I can now say I have been to a blog conference. It was everything I thought it would be and so much more.
For those of you who might wonder what a blog conference is, it is an event over a few days where bloggers come together to learn, network, and inspire one another. I went to the Haven conference in Atlanta that was geared towards other DIY and crafty bloggers. It was awesome.
I roomed with one of my really good friends, Erin, at DIYontheCheap. We had a blast!
For 2.5 days we ate really well, were around gorgeous decor, and learned so much. I met so many incredible people and hung out with some of my favorite bloggers. It was like a dream. I am so thankful for this weekend.
Going into it I felt a bit drained from all the travel, foster care training, and getting back from the beach the day before. I felt I didn’t have much time to prepare, although I did have my business cards ready to hand out. I was tired, knew another homeschool year was coming quickly, and was wondering how I was going to balance it all.
I knew the weekend was going to be huge when I felt my heart opening up in the first session.
Ana White was the opening speaker and I love what she said. One thing that stuck out to me was “be good at one thing…good enough at everything else.” It’s so easy to get discouraged and over whelmed at all the components of having a blog. When she said that, there was an immediate freedom for me.
I went to lots of sessions where I learned so much. My head is spinning-in a good way. I’m still processing all I heard, and I have lots of ideas and a to do list a mile long (that I am excited about). One of my favorite sessions was a hands on session with Ryobi power tools. Getting hands on with some tools gave me confidence and took some of the intimidation away that powerful tools can bring. I can’t wait to use my new miter saw! Stay tuned to hear more about it.
After two days of hearing and absorbing information, staying up late talking, mingling with other bloggers, and eating lots, we were a group of tired bloggers. I think every blogger in that conference left tired yet excited and inspired.
I came home with so many goodies that I can’t wait to start using on some new projects! The sponsors of Haven were incredible and blessed us all with so much!
I actually won one of the giveaways from Home Depot, and I literally squealed with excitement! I got an incredible basket of products that I have already started using. I am obsessing over it all, but the solar mason jar is my favorite!
As I went about the conference, I was constantly encouraged by other bloggers about my story. I had friends new and old ask about my family, homeschooling, and our journey to foster care. My heart was uplifted. I can easily question our life style on hard days, yet this weekend I was encouraged that our way of living is inspiring others to go for their dreams as well.
The closing talk for the conference was a challenge to use our gifts and skills for good. It was all I could do to not cry through the whole talk. It felt like everything that I had been feeling and processing all weekend was brought together.
I love to craft and do fun projects, but more importantly I love to inspire. I have a renewed sense of purpose. I am excited to continue to share my projects and ways I decorate our home to be a warm welcoming place, but I hope through it all I can share parts of our story and journey that inspire you. We are not perfect but we are trying to live simply. walk humbly. and love Jesus and people. Thank you for caring and being in it with us!
Thank you to Haven and everyone who attended for creating and being apart of something so marking on me. Thank you to YOU for being in this journey with me!
Now, a little something for one of YOU! I mentioned in my Haven Is Coming post that I would have a way for you to win some of my swag. Here is the deal. On my instagram feed during the conference a fun conversation started on “how many bloggers does it take to use a saw?” Enter the answer in the comments below to be entered to win some of my swag: Ryobi Flashlight, Rust-oleum Spray Gripper, and a roll of 3m painter’s tape! I will use random.org to pick the winner on Friday!
If you went to Haven, and we didn’t get to meet, I wish we had! There were so many people who I wish I had gotten to meet. We needed two more days 😉 Please introduce yourself, so we can kind of meet here!
So fun to see you and hang out with you a bit, Erica! My heart and mind are so full of GOOD stuff — what a blessing the weekend was!
xo Heidi
Haha that’s really funny! 3 🙂
It was so much fun! We’ll have to room together again next year for sure!
YES! I’m so glad we ended up not commuting!
3 and that was funny!
I want to start a blog just so I can attend his conference! It looked awesome!!!
*this conference
Ha! Three – one to use it and 2 to take pictures and post them. Looks like a fun conference.
Erica, What an awesome recap! Girl, you are the best! It was so much fun hanging out with you… laughing a lot and sharing life stories. I look forward to many more fun times in the future!
Thank you Angie! I do tooooo!!
We exchanged business cards at Haven but didn’t get to connect, so I thought I’d drop by to say hello. I’m glad that you enjoyed Haven as much as I did. I remember how happy you looked when you walked up to get your Home Depot basket.
I love the catchy name of your blog!
ohhhh I’m so sorry we didn’t get to connect more Paula! I think I had a one track mind for that prize. Thank you so much for visiting me here, and I can’t wait to get to know you better! I will be following along! XO, Erica
Erica, it was a pleasure meeting you and bumping into each other a few times. You’re a beautiful girl. xo
Thank you Cindy! I so agree! You are so fun and I am already excited about next year!
It was so fun to meet & hang out a little bit :o) I hope to get more active in the Atlanta group so hopefully I’ll see you again soon! Oh, and I meant to tell you that I loved your bracelet that said “trust your story.” That couldn’t be more true!!
Laura Beth! I miss you! I just tried to leave a message on your blog, but it kept linking me to subscribe to emails. I did that…but it still wouldn’t post. Anyway, I have been wanting to write you for days (as if we have been back so long)-you beat me to it! I love that bracelet and phrase and LOVE LOVE what you did with it! Thank you so much for the sweet shout out. Your wall art is amazing! Aren’t you loving not having to teach!? More time to create! At least till your lil girl gets here 🙂 Yes, please come to more Atlanta group functions and let’s stay in touch!! XO, Erica
Fun! I love what Ana said too! I think as moms we so often get stuck on our shortcomings and forget about our gifts.
I’ve gotta check out that solar mason jar!
Oh, and the answer is 3 apparently!
So sorry we didn’t get to meet during Haven although I feel I know you through your sharing of yourself and projects on your blog. This was my first visit here but it won’t be my last. You make me smile! 🙂
Dianne! That was such a sweet message-thank you!!! I’m so glad you found me here in the midst of so many amazing Haven recaps. I LOVED yours. You have a gift for writing. I saw it there, and in your sweet sentences here 🙂 I think you will move a lot of hearts with your blog. I will be back to yours too!! Thanks, I feel like I have a new friend 🙂 XO, Erica
Hey Erica! Congrats on winning the Home Depot basket! How is the solar mason jar working for you? Glad to hear that 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.10151682489139086.1073741827.280285049085&type=3 Hope to chat with you soon!