#AsdaLittleAngels Nappy Event - The Dorchester Spa #AD

I was very lucky enough to be invited along with other fellow pregnant bloggers to attend an event which included a spa day at a 5* hotel in London - The Dorchester. Literally all my dreams came true at once. Especially with how life has been a bit crappy lately (read here!) - a spa afternoon was just what I needed.

Firstly I have never been to a blog event besides Brit Mums so this was a major deal and super exciting for me that I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity. But also to be along side such big bloggers as well as such a big well known favourite supermarket - Asda. It was very surreal and nerve wrecking to say the least. Panicked the whole journey there!!

We started off with a very informative presentation by #AsdaLittleAngels lovely team Nicole & Claire. This was all about their nappy range. It opened up my eyes to quite a lot of what they do that I did not know & I think a lot of parents will be surprised by this information too. Although I am already a mum, it was so long ago that I genuinely feel like I am starting off as a newbie again which is pretty scary to be honest. So I do mention later on in this post how I am doing a separate post ALL about just their nappy range in full details so keep an eye out in the following week or so. There is just too much information to fit in here as well.

So after our presentation as well as a Q&A. We then started our spa treatment where us pregnant ladies got a full body massage. Best thing ever!!! I have never been so relaxed, so comfy and just amazed by a massage before. It was just pure bliss! After this we got to relax, get to know one another and just chat whilst enjoying a Wimbledon theme afternoon tea. Can't beat an afternoon tea. Everything from a mocktail, flower infused tea to scrummy sandwiches, scones & more!

I am not the best photographer in the world. Far from it to be honest  so my pictures do not do this event justice so my apologies. Just a shame we didn't get a picture of all of us together with our bumps & robes!

We were then very fortunate to be given goody bags to take home. The ladies sure did know how to look after us though as they offered to have them delivered to us rather than drag around on our travels home. Which was in my opinion was very thoughtful and caring towards us pregnant ladies! The Dorchester themselves even gave us a little bag of goodies!

Then of course the real reason we actually attended the event was for the #AsdaLittleAngels nappies!! But I am keeping this quite vague as I am planning a separate post on just this as mentioned earlier on. I was so shocked and surprised (in a good way!) from the presentation with all the details about their full range that I just have to share properly. It will be great to see what you guys think of all the information too. So again keep an eye out :) Also that super cute little baby key-ring in pictures above is in fact a USB - how cool is that?!

........................................

To the absolutely most friendly and lovely ladies Vanessa & Lauren at Myraid PR and Nicole & Claire from #AsdaLittleAngels. I would just like to say a massive thank you for the invite, a great presentation and thank you for the best possible way to spend a Sunday :)

Here are the bloggers who attended and you should certainly check out their blogs especially for possible pregnancy & future baby updates etc as well as their other stuff! :)

Alice - Annie Writes Beauty
Chloe - Lady Writes
Lucinda - Teacher 2 Mummy
Emily - Emily & Indiana
Laura - Belles Boutique
Sophie - Mumology
Tanita - Just Motherhood
Natasha - Living The Mummy Life
Angela - Chatting With Angela
Keighley - 2 Bottles Of Milk
Emma - The Aspiring Yummy Mummy

Brit Mums Live 2015

Helloo,

Have you heard of the Brit Mums Live blogging conference?!

Most bloggers spend months preparing for what must be the biggest parenting blogger conference. Whether it from the initial overcoming nerves, the debate of purchasing the ticket, the stressful attempt to find a sponsor, what to wear, travel etc etc. Susanna Scott one of the founders of Brit Mums is such a lovely lady whom I actually had a great conversation to get to know at the end of Saturday. Susanna, the other founders and Brit Mums team members have obviously poured their heart and souls into creating such an outstanding event which must have taken a tonne of hard work and a hell of a lot of stress!

This was my second year attending and maybe my last - well I say this for now anyways. It's not that I've been there, done that. Frankly, if next year I am lucky enough to get a sponsor then I will go ahead and go because it is well worth it for the social aspect of it all. But this year wasn't as busy for some reason and certainly didn't have the same buzz as last year. I know I am not the only one who thought the same. I admit, I was in a right grumpy mood most of the time due to some personal reasons which didn't really help matters. I was in a world of my own and didn't get to say hello to anywhere near as many people as I would have liked too (sorry!!). Chronic Fatigue had really taken its toll by the end. I literally spent a whole day in bed recovering.

I came a day early on the Thursday to spend an extra day with two bloggers who became my best friends after attending last year. Vicki from EllieBearBabi and Andrea from BloggerMumma. We went into Oxford Street and done a bit of shopping and had a girly day. We Skype weekly as we all live so far, it was great to all be in one place after a whole year. Soon we will be reunited in August too. I think all 3 of us can admit the main reason we went was to socialise together and with fellow bloggers. It was great to see so many especially close friends Donna from TheLondonMum, Lucinda from Teacher2Mummy and Ally from MessedUpMum. Plus many many more. Safe to say we got a lot of selfies. So here are some:



Both this year and last year I haven't been an overly massive fan of the workshop sessions. In October last year I attended BlogFest which was a one day conference which focused on the talks more than socialising so much better for that. However, all in all I did attend four great sessions which I have learnt a lot from, got a lot of notes and some inspiration. The sessions I attended were -

Video & Lighting by RotoLight & TheVideoEffect 

A great informative talk about good lighting positions for various settings and demonstrations to show the real differences by some super cute guys which always helps concentration a little bit right?! The lights look great though, I really want to get into YouTube and these will certainly be a purchase for the future if I can spare the cash sometime.

Building YouTube by Marco Danesi

This was a great talk that was extremely packed, I had to sit on the floor. Another informative chat with demonstrations. Again will really help towards hopefully my possible future in YouTube! 

Creating Graphics by Julie Hall 

I thought this was going to be based on how to create logo designs but really it wasn't. It was about making the most of pictures, editing and fonts etc. I found it so useful and learnt some really great new tools that I can't wait to have a play around on to help improve my pictures!!

How To Market Yourself And Your Writing by Joanna Penn 

This I admit was not really based on blogs but as writing a book from Best Selling Author J.F.Penn! I admit it really has made me want to write a book but I am not good enough unfortunately. However, if I wanted to try in future I really do know some great ways to go about it. 

Overall I didn't take too many photos except for the beautiful garden scenery, the very talented Emily Leary from AMummyToo blog doing her cake thing and bloggers breaking an actual Guinness World Record!!





I am well and truly gutted I missed Carol Smilie, as really did want to hear her keynotes on Saturday! However, I did manage to listen and even have a long chat with Caprice and she was absolutely wonderful. Here is a picture with her and lovely fellow bloggers - Michelle, Emma (totally resisted fan girling!) and Michaela.



I did learn a hell of a lot and I plan to put it all to good use! I think I have finally figured out truly the direction I want my blog to go in and how to go about it. Now just need to find the motivation to actually get on with it and do it. But hopefully the hard work will pay off eventually :)

So there you have it a bit of a look on what I thought of Brit Mums Live 2015!! If it was your first time attending or you were a returner like me, I really hope you had an amazing time :) If you've not been before then keep an eye out and book a ticket for next year as it is well worth it. Hopefully I will see you there!! 

Love, Gemma xo

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Nickelodeon Store - Leicester Square, London

Helloo,

If you saw my recent post from last week about how I got invited to go to a wonderful exclusive pre-opening of the first UK flagship Nickelodeon Store in Leicester Square, London. It's right next to the M&M store.

Whilst I was there, we were luckily enough to be treated to a gorgeous place called Muriels Kitchen. The decor was amazing and food was super yummy!

Then once we headed to the store, we got to have a look around and see the store. As well as do some fun activities like making a hat, treasure hunt and pass the parcel.

Some of the things they sell in the store, is massive amounts of Spongebob which I am super excited about. As well as Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora The Explorer, Bubble Guppies

The store is now open to public, be sure to visit. I certainly will be!! Will you?!

Love, Gemma xo

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Half Term Shenanigans #3

Helloo,

Well here is another dose of what we have been up too this half term. I'm a bit late on this because well I forgot - whoops! Least this time it isn't spent with Chicken Pox like Easter (read here for that!).

What did you get up too over the half term? Luckily there was some decent weather for it most of the time :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Nickelodeon's Store - Leicester Square, London* #NickStore

Helloo,

This Friday 29th May, I will be attending a VIP pre-opening event at the first ever Nickelodeon UK Flagship Store which will be in Leicester Square!! :) I get this exciting opportunity to have a look round, find out more information and take some pictures as well as some fun activities for Corey like meeting Dora The Explorer!!! Watch out for a post next week all about it.

Now for the exciting part which is where all of you can get involved..

So whilst us bloggers are in store between 11am-12.30pm their will be a twitter frenzy - super exciting. Run by the great @UKMumstv so be sure to follow and myself at @sunshineblogxo for some tweets as I will be joining in live from the store. Follow the Twitter hashtag which is #nickstore to see everyone else's :) There will be some giveaway prizes up for grabs too!!

The store will be opening officially to public this Saturday on 30th May 2015 :)

Love, Gemma xo

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I'm Going To Brit Mums Live 2015!!

Helloo,

It is that time of year again where in a few weeks will be heading the brilliant Brit Mums Live two day blogging conference in London. This is my second time attending and I am super excited :) Here is a little meme to get to know about me - check out everyone else's by clicking here.

This is a picture of what I actually look like:

Name 

Gemma Louise

Blog 

www.sunshineonacloudyday.co.uk 

Twitter ID 

@sunshineblogxo

Height 

5ft8

Hair 

Brunette

Eyes 

Blue

Is this your first blogging conference? 

Nope, I attended Brit Mums and Blog Fest last year :)

Are you attending both days? 

Of course!

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2015? 

Seeing all my lovely blogging friends old and new!! :) Especially getting to meet some of the lovely #mblogchat ladies who join in my chat!

What are you wearing? (Want inspiration? Check out Brit Mums Pinterest board) 

Oh dear, I don't want to worry about this just yet - few weeks and then I will panic about this!!

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2015? 

Blogging knowledge, meeting new people and meeting some brilliant brands!

Do you have any tips to pass on to others who may not have been before? 

Relaxxxxx!! It is isn't as scary as you are worrying, trust me! 

I really am so excited to meet everyone, let me know if you are going and I will be sure to try and say hello :) Check out some of the posts I wrote about it last year - 2014 Meme, Panic Time, Brit Mums Live and What I Learnt. 

Love, Gemma xo

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BiB Awards 2015 - Nominations :)

Helloo,

So it is that time of year again for the BiB awards. Going to tell you about how it works, what categories I would like to be nominated in if any of you lovely readers feel I am worthy of them - then your vote would mean absolutely everything :) 

Seems strange as last year I wrote this post and I had been blogging for 6 months now a year later and it is suddenly 18 months! 

How it works: 

Nominations - So everyone can nominate  a blog for each of the 12 categories. Nominations are open from now until 12th April at midnight.

Shortlist - 10 people from each category will be shortlisted, 5 chosen by most votes from community and 5 chosen by judges. Shortlist annonced 28th April. 

Voting - For those that are shortlisted, vosting begins for them by the community from 28th April to May 15th.

Finalists - There will be 5 finalists from each category, 3 chosen by community and 2 by judges. These will be announced on 22nd May. 

Winners - Will be announced at the brilliant Brit Mums Live event on the Friday evening for the special BiB awards ceremony.

YOU CAN VOTE HERE!!!

Categories:

*Highlighted are the categories I think are most suitable for my blog*

- Fresh Voice (newbies)

- Food 

- Inspire

- Social Media 

- Writer

- Photo

- Video

- Travel

- Style

- Crafts

- Family 

- Outstanding (overall great design, content, social media etc!)

I guess it is hard to choose a category as I don't have just one specific topic!

No matter what happens I am really looking forward to Brit Mums Live in June and attending the BiB award ceremony. It was a great night last year and will be just as good this year :) It is so important to celebrate the success of us bloggers!

YOU CAN VOTE HERE!!!

Love, Gemma xo

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