Just over a week to go and I'm a teeny bit terrified. Not of going to Britmums Live generally - I can't wait to see my bloggy friends, chat to brands and learn even more cool skills - but because on Saturday evening I am first up to read one of my blog posts as part of the Blogger's Keynote!
Honoured, humbled and a tiny bit horrified at the thought of reading my stuff to so many amazing, talented and creative people. I'm fairly sure I will trip up, flash you all an unwelcome view of my sturdy comfy knickers and forget my name.
Anyway, here's a bit about me and a couple of pictures - please, please, please come and say hello if you spot me and my shopping trolley. I'm looking forward to making even more new friends.
Name: Afra
Twitter ID: @madmumof7
Height: 5ft 3ins. Well 2 and a half inches really but my BMI looks better if I say 3.
Hair: Long suicide blonde (dyed by my own hand), probably up in a bun. I can also be ID'd by my dodgy two front teeth too - rabbity and gappy.
Eyes: Blue and squinty as I peer at people's name badges. Possibly wearing black metal framed glasses.
Is this your first blogging conference?
No, it will be my 2nd Britmum's Live
Are you attending both days?
Oh yes- and staying overnight on Friday as last time I commuted both days from Herts to save money and was exhausted!
What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2014?
Chatting and chatting and chatting and chatting. And seeing my friends and meeting "virtual" friends in the flesh as it were.
What are you wearing?
Prob jeans and a nice T-shirt or a jersey dress with comfy shoes, changing into my new sparkly lace number for the Blogger's Keynote.
What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2014?
New video-making skills, new friends, new contact with Brands - last year my stats and my offers of work shot up after Britmum's Live and as I am trying to make a living out of this, stats count. Although I still love to write just for the fun of it at least once or twice a week.
Do you have any tips to pass on to others who may not have been before?
Be prepared for an emotional ride - I was high as a kite, on adrenalin, physically and mentally exhausted for a few days afterwards so plan ahead and be prepared!
Wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable in. Bloggers come in all shapes and sizes but are all beautiful whether in sequinned maxi-dresses or leggings and T-shirts and I saw people in these outfits and everything in between last year so don't worry you will be the odd one out - you won't! Best thing to wear? A smile - even if you have to paste it on and pair it with a rabbit-in-headlights look. People WILL be friendly.
I am taking my shopping trolley with built in fold-down seat. Not cool but very useful. At break times there were not that many places to sit (at least not where we were congregating) and with Fibromylagia I really can't cope with sitting on the floor. It also comes in handy for loading up with press-packs and goody-bag stuff.
Above all DON'T PANIC! There are quieter places if it all gets a bit much, and lots of opportunities to take a breather with a cuppa. But go prepared to have fun and yes - if you spot a blogger you know from the tinter web, go and say hello and tell them you read their blog - even the most popular "celeb" bloggers love to meet their readers. I had a hug from Mammasurus last year and felt so chuffed that such a well-known writer would take time to make me feel so welcome - anyone who knows Annie knows that is so her, but I didn't and am still so grateful for that small gesture which meant so much to me.
See you there......