I can’t believe it’s been a year since the first Nuffnang Blogopolis in Melbourne. I still remember last year so clearly.. when everything.. was so different. I had blonde hair.. I loved my pink Zara blazer.. it was one of my first times going to Melbourne.. and from there.. everything has changed so much..

 

This year.. I have grown up so much.. I have learnt so much from people who truly care for me.. from people who really love me for who I am.

 

This year.. I had the opportunity to speak infront of 250 bloggers at Sofitel Hotel, Sydney. Amazing venue, btw. Look at the ceiling… #justsaying

 

 

It still amazes me that time passes so quickly. It still amazes me that I’ve owned this blog for over 3 years and it still amazes me that my readers continue to grow by the day. It amazes me that I’ve been a “blogger” for almost 10 years (since I was 14 years old) and that I have grown up so much since then.

 

Thank you Nuffnang for growing the blogging community.. for letting each one of us have the opportunity to grow our blogs and showing us off proudly to the world…

 

What I wore to #NNB2012

Imprint knitted cardigan | Chic-a-booti pastel green scallop skirt | Polyster blouse | Rings from Equip Accessories | Bow wedges

 

 

 

With William whom is a blogger and representative of Accomodation.com

 

 

With cutesy, Ida from Nuffnang

 

 

With Holly from Nuffnang

 

 

Again, with Ida but at Quay Bar!

 

 

With Ida and Jess from Nuffnang

 

Nuffnang Blogopolis was such a success and even better than last year! Thanks to everyone who attended and every one who came up to me to congrat me on my speech!!! I felt so blessed to be in a room with such amazingly friendly bloggers!! #emotional

 

For everyone who missed out on NNB2012 and would like to catch up on the content – including my content, you can head over to this link to read about the event and download our slides!

 

 

 

A special thanks to all the sponsors who helped make this event possible.. especially TWININGS who gave away random prize packs such as this box of tea that I won during the event.

 

This is such an exciting moment for me. I never thought I’d step on stage infront of so many people.. to speak.

I’ve never had so many people in real life focus on me, and only me….. except when I used to participate in the Talent Quest back in primary school.. playing the piano as a duet with my sister.

It almost makes me shred a tear.. to think that this moment is about to come… next week.

 

 

blogopolis

 

 

 

I am an official speaker of Class 9 – Utilising Different Platforms to Optimise Your Blog & Traffic at Nuffnang’s Blogopolis of Year 2012.

 

 

 

I can’t believe the way time flies. I remember sitting at the table in Melbourne at last year’s Nuffnang Blogopolis, in my pink Zara blazer and gold Steve Madden heels cheering for Chocolatesuze as she said “ohai” to the 100s of us listening. (sidenote: should I “ohai” everyone?)

My heart is racing as I try to prepare my presentation. My eyes are rolling as I’m trying to gather information and data to present my thoughts, ideas, tips and quotes. My palms are sweating. I feel like… I’m going to be taking one step closer to you guys.. opening up to you guys a little more.

So, I really want each and every one of you to be there. To be able to support me.. as I ramble along on stage and throw a cheeky joke in here and there. I want you to be able to laugh with me.. and at me!!

 

Tickets are sold here for AU$110 and will be held at Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney. If you are not from Australia, or Sydney and won’t be able to make it to this day, I thank you for your moral support.

 

 

I can’t express enough appreciation to each one of you who support me day-after-day.

 

 

If you are attending Blogopolis, throw this badge on your blog too! So we can all see that you are attending!! Look forward to seeing you guys there!

 

 

 

Or copy & paste this code 

<center><a href=”http://www.nuffnangblogopolis.com.au/” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview','/yoast-ga/outbound-article/http://www.nuffnangblogopolis.com.au']);”target=”_blank”><img src=”http://nuffnangblogopolis.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Blogopolis-ATTENDING-Badge.png” width=”200″></a></center>

ohaiiiii!

 

I’ve been missing in action for over a week. Yes, Unfortunately, I don’t believe that either…. (maybe I can believe it because I’ve been extremely lazy. haha! )

 

now.. what’s been happening?

 

I’ve had an amazingly busy week because Shizuka (heartofpearl) and Brad (ladyironchef) came to visit  Sydney during the long weekend!!

 

Because Brad is a foodie, Jeanice and I decided to take him out for a day of cafe-hopping!! Our first stop was Reuben Hills, Surry Hills.

 

 

 

reuben hills

 

 

Brad & I

 

 

Baby Jean

 

 

Jean & I

 

 

 

I’m going to leave all the reviews of the food to the food blogger, haha. Check Ladyironchef for the reviews of this cafe la! I blog the “people”/”lifestyle” part of it, okay?

 

 

 

Next, we went to another cafe called Fouratefive. I couldn’t actually say the name of this cafe – it kept twisting my tongue for some reason and I couldn’t remember which numbers ate which numbers?! #Geddit?

But overall, the cafe was quite nice!! Only downside is we actually had to queue up even though it was almost 4pm!!!

 

 

 

fouratefive

 

Super anti-social bloggers. hahahaha. Irl bloggers are actually really anti-social.. they are only social on their “social-networking” platforms. #bloggersecret

 

 

Duno why we all got our hands on Jean’s shoulder.

 

 

That noodle salad is soooo good by the way!! You must try it if you ever come to Fouratefive at Surry Hills!!! Chips with the burgers were also super yummy!! But like I said, please refer to Brad’s food blog for a better review. I have no idea how to describe food!

 

 

 

the bourke street bakery

 

Ok. This is the last cafe we went to in that day la.. but it is the best one. I’m usually not the biggest fan of cakes and desserts and such, but I think this place has changed my mind about desserts.

 

Lemon tart, Chocolate Mousse & Strawberry tart, Strawberry Brulee and some gluten-free chocolate cake (?)

 

 

Okay, not 100% sure about the names of the pieces but it was damn nice!!! Fact: I actually went back twice in the next week just to have more of their cakes/tarts. They also have 3 other locations if you are not near Surry Hills!!! But all of which are quite near each other.

 

 

Ok, enough food talk for the day!

 

 

At night, we took Shizuka and Brad and ofcourse some other bloggers and friends out to Ivy Nightclub!!

Some know it as my second home.. but for those who are not from Sydney, it is a bar/club you must visit!

 

Shizuka & my girls (dress from Beginning Boutique)

 

 

With Brad, Adeline and my girls

 

 

And the crew :)

 

 

 

I promise this time I’m getting back into the hang of blogging. No more 2 week breaks!!!!!!

Back from Melbourne again, and it definitely feels like i’m a frequent visitor. I almost know the streets well enough not to lose my direction now!

 

Fashionopolis was a success! LadyMelbourne is such a lovely presenter and around the room, you could see everyone nod their heads with agreement as she gave her tips and tricks.

I didn’t take too many photos as I was (not-very) proudly sporting a hangover that morning but more photos will be uploaded as I steal them off Nuffnang and reblog. #evil

 

Can you spot any celebrity fashion bloggers in the room?

 

Jenny Bannister, Patty Huntington, Sarah Gale,  Philip Boon

 

Bear fur jacket from Korea | Kookai jersey tank top | Ally Fashion Leopard Print Skirt | Swarovski rings | Sunglass hut sunglasses

One of the awesome sponsors of the event, Sunglass hut held a random draw competition for $200 sunglass hut vouchers! I won one of the five!!! I was so excited that I decided Sunglass hut deserves more visibility on my blog and more camwhoring moments.

With Vanessa

 

Clubbing outfit + makeup

 

And lastly, some pictures with my favourite girl in Melbourne.

shizuka (heartofpearl)

more photos here

 

Sorry for blogging about events so often these days. I promise to do more beauty posts soon! I am a lifestyle blogger after all.

 

Also, my Hello Kitty giveaway ends on the 17th May – which is in two days!! If you haven’t entered already, you should go.. like now!

Off to Melbourne in a few hours for Fashionopolis and I’m so so excited! I do realise I go to Melbourne more frequently than I should – but it really is just an amazing city!

Infact, I found this article the other day and found it really interesting!

Melbourne vs Sydney

 

I don’t think I love Melbourne more than Sydney – but it definitely is a great getaway from Sydney when you just need the weekend away.

 

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Are you a fashion blogger?

Nuffnang is hosting Fashionopolis for the first time ever.

Fashionopolis is Australia’s first ever industry day for fashion bloggers giving you a chance to network, learn and get yourself in front of some of the country’s most high profile fashion bloggers. If you have ever wondered about the business of blogging, this event is a must on your fashion calendar!

Part networking, part education Fashionopolis will open your eyes to a range of different topics unique to fashion bloggers: how to establish your blog as a brand, how to approach advertising as well as hosting Fashion Torque, Australia’s only fashion chat show that will broadcast live from the event.

Whether you are an established fashion blogger or just starting out, Fashionopolis will get you out from behind your computer and amongst the Australian fashion blogging community. Start planning your outfit now!

 

 

 

 

See you there!

 

Yoghurt has always been one of my favourite treats – strawberry, mixed berries and blueberry in particular!

 

Yoplait hosted a bloggers day out with Nuffnang at Vauclause to celebrate the love of yoghurt. Thank god for this event being such a relaxing one as it was at 10am in the morning and I’m not very used to waking up that early on a Saturday morning :)

 

We were welcomed by huge signs guiding us towards the park! #NNyoplait!

 

 

The walk way through the park is amazing. I want to do a photoshoot here!!! With each balloon on the side, there was a yoghurt tub holding the balloons down. These are creative marketing ideas. I love it.

When we reached, there were already lots of people participating in the activities! There was face-painting, balloon art, clay painting and bracelet making!

We obviously helped ourselves with the many many flavours of yoghurt. <3

We were even fed dessert crepes with customisable toppings!!! I felt so loved and special. Crepes are the best!

I’m using pretty girls on my blog to gain more readers now :)

Raine, Me, Jeanice

Next is my favourite part, we settled in to do some painting!! I wanted to paint kitttens and Jeanice did too!! Raine painted a Me-to-you bear! Jeanice’s creation is amazing because she’s damn artistic!! Damn her. I never had to get her to help me with mine a little! Raine is just naturally talented with anything girly.

Okay, next activity is beading! I’ve always wanted a beaded name bracelet and now I can finally haz one! These look like friendship bracelets too!!!

Officially love Nuffnang & Yoplait because they brought back so many childhood memories for me and created such a fun event for me and the girls!

Now, go grab some Yoplait yoghurt :)

 

I’ve said it so many times before.. but Melbourne is such a lovely city. I travel there for conferences both work and blog related several times a year – but it is still one of my preferred short holiday destinations.

During Easter, Jeanice and myself decided to head down there for a getaway and to catch up with some of our girlfriends from there. Although we don’t get to see these girls much, it happens that we click so well when we do see them.

 

Thanks Shizuka and Valerie for taking time to take us around to dine at so many amazing cafes and restaurants!

 

 

On arrival to Melbourne, it was Easter Friday, so Jeanice and I headed over to Chinatown to find some asian stores and restaurants rather than Melbourne CBD. Asian stores are bound to be open! *thumbsup

Malaysian food + Teh Tarik (cold)!

Then we wondered off into an Asian phone cases and accessories store and found this!!!! Decided we both needed this new phone case. BFF cases now. <3

After a nap and a bit, we met up with the rest of the girls and dined at Koko at Crowne – why didn’t my Melbourne followers tell me how good it was? I would have gone last time I was there!!!

After Koko, we went down to Rockpool for drinks and dessert. This is a fail moment.. which you would have heard about if you follow me and the girls on twitter or facebook.

Photo taken by Neil Perry – owner of Rockpool.

Off to an event at Longroom! Photo taken by club promoters or someone waiting in line at Longroom. Pretty nice photo I’d say! Emily joined us!

 

 

The next morning

We met up with the girls again for brunch at The Grasshopper’s Treat!

Melbourne CBD for shopping

Then to Brunetti for dessert

I love this gorgeous pic baby Jeanice took for me! The lighting is just perfect and my red hair is glowing. Yay.

At night, the girls and I went to Red Spice Road for dinner. We also met up with Rosannetangrs who joined us for asian karaoke too!! We couldn’t take many pictures inside since it was so dim, but here is one of me and Shizuka!

By the way, when I’m coming back to Melbourne, the first place I’m going to visit is this thai restaurant. Their dishes are mouth-wateringly delicious that no words could even express how tasty it is!!!!!! This is where being a food blogger would come in handy.

We hit Rainbow Karaoke shortly after dinner and had a crazy 5 hour session!!! All the girls here but Jeanice :(

But she gets a special photo with me. <3

And.. just me doin’ my thing at karaoke! Check out the asian artists on the screeen!

The night ended well with taiwanese dessert and the next morning, Jeanice and I satisfied our cravings.

For me, I wanted…. spanish churros from Queen Victoria Markets.

And for Jeanice, it was Gyu-tan Don from Melbourne Central!

This was my awesome Easter break. How was everyone elses?

I hope we are all starving from reading my post now because I’m a click away from purchasing a ticket back to Melbourne for the food!!! Why does Melbourne have all the good food?

I’ve just returned from Melbourne last night and have finally settled down at home to make a blog post! Melbourne is such a beautiful city for their food, art and culture! It’s probably my 4th time there – but it still never fails to surprise me with their differences to Sydney.

 

I’ll make my next post about Melbourne.

 

This post.. will be about my birthday celebrations. Last Thursday – right before I stepped onto the plane to Melbourne – I held a birthday dinner with my close friends at J-ten Japanese Restaurant. One of my bestest friends, Chris, was the photographer of the night and took amazing photos. xx

 

 

My cupcakes were amazing. I could not stress how much I love my girls for surprising me with this.

 

Youtube logo, Louis Vuitton bag, Chanel lipstick, Chanel eyeshadow palette and “happy birthday baby janice“. I have never felt so loved in my life.

 

Fiorr and I

Fiorr, Denise, Sulkee and I

My bestest friends in this world – friends no one can ever replace

My Pandablush baby & I

Michael, Raine & I

Luke, Adeline & I

Unforgettable happy moments

When life doesn’t seem to be right, you keep your head up and continue to walk – run if you have to. Never settle for less because you always deserve better. The best tip I’ve ever been given is to “never look back because everything happens for a reason”. They say “Life is too short to have regrets”, but you don’t have to be perfect not to have regrets, you just have to keep walking forward and show everyone you don’t care.