BH&G & Bloom Recap
Hello friends! I hope your weekend was nice and relaxing and you’re beginning today with a fresh start! That’s how I like to start Mondays! We can easily drag into the week kicking and screaming or decide to make it great, even if we don’t feel like it- so that’s what I’m going with today! Let’s make it great!
We made some progress on getting James’ Halloween costume together and decided that Jordan will be a little ballerina. She’s going to be so adorable with her hair in two little buns and in that tiny leotard and ballerina slippers! I can’t believe Halloween will be here in two weeks! And this week is also my turn to host Bunco on Wednesday and then Thursday is Project OneWay! I have to admit I’m kind of freaking out, but with good reason! I’ll be changing in and out of all the fashions on stage in front of everyone! It’s choreographed with layers and accessories and if we can pull it off, it will be awesome! I’m just praying I don’t blow it! More details below!
But first, I wanted to share some snippets from my two recent trips- the BH&G Stylemaker event in NYC and the Bloom Workshop just outside Dallas, Texas. I so wish I could’ve packed you in my suitcase and brought you along- the best part of these trips is always connecting with friends. I’m so honored to get to do these kinds of things. And I’m also thankful to my family for pitching in and taking care of things at home while I’m gone. P.S. My hubby will be here tomorrow, so you don’t want to miss that!
BH&G Recap
How fun to be in the city for a weekend! It never ceases to take my breath away when you look across the water and see that NY city skyline. The event was in Brooklyn this year for a change, and it was cool to mix it up. Thanks to David Keith for sharing these amazing photos with us!
The event was a one day shindig, similar to years past, with classes on everything from branding to tabletop styling and lots of mingling and girl time in between. It’s one thing to connect daily online, but it’s always so much better to be face to face and get to really talk for a change! A few friends that I’ve known online for years, I finally got to meet in person for the first time that weekend, and that is always a treat!
Brittany • Haneen • Kris • Tamara • Jen • Erin • Kelley • Bree
I think I was exchanging numbers with Liz here, but I promise we weren’t on our phones the whole time! #busted
See, I took notes!
I’m a huge fan of Joy the Baker, so her class was one of my favorites. We got to bake a cake alongside her and hear about her journey and what’s coming up next with her. She’s got bagels on the brain . . . and a new cookbook out.
Since I am such a genuine fan, I was sooo embarrassed to see that it looked like I was sleeping through her session! Look closely! OMG! #hangsheadinshame And then look at Grace smiling attentively next to me! Ha!
Food styling and photography is another thing I’m obsessed with, although not very good at! There’s definitely an art to it and the professionals at BH&G are masters at it. Every photo is mouthwatering and tells a story. We were given avocados, bread and toast and tasked with creating a single shot. It was interesting to see what everyone came up with!
We got 3 minutes to pitch a story to BH&G editors, so I took that opportunity and it wasn’t intimidating at all. #kidding #sweating
Another of my favorite parts of the event was the morning session with the editors of BH&G where they took us through a magazine feature from idea to creation. It’s fascinating to get to hear those behind-the-scenes and also realize how much research and work goes into something before we see it on the magazine’s pages.
Of course there were a few selfies! Look at Cassie’s eyes, aren’t they so pretty blue?! #stunning
And I took your advice and wore the romper that you chose from this post. It felt great on and was totally comfortable all day. Now I just need a date night so I can wear it again!
Tweed Romper XS • old heels from French Connection • Sunglasses
Is it wrong to say the best parts of the trip often happen in the hotel room?! I swear I’m always cracking up with this girl! If you caught our Live on Stories, you know why!
We managed to rally between the daytime event and the cocktail party . . .
had a couple of their signature cocktails . . .
and more time for girl talk after an outfit change!
Pink Dress 2P • Heels • Bag
Pink Dress 2P • Heels • Bag
My girlfriends got cut out of the pic, but I chatted forever with Charlotte (she has 5 kids and a podcast and is hilarious!) and Rachael (you will love her eye for design and gorgeous home)!
It’s a whirlwind of a day, and never enough time, but we make the most of the opportunity given! As our feet started to fade, we ran back to the hotel to change into comfy clothes and out to dinner at Henry’s End. We stayed an extra day and I’ll be sure to fill you in on that this week too!
Bloom Workshop
Then, last week, Cassie and I got a chance to get together again #doubletrouble and headed to a little town just outside of Dallas, Texas called Quinlan, to speak on a panel at the Bloom Workshop. Thank you for having us, it’s an honor and pleasure!
photo via Angelica Marie
Isn’t that White Sparrow barn just the most darling site ever?! It’s on a large property that is breathtakingly peaceful and even has a field of lavender growing next door. They hold weddings and parties there and it makes for such a gorgeous event with all the white shiplap, wooden railings, and crystal chandeliers.
Tank Dress XS • Necklace • Similar Booties
I don’t have all the professional photos back yet, so for now I’ll just give you a taste of what I have now from the Bloom Workshop IG. The event is really so beautiful, but also useful for creative entrepreneurs who are just starting out in their careers, or for more seasoned professionals looking to grow their business or get inspired by something new.
They have sessions on floral arranging, calligraphy, photography, styling, all aspects of social media, and even take headshots for everyone. It’s such a warm and welcoming community, and the perfect opportunity to connect and find your tribe that will be with you throughout your career.
Tank Dress XS • Necklace • Similar Booties • Cozy Cardigan XS/S (lots of new colors out now! #MerryChristmas!)
I got a chance to talk to several women at the workshop and I’m inspired by their enthusiasm and excitement for their creative passions. I’m sending special prayers to each of them for the most joy and success they could ever imagine (and beyond) for their businesses. It can be intimidating when you’re first starting out, but when you have drive and determination coupled with talent, just begin and you’ll be on your way! Let the universe meet you where you are and propel you forward! ♥
Project OneWay
Okay, so last but not least, I told y’all on Friday about the Project OneWay happening THIS Thursday at Sugar Land Town Square, and that means it’s happening in just 4 days!! #yikes!
I’ve gotten to see allll the cute clothes and the outfits we’re putting together and featuring in the show and it’s going to be amazing! The looks are from Altar’d State, Anything Bling, Charming Charlie, LOFT, Motherhood Maternity and more.
I’ve been hustling practicing because I’ll be changing into each of these outfits on stage and it’s going to be be quite the feat to pull it off!
As a reminder, the event starts at 6:30 p.m. with FREE admission and includes one drink ticket per attendee over 21 (will need that for sure!), cake pops from Sweet Boutique, and live jazz performances. We’ll also be raffling off items from various retailers with all proceeds benefiting Dress for Success Houston’s Harvey Relief Fund. I’m honored to be part of something like this that is giving back to our great community.
I hope you and your girlfriends can make it! It’s sure to be a good time and I’d love to meet you in person!
Have a great week friends!
Looks like such fun!
Whew!!! What a couple of busy, and beautiful, weeks we’ve had!! You are always the highlight of our trips together…love you friend!! And you’ve GOT THIS One Way thing!!! xo
It looks like the Stylemaker event was fantastic. #goals ? It was a pleasure meeting you in person. You are as lovely on the inside as you are on the outside. Enjoy this gorgeous day in HTown!!
What an exciting time for you! Can’t wait to hear about your show on Thursday – you will rock it! 🙂
Gorgeous photos! The BH&G event looks incredible, thanks for the peek inside. Love all of your outfits!
Good luck on Thursday! You’ll be great!!!!
Jane
Loved your recap and so thankful we were finally able to meet! You are a beauty! And that bloom workshop looked amazing! Gorgeous venue!
Wow, what a whirlwind couple of weeks for you! The BHG style makers event is a dream of mine…like Michelle said #goals! It was so amazing to meet you at Bloom, definitely a highlight for me. It was so great to be able to chat with you, and thank you so much for your encouragement! For someone like me, who struggles to balance blogging with the demands of motherhood, it’s like rocket fuel! ?
I totally get that! Meeting you was one of the highlights of the trip for me! You are seriously so genuine and kind and I’m wishing you so much fun and success with your career!
It was SO great meeting you and chatting the night away! Oh the things our kids say and do – too funny! You looked fab that night! Hope your event went well this week!!