The annual Problogger blogging conference was held on the Gold Coast last weekend. That means I had a fabulous girls weekend away with 700 of my nearest and dearest. Every year it gets bigger and this year was a jam-packed, hug-a-minute marathon of education, champagne and selfies in approximately equal amounts.
With 99% of attendees being female, there was such a positive, feminine and excited vibe that it made me wonder why I don’t get away with girlfriends more often. If husbands and kids can be left to look after each other, then it’s not too hard to get away and not too expensive with only one of you to pay for. And the quality of the time that you spend together without distractions and timetables is fantastic!
Here is what I recommend –
1. Pack a ridiculous amount of shoes
I took 6 pairs for 3 days! And as many outfit options as you like. A whole suitcase to yourself is massive.
2. Take an inordinate amount of selfies
Make sure you capture those memories. Don’t delay. Start at the airport.
Kid-free for 3 days? We’re a teeny bit excited!
With Shannon from My 2 Morrows, Wendy from Beachstyle Mum, Leanne from Getaway Guru and Seana from Sydney Kids, Food & Travel at Sydney airport
A short flight later and we’re at Gold Coast airport
With Anna from Colour Me Anna, Wendy from Beachstyle Mum and Vanessa from Style & Shenanigans at Gold Coast airport
3. Hire a limo
For us it was a very affordable way to transport a big group, but when was the last time you were in a limo? Your wedding? Your school formal? Why not splurge. It is great fun. And don’t forget the bubbles!
With Alanna, Fiona from iRespectOnline, Shannon from My 2 Morrows, Caro from Lots a Fresh Air, Laura, and Leanne from Getaway Guru
4. Stay in a fancy hotel
Make sure you stay somewhere really lovely. No cutting corners. You’re worth it. We holed up at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Twas absolutely lovely in all respects. The bed did feel a bit empty though. Don’t you think it feels weird going to bed without your partner?
Try one of these hotels – Sydney or Melbourne
A beautiful view helps too.
It wasn’t warm enough for swimming (for me anyway), but the pool made an awesome cocktail party venue.
5. Dress up
It’s nice to remind yourself that you don’t wear trackies all the time, and really you scrub up ok when you make an effort.
New Target dress with a Country Road cardi and Sussan scarf in Sydney, which were completely unnecessary in Queensland
This is the only full length pic I have of my cocktail party outfit #stylebloggerfail – Country Road dress, Wittner heels (better pic of shoes here)
I was on duty in my #pbevent tee so not really rocking the fashion world, but how gorgeous is Bev from Iris May Style?
Another chance to dress up at the Speakers’ Drinks – Witchery dress, Sussan necklace, Country Road boots.
And oh so quickly it’s all over and you’re all packed up again – Portmans tee, Witchery jeans, Walnut sneakers
6. Indulge
If there’s good food that you haven’t had to cook, then you are winning!
7. Continue taking selfies
Do not concern yourself with how many wines you’ve had. You can always delete the pics in the morning.
Clockwise from top left – Miss Chardy, Bec from The Plumbette, Aleney from Boy Eats World, Nic from Planning With Kids, Rene from Together We Roam, Jan from Budget Travel Talk, Malinda from My Brown Paper Packages, Fairlie from Feet on Foreign Lands and Nikki from Styling You
8. Get a professional pic
If the opportunity arises, then get together with your girls and smile!
With Belinda from Gallerie B, Martine from The Modern Parent, Anna from Colour Me Anna, Vanessa from Style & Shenanigans and Wendy from Beachstyle Mum
9. Admire the scenery
Hey it doesn’t hurt to look! And if you like a bit of eye-candy in your Insta feed, then follow Mike Ward at @mikedaniel21. Great tips from Andrea from Fox in Flats.
10. Drink lots of bubbles
If there’s time for some sleep maximisation then that’s a bonus. But you’ve got a lot of catching up to squeeze in. As a mum you’re battle-hardened to go without sleep. What’s a few more days?
11. Dance the night away
Especially if it’s 80s music!
12. Relax and chat
Don’t feel you need to go out sightseeing. If you are in a lovely hotel with plenty to entertain you, then stay in. During the 3 days of Problogger I went outside twice. Once for the cocktail party, because it was held around the pool, so I didn’t really have a choice. And the other time I soaked up some of that glorious Queensland sunshine eating lunch on the grass outside the conference centre.
There were energetic girls who went for runs, walks or photo safaris around the grounds. There were even people who left the resort completely! Don’t feel you need to go to those sorts of extremes.
If you are with your tribe, then you don’t need to go crazy with the sightseeing. You are there to spend time together. Enjoy it.
13. Just do it!
Coordinating a weekend away with your friends, your partner, your kids and your netball team is not easy. But this quote from the conference holds true. If you never get around to organising these things, then you miss out on truly special times.
14. And laugh
Because life can be hard. But friendship is precious.
Do you ever get away with a girlfriend or two?
