Much of my work involves stretch pants, sweat, heavy lifting and dust. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But occasionally it’s nice to take a shower in the morning, throw on a cute outfit and do something that doesn’t require another shower at the end of the day. Even if this is about as cute as Sam takes it…

Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to have a few reasons to get dressed up. I shared my recap of the Haven Conference, which was the ultimate combination of dressing sorta cute while still playing with tools. But next month I’ll be getting dressed up and rubbing shoulders with some amazing people. Seriously, can’t even believe I was invited to this event, but there’s no chance I’ll miss it. Even if that invite landed in the wrong mailbox, I’m crashing this deal!

Next month I’ll be attending Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker 2016…in New York City! Ahhhh, can’t wait – there’s no better month than September to enjoy the city too. You guys can expect a full recap with lots of photos and stories!

First of all, you may be wondering what the Stylemaker event is. It’s a full day (9am – 8pm) of workshops organized by BHG for 80 of the best and brightest food, lifestyle, home, and DIY bloggers. Their words, not mine – but I’m honored to be included. All 80 of us are coming together from various cities around the country and while I recognize many listed attendees, there are several I haven’t met in person but admired for years…and bloggers I am unfamiliar with. I really enjoy talking to bloggers and learning about what they do, how they got started and getting to know them beyond their blog life.

Besides connecting with my blog community, the keynote speakers and workshop teachers are amazing! I seriously can’t wait to meet and learn from each of them. There are 2 keynotes; Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef and Grace Bonney, founder of Design*Sponge. There are 3 workshop sessions – a floral class, beyond the blog class and a video session. The agenda is a full day of learning, eating, networking…followed by a rooftop cocktail reception. Can. Not. Wait.

Of course, I’ll be obsessing over what to wear. You guys know I’m all about the jeans and t-shirts. Help!

So, how did this really come together? A few years ago a digital editor at BHG e-mailed me to see if I was interested in working with them as a Pinning Pro of sorts. The process still required an application, which of course I completed immediately. Shortly after I was accepted, they added me to 2 vibrant, fun group boards – a board for sharing ideas I love from BHG and another for sharing my own best tips and tricks. Each month I also have the opportunity to pitch ideas to the editors or send in ideas based on a particular theme they’re focusing on – usually seasonal topics. It’s been a fun experience that I have completely enjoyed!

The Stylemaker event is held every Fall in NYC but this is the first time I’ve been invited to join. I have no idea what to expect and I’m anxious about the experience, but I can tell you this much – I will be totally present in each moment and soak it all in. Because these events don’t come around very often.

After the event next month I’ll be sure to write a full recap with lots of links to the session teachers and all 80 attendees.

Moments like these are cause for pause…to celebrate the work I’ve done here for 5 years and more importantly to thank you for reading! Thank you! xoxo