For the past few days I’ve been at the DIY blogger’s conference called Haven in Atlanta, Georgia.
It’s a looooong flight from Vancouver, BC!
It’s my third year and I look forward to it every year.
It’s the perfect mix of learning new things with socializing and meeting brands.
Each year it’s like a reunion going back to see old friends and meeting new ones.
I didn’t think I was going to make it this year but I’m so glad I did!
So here’s my Haven Recap 2015
Haven has the best swag!
Bags, paint and DIY stuff.
I have to bring an extra suitcase to bring it all back with me. One suitcase of mine was 49 lbs (that was a close one!)
Classes
You probably know by now that Jenna is my BBFF (blogging BFF) and we always room together. Well this year she was giving a talk with Karianne and Laura so I had to be there! You rocked it girl!
I had the pleasure of meeting this dear woman, Amy Howard (I’m sure you’ve heard of her!). She has her own luxury paint line and was in the furniture manufacturing business for years. I had the honor of chatting with her for a bit. You know when you meet someone and you just click? Like you’ve always known each other or were meant to meet? That’s how I feel about her. She’s truly an amazingly accomplished woman and has a wonderful soul.
We got to practice painting at her workshop that she held at Haven and I produced this 6-step process on raw moulding. It truly is a one of a kind luxury product line. There was a product called Dust of Ages that I put on after this and didn’t take a photo but it made the wood look even more aged.
I used her Antique Mirror Solution on THIS project I did last year and fell her in love with her products right then and there.
It was wonderful meeting you, Amy!
Brands
There were so many wonderful brands at Haven this year.
I finally got to meet Danielle from Kirkland’s (hi Danielle!) and hang out with the guys from La-Z-Boy and Rheem.
The girls at Moen and Home Decorator’s Collection were so cool too.
Check out the entire list of vendors and sponsors HERE.
Friends
Haven would not be complete for me if it wasn’t for seeing friends.
These online friends are truly amazing. We all ‘get’ each other first of all because our passion for all things DIY and home decor but we also help promote each other’s work, support each other and sometimes just listen! It’s amazing how wifi, Google Hangouts, FB groups and texts can make the world seem a smaller place.
This year I finally got to meet Jen from City Farmhouse. YA!
I met Liz from Liz Marie Blog last year but this year finally got a picture with her. Yep, I totally added a photo with my eyes closed.
I got to meet Lauren from Bless’er House this year and so happy to see Rachel from Maison de Pax again (my French BBFF).
It was awesome to see Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog and Chelsea from Making Home Base again.
First time meeting Bre from Rooms for Rent. We had a blast going out to a Mexican dinner with Bre, her hubby, Jen and I.
The next night I went out with these lovely ladies:
Chelsea, Abby, April from House by Hoff, Sarah from Life on Virginia St, Rachel, Amy from The Blissful Bee and Jenna.
Oh Jenna, we are such a comedy act together. I have this tendency to knock Jenna over when I hug her so this year she decided to jump up on me!! Of course I wasn’t ready for it.
That last bottom photo was us asking, wait…did someone get all that? Of course! We’re bloggers, always armed with a camera. Thanks April 😉
Jenna, I even had time for room service!! Can you believe it?
So needless to say, I love going to Haven, love meeting brands, learning new things and, of course, seeing friends!
hey girl-I’m glad y’all had a lot of fun!! You all rock!! Love ya gal!
Thanks Shawnna, you’re the best!
Hugs, Jamie
I always love reading these Haven recaps! Hopefully next year I will be able to make it down. We are in the midst of a first floor renovation at the moment and it was hard to get away this year. Although I would have loved to be away from the dust and smell of fresh polyurethane from my floors…ugh. Glad you had a wonderful time!
Shelley
Oooh can’t wait for the reveal, Shelley! Next year will be great timing for you then. Can’t wait to meet you.
Hugs, Jamie
Had fun with you! I only wish we could have spent more time together!! Miss you!
Miss you already 😉
Looks like so much fun, once again. Okay, marking my calendar for next year!
Thanks Shauna, it was! You have to go and represent the West Coast of Canada with me next year. I hope you’re renovations are going good. I can’t wait for the reveals!
Hugs, Jamie
this recap made me wish I was there even more 🙁 I want to meet people, learn new things, and get free stuff, too!!!! Glad you were able to get away for a few days and have a fun time.
haha I know, it is pretty awesome, Jamie. The only con is that it’s exhausting! I need a vacation from my vacation 😉 Totally worth it though. Hope you can come next year!
Hugs, Jamie
How fun – I hope I can go next year!!!!
It’s so much fun, hope you can next year!
Hugs, Jamie
Love reading about Haven! The people you met, the things you learned. Makes me excited for what’s to come on your blog. Looks like you had a great time!
Thanks April, I did. Do you have a blog? You should definitely go next year!
Hugs, Jamie
Hahaha! Loved the recap, but loved the picture montage of you two falling! Great seeing you again, Jamie!!! Xo
Thanks for taking that photo montage, April! Loved seeing you, hon.
Hugs, Jamie
Aww I love this recap! You were much better at taking pictures than I was. It was so good to finally meet you, Jamie! We’ll definitely have to hang more at the next one. It all went by so fast. Hugs!
So great to finally meet you too, Lauren! It does go by so fast.
Big hugs,
Jamie
LOVED finally meeting you in person 🙂 Thanks for the shoutout! Fingers crossed we see each other next year and get to enjoy a meal together!
That would be amazing, Danielle! So great to finally meet you!
Hugs, Jamie
Fun fun fun!! So sad to miss you ladies! Maybe next year?!?
We missed you, Krista!
Hugs, J.
Looks like such an awesome time… the classes, free swag, hanging out with blogging friends, etc! Would love to go next year!!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kendra, it was tons of fun. Hope you can make it next year.
Hugs, Jamie
This conference is on my must-attend list! One of these years I’ll actually make it out there, but it’s a really, really long flight from Hawaii!
Oh man, that would be a long flight. I’m from Vancouver, BC so it’s still long for me. You might have to break up your trip. I love Hawaii.
Hugs, Jamie
Jamie it was so great seeing you! I’m so glad you got some time to refresh and take a break from ‘life’ for a bit…. That series of pics of you and Jenna are hilarious! You are gorgeous mama! xo
Awww. thanks girl! So great seeing you. Wish we had more time 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Um…no YOU are one gorgeous mama!
I miss you!! I LOVE those pictures of us – by far my fave of all time!
I miss you too, girl. Those photos are classic. We always have a great time together.
Hugs, Jamie