How was your weekend friends? Ours have been packed lately with sports but we did have a nice relaxing Sunday and I got lots done around the house. On Saturday, in between soccer and baseball games, my girlfriend and I took a quick trip down to Galveston for my trainer’s bodybuilding show. As luck would have it, we arrived while the show was at a break, but we took advantage of being at the beach and had lunch on the patio at The Spot, dug our feet into the sand, and browsed some local shops before heading home. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time we were there. It felt like a mini-vacation with my best girlfriend.
The weather was perfect, the drinks were divine, and nothing feels quite as good as being at the beach and feeling that seabreeze.
Off Shoulder Top (this strapless bra) | Tassel Earrings | Necklace | Sunglasses (for Less) | Shorts | Flip Flops
One thing’s for sure, getting that girlfriend time once in awhile is so important for our well-being. Yes, we love our families and kids, but nothing satisfies that inner need for girl time quite like spending time with those special women in our lives.
When I got the opportunity to attend the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker event, I felt honored to be included among the talented and creative attendees, but also super excited to get that adult face-to-face time with my friends. Blogging and being a stay-at-home mom can actually get pretty lonely, and I notice myself feeling stale when I don’t get out much.
Needless to say, this BH&G event was just what the doctor ordered and I couldn’t wait to share the event with you through these gorgeous photos that David Keith Photography captured during our trip.
The annual two-day event kicked off in NYC at The Gramercy Park Hotel, which was such a perfect spot because the upstairs patio made for a great place to meet and mingle while being inside, but feeling like you were outside.
Of course, BH&G had the place decked out to the max and it looked gorgeous!
You guys helped me decide to wear this dress to the event. I got it altered just a tad in the waist and felt like a million bucks in it. I’m looking forward to wearing this again for Fall/Winter parties and it will be pretty at Christmas-time too. I linked more dresses below if you’ve already got holiday parties on the brain.
Burgundy Dress (Size 2) | Similar Faux Leather Jacket | Patchwork Heels
Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge opened the event with Editor-in-Chief Stephen Orr. It’s definitely been cool to watch the magazine evolve since Stephen took the helm. While I never disliked BH&G, it feels fresher and more modern now, do you agree? And he’s freaking hilarious in person! He’s got a super dry sense of humor, but always puts people at ease with his easygoing personality.
How cool is that marquee sign?!
Lunch was all decked out with a gorgeous spread and delicious food. We got to try one of Padma’s dishes in her new cookbook Spices & Herbs.
Burgundy Dress (Size 2) | Similar Faux Leather Jacket | Patchwork Heels
Got to hang with this pretty lady! Of everyone I’ve met blogging over the years, I’d have to say Jen is one of the most humble and gracious I’ve met.
And speaking of those important women in your life, what would I do without my favorite travel roomie?!?! This girl not only makes me laugh til I cry, but also speaks ‘heart to heart’ fluently.
I’ve gotten to know Grace better over these last two trips and this time we got more quality time which was really nice.
Burgundy/Gold Bracelet | Vera Bradley Studded ToteThe cocktail party was pretty happening with fancy cocktails – Padma’s packed a punch!, light bites and milkshakes! #yum!
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Don’t mind me, I’ll just pop a squat so I can get comfy and chat!
Padma Lakshmi gave the closing talk and sitting in that row as she walked by was about as close as I got to her. Not that she was unapproachable. Quite the opposite. She was charming and funny and warm and kind and actually so interesting. I’m a huge fan of Top Chef (watched every season), but she always seems so reserved on the show. In person, she was really lively! #girlcrush
Cassie had the brilliant idea to ask Padma about her favorite restaurants in the city. We took her up on her favorite pizza place, Vezzo, and did have amazing thin crust pizza there.
There’s Cassie below with Padma’s cocktail. I preferred the champs!
Lace Fit & Flare Dress XS | Heels | Earrings
On Day #2, BH&G hosted us at Crate & Barrel but unfortunately we missed it, having had only a couple hours sleep before the Food Tour. If you ever get to NYC, I highly recommend going on one of those. It’s a great introduction to the neighborhoods and foods of New York.
It was a quick trip, but I’m so glad I made the effort to go. It takes a village to get out of town and I owe my family and Mom so much for allowing me this time away and taking care of everything while I was gone. Love you guys!
Love your blog and style so much! You've sold me on the gorgeous dark red dress as well. What lipstick color are you wearing with it in these pics? Thank you ?
Oh great question- I should've put that since it's new and perfect for Fall! It's this one in VAMP http://rstyle.me/n/bz5bhhpz4e
Loving all the pics, glad to know you enjoyed yor time, sometimes a break is a NEED!!!
Definitely! I feel refreshed and energized now!
Awww Megan, it was so fun to hang out with you! You are a sweetheart, and I truly hope we meet again soon. xoxoxo
Looking forward to the next time Grace!
So fun seeing you at BHG again this year! You are just the prettiest little petite thing! I hope we get to do it again and have more time to chat!
xo
Well, right back atcha Shauna! #blondeandbrunettebookends! 😉
Love all these pics!! I hadn't seen them yet…so fun to see the day again. It's always a blast with you…love you so much friend/roomie!! xo
YOU are a blast Cassie! I can always count on you for fun girlfriend time! Love you!
So fun! NYC in the fall is so dreamy, and what a fun way to connect. Love those dresses so much and a food tour is on my to-do list!
Oh the food tour was awesome! I'd definitely do another one! I should see if they do them in Houston- even that would be fun!