It’s such a pleasure to be in this world of blogging and get to meet and interact with so many people, including other fabulous bloggers, magazines, and brands. Two years ago I went to the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker event and was invited to attend this year as well. I love going to New York, so it was a good excuse to see some of my sweet blog friends, go to the event, and also take a little time to enjoy the city, so that’s what I did.
The event is a one day thing and it was fun to be one of the 80 bloggers attending the event this year. Many of these girls I already know so it was nice to see so many familiar and friendly faces. I love that this magazine interacts and features bloggers on their magazine pages so many times and I think that is a case of magazines recognizing the huge influence that bloggers have out in the world. From food, fashion and home bloggers, there were many represented at the event. It was an honor to be there. Let me reiterate again, this is not a sponsored trip, we are all on our own for transportation and lodging, so it’s not inexpensive to visit the city. I used it as an opportunity for a mini-vacation and enjoyed the Broadway shows and dining out.
We arrived in the morning to a beautiful breakfast spread and this pretty living wall of moss! Isn’t this outstanding? It made a great backdrop for photos, of course.
The rooftop terrace area was a perfect place to hang out for the day and we had a couple of class sessions that we participated in.
Taking pics of the Crate and Barrel lounge, which had all their cozy furniture installed. Check out that ceiling of hanging vintage lights, so pretty!
Caught getting coffee in the morning. Dunkin Donuts was a sponsor.
A beautiful spread of smoothies, oatmeal, and fresh fruit.
They took good care of us for lunch too.
And these tarts in the afternoon were appreciated and loved. Of course, you know a magazine is going to go all out with styling a table and everything was so visually appealing. Just like a magazine!
It was absolutely gorgeous in presentation!
All of the above photos are courtesy of David Keith Photography, who was there at the event taking pics of all.
My obligatory photo in front of the living wall, by Planted Design.
We opened with remarks from editor, Stephen Orr and got on with our day of learning and interacting.
They opened up with Grace Bonney, veteran blogger who founded Design Sponge, and who has just written a new book about women entrepreneurs. We all received copies of the book, which was very generous.
A video class was on the schedule and that’s something I’m trying to get more comfortable with. Video is not my forte, so I really need to learn how to edit and do more videos.
(photo courtesy of David Keith Photography)
There was also a flower arranging class, led by 3 lovely ladies (including Floret Farms) and one gentleman, Eddie Ross.
Eddie Ross is a longtime blog friend of mine and we met back in 2009, I think when I went on a shopping trip with him to Scott Antiques. It’s always great to see him and hear what he is up to. He has just taken a new position with ATG stores and will be leaving BHG. I wish him the best, he’s very talented!
This display of dahlias was just breathtaking.
(photo courtesy of David Keith Photography)
Keynote speaker Padma Lakshmi, host of Top Chef introduced her new book Spices & Herbs, which we also got a copy of.
We took the time to do a few selfies and group shots, this one with my sweet friend, Darlene, with Fieldstone Hill.
I love this group of gals, all very talented bloggers. Jennifer, Emily, me and Emily, fellow believers and they all have great taste! I’ve been so fortunate to meet so many Christian women in my blogging circles.
Group shot with Sonya, Heather, Julia, Darlene, me, Jessica, and Vanessa. Another great group of ladies! (photo courtesy of David Keith Photography)
A pretty cocktail party was held on the roof that evening and everything was so pretty and styled perfectly, something that bloggers really notice.
A shot out of the windows of the Gramercy Hotel, where the event was held. All in all, a very inspiring day filled with beautiful food, friends, and getting to interact with the editors of Better Homes and Gardens. Not a bad way to spend a day in NYC! A big thanks to BHG for inviting us there and inspiring us so, writing and running a blog is a very fun job and it’s nice to have these opportunities to collaborate and interact with magazines we’ve all read for years.
Crate and Barrel was one of the sponsors of the event and the next morning we were all invited to their beautiful SoHo store for a delicious brunch and shopping experience. We all received a $50 gift card to spend in the store. Their CEO Woody Woodward was there talking to everyone.
They were ready for Fall and Thanksgiving and the store was just stunning!
I chose to spend my gift card on that pretty throw on the far right, a gorgeous medley of Fall colors that will be so pretty in my den.
It’s that time of year, and Fall was in full force at Crate and Barrel. Thanks for hosting us, it was a fun event!
That’s a recap of my BHG Stylemaker 2016 experience. So fun to see old friends and get to chat with a few new people this year. I so enjoyed getting to hang out with some special friends that I’ve known through blogging and be inspired with this very fun event! Thanks BHG for inviting us and making us feel special!
I can tell that you are enjoying life these days! I’ve been a reader for years, and I must say you are looking younger & prettier than ever!
Oh Rhoda! This event was absolutely a ball… just because I got to hang out with you the whole time! You are so much fun. I am so glad we’re friends!!! Love you bunches!! xox, Emily