Ready for a photo-filled recap from our Atlanta trip? I’ve got a mix of awkward-but-funny shots (that would be me and Katie B), adorable pictures of Clara and Will, plus a few sneak peeks at our house-crashing adventures and some on-the-road shopping finds. Let’s jump in.
This post covers just four days in Atlanta and includes over 40 photos — but it’s only a fraction of the road trip. We’ll follow up with dedicated house-crashing posts, a window-shopping roundup, and a thrift-store video that Katie and I filmed in one take. We’re still sorting through 1,000+ photos, so more is coming. For now, here’s a highlight reel of Haven: a conference full of DIY energy, inspiring sessions, and great people. The event organizers did an incredible job — it was such a treat to show up and connect with other bloggers and DIY enthusiasts.
Photo above courtesy of Rhoda.
About a year before Haven, we were invited to deliver the keynote. We accepted before we could overthink it, then spent the year trying not to make a complete fool of ourselves onstage. Whether we succeeded is up for debate, but the audience’s warmth and encouragement made it feel like a success. We shared the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped our blog — everything from posting frequency to how we unintentionally turned the blog into a business — and the response was genuinely supportive. If you’re curious about the details of our talk, there’s a recap here.
Photo above courtesy of Sarah.
Speaking onstage was much easier because John was with me — it was fun to be a little silly together and support each other through the nerves. The crowd was attentive and kind, and that made all the difference. After the session, we mingled, met new friends, and caught some great presentations. Highlights included Ana White’s practical and empowering session (she’s delightful in person and seriously skilled with a drill and high heels), and Layla and Kevin’s photography and styling class, which had lots of useful tips.
Photo above courtesy of Debbie.
Katie babysat my little one in our hotel room while we presented, and they were the cutest pair. After the sessions we wandered the event, chatted with readers, and enjoyed a lively cocktail hour with shrimp, brie, and pastry bites. I worried conferences might be cliquey, but Haven was welcoming and friendly — more like a big, cheerful gathering than anything else.
Photo above courtesy of Katie.
One memorable evening ended with dinner and impromptu dancing with a few new friends — we somehow closed down a restaurant together. The mix of conversation, laughter, and late-night silliness made the trip feel like a mini-adventure with fellow creatives.
Photo above courtesy of Katie.
Between sessions and social events, we squeezed in family time. John and the other husbands took the kids to the pool while we attended sessions. The pool had a lazy river and slides, and Clara loved exploring all the fun features. Katie even had a waterproof case for her Flip camera, which was perfect for capturing the chaos and laughs.
We also explored the city: a creek visit behind the Bowers’ house, a day at Zoo Atlanta (the train and carousel were Clara’s favorites), and a trip to the Georgia Aquarium where the whale sharks in the giant tank took our breath away. The aquarium’s interactive spaces and the underwater tunnel were delightful for kids and adults alike.
Of course we couldn’t resist a few house-crashing stops — sneaking inside to admire contrasting styles and snapping photos is one of our favorite parts of visiting a new city. We also managed some shopping, including a visit to the Pottery Barn Outlet in Gaffney, South Carolina, and Mary Jo’s Cloth Store near Charlotte. I came home with two yards of fabric that I’m excited to use.
We wrapped up one afternoon with a trip to Goodwill and shot another thrift-store video. Between conference highlights, family outings, house visits, and shopping stops, the trip was a perfect mix of work and play.
We’ll be sharing more detailed posts — house-crash recaps, a window-shopping roundup, and the thrift-store video — once we sort through photos and footage. Did you do anything fun this weekend? Any other Haven attendees with embarrassing or hilarious photos to share? Any big road trips coming up? We were nervous about the 8.5-hour drive each way with a toddler and a dog, but it turned out to be a lot more enjoyable than we expected.