Meet The Mentors – Haven Conference 2017

Happy Thursday!

I’m participating in a blog hop today to share some fun home blogger-related news. Kevin and I are going to be mentors at this year’s Haven Conference in Atlanta, Georgia! (If you just hopped over from Anita’s Cedar Hill Farmhouse blog, welcome!)

For those new to Haven, it’s a conference that’s open to anyone who is passionate about blogging, DIY projects, and creating an inspired home. The dates are July 20-22 this year, and their sessions will focus on improving skills in everything from decorating to home improvement, photography, writing, social media, brand relationships, book writing, and more!

As mentors, we’ll have an opportunity to share some of the things we’ve learned in our 9 years of blogging with a small group of bloggers who are new to the design and DIY blog-o-sphere. And because things continue to pop up and change so quickly in this techno-world, I’m sure we’ll learn a few things from them too! We’re super grateful for the chance to connect with so many kindred spirits that weekend. Leave me a comment on this post if you’ll be there!

The gals that run the Haven Conference also invited me to share answers to five questions here today too, so here goes!

1. How many years have you been blogging?

Nine this May. Where does the time go?!

2. What is your favorite DIY project that you have completed?

Favorite? Hmmm…that’s too hard to narrow down! One of my favorite super simple ones we did recently was the DIY picture frame riser we made to create our layered gallery wall:

Another was the inexpensive DIY board and batten we added to our bedroom walls:

3. What is something useful you have learned from a blog conference?

I’ve only been to three, and I could go on and on about all the helpful information I soaked up, but really the most important thing I, personally, took away from those experiences, and what I really want those of you who are nervous about going to know, is that you can do it. You will have a blast, and it will be so worth it. You will not be anxious the whole time, you will make friends, and you will go home refreshed, smarter and on fire, not only because of what you learned and who inspired you, but also because you did it. I promise. (And I’ll be there if you ever want to go outside and just breathe together!) #SocialAnxiety

4. What is something you love about blogging and what is something you wish you could change?

I love that there are no rules! You can share whatever is on your heart or whatever tickles your fancy on any given day. I’ve always said, “My blog is my playground and passion pushes my swing!” and that’s still true for me, almost a decade later!

The thing I would change (as a gal who blogs full-time) is that your income can literally drop in half from month to month depending on what your advertisers decide to pay, and obviously that can *really* be stressful when it comes to making ends meet while Kevin continues his training for a potential new job opportunity.

5. What is one piece of advice you would offer a blogger–new or otherwise–who is going to Haven?

Mentally- Be intentional about stepping back so that you can really evaluate your blog. That way, you’ll be able to see (with fresh eyes) what needs improvement and what you’re doing well.

Physically- Write down as much as you can so that you can refer to your notes when you get back home. The weekend will be one big, beautiful blur without them!

Emotionally- Soak up the sense of community and support. Create new friendships and have fun transforming ongoing online friendships into real life ones!

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Next up on the blog hop is one of my favorite friends, Rachel from Shades of Blue Interiors, so be sure to click on through if you’d like to swing by for a visit with her today too!

And if you’d like to meet all the other mentors, here are links to their fun blogs too!

Day 1

Southern Hospitality * Finding Silver Pennies * Jennifer Rizzo * Chaotically Creative

Day 2

Life on Virginia Street * Just a Girl * French Country Cottage * Maison de Pax

Day 3

Thistlewood Farms * Handmade Home * Beneath My Heart

That’s My Letter * Sweet Tea LLC

Day 4

Centsational Girl * Mom4Real * Cedar Hill Farmhouse * The Lettered Cottage * Shades of Blue Interiors

Day 5

The Inspired Room * Beauty & Bedlam * The Kim Six Fix * Shabby FuFu