As we set off for East London on Friday the 19th of June I must admit there was a part of me that felt a little trepidatious. And I did manage to think ‘what am I doing’ as I put the postcode for The Brewery, the venue of BritMums Live, into our sat nav. Firstly, I was leaving a 4 month old baby who – at least before the event – refused to take a bottle and often kicks off when he gets really hungry with Daddy Long Legs for the majority of the day. Admittedly they would be close by, hanging out at The Montcalm Hotel, but still would I even get a chance to enjoy any of what BritMums Live had to offer or simply be too distracted?

Secondly, I have only really taken baby steps on my mummy blogging journey, though I’m proud of what I have achieved so far and keen to learn more. And thirdly I didn’t know anyone there, and although having read about other bloggers’ experience of BritMums Live from previous years I wasn’t 100% sure about what to expect, especially as a newbie on the blogging scene.

But as with everything surrounding this blog I have decided to leave my hesitating, perfectionist self in the past and embrace the spur-of-the- moment-go-with-the-flow-you-never-know-what-comes-next attitude you simply have to adapt when becoming a new parent and therefore attending BritMums Live was a given. This therefore included bringing my man, baby boy and trusted Canon camera and just embracing everything about the UK’s largest parent and lifestyle blogging event!

After checking in, Caspian and I got changed. We had both been fortunate enough to be gifted gorgeous outfits to wear for the event. Caspian by Danish children wear company OhMinus. They do fun and quirky prints in organic material, and not only does it look great on, but the kids seem to love it, too! It’s like wearable entertainment as they get engrossed in the animals climbing their arms and legs. Read more about the brand in my A-Z Guide to Scandinavian Children’s Clothes. And keep your eye on the blog for an upcoming competition in collaboration with OhMinus.

I had been gifted a beautiful royal blue MARY dress from Irish designer, Patricia O’toole’s summer collection. What’s so special about her dresses, tops and shirts is that they have built in shape wear. This meant I felt great and didn’t have to worry about any lumps or bumps on show wearing a fitted dress only four months after giving birth. I received lots of compliments on the dress and can’t wait for another opportunity to wear it. I added some sparkle from Clo Clo London’s jewellery collection with a multi-coloured PARIS necklace.

ScandiBaby in OhMinus and ScandiMummy in Patricia O’toole 

I had arranged to meet up with the lovely Sanna, a fellow Nordic mummy, blogging over at WaveToMummy and gorgeous Becca from KeepingUpWitheJoneses. Even though we had never met before it was nice to have a chat and a cuppa before it all kicked off.

I had a quick browse in the hub greeting PRs and brands. We were gifted a beautiful bracelet from Merci Maman engraved with BritMums Live 2015 to commemorate the occasion. Then we headed into the welcome by hosts Jennifer and Susanna, the founders of BritMums. What they had to say I don’t know, because in that same moment I received a text from Daddy Long Legs that I was desperately needed back in the hotel. I knew he wouldn’t call me back unless it was a tricky situation. And true enough Caspian was literally screaming the place down. And when he’s hungry, he’s LOUD! He hadn’t eaten much before I left, so I wasn’t really surprised. As he now seems to take a bottle thanks to BritMums brand, Munchkin, and their new LATCH bottles are a huge bonus to come from going to this event.

I did manage to capture the hosts in their gorgeous outfits from Joules before I got called away on milk duty 

After an inspirational if slightly wine influenced session with Helen McGinn from KnackeredMothersWineClub, Becky Wiggins blogging at EnglishMum, and the always brilliant Vicki that is Honestmum in the afternoon, I went back to feed Caspian again and give Daddy Long Legs a much needed break. I had a great view of the Brilliance in Blogging Awards party buzzing in the courtyard below.

After a quick change I was ready to join in and toast the winners of the Brilliance in Blogging Awards. And allow myself a glass of wine, kindly sponsored by Lindeman’s!

In leopard print with my trusted Nova Harley Brisbane bag and the pink Merci Maman bracelet 

The buzz in the room was amazing. So much talent under one roof. So much support for each other. Congratulations to all nominated and more so to the winners!

Two of my favourite bloggers; Hannah from MumsDays and YouBabyMeMummy‘s Aby capturing the moment with a selfie

After the awards I returned to my boys in the hotel. Daddy Long Legs and I ordered room service – possibly the most expensive burgers we have ever eaten, but they were very, very tasty!

The next morning after breakfast I headed in early to participate in the hands-on workshop Define Your Design with the brilliant Lucy of CaptureByLucy. You can read more about it in my previous post.

After lunch Caspian joined me for the interesting session on marketing your writing with Joanna Penn from The Creative Penn. Lots to take in – especially with a baby on your lap, luckily he was very well behaved.

Caspian would like to send a bunch of kisses to all his new girlfriends! Naturally the lovely ladies from Munchkin in the picture above. And in no particular order; beautiful Amy of MrandMrsTPlusThree, gorgeous Rebecca from MrsMumsie and lovely Hannah from BuddingSmiles.

So to finish off, what did I take away from my first BritMums Live?

• It is definitely worth going, even if you are new to blogging! There’s so much to learn.
• Bringing a baby can be done, but I’m so grateful I had Daddy Long Legs with me. Next year Caspian will be too old to come (sorry ladies!), so that will be a different experience once again.
• Try and plan which sessions you want to go to from home especially if it’s your first time – for Friday in particular, as it can be a little overwhelming on the first day.
• Don’t be scared chatting to strangers – they’ll quickly become friends and with blogging in common you always have something to talk about.
• I loved meeting the brands and PRs and having a chance to network face-to-face. As a baby and lifestyle blog my favourite connections were made with Munchkin, Parragon Books, Boots and Merci Maman. Looking forward to upcoming collaborations.

The adorable books from Parragon. Caspian loves the finger puppets. 

Now it’s time to process it all and put what I’ve learned into practice.  Oh, and enjoy the treats from the goody bag handed out at the end!

Did you go to BritMums Live this year? If so why did you go and what was your favourite part of the event? If you didn’t go – why not?