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Britmums Live The Highlights

26 Jun

OK, it’s fair to say that I have banged on about it a fair bit “Britmums Live” and why I was pretty dam excited to be attending.

Enough already I hear you scream.

But it’s done now! I attended and got high on the natural buzz of everything blogging, So… I guess it would be just plain rude of me if I didn’t tell you how it went!

Two entire days of workshops, inspiring talks, healthy debates, mingling, tea and a generous servings of cake (not forgetting the odd glass of wine and an awards party) is a lot to get through! So… As not to overload you, I’ll break this down into more manageable portions as to provide you with the highlights.

So here are my top 20… Enjoy!

Friday…

1) Arriving at 4.30 pm midway through a tea break. A cup of coffee and a slice of moist cake was just what this girl needed after the commute (god I loath the underground, though don’t tell the transport obsessed son I just said that)!

2) My first workshop of the weekend “The bloggers studio: The path to getting published, with bloggers who have done it” Having already started writing a book (see last post) this for me was need to know information. All speakers provided us listeners with some fantastic advice, especially “Emily Carlise” (More than just a mum) which meant that I left smiling.

3) I found that this year there was a much larger network of parent bloggers who’s main focus was on that of SEN, Autism, Aspergers and Disability. This meant that I finally got to meet some of the bloggers behind some of my favourite blogs. Tania from Special Needs Jungle has been a lady I’ve wanted to meet for some time. Finally getting to have a good old chin wag over a couple of glasses of wine was brilliant (Yes, we talked about everything from SEN provision to our boys unique and wonderful little ways).

4) The BIB Awards ceremony, Oh yes, did I forget to mention that an awards bash was merging into the agenda? OK, forget I did not but who can blame me, especially when this very blog was a finalist in the category Inspire! Ok, sadly I didn’t claim the title, but at least I lost out to the lovely talented “Mummy Whisper” Seriously it is impossible to hold any kind of blogger resentment, Lisa is just to bloody nice!

5) The fact that Special Needs Jungle did it for us SEN parents by bagging the Change Award! My fellow SEN blogger, activist, Aspergers Mum and now drinking buddy Tania was a little shocked by winning but still stepped on the stage and shared an important message with the 500+ bloggers, “Please do something to help looked after children in care as many of these children are not lucky to have dedicated parents” Please read and share her latest post.

6) The waiters at the BIBs party… I say no more!

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7) The after party drinks with some lovely bloggers.

Saturday…

8) Sarah Brown (wife to ex PM Gordon Brown and founder/president of Piggy Bank Kids) opening key note “Finding your Voice”

9) The Discussions Den, “Blogging for the greater good” A real inspiring discussion hosted by the lovely Kate (Kate on thin ice). Other speakers included Camila Batmanghelidjh (Kids Company) the inspiring Polly Gowers, (Give as you live) Claire from One and one of my favourite bloggers fellow finalist in both the Mads and the BIBs “Kylie Hodges” writer of the blog “Not even a bag of sugar” All gave some fantastic tips and advice on blogging for the greater good. This was by far one of my favourite discussions at Britmums Live.

10) The “Getting the most out of Google +” workshop as this meant that I now understand a little better on how to actually use it.

11) My one 2 one style consultancy with TK Maxx personal stylist “Claire” her suggestions surrounded me with doubt. However she knew her stuff and I left wanting to buy myself some peg trousers.

12) More Cake!

13) How great it was to never find myself stood awkwardly in a corner like a loner! Seriously, there was more than enough lovely bloggers to chat and mingle with.

14) Having a manicure at the Crocs stand! My nails looked lovely (keep an eye out for my lightweight crocs wellie review in August).

15) The display of fireworks right outside my hotel window.

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16) The talk by Cherry Healey… What a legend! A brilliant talk on how to combine social media, press and tv to help promote your blog and of course having the time to do so.

17) Acting like a bit of a tit in the Orlando photo booth.

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18) Chilling out at the Butlins stand with Laura (Tired mummy of two) it was lovely to catch up.

19) Getting to chat with some lovely bloggers and brands during the breaks including Romanian mum and Mum of three boys.

20) Lastly the amazing bloggers keynote. I cried and laughed out loud. I can’t recommend the following post enough!
Doing it all for Aleyna: Survivor
Down Side up: What to say when a baby is born with Down Syndrome
Dorky Mum: Twitter is like
Ministry of Mum: Seven days of special love

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Lastly I would like to thank the people at Orchard Toys for sponsoring my attendance. Of you haven’t checked them out then please do.

Gearing up for Britmums Live 2012

21 Jun

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Can you believe it, tomorrow is the big day… It’s Britmums Live and the BiB awards.

This week has gone by super fast and now I’m in a bit of a state trying to get myself ready (I’m not the most organised of bloggers). I realised yesterday that my cards haven’t arrived, so have been busy making my own only to realise I have no ink in my printer and no card to print on.

This means that early tomorrow morning following a trip to the Docters with my youngest, I’ll be doing a super mad dash to PC World before getting back home, printing my cards, cutting them out and finally setting off to my destination Travelodge on the city road where I’ve paid for early checkin. Lucky I’m only located in South London or I’d be a lot more nervious than I am now.

Talking of being disorganised, I still haven’t decided what I’m wearing. I did have one outfit in mind then suddenly remembered that this is a two day event so after preparing and making the kids dinner I’ll be dishing through the wardrobe for a couple of outfits ( sadly I’m having a fat day which never seems to help when trying on clothes)! I hear it’s going to rain so wellies and a rain mac sound much more appropriate.

With all this on the agenda, am I looking forward to tomorrow? Hell yes, very much so!

As some may know, I’m a finalist in the BiB awards for the most inspiring blog and the winners will be announced tomorrow night. There is some hot competition all being other great blogs I read so even if I don’t win I know I would have lost to a brilliant blogger worth losing to (if that makes sense). I’m just really thankful to have got this far.

I love how the BiBs will be held in conjunction with the Britmums Live conference and I just can’t wait to meet up with all my favourite bloggers, some I’ve met before and others i’m yet to engage with in the real world.

The schedule for this years event sounds awesome and I’m really looking forward to a number of the workshops and some of the speakers listed for this years event.

This isn’t my first big conference, I was lucky enough to win a ticket and obtain a sponsor for last years Cybermummy. Though despite having been blogging for a number of years, I knew very few parent bloggers and may have resembled something of a loner lol!

I have been lucky enough to meet many parent bloggers since then so hopefully this year won’t be the same. That’s why I think the Britmums Butterflies Is an awesome idea for any bloggers that feel like I did last year.

I’ve also bagged myself a lovely sponsor this year, Orchard Toys who have kindly covered my cost, so thank you guys.

Well, that’s enough from me, as you can see I have lots to organise, so I’ll best get on with it.

If your attend Britmums Live tomorrow then I will see you all there.

The BIB’s and The MADS… OH MY GOD

10 May

Do you know that feeling you get when something delightful happens? That warm fuzzy feeling inside!

I do, I have that feeling right now!

Have you ever received such pleasing news that you want to stand and yell it from the roof tops?

I have! I want to stand and yell right now!

Do you know why?

I’m a finalist in not one but two of the biggest blog awards taking place this year!

A few days back I received the brilliant news that I was a finalist in the Brilliance in Blogging Awards aka the BIBs organised by Britmums.

I’m a finalist in the inspire category along side 7 other fabulous bloggers who write inspirational blogs. The winner will be selected by a judging panel and announced at this years Britmums Live in June.

How exciting.

Then if this was fabulous enough, yesterday I received some more wonderful news!

I’m a finalist in the Mad Blog Awards 2012 for the category Most inspiring (the very same category i was nominated for in 2011 and went on to win)!

This award will be decided upon by public vote and once again I’m up against some amazing competition such as, I want my Mummy, the fabulous MammyWoo, A Patch of Puddles and one of my favourite bloggers and fellow autism mummy’s Wendy from Savette Gazette

The awards itself will take place in September and I for one can’t wait.

Thank you everyone who voted, these past few months I’ve had so much going on that I’ve been barely able to spam your inboxes for nominations, so to know my readers voted for me anyway is truly humbling… Thank you.

I truly love writing A boy with Asperger’s but what I love more is knowing that you guys love reading it!

Voting is open till 5 PM on the 6th June 2012 So please, I’d love it if you could take a few minutes to visit the Mad Blog Awards voting page and click A boy with Aspergers in the most inspirational category. Just click Here Mum and Dad Blog Awards 2012 to vote.

Love Claire-Louise & Little man

Flu, Campaigning, Gratitude and getting sodding old

31 Mar

Yes, I’ve been absent from blogging for a few days but not without good reason!

I was hit with the nastiest most evil flu bug ever! Yes, lifting my fingers was a tiresome effort let alone typing! This thing was the Daddy of all flu’s and note this woman’s had swine flu at 8 months pregnant and even that didn’t have a patch on this evilness!

As a kid, one doesn’t fully appreciate the “Benefits” of being a young “victim” to the flu… No “Need to do lists” no commitments and most significantly… No children to care for!

Oh yes… It was hell, pure hellishness in its almighty form! Surely there is nothing worse than parenting three quite demanding children between the ages of 2 and 11 one on the autism spectrum who is wanting to have in-depth conversations on his interest one minute then swearing the next, while your basically feeling like a big piece of steaming “Shit” (excuse my language but I have no nicer words for the experience). I love my kids so… much, but flu and parenting is never going to be a good mix is it? Worse still their father got washed down with the same bug the following day! The echoes of the croup type coughing episodes throughout the house must have driven the neighbours barmy while passers-by would be forgiven for thinking they were walking past an old people’s home (only one full of kids)!

I guess it didn’t help that Little man and my daughter were ill at the beginning of the week leaving no time for adult sickness to take place! The toddler… he just ran around like a child on red bull, though he was the only member of the gang consumed with energy at this point I can assure you that the older two more than made up for any lost adventures… Oh yes…

The overwhelming need to sleep was the ultimate killer, a mum fully capable of losing sleep and spending nights up with the boy’s (Yes BOYS… the toddler is still at it) but Oh my…. When sickness becomes part of the accession then I’m a zombie moaning monster

So… You can appreciate the smile upon my super pale face today, when for the first time in a week the shivers, aches, pounding head, sweating trembling and general feeling of death decided not to show up for its evil work today… No more hours spent head over toilet pan while the older two kick the crap out of each other and the toddlers gentle knocks on the bathroom door turn to great big thuds accompanied with the words “Mummy… Mummy… What you doing…?” Over and over again! God, how you take feeling well (as well as can be) for granted!

Well, I guess I’ve got some catching up to do! Let’s not forget its April tomorrow, therefore the beginning of a month-long awareness campaign for autism! Despite trying to raise awareness throughout the year, it’s still an opportunity to push that bit harder as people tend to listen a little more and take note which I guess is because more activist are out there putting the word about, just look at last year… we even had a number of news reports and documentaries make the TV, a great thing but still we have a long road ahead before ignorance is reduced at an even greater level and importantly more awareness is raised amongst the public and those in authority… schools, LEAs… social services, the list is endless! Why is it more important more now than ever before but likely to be more important tomorrow than what it is today? The Statistics, increasing numbers of children and adults receiving a diagnosis every single day!

That’s why on the 2nd of April, this World Autism Awareness day I’ll be “Doing it for world autism” and with some great bloggers getting involved in the action I’m more confident about the whole idea, with a bit more pushing can I possibly pull it off? Haven’t a clue what I’m banging on about? Click here and discover how myself and others are planing to raise awareness on the 2nd of April, feel inspired and leave me a comment to let me know your up for it too… you don’t even need to write a blog! Yes, myself and thousands of other families could truly benefit from a smudge of your time this World autism day.

Another challenge I’ve set my self is to take part in the April health blogging challenge! 30 prompts, 30 days, 30 post… goodness let’s hope that flu stays at bay!

On a massive high note, I’ve discovered some of you lovely lot nominated me for “Brilliance in Blogging” (BIB) award hosted by Britmums (without none of my begging too)! As a result I’m actually shortlisted in not one but two Categories, Change and inspiring! WOW, there are some amazing bloggers on that shortlist and I feel privileged to be there! Whoever felt me worthy of a nomination, Thank you… YOU’RE TOTALLY AWESOME!

Now I wont spoil it by pleading for you to now vote for me but I’ll include the badge regardless, well it would be totally rude not too! 🙂

Change Shortlist


Inspire Shortlist

On top of all this it’s the Easter holidays which means no school for 2 weeks… with this I’m feeling that there maybe some crafty play and a serious need to carefully construct a plan of action for some day-trips. Maybe I’ll even share a post on any autism friendly finds I may discover during the Easter break, watch this space!

And lastly Good Friday is my big 30, Yes sadly I’m leaving my twenties kicking and screaming and in true Claire-Louise Birthday fashion I’ll celebrate this milestone by not only getting my heels and lipstick on while drinking cocktails throughout the night… yer right… But I’ll also be hosting a 30th birthday giveaway… So… you can raise a glass and toast the wrinkles with me!

The ultimate Britmums Live Meme & Linky 2012

3 Mar


Oh.. Yes, it just has to be done! I know we have the “Meet and Greet”, but for those like myself who just need to know more, the “The ultimate Britmums Live Meme and Linky 2012” has got it covered!

I’m pretty stinking excited about this pending bloggers conference aimed a parent bloggers, and judging by the list of speakers and workshops I’m guessing you are too?

I can’t wait to see some of my bloggy friends again as-well as those I’m still dying to greet. It may seem a long way till June, but gathering how fast this year is already going it will be here before we know it!

This Meme is my way of squashing some more need to know info out of you soon to be Britmums Live attendees. I wanna know everything from why you’re going to what workshops you all fancy attending!

It’s also my way of getting you all to agree a massive Britmums live drink up on the Friday night… Come on how often are we childless women let loose in London town?

Meme Rules

Its Simple… I’ve written some questions which I’ve also answered!

Copy the nosey questions, and paste them within your own post, followed by your own answers …

Tag another 2-4 bloggers to do the same (alerting them to the meme) tip (it’s a good idea to make sure they are attending before tagging them)!

Once complete link your completed Meme to the Linky in this post (don’t forget to share rules with your tagged few, giving them this URL for the Linky). This way we can keep track of the answers and importantly who’s tagged.

Please link to, and state the creator as A boy with Aspergers.

We’re off!

Q: What’s your blog title/URL and how long have you been blogging?

A: A boy with Aspergers for the last 3.6 years

Also blog at Mummy of many talents for 3.0 months

Q: Will Britmums Live be your First blogging conference?

A: No I went to Cybermummy 2011

Q: Did you bag yourself a sponsor?

A: Yes, I’m being sponsored by the wonderful Orchard toys *Big Wave Hello*

Q: Are you attending both days?

A: Yes I need the break 🙂

Q: What are you most looking forward to about the conference?

A: probably the prospect of catching up with so many bloggers I love while at the one event. Also the Ruby Wax Keynote

Q: Are you wearing Branded Clothing ( you’re sponsors brand)?

A: I may well be, Orchard toys are considering a Tee (Ooo… I hope its my colour)!

Q: What is your planed style for this event?

A: Likely be, jeans, T and flats (let’s see how diet persists)!

Q: Are you hoping to be nominated for a BiB award?

A: I won’t lie of course it would be nice, though it’s not the be all and end all!

Q: if so what category?

A: The category for ‘Change’ would be nice!

Q: Will you be looking to network with Brands?

A: I love to talk with Brands and form new relationships so I’ll happily network with brands, though I’ll be networking with bloggers on the whole.

Q: What do u hope to walk away having gained from the conference?

A: New ideas, inspiration, contacts and new friendships

Q: Will you be dressing up in the toilets for the Friday night BiBs?

A: I may slip on some heals (though flats remain in oversized bag)!

Q: Are you speaking at the conference and if so when, where and how do you feel about doing so?

A: No, not officially, though this has never shut me up before 🙂

Q: Will you be joining in the early morning bloggercise on the Saturday?

A: Umm… that depends on how much I drink Friday night!

Q: What speakers are you most looking forward to listening to?

A: Ruby Wax, Cherry Healey, Sarah Brown, Kate Davis – Homes… just to name a few!

Q: What workshops will you be attending on the Friday (Day 1)

A: Still undecided between Getting published or The clever bloggers way to write about parenting.

Q: What Workshops being held on the Saturday (Day 2) have grabbed your attention?

A: 9.45-10.40 Advanced blogging photography

11.30-12.20 Discussions Den: Blogging for a greater good, 12.20-13.10 How to create an Ebook

14.40-3.00 either How to make money from your blog or Advanced WordPress, 15.00-15.50 Video blogging

Q: Are u booked into a hotel for the Friday night, if yes which one?

A: Yes, the Travelodge

Q: Will you be looking for after party drinks

A: There will be no need to ask twice (hit me up ladies)

Q: Are u worried about not knowing anyone or being confident and socialising on the day?

A: No, I feel I know quite a few bloggers this year as opposed to a small handful last year. I’m dead friendly, anyone and everyone is welcome to chat with me

Q: What’s are you most likely to be found doing why attending Britmums Live?

A: Talking far too much and over indulging in cake 🙂Please click HERE to nominate me for a BiB if desired.

Now, it’s your turn and I can’t wait to read them answers!

Tagging

(Note you are only required to tag 2-4 bloggers I have tagged a few more to get this Linky started!)

Michelle twinmum

Multiple Mummy

Alex from Doing It All for Alyna

The Boy and Me

Kate on Thin Ice and Groovy Mums

The Ana Mum Dairy

Those that Like the Linky and want to get involved, can join without the requirement of a tag. Please do follow the same rules though, not forgetting to link up.


Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

Just another Britmums Live Meet and Greet

1 Mar

Yes, typical Claire Louise, I have been meaning to get my backside in gear and post this “Meet & Greet” for the best part of a few weeks!

Although I love blogging a little too much, this also highlights my struggle to get a round to all them little things, due to my sometimes bonkers existence as a mum (yes… kids can be demanding, especially those on the autism spectrum, as well as those under 3 with a host of questions starting with the word, “WHY”)!

Never mind, better late than never, a term I’m most fond off, I must admit!

Well, given I’m writing a Britmums Live “Meet and Greet” you have likely established already that, Yay… I’m going to Britmums Live 2012, and boy am I excited *stops typing and engages in a brief few seconds of childish behaviour by jumping up and down on a freshly made bed*

So, before I roll off them likes and dislikes which I’m pretty confident you don’t give a hoot about anyway, I should just thank my wonderful Britmums Live Sponsor, “Orchard Toys” for making my attendance possible 🙂 *join me in giving the sponsor a big hand please!*

Obviously I write the blog A boy with Aspergers (which I’m guessing you may have worked out, given you’re here now)! What you may not know, is, I also write the blog Mummy of many talents (my newest project, launched Jan 2012)! I have 3 beautiful children one who has Aspergers syndrome and special educational needs.

Here it goes, enjoy my meet and Greet!

This is me (right) with the lovely Lou from Bloggomy on my left.Twitter Handle: @clairelouise82

Height: 5,7

Hair Colour: Lightish Blonde (Normally with darker blonde roots)

Eye Colour: Blue (with Black bags)

Likes… Creating awareness for autism, education law, Blogging, Twitter, Pinterest, Britmums, arts and crafts, shoes (the more the better) a full makeup bag, new shiny things, vintage, cupcakes, money (again the more the better) being a mum, dancing, comping (recent hobby and loving it), winning (who doesn’t) Italy, Greece, pretty things, jewellery, pasta, calorie laden puddings (but not their effect on the hips, bum and tum) shopping, organising, stationary items (how sad) bootsales, eBay, my Facebook page, BBC3 Being human, Eastenders, horrors, fashion, Karen Milan, reading (true life only) Lee Evans, creating change, festivals, healthy debates… goodness me, I best stop there!

Dislikes… School gate mums, bitching, ignorance, snottiness, weight gain, David Cameron, British justice system, eggs, mummy blogger bashing, time wasters, getting old, OCD, discrimination, meltdowns, conflict, Reading fiction (with a few exceptions) bullying, abusive relationships, stealing (including online content) Voting comps on Facebook, wordpress no JavaScript rules, spam, poor losers, dirty old men, LEAs (nearly always), injustice, weakness, Only way is Essex, heartbreak, debt collectors, South park, hypocrites …

Yes, I guess I could go on, though better to have more likes than dislikes 🙂

Well, if after all that rambling you fancy tracking me down at Britmums Live this June 2012, then please do 🙂 I’ll be the one wandering around with a huge smile on my face, not knowing what to do with myself as a result of being anything other than a mummy for a whole 2 days!

Oh, and if you’re staying at the Travelodge on the Friday be sure to wave a hand and agree to come drinking with me *bad Claire Louise*

To join in with the Britmums Live 2012 Meet & Greet, or discover even more bloggers meeting and greeting, be sure to pop over and check out the linky host Stepford Wifey

Orchard Toys Sponsors A Boy With Aspergers For BritMums Live 2012

16 Jan

Today I’m here to share some exciting news, A Boy with Aspergers has struck up a sponsorship with a fantastic brand, enabling me to attend the parent blogging conference of the year, BritMums Live 2012.

A few days after having post my initial request I was approached and offered a chance to team up with a brand that I feel really suits the blog.

So… who is it?

My sponsor for this years BritMums Live is the fabulous…

So… Why is the right sponsor for the blog?

Orchard Toys, are the leading manufacturer of educational puzzles, games and books for children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years. The brand which was founded in 1971 has a great reputation for its customer care and its toy production which aims to bring both fun & educational play to the lives of children everywhere! What’s more, Orchard Toys are interested in what interests all children, including those with special educational needs and it is therefore hoped that by sponsoring A boy with Aspergers we can help them find out!

Anyone who reads this blog will know I’m big on toys that promote educational play, there is nothing better than a toy that brings great enjoyment to a child’s day as it teaches them new and important skills along the way.
There are so many families with children on the autism spectrum, many with special educational needs, that visit this blog all looking for ideas and inspiration on what to buy a child with autism… as I’ve stated before, games and puzzles can be a great starting block, if the right products are chosen, such items can help not only improve a child’s academic performance, but social and life skills, such as independence skills, something that children with AS seem to acquire that bit later than the “typical” child. Orchard Toys have a great selection of toys that suit children of all needs and abilities and some could help improve some vital skills for the child on the autism spectrum.

I’m hoping that over time our feed back given while working with Orchard toys can be used in the most productive way. This brand creates new products from its own designs, then all products undergo extensive testing in homes, schools and nurseries across the UK! This is to make sure they are educational sound, aimed at the right age group and importantly fun to play with. I love how they are actively seeking out feedback from those with children who have additional needs to ensure their toys are fun for all.

When I spoke to the teams lovely head of PR, I really appreciated her genuine interest in my blog, children and of course Little man. At one point in the conversation, I stated how Little man has the problem, that he comes across as socially inappropriate when he tries to socialise with others! Lynda (head of PR) responded by stating that it shouldn’t be his problem, it’s the problem of society as they fail to understand him and they need to be better educated about autism. Right there and then I wondered if maybe she was the parent of a child like mine, the fact she wasn’t just blow me away even more, making me more keen to work with the brand! I only wish more people could be more like Lynda… Non judgemental with a genuine interest in those that are seen to be different.

I feel honoured, thrilled and fortunate that such a great brand with good values and ideas, have asked to be my sponsor and I look forward to working with them over the coming months.

As for BritMums Live… I just can’t wait 🙂 If you’re a parent, mummy blogger and your undecided if BritMums Live is right for you, I’d suggest checking out the site. There will be many awesome speakers on the day such as top bloggers, authors, photographers (even Cherry Healey, Ruby Wax and Sarah Brown form part of the awesome line up). There are workshops (plenty off them) aimed at both new and advanced bloggers. The two-day event will host an awards bash, provide time to mingle and get to know other bloggers (or maybe just meet up with one’s you know already) plus it’s your chance to meet with some great brands too.

To find out more about BritMums Live Click Here
If you want to check out my lovely new sponsor, which I highly recommend you do, just Click Here

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