Last weekend Mum, Bilby Ben and I hit the big smoke of Sydney! I went to Nuffnang Blogopolis (my first conference for blogging types) and mum and Ben saw the sights, so I could still feed Ben.
I had a bit of a shock when I thought about what to wear and what to pack. It’s been so long since I’ve dressed up a bit. Every time I need to go somewhere I run to my sisters wardrobe. I also always have a nursing tank top under my shirt and have a nappy bag with me. Not very glam!
I realized I needed a jacket, a top, some shoes, a hair do and a bag! I also wanted to wear something Mm is for me branded but wanted a change from the A is for apples top that I wear to the markets.
So while Bren, on his day off, and Wombat Will headed to Ice Age 4, Ben and I hit the shops. I was kicking myself for not shopping online in advance. I started looking around but Ben got so cranky I headed to the parents room to feed him. We met a gorgeous family of 6kids who Ben found very entertaining, and another mum of 3 with one more on the way. We finally stopped chatting and I put the sun cover on the pram and did some quick laps of the shops. Still nothing to wear…
Thankfully sister Nix stopped in on her way past and we found a jacket and top in Valley Girl. The shoes and bag will have to wait till another day!
As you can see, Ben was a huge help with the packing! 
But he more than made up for it on the flight, where he fell asleep on take off, and only woke up when we left the plane!
It was lovely to be in Sydney again. We were last there when Will was one and my brother was visiting Aus. I got so excited when I glimpsed the harbour bridge from the train! The three of us had a beautiful stroll round the harbour, once we’d checked out where the conference was going to be. (we did a practice walk there to see how long it’d take!)
One of my favourite things about being in cities is the shop windows, like the Louis Vuitton one we saw.
Ben’s favourite toy in the hotel room was the phone. There he is modelling his latest B shirt, B is for bus.
I was terrified walking into the conference. It’s one thing commenting on people’s blogs, but it’s another thing walking up to people and talking to them. It’s also easier for people to see you who are online, your profile name is always attached to what you say, rather than people having to peer at your name tag I made a badge with a QR code (Mum helped sew it up the night before!). Mum also had some wise words for me, “Don’t make it about you, then you won’t be nervous. Take an interest in other people, and listen to what they have to say.” She’s wise, that mum of mine.
It was so lovely to meet Tina from Tina Gray {dot} me who had road tested A is for Annabelle and apples on her blog in 2010! I was quite star struck, and had to get a photo, as you can see! She was just like she is on her blog: warm, funny, friendly and always happy to share her blogging knowledge and experience. She was with Kat from The Organized Housewife, and I was so honoured to sit with them for the first part!
I could write about the conference for days, but I won’t. Will wants me to go and play! So I’ll just say a few last things:
The twitter feed was hilarious! One screen showed the presenter’s slides and one had the #NNB2012 conversations. Lori from RRSAHM, and others, had me nearly falling off my chair laughing! I got to meet the gorgeous Lori, which I was so happy about. What an amazing woman. She was one of the super-organised people who was dressed like her profile picture, so it was easy to recognise her! She had also reviewed Mm is for me products – here.
On the subject of the twitter feed…Generally it would be considered extremely rude to be sitting tweeting, instagramming and facebooking while you were networking and listening to presentations, but nearly everyone was doing the same!
Twinings provided the most beautiful morning tea. Aren’t those tea cups just beautiful?!
I also got to meet Christie from Childhood 101, another blog I LOVE to read. Her new bub is just beautiful!
I am way more comfortable at my laptop or iPad, but it was great to be brave, and meet so many inspirational bloggers.
The goodie bags were chock full of cool stuff! Bilby Ben and Wombat Will had so much fun unpacking mine!
Now I’m going to play with Wombat Will!
Have a beautiful weekend and keep an eye out for a new giveaway!
Ash x
Are you good at networking in real life?
