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A Girl Named PJ

Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Event

October 3, 2013

BHG Stylemaker Event #BHGStyleWhen Better Homes and Gardens magazine invites you to an exclusive blogger workshop and party in New York City, you don’t say no. Even if the timing isn’t ideal and you’re terribly nervous about attending.

The 2nd annual BHG Stylemaker Event was held on Thursday, September 19th — the same day we were planning to embark on a two-day drive to Buffalo, New York to visit friends. Sadly, we had to reschedule our week-and-a-half long road trip so that I could attend the event, instead deciding to leave a day after I returned and to head straight to Cleveland to see family.

Bunny and Dolly business cardsIn the days leading up to the workshop and party, I grew increasingly worried that I’d feel out of place among the 49 other bloggers selected from across the country to meet with the editors of Better Homes and Gardens. After all, I’m not a home decorating blogger, nor do I write about food, entertaining, or DIY crafts. What could I bring to the table as a family lifestyle blogger? And what could I get out of it?

BHG Stylemaker Event #BHGStyleThankfully, Kaelin from BHG, who coordinated the entire event, had my back. Although I was paired with interior design bloggers for the afternoon roundtables, Kaelin pulled me aside during one of the sessions so that I could meet with the magazine’s lifestyle editor and health and features editor. The 45 minutes I spent chatting with Christine and Amy were a highlight of the whole day.

See, long ago I abandoned my dream to become a magazine editor (a decision I regret nearly every day), so freelance writing and blogging have become my roundabout way to connect with the industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to network with journalists and editors like Christine, Amy, and Ellen, BHG’s fashion and beauty editor, who have the jobs I’d still love to have.

BHG Stylemaker party photobooth #BHGStyleAnother highlight was spending time with some amazing bloggers. Although I knew one of my roommates, Sarah, from Alt SLC, I had never met Kirsten or Jeran. Luckily, they were as sweet as could be, and the four of us quickly bonded over dinners out and late night gab sessions about the business of blogging. I was also excited to finally meet Joy in person, who become our honorary fifth roommate on the day of the event when she got ready with us in our hotel room.

BHG Stylemaker party at the Humphrey #BHGStyleIt was a treat to see familiar faces like Sheri, Erin, and Michelle at the workshop and party and to meet so many bloggers whose work I’ve admired from afar, including Joni, Kirsten, Ashley, Chelsea, and Lindsey. Could I have pushed myself even further out of my comfort zone to say hello to more people? Of course. Making small talk with strangers is a skill I’m still trying to improve.

BHG Stylemaker party #BHGStyleP.S. — My green dress (that fit over my 17-week baby bump!) was from Anthropologie, and my watercolor business cards were from Tiny Prints.

Images (except business cards and Snap Smile photos): Avi Gerver Photography

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12COMMENTS | Life

« Being Pregnant with Liz from Say Yes to Hoboken
A new online shop for handmade goods (and Friday links!) »

Let’s Discuss

  1. Joy

    October 3, 2013 at 8:59 am

    I’m so glad that we got to meet! I came home wishing that you all lived nearby so we could do it more often. Also, you made me a firm believer in the power of a blowout. xo

    Reply
    • PJ

      October 3, 2013 at 10:37 pm

      Virtual hangout??

      Reply
  2. Carrie @DreamGreenDIY

    October 3, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Fab recap =) Had so much fun, and was great to meet you in person!!

    Reply
    • PJ

      October 3, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      Thanks, Carrie! So happy we had the chance to meet!

      Reply
  3. Sarah

    October 3, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I had such a great time getting to know you better! I wish we all lived in the same town so we can hang out more often!

    Reply
    • PJ

      October 3, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      Me too!

      Reply
  4. kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KIDS

    October 4, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    I love your honesty in this post! It’s funny, because everyone seems to feel the same way about attending these events. Slightly anxious to start and super excited/comfortable at the end. Love your dress! Everyone’s so colorful 🙂

    Reply
    • PJ

      October 6, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      Thanks, Kim! My roommates and I unintentionally coordinated in jewel tones 🙂 And yes, it’s reassuring to know that many other bloggers feel just as anxious before events, too!

      Reply
  5. Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia)

    October 6, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    I loved meeting you! You are so lovely. I hope we can meet up again sometime.

    Reply
    • PJ

      October 6, 2013 at 9:21 pm

      Aww, thank you! And best of luck to you on your new Babble gig!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. AM/PM: A day in the life of Christi Pack from Towne & Reese (and a giveaway!) | Bunny and Dolly says:
    November 6, 2013 at 6:01 am

    […] a new-to-me line of jewelry and accessories, Towne & Reese. I first learned of the brand at the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Workshop; attendees were each gifted a Lila necklace in their choice of color. I’ve been wearing my […]

    Reply
  2. New Year’s Eve party outfits | Bunny and Dolly says:
    December 18, 2013 at 6:42 am

    […] PS – Getting dressed up to party with Better Homes and Gardens! […]

    Reply

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