar included skewers of Lorissa’s Kitchen 100% grass-fed beef sticks, cheese, celery and an organic Bloody Mary mix. Guests could choose alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions. The selection of Lorissa’s Kitchen beef sticks — Original, Smokey Sweet and Jalapeño — proved popular with attendees.
Swag Bags
We prepared generous swag bags stocked with favorites from Minnesota-based brands. In addition to items from Lorissa’s Kitchen, attendees took home products from Bizzy Coffee Shots, Momentum Motivate wraps, Wholeme clusters, Whole Foods gift cards and day passes to Minneapolis Bouldering Project. The first 40 guests left with a swag bag full of goodies.
- Lorissa’s Kitchen
- Bizzy Coffee Shots
- Momentum Motivate Wraps
- Wholeme clusters
- Whole Foods gift card
- Minneapolis Bouldering Project Day Pass
We also held several giveaways, including a Lorissa’s Kitchen prize pack, a massage session donated by Well Adjusted, and a free month of bouldering at MBP. Overall, the event welcomed over 60 people and created great energy and connection.
On Vulnerability And Why It’s Changed My Life
Years ago I first explored the concept of vulnerability while in college. At the time I was recovering from disordered eating and beginning to understand how exposing your true feelings and struggles can open the door to healing. Vulnerability has since played a central role in many of my life decisions. It helped me land my first job after school, then later gave me the courage to leave that job and run Fit Foodie Finds full-time. It allowed me to acknowledge and address an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise, and to prioritize my own well-being in relationships.
Vulnerability isn’t comfortable — it often involves risk, uncertainty, and emotional exposure — but it also creates space for growth, connection and new experiences. For me, trying bouldering required admitting I was nervous and inexperienced, then stepping into that discomfort. The result was falling in love with an activity that now brings me joy, fitness and community on a weekly basis.
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you invite the best things in life to happen. You may feel scared at first, but taking those risks often leads to the most rewarding outcomes — deeper relationships, personal growth, and meaningful adventures.
Thanks for reading! This post is sponsored by Lorissa’s Kitchen. I was compensated and all opinions are my own.