Better Homes and Gardens, Nate Berkus, NYC and Me

Hi there.  I've missed you guys.  It's been a little crazy around here.  Crazy in a good way.  I can't wait to share all the exciting things that have been going on.  First, let me start with an adventure I went on 10 days ago.  Here is a little teaser...

Photo courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

 I hopped on a plane and flew to NYC for the Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Stylemaker Event.  I was invited along with 69 other bloggers to attend an exclusive all-day workshop at the BHG New York offices with the BHG team of editors ending with a fabulous party.

I landed in NYC and took a crazy cab ride into Manhattan to my hotel where I hooked up with my friend and roommate, Laura Trevey.   

After exploring the city, we met up with a fun group of bloggers for dinner.  We had a great time getting to know each other and talking shop.  

   

The next day we woke up and headed to the Meredith (BHG) offices.  We spent the day hanging on to the words and advice of the BHG editorial team, enjoying some pretty amazing food and getting to know fellow bloggers.   

(A huge thank you to Minted for creating a gorgeous piece of customized art for every blogger in attendance using photos found on our Instagram Feeds). 

From there we went to a private Stylemaker session. Well, as private as something can be in a room full of bloggers…ha!

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

The session was hosted by Nate Berkus and panel of Stylemakers from the September issue of BHG; Gaby Dalkin of What's Gaby Cooking, Gen Sohr Pencil + Paper Creative Development and Susan Feldman the Co-Founder of One Kings Lane.

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

It was so much fun hearing what they each had to say about personal style.  I snapped the photo below just after Nate discussed the hot button topic of painting wood…he agrees that it's okay.  By the way, you know how Nate appears to be this sweet, down to earth, charming, like-able guy on TV?  Well guess what?  He is. 

  

After the stylemaker discussion we headed over to the top of the Gansevoort Park Hotel where the party took place.  

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

Also joining us was one of my very favorite HGTV personalities; Designer and Host Monica Pedersen and the uber inspiring BHG Editor-in-Chief; Gayle Butler.

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

The food was fabulous, drinks were incredible…

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

 and the guest list was pretty darn cool.  

(The gorgeous Monica Pedersen, myself, and dapper Peter Julian from Scalamandre).

Did I mention how charming Nate is?

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

Oh my gosh, how could I almost forget to tell you about the furniture!  This chic living room set up overlooking the city was styled by Pier One.    

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

  

The furniture provided swanky and comfortable conversation area as well as a gorgeous backdrop for pictures.  Below is the Lee Jeans chick (who seemed kinda quiet), myself and my best girl Stacey who had the opportunity to participate in the BHG Makeover Challenge .

Photos courtesy of © Avi Gerver Photography

Speaking of pictures, the photo booth was very entertaining…

(myself, Sue, Elizabeth, and Laura)

(Kim, Cyndy, myself and Beth)

Thank you, Better Homes and Gardens for the hospitality!  Thank you Lee, Pier 1 Imports, Vanity Fair, Oh Snap Smile and all the other sponsors for the fantastic swag.  You guys know how to throw a party.  To see more photos from this event, please click here. 

 I learned so much from this experience. It was so much more than an exciting trip to the city, a fun day at the BHG offices and a party with awesome people.  It was an incredible, priceless learning experience. I'm always looking for ways to improve my blog content to make it a better experience for my visitors (you).  Because without you, this blog would not exist and that trip would never have been possible.  So, thank you. 

Back to work!  I currently have a few openings for new online design projects and after this trip, I'm feeling pretty inspired!

For information on my affordable online design service please click here.