“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same.” – Nelson Mandela

If you are an artist in any form, (painter, architect, contractor, wood-worker, writer, photographer, etc) than you understand how important continually finding inspiration is.    Sometimes as artists, we can get inspired by something we see on tv, a magazine, a walk in nature, or attending an event like the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show!

This past Saturday, I attended  The Minneapolis Home and Garden show.

My husband dropped the kids and I off at The Minneapolis Convention Center around 9:45 am, we flew in the doors in a rush to hear Matt Muenster speak at 10:00! We made it to the area he was at, 5 minutes prior to show time!  If you have never been to the Convention Center, it is a very big space, especially when you don’t know exactly where you are going.

Matt is an interior designer, licensed contractor and tv personality on HGTV’s Bath Crashers.  He is also partnered with Decolav and has teamed up with them to create an exclusive collection of stylish bathroom products.

Matt walked out onto the stage dressed sharp with a big heart warming smile on his face.

He gave a wonderful talk and I truly felt so inspired while listening to him.  He shared some insider information about Bath Crashers, how they pick the Bath Crasher winners, “You need to be the coolest of everyone we talk to!” He said.  I liked that.  His honesty, his humbleness and knowledge poured out of him during his talk.  He also shared some tips about crashing your own bathroom, and mentioned to focus on one statement piece, as in a custom mural wall.  One thing that really stuck with me that I will take with me while working on our own bathroom, is to not waste your bathroom space, “It is valuable square footage,” Matt said, “Don’t waste it just to go in and out of to take care of business, make it a place to relax.  If you like coffee, put in an espresso maker. (He is speaking my language there!)   “Don’t worry about what the neighbors think, what the next possible home owner may think, incorporate what you love into your space!”    I wish I would have videoed his entire talk!

We were blessed with the opportunity to meet Matt and get his signature and a photo.   My 7 year old daughter made Matt a birthday card which included a Bathroom Mood Board on the inside with bathroom design pieces from my magazines, like a bath tub, lighting, sink, wall hangings, flooring, paint color etc.

 

After the excitement of meeting Matt, we headed into the Auditorium to see The Property Brothers!  We got into the auditorium over 40 minutes prior to their talk, and it was already over half way full.  They drew a crowd of thousands! When they walked out onto stage, just like when Matt did, the kids looked at me, and I at them, and we all were embracing the fact that these incredible men that we see just about daily in our living room, on television- are real! Just like us!  Camryn kept saying, “Mommy this is so weird!”

Drew and Jonathan Scott, of the Property Brothers gave out some great advice about real estate investing, paying off your mortgage, and of course they tied in some humorous skits and videos as well.  They are quite the funny duo!

 

After The Property Brothers finished their talk, and we rushed back to see them again on the smaller stage.  We enjoyed a few delicious popcorn samples near by, when we heard Matt Muenster call out Camryns name!  She smiled so big!  He thanked her again for the birthday card, and we took the opportunity for another photo with him.  This guy is a class act!   As we walked away, Rayce said, “I can’t believe he remembered Camryns name!”  Then Camryn said,”I think  it’s because I was wearing a blue jacket.”    Camryn has been carrying around her signature from Matt everywhere, since we got home on Saturday night and she asked that it be hung above her creative art area, so she can see it while she is working her art projects.

 

Once our excitement decreased from getting to talk with Matt again, we wandered around the Home Show and enjoyed some lunch.  We only got through about 1/3 of the booths in the limited time that we had.  Next year we will be sure to allow more time to enjoy at the show.

 

After lunch, we headed to the long line to wait to go look at the Tiny Home Village! My 12 year old son was begging me to go see these.  I am so glad we did!  I loved the simplistic design and really loved the way that they were staged inside.  The details are important1  I see myself having a Tiny Home someday, tucked alongside a big mountain, for a second vacation home.  I’m a big dreamer, with dreams of a little house in the mountains.

What a fun day!  I left the home show, feeling so inspired, after meeting Matt, hearing him and The Property Brothers talk, and seeing all kinds of project ideas I could incorporate into my own home.   I would highly recommend the Minneapolis Home & Garden show to anyone who is looking for ideas, inspiration, or quality craftsmen and women who can help them bring their ideas for their home, to life.

I am already looking forward to our adventures at the home show next year!  Maybe I will see you there too?!

Remember you can follow along with my DIY adventures over on Facebook too!