In case you’re wondering, no, I am not moving to NYC! September was a busy month of travel to the Big Apple and to conclude my adventures, I attended the annual BHG Stylemaker event! The event is designed to inspire, build networks and collaboration amongst bloggers and content creators. What’s more is that BHG editors were on hand to take part in the fun! I went two years ago and had a blast. This year’s event was such a fantastic day with inspiring panels, delicious food, and fellowship. Everything was BEAUTIFUL, and, as cliche as it may sound, almost like it was right out of a magazine! 🙂

I love that the BHG team thought through every little detail, including finding amazing photographers, allowing attendees to really immerse themselves in the experience by not having to worry about getting the perfect shot. Below are some photos of the event by David Keith Photography.

Checking in…and my welcome package was at the top. Lucky me and my complicated name!

The moss wall just blew me away. Every backyard and sun room needs one!

Can I just have a breakfast bar like this every day? Chia seed pudding, oatmeal and smoothies – yes, please!

EIC Stephen Orr giving us the warmest welcome and a brief rundown of the day’s festivities. I had the chance to talk with Stephen at lunch and he was friendly, witty and dapper. Bonus points for having been to Sacramento before.

Beautiful blooms around every corner. Loved the cocktail table bouquets by FTD!

Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge was such a TREAT. She was sweet, funny and charismatic. The way she lit up when she talked about her new book In the Company of Women was priceless. I had a hunch we would get our very own copy in our swag bag and sure enough, we did!

I did my best to sit front row when I could! Here I am for the opening keynote with my new friends Liz (Liz Lidgett/Adore Your Walls) and Ursula (Homemade by Carmona).

Heather Christo dropping knowledge alongside Jennifer Stagg and Ilana Wiles.

These ladies have built their personal brands and monetized them in their own ways. My key takeaways from their experiences are to be consistent, authentic and nimble. Sometimes great opportunities come your way in a flash and you have to be able to make moves.

The beautiful and hilarious Padma Lakshmi! SO happy to have her new book, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs. Her passion for cooking is something I can totally relate to. When I prepare food for those that I love, it really is a spiritual experience for me!

After a full day of keynotes and networking, the BHG hosted an afterparty with the tastiest small bites and libations, including one of Padma’s signature cocktails that was featured in the September issue of BHG. Many editors and other executives of the magazine were present and I love how they mixed and mingled with all of the attendees.

And the fun didn’t stop there! The next morning BHG and Crate & Barrel hosted those sticking around to a brunch and shopping party. After perusing through the store, I finally settled on some hurricanes and candles to jazz up our mantle at home.

Many thanks to Better Homes and Gardens for putting together a wonderful event and to the generous sponsors for making sure we were taken care of!