Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you.
This post may contain affiliate links. This won’t change your price, but may share some commission. Read my full disclosure here.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.***
Well how about that? My first winner’s email bounced back, so I had to pick a new one. Congrats to the new winner, Jessica!
I’m sure by now you’ve been reading post after post about the Haven Conference. You might be sick of it; you might be annoyed that you missed it and don’t want to hear any more about it. So, how about we talk about it again? Ha.
Only this time, instead of rolling your eyes and gagging over how much we lovey-dovey bloggers adored meeting one another (don’t get me wrong, we totally did), how about I give you the inside scoop on some of the more awkward encounters I had the pleasure of being in the middle the cause of? I’ll even give one lucky reader a special treat for getting all the way through it (there will be a quiz if you win, so don’t go skimming and ruining it for everyone. Pssssh.*)
I felt prior to the conference that I maybe wouldn’t be able to relate to many of the other bloggers for several reasons: I live alone; most of them don’t. I am single; most of them are married. I have Charlie; they have children. I have a foul mouth and a sense of humor that includes a lot of Family Guy and South Park references. Put a beer in my hand, and my volume goes up to 11. They are also all polite enough to actually pay attention to each other’s blogs and projects; I have been in grad school and and haven’t had a full bathroom since March. Basically, I haven’t been a blogger who is good to other bloggers, and that makes me feel very impolite just standing there with nothing to start a conversation (“Hi, I loved your kitchen remodel, etc.”). That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of things that we all have in common – it’s why we were all at a conference in the first place (since we’re all DIY home improvement/design bloggers and readers). It’s just that… well, for more than one reason, some of the impressions I wanted to make on others (like trying to be funny) only left me feeling like I should just stuff my business cards in my mouth to prevent the next horrifying sentence from slipping out:
When someone finished telling me a funny story about her children:
When someone spoke about their lawn or landscaping:
“…I didn’t even know my bonsai plant was living for four months.”
Upon introducing myself as “Sarah… from The Ugly Duckling House?”
… hearing “Oh, right! You’re the ugly girl!” on more. than. one. occasion. Um… not exactly…
When discussing which sessions to attend:
“Are you taking the furniture painting class?”“Nope. I can’t even pee and shower in the same room. So, um, furniture isn’t a priority right now.”
When talking to the Roeshel about her gorgeous conference bag with her logo on it:
“Ooh, I love that bag. But I thought you had a red logo?”
Nope. She totally redesigned her blog and I forgot because I had been reading it through my phone app. Whoops.
I also completely blanked on Carmel from Our Fifth House. For someone who is bad with names, I found that it was even harder to try to remember both a person’s name and their blog name. And I friggin’ called her Carmen. She was very nice about it, but I felt like an ass.
Then, there were a few occasions where my awkwardness had nothing to do with what was coming out of my mouth. Since I live in the Atlanta area, I had no need for a hotel room. Which meant I was the girl in the lobby bathroom changing into a cocktail dress while everyone else did it in the privacy of an actual room where it would be appropriate. I just plopped my bag down and wriggled into a new dress like it was supposed to happen that way.
I had an opportunity to chat with several people at the cocktail party thrown for the Haven attendees. Only as this was happening, someone turned the room temperature up to 200 degrees and I kept fanning out the back of my dress because I knew that the alternative was to have a giant sweat streak down the back. I seemed to be the only one affected at the time. Explaining that I was strangely hot helped cool my embarrassment in front of those close enough to hear me, but for the ladies across the room, I basically (probably) just looked like I was fanning a fart.
Another awkward thing that happened is I won a giveaway for stopping by one of the vendor booths – a Kreg Jig.
The awkward part? I already have it. I love, love, LOVE this tool – but I don’t need two. See my post about my super easy DIY craft desk to learn more about how amazing a Kreg Jig really is. So, instead, I’m giving it away to one of my readers. Because you should benefit from my awkwardness, don’t you think? It was kind of the whole idea behind this blog when I started writing it. Learn from my mistakes. And now we’ve come full circle, so I’m not sure where to go from here with the site. Awkward.
-
I’m keeping things simple, so only one entry per person.
-
Be sure to include your contact info so I can email you if you win (if you don’t, I’ll just redraw for a new winner).
-
Giveaway ends next Thursday. I’ll announce the winner on Friday’s post.
-
I’m paying for shipping, so entries must be continental U.S. only, sorry.
*Totally kidding. No quiz. But aren’t you glad we got the chance to get to know each other better?
I wouldn't want to go to any of the blog conferences. I would stick my foot in my mouth the entire time or just be socially awkward, and people would be like “who's that beet red sweaty woman over there?”
I'd love a Kreg jig! It's one of those things that's on my wish list, along with a nice big table saw, compound miter saw, router with a table and lots of bits, and a huge workshop to keep everything in. I assume my contact info is in my profile, but just in case my email is mustaddfabricsoftener at gmail dot com.
Well I still read all the way through like I usually do. Awkward stories make me feel not so alone. Would still love the jig! Lyndseycoates@gmail.com
I'm sure it wasn't as bad as you think! :)
I want a kreg jig so badly, how cool!
Lol…. I have been dying to try out the keg jig
My name is
Brooke Gomhp
Getouttamyheadplease@ yahoo
Wish I could have went to haven.
But part of why I love your blog is BECAUSE you aren't like the others! I love your silly dog and your plant-killer tendencies. It's great. And very educational, as I'm rather new to DIY myself. If I was still living alone with my little pomeranian, I would totally be like you. Except for the beer. Eww. Anyway, I DON'T have one of those Kreg Jigs but have been thinking about buying one, so this would be perfect!
orangecowchick (at) hotmail (dot) com
I would love to win a Kreg Jig. It would get my tool collection started that I have been wanting to get together. I am phase two of remodeling my house, and I know I would put it to great use!
liz_lovelace@yahoo.com
For Such A Time As This
I read the whole thing and I have to say I would have been very nervous as well meeting all those people with their seemingly put-together lives. But the truth is we can all be a bit awkward at times and it's OK that your life doesn't revolve around blogs that you should know every person's details! This blpgging community is a funny yet awesome thing that connects perfect strangers with a common passion.
Either way, I'd love to win the Kreg!
I just wanted to say that, I'm glad someone else endured some totally awkward moments at Haven. We should have hung out more- I'm always up for a little Family Guy/South Park/potty humor. And for the record, you seemed totally normal and not-awkward when we were chatting! I thought you did great volunteering in Ana's class- so great that I shook my head in fear when you tried to coax me to go up next lol
Don't feel bad too bad about your awkwardness because I'd probably act the same as you. I'm the Queen of Social awkwardness.
Love that you posted this.
– Melanie
http://www.MailboxJourney.com
I love that I can totally relate to you and the awkwardness! Great posts as always and I would like to enter the drawing! My email is mcatlett@ gmail . com!
I love reading everyones Haven recaps. I so wish I could have gone!
sammanthamaxx(at)gmail(dot)com
I am at work trying to pretend I am working and not reading a blog but I am dying of laughter. I can't even count the number of times I think “maybe I shouldn't have said that…”
Also, totally pumped for this giveaway! I've been eyeing it for awhile but haven't pulled the trigger on buying it yet.
– Beth
bethsgroen@gmail.com
I think Ill always be to chicken to attend a conference of any sort! Just….agh.
Bekah@countrymousetales.com
I was drooling all over this at Haven! That's so great that you won it! It was so great getting to meet you and promise there was nothing awkward about it at all!
-Jacque (theDIYvillage)
jacqueknowlton at gmail dot com
Kreg Jigs Rock along with socially awkward people. Most think they are more awkward than they come across anyways. otter4044 at yahoo dot com
I enjoyed your perspective on your Haven experience! I would LOVE the Kreg System you're giving away!
Thanks!
redsoxknowlton@gmail.com
I feel the same way in public. Telling myself to shut up!!!! Love your blog!Would love the jig!
Molly mhrn97@yahoodotcom
too funny! I am sure it wasen't nearly as bad as you think! I would love to win! We have been building furniture for our house and this would make things so much easier! stephlsampson@gmail.com
The comment system is driving me nuts here since it wants to link to things I don't have accounts for! Let's try this for the THIRD time:
1. I related. Single, living alone with a dog.
2. Saw a kickass dresser tutorial on Pinterest that used a Kreg Jig. Have no tools. Need Kreg Jig.
3. Email: jacksonmelissar at gmail dot com
I would love the Kreg Jig! My husband is a carpenter and I have been trying to convince him how awesome it would be to have one!
Momyhale0706(at)yahoo(dot)com
We are about to start work on an attic renovation with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. I can't even begin to tell you how useful this would be!
I think everyone has awkward moments in large groups of people. It may be 24 degrees out but put me in a group and sweat will literally drip from me ugh
Srieke@hotmail.com
I absolutely need a Kreg jig! I am beginning on the DIY journey and having this would help. ** Here's me crossing my fingers that I win.**
I wish I could have gone to Haven, so sorry you felt out of place :(
Thanks for thinking of us though!
ef.utley(at)gmail.com
HA! i liked that totally kidding no quiz part. amazing.
I love that i'm not the only awkward person in a group of people…i'm the kind of girl who laughs when it is completely inappropriate…geeze.
:)
~Amy
a love blog 9 2 6 at gmail dot com [obviously the spaces are taken out ha!]
You are the best – and I hope you know that your honesty with your feelings is probably what everyone else at the conference was feeling on the inside, too. Thanks for the great stories and making us all feel “normal” that we do the same things.
Mamma wants/needs a kreg! Hook a sista' up, yo! edietrich “the number thirtyfour” at that nifty google mail. Or find me at http://www.denverdietrich.wordpress.com
I want one of these babies b.a.d! And that's so cool you got to help Anna White. Jealous! lulabellsdaughter@hotmail.com
I would love to win a Kreg Jig! We are doing a lot around our house and that would be awesome!
I'm sure the things you said and did were more awkward in your head…I'm sure everyone thought you were just as great as you thought they were!
jetpenner@gmail.com
I would never be able to bring myself to go to a blogging conference. I know I would totally do the same things as you and then go die in a corner of embarrassment…
It's great that your are giving away the Kreg Jig! My email is debbie@mylittlemess.net
I've used a Kreg jig and loved it! I mean seriously wanted to take it home and introduce it to the family type of love! I'm planning on building my oldest DS a new bed from Ana's site this summer and this would be huge. sarahkrieser@gmail.com
Thanks for the feedback. I got tired of spam so I restricted accounts. I think I'll switch it back if it's that difficult for you though!
I would love to win! email is hmbarker at hotmail dot com.
I'd be super awkward too don't feel bad! I fail at small talk.
I've been building a lot more lately and I've been wanting one of these jigs, thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like fun! I'm sure tons of people have a hard time remembering names! Thanks for the giveaway.
Glad I am not alone when it comes to social settings!
Would love the Kreg Jig- Thanks for the give away!
NAUGirl33@cox.net
Hey Sarah! What a lucky win! I think it's a great tool especially handy since I have decided to build my own furniture. Thanks Anna! Haven was awesome and your recaps make me giggle. I did see a girl wiggle into a dress in the ladies room! lol
If by some miracle I win, you can reach me at dsolzer at gmail dot com
Yay! A Kreg jig is totally on my wish list. And awkward totally ='s awesome. You have built better memories because of those moments.
ncsiszer@gmail.com
Oh! We just borrowed my dad's and have yet to return it. We love it, but yeah, happy Father's Day to him! sandymourasATgmailDOTcom
What a great giveaway. Thanks for always posting and your sense of humor.
vonrtaylor@yahoo.com
Please put me in your drawing.
Your faithful reader (I'm remodeling my bathroom right now!) :-)
I suffer from awkwardness in the social scene as well so I can totally relate!!
It would be awesome to win a Kreg Jig!!
crystalmcclary@hotmail.com
I had to look at the previous comment to remember your name….I know this is uglyducklinghouse, but who you are? Now I remember Sarah! You sound so much like me, except I have a male co-habitant(DH)
I'd love that Kreg Jig. Linda B
Linda58245 at gmail (.com, of course)
this would be so cool to win!
That is an awesome giveaway! Glad that someone will benefit from your awkwardness. :) Email is geauxmrsg at gmail dot com.
This post almost puts me at ease knowing there is someone else out there similar to me. I'm a new blogger myself and have been trying to catch up on all of the happenings at Haven (hopefully I can go next year!). My awkwardness can just be embarassign sometimes.
homestylereport@gmail.com
i didnt even know what this tool was, but its turns out it would really be handy to have!
thanks for stopping by my blog! i do want to do the thrifting outing with rhoda, but i have a baby shower that day and may need to help the hostess. i may be able to come for th morning. i live in grant park, which is not the closest to marietta…could be worth the rip. i love thrifting!
hope we can meet!
cindy
I have recently started diy projects around my condo and would love to win this. My email is vandycack at wi dot rr dot com
Cathie
I understand the whole akward thing. When people pulll out pictures of their children, I pull out the phone full of pictures of my dogs. (My pup is also named Charlie!)
thehouseofbing@gmail.com
Wish I could have been at that conference…Sounds like fun!
kscruggs@cmaaccess.com
Why do we keep holding conferences? Aren't they ALL awkward?
Thanks….would love a Kreg jig.
dwise571@gmail.com
Closing on my first house Monday – would love this to get some diy projects started!
Paula (pallotta@u.northwestern.edu)
Hi! I appreciate your honesty! Especially on the Carmel/Carmen incident…happens to me alot! We've just bought a home to remodel and I'm looking forward to learning from you. We could so use that Kreg jig!
I'm catherine dot regen at gmail dot com!
Thanks for the chance!
I'm always amazed at the level of the projects you tackle! We would love this tool. Okay, my husband would love using it; I would love coming up with more projects for him to do…haha…since there aren't already enough… Mary
mes_83 “at” hotmail “dot” com
Okay, this is creepy that I'm commenting under “David and Mary Lou” because my parents are “David and Marilou.” And I would give my dad the Kreg Jig because I have one and he's a carpenter and doesn't have one.
I keep getting weirded out in talking to you. Because I feel random tidbits you throw out about yourself are talking about me. STOP IT!
Not awkward or sweaty. You could have crashed in our room to change. And I was gonna say it a few days ago, but now I know that you'll get it… I cherish our friendship.
@AM lives at whitehouseblackshutters Aw. So sweet :) I'll Tweet ya!
your too funny! love this post and enjoyed meeting you at Haven- hope it wasn't awkward.
Haven sounds wonderful! Thanks for posting!
Fiala.katie (at) gmail.com
I'd love to win that! I've seen John from YoungHouseLove use it many times. It looks great.
hippieitch {at} gmail.com
Ahhhhhh!!!!! We need a Kreg Jig. We have about 40 (not kidding) projects for the next 8 weeks and I've thought a million times about how much easier _________ would be if we only had a Kreg Jig.
jessicawillis@gmail.com
Also, did you watch YHL's blogiversary video? The one where they said their weirdest fan encounter was John and a fan talking about peeing their pants in the HomeGoods? Yeah. That was me. Worse? I wrote a blogpost about it…they commented (so flattered!!!) and my friend called me when she viewed the video to say, “hey, weren't you the pants-pee-er?”
Classy. :) And I sweat TONS. Don't be alarmed or alone.
jessicawillis@gmail.com
Need it! Want it! Thanks!
Casabreyen@aol.com
Oh my, you lucky duck. I have wanted one forever :)
Thanks for the chance, sarah!
mary
mholubasch at sbcglobal dot net
This is truly an awesome giveaway! I've got my fingers crossed, legs and toes, too.
Kathy in Mukilteo, WA
kiwe58@msn.com
Omg I di!! I seriously love you and was so bummed I didn't get to go and meet you! Granted, I would have been equally as awkward so it would have been perfect. And I'm too much of a crack head to even complete a room…
PICK ME PLEASE!!!
jamikarah@sbcglobal.net or jamikgraham@gmail.com
You are AMAZING! I'd love to meet you! :) I would probably win the awkward award :) I'd LOVE to win the kreg jig, I borrowed my neighbors for my last project. Thanks for sharing the love.
I want it for the mess of a short sale we just bought. There are a gazillion projects in our future!
kristinleanne at gmail dot com
We should be best friends. KThxBai.
carrie @ brick city love
{brickcitylove at gmail dot com}
I would love to win the Kreg Jig! I just starting reading your blog and I love it!
erinmakayla (at) hotmail (dot) com
I've been reading your blog for about a year now and have never left a comment, but I love your posts!! Thank you for the opportunity to enter a giveaway. :)
Contact: joylynm@gmail.com
Stumbled upon your blog about a month ago. Love it! Thank you!
vitarayne (at) gmail (dot) com
Wow, guys, this is a HUGE turnout for this giveaway. I take it that you either A) Really want a Kreg Jig or B) Really love this blog or C) Both (and secretly hoard free things). At any rate, thanks so much for the turnout! There are still a few more days to enter!
It sounds like you had so much fun at the blog conference! I hope to be able to attend one one day!
And what a cute blog you have! I just discovered it and am a new follower of your blog!
And of course I am really hoping to win the Kreg Jig! I have been wanting it for months and am dying to get my hands on one! Thanks so much for being so generous enough to give away the one you won!!
Ashley
simplydesigning@gmail.com
http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
Hey, i LOVE kreg and I TOTALLY am lusting after that tool! You were adorable at Haven, i don't know WHAT you are talking about!!! I'm emailing you a secret email. Stay tuned.
@simplydesigning.blogspot.com Welcome to the site, Ashley! So glad you like it. And sorry to everyone who is NOT Ashley and I'm neglecting to respond to individually – you guys are amazing and I can hardly keep up with all of the entries! Giveaway is still open until Thursday night.
@angie in the thick of it Hmm, secret email, eh? Do I need my special Haven 2012 decoder ring to read it? (If you went to Haven and you didn't find a ring in your swag bag, feel free to make your own. I'm totally making this shit up).
Love reading your blog!!! Would love to play around with the Kreg jig. I have had my eye on it for quite some time!!
Thanks!
Sara
Barthel_28 at yahoo dot com.
Just found your blog…I think I'll stick around! :)
Love your blog and this post had me laughing out loud! Especially the dress fanning visual…too funny! This tool is totally on my wish list. I'd love to make some book ledges/toy shelves for my nieces bedroom.
I love your house and your super cute concept for your blog! Haven looked amazing!
ajculbs@gmail.com
Your blog is very helpful. I'd love the Kreg to start building furniture.
Tim dot McElrath at gmail dot com
Oh I totally would have been right there with you sticking my foot in my mouth. Most of the time it seems to be the one thing I'm good at!
slowdotsandfastcars at gmail dot com
Some months ago, my husband borrowed his father's Kreg jig and was so enamored, he wanted to buy one for himself. I told him that was a silly idea – he could borrow his father's any time he wanted it. Now, after reading your blog and several similar ones, I have so many great project that I want to do that I've been trying to justify buying my own Kreg jig. But if I won one, I wouldn't have to figure out how to hide it from my husband…
Sarah S.
smom1045@yahoo.com
Your blog is fantastic! I'm a single gal too and I love seeing projects you can do without a spouse! :)
I'm slowly acquiring tools and would love the Kreg Jig!! My email is schmem.em@gmail.com.
Emily
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.*** Thanks for the great turnout – winner will be announced Friday afternoon!
@Twice Thrifty CONGRATULATIONS! You're my winner of the Kreg Jig!
Aw man I missed the giveaway but you had me at foul mouth. Yep, I totally relate to that and awkwardness. ha!
Hmm, so now it seems I had a no-show on my first winner. Second winner has been picked and I sent out an email!
seeing as how this could so easily be me, i loved reading this post. i want to go to a blogging convention this next year and you nailed it.
ill be the awkward girl in the corner, all alone, muttering curse words to myself.
I feel like you just read my fortune for my first Haven!!!! Note to self….bring one of those little plastic fans (you know the one with the propellers that got stuck in your hair as a kid) because I am sure to be sweaty!!!!