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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Burger Project

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

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.

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.

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