Tag: gold coast

Categories
News

The Gold Coast is What?

I sit here in my wonderful hotel room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast and about to get ready to start Day 1 at Problogger. I arrived late afternoon yesterday and was lucky to be in time for early registration and the networking event for Thursday night.

My fabulous room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast
My fabulous room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast

However I had to share something that happened on the train on the way to the airport yesterday.

I was still making my way down the Blue Mountains and due to it be very early there were school kids on the train. One of these kids were trying to convince her friends that the Gold Coast was not actually in Australia. She was saying that ages ago the Gold Coast was not in Australia, it was on the edge of it.

I know that we had the continental shift and million of years ago all land mass was in a different position and has since moved to its current position.

She was very sure that the Gold Coast in fact was not part of Australia and a different land entirely!

What the????

I was off to fly there very soon?

I did not have a visa? Or my passport! Will I be okay?

Will I be able to get to the conference in this different land?

All of these kids mates were telling her how wrong she was and that it was a very silly idea and that the Gold Coast is part of Queensland and is in fact part of Australia and not a different country.

As this kid was most insistent one friend said, “Fine, I agree with you! The Gold Coast is a different country and not part of Australia. I just want this conversation to end! I want to stop talking about this stupid idea…. “

I did have a BIG chuckle over this, but you can imagine how funny it was when at the airport I checked in at the International Virgin Check In for my flight to the Gold Coast, which is part of Australia and not a different country.

Yep I got checked into my flight at the International Check In at Virgin. It is okay.... they were just doing domestic. However after what happened on the train it was very funny.
Yep I got checked into my flight at the International Check In at Virgin. It is okay…. they were just doing domestic. However after what happened on the train it was very funny.

Have you ever overheard something funny? What was it? Was it like the Gold Coast is not really in Australia? Let us know.

 

Categories
News

Problogger 2015 here I come!

I am very excited and happy. Yes a rare occurrence due to the fact that I have not done anything on my to do list (this to do list is mainly housework and organsing stuff for kids )

However I did manage to do something I have wanted to do since experiencing Problogger in 2013.

Today I managed to secure a ticket to Problogger. If you don’t know what Problogger is, It is the biggest and most amazing blogging conference in Australia.

Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast in 2013. We were there for Problogger.
Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast in 2013. We were there for Problogger.

Why I wanted to go back:

  • I loved it.
  • It was an eye opener and I had a ball!
  • Learnt so much
  • Networked and met such amazing people

So with the idea that 2015 is the year to achieve. The year to progress and get things done in a professional sense.

Yes screw the housework (although I secretly wish that while I work away, my clone would be cleaning and doing all the things I loathe to do)

I had enough in my PayPal account and that made ticket buying easy. Also I was sitting at the computer when ticket sales were announced and was able to get a ticket while some were still left, at the time of booking there was only about 230 tickets left. Last year they sold out in about 30mins to 15mins. Yes crazy isn’t it! Being online at the right time is crucial!

I phoned the hotel to book a room and that is now organised. Although still waiting on my confirmation email. I chased this up but it is due to the fact that bloggers have kept the hotel staff very busy. I wanted to make sure that I had a room at the venue as this would have made things harder. I have been assured my email should turn up tomorrow. I hope so.

In our hire car at Gold Coast Airport in 2013. This time it will be just me driving my hire car.
In our hire car at Gold Coast Airport in 2013. This time it will be just me driving my hire car.

Two things are left to sort out

  • Flights to the Gold Coast
  • Car hire

I will of course use my wonderful car hire deal from Redspot Sixt to get me from the airport to The RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

If you are a brand, company and the like, and you have anything that might suit the blog please get in touch.

I need to help pay for my trip and to help hubby not feel upset about the outlay so far. Plus The Problogger event is a perfect time to get more eyes on your products and business. We can work something out if you would like to sponsor me.

Are you going to Problogger in August? If you are I will see you there! I cannot wait. Not only will I be learning a great deal, I will be kid free for a while.

Let me know if you are going and we can meet up.

 

Categories
6 years and beyond

Mummy and The Girls Off On Holiday

Today the twins and I fly to Coffs Harbour to visit their grandparents and as luck would have it we can also see my mum and step dad as well! Yes, both sides of the family will be in the one place at the same time. AMAZING ACTUALLY! This was not planned and was just a fabulous coincidence.

We were all hoping to go and visit after Christmas but hubby has to work through and only has public holidays off, so not ideal for traveling far away. I asked hubby if he was okay with me and the girls flying there to see his parents and my mum and step dad, and if we had the money we would do it. We were lucky that the stars aligned and we managed to organise it.

The twins new luggage! All packed and ready for their trip to Coffs Harbour. They cannot wait to be on the plane and the fight for the window seat has begun!
The twins new luggage! All packed and ready for their trip to Coffs Harbour. They cannot wait to be on the plane and the fight for the window seat has begun!

Months back we booked the tickets and I secretly purchased luggage for the twins. Yes they now have their own luggage. Last year when we went to the Gold Coast they wanted their own luggage. I promised that the next trip we make I will get them their own suitcases.  I packed up the luggage as part of their Christmas gifts and of course it was the first one that they decided to open. Once open, I asked, “Do you want to know where we are going on our secret adventure?” The kids screamed, “YES”, I told them that we are off to see grandad and grandma, and of course Nana and Opa will be there as well. They were so happy that we are going to see them! However the new luggage and news of going on a plane was high on the list also.

This is my first time of taking the kids on a plane with me, and just me! It should be fun. It is a short trip, only one hour flight so we will be there in no time. Once all our bags and extras are checked it will free up the hands to look after other things like colouring books and organising drinks and food!

As I will be flying out to spend time with family, I will not be blogging this week as much. Check my Instagram account to see what I have been up to.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and are having a nice relaxing holiday!

 

 

Categories
5 years and beyond

Packing Mistakes

This would have been what it would have looked like if I had my swimsuit, Really! Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This would have been what it would have looked like if I had my swimsuit, Really! Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now as you all know, we have recently come back from a fabulous trip to the Gold Coast. It was fun and amazing, however I forgot two essentials, they were:

1. My swimmers

2. My business cards

I got all beach ready to then have to wear shorts and t-shirt to the beach. Not glam or comfortable but at least this allowed me to exerpeince the sea and have a bit of fun. Still upset about this. I got everyone’s swim suit and clothes organised and forgot mine! Have you done this? Talk about a mother thing to do. Next time I will sort my swimmers out first and as I think about it, I WILL PUT THEM IN THE SUITCASE RATHER THAN DO IT LATER!

While at the Gold Coast I was attending the Problogger Conference and only realised the night before it started that I did not have my business cards. Where were they? Well they were safe at home on my desk, doing NOTHING! Annoying to say the least.

Tears were shed, Many words not fit to print were uttered and yelled, and just felt like a stupid idiot forgetting them as I was so looking forward to making new contacts. Oh well, the only saving grace here was technology. I had my phone and tablet and this allowed me to follow new contacts on twitter or via Facebook and therefore allowed me not to be too upset about not having my business cards on me.

What have you left at home to only realise later that you really needed or wanted to have it? Were you annoyed? Could you get a replacement for the thing/things you left at home? Send in your comments.

Categories
5 years and beyond

Silly Photo Fun

At the QT on the Gold Coast there was a digital wall that changed colour, had patterns, and leaves falling to create interest. I must say it was very mesmerizing. I thought why not have some fun pictures with the kids in front of it. Below are some of the pictures from our silly photo shoot. The kids had so much fun. They are such great girls, and future super models with some of the poses.

Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.
Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.

Do you take some fun pictures while on holiday? I could not resist this, it just looked so wonderful.

Categories
News

Problogger 2013 Takeaways

At Tsh Oxenreider's talk on Day 2
At Tsh Oxenreider’s talk on Day 2

Problogger was exactly what I thought it would be like, awesome! I learned so much, met wonderful people and overcame my fears of saying hi to some well known, very established bloggers. As my hubby reminded me, they are just like me, however the only difference is they have done it a bit longer.

I was super lucky to have been able to attend this conference and it would not have happened without winning the 1stAvailable.com.au blogging contest, so thanks again to the lovely team at 1stAvailable for making it all happen. I do attribute a lot of things to luck, maybe I need to adjust my thinking and believe it was skill. At the end of the day I felt blessed and amazed to be attending the event as at the same time last year, I was stomping around upset that I would never attend such event and just having a bad time of it all.

This bad time could be due to kids not listening, feeling like the blog was not going anywhere, but felt that it would be a nice goal to attend one day. I must have put my thoughts out into the universe and the universe rewarded me this year. I did catch myself wanting to pinch myself that I was actually on the Gold Coast and about to hear such vibrant people like Trey Ratcliff, Amy Porterfield, Darren Rouse, Tsh Oxenreider, Clare Bowditch, and Bernadette Jiwa speak.

Have you got mad about something but really you are just jealous or annoyed due to really wanting to go but can’t. Then it finally happens and it seems very surreal. If so I know how you feel?

So what was the conference like? Is it worth it? 

Yes the conference is well worth every cent and effort made to attend. The talks were inspiring, the information was helpful and it opened my brain to do things a little differently on the blog. The QT on the Gold Coast where the conference was held was amazing, it is quirky, and has a 1960’s funky vibe. The food was so yummy, dining at Bazaar was a magical and a relaxing experience. Breakfast was the same, so much to choose from, that said the catering for the conference was wonderful and we even got served by flight attendants from Virgin Australia as they were one of the major sponsors. It did take me a moment to realize why they were there after leaving a very engrossing talk.

Darren and Trey
Darren and Trey

What were the key messages and takeaways?

  • Image is key, make sure that you have an image for everything
  • Facebook is where to market yourself
  • Make sure that you have a good cover image for Facebook that has what you do clearly visible
  • Your profile image should be the same across all your social sites (need to fix up one I think)
  • Focus on telling a story and adding personality into your brand
  • Tsh was very inspiring with ways to brainstorm and think of what to write about. I do have a million and one ideas, however I don’t write them down or remember them all. She was very clear about how to link things and suggested creating a series
  • If they don’t fit your brand, what could you do with the content? Does it belong on another blog or site?
  • Amy was amazing with all the secrets she shared about Facebook marketing, creating Post Page Ads is one thing I did not know about. Will find out more when I go through more notes
  • What personality type are you? Are you a morning person or is it evenings? Figure out how you work best and go with that.
  • Treat the blog as a business from day 1, this way you will be more focused and organize it as such. Writing and organizing time will not be so bad if you do this from the start. I need to do more of this.
  • Trey showed me that looking the world differently is o.k and one key quote he said about his critics is “fight back with awesome”, I am going to do this, but not sure about critics. I will just assume I have none and power along with awesomeness.Darren's Keynote Presentation

Darren’s Keynote Presentation

  • Clare was amazing and showed me that I have so much in my head that I want to be, I just need to follow my calling and go with it. Focus on what makes me happy. So I will do that. I normally have to do things for others, but due to kids and creating a role for myself at home with the blog and soon to be social media manager it is slowly happening. Following my bliss.
  • Don’t give up with your blog. All the speakers at one time or another was going to throw in the towel and they kept at it, success was just around the corner.
Excited to be at Problogger
Excited to be at Problogger
Virgin Australia serving our food. I did a double take as did not expect this!
Virgin Australia serving our food. I did a double take as did not expect this!
I know Austin from way back. Yeah baby. At the Party on Friday night @ Gold Coast Hilton
I know Austin from way back. Yeah baby. At the Party on Friday night @ Gold Coast Hilton
YUM sweets!
YUM sweets!
Wobbly dark choc dessert, YUM!
Wobbly dark choc dessert, YUM!
These interesting creations are so yummy it is hard to explain. The pill thingy is a squeezy tube that you add over it. It gives it a nice zesty taste.
These interesting creations are so yummy it is hard to explain. The pill thingy is a squeezy tube that you add over it. It gives it a nice zesty taste.

 

I now want to go next year. Keen to find out where the conference will be and see if it is possible for 2014.

If you were unable to attend the conference, the virtual ticket is still available, this gives you access to all the talks – audio and presentations that we saw over the 2 days. As said it was great and a lot of information to digest. Over 30 hours of learning that will help your business and grow your blog.  If you do wish to look at and purchase the virtual ticket. Click on the link on the to right of the blog website, you can learn more and purchase from here. Enjoy, and get ready to be inspired!

What did you think of the conference if you went? Have you attended via the virtual ticket? Are you going to go next year?

Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.
Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.
Categories
5 years and beyond

Back Home

Hi, we are back from our holiday and Problogger. It was so wonderful and I am super grateful that we got to go. Thanks so much to 1stAvailable.com.au for making this all possible. We are super tired and I have many posts to share with you all in the next coming days.

At the conference
At the conference
Me at the beach
Me at the beach

If you did make it to the conference it was lovely to meet you. It was amazing and I am making plans to be there next year, where ever it will be.

Good night world, gotta go get some sleep as kids are at school tomorrow and I have a big day cleaning and blogging.

Categories
5 years and beyond

Family Fun at Dreamworld

Thanks to Queensland Tourism the family and I were lucky enough to get tickets to Dreamworld. It was so nice that they extended their hospitality to the bloggers who came to Problogger and the Gold Coast this year.

The girls and I at Dreamworld
The girls and I at Dreamworld

We arrived a couple of days early for the problogger conference, I wanted to spend time with the hubby and kids before I was surrounded by presentations, talks and just wonderful information to absorb.

So what would we do the day before the conference? A day exploring Dreamworld was perfect. The twins were super excited and had no idea what the surprise was. Once we arrived at the park they were very happy and looking forward to the surprises that awaited behind the gates.

MAD Jungle Jam
MAD Jungle Jam

It was a nice hot, sunny and great day for being out and about. We were very lucky that the weather was good and behaved for us.

So what did we get up to at Dreamworld? At first we did the normal things, got a map, looked at what shows that might appeal to the twins.

We started at Dreamworks experience and went to all other areas that are appropriate for kids. The girls played in the water garden in front of the Kung Fu Panda’s statue.  The girls loved MAD Jungle Jam they had a fun time trying to hit mummy and daddy with the balls in the machines.

 

Hubby went on Tower of Terror II, and he loved it! I don’t like such scary rides, and was grateful that I had to mind the twins while he went on the ride. If you like the big thrill rides, there are plenty to go on.

We did go on a couple of family rides with the kids and everyone enjoyed them and wanted to go on it again. So that is a good sign! The issue we had was that the girls are not yet 110cm and most kid rides you have to be this height.

The two rides that we did as a family were, the Thunder River Rapids Ride and Rocky Hollow Log Ride. While on the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, we saw a triceratops growling. The girls were a bit worried about it. I did explain that we are far away from the dinosaur so all good. We were safe.

However seeing a dinosaur reminded me of an episode of Peppa Pig. The episode was the one where the family visit the theme park called, “Potato City”, Edmond Elephant pointed out that there should not be dinosaurs living in the same period as they did not exist when the other creatures were living. He then trumpets and announces he is a clever clogs.

Just a warning, be careful of dinosaurs and their bones. It gave the kids a fun thing to look out for and both were on the look out for dinosaurs and their bones.

We had an excellent day out and the twins were so tired after a long fun filled day. Thanks so much to Queensland Tourism for allowing us to visit the park while we were on the Gold Coast.

If you are visiting the Gold Coast, why not visit Dreamworld, it is a good family day out.

Have you had a blast at Dreamworld or at the Gold Coast? What did you get up to? Send in your comments.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Mountains V’s Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.

Categories
4 years and beyond Uncategorised

Mountains V's Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Gold Coast Trip

Tuesday night we got a hotel in the city so we could be closer to the airport rather than staying at home and having to have a 3am wake up call to enable us to get a 10.10am flight. So rather than waking at 3am we all woke at 6am so better all round really.

The kids loved staying at a hotel the night before our trip actually happened, it was an extra treat. We got up and and I got the kids organised as we were all still very sleepy as Tuesday was a big day and the kids did stay up very late and therefore were extremely sleepy the next day.

All of us managed to get dressed and sorted and we got our bags and put them in car, and we were headed off to the long term parking, so all on time and schedule. Hubby was happy about this.

The girls and I waiting to get on airport shuttle
The girls and I waiting to get on airport shuttle

We got to the airport early and we all looked around, we had breakfast although there was a big fuss due to not having WeetBix, one kid had pancakes and the other had apple. Not great but better than nothing. Maybe they can have WeetBix for breakfast today? Crossing fingers and toes the hotel has this available.

After we had exhausted our adventure walk around the domestic airport we went to where our gate was for our plane and hung around there for a while. Kids were getting a bit bored so we went and looked at some more planes.

Checking out the plane while waiting
Checking out the plane while waiting

Yes we are now on the plane! We are all excited and kids even more so! I love take off.

Julia and Daddy on the plane
Julia and Daddy on the plane

 

Lilly and Mummy on the plane
Lilly and Mummy on the plane

The flight was fun, the girls had activity books that grandma gave them so they would have something to do while on the plane. We also made sure that they had their water bottle and teddy to cuddle for the trip.

At about 20mins out of landing the girls started asking, “Are we there yet?”, “When are we going to land?” Gosh I did not know that these questions would still happen in the air? Oh well, at least it was not long to go.

We finally landed and got our bags very quickly and then onto the hire car.

All set in our hire car to find our hotel
All set in our hire car to find our hotel

We got to the hotel, the QT Gold Coast and it is just fab, very quirky and funky. Just lovely and what we needed. The room is a lovely king suite with ocean views, love it and want to stay here forever!

My groovy cats at the hotel
My groovy cats at the hotel
Our Wonderful Room
Our Wonderful Room
Our beach view!
Our beach view!

 Gotta go and have breakfast and then off to Dreamworld for a fun filled day with the family. More later.

 

Categories
4 years and beyond

Off to Sand and Sea

I’m a very lucky lady indeed. I was fortunate to win a blogging competition and thanks to 1stAvailable.com.au we are all off to the Gold Coast for a family holiday. Well, part of it is a holiday and the other part is that I am finally attending Problogger 2013, yes my first and much anticipated blogging conference. I cannot wait!

The twins have been on a plane before but don’t remember due to being three months old at the time. This time they will remember and enjoy the whole experience. While at the Gold Coast my little girls will be turning five and they are super excited to be going to the beach for their birthday. Yes what a great mummy I am….well I am taking the thanks for this one, why not, right?

Do your kids jet off for holidays? Have they been well behaved on planes or has it been a bad experience. Flying to the Gold Coast is a small flight and we will only be in the air for about an hour and half. It will not be like we are flying to America or any other greater distance, so at least that is a plus.

I am keen to see how they like the airport, the plane and the whole experience. Do you have tips and tricks to help travelling with kids? Why not send them in. Many families have planned or are about to plan their summer travels so it might be a good time to find out some key things to do or to not do.

Excitement at our house is growing day by day. Our tickets for travel have been booked, accommodation sorted, and car organised. Now need to make sure that I have adequate professional clothing for the conference and nice summer gear for all to maximise our time in sunny Queensland.

Any advice for what to wear at a blogging conference send them in. I am aiming for professional but casual, also it needs to be comfortable and something that has natural fabric so does not heat up too much. Maybe a dress, or something simple so that I can just slip it on.

As a former Queenslander I am keen to be on a beach in the sun and to just relax for a bit. Bring it on.   Currently the Blue Mountains is very cold, windy and just icy so a warm climate would be welcome and luxury.

One glitch that has reared its head is sickness. I am ill and now have one child sick with tonsillitis again…let’s hope that the other does not get ill. We only have two weeks to be all better before we jet off. So off to the doctors for sick kid today and to make sure that we all stay well for the weeks ahead. Crossing fingers and toes that we all o.k for our trip.

Have you planned your summer holidays yet? If so are you getting excited about it? My girls are telling everyone and are so happy that we are off somewhere different.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Daddies Sleep Over

Not daddies hotel, but you get the idea that he is somewhere nice. Image courtesy of MR LIGHTMAN at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Not daddies hotel, but you get the idea that he is somewhere nice. Image courtesy of MR LIGHTMAN at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Daddy is in Melbourne for work. He is there all week. The girls are telling people that daddy is having a sleep over. When asked where, they respond, “In Melbourne”. This was mentioned at the Chemist on Monday when I had to get one of my kids some medicine due to being unwell. I then told the lady at the chemist that he is there for work. She laughed and said it was a cute way to explain why he was not there.

Well to a four year old, daddy is having a sleep over in Melbourne. Due to daddy flying to Melbourne the twins are getting more and more excited about their sleep over at the Gold Coast that will be happening in September. Mummy is getting excited too, so it is not just a kid thing.

We have been talking to daddy via the iPad and the computers so that the girls can see and speak to him. The girls saw the fire flashing at the Melbourne Crown Plaza as daddy is staying close to it. They were disappointed it did not explode, and kept on waiting and asking daddy, “When will it explode???”

Have you or your partner/husband had a sleep over somewhere else for work or for something else? How did your child explain why they were not home?

Categories
4 years and beyond

I Won – Gold Coast here I Come!

Beach here we come! Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Beach here we come! Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I won and I am so happy. I cannot believe it I entered a blogging competition and won, I have not been able to wipe the grin off my face. You might think that is very funny, but the kids are just as excited. They have not stopped jumping up and down yelling,”We are going to the beach!, We are going to the beach!”

So what did I win, well. I have won accommodation, airfares and a ticket to go to the Problogger 2013 conference at the Gold Coast. I am very thankful for all my readers that have helped make this possible and a BIG thank you to 1stAvailable.com.au as they are the company that ran the blogging competition.

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I have always wanted to go to this blogging conference and have been unable due to money and childcare arrangements. Now I will be there and hubby can mind the kids.

One other major happy thing about this is that the girls will have their birthday on the Gold Coast! Yes I am taking them away for their birthday, well really 1stAvailable.com.au  is, but I am claiming that I am doing it. What a great mummy am I.

Can you tell that I am just over the moon, I bet you can. I miss Queensland and just adore the beach, so being there for a short time will be wonderful.

My winning post is here: Your Doctor is just a click away. Why not book a doctor, massage or another health care provider all from your computer. Great service and very convenient.