About a month after I started The Makerista I met Julie Blanner at my first blog conference here in Kansas City. As the newbie, she was kind enough to befriend me that day. We got to talking and Julie told me she was going to a Better Homes & Gardens event in New York City the next month. It sounded like just the sort of thing I would love to be a part of: learning from some of the best creatives in my favorite city. I distinctly remember going home and writing the “Stylemaker event” down as one of my blog goals.
I’ve always heard that writing down your goals helps make them happen, and in this case I think it was true. I was so honored to attend the Stylemaker event last year ok, I miss my long hair and got to head back to New York again in September.
To be honest, I sometimes feel hesitant to share something like this experience with you. I never want to come across as boasting or prideful, but rather share a little bit of hope. I had kind of committed to the idea of being a suburban stay-at-home mom long ago, but part of me longed for something else too. And with some work there’s definitely been some sacrifice I’ve been able to have the best of both worlds. For me those worlds include raising my kids and creating with others like me. I didn’t think I could have both, but I do, and if I can find my balance it’s not a perfect balance, but nothing ever is I know you can too.
Being surrounded by 75 extremely successful and talented bloggers can be a bit intimidating at first. But it doesn’t take long to get past that “internet friend” thing and realize how much we have in common in real life. These woman are some of the most kind, genuine, hardworking people I’ve ever met. From Emily to Megan to Ibie…I could go on and on about so many of them.
While getting to meet internet friends in real life is the best bonus to this whole experience, we’re all there to learn from the creatives at Better Homes & Gardens. The magazine’s new editor, Stephan Orr, was such a delight. He’s incredibly hands on and I have a feeling BHG is headed to even greater places with him at the helm. We spent the day in workshops from floral arranging with Matthew Robbins…
to tablescapes with Eddie Ross.
The Stylemaker panel was excellent. I don’t even like cooking, but Clodagh McKenna made me want to love it. Her passion for food was infectious and mesmerizing. Erin of The Forest Feast was so lovely and her talent abounds: I want her cookbook simply for the beautiful photography and illustrations. Maybe it will make me want to cook?
After a quick change we headed up to the rooftop for a cocktail party.
When you learn that you have so much more in common with someone than just style…Grace and I met last year, but we really connected this time around in much deeper ways – not only as sisters in Christ but as sorority sisters too!
And then there’s this guy. I’ve known Eddie for about 7 years now, and it’s been so exciting to watch his career flourish. He showed me the cover of his new book on his phone last year. This year I got to hold it in my hand. It’s a beautiful coffee table book, but it’s not just pretty pictures…it’s chalk full of wisdom when it comes to finding thrifted pieces, restoring them to their former glory and infusing them in fresh ways throughout your home. Whether you’re an avid thrifter or just curious about it, I’d encourage you to pick up a copy. You can get it here.
Thank you so much to Kaelin, Kenzie and all of the BHG team for the invitation. It’s the event that continues to inspire and recharge me to be a better blogger, and for that I am so grateful.
If you’re a blogger and interested in attending next years event, be sure to apply to be a BHG Insider.
Most photos by Avi Gerver.
Autumn Beach says
That dress! Those shoes! A photo filled with my favorite bloggers! Loved this recap. And you are just stunning.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, sweet friend!
Cassie says
Where are your black booties from in that first picture? love them!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Cssie, these are several years old, but here are some almost identical pairs. Thanks!
http://rstyle.me/~6uA7g
http://rstyle.me/~6uA7a
http://rstyle.me/~6uA72
Sara Davis says
I love this post. You give me hope that I too will find the balance to be more flexible for my 10-month-old son. I can't see it just yet, but I know my plan is there somewhere in it all. I also got those booties because of you! Thank you for always sharing.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh, 10 months old is a beautiful buy tiring time! You're hopefully getting some sleep at night by this point, but the days are filled with busy hands and curious little minds. 😉 Like I said, it's certainly not an equal balance, more like a juggle, but I know you'll get there! I feel like it always takes me about a year to feel myself again after having a baby too. Glad you liked them too!
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Sarah-Marie Young says
Thank you so much for sharing, I hope to get to a place in my blog where I can go to events like this. So inspiring, and encouraging, and we read blogs because we LOVE this kind of stuff, so share, share away!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sarah-Marie! And I know you can get there if I can!
Brittany Cramer says
one day i'll be there! ha! you're gorgeous, and the event looked like such a blast.
themakerista@gmail.com says
yes, you will and I better be too because you're on my "must meet in person" list!
Unknown says
You are a blogger I just discovered this year and am appalled at myself that I didn't know about you before! love your design style and vision, and your writing is just as good. And it's not really fair that you are so beautiful, but I'll let that pass;) However, I would love if you could give a source for that amazing red dress, I love it so much.
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're too sweet. Thanks so much for reading and the red dress is almost 8 years old from Mulberry. It's probably my favorite item of clothing, thanks for your kind words and I hope you had a lovely weekend!
Emily Kuhlman says
omg, if only you were talented, gorgeous, AND stylish. such a shame! 🙂
Eva Cooper says
You look great. Love the red dress and the shoes. Perfect match.
Eva, Camberwell
Resonant Brain says
They definitely deserve applause for the nice selection of bread and the service at this place which was good from start to finish. The mass produced filet at best sports bar nyc was too good. This is the best place for hosting great events. The venue can accommodate as many as 850 guests or as little as 50.
Grace from AStoriedStyle.com says
Awww Gwen, it was so great to see you as always! I'm so thankful we got to spend time together! TEXAS VISIT COMING SOON RIGHT??? xoxoxo