The Great Cybermummy Debate Solution, Year 2!

It's fast approaching this years anticipated Cybermummy Saturday (less than a week in fact). So, just like last year, your favourite most non-fashionable and in no way a Fashion blogger, blogger guides you through the pit falls of dressing for the occasion. Or in a round about way, tells you to wear jeans. Along with other tips to make it all go swimmingly.

Going Cyber, A Swift Gurgle and PVC Policemen of Dean Street

You may have heard that there was a, oh how shall I describe it, low key meet up for us Mummy (and one Daddy, hi Tim!) Bloggers yesterday. Was so tiny that you probably didn't get to hear.

Oh, who am I kidding?

It was MASSIVE! We even made the FT yesterday. Which is quite fitting as its printed on Pink paper!

Can I start by saying a huge and well deserved thanks to Jen and Sian, and to poor Sian's now scarred for life son for yesterdays amazing event.

I couldn't run that sized event if my life depended on it, so well done you!

I learnt loads yesterday, which I have to admit surprised me, as when I looked at the agenda I thought I knew it all already, so went with a view to a shindig! 

But nope, I learnt about the importance of Meta and URL tagging, which I'd never heard of before. That's a lie, actually I'd heard the term Meta Tag, but thought it was a Facebook app to cartoon your picture in some way and then to tag it to mates. Oops

I learnt, finally, what the hell Google Analytics is, and that its actually not as scary as I thought.

I also learnt that Publishers are quite tight these days (but aren't we all?) so you can actually self publish your rants and writing quite cheaply. God help Waterstones if I get round to it! 

I also learnt what a great bunch of Mummy's we all are, all with individual humours, likes and dislikes. That we all write blogs differently and for different reasons. And that blogs which I read when first posted and cried at are nothing compared to when read by their author in a packed room of hormonal women. Tissues for 20somethingmum, please! (I'm blaming you Sandy and Jen).

I love my blog, I love your blogs, and I am so pleased that I met some of you whose blogs I was yet to discover. Will be popping along soon!

It was also lovely to meet some of my Family Panel girls, you are all amazing.

Vic, you are as funny offline as on, hope poor Little A (and Yuri who looked rather scared) wasn't to affected by us mad women!

Emily- get blogging, I miss you xxx

Emma- sorry you get dragged through London in the evening, how mad was that cabbie? Oh and I was right, Elder funnily enough wants to go to Selfridges.....

Pippa, you're nuts. End of.

And to everyone else, big snogs.

Oh and the Gurgles?

Well, we got lost. Now either Police Officers in London have questionable taste in uniform (I'm talking Bums and PVC. I will have nightmares til the day I die), or we ended up in the middle of Gay Pride in Dean Street. We wanted to ask directions, but are now wondering if the Policeman we asked was actually a Policeman at all.

But, I suppose you want to know whether I won?

Yes! SQUEALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually didn't think I had, even upto the moment they had the card and explained why they had chosen me.

But thanks, as if my blog wasn't frequented by such a diverse, lovely, happy to comment bunch as you, they would never have heard of me, so thanks. This ones for all of you.

SEE YOU ALL SOON! XXX

CYBERMUMMY: Last minute stuff to remember

Oh yes peeps, its T-Minus 3 days until Cybermummy kicks off, and I know after my What To Wear post, you are all crying out:

"But 20SomethingMum, WTF DO WE BRING!!!???"

Fear not, as here's some more for you, this time the other essentials to chuck in your bag:

STATIONARY

Yes guys, I personally feel like it's the end of the summer holidays and I am buying all the crap I need to go back to school with (which in my case and at my school was usually stolen by two weeks in). I spent 20 minutes in Wilkinsons yesterday weighing up the comparative methods of using a sensible ball point pen versus pink fluffy pen with ribbons like Alicia Silverstone had in Clueless. And do I need highlighters? Will there be maths so I need a calculator? 

Calm down dears, its only a Conference!

Things you need:

• Pens. Bring 3 in case one lets you down, or you lose one.
• A notebook. A5 sized as its big enough to take notes in, but not too big to fit your bag.
• A Loose paper file. Keeps all your sheets handy, without getting them scrunched up.
• A Diary/address book. You're going to meet people whose blogs you haven't yet discovered who might just live right near you. Take an address book to jot down their numbers.  

TICKETS

DO NOT FORGET YOUR TICKETS!!!!

Poor Sian and Jen have enough work on without having to look at lists and make sure you did actually pay to be there. Make their lives easier by printing your ticket! Same can be said for Gurgle invites. Any probs, well, speak to the ladies in advance (not on the day at 9am), but remember most libraries will let you print for as little as 10p if you have the file you want to print on disk.

BRING A DECENT SIZED BAG

Clutch bags may be what you dream of bringing as you will be free of the kids for a day, but it might be a better idea to bring a sizeable bag for all the bits and bobs we will be accumulating over the day. Another idea is to buy a canvas Bag for Life from your local Cancer Research shop. These bags fold up, are reuseable, and funky. And better yet, the 2.99 you pay for one will go to help beat cancer. They have a great range on offer, as do many other charity shops, and supermarkets.

SPARE BATTERY FOR PHONE/LAPTOP

If you have a phone like mine that takes a handful of pictures then dies for the day, bring a spare, fully charged battery. Same for laptops. If you have I-Pads, I am not talking to you as I am jealous.

BUSINESS CARDS

Back when Cybermummy was first mentioned, there was many a discussion that we didn't need these. 

YES WE DO!!!!!

If you want to make contacts in PR or just increase your readership, business cards are essential. 

Its a bit late to do them via the net, but stores such as Staples will do them while you wait, or independent stores will charge you 20-40 pounds for 100 with your own logo.

However, if you don't have the resources, check out some of the sites online where you make, print and cut your own cards for free. Bussinesscardstar.com is a good one.

So, there you go, remember take a deep breath and if it feels like you're bringing too much stuff, you probably are. 

And for anyone suffering the contagious Cybermummy Jitters, we have a group on PARENTS UNITE for those who wish to meet up outside first.

See, just like school!

*Photo Credits (Both pics courtesy of):

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

THE GALLERY: Emotions and a CYBERMUMMY SPONSOR RELATED THANKS!

Wow, that week went by quickly, and Tara has picked quite a fitting topic for our raft of pics-EMOTIONS

Now, I wont be posting anymore ransom demand looking pics of myself, rather I took this one of Mini last Tuesday after playschool, and the look says it all-

That is a look which says: Mummy I am eating, GO AWAY! I am NOT AMUSED!!!!!

Nothing says I'm annoyed better than that.

Moving on!

I would like to extend a MASSIVE THANK YOU to pleasecallmum.com for being kind enough to sponsor me for CYBERMUMMY. 

I recommend checking their website out, they make safety tattoo type transfers (temporary ones, don't worry they don't come to your house in a biker jacket with a big tattoo gun!) which you can order with your contact details on, so if your child does wander off, they can be safely and quickly returned to you. Look out for more from the company at the conference itself too.

And also a MASSIVE HUG of gratitude to SIAN at Mummytips for all your bloomin' hard work on Cybermummy, for sorting out sponsors, and the event, and still managing to run a business and kids too. I don't know how you do it and would like to extend my Blog award to you- WELL DONE SIAN XXX

Dressing for Cybermummy-Simple Rules to Remember.

As a departure from all the seriousness of the last week, I would like to draw a line, and get back to, well, being a sarcastic cow actually.

The other debate which has been raging in blogs and Twitter is this:

"OMG WTF AM I GOING TO WEAR FOR CYBERMUMMY!?!? AHHHH!!!!

And words to the effect.

Well worry not my girlies, my being the cool, calm and serene person I am (read: I lack clothes after going up two dress sizes and alas had to give most of my clobber away via Freecycle) I have these handy tips for dressing for Cybermummy. Just call me, not Gok Wan, but Wan Clueless:

1 WE'RE NOT AT LONDON FASHION WEEK. 

Yes, that's right chums, its a conference, not a fashion show. So, we will be doing quite a bit of sitting, and note taking. Therefore tight trousers/skirts and cleavage revealing items, as well as large amounts of clanking bracelets are possibly not a good idea.

2 WE'RE MUM'S WE'RE ALLOWED TO LOOK SCUZZY!

I'm not saying turn up in your jammies or tops with questionable stains, but we also wont be expected to look completely calm and collected either. After all, we will have to remove ourselves from children, clinging to our arms. and possibly even legs, at the thought of being left with Daddy all day. Until he mentions that he has vast quantities of illegal sweets, E Numbers and artificial ingredients, as well as junk food for dinner. Then they will be all like "Mummy who?". Creases are cool. Fact.

3 WE ARE THERE TO LEARN

That's right people. We won't have time to eye up or covet anyone's designer items, as we will have lots of learning to do. Remember at school when teachers said we had to wear uniforms so we didn't get distracted from work. Same rules apply here. Minus the uniform. Unless that's the look you're working.

4 NEWISH-BORN BABIES ARE COMING!

No one will be taking any notice of the clothes we are wearing, I know of two Mum's bringing proper tiny bubbas with them. Its all about the booties girls. And the bibs. Oh and those adorable tinie tiny socks. I'll stop now!

5 MOSS, JOLIE AND WILLOUGHBY ALL HAVE NANNIES. FACT.

That's why they can get away with white trousers. And look like Goddesses. And they don't have massive eye bags. Because they know that its the Nanny who gets filthed by their offspring. Ditto for spending hours in the gym doing yoga. Bitches.

6 PRIMARK IS GOD GOOD

Who exactly is going to look at the label in your top/dress/jeans? Not me. Its all very well and good owning designer clothes, but then there's the up keep- dry cleaning, not spilling on it and the minder you have to have so you don't get mugged in it. Wear what you like, if its chain store or couture, its all good!

7 IT'S WIMBLEDON FORTNIGHT.

Meaning it's bound to rain at some point in the next week. And then that wispy sun dress will quickly resemble a dish cloth. So best to wear your nicest (Non transparent) undies. You get the idea- bring a brollie. And a rain mac. Wellie boots are optional.

8 MAXI DRESSES 

Are OK. Just remember that if they are the mid length maxi its best to shave your legs as they ride up when you sit down. Trust me (been there forgot that one). And if they are long long maxi's then watch the stairs/slope/person in front and behinds feet.

9 THAT'S SHOE-BIZ

Sorry, couldn't resist the pun. Clogs are a nightmare, whats with the whole bring back clogs thing? Nightmare. They make your legs like tree trunks. Heels are OK, but who wants to be wearing heels all day? We're talking moving around and meeting people from 9.30am to late in the evening. They won't feel so good after that amount of time. Flats are where its at. Or some such.

10 CONFERENCE TO PARTY- A CLOTHING NIGHTMARE

Anyone going on to the Gurgle awards (its OK, you can come out now) will know that the Conference ends at 7.30. The coach for Gurgles is at 7.45. Now, if, like me, you were planning on getting changed from jeans and vest to ravishing Goddess attire, not going to happen in 15 minutes. So, I suggest a smart casual  and crease-able dress for day. Then add a pair of heels to your day bag, plus some chunky jewelery and accessories to stick on in the coach, plus extra make up to reapply.

Same applies to those staying behind for the after party at the Conference. Who wants to be fecking about with fashion when there's valuable drinking time to be had?!

So, now there need not be anymore worrying. Never fear 20somethingmum is here!

LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ALL VERY SOON. XXXX

CYBERMUMMY: Carrying on the Meet and Greet! Not just Me Being Narcissitic.

 The very clever Carly, formerly of WADS and now of Mummys Shoes blog, has had the very good idea to do an informative blogette introducing ourselves prior to Cybermummy.

Considering that when we all went to the Zoo meet up, I couldn't remember anyones names and thought it may appear slightly rude to refer to someone as Mrs or Ms [Insert Blogname here], this appears to be a great way of finding out who is who, and what they like.

So, here goes.

First up, here is me:

(I'm the one with the dark hair).

My name, surprisingly enough, is not 20somethingmum, but Claire Curran!

I am 28 years old, but I look younger (trust me, its not always a good thing) and now live in Berkshire, but am from the rough end of Kent, Medway!

My Twitter ID is @20somethingmum

I am 5 foot 7, and will be wearing flat shoes, due to my ability to look like a transvestite in heels. That and I fall over in them. Even if I'm not pissed.

My hair is brown, kind of scruffy, as no matter how many times I brush it its always a mess. Its kind of shoulder length with grown out layers, but I may get it cut just before, depends on my level of can't be arsedness.

My eyes are green, but I will be wearing black square framed glasses, kind of kooky geek chic Gok Wan styled ones. Not in an ironic way- my way of picking glasses is to look at the rack, grab the first pair I see, and go "that'll do". To me my glasses are purely so I don't walk into random stuff. Or fall over in flat shoes.

I'm also naturally fair, my nicknames at school were "Milkbottle", "Casper", and "Holland". But that last one was due to my lack of boobs. Glad to say, no longer an issue!

I have big feet. A size 7 and a half in some shops.  

Likes (and I wont be putting what Elder said "the sound of my own voice being opinionated and not knowing when to shut it").

Music, especially disco, Blondie, Amy Winehouse, Frank Zappa, Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Beatles, anything 80s cheese, Ska, pop, Robbie Williams, Yeah, pretty much anything other than Country, except Dolly cos she rocks.

Reading, anything chick lit, or biographies.

Vintage everything, love 60s, 70s and some 80s clothes and shoes- I hate following fashion as such and am more likely to be wearing Primark knock offs than Prada, but due to my love of vintage and retro I seem to follow more than I intend. Like take my jeans- 4 pairs, all flared, to the point I trip over them, and can't wear them in the rain.

Handbags, mainly Ollie and Nic ones. I am addicted to these. In fact I will have one of my collection with me, although owning to the fact I have about 10, I'm not sure which.

Wine. And doing daft things whilst drinking wine. 

Things I don't like, well, more to the point thing- Politics. 

I don't strictly get it. Which is odd seen as I studied it for A'Level.  Like I'm watching a programme, or listening to it, about ways to get rid of the Budget Deficit (whatever that is). I thought it was a 100 Million deficit, but Elder said that it was actually 100 billion, as a 100 million wouldn't be that much. To which I replied that if 100 million isn't a lot why don't I have that much in the bank? And if I was to declare myself a country, does that mean I would be given that much by the World Bank? Elder tutted. 

Thats not to say I'm an air head, I just don't see why that if the country is poor, we don't just print more money? We can make up reasons to go and declare war on countries that turn out to be crap. But Elder says thats not allowed. So why can't they pass a law allowing it? See, confusing.

I'll shut up now.

Oh yeah, and I have two mad kids too!

So, thats moi.

Just don't bloody ask me what I'm wearing. I have no idea!

Eeek!!!!!!!!!!