Whoa, I'm finally feeling back to normal after five amazing days in Atlanta, GA.
This outgoing introvert conquered all fears (don't laugh!) and set out on her own to fly to an unfamiliar city to attend Haven, a DIY and home decor blogging conference.
Those of you that know me know that flying solo to unfamiliar areas to meet people I have never met is way, WAY out of my comfort zone. It's something I would never consider under normal circumstances, but knew it was important to prove to myself that I CAN do anything that I put my mind to. That you must face your fears in order to chase your dreams and follow your heart.
(one last goodbye)
You see, blogging has lead me to an AMAZING group of girls. Girls who I talk to everyday, across many different time zones. Getting a chance to hang out with my "people", meet brands, and learn was an opportunity I was not about to let slip by. I wasn't about to let fear get in the way of something I knew was an incredible opportunity. I won't lie, there were many times that I felt like I was going to vomit. I was terrified and wondered what the heck I was doing. Thank goodness Emily was there to meet me right out of my gate and we were able to navigate the Atlanta airport together.
Emily (Table and Hearth) / Me
In order to get in extra girl time, Emily and I flew in a day early to hang out. Thank goodness I had an airport buddy to help me navigate the Atlanta airport. I can only imagine trying to do that on my own, haha.
Since we didn't have any plans we took the opportunity to walk a few blocks to World Market. I ended up buying 2 wood candlesticks and would have bought half the store if I didn't have to worry about getting everything home.
The rest of the girls arrived on Thursday and we checked into the conference, picked up our amazing swag bag then headed out to dinner.
Can you believe this amazing DIY map that Jaime from That's My Letter built? It's pretty incredible that this one conference brings bloggers together from all over the U.S. and Canada.
Friday was the start of classes and time to mingle with brands. I can't even describe the feeling of being in a room full of so many talented and inspirational women. Bower Power and Thrifty Decor Chick were the first two blogs that I started reading and it was amazing meeting the talented women behind these highly successful blogs. I was lucky enough (seriously, I about peed my pants) to have Sarah as my mentor. Trust me, she is just as sweet in person as she is online.
Jeremy and Katie Bower from Bower Power
How gorgeous is this set up from Home Decorators? I think I'm now convinced that I need a fiddle leaf fig and wood and metal shelf for the basement.
Friday ended with a Southern Shindig then it was off to bed to rest for another long day.
Saturday was jammed packed with classes from Instagram and photography to working with brands and keeping your life organized. I learned so much that my brain was mush by the end of the day and I couldn't wait to let loose at the Ryobi party.
Table and Hearth / Me / Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body / Heathered Nest / Houseologie / Brepurposed / The Summery Umbrella / Kenarry / Refresh Living
This about sums up the evening.
As anxious and apprehensive as I was to leave the comfort of my surroundings, I learned that amazing things happen when you push yourself a little further. I would have never met so many talented women and learned so much valuable information if I let fear stand in my way.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, FACE YOUR FEARS.
Seems like you had a great time. Looking forward for more interesting posts and share your new ideas and creativity.
ReplyDeleteLoved this recap!!! So glad we finally got to meet! Now it's time to plan another trip! :-p
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fun! I've always wanted to go to a blogging conference but the timing has never been right! Glad you got to go and have a great time!
ReplyDeleteIt is SO true! Amazing things do happen when you push yourself a little out of your comfort zone. Hanging out with you was SO fun and one of my favorite parts of the conference! xoxo
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