Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

Our Haven Experience

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I just returned from a WILD 5-day weekend in Atlanta with my love. (please excuse the fact that these are ALL crappy iphone pics)…

Sawdust and Embryos

We DROVE there from Iowa to attend the Haven Blogging Conference with about 250 other amazing  like-minded DIY bloggers! It was only a 15-hour drive (one way).

haven {Sawdust and Embryos}

Here’s the thing about driving… when you’re USED to screaming children and chaos while driving, it’s actually a very pleasant experience to roadtrip IN PEACE! We enjoyed it… and it saved us about $1,400 in plane tickets.

And this hotel (Buckhead Grand Hyatt)… UGH it was gorgeous.

haven1

When we arrived at Haven, it was so exhilarating! Hundreds of bloggers who live the same crazy life we do. It turns out you can be kindred spirits with a LOT of people.

Haven Conference {Sawdust and Embryos}

My inseparable group of BFF’s! There was NO personal bubble with these girls!

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Lindsey (Better After), Brooke (All Things Thrifty) and Kristen (Capturing Joy)

Nick and I split up and took separate classes so we could glean as much knowledge as possible! Here I am in my ‘Advanced Painting’ class (taught by Miss Mustard Seed) with my girl Cindy from Daisies and Crazies!

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Nick drew a lot of attention being one of three males among a sea of estrogen. It also didn’t hurt that he’s 6’8”. We loved building relationships with the other couples there.

Sawdust and Embryos with Ana White

(us with Ana White and her ‘Real Alaska Man’ hubs!) ^^

Sawdust & Embryos with Kristen Duke Photography

(us with Michael and Kristen Duke) ^^

And I got to meet and hang with my blogging-crush-slash-long-lost-sister Kenz (from Interiors by Kenz). She’s absolutely darling with her baby-bump.

Sawdust and Embryos & Interiors by Kenz

We also got to dine with Sherry from Young House Love… but didn’t get a picture because I’m sure she’s SO tired of people wanting a pic with her. Guess you’ll just have to take my word.

Let’s just say it’s been a LONG time since I’ve gotten out and had a good time with friends… and it felt AMAZING. These girls are wild!

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I’m already starting to calculate the days will I get to see them next! WHAT A FREAKING BLAST!!!!!

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Comments

  2. 31

    WOW! That is all I can say. I only wish we had something like this where I live. Believe me, it is not easy to find the right pieces or materials, but I'm hanging on.
    Love your blog and I'm always passing by to check what's new and get some inspiration.
    Wish you all the best!

    Greets from Brazil, Carol

    Reply
  8. 37

    Beth- I can't believe I didn't meet you at Haven! Now I've just increased your time-on-page to hours since I've been reading everything… Thank you so much for sharing your infertility struggles, the more that's out there, the less scared I think others will be to talk about it.

    I have endometriosis, thought I wouldn't ever be able to have kids, and now, have 3 lovely ones. Although the 21 month old is in a trying age, I know you can relate:)

    Jessica

    Reply
  12. 41

    so jealous! I refuse to miss out again next year, and have already called dibs on Kenz as my roomie. please beware that I will hug you as if you are a long lost friend if you are there too… I promise it's a compliment and not at all creepy. 🙂

    Reply
  13. 42

    Looks like a blast. I read your blogs almost every day, funny to see you in the same pic. Also funny that there were only three men there. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall.

    Reply
  15. 44

    What a neat trip! I bet it was sure different not riding in a car with you little ones 😉 Atlanta is a great city and I enjoyed clicking on the links to the different bloggers you saw at the conference.

    Reply
  16. 45

    I'm so with you that all of a sudden a 15 hour drive doesn't seem so awful when it's peace and quiet! I noticed you guys in one of the last sessions (I think Growing a Creative Business) and am sorry I didn't introduce myself! Excited for more pals next year!! xx
    Charlotte @ Ciburbanity

    Reply
  25. 54

    If you were the only person I would have gotten to meeting in real life at Haven, the trip still would have been a success for me. It was SO great! Definitely long lost sisters. Now, let's find a way to bridge the gap between Utah and Iowa!

    Reply
  27. 56

    What a great round-up! I love seeing how other people spent their time, and it looks like you made the best of it! Thank you SO much for coming! Next year, we need to exchange more than 15 words. 🙂

    Reply
  28. 57

    You two remind me of my mom and dad..she is 5'4" and he was 6'8". All of us kids are 5'10" or taller..ha! I'm excited to see what great projects your travels inspire!!

    Reply

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