Brit Mums Live, Wow

This weekend I went to Brit Mums Live, an amazing blogging conference in London. I was so lucky that as I have set up an educational blog at work, my college supported me and paid for me to go the event. I was so excited, but very nervous about the event. Being a very new blogger I had no idea what to expect. Would all the bloggers all be as lovely as they seem on their blogs? Would I be totally out of my depth?

I need not have worried. I went with my friend and colleague Lisa and we were made to feel so welcome. It was like being a child in a sweet shop, lots of amazing seminars to suit every bloggers taste, expert experienced bloggers on hand to give tips and advice.

The Fantastic Morrisons Lounge

I thought I would talk about the things that really stood out to me over the two days;

Firstly, some of the inspirational people that spoke over the event. There were many amazing speakers and seminars. However the people that absolutely stood out to me were; 

Benjamin Brooks-Dutton who spoke about dealing with life as a widow and parent.

Kirsty from My Two Mums, speaking about people's reactions and acceptance of her throughout her life.

And, Tired Mummy of Two; speaking about her families’ journey, coping with leukaemia.  

At several points I was sobbing, at the sheer bravery and resolve of these amazing people and their abilities to record their stories in such an eloquent and touching way.

I learnt lots of tips on how to improve my blogging; don't use exclamation marks! I know I use loads, but I am going to try not too. Some people don't like too many images; I am a visual person so think I am going to struggle reducing the images I use. My photography skills need to improve, but I knew this and am trying to work on it. I don't need a colorful background on my blog, it can be distracting, and again I am thinking this one over. I love my background, I love colour, so will get advise on this.  I also learnt that I don't need to blog every day, because I am in this obsessive habit of doing so, I need to work out a strategy for this.

Blogging is a credible career option, hooray this is music to my ears, I can be a blogger and teacher, win,win. Blogging has a huge place in education, yet teachers do not seemed to have cottoned on yet. This, I am going to address. I am not on my own, and I am not mad loving blogging, there are many others like me out there that are passionate about blogging. It is normal.

I also met one of my Blogging Heroines Kate Davis-Holmes from Kate on Thin Ice, I had emailed her previously and she said to look her up and say hello. I did, but it took me 2 seminars to pluck up the courage to say hello. And do you know what? When I did she was lovely and said "I love you blog" yes Kate said to me "I love you blog" my little blog, I nearly fainted. I was over the moon, I smiled for ages after, ha ha I bet she thought I was a total nutter. 

I can't believe the friendly, inspirational and supportive environment, Brit Mums Live turned out to be. It totally exceeded all my expectations. I loved every minute of living in a blogging bubble for the weekend, and certainly felt a bit of post Brit Mums live Blues. I cannot wait till next year now. Hopefully I won't be completely star struck next year.