Britmums Live The Highlights

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

The ultimate Britmums Live Meme & Linky 2012

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…

Related articles

• Just another Britmums Live Meet and Greet (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Orchard Toys Sponsors A Boy With Aspergers For BritMums Live 2012 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)

I’m A Guest Blogger At The Business Mums Unite

 This post isn’t about my children, or autism, “OK both are mentioned a tiny weeny bit! 

 Ok, so… I’m a mum who likes to get heard when it comes to autism, aspergers and special educational needs. I love blogging about the madness and sometime sheer randomness that is my life! Yes,… I’m a mum that blogs and although the term, “Mummy blogger” is something of a crap one… I love it all the same, blogging is therapy and I admit it, throwing my hands up in the air now… I love to write, something that used to resemble a pain in the butt. Then there is this extremely privileged role I’ve acquired… parenting these three amazing, beautiful children I have created (Ok, I didn’t create them all by myself, but with a little help from their daddy). But despite my love for my children, the task I embank on raising awareness for autism campaigns, while trying hard to contribute towards creating a recognisable change whether educational or otherwise, and of course my love of being amongst other great inspiring parent bloggers, I still need more! There is still so much left for me to do, I just require a push! Of course, there will always be things to challenge you within the areas just discussed but believe it or not, there are a number of other areas of interest I still want to try and pursue. Many parents of children with a disability no matter what it maybe, don’t want to talk about it when there is no need, they don’t want to build a career around it or expand on the knowledge learnt from the battles faced… I actually do, that hasn’t changed! However, as mentioned, I also want to put my hand at other things to. 

 There have been so many ideas, ambitions, “If you like” I often drift into a daze and think, “Yes, Of course I can do that, It will be a doodle” I’m not talking about anything in particular here! There have been many “Crazy ideas” this mum has acquired throughout the years, but this last year, there have been a few that just wont sit and rest at the back of my mind.

 “Shut up Claire” I’m aware I’m rambling here (something else I’m good at) and I’m just as much aware that I’m making no sense whatsoever! OK, the point…. I do actually have some…. Well, it’s centred around this invite I received… I’m very excited as I have been invited as a guest blogger to the launch of the very first Business Mums Unite Conference, which will be hosted at the Albert Hall Conference centre Nottingham UK on the 19th, October 2011. Are you now laughing? I know I’m not a business mum, “A mum, yes… Business mum, No…” but as mentioned I’m writing about the event so I’m going to be there! Now this is important so listen up mums! ” This is an event bringing mum’s in business together to socialise, gain inspiration, share and encourage one another, however the event also targets all them mum’s like me, the ones with the ideas floating around in their heads but never acted upon. Here you can attend work shops, talk to those who have taken the leap, gain inspiration, network, and get a real feel for the possibilities surrounding you. 

 Now I look a fibber, as many would have clearly established by now that, “That’s a mum with a burning ambition” Yes, there is a specific route I’ve considered taking and it’s not that I’m not motivated girls! I just don’t know how to take the steps. It’s hard to explain without splashing my ideas all over the blog for the world to see! Lets just say… i don’t have a clue! I’m a pretty sleek networker (compliment to self) but this requires more, and what with the desire to study for my degree, I’m starting to think that I somehow consider myself to be something of a, “Wonder Woman” That or I’m going to make time stand still! “No, I don’t think so either!” So… Looks like I’m heading for the right event and how about some company?

 So…. Here I am laying it out on the table, I want to build a successful career for that of myself and my family. I feel most privileged at the fact I’ve been considered good enough to report on the Ins and outs of the day both pre and post event. This for me is the opportunity to report and yes, take some notes for my own naughty gain… HA-HA-HA

 All mothers, especially you fellow blogging mums (yes, you know who you are)! Who fancies Nottingham on the 19th October? 

 Here’s a sneaky peek at what to expect and some info for all you potential brands that should know a good opportunity when they see it (need I say more)!

The Fabulous Event Founder is the lovely: Charlotte Pearson, Twitter id: @scandc

 (facebook & blog url can be found at the end of this post)

Event Sponsors: 

 HIPP Organic,  Trunki, MumpreneurUK

Conference

 Emma Wilsher: Official photographer for the event :  www.emmawilsher.co.uk

 Keynote speaker: Elaine Hanzak

 www.hanzak.com twitter: @elainehanzak 

 This inspirational mother & teacher wrote an inspiring book documenting her story about the extreme illness she suffered following the birth of her son. The book titled ‘Eyes without sparkle’ documents her journey through postnatal depression. She has since spoken at numerous events, appearing on national television 

And is now a ‘prima mother and baby magazine consultant.’ Now that’s pretty inspirational! 

 Speaker: Naomi Timperley 

www.babylovesdisco.co.uk and www.socialmediaboom.co.uk

twitter id for Baby Love Disco: @blduk twitter id for Naomi: @naomitimperley

  Naomi is fabulous, Come on, Baby Loves Disco is Ace and this business woman from Manchester happens to be the UK director. 

Naomi a survivor of the Dragons Den is now a very successful business woman in her own right, not only is she the director of the No1 day clubbing event for parents and their teeny boppers, but she also happens to be a very successful speaker, mentor, business adviser for SIFE at Salford University & a volunteer for Young Enterprise NW. If that just wasn’t enough already, she is also a social media trainer with Social media. YOU GO GIRL! 

Oops… How can I forget! Naomi is also a mother of two!

 I thought I didn’t have time for a business! There is no excuse is there!

 Confirmed workshops (more to be announced ) 

 Laura Morris: Learn the 3 R’s in customer service…  Twitter id: @2businessmum

 Debbie  O’Connor: Social Media for beginners… Twitter id: @motivatingmum

 Amanda Farren: Branding… Twitter id: @QwertyCowDesigns

 Starfish Accounting: Small business accounting… Twitter id: @StarfishACC

Exhibitors 

 These include:

Scentsy; Captain Tortue Group; Jacques Design Plus more…

Following Opportunities for Brands and Delegates

 Advertising: £30

Delegate places: Including lunch and goodie bag £65

 Trade stands: Including a delegate place and advertising package £150.00

 Plus a huge range of Sponsorship opportunities

Contact Charlotte, founder of the event for more information via @scandc or via the official website where you will also find all the latest info on this truly fabulous event!

Please visit the business mum unite official site by clicking HERE Facebook page can be accessed by clicking HERE & The official blog by clicking HERE