The Kidspot Voices of 2013 Masterclass & Launch Party

Thursday, May 23, 2013

I'm back at home and have been since Sunday but I have finally (somewhat) recovered from my quick cross country trip to Sydney for the Kidspot Voices of 2013 Masterclass and Launch Party. It was a whirlwind weekend, I was so exhausted on the plane trip home I may have been sleeping on the shoulder of the guy sitting next to me, but I cannot confirm, as I was in fact, asleep. 

I had such a great time on this trip. I thought that being around such an inspiring group of women (and some men) bloggers that I would leave with a sense of my own mediocrity. Instead, I left with renewed energy and a fresh burst of confidence. I felt a new stirring to challenge myself more, to set myself goals, to chase the dreams that I have been putting on the back burner, to stop comparing myself to others and start embracing who I am and what I have to offer. Yeah, so much was packed into one amazing day. 

I loved listening to Hailey Barthomew share so honestly and so heartfelt about her experiences, and
how to turn your 'big ideas' into reality. 

I love the thought of pursuing the things that make my soul sing.
Because, really, that is what life is about. 
So I am challenging myself this week to take the time, quiet time, to think and dream and really figure out what those things are that make my soul sing. What are the ideas that I have been too scared to say out loud, or write down, in the case that they may not ever eventuate. To take hold of the big ideas I have, and to not let my own insecurities get in the way. Sometimes we just need a lovely kick up the bum to get some perspective. 

The First Panel 'Blogging 101' included some bloggy big guns, Viv from Ish & Chi, Jen from Interiors Addict and Rebecca From Wee Birdy and was convened by one of my favourite bloggers Pip from Meet Me At Mikes, and who so warmly welcomed me on my arrival to the masterclass and immediately set me at ease and made be feel a part of the gang. Once again these ladies were so candid and honest it was so refreshing, and Rebecca from Wee Birdy is one hilarious lady, seriously I think she needs a podcast! 



The Second Panel 'Blogs & Brands' was one that I was really looking forward to. I feel like I am just starting to dip my feet into this whole working with brands business, and it can be a little overwhelming to know what the expectations are. The panel of Brian from Social @Ogilvy, Louisa Claire from Brands Meets Blog, Stacey from the Veggie Mama and Lexi from Pottymouthmama convened by Bron from Maxabella Loves had some great pearls of wisdom. I was so vigorously taking down notes, I didn't take note of who said everything (sorry), but these are some of the points I came away with.

As I walked back to the hotel from the bus drop off my mind was racing with a new sense of purpose and I was re-energised. I've never really had the opportunity to hear other bloggers share in a setting like this before, and it really was such a great privilege to be able to attend. It took a lot of organisation and effort for me to make it all the way across the country, but I am so, so glad that I did. 

The party was a blast. I had some awesome party pals, Bron from Babyspace and Babs from Patchwork Cactus! These girls are amazing and it felt like we were instant friends, I love that, I just wish we lived a little closer. We joked, we mingled, we took silly pictures in the back of a Ford Territory, we made cake pops (courtesy of the lovely ladies from The Good Guys) and it was just a great fun and friendly environment. I met so many lovely people and was so sad to say goodbye, but I knew I needed some sleep before my early morning plane ride. My only regret is that I wish a were a little bolder in making the effort to meet some more of the bloggers that I really admire. 

I am still so blown away and honoured to be included in this amazing group of bloggers. 
I never thought that I would be travelling across the country because of my blog. 
Now I am thinking, what else can I achieve if I take on board the things that I learnt last weekend, if I actually take those big Ideas and make them happen!

Karen xx 

9 comments on "The Kidspot Voices of 2013 Masterclass & Launch Party"
  1. Love the quotes you put up. Fantastic post!

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  2. Thanks Laura!! Was so good to meet you there, hopefully you had a great time exploring Sydney on Sunday!! x Karen

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  3. It really was well worth the trip! It would be so great for Perth to have some more local things like this!!

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  4. Your blog really can take you so many places. I have been really fortunate to do so much that I might not otherwise have done in my career thanks to blogging. Sadly, I didn't quite make it to the big party in Sydney, but I did watch from Instagram, which was pretty fun too.

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  5. It would have been lovely to meet you!! Thank God for Instagram!! I will be watching the next Masterclass via twitter and instagram, hopefully with new bub in arms. x Karen

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  6. Sounds like you had a fabulous time and thank you for sharing some of your notes for those of us who weren't there! I would LOVE to meet Hailey Bartholomew. She inspired me to begin my own 365 Grateful project. Min xo

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  7. Thanks for these tips K - I appreciate them! I can especially get in someone's face, considering I was a guest debater last week and faked an O in front of 100 peeps! Time to step up me thinks :) Em @ Have a laugh on me!

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  8. so lovely to meet you karen! I was way nervous going to an event where I didn't know anyone but 'knew of' everyone. hanging out with you guys made it super fun :)

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  9. The atmosphere the whole day was one of amazing friendships and support. It made me believe that that future of blogging is a gorgeous one indeed. x

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