Blogging - Nightwolf's Den

Our Melbourne Adventure Pt 2

Or the day I went to DPCON12 and hubby had a day with Miss K.
(We’re finally home and now I’m hoping to sit down and do a bit of blogging about the Digital Parents Conference and the rest of our trip.)

Up and about early for a Friday. A quick breakfast & shower then I was off to my first ever blog conference. It was also the first time in 2 years I’d been out for a full day without Miss K.

I was super nervous but also super excited. Fortunately Digital Parents had organised bloggy buddies for us and I was paired with the lovely Donna of Nappy Daze and Kim of Working Women Australia. Thank you ladies for being awesome and helping a conference newbie feel welcome and for giving me someone to sit with and chat to 😉

After arriving at the Sebel (after the taxi trip from hell) I was met by the lovely Denyse and wandered upstairs to check in and receive the AMAZING swag bag (omg that thing was so heavy and so full of amazing goodies – the photo doesn’t do it justice)

After we sat down we were welcomed by the amazing Brenda and then took part in a little speed dating blogger style. I met some lovely bloggers, some who I already read & follow on twitter and some who I now follow and read.

Then we got into the serious business. A great panel of bloggers including THE Problogger Darren Rowse (he is so nice) and the ever inspiring Sawhole (Madam Bipolar) discussing Social Media for Social Good.

We then got into the social side – Morning Tea. I am so devastated that I didn’t think to take a photo but I met one of my bloggy crushes – Kelley. We’ve been chatting for years and finally got to meet (sorry for accosting you in the loos LOL) but I did get a photo with the wicked Eden. I take a shocking photo, eyes always closed!

Next up was the panel on Blog to Book and then lunch and a chance to meet & interact with some great brands, including Dyson, Disney, Hallmark, Macleans, World Vision, Hardie Grant Egmont (thanks for the great books – they are a huge hit) and Kleenex. Back to the main hall and we had the choice of some workshops. I stayed for the Working with Brands panel – a VERY interesting discussion with some PRs. The twitter stream was abuzz especially around the discussion of sponsored posts.

The next panel I stayed for was Blog to Business. I wasn’t sure if it would be relevant but I did find it interesting. I do look forward to reading about the other two panels – Writing Workshop with Valerie Khoo of the Sydney Writers’ Centre) and Blog Coaching Boost with Nicole Avery. On to afternoon tea and I got a Glow Job for the ever fabulous Glowless.

Then we got to discuss Mum blogging and if it was a radical act. The panel started with the awesome announcement that the ever awesome Eden was being sent to Niger by World Vision. You can follow Eden’s trip on her blog and by following the hashtag #EdenInNiger on Twitter. Eden, if you read this, you totally rock.
Last up was the My Blog, My Story. OMG if you ever go to a Digital Parents Conference (or read any of the amazing stories), take tissues – you will cry! We heard so many amazing and inspiring stories. Stories of loss, parenting and stories that made us laugh (I’m looking at you Reservoir Dad). I loved Shae’s story of being a ‘hippy lala parent’ (transcript here) and the whole room was brought to tears by the heartbreaking story told by Kristie (transcript here – have tissues handy). And then it was over.

A big thanks to Brenda and the organising team, the DPCon sponsors and my wonderful sponsors (Belkin Australia, FollowMe Sticker, George Town IT & Miss Bella Blooms Creations). I’m already looking forward to DPCon 2013!

Instead of heading to the dinner I headed back to hubby & Miss K with plans of heading out to the MCG to watch the mighty Hawks take on Collingwood BUT Miss K had other ideas. Ideas that included her going to sleep at 6pm and not waking up until 7am on Saturday morning. So hubby & I ordered in Chinese from Good Luck Tea House using Eat Now and watched the game on telly from the comfort of our couch.

I’ll be back tomorrow with pt 3 of our trip

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Thanks to my amazing sponsors for Digital Parents Conference 2012 – FollowMe Sticker, Belkin Australia, Bella’s Blooms and George Town IT

Want to see your business featured on my blog? Please check out my Sponsor page to see if I’m looking for sponsorship.

Blogging Conferences – some resources

With only 11 (!!!!!) days til Digital Parents Conference I thought I’d do a bit of sharing & linking up to some posts I’m finding really useful in my own prep for the first blogging conference I’ve attended.

For the last couple of weeks, Twitter has been buzzing with the topic of clothing and what people are wearing to Digital Parents Conference. Especially this dress (nicknamed the condom dress).
and then there was this comment by the lovely Tina of Tinagraydotme

puts it into perspective a bit. I remember reading somewhere, I can’t for the life of me think where though, that you should dress in clothes that are you and are something that you are comfortable in.

What am I wearing? Ah, that will be a surprise. In other words I have no real idea yet but I have some clothes picked that all coordinate so I’ll pick on the day. Thanks to my awesome mum I have a few new outfits for this trip 🙂 (love you mum!)

Being a blogging conference, of course tech will be a big thing to bring be it laptops, iPads, smart phones.

Nikki at Styling You has a great Geek girl guide: what to take to a blogging conference and Danimezza has a list of 10 things to take to an event.

I’ve made my list of what I’ll take & I’m hoping it’ll all fit in a great little bag I bought on eBay last year for my iPad

1. my iPad (obviously) & iiNet mobile wireless (case by Belkin Australia & stickers by FollowMe sticker)
2. Bluetooth foldable keyboard
3. pens
4. a blank notebook
5. business cards
6. some mints (not pictured)
7. makeup bag
8. camera and spare batteries
9. backup power for iPad & iPhone

Other useful links
Blogging Basics 101 – Attending a Blog Conference: Tips & Advice
Blog Conference Newbie (US focused) has some interesting posts
My Front Porch Swing has a couple of great posts – Prepping your blog and what to pack in your bag
Whispered Inspirations has a great conference guide for newbies
The anti-clique conference by Zoey @ Good Goog
Crash Test Mummy – A guide to surviving DPCON12 for the shy blogger
Fake it Till You Make it – How to Confidently Fake it from Sonia
Blogging conferences and what to expect
DIGITAL PARENTS CONFERENCE 2012: The Event, The Lifesaver & The Link Up

Have you decided what you’re wearing? What your bringing?
Do you have a great resource to share that I can add to my list?

I’m also joining in with Tina’s Piquing my Pinterest

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Want to see your business featured here? I’m still accepting sponsors. Please email me or check out my Sponsor page.
Join the list of current sponsors including FollowMe Sticker, Belkin Australia, Miss Mommy, Bella’s Blooms & George Town IT

Business Cards for Blog Cons

I’m in the process of designing my own bloggy business cards for the upcoming Digital Parents Conference (OMG it’s only 42 days away!!!) and thought others might be in the same boat as me and have no real idea what to put on them.

After a little Google searching I came across Momcomm and their series of articles on blog business cards (from 2011).

I also found a post by David Risley – 5 Important Tips for your Blogger Business Card. I love the idea of using your photo. And from Table of Five – Get Your Business Cards Ready For Blog Conferences!
Then there’s Blog Design Heroes’ Business Cards for bloggers (check for typos!!).

So what are you putting on yours? Have a great resource to share? Or know of someone who designs kick ass cards?

Look forward to swapping cards with you 😀

FollowMe Sticker

I’ve been a fan of FollowMe Sticker now for some time after winning some freebies thanks to their Twitter account (@FollowMeSticker)

So as you can imagine I was pretty happy when they came onboard as one of my sponsors for Digital Parents Conference. I asked Stuart Lawson, Founder of FollowMe Sticker to share a bit about the company.

‘”FollowMeSticker was started after reading several articles on how small businesses were taking advantage of Social Media to launch or increase their business. One example was a small cupcake shop owner who invested time in Twitter to gain a local audience and introduce coupons and deals to bring new customers into the new store. This success can be seen by many other businesses who decide to invest some time into developing an audience on Social Media platforms. By developing a community on Facebook or Twitter that is local- you increase the amount of people talking about your business and that gets more customers into the doors.

Our stickers let customers know your business is on Facebook, Twitter, or other Social Media profiles. That means customers can go online and look for coupons or interact with others, as well as interact with your brand. FollowMeSticker was started to help individuals and small local businesses increase sales and word-of-mouth with only a small investment.

Although Social Media doesn’t work for every business- some businesses can really take advantage of fostering a small local community of folks who are supportive of your businesses values, and who will openly share their positive experiences about your company online. I hope that gives you a good idea of what it is and what our goals are. We are here to help local businesses increase their buzz and word-of-mouth.”

FollowMe Sticker produces

Get your own social networking stickers for 25% off in time for Digital Parents Conference by going to FollowMeSticker.com and entering TWITTER42

You can follow them on Twitter or Like them on Facebook

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Want to see your business features here? I’m still accepting sponsors. Please email me or check out my Sponsor page.
Join the list of current sponsors including FollowMe Sticker, Belkin Australia & George Town IT

Taking a break

Well Christmas is 2 (!!) sleeps away and like most bloggers I’m planning on taking a little time off. I do have a guest post and a review scheduled so be sure to pop back and check them out.

I’ll be back on New Year’s Eve to do a year in review.

So have a Merry, and safe, Christmas and hopefully I’ll see you back here in the New Year

It’s beginning to look a bit like Christmas

Well it’s nearly December 1st and I’m getting in the Christmas spirit a bit early this year. Starting with my blog. Over the next day or two you’ll notice a few changes to the look of my little bloggie Smile

Welcome to my new blog – updated

Well, welcome to my new blog home. Many thanks to Little Hero Hosting for getting me up and running so quickly 🙂

I’d like to start off at my new blog home by saying thank you and welcoming my first 2 sponsors for the Digital Parents Conference – Belkin and Follow Me Sticker. I’ll be posting about both these great companies within the next week.

So I’d love it if you update your bookmarks/rss reader and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and like me on Facebook.

I has a happy

So today was a bit of a *squee* day

First we had to buy new tyres for the car (not so much a *squee* moment as a *grrr $$$$* moment) then hubby bought me this

and then we went to find out if they could fix hubby’s phone and we ended up getting upgraded to these (and on a cheaper plan)

and then this happened

AND

I bought my own domain name. I’ll be moving soon. I hope you’ll follow me Smile

Seeking sponsorship

Well the Australian mummy bloggersphere is abuzz with the news. The Digital Parents Conference 2012 is happening! In March next year! In Melbourne! *Squee* (Early bird tickets sold out in less than a day!!)

I’m looking forward to going and finally getting to me so many amazing bloggers. Women I’ve stalked followed and admired from afar. Women like Kelley, Liz, Tina, Lori, Louisa and many others. And that’s not including the Tassie bloggers like Kel, Veronica, and Kim.

Then there is the amazing program of learning, networking, more learning, more networking and some giggles (if past blogger meet ups are anything to go by – Twitter was abuzz during the Australian Bloggers Conference). Did I mention THE ProBlogger is one of the speakers?

I’m seeking sponsorship. Going to blog conferences isn’t cheap and there is so much to organise – travel, accommodation, clothing, business cards….. and I’d love to get some business’ on board to help me out. Cause it’s all about the sharing, yes?

Why sponsor me? I’ve been blogging since 2005 and seen so many changes in the blogging world. I love writing about stuff and I’m hoping that by going to the conference I can get better at writing about stuff on my blog & all the social media stuffs.
This little blog is primarily a personal blog that touches on parenting, family, photography and crafting (mainly scrapbooking and art journaling). I love chatting away on Twitter, not so much on Facebook anymore but I still pop in to say hi. I love sharing Smile

What am I offering?

* a dedicated blog post about your company and the product/service you offer;
* a review of the product/service (if applicable);
* mentioned in posts regarding Digital Parents Conference 2012 (before, during and after the conference);
* your logo on the back of my business cards (which will be handed out during the conference);
* sidebar advertising for the period leading up to the conference and for three (3) months after;
* mention on both Twitter and Facebook fan page as my sponsor for the conference

All blog posts that mention your company will also include a link to your website

Does this sound like something you’d like to help me with? Or do you know someone who might be interested in helping me out? Email me. Cause it’s all about the love and learning (& networking & meeting ProBlogger & more networking & more learning & meeting awesome bloggers).

Wordless Wednesday

Just some of my fav recent pics of Miss K

Joining in with Wordless Wednesday @ My Little Drummer Boys