Tots 100 Blog Summit – Birmingham

Posted on May 20, 2013 by admin

Last week I attended my a blog summit in Birmingham. To be perfectly truthful I hadn’t a clue what to expect as I had never before attended one run by tots 100 and with the conference being free I wasn’t sure of the speakers or the experience that was going to be offer.

Now I don’t wish that to sound so snobby ( as I’m sure it does)but i can be rather cynical and believe in life you tend to get what you pay for.

Well I was so wrong, from the moment I found the venue I was surprised by the quality of the summit.

The venue itself was stunning and they had coffee on the go which anyone who knows me will relate when I say good coffee can make or break a day for me.

The agenda was packed with a variety of sessions that I was excited to attend. So many in fact that I was seriously wishing I could split myself in two.

The first session I attended was the Grill Section, this was a chance to grill more experienced bloggers. Chrissie from Mediocre Mum (I was super excited to meet Chrissie as we have been tweeting on twitter for a while)., Helen from Fuss Free Flavours, Ruth from Geek Mummy and Sally from Who’s the Mummy and Tots100 All were happy to answer questions on anything blog related. I asked about changing your blog voice,my blog is featuring less posts about my children because now as teenagers they require more discretion on my part. Spoilsports.

The advice I received was really helpful and I left the session with pages full of notes. A big thank you to the bloggers under the grill.

Also in this session to Sally from tots100 even gave us a run down on how the metrics work. I confess I still haven’t a clue but that’s down to my lacking brain not Sally’s explanation.

My 2nd session was on advanced SEO being run by Judith Lewis and I’m sure it was super informative to many but five minutes in my head was spinning so I escaped to grab a coffee and some pain killers and took some time out before lunch.

Ooh talking of lunch it was simply yummy. A great selection on offer.
I ate well that day. To quote Oliver Twist “more please sir”.

The third session I attended was run by Cathy from nurture store. It was all about getting the most out of Facebook. This was a really informative session and I’ve already been using some of the advice we were given.

My fourth and final chosen session was run by John Arnold on outdoor photography. It was really interesting and John is a great teacher as he makes it accessible for all at whatever level they are at. He also convinced me I needed a new lens for my DSLR, well that’s what I told the hubby.

After another break and more coffee the day came to an end with perhaps the most inspiring part of the whole event. A talk by Andy Cope the author of How to be Brilliant and other books including our family favourites The Spy Dog.

My youngest wasn’t at all impressed that I didn’t come home with a signed book from him. Of course my fault entirely I know I should learn to carry books around with me in case I meet her favourite writers. Lesson learned.

Anyway Andy brought home to me something that I had forgotten for a while. He told us that happiness is a choice. We have too remind ourselves each morning that each day is a gift and to live it happy. That we could be a lot worse, we could have toothache. There was off course a lot more to Andy’s talk including percentages and oranges but for me it really hit home.

As it reminded me of Livvy, and when learned of her condition and that we may not have forever. We had to make the decision to make each day count. To seize each day and live it to the best we could. To create those memories.

In summary Blog Summit was pretty awesome. I really encourage any new bloggers or older longer standing ones to check them out.

It was informative and at times hilarious. Well worth attending.

Personally I had a great day I got to meet some new friends and catch up with old ones.

I got to enjoy lovely coffee while listening to speakers that really knew their stuff.

I left happy and with a notebook packed full of ideas and helpful advice.

A really fanatic day and a big thank you to tots 100 for organising it.

So my only question is

When’s the next one???

A crazy few days, awards etc

Posted on February 5, 2013 by admin

What a crazy few days its been in the blogging world. With some awesome bloggers off on the Comic relief tour to the opening of the nominations of the MAD blogger awards.

Now you know I am very passionate about writing simply because you love it, but that doesn’t mean I’m above getting on bended knee and asking (begging) you to consider this mere blog for one of the awards.

I do want to go further in the blogging world and hey let’s be honest nominations help and if you make the shortlist you get invited for a night of extravagance and wine, did I mention the wine.

So if you do enjoy my writing please consider nominating Walking with Angels.

Choosing not to write

Posted on July 24, 2012 by admin

Sometimes I choose not to write, not to throw my hat into the arena of comments and opinions. I virtually bite my tongue and stay quiet.

Not because I don’t have an opinion, I do, but I just don’t know enough.

I don’t know the real situation behind the headlines or gossip.

I don’t know the real people behind the photos or blog posts.

Being behind the computer gives us an opportunity to be.

A place where we can be ourselves and let our voices be heard.

But I ask the question, are we who we say we are?

Sometimes I read stories and blog posts and wonder, did that really happen?

Is their life really that perfect?

So many times we create ideas and ideals that people cannot or shouldn’t try and live up to.

Then we feel disappointed when we meet them in real life or the truth is unearthed.

But whose fault is that, have we created our own opinion or have they created one which isn’t true to what we now see.

So when the news headlines fill my screens or the television is full of the latest reality television show, I simply switch off.

I will not form an opinion of another from another’s words, I want to meet, feel and listen to their heart.

Only then when I know the full story,

Will I choose to speak,

Choose to write.

End of an Era

Posted on July 19, 2012 by admin

I watched my daughters school play today, it was based on the Olympics and was really good and very humorous. My husband, I and my mom had a great time.

Yet as I was sitting there watching the stage full of year 6 I was struck by the fact that this week brings an end to an era for us known as primary education.

This week I have watched my last primary school play, will attend my last leavers service and will soon be doing my final school run.

All my babies are actually now fully fledged senior school children. How in the world did that happen?

It only feels like yesterday I was crying on the school playground as I watched my daughter enter the classroom for her first day at school, 7 years on, here I am.

Now I’m going to say this all loosely because as you all know I dream of adoption so if my dreams become reality one day I will be doing this all again, though of course a little different as I will hopefully one day adopt a special needs child.

But I’m regressing again in the here and now this is a big thing for me, no more school runs, no more school playground politics this it.

I will be waving all four off at the door in September.

What shall I do with the time?

Will I use the time saved by not having to do the school run to stay on top of the housework?

Yeah like thats going to happen.

Maybe I will get my paperwork in order and blog posts out on time.

Errrrmmm, we will see.

I haven’t a clue, to be honest the time will probably get lost in the norm.

The real thing I have to get my head around is that my baby is no longer a baby.

She is off to senior school.

Not sure I like the idea of her being in that big place surrounded by those evil beings we call teenagers.

No seriously ,I’m not that worried she has had plenty of practice with her sisters.

Senior school is going to be a great thing for Brodie, her desire to learn is great so hopefully this will encouraged and nurtured.

As for me I will be a brave mommy and wont cry as I stand on that playground for the last time. Wont blubber all the way through the leaving service even when she sings her solo.

I will be a brave mommy who looks forward to the freedom of no school runs and the opportunity to stay in my pjs all morning and catch an extra hour in bed.

Ok maybe thats a big fib, I will be sobbing and refusing to accept my baby is growing up, but isn’t that a mothers right?

Always my baby

I have the Blues

Posted on July 18, 2012 by admin

I think I have a bit of the post conference blues.

At the Brit mums weekend I was Sara and I loved it.

As much as I cherish being mom sometimes I lose my identity under the piles of dirty washing and endless tantrums.

My job also doesn’t really give me a place to be Sara as a foster carer parenting is my job, which yes I love but hey where am I?

Maybe it just a case of the blues, that will soon pass over, or maybe its the inner me shouting a little louder than normal.

While we all love our roles of mother, wife etc we still need to remember that we are ourselves too.

To indulge in our passions be in it books, nights out, nights in.

Whatever we desire, need.

I need to take this on board more.

I need to not wait for those once a year weekends to embrace the woman inside.

This doesn’t detract from the roles I play it enhances them.

A happy mom makes for happy children.

A contented wife has a contented husband

So I’m make a new resolution (no its not new year) I’m going to celebrate me a little more, indulge me a little more, embrace me a little more.

I’m going to step out of the roles that have been defining me and learn more about the woman within.

I’m sure she is still there somewhere?

Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale of all. Hans Christian Anderson

The Famous Curry Bazaar

Posted on July 4, 2012 by admin

Last Saturday night I made my first visit to the famous Brick Lane. After a busy and intense day myself and few friends were starving a looking for a place to grab a nice meal.

We happened upon a young man outside the restaurant The Famous Curry Bazaar. Straight away I loved the energy and personality of this man as he explained to us that if we wanted great food this was the place to be.

So after some negotiation i.e., a free round of beers we agreed to eat at the restaurant and write him a review. I mean we are awesome writers as you well know.

Curry Bazar is a light and airy restaurant with staff that made you feel welcome.

We all started with popadoms, salad, mint sauce and chucknys.

I followed with sheek kebab starters and a main meal of chicken tikka masala (yes I’m very adventurous ).

The others had a selection of meals including prawn purée, and lamb dansak.

Of course I can only speak for myself but honestly it was one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had.

The sheek kebabs melted in my mouth and the Masela was the perfect mix of spices and not to intense.

To be honest I am a lousy food reviewer simply because I cannot find the right words to describe to you the quality, texture of the food.

All I can say is that my plate was empty at the end. I ate every last bit of meal as it was absolutely gorgeous.

I had a fantastic evening at the Curry Bazaar the staff were pleasant and helpful, even being willing to take photos of us all.

The food was hot and plentiful and totally yummy.

All in all it was a great night. I do recommend this restaurant and next time I’m back in London I hope to visit again.

***

For this review we did all get a free round of drinks and 20% off the bill. This is no way affected my opinions they are completely honest and my own.

My Britmums Live Experience – Take 2

Posted on June 26, 2012 by admin

So now for the real reason behind my weekend success – the people , the amazing, kind, funny and down right just wonderful people who crossed my path over the last few days.

Firstly I have to mention Her Melness, now Mel is what I was call blogging royalty even if she denies it, her blog is honest, open and at times downright sarcastic and I love it.

Now Mel in her alter ego The Gift of Words actually sponsored me to attend Britmums live and I was so looking forward to personally thanking her. What I didn’t expect was to find this amazing, warm, loving lady who made me feel so special as she opened her arms with friendship. Mel has this way of making you feel like you could tell her anything. Mel and I had some lovely chats over the weekend (I’m missing them already) and those fireworks they were meant just for us.

Of course I can’t mention Mel without sending out a big hug to her best friend Angie. One fantastic lady and I especially loved watching the banter between her and Mel it was obvious to see they were lifelong friends.

I did get to meet and chat with so many over the weekend but two other people who have crossed the blogger threshold into the friendship one are Kate from Two cats, youngling and Me and Tinuke from Circus Moms. I’m so excited to get to know them more and looking forward to our next get together.

As you can see we had some fun….

To be honest It would be easy to fill this page and many more with the many people I enjoyed chatting to over the weekend. I totally stepped out of my comfort zone and said Hi to many of the writers I admire. Nickie from Typecast, Katie Davis Holmes from Kate On Thin ice, Michelle from Mummy from the heart and many many more.

I got to meet some of the fantastic ladies who I was short listed with in the inspire Category , Alex from “Doing it all for Aleyna. Clare from A Boy with Aspergers, Steph from “Was this in the Plan” Hayley from “Downs side up” Kylie from “Not even a bag of sugar and of course Lisa from “Mummy Whisper” who went on to win our category final,all incredible woman who inspire and change people’s perceptions. I love them! I was gutted that Kathryn from ”Crystal Jigsaw” didn’t attend as I have been following her blog for a long time and would have loved the chance to say hi.

I was lucky enough to get say hello to many people whose blogs I have admired and read for a long time but also got to meet many new people whose blogs I am now reading and enjoying.

It fact Britmums Live for me was totally about the people. Yes I found the workshops informative and helpful but it was the conversations I had with others that made my weekend.

As I was on the train home on Sunday, I was excited by the new people following me on twitter and the new people I have started following on twitter.

I was also so touched by peoples reactions to my comments in the Sod the Stats, Blogging for Happiness workshop.

In simple I was blessed.

Thank you to all those who made this nervous blogger feel welcome this weekend.

Oh and Susanna it was wonderful to finally get to say Hi, it was an awesome weekend, well done to you and Jennifer and all at Brit mums.

My experiences at BritMums- Take 1.

Posted on June 24, 2012 by admin

Well where do I start, how can I try and describe my weekend at BritMums live in one blog post, I can’t so this is going to be one of a many (ok a few). The weekend has held so many layers that it’s going to take me time to slowly peel them back and digest all that I have experienced, all that I have learned and all those amazing people I have met.

To be perfectly honest on Friday morning I was ready to just turn back and go home, after reaching London and finding the buses on strike I realised I had to face the underground. Now for this claustrophobic lady that was enough to send my heart into a panic.

But you know what I didn’t, I gave myself a quick kick up the butt and using my daughters words I “manned up”. The crazy thing is after making the ticket guy giggle I made it to Old street station with no issues. Then thankfully down to the kindness of Geek mummy I left by the right exit and reached the hotel in five minutes woo hoo,way to go me.

A quick wash and change I was ready to hit Britmums Live.

Friday to be honest was a bit of a blur I think my nerves regarding the Bibs awards were getting to me, I seriously couldn’t relax, it’s not that I seriously expected to win but of course I secretly wanted too ( whoops not very secret anymore).

I loved listening to Ruby Wax she has an amazing way of viewing the world and made me giggle. Her battle against depression inspired me and her words rang true and deep for me. I have suffered depression following the onset of my illness and could seriously relate to what she spoke about. For a long time I felt such a failure, my Iife was controlled by panic attacks and irrational fears. I felt so useless as a mother, as a wife. My life had changed so dramatically, I was so lost, but thankfully with help from medication and support from my incredible husband I found my way again and found my new pathway and now for over 4 years I haven’t been on medication and have been ok. Though I’m not going to tempt fate and say I’m cured, I still have really low days but thankfully they are few and far between and does depression every really go away? Maybe a topic for different blog post.

I attended the Friday workshop, Crossing the Chasm and really enjoyed listening to advice of some awesome bloggers. It’s great to hear different opinions on what they see as crossing the chasm. For some it’s stats, for others it’s different. The blogging world is so vast and I love it.

Then the day got really exciting we had that awesome Bibs party, with free wine and half naked men what more could I ask for, It was funny and it was awesome.

Following the laughter we had the Bibs and I didn’t win boo hoo, no seriously it was a great night and my category ‘inspire’ was won by a lovely lady who is an amazing blogger ‘Mummy Whisper‘. What I also did take away from the evening was the fact that there are some amazing blogs out there that I had no idea about. I can see many hours being spend reading from now on.

I’m not going to bore you with all the details of the workshops I attended over the weekend to be honest i still haven’t digested all the information i have taken in ,but I do want to mention the fantastic Blogging for happiness one, as you know if you read this blog I write from my heart, what you see here is what’s in my head. This workshop reinforced this for me. That the reason we blog matters, the words that we share should be authentic. Blogging should be about finding our voices and letting them be heard through our words. Nobody can do you better than you.

The weekend has been an amazing experience and all at Brit mums should be feeling chuffed with themselves for putting on a fantastic event.

The whole thing was great from start to finish, ok maybe the food wasn’t awesome but hey I’m a picky bugger.

I loved chatting with the brands, they were all so friendly, I fell in love with the guys from Panasonic and their dual microwave oven, unfortunately it wouldn’t fit in my handbag to bring home and I didn’t get a taste of their fresh bread but I will forgive them as they were so awesome. The beautiful ladies at Bananagrams were so lovely and I can’t wait to play the game when I get home with my girls. Seriously though they were all great, though I do have to mention the Badgers beer tasting event, someone could have warned me that we were supposed to smell and look at the beer before downing it, felt like such a lush standing there with an empty cup. Like any self respecting beer drinker I grabbed myself another to join in, I mean I did have to appreciate the smell and texture didn’t I.

The conference was ended by the keynote speeches I laughed, I cried and I laughed again. An inspiring collection of wonderful posts that moved and inspired me.

Yes all in all it was an amazing weekend and I had a ball, really looking forward to next year. Date is already in the diary, ok in my iPhone calendar but hey it’s the same thing.

My Brit mums experienced doesn’t stop here, I have so much more to share,as they say on all the t.v programmes to be continued…..

P.S A Big thank you to The Gift of Words for sponsoring me allowing me to attend this awesome event.

And now I have a train to catch xx

I’m on my way to Brit Mums Live

Posted on June 22, 2012 by admin

Right as I’m typing this I’m on the train to Brit mums Live. I’m so nervous and so excited all in one go.

I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and turning my virtual hugs into real ones.

The agenda is fully packed and I’m really looking forward to some of the workshops and listening to some of the guest speakers.

Of course it’s always nice to meet up with some of the brands and learn about what they offer what they do.

So all being well and if I don’t get lost on the way to the hotel, this afternoon I will be at Brit mums Live.

See you later…..