The highly anticipated Haven Conference unfolded at the beginning of this month, bringing together a vibrant community of DIY and home decor enthusiasts. However, upon returning home, I was immediately swept up in the whirlwind of my ongoing kitchen makeover, leaving little room for introspection. So, a full two weeks later, I’m finally taking a moment to unpack the myriad experiences and unexpected lessons learned from this incredible event.
Beyond the Workshops: A Refreshingly Real Look at the Haven Conference
For those curious about the Haven Conference—its dynamic classes, insightful speakers, and the profound blogging wisdom shared—a quick search on Google would already provide a deluge of over 100 traditional recap posts. These conventional summaries meticulously detail “what we did and why it was fun,” offering a comprehensive overview of the conference’s educational aspects and formal agenda. At this point, another such recap would simply feel redundant and likely wouldn’t resonate with you.
Conversely, if a blog conference catering to over 300 DIY enthusiasts holds little appeal, a standard, earnest account probably won’t spark your interest either. Having navigated both a traditional recap and a more personal, “me” style reflection last year (Haven Awkwardness, Business Cards, & an AWESOME Giveaway), I found myself revisiting and enjoying the candid, quirky narrative that highlighted my own awkward (yet relatable) moments far more. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most memorable takeaways aren’t found in the meticulously planned sessions, but in the spontaneous, often humorous, interactions and observations.
Given that this blog often explores the funny, messy, and wonderfully unexpected facets of life and DIY, I’ve decided to offer a recap with a distinct twist. Here, then, are ten genuinely hilarious anecdotes from Haven—moments that, while perhaps requiring you to “be there” to fully grasp their comedic brilliance, offer a glimpse into the conference’s true spirit. A heartfelt thank you to the many talented women who actually remembered to capture these moments on camera, as most of these pictures are borrowed!
Ten Unforgettable (and Utterly Hilarious) Moments from Haven
1. I re-learned The Wobble.
The energy on the dance floor at Haven was surprisingly infectious, proving that a group of dedicated DIY and home decor bloggers, given the right playlist and perhaps a little liquid courage, can truly let loose. And, much to my delight (and perhaps slight embarrassment), I re-learned the iconic “Wobble” dance. Thankfully, Jessica from Gourley Girl & Guy was quick enough to capture this momentous re-education on film. It was truly astonishing to witness how many of these incredibly talented women, when prompted by the right mix of alcohol and music demanding they “shake dat ass,” could effortlessly command the dance floor. The camaraderie and uninhibited joy were palpable, turning a networking event into an impromptu dance party.
2. Ryobi hires smokin’ hot tool reps.
One of the most unexpectedly entertaining highlights of the conference was the sheer spectacle provided by Ryobi. They clearly understood their audience – a conference teeming with talented, mostly married women (and a few fabulous single ones like myself). What they did next was nothing short of brilliant. They brought in a team of undeniably handsome tool representatives, and then, as if choreographed for maximum comedic effect, made them do things like this:
For those who might not catch the full absurdity in the image, picture this: a line of enthusiastic Ryobi guys, each holding a branded umbrella, marching their way onto the dance floor. The soundtrack for this grand entrance? None other than “It’s Raining Men.” Yes, you read that correctly – this actually happened! The collective gasp, followed by cheers and laughter from the attendees, was priceless. The cost of admission to Haven? Absolutely worth it for this moment alone, a true blend of brand promotion and pure, unadulterated fun.
3. Sandra (Sawdust Girl) likes to teach classes with no pants on.
During one of the more technical, power-tool-focused classes, the incredibly talented Sandra from Sawdust Girl took to the stage. She was wearing an apron generously lent to her by Duluth Trading Company for the demonstration. In a comical oversight, she had mistakenly grabbed the men’s version of the apron, which, due to its generous cut, ended up completely covering her shorts. From the perspective of the audience, it gave the distinct and utterly hilarious impression that she was teaching the class without any pants on at all. While the reality was a simple wardrobe mishap, my version of the story, I must admit, is far funnier and certainly more memorable, adding a delightful, unexpected layer of humor to an otherwise serious instructional session.
4. Magical moments can happen anywhere, even in a closet.
One of the most insightful and unexpectedly candid sessions was a class focused on the nuances of forming genuine friendships within the blogging community and navigating blog etiquette. It was in this session that Katie from Bower Power delivered a line that instantly became iconic. When discussing inappropriate requests or expectations from fellow bloggers, she humorously (and quite pointedly) told the attendees that certain demands were akin to “asking to borrow her underwear.” The frankness and humor of the statement, delivered in what felt like an intimate, almost closet-like setting, perfectly encapsulated the balance between professional networking and setting healthy personal boundaries. It was a magical moment of honest connection, proving that profound lessons and genuine laughter can indeed emerge from the most unexpected and even slightly cramped spaces.
5. The right time to drop your beer bottle…
…is definitely the very second that everyone quiets down to hear the winners of a highly anticipated giveaway. This particular moment of personal comedic disaster occurred on the first night of the conference during a lively terrace party, graciously hosted by Homes.com. I had just finished my single beer – genuinely, only one, so definitely not tipsy – and in an attempt to gracefully grab a business card, I allowed the empty bottle to slip from my grasp. It hit the ground with a dull thud, and to my initial relief, didn’t shatter. I mistakenly thought that was the worst-case scenario. I was wrong.
Instead of a clean break, the bottle began an agonizingly slow, yet incredibly loud, journey. It commenced a series of distinct cling-clang-clatter sounds as it rolled, bounced, and tumbled its way down the gently sloping cement walkway directly behind me. The noise, amplified by the sudden silence, drew every single pair of eyes in the vicinity towards me. There was no escaping it. With a blush, I had to proudly (or perhaps, sheepishly) exclaim, “That was me, sorry!” It was a perfectly timed moment of utter mortification, quickly defused by shared laughter, and a prime example of the unpredictable humor that permeated the conference.
6. Staying at the hotel…
…lets you both drink more and have ridiculously childish moments with people who totally get this blogging thing. Opting to stay at the conference hotel proved to be one of the best decisions of the trip. It wasn’t just about convenience; it was about immersion. The hotel became a hub for extended networking, late-night brainstorming sessions, and the kind of carefree, slightly mischievous fun that only happens when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who completely understand the unique quirks and challenges of the blogging world. We shared stories, celebrated successes, commiserated over common struggles, and often devolved into silly, sleep-deprived antics, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcended the formal conference schedule.
7. I apparently like stealing flower displays after parties.
Following one of the vibrant evening events, expertly decorated by Rustoleum with creative flower vases made from spray-painted containers, a realization dawned on me. These beautiful floral arrangements, designed to enhance the atmosphere, would almost certainly go to waste once the party concluded if no one claimed them. Driven by a pragmatic desire to prevent perfectly good flowers from being discarded, and perhaps a touch of playful mischief, I found myself “swiping” a few displays for my hotel room. It’s a small, harmless act, I hope, and one that allowed me to extend the beauty of the event just a little longer. It’s these tiny, unexpected moments of resourcefulness (or petty theft, depending on your perspective) that add to the unique charm of conference experiences.
8. There’s something called BRF, or Bitchy Resting Face… and I probably have it.
A truly enlightening moment (and one of the funniest conversations of the entire trip) came courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Sew Woodsy. They introduced me to the concept of “Bitchy Resting Face,” or BRF – a term for the neutral facial expression that, to others, can appear angry, annoyed, or simply unwelcoming. It was a revelation! Finally, there was a name for that perpetually stern look I must inadvertently wear, especially when well-meaning strangers (usually guys) insist that I “smile.” Ironically, being told to smile often makes me want to frown even more, and now I have a perfectly valid, scientifically (or at least comically) recognized reason for it. This discovery was a shared moment of hilarious validation, adding another layer to the self-awareness gained at Haven.
9. Dirty hair? No problem… just curl it.
When you’re immersed in the non-stop energy of a conference like Haven, with early morning sessions, late-night networking, and endless conversations, basic self-care sometimes takes a backseat. Enter the ingenious hair hack: “dirty hair? No problem… just curl it.” This brilliant (and highly relatable) piece of advice came from my fantastic roommate, Pamela. From suggesting we invest in special tumblers for our various “drinks” to our hilariously goofy trip to Target, and even playfully snatching my phone, Pamela was an absolute riot to room with. Her practical, no-nonsense approach to conference beauty (and her general fun-loving spirit) perfectly captured the relaxed yet resourceful vibe of the attendees.
10. There’s so much love… um, lots of it.
Okay, this post began with things *I* learned, and since I’m deliberately steering clear of a detailed rundown of the actual classes, I’ve managed to exhaust my supply of funny anecdotes from the conference itself. However, that doesn’t mean the learning stops. Here are a few more humorous insights you might glean about *me* if we were to meet in person, extending the candid, slightly self-deprecating humor of this recap:
- I have a vulgar sense of humor. It’s just part of my charm, or lack thereof! As Dusty eloquently put it, “Sometimes you just gotta drop an f-bomb.” There’s a certain liberating honesty in colorful language, and I’m not afraid to embrace it. It often leads to the most genuine laughs and connections.
- I talk with my hands. A lot. This often means I accidentally smack the person next to me if I’m in a particularly animated crowd. My apologies in advance to any unsuspecting ladies who might have found themselves on the receiving end of my enthusiastic gestures. It’s just how the words flow out!
- I just might know how to “get low” and make Lil Jon references. Growing up in Atlanta instilled in me a deep appreciation for certain cultural nuances, and yes, that includes knowing how to properly “get low” on the dance floor and drop a perfectly timed Lil Jon reference. Okaaay? It’s a fun, unexpected layer to my personality that often surprises people.
The Heart of Haven: Community, Connection, and a Call to Action
My sincere and profound thanks go out to the incredible Haven Conference crew and all of the generous sponsors. While the classes offer invaluable insights and the workshops provide practical skills, the absolute best part about Haven, without a doubt, is the opportunity to meet all of these truly wonderful people. The unfortunate flip side, however, is the bittersweet reality that these burgeoning friendships must often continue across vast geographical distances.
Let’s be real here: I’m a girl who finds joy in power tools, appreciates a good beer, and can quote entire episodes of *Family Guy*. This often means my social life typically involves a healthy dose of toilet humor and, more often than not, more guy friends than girls. Yet, I also genuinely enjoy dressing up, putting on makeup, and indulging in a little silliness every now and then. Haven presented the perfect, rare opportunity for me to fully embrace all facets of my personality—to be myself, forge meaningful connections with new female friends who share my passions, and absorb a wealth of new information on how to become a better blogger and decorator.
It’s an utterly fantastic experience to meet these inspiring individuals, and simultaneously a shame that there simply isn’t enough time to connect with even more of them. Please forgive this moment of sappiness, but when your normal daily life doesn’t typically involve people who truly understand the intricacies of blogging or the unique culture surrounding it (I mean, let’s face it, I essentially broadcast my daily life on the internet *like a total weirdo*), it’s a completely different and incredibly validating experience when everyone around you treats it as the most normal thing in the world. You find yourself genuinely excited for their successes, and they, in turn, are genuinely excited for yours. It’s a shared understanding, a collective cheer, and a powerful sense of belonging. Sometimes, in those precious moments, you simply put the camera down and consciously soak up every minute of that invaluable connection.
And finally, a huge thank you to YOU, my dedicated readers, for following along on this journey. I truly do appreciate having this little corner of the internet where I can openly share these experiences and reflections with you all.
What’s Next? Back to the Kitchen!
On Monday, we’ll be returning to our regularly scheduled programming. The priming of the kitchen is heavily underway, and I’m incredibly excited about the progress. I’m hoping to even start painting and reveal the chosen paint color early next week, bringing us one step closer to the big reveal. Until then, have a great weekend!