It's been a week since I travelled down to London for the first Blogtacular conference, and it's taken me a week to sort the ideas that evolved from being there.
I'd never been to a professional bloggers conference before, mostly because I'd heard such disappointing reports from others and it's a big cost to feel let down, however I didn't need to worry here. Every part of this conference had the enjoyment of it's attendees at heart. From the hand printed by Zeena (filled with amazing products) goodie bags, strong cohesive branding throughout, unbelievable venue to the talented and honest speakers; the event was well thought out in every way.
Now this is where I started to get shaky, I'd come here totally alone only having spoke to some of the attendees through twitter. It's strange that for business I do lots of networking and can come across confident but in this crowd and because my blog is more personal I found it really hard to put myself forward. I did make some great new friends, everyone here was on the same page(you didn't have to explain why you were photographing a book) and after a while I think I opened up a little more and relaxed.
The keynote speaker to open the event was Joy Cho from OhJoy fame, as a designer, blogger, author and the most followed person on Pinterest, she spoke of her life and the choices made to bring her to where she is now. I must admit at this point I was totally overwhelmed with the things Joy had achieved so far, it made me think what's holding me back? The main point that came from her story was she knew what she wanted and tried, tried and tried until she got there, it didn't matter what obstacles were in her way. It's also amazing to meet people in real life when you've followed them online, with Joy she really is as beautiful as her blog photographs portray.
The next day was an early start and on the Saturday the event was filled with sponsor stands,comprising of B&Q promoting their new paint range(with meringues no less), Betty & Walter who gave the bloggers all a treat in their goody bags, The Hambledon (who I'll need more jam off in the future), Thompson Holidays and a selection of book publishers. As well as the staff from Mollie Makes who were speakers and had a photographer present. I found these stalls a great talking point for bloggers during breaks, and the people staffing them were really proud of their products and company. There was no hard sell to buy, they really did just add to the fun element of the day.
These speakers inspired me so much in different ways, giving insider knowledge of working with magazines and publishers, how they grew their blogs into businesses, they all had such passion and dedication but the one that really touched me was Natalie Lue.
Her quote of Do not "should" yourself, is now pinned to my note board. She discussed the creative nature of blogging, and how her business began but also the point of not making comparisons, admitting her feelings of inadequacy hearing Joy Cho speak and telling herself off for it. Proving that it doesn't matter how big you get in the business we all have our worries.
This is what I admired most in all the speakers I saw, their ability to show their worries, passions, open their hearts out to the attendees and then in the end leave them filled with enthusiasm that they could achieve the same level of blog/business success too.
Thank you Blogtacular, I can't wait to catch up with you amazing people next year.
If you're feeling glum that you couldn't attend Blogtacular then fear not, the talks and panels were recorded and can be purchased through a Virtual Conference ticket, and when released will be promoted online with a virtual party, so you get the social media interaction too.
I'll certainly be buying one to catch up on the sessions I couldn't attend, and be inspired all over again.
With: Real tea leaves from Bluebird Tea Co. I believe there's nothing better than a good cup of tea but normally plumb for Twinnings teabags over leaves in my haste.
My friend Sally got a wonderful glass teapot for Christmas and I too wanted a lovely teapot, but they all seemed so pricey when I'd rather spend my cash on what's going inside. I was so glad when this beauty smiled at me from my local charity shop for the grand price of £2.50.
I'd followed a few tea companies on twitter and Bluebird seemed far the nicest. I ordered an Experience pack. a selection of 5 teas and they very kindly sent some new product samples through too.
The teas I choose to try were Lady Lavender Grey, Dozy Girl, Earl Grey Creme, Hot Mama Jama and Love Potion. I was sent a sample of Mint Chocolate Rooibos, Raspberry Beret and this beautiful little teabag of the Earl Grey Creme; which tasted just as lovely as the pot version.
I've not yet tasted them all, but they'll need a post of their own to celebrate how lovely they are.
With: The complete randomness of the British weather. we had some gloriously hot days in Cumbria, and we have what can be described as changeable.
This is the beautiful view from my side window at 5pm, blue skies and blinded by sunlight.
This is my dining room window taken at the same time, with a storm brewing.
As a Cumbrian I'm well used to carrying a bag with waterproof jacket, brolly, sunscreen and an umbrella.
I hope you're getting real Summer sunshine where ever you are.
With: Boris, my new (kind of) bike.
I really need to get fitter, and have been having some trouble making the school drop off and then to work on time, so getting a bike seemed the perfect solution. I would have loved a vintage style one but to be truthful they intimidate me with their tallness and skinny wheels.
I bought Boris from a charity/company called Rebike in Carlisle, which saves old bikes from landfill, fixes them up and sells them on. Boris cost £55 which I think is a bargain, and I feel some crafty refurbishment coming on. I'm pinning all my inspiration here.
With: Fashion, well not really I have a huge love hate relationship with clothes in general. I never feel right in most my choices, and at 36 feel I have no style of my own. However I'm loving some new buys this week, my oh so Summery Porcelain Print top which has blue china including teapots on for £39 and the minty teal Laurel 3/4 length sleeve cardi £39, both these are from Monsoon and look great when matched with coral accessories.
With: New shoes, these beautiful Henderson Cute Brogues are in the Clarks sale, reduced to £34.99. I love the metallic colour of them, as I think it will go with everything but I'm not sure the socks are for me. However any other socks look strange, I think you can only wear brogues with ankle socks, even if you do feel 5 wearing them.These are from George@Asda and are only £4.50 for 4 pairs.
I also like this camera angle which makes my legs seem a little slimmer.
With: Feeling superior for having read the book first. I will try to explain this without using spoilers although be aware the video may give some plot away.
I love The Game of Thrones books and read all of them in less than a month, when the TV series was made I was dubious that it would capture as much of characters lives as the books did, and as usual it's played on Sky first, which I don't have, so I have to wait for the boxset.
I was not disappointed by the show, which effortlessly fills out the books and splits them in all their gory and glorious detail onto the screen. Being on twitter means when the show is on Sky I get a twitters view of the action and can guess where in the series they are, last weeks episode was the Red Wedding.
Safe to say it's quite dramatic and shocking. The video below shows peoples reactions while they watched the end scene, and some of them are hilarious. I love that people can be so engrossed with storytelling, not just on screen but in books too. I had a similar reaction when reading this scene in a cafe and a lady stopped to ask me if I was okay.
For those watching the series, just wait till Joffery's Wedding, I can't wait to see the reaction video for that episode.
In one week, yes one week, myself, Husband Stu, 2 kids, in-laws, sister-in-law, her Husband and their 2 kids are heading off to Orlando. Ten of us, yep ten, are going for 2 weeks of sunshine, Gators, Disney and more sunshine. I cannot wait. We've been trawling books and websites for months now to chose what things will suit all ages and I think some things are still been fixed on.
We've been to Orlando before as a group, but we didn't have kids then so didn't go near Disney. Sticking to Seaworld and Discovery Cove, of which we're doing again as they're amazing. We do have Disney tickets this time though and I think the kids little heads may explode with excitement when they finally see Cinders Castle.
With: Neil Gaiman's Radio 4 production of Neverwhere.
I've always loved this story of the world below, of the people who fall through the gaps of society and time. What more, look at that cast line up a geek could explode from such amazing casting all in one place. You can hear it on the BBC Radio4 site HERE.
With: Monsoon turning 40 years old.
I feel lucky to have a job in retail where the company tries hard to care for their staff while keeping great ethical standards. It's been lovely looking through all the old images of different campaigns, having worked there 9 years I remember quite a few of them personally.
I think Sophie Dahl was one of my favourites, she looked very womanly I especially loved the Winter campaign she did, well with that cardi who wouldn't. I didn't buy it at the time as it sold out so quickly and I always thought about making myself one someday.
Jodie Kidd didn't seem to model a lot of our clothes but did become patron of The Monsoon Trust.
The latest campaign features another 40 year in Yasmin Le Bon joined by her daughter Amber, her style seems to work well with the Heritage clothes line. Most of which I want in my wardrobe now.
With: Lastly I'll leave you with a wee clip of the Doctor Who Prequel, I'm mega excited for the return of The Doctor but I'll be holiday when it starts, eek. However it will be great to recover from jet lag with a pizza and 3 episodes in a row instead. I'm all about the silver linings.
With: Sneaky coffee dates, be it with my Husband or my children(one at a time) there's nothing nicer than a good catch up and giving total attention to that one person.
Preferably with coffee, hot chocolate and cake involved.
With: Finding a piece of a lost and slightly forgotten project, it gave me a huge smile and gave me a kick start into doing something joyous for me.
With: Finding beautiful flowers, uncaring about the cold and flinging their little naked bright coloured goodness around my fair city.
With: The trailer for Joss Whedon's take on Much Ado About nothing, has a huge geek and Joss fan there's so much amazing-ness in this trailer my little Winter froze brain cannot cope.
Even more it's my favourite Shakespeare comedy/romance.
With:B. Make up from Superdrug. I decided a while ago to try and replace all my make up with cruelty free brands, they is no reason for companies to still test on animals and the only way to support this is to the buy the brands that don't.
Great idea but I'm on a really tight budget for beauty products. Mooching in Superdrug I found this new range, I was originally meant to be buying my usual BB cream, eye cream and mascara, but this had a buy one get one half price offer on. Who can resist a good offer? In our Superdrug it was quite hidden away, and not well advertised.
With the offer, this lot only cost me £10 more than what I would have spent on my normal items and it means I now have a great everyday basic make up bag.
So far the products have worked well giving good coverage and lasting all day. I may so you in situ, if I've brave enough to put my face on here.
I think my next investment will be on some shimmer eye pots, and nail varnishes.
With: My lovely new wall additions on my dining room wall, I bought 2 of these lovely letterset trays from Monsoon sale, they should have been 25 each, but had 70% off so only cost 15 pounds for the pair.
I obsess over natural history specimen displays and thought these would be a great way to display our various collections of sea glass, stones and shells picked up on the last 10 years of family holidays.
The sea themed box, containing shells, driftwood, sea glass and ceramics.
Below is the stone box of interesting stones but there's a few empty compartments as most our stones were too big.
This is there place on the wall, I had to re-gig some of the items but I really like it and wonder what will be added to it next.
With:Clarks shoes, which makes me feel old saying it but I know they have some amazing shoes for vaguely trendy(probably not me then) folks too.
These Propose sandals are beautiful, although I may fall over a lot trying to stare at the lovely fabric, they're 49.99 which is normally more than I pay as I seem to destroy shoes quickly, but they're Clarks so should last well. Think I'll make some major birthday hints for these.
With: The Lumineers. I'll leave you with a song for the weekend, I hope it fills you with as much happiness as me.
Judging by the prices of some of these beauty's in a way I'm glad I'm not a slave to fashion, if I bought all these my whole family would be on beans for most the year. However the highstreet is full of lovely skull themed products. I'm sure I can sneak some of those into my wardrobe this Spring.
I also love: Friday date night, it's not something that often happens but this evening the kids went for a sleepover at Grandmas and Stu and I got to treat our selves to a nice tea and early drinks.
Carlisle as opened a lovely new bar called HellBelow & Co.
The building as been done up to a great standard, I hate shiny, plastic modern looking bars crammed into beautiful old buildings which seem to be the way most places do refurbishment. Here they're worked with the feel of the building to create somewhere new, old and relaxing all at the same time. It's a very mellow place, which on a night out anywhere in Carlisle is a novelty.
The drinks are reasonably priced and the food wonderful, full of flavour and freshly made.
We had cheese stuffed bell peppers, followed by Piccante (pepperoni &chilli) and Rustia pizza (parma ham, blue cheese & rocket). Cocktails for pud, well for meanyway; Stu stuck to his craft beer.
I also love: My Samsung WB150 digital camera
I've had this since Christmas and I love how easy it is to use (reviews, stats etc) it's got a sharp focus, quick to change settings and handy enough to carry around all day.
Perfect for a blogging girl like me.
I also have a Cannon Coolpix L310 which I bought last August but have hardly used(I'll be ebaying it soon), when my last Samsung camera broke I decided I wanted a bridge camera and full on DSLR camera being out of my league on price and usability. However my Sister in Law and Husband both got DSLR cameras in quick succession , with my added large camera I felt when our children got together we were like the paparazzi, and I feel too cut of from what I'm photographing with a large camera.
My Christmas money from my Dad went on buying this next step up from my old model, it's wonderful and not too pricey, if you're looking for a great camera you can't go wrong with this one.
And last but not least I love: Feel good movies, this would be a perfect Sunday afternoon; The Princess Bride, Knight's Tale and Stardust. All should be watched while wearing PJs and snuggling loved ones while eating cheese and crackers.
Are we all loving it being Friday again? I am especially this week as I'm not working this weekend, and Stuart is off too. A whole weekend of family times ahead.
But first my Friday loves list.
With: this picture which represents 2 things, one is my love of Geek and Nerd stuff, do you know which programs the pictures refer too? Go on have a guess.
I've got a few days off this week and hopefully after getting my Tax Return :-( done I'll be able to sit down to some back episodes of these and hook in hand, get some making done.
It also represents Pinterest, click on it and it'll take you to my Pinterest account-we can be friends.
I love Pinterest, even though it got really big very quickly it's still not too corporate or ad fuelled.
There's nothing better than spending the odd 4hours ten minutes picking out the perfect holiday destination, kitchen, wardrobe of your dreams. And there's some really inspiring crafty projects to boot.
Oh and lots of Hey Girl man, Ryan Gosling, never a bad thing.
With: my crochet groove going again, this is the start of a Granny Blanket. I've used a circle in a square design and am using Sidar Arran yarn, which crochets beautifully and doesn't split.
Which quite frankly is the worst crime a crochet yarn can commit.
I've only got 4 colours going at the moment White, Yellow, Green and Purple(yep purple), but it's going to have a lot more colours yet.
With: Tattoos, I've always loved them. I suppose it's a bit like Marmite, you love them or hate them. This isn't me by the way, but I love this style very much and would like a sleeve tattoo, I just need to find the perfect one.
I have a tattoo on my shoulder already which an artist friend did in his kitchen one evening, it's 1920's brooch design and I'm sure I'll post a picture soon but I can't photograph my back at the minute.
It's Friday, and I always think of the wonderful Cure song and dancing like a loon in The Wheel nightclub as a "youth", even though it was never a Friday when it played.
I thought I'd start a round up of things I'm currently loving, and maybe post it on...
you guessed it, Friday.
First is coffee, I bloody love coffee. I worked for several years in a couple of coffee shops but this one for the longest. It's left me for an addiction for Costa Coffee.
My favourite treat is a mocha and chocolate twist but my waistline won't stand too many,
but hey it's Christmas Friday so why not.
Okay so it's a shoddy image and I can't get a better one but I love this dress, the La Rochelle dress from Monsoon(click on it for a better view) for £49. I'm heading off for a special, sunny holiday in March/April and am already thinking ahead to clothes for it.
I also think Mexican styling will be everywhere this Summer, so it's worth collecting pieces early.
I've always loved her artwork, and her story of becoming an artist and lifestyle is so interesting.
More so I love her style, the jewel colours, flowers, skeletons, daily living and strength shown through art.
Next up is this wonderful poster from Amanda Palmer's Grand Theft Orchestra Tour, it an illustration from The Bed Song, a hauntingly beautiful song which I'll admit to crying to at the concert we went to.
I would love it framed about my bed to remind me that money, other people and work should not come between you and your partner.
click the poster to hear the song.
Finally a jolly song for the weekend, fitting giving my blog title.
