A day in the life of a Mum going to an interstate blogging event

 

 

When I started blogging, I loved typing the post, adding photos and waiting for a new day to do it all again. Even though my life might seem mundane, it seemed to me to be something worthy enough to blog about. As you become more involved in blogging you get to hear about conferences, functions, events that are held locally, interstate and even overseas. I've been very lucky to have been to a couple local events in the last 2 years of blogging but when I was invited to the Kid's Business Blogger's Brunch I felt like I was something. Like really? Who would've thought anyone would be interested in what I blogged about let alone companies maybe wanting to work with me.

 

So, not having very much money, it was either the electricity bill or an airfare to Melbourne and the airfare won out. (Mr Electricity, your cheque is in the mail!) It wasn't until I was on the plane that it hit me how much I had organised getting my children and pets cared for before, during and after the day. Little did I know what I was in for. (I'm lucky my sister lives near the airport so I stayed at her place the night before.)

 

4:30am
Wake, shower have a quick coffee, cab comes.

5:55am
Plane leaves, I'm on my way and manage to catch 40 winks (and another well needed coffee on the plane).

7:45am
Ros from Sew Delicious picks me up and I'm confronted with gale force winds and icy temps. Nearly died. Lucky I packed a coat and scarf. Brrrrr! Head to her house for another well needed coffee and meet her husband and beautiful little girls.  A beautiful lady and lovely family. Short walk to the tram and on our way to Melbourne city.

10:45am
Arrive at the function. About 50 women. Lots of brands and their stands set up. Lovely venue, food was nice. A few guest speakers including Carolyn Cresswell from Carman's. A humble lady, who started out with not very much and won the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year last year. Some other inspirational woman too. Meet and greet the other companies and got bags full of samples of their products.

2:30pm
Left the venue with a spring in our step because we should've left a little earlier. There was a cab blockade at the airport and traffic was going to be horrendous. Because I probably wouldn't have got a cab, Ros and her husband said they'd drop me off on their way to visit his folks in the country. We were nearly running to the tram with these heavy bags. Managed to get the tram, basically jumped in the car with the kids and the dog when we arrived at her house. Poor Ros was cramped up in the back of the car.

3:45pm
Arrived at the airport. Boarding time was 3:30pm and plane was leaving at 4pm. I ran and I ran. I headed to Gates 1-10, couldn't breathe. Went through security (with all my bags) and ran. Got nearly to the end when I realised it was Gate 12 I had to go to. Ran all the way back, through another security check. (By this time I thought I was going to throw up like the people exercising on Biggest Loser) ran and ran. Got to the gate at about 2 mins to 4pm and they hadn't started boarding. Phew! Sweat was pouring out of me. I couldn't get my breath. Oh my goodness.

6:30pm
Arrived back in Brisbane, walked one more time with those bags and my sister picked me up. She ducked into the supermarket for a couple things and I could barely walk. Packed up the car and the dogs and headed home via the Thai takeaway. Unloaded the car, the dogs, THE BAGS. Had a quick bite to eat before I ducked next door to pick up the bird. I was too tired to even turn on the computer or watch TV. Had a shower and went to bed about 9pm.

7:30am (the next day)
Woke feeling like I'd done a huge bicep workout and run a marathon this morning!

 

To sum up, it was a nice day out and made me feel all important and special. If I would've had a little more money in the budget, staying the night before and leaving later would've been a better option. It reminded me of my jetsetting days, travelling overseas, having to run from one terminal to another to catch a flight or sitting in an airport terminal for hours on end. In those days all I had to worry about was myself so was already relaxed before I went.

From what I hear the kids were perfect and had a wonderful time with the daycare Mum so that all worked out well.  My sister looks after my dogs so well they think they are at a spa retreat being spoilt rotten.

Besides being a great opportunity to meet up with other bloggers and brands, this particular function raised well needed funds for St Kilda Mums. Through this event, $10 was donated for every blogger attending. St Kilda Mums is a not-for-profit organisation based in St Kilda, Melbourne. They collect donations of nursery equipment and recycle cots, prams, bassinets, clothes and other baby essentials and make sure they meet safety requirements.  St Kilda Mums support children and parents experiencing hardship in practical partnership with maternal and child health nurses and local social service agencies, and believe that by reusing and recycling much loved babies' and children's gear, they not only share the joy of motherhood with each other, but save the earth's precious resources too.

 

Events like this just don't happen. A lot of behind the scenes work goes on and the event was very professionally run by the Kid's Business team and if not for the sponsorship, events like this wouldn't be possible. For  more information, sponsors are listed below.

 

Carman’s is proud to be launching Yummo’s, the lunchbox friendly snacks that will help make school lunches interesting. They are a delicious and healthy way to keep kids fuelled throughout their busy day. Carman’s Yummo’s are full of wholegrain goodness with no artificial colours or flavours. Free from genetically modified ingredients and ranging from 65 to 114 calories per serve, they’re a healthy but tasty addition to the lunchbox.  At Carman’s we believe food ingredients should come from the kitchen, not the chemist. We believe in being proud of our ingredients with no need to hide them in fine print. We believe that once you’ve tried Carman’s, you will love it!

www.carmanskitchen.com.au
www.facebook.com/CarmansKitchen





The smarter choice for cooking home appliances. For more than 45 years, Kambrook has been synonymous with affordable, quality appliances that incorporate far more features than you would expect of the piece. That is the Kambrook Guarantee.

www.kambrook.com.au
www.facebook.com/kambrook



Yumi’s Quality Foods is a fully Australian owned family business, distributing nationally from our Melbourne manufacturing base. Yumi’s are one of Australia’s top producers of dips and we are not shy of innovation or new technology, and we’re not afraid to take this lead. The Yumi’s brand is Dairy free, Gluten Free and KOSHER.  The classic range of Yumi’s continues to grow stronger with a very loyal customer following. These are much loved flavour profiles that is consistently attracting new consumers.
www.yumis.com.au
www.facebook.com/pages/Yumis-Quality-Foods/420106468031665




Wellaby’s gluten free crackers and snack foods are produced in Greece and are made with up to 43% real cheese along with real lentil and chick pea four in the recipes.

All Wellaby’s products:
- Have a main stream flavour profile
- Are baked, not fried
- Have no added preservatives
- Have no trans fats
- Are rich in calcium
- Are high in protein
- Taste Great, Always!

www.wellabys.com



Higher Living Tea is one of very few brands that still proudly produce and pack all of their products in Great Britain. Higher Living Tea supports fair trade wherever possible by sourcing herbs from suppliers who either have or are working towards fair trade certification and ensure that their farmers and workers get a better deal. All Higher Living Teas are organic, 100% natural and are naturally caffeine free so you can be sure that you are getting the very best from your cup.

www.higherlivingherbs.com



Mamee is a supplier of healthy and gluten free snacks for kids and adults. Our Mamee Monster Noodle Snacks meets the Healthy School Criteria has been selling in Australia canteens and supermarkets for over 20 years. Full range at www.mamee.com.au/products.html

www.mamee.com.au
www.facebook.com/mamee.australia



Hallmark produce greeting cards, gift wrappings and other innovative gift products. Our vision is to be the best at helping recognise and celebrate all of life’s moments.

www.hallmarkcards.com.au
www.facebook.com/hallmarkaustralia




Brauer’s range of natural products have been helping make mums life easier for more than 17 years! From colic to coughing, make Brauer your baby’s first best friend. Since the launch of the natural Paw Paw range, Brauer has been at it again; this time making bath time fun, the natural way! A new range of natural Baby Bath & Skin Care products containing Paw Paw, Honey & Shea Butter. Sweet!
www.brauer.com.au/
www.facebook.com/BrauerAus



IGA stands for ’Independent Grocers of Australia’ . Today there are over 1,000 IGA stores in the country made up of Supa IGA, IGA, IGA X-press. While the offer may differ in each of the three channels, and the stores may be of different sizes, IGA customers can be assured that they are shopping IGA, and are enabling local Australian business to continue to be active in the communities that they serve.
www.iga.net.au




Tasty Bite Indian and Asian Meals are a quick and easy Meal solution for busy mums. They are all natural with no additives or preservatives. Fully cooked, they only need heating….in a microwave or in a pot of boiling water and they are ready to be served with some rice, Naan Bread or noodles.. The meals require no refrigeration till opened, which makes them suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Tasty Bite meals are also versatile and can be made into dips, soups or snacks which makes them a great pantry staple. A meal in minutes….perfect for time poor mums!

www.tastybite.com.au/
www.facebook.com/tastybiteinoz



Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) is passionate about providing consumers with superior automotive technology. MMAL’s approach is simple, focussing on four core principles, advanced technology, driver confidence, street presence and superior value. MMAL are proud to share the outstanding qualities featured throughout its impressive fleet of vehicles, and most importantly educate consumers on its environmental initiatives and its five star safety ratings. It’s these outstanding features which demonstrate MMAL’s versatility, drivability and excellent value for money, ultimately making their vehicles the perfect family car.

www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/
www.facebook.com/MitsubishiMotorsAustralia

Looking forward to the next one!