Where to begin?
I’ve recently returned from the 2013 Haven Conference and my brain is about to explode, splattering SEO, chevron, ad networks, power tools, blog names and chalk paint all over my newly updated kitchen.
It’s called The Haven Conference because your home is supposed to be your haven…but what it really should be called is: Immersing Yourself in All Things DIY and Having More Fun than You Can Measure with a Yard Stick.
Catchy, right?
My Haven experience started one day early when I discovered a plane ticket to Atlanta was about 50% cheaper if I flew in on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Add to that the fact that I got to spend my Wednesday at my friend Katie Bower’s house, subtract the fact that I had to wake up at 3:30am to catch my flight, carry the 2 and divide by fun, and by my math an early arrival was the obvious choice!
My 3:30am wake up call to catch my flight. As cute as they are, the polka dots don’t make me any perkier at this hour of the day.
I arrived in Atlanta at 9am, braved the Marta and a cab ride from a driver that apparently just moved here yesterday (and by here, I mean Earth) before finally arriving at my destination!
Getting a few ideas for how I could beautify this MARTA and getting in the DIY mindset for Haven!
I spent the day at Katie’s enjoying girl talk, celebrating her wonderful news, and her two beautiful boys. At one point Will and I were sitting next to each other at the kitchen table, and he stopped what he was doing and just looked at me. I looked back at him, neither one of us saying a word (although in my mind we were both thinking profound things). Finally, he blinked and declared, “I like you.”
“I like you, too,” I replied, squeezing his arm and trying not to tear up.
It was one of those magical kid moments, and oh how I adored having it with that sweet, adorable, thoughtful little boy!
Sweet Will, smiley Weston, and the lovely Katie and I were later joined by Katie’s husband Jeremy, and our friends John and Sherry, their precious daughter Clara, and their dog Burger.
Weston & Burger: Cuteness Overload
I first had the pleasure of meeting Katie and Sherry at last year’s Haven Conference, and it was such a joy to get to see them again this year (along with their families!) to enjoy a little quality time without them being swarmed by fans and people wanting autographs!
(Me getting their autographs doesn’t count.)
Check out these one-of-a-kind autographs I scored in the inside cover of my Young House Love book!
Me, Sherry, and Katie – the end of a wonderful day with some wonderful girls!
Stay tuned for my Haven Part 2 post coming soon!
Sounds like you had a lot of fun that first day, minus the lack of sleep! I’m so glad I finally got to meet you!
I’m so glad I finally got to meet you, too, Jenn! I wish our chat had been longer. Do you plan to go back next year? If so, we’ll have to plan to meet up for lunch or something!
Now that’s the kind of math I like! Although you might have wanted to multiply the fun, instead of dividing by it, for a stronger result. But I’m sure it all worked out. : )
I see that Katie Bower has the C&B bentwood counter chairs I have been swooning over. Want.
Looking forward to part 2!
jbhat
Ah, you are right jbhat – I should have multiplied! #mathfail Aren’t those chairs gorgeous? Her whole house is a stunner – it was so neat seeing it in person!
“….and by here, I mean Earth.” LOL! Glad you made it to Haven safely without being abducted by cab driver martians, although that would have made a pretty great post too!;) So bummed I had to miss out (again) on Haven…a birdie told me that it might be earlier next year, so that would be great because I know I could go then!! Looking forward to reading the rest of your recap!
Thank you, Christine! Rhonda did mention that it will be in July next year, so hopefully that works out for you! I clearly got my wires crossed b/c I totally thought you were going to be there this year. I kept looking for you, and it wasn’t until you commented on my IG that I realized you weren’t there. Boo!
Ohhhhhh how fun! I am SOOOO GLAD I finally got to meet you
And now I put myself out there as the biggest creeper in the world in three, two, one….every session we took together I would sit and stare at your hair. It is so gorgeous girl!!! Like seriously, have you ever done a hair tips post, because I need it
I’m so glad we met, too, Christina! You are just the cutest thing. Congratulations again on your engagement! You are too funny about the hair, lol – thank you! I think YOUR hair is gorgeous, so you certainly don’t need tips from me! (And frankly, I don’t have any. I’m a wash & go kinda girl these days.)
Hey Dusty, What a blast – Great to hear you had a good experience at the Haven Conference! Homes.com & ForRent.com enjoyed sponsoring the event and the opportunity to connect with you! Be sure you get a chance to look at the photos from the event on Facebook, tag yourself & share with family/friends! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151682489139086.1073741827.280285049085&type=3 Look forward to chatting with you soon!
Will do! Thanks for the heads up, and thank you again for sponsoring such a fun event!