Today is the first day of the new year. It is finally the first of January 2018.
In six days my little boy will be two…yep we will have a two year old. How those two years have flown by already. He is saying more words, being more independent and of course a very cheeky, funny little boy.
It feels like the day of my little boys birthday sneaks up on me and I am not ready. No invite done, no party organised. I will have to get moving….also make a plan to be better at this January party in 2019.
The girls turn ten this year, yes finally they will be in double digits and more grown up. I don’t know how ready I am for more grown up kids, I suppose it is good that it happens gradually so that you get used to it.
The blog also has a HUGE year in 2018, it turns the big 10 years old… how exciting I hear you say.
To celebrate this fabulous milestone there will be great prizes for my wonderful devoted readers that have been with me over the years. Stay tuned every month to not miss out.
What did I do in 2017
Change the look of the blog on the 1st of January 2017. The blog got a whole new look and feel.
Work with some great brands and offer amazing giveaways to my readers.
Meet some wonderful people through the Problogger conference. I met Pat Flynn and Jadah Sellner…. I was very excited about doing this.
Accepted more opportunity.
Think, plan and try and do more.
Spent time with the kids, played and had fun.
Alexander had his first full year in childcare and loved it after a rocky first few months. He now really wants to go even when we just drive by the place. He yells, “play” and points to the building.
Try to de-clutter. I managed to rid the house and us of a few things but more still needs to happen.
Did things at the twins school.
Housework and all the other mundane things that keep the family running.
2017 was not good as I lost another friend due to cancer. He did not want to share his illness so to not burden friends and therefore hubby and I found out very late. We are saddend by this news. I hope that everyone is healthy and if you are worried about something please get it looked at. Early intervention might save your life. I have no idea if this would have helped my friend and upset for his other friends and family.
2017 was also a good year, my sister had her second child on the 23rd of December. I’m an aunty again! My sister had another little girl. She came early and therefore has spent some extra time in the hospital.
What would I like to do in 2018
More blogging.
Work on the strategy and plans for my blog and more.
Travel.
Meet more people.
Get our house built or part of it.
Finish writing my book and course…yes something exciting is on its way. I hope you will all love it.
Exercise more.
Remove excess clutter that I don’t need to empower more relaxation.
More meditation.
More relaxation.
Fun time with the kids and family
Hopefully a family holiday at some point.
That the family is healthy and well. (this includes everyone)
Be more organised for Alexander’s next birthday.
So take care everyone.
Spend time with the ones you love.
Make time for things you want to do.
Have fun and may 2018 be great for everyone!
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Good Morning Gold Coast! Day 1 of Problogger at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Keen to learn more and to meet all the bloggers today.
Well for me there are many reasons why I blog.
Something for me– I started the blog to do something while the twins were babies. Before I had my twin girls I looked after, managed and organised websites so it was a natural thing to start my own site.
Keep my professional skills sharp – At first I just kept it quiet and did it for me. It was something that I started to do. It was good to do some work that was not looking after babies and allowed me to use my mind and skills that I had developed and practiced at work.
Control over my work – I then decided to make the blog public and moved it over to a domain name that removed WordPress from the URL and I control the page and the back-end. It is a site that allows me to have overall control and that makes me feel amazing. Making decisions of what direction the blog goes in and what it looks like and what gets posted is fabulous. It is my site and I have control over it.
Gives me a voice– As you can already see I like the fact that I have my own space to have a voice. I love the fact that it is a medium that can be done from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to a computer or a phone.
There are so many possibilities that you can do via a blog. You can make it a business or just keep it a hobby it is up to you.
My aim is to take the blog to the next level and to do a new look and feel soon (so stay tuned).
Today is day one of Problogger. I am keen to learn what others are doing with their blogs, learn about strategy, planning and content. It is a great event to get inspired, focus on your talents and find ideas that might help you out. You never know what idea will be the one that is the changer that can make the most difference.
I have been thinking about what a year 2015 was. I did want to accomplish more on the blog side and professionally but managed to do a bit of what I had planned.
Kids completed year 1 and did very well with reading and many other things. They have grown so much and really developed as their own person. Being in separate classes I think has really allowed each child to be what they can be without disruption or upset to each other. It allows them to be themselves and to have their own wins and accomplishments.
I went to Problogger and networked. I also learnt a lot and got inspired to do more with my blog and other ideas.
We did some much needed DIY around the house. I know have a nicer bathroom, kids in a newer room and other things fixed that I have been desperate to have done.
We were lucky to get pregnant and soon we are to have baby number 3. I was hoping to not be pregnant while writing this but I am still. Currently I’m 39 weeks and 3 days with baby number 3 and rather annoyed that he/she is still in my belly. The countdown is on little one!
I was lucky to get better after having a rough patch with being ill and especially while being pregnant it did not help. I am much better now and the only annoyance is when this baby will vacate my body.
Due to the new baby to be, the twins got moved into the bigger room and we have done up their old small room for the baby.
On a sad note we said goodbye to some good friends last year and it was rather painful due to that issue. It was a tough year due to that alone and being pregnant throughout this made it more difficult for me to deal with. I felt bad creating life while dealing with the loss. I know… they would not hold it against me but I did feel bad.
On the up side, we are well, have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, have good friends and are looking forward to what 2016 will bring us. The new baby is also something we are excited about and wondering when this little person will want to join the world.
The twins are excited about being in grade 2 this year and finding out what classes they will be in. We are in holiday mode currently and filling the days to keep kids busy and rest due to impeding birth is an interesting mix.
I will endeavor to attach the goals yet to have been achieved to this year and to strive towards them. Yes, I am not giving up just adding them to the list. Have you looked back on what you have done and been happy or sad? Or just it is what is was…. that said, I did all I could do and we are all okay.
What is your major thing or goal you wish to achieve in 2016? Let us know.
As per previous post, I have not been well. I have used my time to try and recover and get better. I am a little better but still not 100%. According to the doctors all is normal but I still have the cough and am out of breath every now and then. Has this happened to you? Feel not well but there is nothing wrong! I must say it is very annoying but it could just be due to be pregnant that all the good stuff is going to the baby and I am stuck fighting whatever it was. I suppose that is the perils of pregnancy.
I’ve been resting, trying to get better and also writing this post. I have wanted to post this earlier but I had two nights in hospital the other week and have been getting better since. I am much better now but still have a cough and get out of breathe every now and then.
Day 1 at Problogger…. getting excited now!
Now…… finally to post about the fabulous, invigorating and inspiring conference that is Problogger.
Previous to the conference all talks and times were posted and I of course made a schedule of the talks that I wished to go to. I wish I could have been in two talks at the same time but that would not be possible due to the fact that they are in completely different rooms. The only saving grace about this is that as a ticket holder I got presentations and the audio from all other talks so at the end of the day I did not miss out, however being at the talk and experiencing it is great as well.
One of the overarching themes of the conference this year was giving something back to the reader and community. Nearly all the presenters spoke about giving to the community and not focusing on what you will get. Be someone that helps the people and then your community will grow as well.
Day 1 has started and Darren has started his introduction to the conference.
So what talks did I think were amazing this year?
Jadah Sellner from Simple Green Smoothies
How to Grow Your Blog – Actionable Productivity Tips for Busy Bloggers – Christina Butcher & Carly Jacobs
Creating Business Ideas – Brandon Cowan
Jadah during her talk at Problogger
Jadah Sellner from Simple Green Smoothies
Jadah was an amazing speaker. She was so alive and spoke with enthusiasm about her journey. Simple Green Smoothies is not an overnight success. Jadah and her husband started a business with the idea that it was a playground for kids (Business idea number 1 – Little Sprouts Playhouse was formed in 2009 so that they could be with their 18mth old daughter) so that they can be allowed to do all the things that parents say no to. However that business model was short lived as parents did not want to stay with their children and preferred to drop them off. The business model morphed into a preschool and then Jadah and her husband were doing many jobs that then caused stress and worry.
Due to being so busy and run off their feet Jadah gained weight, was depressed and upset. Her relationship with her husband was suffering and they realised that they had to make a change.
They both decided to quit Little Sprouts Playhouse as they chose to be together. “Anything that comprises your health and your relationships is not a sustainable business model”. Is the business that you are building sustainable? It is okay according to Jadah to get rid of some idea babies to move onto the next big idea that will work and be sustainable.
After they quit the business they were broke. She moved in with her husband’s parents, they were in debt with over $40k owing and they were living from pay check to pay check. Her husband was working all hours, Jadah was working two part time jobs and also looking after their four year old daughter as well. It was hard.
Jadah wanted a business that allowed freedom for herself, her family, location freedom (travel the world and have time to be at her child’s school) and also allowed herself and her husband financial freedom.
Sellner decided to build a vision board. They put all their BIG dreams out there. She put down the idea of getting $15k per month income for her family and also for her business partner Jen. Jadah said that 18mths later this became a reality. Your dreams are possible.
Now to dream bigger, thanks to Jadah
Jadah Sellner and Jen Hansard founded a parenting blog called Parenting Sponge (Business idea number 2). Jen and Jadah investigated how to make money online, sponsored content, advertising and giveaways. When it first started the only people that were commenting on the website was Jadah’s mum, and her cousin who did not have children.
“We all have to start at Zero. Zero money in the bank, zero followers and zero email subscribers. Just remember we all have to start at zero”
“We get attached to our ideas, we get attached to our businesses”
“What we put out in the world actually has to help people, so if an idea is not sticking. Let it go and try something else”
“Look at failure as feedback. Put it out there in the world and let the world decide”
Simple Green Smoothies (Business idea number 3), was not meant to be a business idea or a blog. Jadah says that she talked about Simple Green Smoothies on the parenting blog and also many other topics.
A friend of Jadah’s was raving about Instagram and Jadah was not so sure. She decided to sign up and give it a go.
She did not think it was going to work but as Sellner points out, sometimes it is the things that you think will never work that end up changing your business for the better and revolutionise it for the better. Simple Green Smoothies was the winning idea and the business that stuck.
Jadah was only posting two to three recipes each week on Instagram and that is how Simple Green Smoothies started.
“The idea that spreads the widest wins” Jason Silva
If you cannot get ten people to latch onto your idea you will not be able to get thousands or hundreds of thousands to spread your idea. “Pay attention to the message you are sending and is it getting to the people that you wish to serve.”
“If you want to make a million dollars, help a million people first” Jadah Sellner
My view from my hotel room at RACV Royal Pines Resort
The 3 Core Elements that Simple Green Smoothies Employs:
Attract Your Tribe
What is it that you really want to be known for?
Become fanatical and hyper focused – what is the contiguous message that you have to share
Start talking about this message over and over on a consistent basis
“The riches are in the niches” Jadah Sellner referring to Instagram
Who are you most excited to serve? Who is your ideal audience? Who is that one person that you can help. As soon as you focus to this one person level your business is going to change.
Jen and Jadah came up with a dream client. They made it up. Who would she/he be? Where would they live, would they have a family, what would their hobbies be, and what type of job would they have and so on.
Write your blog posts and social media updates to just one person. If you try to address and everyone Jadah said that no one knew who they were talking to. Making it about one person makes the message more personal and it is like you are having a conversation with the individual. So instead of Hi everyone, say, how are you? Make the connection with your tribe.
When you are clear on your message and your reader your business will change. People will sense the energy and be drawn to the messages that you are putting out there.
The yummy treats at Problogger. You do get very spoilt and they were all so yummy!
Serve Your Community
Don’t take people away from the party. Social media is like a dance party according to Jadah. If you post something on Instagram have all the information there so that your reader does not have to go anywhere else to find it. If you post a recipe list all ingredients and make it as easy as possible for your followers. Once the reader trusts you, they will go to your house (your blog/website), and sign up to your email list but first you need to add all the value to the content that you post in the social media channel that they hang out in. Don’t make the reader do an extra step. Adding a full recipe to an Instagram photo means that it is easy for someone to tag their friends and to share the content.
All of the value is not on the blog it is on different channels. Jadah said that in the last year she has blogged 120 times on the website (Her Home), and likes to add value to the channels that her followers live in. She puts all her content in Social Media as that is where the party is at.
Money is in your email list. You don’t own Pinterest, Instagram and other social media channels.
It is a good idea to diversify where your community is. According to Jadah, Simple Green Smoothies other social media channels are equal as they put the same amount of effort, love and interest into each area.
Spend more time creating your FREE OPT IN OFFER. Jadah created, “5 Free Recipes that will change your life”. 2,000 people signed up for Simple Green Smoothies List from this free offer. July was when Jadah started with Instagram, December was when the free opt in offer was created and the list grew to 2,000. The next year they created their 30 day smoothie challenge free opt in and their list grew to 200,000.
Make your Free Opt in better than someone’s paid offer.
Test you’re Free opt in offer. You don’t know what will work.
CREATE VALUE TO YOUR COMMUNITY WITH VERY LOW RISK TO PARTICIPATE
What is the gateway problem that you can teach or help your readers with right now? Green Simple Smoothies helps people eat healthy as more of a lifestyle not just a one off. What is the one simple thing that you can get or ask your community to do that gives them the results that they desire?
Pick 1 – 3 things to do that will help your readers transform. Your readers will then spread the word and come back again and again.
As long as you offer free resources and are helping your community it is okay to have a paid resources area as well.
First paid product was a $5 eBook. People paid for convenience to have all the recipes and info in one book, and all at once rather than having the recipes delivered each week.
Invest in your product. The next paid product (Fresh Start 21 Program) they paid for a professional photographer and hired a friend to do customer service. This helped to make sure they did not burn out and allowed them to develop more for the business.
The Fresh Start Program has generated over $1million in sales. Yes how amazing is that.
Sell transformation. Push people into action and not just into products.
Problogger designed sweets that just melted in your mouth. YUM!
3.Nurture Your Fans
Celebrate your fans that comment all the time. Thank them.
Show your readers that you are real person. Every now and then you might eat pizza and not 100% healthy and so on.
Can’t automate connection. Jadah has community happiness specialists that connect with their followers.
Friday love notes – send feedback to people who are doing a good job in the business
Engage with all readers’ comments.
“It is not about how great you are. It is about how great you make other people feel.” Jadah Sellner.
Giving away products that are in line with the business and that helps others. Simple Green Smoothies gives away blenders that help readers.
Serving is greater than building!
Love your community
The grounds at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast
Jadah’s main tips:
Don’t be afraid to fail. Look at failure as feedback, put it out there and let the world decide.
If your dreams don’t scare you they aren’t big enough
Say your dreams out loud
Take imperfect action
Build a community with love & impact
“If you can change the world with your community the world will be a better place” Jadah Sellner.
Find your why. I wrote a post about this a while back. You can read more about it here.
Carly Jacobs from Smaggle and Christina Butcher from Hair Romance during their talk.
There are 5 focus areas for blog productivity:
Prioritising
Make a commitment to your blog, you might miss out on a party or your favourite show or something else.
Make some time to focus on what is necessary for YOUR blog. Is it images that are more important or is it the words that are the driver of your blog. Think about what works better for you and take time to work on it.
If you value images over words or the other way round you can always work on developing better images in the future for your blog. You can always get better with time.
Everything does not have to be perfect
Create a positive step towards your blog and fill out the below sentence.
My blog is important. I blog because……………………………… My blog is worth my time.
The yummy drinks at Problogger
Setting Realistic Goals
Success is rarely accidental
Other people make excuses why other blogs are successful. “They started at the right time”, or “They have experience in the industry”, what about, “They have a better niche than I do”, and “They are selling products and I’m not”
What does your success look like? Christina counts shares and re-pins whereas Carly counts success via comments. Use what works for your brand and goals.
Wishes aren’t goals you need to be specific. You need to put a time frame on your goal and have a number in mind of how many more followers you would like. See below graphic.
Take action now – set yourself a measurable goal. I will have xxx number of followers/subscribers/uniques by xxxx date and I will do this by taking the following steps.
Calendars and Planning
The more routine I have the more creative I can be
Pre-planning = Less Stress
Take action now. Write a list of 100 blog post ideas. Yes that is a hard one but you will be amazed at the ideas you come up with. It will definitely help when you are thinking “What will I blog about today or this week?”
My lovely gift from Carly at Smaggle. Empower-mint Tea!
Batching and productivity
Carly said that I should ‘Think like a waiter”. I thought this comment was odd but it was very clever. Waiters don’t come and get one plate. They get serval and take them all to the kitchen at the same time. The same goes for your blog. You should not sit down to do just one task, you should use your time to do several. Only go to your kitchen once not several times a day.
Never sit down without an idea. I for one think I had some great ideas then I sat down to stare at the computer for ages and wonder why I bothered. Having my big list of post ideas will come in handy and make sure that I don’t waste my time in the future.
Know your best hours to work. I for one love to work during the day and sometimes at night. Although I find myself more productive and awake during the day I do more during these hours. I find the night time better for research and idea gathering than actually writing anything.
Take action now! What items can you batch? Choose 3 or so items that you can organise easily.“When you are consuming you should be creating” Christina from Hair Romance @ Problogger.
Photo Walk while at Problogger
Scheduling tools and organisational hacks
Set a timer for tasks. If you know how long you can spend on each task then you will not spend all day on something. I know I have done that and it is easy to get carried away.
Don’t Multitask. I think I do multitasking well but doing everything is not helpful as you only get a little bit done of each task. I have taken to shut down all my social media sites and just write posts in word to not distract me. This is also a good tool as then you can make sure your post is well constructed and spell checked.
Google Analytics – Check what is working and what is not via Google. When is the right time and days to post? If you figure out what is working then you can organise yourself to create more content like that and know when it is a good idea to share your content.
Why not plan out your next month of blogging so that you are super organised. My aim is to have more months planned so that I am ready with ideas and posts ready to go live. What about you?
A close up of the fab lights at RACV Royal Pines while at Problogger
Brandon created and founded a company called, “Crazy Dog Apps” he was just 16 when he did this and still at school. The business created the following apps, iparkedhere, Petrescue, App Making Guide and AusBuy. Brandon has also been nominated three years in a row as one of the most successful entrepreneurs under 30. Plus he was also on the show, “Beauty and the Geek” (So if you recognise him this might be why)
Persistence is the key to success!
Brandon got kicked out of school at 12 years of age (Due to severe ADHD), started two degrees that he did not finish, has not paid for any marketing for his business and cannot code.
At 14 years he was drinking
At 15 years he was hanging around a bad crowd. Drinking, smoking weed
Decided after witnessing some bad experiences decided he wanted to turn his life around.
So how has he been so successful..????
Brandon had some great ideas for an app and approached development companies to help him bring his ideas into reality. However they quoted over $70k and also laughed him out of the office.
He eventually teamed up with a family friend that had experience in IT. One thing that I loved about Brandon’s talk was that he did not give up when he did not have all the skills to bring his vision to life. He believed enough that it would happen. He surrounded himself with people that would help and kept on moving forward.
He has also used his success good. He wanted to develop an app to help the Red Cross with Blood Donation but that did not eventuate. However it was his determination and commitment to helping others that also drew him to develop Petrescue which is an app to help the RSCPA have pets homed rather than destroyed if they cannot be found homes.
Brandon was a very positive speaker and showed you that if you have passion, get up and go also the drive you can accomplish your goals. It also made me feel better knowing that if I don’t have all the skills that should not matter, as long as I can find the right people to help me. My only problem with finding skilled people is that I am not flush with cash and most people want to be paid. Maybe I could repay in kind with something that they need doing, it could function like the barter system (it is a thought and you never know it might work)
Having fun at Problogger. Photo taken by the lovely Carly Findlay
I had a great time although exhausting (So much info overload and just too much to do) at Problogger. It was fabulous to network with other like-minded bloggers and looking forward to next year. I hope to be able to go, but not sure due to having a new baby it might be difficult. We will see.
The lovely people at the RACV Royal Pines were amazing. Nothing was any trouble. The venue, food and service was fantastic! Loved it. If you need a place to stay on the Gold Coast I would highly recommend The Royal Pines.
Did you go to Problogger this year? What was your favourite session?
I love hearing all the inspirational speakers as it gives me focus and drive to keep going, but also fabulous ideas on how I can make things better for my own blog.
My one thing or things to action after Problogger
I would like to thank my sponsor for my car rental, Red Spot Car Rentals. They gave me a fabulous car to get from the airport to the conference.
August was exciting for me. I was off to Problogger and it was not just the conference that got me excited. It was the fact that I had three days to be all alone. All alone in a hotel room. All alone in a different city, and I could have adult conversations. I know all the parents that stay at home to look after kids would have been happy about this mini break as well.
After I came back from the conference I was keen to write up all that I learnt and showcase some great tips. However that was not to be. I was a bit unwell before I left but thought I was on the mend. I got ill in July when we were on our holiday in Melbourne. It did seem to be going away and I thought that this was so.
Inhaler to hopefully help me
When I returned home from the Gold Coast, I fell in a heap. At first I thought it was just exhaustion due to travelling, overload with all the fab info I digested while at Problogger, being pregnant and just being tired and needing some more sleep…. BUT it was not what was making me pass out.
My mum who was looking after the kids for me suggested I could have a chest infection. I said, NO, I’m just tired and pregnant. Also the baby is getting higher in my belly and making it harder to breathe as well. So I just thought it was mostly being pregnant. As I was not getting better and could not keep my eyes open, I thought it would not hurt to go to the doctor for a check-up.
Once at the doctors he told me that I had a chest infection (Don’t tell Mum she was right!) I was prescribed antibiotics and not the heavy duty ones that might help. I was limited to the medicine that I could take due to being pregnant. I got the prescription filled and started on my drugs. I got the refill and took them as well and it has not seemed to help much at all.
I went back to the a different doctor (due to not being able to contact the original doctor) about a week ago and according to him, my chest and breathing is okay, but I still have a cough and I am out of breathe many times. He has prescribed Ventolin to help with breathing. I have never had Ventolin before and have never had asthma. I was told that this medicine would not hurt the baby and will allow my breathing to be better. I hope so!
After taking this for about a week it is not making me any better and I am still out of breath and having issues. Again, I’m off to the original doctor tomorrow to finally get better and get things resolved! I hope so, as I am so over not being well.
Have you been sick when pregnant? When I was pregnant with the twins I did not have this issue. I avoided unwell people and made sure that I stayed well. Having young kids that are always exposed to bugs and things just makes things harder. It seems like it is a constant roller coaster with kids and the sniffles lately.
Not only have I been dealing with not being well, I am now struggling with re-flux due to pregnancy….OH the joys!
I hope that the doctor can work his magic tomorrow and give me something that will make me feel a lot better.
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
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.
Have you ever overheard something funny? What was it? Was it like the Gold Coast is not really in Australia? Let us know.
I have been dying to tell you all. However I have kept quiet.
I’m 12 weeks pregnant with the third baby!
Documenting the pregnancy so far. Yes I know I have a belly… maybe that is due to having twins before this little person.
We are having another little bundle. This new person is due in January 2016, the first week to precise. We have some conflicting dates but they are all in the first week. Who knows the baby might decide to come earlier? Or later, you never know right? Did your second baby come on the due date? Or was he/she earlier or later? I am keen to know.
Yes I will be all hot and bothered and very pregnant in summer, I love summer and I hope that I am not too big and bothered in my favourite season.
We have decided to not find out what sex and leave it as a surprise. Hubby and I are super organised and have picked out a name for a boy and a girl to be prepared. I made sure to sort out names for the twins before they arrived and we had no idea they were going to be girls, so we were prepared either way. I did not want to be in the hospital and having an argument about what we call the baby. We will be keeping mum on these names as I would like to have it as an announcement when the baby arrives. Did you have the name for your baby sorted before you gave birth? Or did you decide once baby was here?
And you might be thinking is it twins again? NO we are having one this time.
Both the seven and twelve week scans confirmed just one baby. Also the twelve week scan showed that the baby was healthy so that is great news. I wanted to make sure that all was well with the baby before we told anyone.
I of course have been feeling horrible and it started early. I think from the first few weeks I have been nauseas and really feeling terrible. This made me think it could be twins again, and we would have been fine with this. However having one will make life a little bit easier the second time around. I can finally experience breastfeeding one child!
I’m still fighting all day sickness otherwise known as morning sickness. I have not been sick but have tried to be, and have been feeling queasy all day and night. It is just awful! I also need to eat food more regularly or else I feel ill, but then after I eat I feel ill. I am dammed either way! I just hope it passes. When I was pregnant with the twins I felt like this throughout the whole pregnancy and I am feeling the same this time, but not as bad with two babies.
I’ve also been very thirsty and don’t remember this being the case with the twins. Maybe I was and I have forgotten. One annoying thing is that you drink heaps due to being very thirsty and then have to constantly go to the toilet! Although one good side effect is that I have been warmer than usual and being in the Blue Mountains this is a good side effect. One of the only ones actually!
I am not the glowing pregnant type. Also due to my boobs being bigger normally they are really sore and uncomfortable without a bra (Maybe too much info my lovely readers). I don’t get ladies that jog and remain so active during their pregnancy (I wish I was one of these active and fit ladies). I have been zapped of energy and just want to close my eyes and fall asleep any chance I get. I’ve been falling asleep during the evening and missing crucial parts of the shows that hubby and I watch. The next show I am sure that we have missed a whole episode to then find out that I fell asleep and missed an essential part of the show. At least I have it to re-watch, but it is annoying.
Due to this being my second pregnancy I am showing a lot earlier than I thought I would be. I have also felt flutters for a few weeks and it is definitely the baby as it was the same feelings I got with the twins. Although I felt it later with my first pregnancy, I have read that it can happen earlier with second pregnancies. Thank goodness for winter as I have been hiding my growing belly with jackets and jumpers. It has got me worried. I hope by the end I will not be too big.
Having two kids and being pregnant does really make you extra tired. When pregnant with the twins, I could take a nap and have a rest and not be bothered. This time around I have to keep on going until the kids are asleep. Due to kids having school and other activities such as karate, singing and swimming lessons, the weeks have flown, and I look up and twelve weeks have already been and gone. With my first pregnancy I documented more things and took more photos each week. I managed to take one selfie at 10 weeks and will do another one at twelve weeks. I’m sure other mums and parents are in the same boat.
The baby’s profile and you can see one hand raised.
My plan of sipping cocktails by the pool and having a nice glass of red wine while at Problogger are not to be. However I will be drinking mocktails and still having a great time. By August I will be definitely rocking the baby bump and looking a bit bigger than I do now.
I will need to think about my wardrobe and finding some comfortable and stylish clothes to wear to the conference. Did you find it difficult to find some nice maternity clothes when you were pregnant? I have been looking but some are just tents and others are just boring. I don’t want to look bigger than I am, and I would like to look nice at the same time. I think this is a hard ask for pregnancy wear.
I did see online that there are some nice options but the stores that stock these labels are in the city and I have not been able to get there to have a look. I hope to do this soon, well before Problogger. What are your favourite maternity stores to get some fab items? Let me know. I need some ideas in this area.
The twin’s reaction was mixed. One was somewhat excited and happy and the other looked like she was in shock. I think it is huge news of the kids to digest and they need some time to understand what is happening. One did ask if I needed to go to the hospital today. I did say that I’m not having the baby yet so I don’t need to go. However when she asked me she was patting my side and looking concerned. Nice and very caring of her. I suppose the kids have a while to get used to the idea of having a baby sister or brother.
Both kids like the idea of being a big sister and teaching the baby things when it is a little older. Not sure what things they will teach this new person and it might not all be good. Did your child get excited when you told them you were having another baby? Or not look interested at all?
I did get a DVD with the twelve week scan and the kids were more interested to see the baby moving and to hear the heartbeat.
Since my twins were tiny at birth I am rather concerned that due to there only being one baby it might be HUGE! I hope not! My sister had a baby that was on the smaller side, and when I was born I was about 3kgs. So that is not HUGE. Yes I am having some weird thoughts and concerns. I hope I’m not the only one that does this.
I’m off on holiday from Sunday and will be documenting what we get up to. Make sure to check my Instagram Feed to keep up to date as well.
Did you find it hard to keep quiet about your pregnancy or did you spill the beans before twelve weeks? I just didn’t want to tell the kids for fear something went wrong, and have to deal with their reaction and explaining it all.
Let us know how you coped during the first trimester. I don’t like it. Although my sister did not get morning sickness with her baby. So I must have hit the jackpot! Everyone is different. Send in your comments.
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.
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.
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.
Sad about unforseen events. Feeling better when I think about what we have already.Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I’m a bit down in the dumps. I was all set to purchase a ticket to go to Problogger in August but that has been put on hold. Why you ask? Well it is all about finances. Hubby has been on a long contract with his work and has been told that he will be only renewed till the end of July. It is not only the fact that I was looking forward to taking the family to the Gold Coast again, and learning more about the business of blogging, it has implications for the rest of our life. Paying bills and keeping a roof over our head is more important than a blog conference. Although I know that is true I am sad to not be able to go this year.
Do you have plans to do things and then unforeseen events throw a spanner in the works? I was thinking of making a slick presentation to organisations for sponsorship but as tickets go on sale Monday (Yes Monday the 3rd of March tickets go on sale! I was so close to getting one) I don’t think I have time. I could buy a ticket and then work on the other variables but have decided against it. I don’t want the stress and worry if things don’t work out. Do you do this to yourself? Think if I just got the ticket, then all the other parts will fall into place? I have been thinking like that, but I need to snap out of it.
I was lucky to go to Problogger last year. 1stAvailable.com.au ran a competition and the first prize was travel to the Gold Coast and a ticket to the Problogger Conference. I won this competition and it was joy to be there and take the family on a holiday to experience my much beloved Queensland (I grew up in Queensland and miss it so much, I dream of taking the kids there again. Especially where I grew up Hervey Bay and Fraser Island)
After I dropped the kids off at school I drove to the post office. I sat in the car just thinking about it all for a while. It is rainy here and just a bit miserable like my mood. I decided that it is not the end of the world, I am grateful that we have our house, our health, the kids are happy and content and that we are together and happy. Like everyone more money would help the situation and of course allow us to do more, but we are doing o.k. There are others in the world that have it tougher than I do and I just need to be thankful for what I have already.
Do you catch yourself thinking that you are worse off for not going to something? I sometimes do, but it is really not a major issue. It would be nice, and wonderful but it is not the end of the world.
Hubby is hoping that things get sorted out before the end of July and I am trying to earn money to help out. I will be adding things to the blog that you can download at a cheap cost (I want to keep things reasonable so that it is available for all) and also have some freebies that you can use as well. So stay tuned for that.
At the end of the day, I am still working at putting last years learning’s into action. I am hoping that I can purchase a virtual ticket and this will allow me to have access to the talks and audio at the conference.
What are you grumpy about currently? Has realising that you are blessed with things already helped you deal with not going to something you desperately wanted to go to? I am feeling much better about the decision to not go now, thinking about what I have and feeling grateful for has helped so much. Send in your comments.
Update: I have decided to email some brands and agencies that I have worked with before. Why not see what happens. I can offer advertising, sponsored posts, updates while at the conference, tweeting and updates on all social media, showcasing the use of your product or service, and much more! Contact me if you are interested.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I planned to write this post on Friday night and then I was too tired and not being able to keep my eyes open was a sign that sleep was needed. I was then going to have it all organised for Saturday, however one of my girls picked up a bug and was unwell and had a temperature. Due to this child being unwell it resulted with mummy having to have constant cuddles with her all day. This unforeseen event meant that the post was not online. So here it is the update from the bloggers brunch that has been promised.
Getting there
As you all know last Friday I attended the bloggers brunch, I took the kids with me as they had babysitting which was a great idea. It was an early start to the day and I was up at 5.30am to get ready and got the kids up at 6am. I figured out that we needed to leave at roughly 8am or earlier as I wanted to get the car washed.
The twins were good sports and got up without a fuss when I woke them. I hate waking up kids to go somewhere. It is always the way, you want to sleep in and they get up early. When you need to go somewhere you have to wake them up. I am sure this does not just happen to me.
We all had our breakfast and I was organised the night before and had all our clothes laid out so that we could just shower and get dressed. We managed to get ready and the twins were even on time to have a television show before we left the house.
All bags were packed, kids were in the car and we were off. I must say that I made both kids go to the toilet before we left and I did also. We had a long drive to the city. Although it was long, I love the trip and the adventure of going somewhere for the day.
As we were making good time, I stopped to get the car washed to make it look a bit nicer than it was. I fueled up as well and while inside paying I thought I should go to the toilet again as I felt that I needed to go, I brushed it off and thought, NO I can wait until I get there. Now readers, remember this.
Car cleaned and now we are all off to the city. As I approached the city, I was wanting to find a bathroom more and more. I know I should have gone before at the petrol station but as I was on the highway I could not just turn off the road. I had nowhere to go! I just powered on and held on. We got closer and closer to the venue and were nearly there.
During one stage I was taking deep breaths and trying not to think on what I really wanted to do, find a bathroom! I was bracing myself for the girls to then tell me that they needed to go to the toilet, but that was not to happen. Thank god for that.
During this whole episode my GPS that is run on my iPhone was draining my battery and I had very little power left. Do I hang on or risk it to get to the function or do I turn off to then find a bathroom and then get lost. This was the dilemma.
I did know where the venue was, however I had never driven there myself and knew that there were some roads that were turn left only or maybe turn right only, and did not want to get stuck in a constant problem of being on the wrong street and just around the corner. This has happened before.
To make a long story short, I could not take it anymore. I turned off the road and then turned left, left and left again. I parked in a no parking place. Told the kids to get out of the car, and found a church that had toilets. To my great relief they were open and all of us managed to use their facilities. However during this my phone battery was on its last legs and when we managed to get back to the car, it had 1% battery power left. When I started to resume the map on the GPS it was starting to shut down. Typical and other words that are not fit to print were uttered!
Great, this is just what I needed! Oh well, I knew we were around the corner just a matter of getting on the right road and lane. I saw two ladies talking and said where we were off to and that my phone GPS had died. They told me to turn left, then right and then left and we would be there. They were right and we got there with 30 mins to spare. Thank you ladies, whoever you are, you were a lifesaver.
What was the brunch like?
Kids were successfully dropped off at the childcare that was provided by Dial an Angel, which was a great idea. It was nice to walk kid free for a bit and talk to other adults and network with other bloggers.
At first I did not know where to start. There were a lot people milling about and stalls for the brands that were showcasing their products and services at the brunch. I decided to make my way to all the stalls to get an idea of what they were offering and find out about all their products/services.
I made my way to Choosi and Mamee before the welcome to all bloggers. We were then seated to listen to the talks by the guest speakers. There were three guest speakers:
Ingrid Poulson from Steadfast Training, spoke about resilience and being positive
Tracie Walker, Kmart General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, and mum of seven year old twins.
The talks were inspiring and made me think that more people needed to give back. Ingrid had suffered tragedy and has managed to rebuild her life, Tracie has built a great corporate career and helps others through programs at schools and overseas, and Elizabeth works at a great company that helps women with corporate attire to gain a job.
I was very taken with the Fitted for Work business. I think helping women in need to get the job is a great idea to support. Fitted for Work help women how are suffering disadvantage get work and keep it. They fit women with appropriate business wear so that women can present well at an interview, also interview coaching is part of the deal.
Since they are a non for profit business they are always looking for money, clothes and anything that you can spare. Do you have a business outfit and accessories that you are not using or don’t want anymore. Is it good quality and in need of a good home? Why not donate it to Fitted for Work.
After the talks, I mingled with other bloggers and saw the other brands, Brauer, Medela, Naty and Optus. I handed out my business cards that magically were delivered by the post man the day before the event, even though they were supposed to come the first week of August. The post man must have known I needed them. Just worked out well.
Lunch was delicious however I thought the kids would be served an appropriate meal for them but they shared what we ate. Since my kids are fussy, it was mini chocolate muffins and the like that got eaten. Mamee had a nice gift bag with their rice treats and the girls nibbled on them after the brunch at the park.
I even got inspired and shared an idea for an existing product of KMart’s. You never know it might be in the works soon and at your shop soon! If it happens will take pictures and let you know it was my idea! J Well you never know, right?
One thing that was rather sad about the brunch was that my battery on my phone had died. I had no charger on me and of course no iPad or other device. Many stalls were running competitions that required you to take a picture and post to twitter. As I was minus technology I missed out on all this. It made me think that I need to be prepared for Problogger and have all devices charged and ready to go, have my charger with me just in case.
I am also thinking of a better bag to take to the conference at the gold coast as things got lost on the bottom of my hand bag and it was hard to get things out in a hurry. Need to be better organised for next time. What bag do you take to conferences? Do you find it hard to find things in a hurry? Do you have business card holders and if so do they come in handy? I was going to get one but have not had the chance as yet.
Three dial an angel ladies came up to me on separate occasions to say how well behaved my girls were and if we ever needed a babysitter they would love to help me out. That was great news, and they even service the Blue Mountains, so that was good to know.
As this was my first bloggers brunch it was nice to meet bloggers face to face rather than in the virtual world. It was also a bonus to be introduced to such lovely brands and have the opportunity to be considered for brand ambassador or similar.
Things I would do differently: Maybe not have a coffee before a big drive to the city, better bag to find things in, and take my iPhone charger to ensure I might be able to do more at the event.
If you went to the brunch, what were your thoughts? Did you have a good time? Have you been to events like this, and if so what are your tips to make it a successful day?
I am keen to see what the outcome of the brunch will be. If nothing arises, it was nice to be included, have a day out and have fun with my girls.
