Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration 2015

About a week and a half ago (although it feels like two months) I had the honor of attending the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration in New York City! It truly was a blessing and I’m overwhelmed by the information taken in, the people I was able to meet and the relationships that were strengthened on this trip.

Photography (c) Avi Gerver Photography

Kaelin {Digital Editorial Manager} and Kenzie {Social Media Editor} did an incredible job organizing this event for all of us and it was flawless so hats off to them!

Kaelin Zawilinski

Kenzie Kramer

The BHG editors, contributors and stylemakers graciously shared so much insight with us including what it’s like to get a book deal, style photo shoots and where they get their inspiration from. Their perspective on blogging and the importance of relationship with bloggers was really refreshing too!

I attending the food styling workshop which was beyond cool! We learned a few tricks of the trade and got the behind the scenes scoop including how to make the perfect cool whip dollop! This really is an art form and if anyone has ever tried to photograph food you know what I’m talking about! Afterwards I got really excited to finally start cooking in our new kitchen!

Libbie Summers // Nancy Hopkins // Simon Andrews // Jill Lust

Unfortunately I didn’t get to sit in on the flower arranging class but man do I wish I had. The arrangements that came out of this room were incredible and were scattered around the hotel that evening as the tabletop decor for the cocktail party.

Matthew Robbins

I also learned how to perfect the 15 second video for social media platforms. There is so much I didn’t know and it really is interesting! You may see a few of my on videos popping up on the blog soon so be on the watch!

Annie Carroll

And of course I wouldn’t have missed the “How To Set the Perfect Holiday Table” class by the Modern Mix teacher himself, Mr. Eddie Ross! Every time I’m around Eddie he just cracks me up. He really has a gift of making you feel special! I hope to see him again in Atlanta in a couple short weeks for his flea market tour and book signing!

Eddie Ross

I mean how crazy cool are these tablescapes? And I think we all left the class really wanting a salt cellar. Anyone know what that is?? I didn’t but I do now :)

The book deal discussion was really interesting too. I have no idea if this little blog of mine would ever deserve it’s own published book but I definitely took some notes!

Eddie Ross // Sara Forte // Nancy Hopkins // Stephen Orr

And these stylemakers, boy were they awesome! Clodagh McKenna was all around fascinating and Patrick Mele has such a unique style. Erin has a beautiful book called the Forest Feast which is right up my alley and Kishani’s design portfolio is such an inspiration to me now!

Clodagh McKenna // Patrick Mele // Erin Gleeson // Kishani Perera

You also guys know Vera Bradley right? Well, Vera has gone neutral! Check out these clutches and handbags and each of us got to choose one from these 4. Can anyone guess which one will be arriving at my door step at any moment?

And after an awesome day of listening and learning we moved to the rooftop of the Hudson Hotel for the BHG cocktail party! The tented area was beautiful but the view trumped it all!

And look who made a special appearance here as well as on the cover of the most recent BHG issue! Brooke Shields!

Stephen Orr // Brook Shields

It was a long, informative, motivational and just a really fun day that ended with a perfect sunset over the city.

There definitely was some swag involved too, including a signed copy of Modern Mix! Look out friends and fam, one of you might have a Christmas present in your future!

And lastly, blogging adventures are not quite the same without these two!

Simple Stylings // designPOST Interiors // Style Your Senses

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While we’re on the topic of events there is a great one you will not want to miss this week if you’re in Charlotte! Move Loot is having a warehouse sale this Friday and Saturday with great discounts and they’re covering delivery fees for orders over $100 to addresses within 50 miles of uptown.

You can check out some of their local inventory here and read my post about my new living room sofa! And if you sign up HERE you will automatically get $25 Move Loot credit toward your first purchase!