Having never been on a cruise before, I thought it best to step on board with no expectations.
Sure, I was excited to get away and spend some much needed kid free time with awesome bloggers.
But a boat? Would I get sea sick? Would I be heaving over starboard? Would my diet through the entire 3 and a half days consist of ginger pills, herbal tea and not much else?
None of it happened. But I did do a lot of laughing. Like serious, bowling over in stitches, not being able to catch my breath, my core muscles haven’t had such a work out since that time I tried to plank for 60 seconds.
And what’s a cruise without a Jack and Rose moment?
Wait. That’s right. It was a conference.
Alongside the continuous giggles, we had some fantastic keynote speakers who spoke straight from the heart and with lots of passion. Sharing some great tips from Debs at Learn To Play At Home on how to be a Pinterest Queen to Kelly at Be a Fun Mum on how to find the “Why” to your blog.
With no brands in sight, there were only open and frank discussions on how to find your authentic voice and using it efficiently among your community.
It was truly a conference of bloggers for bloggers.
It took a bit of explaining, letting him know how awesome we all were but eventually, even the captain got it.
1. Follow With Some Grace.
2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.
3. Add your post URL to the linky. Please only link up one post.
4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.
5. Visit the blogs of your fellow FYBF’ers and share the comment love
What an awesome idea for a conference, looks like you had an absolute blast! Have an awesome weekend Grace x
Deb A – An Inspirational Journey recently posted..Embed It: Using Media Like a Pro
I wish I wasn’t as pregnant as I am because I really wanted to go to this Grace. Looks like a fun time had by all. x
Neets recently posted..Your Bed or Mine?
Cruises seem to be the in-thing these days…I know three work colleagues who have been or are about to embark on one! Looks like the conference was a whole lot of fun! And I love the Titanic photo — reckon I’d be doing it if I was ever on a ship! 😀
Psych Babbler recently posted..Time to begin
Sounds like a great conference 🙂
L
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1635 – Delivery Man #DFFDelivery
Glad you all had fun – shouldn’t the captain be steering the ship???
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..Conversations with Expectations
Looks as though you had a great time! I love cruising, just could not manage this one.
Nikki@WonderfullyWomen recently posted..Brat Kartoffel – A Yummy Way To Serve Potatoes!
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, Grace. I will get there one say to soak up all the bloggy goodness. I will and I must!
Bec | Mumma Tells recently posted..Not the Mumma
Looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
Twinkle in the Eye recently posted..Snapshot 36+3
Looks like a fab trip! Maybe another year for me! Love the Captain shot!
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted..Ella’s Kitchen Cook Book Review and Giveaway! (The Red One)
Wow, it looks like you had a super-fun time! I have never been on a big cruise ship, and the thought kind of freaks me out. I think I have seen Titanic and Poseidon Adventure too many times!
Nathan recently posted..5 HTML Tips for Bloggers (& a Super 6th Tip!)
The conference sounds like so much fun – I wish I could have gone! Hopefully next year! Xx
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Fruit Loaf
I had such a great time at DPCon13, I knew I’d be missing out this year. It looks like you had a fabulous time onboard and more importantly, a chilled time. Looking forward to reading all the stories.
Robomum recently posted..Excuse me, does my clothing offend you?
It was so lovely to meet you Grace!! I LOVED the conference and cruise. The speakers were amazing and I have come away with so many ideas and inspiration, and have also made some wonderful friends.
Lauren @ Create bake make recently posted..Letting go – Conversations with Expectation
Sounds like a load of fun. Sorry I missed it. I’m sure it’s an experience you will never forget it.
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Conversations with expectations
Sounds fab. Glad you had a good time! Wish I’d been there – fingers crossed nothing gets in my way next year!
What a fabulous atmosphere for good fun and good learning! x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..Random Zen Ten. April
Looks like a very fun Titanic blogging adventure was had by all! Hope you learned something too? 😀
Grace, it was so lovely to have met you! As my first bloggers conference, it was certainly one I’ll never forget. On top of learning so many valuable things, I don’t think I’ve ever been to something like that where there were so many amazing people that I connected with so easily. ..it just goes to show how awesome this little online blogging community really is.
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy recently posted..Joining The Dots: Recognising the triggers of Depression & Anxiety
So very envious. I’ve been wanting to do a cruise for a long time now but hubby goes to sea with work (too often) and gets seasick. So it’s not on the cards. I’ve also wanted to attend a blogging conference. Perth is just too far away. 🙁
Mystery Case recently posted..Worth Casing | Leaf Bean Machine | Giveaway
Love the pics, the video and now did anyone lose a shoe?? Wish I had been there to have a massive laugh with you- roll on August hey? Have a great weekend, and sorry but I hear we’re sending some massive rain down your way… two words CABIN FEVER BABY!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Want to read about my ginormous bloggy plans for this year?
So glad you didn’t get seasick and had to live on ginger pills. That would have been disappointing. There’s nothing like a good belly laugh to tighten those abs huh!
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Pinky’s First Kiss
Looks like you had lots of fun! Always good to have a few days away and relax with friends!
Looks like you had a fantastic time! I’m so glad you weren’t seasick. Me and boats don’t get along or I would have been tempted to go too.
Denise recently posted..A Lesson on Rejection & Becoming a Fearless Writer
Cruising is just the best. Last year the one I went on went through the edge of a cyclone. Hugh swells and all but I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t get seasick.
Looks like a lot of fun
I wonder … where are the photos that show what REALLY took place?
Mark recently posted..Nurse Advocacy – Is It More Bark Then Bite?
My belly muscles are still aching from too much hyena laughing. Love you loads, Gracie baby.xxx
Fantastic! Can’t wait to meet you all in August!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Easter 2014 | 10 Bunny-Cute Cupcakes for Parties!
Looks like you had an absolute blast!!! I was following on twitter and the content seemed really good! Always nice to have a break from the kids 🙂 You deserve it!
caroline raj recently posted..Top 5 baby skincare products
Ohh What fun! How good is it to break your sides laughing we do not do that often enough. x
SarahD @SnippetsandSpirits recently posted..Is Facebook Bad for Your Health ?
Sounds totally awesome.
I on the other hand would have been walking around with a sick bag. That is if past experience is anything to go by.
Becc recently posted..Lucky Gold Coin
I am so jealous! Really hoping next year to make it along. I love the Jack and Rose moment xo
Sam Stone @ A Life on Venus recently posted..Diary of a new school mum #2
Miss you Gracie!
Kristyn recently posted..Tips to Save on Groceries
That looks like so much fun. I love the food on a cruise…so much of it! 🙂
floodproofmum recently posted..Flood-Proof Friday: Floods Again
What a fabulous recap Grace – sounds like you guys had the best time! My stomach and I could not have survived a cruise, even in calm waters…maybe next time if the conference is on dry land x
Wow, I must say, the cruise looks like so much fun, and I’m a little bit jealous about all the terrific information you got. It looks fabulous.
Caitlin recently posted..The Mummy Tummy of a Yummy Mummy – Or – How to Hide your Mummy Tummy
I would have loved to have been there – looks like everyone learned lots and had heaps of fun. I can’t remember the last time I laughed until I hurt – clearly, I need to get out more!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Has it REALLY been ten years…
I wish I could have been there. I know just how much fun there is to be had on a cruise. Glad you all had a great time.
Grace, I had such an amazing time on the cruise and at the conference. As Eva said, it was a great introduction for those of us who are new. I learned so much, my head is spinning and my to-do list is two pages long. But it’s great to have focus and renewed enthusiasm. Not to mention a fantastic network of new friends as well. And the cruise itself was surprisingly great. I still have a full pack of travacalm and am still dreaming about that beautiful dinner we had on Saturday night. Mushroom cappuccino and lobster tail, anyone?
Carolyn @ Champagne Cartel recently posted..Friday Fizz: bubbles of awesome from the web
Looks and sounds like so much fun! I hope to get to an event one day 🙂 Love the Titanic shot!
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up – Things I Forgot About Newborns
I’m glad you had a great time. Love the Jack and Rose pic!
Francesca recently posted..My Writing Process – Blog Hop
I’m a tiny bit gutted that I didn’t go on the cruise, but am loving all the photos and post that have come out of it. Sounds fabulous!! So glad you had so many laughs xxx
Robyn (Mrs D) recently posted..My guide to shopping for kids clothes in Australia
Looks like you all had heaps of fun!! I like that it was all about bloggers and no brands! It think that is what blogging is ‘really’ all about. Fingers crossed I can make the next one:)
So jealous! I would love to have gone, looks like you had an awesome time 🙂 xx
I would’ve loved to come and meet everyone but couldn’t because of bubs (a. she wasn’t allowed to come and b. she never would’ve survived that long at home by herself with daddy). I totally would’ve done the Titanic scene with you! Jack, come back Jack. Jack! LOL
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Introducing Treasures nappies to Australia
It looks like everyone a great time, hopefully next year I will make it.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted..St Patrick’s Day in Perth
Looks like you all had an awesome time!
Tegan recently posted..5 Simple Tips for Better Sleep
What’s that you said, Denyse “no more blogging” aaaahhh you can take the bloggin away from the girl for a while but when it’s still inside, it has to come back. Seeing the wonderful time you all had at DPCon14 made me miss you and also realised how many faces I do not know! Woah. I’m back…every so often. Hope you have stopped swaying… D xx
Denyse recently posted..Who Am I? The A-Z Version.
I’m so glad you had a great time at the conference Grace! Loved looking at the pictures on instagram!
Rita @ The Crafty Expat recently posted..My big crush on Brisbane