HAVEN 2013 ~ Some Highlights!

I still can't believe that I was able to attend the Haven Bloggers Conference this year.
What a rush!

No really, it was a MAJOR RUSH!

It was early morning on the first day of the conference when I got the email news that a ticket was available.  I was thrilled, but then the rush ensued!

Beginning with...

pitching this to Mr. Heart at the last minute,

emails and phone calls trying to get tickets and hotel rooms changed to my name,

cancelling previous plans,

washing and drying clothes,

throwing everything in sight into my suitcase
(cause you never know what you'll need, right!),

and I'm doing all of this
in hopes
that I will soon be Haven bound!
FINALLY, about 12 noon the confirmations came through...yipee!

So I grabbed my bags,
threw them in the car,
and hit the road for the 3 1/2 hour drive the Buckhead Grand Hyatt in Atlanta, GA. Whew!

Let the fun begin!

Thursday evening there was a reception out on the terrace.  It was wonderful finally seeing blogging friends face to face and exciting to make so many new friends!

Christy at Our Southern Home, Sonya at Home with the Barkers, Beth at Farm Fresh Vintage Finds, and  Tricia at Simplicity In The South.

KariAnne at Thistlewood Farms

Heather and Vanessa ~ At The Picket Fence

 I am a little lot shy, so it was scary breaking out of my comfort zone and going up to ladies to introduce myself.  I think we all felt that way to some degree.  But in doing so we met new friends and were able to finally hug the neck of friends that we've been following for years.  In meeting a new blogging friend or seeing an old friend for the first time (only bloggers understand this!), there was always an exchange of warm smiles, sweet embraces, and encouraging words.  Such an amazing group of bloggers, but we already knew that didn't we! 

The conference sessions to learn tips for blogging so helpful.  This is just a sampling...

It was great being able to spend time with blogging pals...

Paula of Sweet Pea

and checking out the sponsors...

Couldn't pass up the chance for AS chalk paint tips.

My board was painted with Duck Egg and the circle of color as well as the color painted on the handle of the paint brush is the color that comes from mixing French Linen, Greek Blue, and Duck Egg together.

There were many sponsors and they were all very generous.  I have a big bag of goodies to go through...

It was a wonderful conference and I can't wait for 2014.

The Haven team did an amazing job, thanks to you all!!!

Rhoda of Southern Hospitality

I'll leave you with some FUN!
A video of the DIY Shuffle.  These ladies know how to have a good time!
This dance is about finding a DIY piece and the moves you'll see in this video are:
We're driving it home, sanding it, hammering it, painting it, blogging about it, pinning it, facebook it, and tweet it.

(The video I took wouldn't upload so this is from YouTube.  Mine explains all the steps so if I am able to get it to work I will share it with you later!)

I can't wait for 2014 and hope to see YOU there!

Blessings,

Cindy