My Trip to the Big Apple

Do you ever go on a trip that was so fast and far outside of what you normally do and experience that when you get home it almost feels like you weren't really there? Like you dreamed it up or it happened to someone else? Well, that is how I feel about my recent quick trip to New York.  If you missed it, I wrote a post about my fears of traveling alone and riding in a cab all by myself.

I was invited by Better Homes and Gardens to an event held in Manhattan. I have never been more equal parts nervous and excited :) I was sitting on the plane and I looked down at my hands. I had two big blisters and tile grout in my fingernails. I thought to myself  "Why was I invited to a STYLEmakers event???" But I tried to not freak out about the fact that I wasn't as stylish as the rest of the ladies going to the event. *Deep breaths*

I think my instagram shots (and few I stole from friends) sum up my trip pretty well. I flew to New York alone and it took me all day to get there. I had a delay in Chicago. But I was greeted by the beautiful city lights :)  I hailed a cab for the first time. That was huge for me. HUGE people!

I got there and found out my reservation was messed up. So the first night Jess from Four Generations One Roof graciously offered to let me room with her. We hung out and watched X Factor (I am wearing socks because I am a tiny bit of a germaphobe and hotels kind of gross me out). She is the funnest person ever! And I am obsessed with her Boston accent. I may or may not have made her repeat herself several times just so I could hear her speak :) The next night we got the reservation squared away and I roomed with Melissa from The Inspired Room and Sandy from the Reluctant Entertainer. They are so incredibly sweet!

I met up with some other home/DIY bloggers the next morning for breakfast. It was a great way to start the day. We laughed and ate the best food. There was Kirsten from 6th Street Design, Laura from Finding Home, Micheal from Inspired by Charm, Kelly from View Along the Way, Melissa from The Inspired Room (she wasn't in the picture), Jen from I {Heart} Organizing, and Jess from Four Generations One Roof.

We started out with a presentation by Oma Ford who is the Senior Deputy Editor of Better Homes and Gardens. Then we had lunch at the cutest indoor "boardwalk".

After lunch we split up into groups and had mini workshops. We got to meet with all the editors and ask lots of questions. They asked us a ton of questions too. It was great to have small groups so everyone could contribute. The editors were so welcoming and really cared about our opinions. And I also want to share that they REALLY care about what their readers want. Everything they do is all centered around making their readers happy and growing and changing right along with them.

One of the sessions was taught by Eddie Ross. He couldn't be any cuter! He is ridiculously talented and incredibly nice.

We had a break to get ready for the party that night. I had hoped to walk to Mood fabrics during the break but I just didn't have the time. The party was stunning. But it was Better Homes and Gardens, so what did I expect?

 (all non-instsagram photos were taken by Avi Gerver Photography)

This was a pinch me moment. I was able to not only get a picture taken with the Editor-in-Chief Gayle Butler and the President of Better Homes and Gardens Jim Carr, but I also got to have a full on conversation with them. They didn't brush us off after the picture. They were so NICE. I have met a lot of  people with important job titles and I can tell you that is not always the case.

We mingled, ate, and there was a photo booth. Part way through the party I noticed that the pictures we had been taking in the photobooth were being put up on the billboard across the street from the event. I looked out the window and there was my goofy face on a billboard!!!

The food was beautiful! This is just a tiny sample of what they had.

After the cocktail party there was a panel of speakers. Maxwell from Apartment Therapy was the moderator.

The next day we went to the Better Homes and Gardens New York offices. We got to see the set for their TV show which will air on the Hallmark channel this fall.  We got to see the test kitchen, and the offices of the New York editors.

After the tour I met up with a friend, Michelle, and went to lunch. I thought I was going to be a tourist all by myself but she offered to show me around and took me to all of the important places like Dylan's Candy Bar ;) I found out that Manhattan has two Home Depot stores. I went in one to see how it was different than store here. The biggest difference was the tiny lumber section. I loved all the buildings and I wish I would have taken more pictures. I really loved the D&D District with all the specialty design shops. I really only had a couple hours to sight see and since I had been to NYC before and had done all the main attractions that time, I was more interested in seeing less "popular" places.

After hailing a cab by myself again, losing my cell phone and having to go back to where I hailed the cab, I finally made it to the airport. I was surrounded by famililes with little kids waiting for the flight and cried like a baby. It didn't matter that I had only been gone less than 3 days, I missed my little monkeys :)

So this country mouse is happy to be home. In fact I flew in at night, woke up and went to a pond to go fishing for my sons birthday. So in a matter of a few hours I went from Manhattan to the middle of nowhere :) It is exciting to leave your comfort zone but so nice to come home.

I want to thank HomeRight one more time for sponsoring me. I would not have been able to go to this event and experience all I experienced if it were not for their support. They are amazing!