An easy DIY project is my kind of project!  I can handle a can of spray paint! I’m working on creating a desk nook in my son’s room and needed a desk lamp, so, instead of purchasing a new one, I repurposed one I’m not currently using by giving it a fun “dipped” navy blue edge.  My lamp is from Z Gallerie, but I don’t see it on their website anymore. 

I only wanted to paint the rim of the base and lamp head, so I taped and covered everything else (including where the light bulb goes).  A couple coats of spray paint is all it took and the paint dries quickly.

I just looked at Stella & Dot’s new arrivals and I’m smitten with several of their new pieces- it’s such a good collection! 

Stella & Dot Union Square Scarf- Geo Ikat 

Stella & Dot has the best scarves, I swear.  And I’m crazy about the color and pattern in this new Geo Ikat scarf. I always feel like pink looks good near the face. These scarves are perfect because they are large (38″x70″), so you can wear them in a ton of different ways, but they are still lightweight so you don’t feel weighed down.  I already get a lot of use from my S&D Leopard Print (no longer available) and Union Scarf Frida Print scarves,

If you’re looking to do some shopping this weekend, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is open to the public from now until August 3 and features their best deals on all their Fall clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and more.  I typically order online from Nordstrom because their site is so easy to shop and shipping and returns are free, but I went to the store yesterday because I wanted to try on their fall boots!  Having not been inside the store in awhile, I almost forgot how helpful and professional their salespeople are.  I remember that’s one of the things I like best about shopping there.

As promised, Part 2 of my Haven blog conference recap focuses on the Cliff notes I took during the classes I attended.  You can read Part 1 here.  Before I dive into the class notes though, I wanted to share my own insights about developing relationships inside the blogging community, especially when you’re at a blog conference.  If you’re not a blogger, the advice below could also apply to networking in your career.

RELATIONSHIPS

When you attend a blog conference, like Haven, you obviously want to make as many connections as possible because that’s where most of your opportunity for growth as a blogger comes from.

Although I’m a blogger, I’m also a blog reader and follower of (many) other blogs.  I continue to get lost in blogs for hours late at night and am giddy when I find a blog that is full of creative talent, exciting ideas, and cool projects.  I fall hard for beautiful photography (especially food photos), the way a post is written, and the little thrill of getting to peek into someone’s home.

Last weekend, I went to the Haven blog conference in Atlanta, where home and DIY bloggers can connect face-to-face, instead of just visiting with each other online.

Tomorrow morning I get to head to Atlanta for the Haven blog conference where I’m anxiously awaiting meeting up with my girlfriends!  In the past 4 years, I’ve had the good fortune to meet many other bloggers, but this time, I’ll get to meet a lot of women I’ve admired for years, but never met in person!  I’ll be posting some pics on Instagram if you want to follow along this weekend. 🙂

After blogging for a relatively long time, I know there is still so much to learn.  I’m in a great place to absorb information from other talented creatives (just take a look at the speakers this year!) and just relax and enjoy my time with my friends.