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Being a Blogger: Behind the Scenes

Blogger Weekend: Behind the Scenes

I started Be A Fun Mum as a goal for myself after I came out of depression back in 2009. After a few years of blogging personally, I realised I might be able to create a job for myself through my blog after the kids were all back in school, allowing me to stay largely at home. Seemed like a dream!

Now, it’s happened: all my kids are in school, and blogging has become my part time job. While it’s a lot of work (more than I imagined), I love it and feel fortunate to be part of such a lovely community of mothers. Most of what I do can be done from my computer (often at home) which is brilliant, but sometimes I need to go to meetings, and conferences that take me away from home.

This past weekend, I was in Sydney for blog conference and the launch of the Nuffnang’s Sydney office (Nuffnang help me handle my blog commercial enquiries). Thanks to Nuffnang, Destination NSW, Qantas and Rydges for such an awesome weekend. Here’s a snapshot.

Packing

It’s always a huge effort to organise to go away to these things. Sometimes when I’m getting ready, I wonder why I do it! But then, it’s always worth it in the end. When I pack, I like to lay out my clothes in piles so I can see what I’m taking so I don’t over pack. I was only going away for 2 nights/3 days. I had two dinner events, a sailing experience and conference wear to pack for.

Outfit planning for travel

Friday Dinner: Sasha Drake Pencil Skirt, Whistle Red Jacket, Andrew Marc Top, Heels
Saturday Sailing: Jeans, Glassons Button through top, Whistle Jacket, Flats
Saturday Dinner: Metalicus Knit Cardi, Stella Butterfly Print Dress, Pulp Noir Boots
Sunday Conference: Metalicus Knit Dress, Glassons Long-Knit Cardi, Pulp Noir Boots

People

One of the best things about blogging is the people I’ve met along the way. I met heaps of blogging peeps at the Nuffnang Sydney Launch Party held in the ECQ Bar. Big thanks to Destination NSW for helping to make it happen.

Sydney Nuffnang Event

With:
Deb from Learn With Play At Home, Danya from Danya Banya, Chelsea from Moments a Day, Rachel from Racheous, Ngaire from Brisbane Kids – Photo by: Alexander Kesselaar 
Josie from Josie’s Juice
Kathleen from Kathmadula, Sara from Kid Magazine, Amanda from Mummahh.com.au
Lorelei from Craftmanship, Michelle from Keep Calm Get Organised

Places

I stayed at Rydges Central in Sydney and it was a treat to have a bed dedicated all to myself. I splashed out and ordered room service as I finished off my talk preparations for the blog conference. Hello pumpkin risotto.

Rydges Central in Sydney

Sailing

The group was only in Sydney for a short time, and what better way to enjoy Sydney than its harbour on a sailing boat! Destination NSW sent our group on a beautiful Beneteau sailing boat with East Sail. I chatted to our skipper, George, who has sailed all around the world, and he said Sydney harbour is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. I even got to take the wheel for a bit.

Sailing in Sydney

Sailing Sydney Harbour

Sailing in Sydney Harbour

Food

I cook the majority of the time at home, so having all my meals prepared is a lovely luxury. Below are some of the food highlights.

Sydney food

The Burger Project

The Aussie burger at the Burger Project was everything I wanted in a burger.

The Burger Project

Spice Temple

The biggest highlight for me was dinner hosted by Qantas at the Spice Temple. Food. Was. Amazing. If you are ever in Sydney, I very highly recommend. The Spice Temple is owned by celebrity chef, Neil Perry and I had the chance to meet him on the night.

Spice Temple - Sydney

Pictured:
Dongberi style steamed lamb buns with salted chilli
Fried Squid, Hong Kong Typoon style
Kung Pao chicken, Shihuan peppercorns, heaven facing chillies and cashews

Home

I like having these little adventures, but I always love coming home. BIG thanks to my husband for always supporting me in my endeavours and doing whatever he can to make it happen. He looked after the kids, cleaned the house, shopped, made cookies with the kids, got the kids ready for school and ALL THE THINGS! He sent me random updates, which made me laugh. Love that man.

messages from homeSydney, thanks for being awesome and giving me a blast of a weekend. Back into it.


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20 Comments

  • Reply
    Deb @ Bright and Precious
    July 27, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Kelly, it’s been awhile since I’ve commented on your blog (though I pop in to read from time to time!) so I love the excuse from the Aussie Bloggers link to say hello. Yes being a blogger can be so fun – and you look like you had a ball in Sydney! I admire how organised you are with your outfits!

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 27, 2015 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Deb! Always love to say hi! I’m the same: love popping in to see to read your words from time to time. Will also take that excuse right now and head over. x

  • Reply
    Amy @ Mrs Smyth
    July 27, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Sydney looks like it would have a been lovely and welcome break! Room service! Food you didn’t have to prepare for yourself?! Magic. Can I come too? 🙂 I’ve always loved reading your posts but I’ve never commented before – I’m usually on my phone and it’s tricky. I’ve popped over from Aussie Bloggers. I’m finding loads of new reads, hooray!

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 27, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Room service was amazing. HAHA.

      I’m so glad you said hi! I’ll come over and say hello over on your blog too. Always love meeting other Aussie bloggers.

  • Reply
    Alysha Herrmann
    July 27, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    Love your clothing choices/style. 🙂

    Love the husband’s text messages at the end. My text conversations with my husband are often very similar!

  • Reply
    Melbourne Girl
    July 27, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Great to catch up again Kelly.
    Thanks for sharing so many wonderful insights into the world of ‘Being a Blogger’.
    Catch you on our next exciting Bloggerati getaway.
    Emily x

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 27, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      I keep telling everyone just how lucky I feel to be able to have these adventures. So awesome to be part of an agency that keeps putting so much in.

  • Reply
    Chelsea
    July 27, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    LOVE your packing picture. You have such style, Kelly!

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 27, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      Thanks lovely. I’ve become a bit of a master of very easy wearing and comfortable style.

  • Reply
    Debs
    July 27, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Always so good to see you in real life and get a Kelly squeeze. We really have been lucky! Loved your recount and your husbands texts at the end. Too cute. Until next time lovely. xo

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 28, 2015 at 11:49 am

      Me too Deb. Always, always love seeing you…chatting and generally having a great time.

  • Reply
    Nina
    July 28, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    What a dream come true indeed Kelly to be able to work for a living blogging! And to be able to attend fun conferences like this! 🙂

  • Reply
    Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
    July 28, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    Oh I love those photos of you on the boat – you like like a total natural. It was absolutely lovely to meet you. I was very star struck though. Gosh I learnt a lot from your presentation – thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge! Hope you had a safe trip home! xx

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 29, 2015 at 7:27 am

      Oh, you’re a gorgeous thing. I loved meeting you Lucy and hearing about all the exciting things happening for you. xx

  • Reply
    Helen Edwards
    July 28, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Love the sailing shots!! So chic! And the texts 🙂 And it was very lovely to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you more xx Hope you got home pain free!

    • Reply
      Kelly - Be A Fun Mum
      July 29, 2015 at 7:28 am

      Thanks Helen. So good that we got to chat a bit at the conference! Yes, the ride home wasn’t fun but I’m good again now. Thanks for caring.

  • Reply
    Sia
    July 31, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    Those food shots look amazing! Yum

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