Earlier this month I spent a weekend rubbing shoulders with some of Australia's top bloggers at the Bloggerati conference in Sydney. It was an inspiring, exciting weekend that reminded me why I started Nourished Life, over 3 years ago, which was to blog about my quest to live a toxin-free life in Sydney.
Not that there was much toxin-free going on this weekend. I partied. I ate burgers. I did a dozen things a good Nourished girl should never do.
And... I had a blast! Exploring my beautiful home city, and getting back in touch with the passion that started me on the Nourished Life path. My business has come a long way since I first started sharing my journey into toxin-free living, but it all grew out of my love for blogging. After two days hanging out with the likes of Emily Collie (aka Melbourne Girl), Lucy from Bake Play Smile, FdPrn star Khalil Khouri and 27 other talented writers, I'm all fired up to get back to my roots and blog for you about all the ways to live a more nourished life!
Here's what happened.
On a freezing Friday night, I checked into the Rydges Hotel in North Sydney. A big bed all to myself, the kids tucked up safe at home with hubby – bliss! I'm a real home-body at heart, so I loved the fact that I was having a little escape but still only a 20-minute cab ride away from home.
Speaking of cabs, I grabbed an Uber across the bridge to the launch party for the Sydney Nuffnang office, held at the ECQ Bar in the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.
This is one of my favourite date night places, with an amazing view across the ferries and the Bridge. Even as a Sydneysider it was hard to tear my eyes away from the glittering lights. First confession moment: the cocktails were pretty dazzling too.
I decided early on to invoke the 80/20 rule and treat this weekend as a holiday from my normal toxin-free life. I can't imagine ever wanting to give up my toxin-free life – but it's important every now and then to feel free to treat yourself to a little indulgence.
Indulgence? I got to enjoy a lazy morning in the hotel ahead of a day exploring more of my stunning home town. I grew up on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and it's where the Nourished Life warehouse and office is located. I believe its actually Sydney's best kept secret.
I'm very grateful to be able to work here everyday, but it's so rare that I get to enjoy Sydney as a tourist. So after lunch at Neil Perry's Burger Project on George Street, I was more excited to head to the water and spend the afternoon sailing around the harbour with East Sail and new friends thanks to Destination NSW. Even with the rain the harbour put on its usual breathtaking display.
In the evening, Qantas hosted us to dinner at Spice Temple – another project by Sydney celeb-chef Neil Perry, who was there to greet us. This has got to be one of Sydney's most beautiful restaurants, and the Asian food was out of this world – accompanied by zodiac-themed cocktails. I haven't eaten anywhere as all-out bling as this since my days working for Universal Pictures!
Sunday was back to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, and down to business at the Bloggerati conference. I learned a stack of new things from my fantastic fellow bloggers – and as you can see, it really inspired me to re-design my blog and make it as fun, engaging and interesting as possible for you!
I've added some new features, like being able to buy products directly from the articles and share anything you love on social media. I really hope you like it.
So, thanks Sydney! It's been a thrill to explore my home town through fresh eyes – and rediscover why you really are the most naturally beautiful city in the world. And huge thanks too to Destination NSW, Qantas, Rydges Hotels– and Bloggerati for organising a brilliant weekend.
Image credits: Nuffnang Australia