On Saturday I did something really exciting! Almost 2 and a half years after writing my very first blog post, I went to my very first blogging conference. Blog Camp Birmingham.
When I started my blog I didn’t anticipate that I’d be writing it more than 2 years later. I was anxious about my pregnancy and wanted an outlet. Somewhere to write down my thoughts and feelings. And a blog seemed like the perfect place; a modern take on the traditional diary.
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The Love of Blogging
Back then, I didn’t realise how much my little virtual journal would become such a huge part of my life. Didn’t expect to look forward to writing my posts so much. To get such a buzz out of taking the photographs, to illustrate my words.
And a couple of years on I can say — with some conviction — that my blog isn’t going to be discarded any time soo. Nor left unwritten or taken down from the World Wide Web.
It’s such a fantastic creative outlet and I just can’t imagine it not being there now.
As my blog has matured, a whole host of other exciting opportunities have begun to occur. The chance to work with interesting brands; to create lovely posts inspired by their products or services.
Incredible Opportunities
We’ve been given the incredible opportunity to go on a little family holiday to Bluestone Resort in Wales. We had a fantastic day out Folly Farm — again as a direct result of my blog.
And I have met some really lovely people. Through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. Fathers, mothers, bloggers, non bloggers, bloggers.
Plus I have a group of very special blogging friends who I regularly chat to on-line and — as of yesterday — in person!
So yesterday, I swallowed my nerves (and wow, was I nervous), caught the train and headed off to Blog Camp Birmingham.
The event was run by The Tots100; a network for mum and dad bloggers, with more than 8,000 members, reaching 10m UK readers each year.
Throughout the day I learned about Pro-Blogging, Metrics, Vlogging and how to be Camera Ready.
I met my lovely ‘virtual’ friends.
I chatted to some of the most influential movers and shakers of the UK blogging world. And left with a head full of ideas and inspiration.
I fell into this blogging malarkey completely by chance.
When I signed up for my free WordPress blog and wrote my very first post I had no idea that there was an entire sub-culture that went with it.
And since that first diary entry I’ve discovered new friends — real ones not ‘virtual'(!) —new skills, and a possible new career in the offing.
Amazing what you find when you’re not really looking, isn’t it?
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
I’m still to make my first blogger event and really hope it happens this year. Baby #2 is going to get in the way a little bit for the next few months (blinking baby ;)). It’s great to hear that you found it so useful and have come away with lots of inspirarion x #TwinklyTuesday
Aaah first things first pet :) Plenty of time for you to come to the blogging events!! Got to get your Tiny Tinbox Traveller #2 born first!! :) x
Would have loved to have gone and the Tots Bristol bootcamp is sadly on a Friday so that’s out of the window. I did go to Blog On Cymru earlier this year and that was really enjoyable. You learn so much when you’re in a room full of other bloggers don’t you. I just wish everything wasn’t based out of Wales. #twinklytuesday
Aaah that’s a real shame. I’ve spoken to a few others who are disappointed the Bristol one is on a Friday too. It’s a real shame you’ll be missing out. Hopefully there will be more events popping up in Wales x
Awe lovely! Congratulations on your long-standing blog – it’s such an achievement! I really so much wanted to go on Saturday but wasn’t quick enough with the tickets! I’m glad it was a fabulous day and you got to meet up with some community blogging pals – will see you there next year! #TwinklyTuesdays
Aaah thanks so much Yvette! Wow — it’s funny for someone to say ‘long standing’! As I only nought my domain name and went self-hosted in January, it still seems like it’s a brand new blog!! Thanks so much and — yes — hope to see you next year :) x
Sounds like a great time you had and it must have been so nice to meet your virtual friends in person! I’m wondering now if I’ll ever get to go to one of these events! #twinklytuesday
Carolyn
Aaah it was SO much fun! The best thing about the day was definitely meeting up with my blogging friends and being able to chat to them in person. I’d definitely recommend it! :)
So glad you enjoyed BlogCamp – it was a great day wasn’t it and was so lovely to meet you :-)
Aaah Louise it was fab to meet you too!! One of my favourite parts of the day was meeting up with all my fellow bloggers! So nice to see everyone in ‘real-life’! x
Reading interesting to read as I got my ticket for Blog Camp Bristol yesterday! I’m quite nervous but looking forward to putting some names to faces x
Aaah Elaine! You’ll LOVE it!! I was so nervous but so, so happy I swallowed my nerves and went anyway. Now I’m really looking forward to Britmums! :)
It was so lovely to meet you, this is such a lovely post to read. Blogging is amazing isn’t it? Your blog is awesome, so glad you started all those years ago xx
Thanks Kate darling :) It was gorgeous to meet you too. Such a surprise — I was delighted when I saw your little face!! Thanks for your lovely comment xx
So good meeting you, sad we didn’t get a pic together. Next time. Knew we’d click x
Aaah it was fabulous to meet you too! Yes — I was rubbish at remembering to get photos taken with people. I only just managed to remember to get some shots of the day! You are exactly as I thought you’d be! I’m looking forward to seeing you again at Britums xx
Wow sounds like you had an amazing time meeting your fellow bloggers and virtual friends! I’m so jealous! Maybe one day I’ll make it too x
It was brilliant! You should definitely put it on your ‘to-do’ list! I would highly recommend it :) x
Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your experience, especially nice for those that couldn’t make it :) We like catching up. Thanks for hosting #TwinklyTuesdays
Aaah I really did have a great time! It was so lovely to meet all the girls I chat to online on a regular basis! So happy that they are as lovely in real life as they are ‘virtually’ :)