Home from Haven

Full disclosure I wrote this post last Monday. I spent the day outside painting and doing naughty things like moving pieces of furniture by myself. It was after I came inside to write this post, I realized I had suffered a back injury. Since then, I’ve been under a doctor’s care and continue to improve each day. I still have a bit to go but let’s face it a week without a new post is a week too long ☺

What a weekend! I still can’t believe I went to Haven! A conference for bloggers! Me – in Atlanta – by myself! I want to start this post off by saying THANK YOU to all of you who sent me messages of love, support and encouragement. They really meant a lot to me and it made being at Haven even more special.
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The journey to Atlanta with Lauren and Keri was pretty uneventful save for the tire incident. I have a completely new respect for the people that have to drive in that traffic every day.

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Once we got to the hotel lobby it was game on. If you’re going to Haven next year learn from a big mistake I made…Do Not Take Vintage Luggage! You may look super cool but your arms will be screaming by the time you reach the lobby never mind your hotel room.

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After checking in, you get your “swag” bag. It was loaded with goodies from amazing sponsors. They were so generous!

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This mirror made my make up look fantastic every day. My sisters would be so proud. They sent me into Sephora with a list of “essential items” I needed before I left. I’ve worn little to no make up with my hair in a ponytail for so long, it was nice to get spruced up again.

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I met a lot of people at the new Havens Mavens mixer.

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Chip Wade opened the event on Friday. He makes the impossible look possible. Do you guys watch his show “Elbow Room?”

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My favorite classes were “Trade Secrets,” “We Heart Brands,” “Business of Blogging,” and “Creating Beautiful Shots.” They all offered practical tips that were perfect for beginner/first year bloggers. Jen Schmidt was really inspirational.

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We met some awesome vendors. This was at the Modern Masters booth. Wait until you see the paint lines they have to offer!

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We had a lot of classes but we also had a lot of fun too! Isn’t this stain from Varathane dreamy? It looks like driftwood.

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Tide Oxi Brite put together this luncheon for us. I love the way they incorporated the bubbles and the paper ornaments hanging from the ceiling.

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There was always something to do and people to hang out with. I was so nervous I was going to be eating a fruit kabob by myself in the buffet line. Thanks to the girls at 2 Bees in a Pod, The Altered Past and Blu Water Life that didn’t happen.

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I haven’t lacked this much sleep since my college days. We were constantly on the go!

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It was so awesome to meet one of my Instagram buddies in real life. She blogs over at Charming Farmer.

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I left Atlanta Sunday morning and debriefed the event with my new friends. No playing, I was talking so long I missed my exit and wound up in Gainesville. It took me almost two extra hours to get home.

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I made it home safe and sound but I think it may take me a while to recover J

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Many blessings,

CoCo

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. Ack! Still feeling guilty that I didn’t clue in to that missed exit sooner. I KNEW I should have studied up on my Florida geography more before we hit the road. (Raising fist to sky.) Still…so thankful that I got to experience Haven 2014 with you, CoCo. Having you as a road trip companion on either end of the trip was such a gift. Thanks for letting me talk your ear off processing it all!

    I’m definitely STILL recovering and may or may not have unpacked my suitcase tonight. (Smile.) Sending hugs and extra shares of sleep your way. 😉

    1. Don’t feel guilty at all sweet friend! Debriefing the trip with you put so many things into perspective for me. I know what you mean about the suitcase lady, guilty as charged ha ha. Bug hugs to you!

  2. Great recap CoCo! We are so happy to have finally met and call you friend. Take care of yourself!

    Xo-
    Vicki and Jennifer
    2 Bees in a Pod

    1. You girls made the trip worthwhile! Thanks for letting me be a musketeer 🙂

  3. Fun reading your recap Coco ~ but more fun meeting & spending time with you in person at Haven! Love the sweet doggie picture in your post & hope your back is on the mend this week

    1. So much fun meeting you too! I LOVE your website – it makes me happy!

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