All I keep thinking is Mind. Blown. Seriously, what a pleasure and honor and wonderful opportunity it was to be in a room with {almost} all of my blogging heroes and hundreds of my blogging peers that is Haven. Soooo fun!
Since there is so much to talk about, I’m dividing my Haven 2013 recap into two posts.
So without any further ado, here’s four reasons why Haven was awesome!!
#1 I’ll never hear Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke without thinking about the DIY Shuffle. {I keep trying to upload my video to You Tube, but it keeps failing. I’ll add it if I can ever get it uploaded. In the meantime, here’s Kim’s from Sand and Sisal.}
Basically Traci from Beneath my Heart, plus the Haven Team, which included Beth, Chris, Rhoda, Sarah and Traci, and a few more of their friends put together a DIY Shuffle. Let’s just say it was awesome. After being nervous ALL day long, at the end of day #1 a smile was on my face and I was enjoying myself in a room with complete strangers {and yet my bloggy sisters}. Good job ladies at easing my newbie Maven fears.
#2 I had never met another blogger {well, except my sister-in-law} before Haven.
And now I know 300 plus! Well, not really, too little time … but I know way more than I did before!
I arrived at the hotel around 3 on Thursday after registering tried to wander around and meet people. And to be honest, it was awkward. I didn’t feel comfortable going up to complete strangers. The first event, a cocktail party, didn’t start until 6. So I went to  my hotel room and debated whether or not I should leave or throw up or just hide out. Not really, but it was hard to overcome the feelings of self-doubt and almost first-day of school nervousness.
I headed to the party and almost immediately met Ashley from Simply Designing. And then I met Jenna from SAS Interiors. Both very sweet and friendly ladies. After a few minutes, I finally met my e-mail friends Jenna from Rain on a Tin Room, Jamie from So Much Better With Age and Heather from Southern State of Mind – and I don’t think I was alone the rest of the conference! We were insta-friends, because we got each other. I can’t describe the feeling of knowing someone who completely understand what you’re passionate about.
Here I am with Lauren from The Thinking Closet {I borrowed this pic from her blog – thanks Lauren!}, Jamie and Jenna. It was so fun to chat with other women who truly GET what I do. And I will say, my favorite quote from that the whole weekend was made that night by Jenna: “She over-picmonkeyed it.” Yes, there is such a term: over-picmonkey. Not good. {And if you’re not familiar with PicMonkey, then you should be. It’s awesome!}
# 3 My Blogging Idols. I loved meeting the bloggers that I admired from afar until now. Many of the women in this picture are the first DIY bloggers I ever started reading. They inspired me to start a DIY blog. I was honored just to be in the same room with them! And they were so nice and down to earth.
Can you believe I met Emily from Emily A. Clark? I’ve followed her blog for at least two years and love her! I talked to her several times and she was so sweet and down to earth. Thanks Emily for being so kind and genuine!
#4 Oh the information. I learned about Google SEO, Advertising, Working with Brands, tons of other random tidbits and big blogging secrets. 🙂 This conference was jam-packed full of insights that will help me to be a better blogger. Thanks so much Haven team!
Brooke from All Things Thrifty {and her brother Court from The Blog Builders} taught us about Google SEO.
I walked away truly inspired, motivated and filled up with blogging love.
Check out my Recap, part 2!
Oh, and just a quick note: all of these pictures were taken with phones, so don’t judge. OK? 🙂
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ForRent.com says
Hi Laura! The Haven Shuffle is great! Excited to hear you had a great time at the Haven Conference! Homes.com & ForRent.com enjoyed sponsoring the event and loved connecting with attendees such as yourself. 🙂 Be sure to take a look at all the photos from the event on Facebook, tag yourself & share with family/friends! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151783562125943.1073741827.38844010942&type=3 Hope to chat with you soon!
Laura says
I’ll make sure to hope over and tag us! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Jamie says
Awww, love you girl! So great meeting you and glad we’re real friends now, not just email friends 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
I’m still jealous that I didn’t get to go but I’m happy you went, learned so much and met so many other great bloggers. Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Mary Beth
Dianne @ Winnow & Spruce says
So glad I got to meet you at Haven but admit I’m envious of your wonderful pictures. As I was reading great recap I kept asking myself, “Where was I? I didn’t see these photo-ops!” This may be the first time I’ve visited your blog but it won’t be my last… promise! 🙂
Jenn says
It looks like you had a fabulous time! I was dying seeing everyone’s Facebook and Instagram posts over the weekend! Totally wish that I could have gone! 🙂
Emily @ My Love for Words says
This, “So I went to my hotel room and debated whether or not I should leave or throw up or just hide out. Not really, but it was hard to overcome the feelings of self-doubt and almost first-day of school nervousness.” is EXACTLY how I would feel! I don’t know any other bloggers in real life either. It was sooo brave of you to go! Sounds like a great time!
(Visiting from creations by kara party)
Virginia says
Sounds like fun!
Deb says
Hi, I’m glad to have met you at Haven! I know what you mean about that first day, all the people in the lobby. I didn’t know anyone either. But we all got through fine and had a great time!
Carrie says
Sounds like so much fun! Imagine my surprise when I looked at your picture and say an old friend (Cassidy @ remodelaholic) in one of your pictures!! It’s a small world. I love your blog. 🙂
Stacy Risenmay says
I loved meeting you! You are darling 🙂 I wish Haven were longer so we all had more time to chat.
Heather @ Southern State of Mind says
Great recap Laura!
Laura says
Thanks Heather! 🙂