The Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event

Thank you guys so much for your enthusiasm yesterday! I’m thrilled you’re fawning all over the wallpaper and art as much as me. Now please send me all the rug-choosing-mojo you’ve got…this decision is turning out to be a tricky one! And decisions aren’t typically my strong suit. #ruhroh

But I’ll worry about that later, today it’s girlfriend time! I recently had the privilege of attending Better Homes & Gardens’ annual Stylemaker Event, held in New York City. It’s an exciting day-long workshop that brings together home, food, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers from around the country, to share with each other, and learn from the BH&G editors and top stylists. (See last year’s recap here.)

It was a whirlwind day, with loads of helpful information and creative ideas flying. I love these blogger events (this one was especially top-notch), but for me, they are a mix of being motivated, and also feeling overwhelmed. There are so many things pertaining to blogging and social media that I don’t know, and certainly don’t do!

So instead of concentrating on the mind-boggling number of things I’m doing wrong, I focus on the fun and fellowship of spending time with such creative, inspiring, like-minded women! I blog because I want to…because I love it. I do this because I’m passionate about creating, writing, inspiring, and connecting with people. And events like these are icing on the cake!

There were a lot of cheers and hugging over breakfast, as we greeted old friends, and met others we’d ‘known’ online for years. Then we spent the day in sessions about making videos, flower arranging, blogging, and food, along with informative panel discussions and Q&As with top editors, stylists, and authors. #whew! There were kind, talented, beautiful women everywhere you looked.

It’s easy to get twisted-up when deciding what to wear to stylish events…my strategy is to pick the outfit I feel most comfortable, confident, and more importantly, myself in…regardless of the trends.

Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge kicked the day off at the Gramercy Park Hotel, and was just as darling, kind, and grounded as you’d expect.

It’s always a joy to see the talented, Eddie Ross.

The day wrapped with Top Chef host, Padma Lakshmi, sharing her love of food and life experiences with us. She was really down-to-earth, engaging, and possibly the most stunning woman I’ve seen in real-life.

Then it was a quick-change, and back to the rooftop for a sunset cocktail party with Padma.

It’s always a fun time with my forever-roomie, Megan  No one has a sweeter heart than this gorgeous girl, and I love traveling with her. (See the recap of the rest of our NYC weekend here.)

It was a perfect day spent laughing and learning with good friends, making new ones, and meeting those I’ve admired for years.

I was honored to be included amongst the small group of talented bloggers, and I know it’s because of you…my darling, clever, generous readers…and your enthusiastic support of this little blog, that makes these opportunities possible. I can’t thank you enough.

And a huge thank you to Better Homes & Gardens for including me in this spectacular event!