After reading several posts about this wonderful night, I’ve decided to throw my hat into the ring too……….
Remember the blogger dinner I attended this past spring? One of the lovely ladies I had the pleasure of meeting that night was Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project”. I didn’t know Gretchen or her book before that evening, but as I rarely get to meet a “real” author, I try to make a point of reading his or her book when I do.
I typically shy away from books that “preach” self-improvement – because they are usually so…preachy. But Gretchen was so warm and engaging that I had a good feeling that this book would be different.
And what a fabulous book it is. Gretchen chronicles the year she spent on figuring out what it means to be truly happy. I loved it, and keep it by my bedside for an as-needed dose of inspiration.
So you could imagine how honored (and excited!) I was to be invited to the launch party for Gretchen’s new book, “Happier at Home”.
The party was held on a gorgeous rooftop terrace in New York City, hosted by Isabel Kallman and the Go Mighty team. I got to take pictures of the event, which was equal parts terrifying and wonderful. Terrifying because, well, I’m not a “real” photographer, and was totally panicked about doing a good job.
And wonderful because, well, a) how flattering, right?, and b) the camera turned out to be the perfect accessory to help this terribly shy, socially awkward gal mingle in a situation where she was plopped into a room full of smart, funny, gorgeous and accomplished women.
So instead of standing in the corner trying to figure out how I was going to introduce myself to Liz Lange (Liz Lange you guys!!) I asked to take her picture and THEN gushed incessantly about the-awful-maternity-clothes-22-years-ago-with-Chelsea-versus-4-years-ago-with-Noah-thanks-to-her-blah-blah-blah (I’m pretty sure it was the highlight of her evening…).
And instead of openly gawking at Heather Spohr (one of my favorite bloggers EVER) until walking away saying absolutely nothing, I asked her to take a “happy” picture, and THEN told her how much I admired her writing, and how it was one of the earliest inspirations for my own blog. It was beyond thrilling.
And because the theme of the evening was (you guessed it) “Happy”, it got me to thinking about how I was feeling in that moment. I was happy.
Happy to be in such a gorgeous setting on a perfect summer evening in New York.
Happy to be included in a group of women that I admire so.
Happy to see many familiar faces – some that I had met before and others that I finally got to meet in real life for the first time.
Happy for doughnuts.
And definitely happy to have a copy of Gretchen’s new book to give away to one of my lucky readers!
Simply leave a comment below, telling me what makes you happiest at home. Be sure to include your e-mail address if it’s not already linked to your comment. The giveaway is open through Sunday, August 19th at 5 p.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random, and announced on Monday, August 20th.
I’ll start things off: I’m happiest at home when I’m sitting in my backyard on a quiet Sunday morning, papers, iced coffee and everyone else still sound asleep.
Good luck! Update: Lacy S. is the lucky winner! Thanks for participating!
If you’d like to read more about this wonderful evening:
Check out Laura Mayes’ post about all of the delicious food and drinks served.
Or Amber Doty’s, about the fabulous gifts that were generously donated.
And Sarah’s reflections on the happy people in attendance.
For more pictures, check out my friend Leslie’s post – and drool over her amazing photos.
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
It’s great that you’re giving away a copy of Happier at Home. I loved it and have recommended it to several friends.
Gretchen’s party pictures was what drew me to your blog and I have enjoyed it so much since then Thank you!
I love her book The Happiness Project so much! and I am very excited for her new book Happier at Home. If I win one here that will be double happiness!
What makes me happiest at home is a good smell coming out from the kitchen like a pot roast and an attentive husband and a non-fussy baby.
To be home with nothing to do
but be with my boys.
Laugh, play, explore,
with not a care, not a chore.
And Happy I will be
Love your pictures! Everyone does indeed look very happy! What makes me happiest at home is walking into my nice, clean, mostly empty bedroom at night and getting into bed with a good book. I breathe a sigh of relief whenever I go in there. 🙂
I’m jealous because I couldn’t make it to this event…oh wait…HAPPY. AT HOME. Let’s see…
I have two opposite types of happiness at home:
Drinking coffee and reading blogs that I love before everyone else is awake.
Hanging out with Nathaniel and Drew on a Sunday morning – no plans, no rushing – then having a delicious breakfast together as a family, courtesy of Drew.
I have a new little mantra that I’m going to create into some wall art – “Home is the heartbeat of family!” Aside from my babes and my love, music on the record player makes me happy at home!
Thanks, Sheri!
-Lacy
(philandlacy@gmaildotcom)
I love the look of this rooftop terrace and everyone mingling and all the summer clothes and the amazing table of food. What a ‘happy’ event. I’m happiest at home when sitting around the dinner table with all my children and everyone’s swapping stories xx
I love relaxing in my beautiful Florida home filled with all the art and music I have collected over the years. I’m happy when my husband, Mike, is preparing dinner for us, as I’m usually tired at the end of the day doing all kinds of fun retirement “stuff.” Love your blog and your photographs, Sheri.
I am happiest at home when I am playing on the floor with my two baby granddaughters and listening to the two sets of parents enjoy each other’s company . My husband’s similar feelings complete my happiness. Thanks for asking.
I’m happiest at home when I’m sitting on my couch with the windows open, reading a good book or watching TV, with my hubby sitting beside me.
I loved Gretchen’s first book and have a ton of pages flagged with sticky notes so I can look back once in a while. LOVED IT!
I am happier at home when I am snuggled up with a good book, my two cats, a hot chocolate and the sound of hubby listening to sports on TV.
Thank you for the great giveaway! So excited to read this book!
I really loved the first book because I found so many of the things Gretchen wanted to work on were also things I needed to improve! So I’m really looking forward to Happier at Home.
One thing that makes me happy is when my cat comes into my room to give me a little visit. It always cheers me up because he is just so cute.
I’m happiest at home with a glass of wine by my side, my laptop on my lap as I sit and relax while laying in bed… with a few kitties by my side 😉
I’m happiest with the windows open and a fall breeze curled up in a comfy chair with a great novel, with hot chocolate in a mug beside me.
I’m happiest at home when dad and I are sitting on the deck at “happy hour time” enjoying a glass of wine and listening to our favorite music.
Oh, I loved the Happiness Project! And I love seeing all of these great ladies in one place together. So fun.
Can I pretty please win the book?
I’m happiest at home when I’m snuggled up in my daughter’s covers, reading she and her sister a bedtime story.
XO, MJ
I’m happiest when I wake up early and have time to read in bed.
Those photos are absolutely gorgeous! Looks like a very lovely evening. I am a huge fan of The Happiness Project and of Gretchen Rubin’s tweets, blog, and daily happiness thoughts. I would love to win a copy of Happier at Home.
My favorite time at home? The RARE weekend afternoon when I have the house to myself and can stretch out in the sunshine on my red couch and enjoy a great book and a cold Diet Coke.
Looking forward to exploring your blog now! Thanks for hosting this giveaway and for the glimpse of a really cool party.
Thank you! 🙂
I am happiest at home when there is fall sunlight streaming through the windows and a kitty is curled up next to me while i read and drink coffee. I am happiest when all of my family members are nearby and engaging in activities they love… When the air is cool and crisp and sounds of a windy day.
Love the pics- and your honesty about the experience! So excited for you and all these good things.
I’m happiest at home when we are all together -with no where to go. We spent a few hours playing board games and enjoying time outside. It was great!
Thanks Arin! xo
I’m happiest at home when everyone is enjoying the great meal I just made and we just hang out chatting and telling stories around the table. On the flip side I am very happy when I am home alone which is so rare in my life.
I love cuddling with my kitties at home!
Sheri, what a wonderful experience this must have been for you! I never picture you as “shy and awkward” (quite the opposite) – I’m sure everyone just thought you were the best! The photos turned out beautiful! I own “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin and LOVE it. In fact I need to read it again (I should keep it on my bedside table like you do!). And of course I’m very excited to learn about her new book!
I’m happiest at home when I wake up to a freshly cleaned house, the coffee is brewing, and the only thing on my agenda is reading the Sunday NYT and enjoying that cup of coffee!
Aw, thanks Lisa! I’m much better “one-on-one” for sure! xo
First off, great post, I would love a chance to get my hands on this book. And by the way, the pictures are amazing!
I am happiest at home when it’s quiet, my kitchen is covered with opened cookbooks, and my imagination is running wild. shocking right 🙂
Thanks my friend! xo
What gorgeous ladies! This looks so fun, Sheri. I actually had shied away from this book too, but I might have to pick it up now. I have lots of happy moments I can think of, and one very closely mirrors yours, but I’ll go with post workout. After a really intense workout I just feel so strong and thankful for my healthy body. It’s the best feeling in the world!
Love that Clara! Yes, her book is that “anti-self-help” self-help book. She is so REAL and genuine. I think you’ll love it! 🙂
When I finally take a moment to read your blog, I find myself needing to read every one I’ve missed.It’s like a bag of chips!
Being the photographer and all, I guess you’re off
the hook for not including your beautiful self.
Happy at home: Waking up to the smell of brewed coffee coupled with the sound of my dog lumbering up the stairs and then bounding through my bedroom door & onto my bed, so happy to see me. Of course a rain storm would complete the scene.
I’m happiest at home when my son and I are camped out on the couch watching a movie
Sigh. Once again, I’m bummed that I don’t live near you. What radiant faces and cool personalities captured in those pics.
I’ve often apologized for my home. It’s not a “real house”, it’s a townhome. I rent. It’s “just” me and the kids. But in the last year or so, I’ve really come to love this home. I love my quirky touches, that I can sit on my deck with coffee, my gorgeous new carpet and that my kids are happy here. They tell me all the time that they love our home. They’re smarter than me 🙂