The Weekend that was – The ABBW – how it went down- Saturday

If there has ever been a window of time in my life that I have gained so much knowledge and personal enjoyment, as I did during the ABBW, I certainly can’t remember it.

Saturday morning – IMATS

I don’t think the foyer at the Ibis has ever held a more beautiful group of patrons. The buzz in the air was thick with anticipation and nerves, there were familiar faces everywhere, but do I dare say hello???

We all merged into the front of the convention center ready and raring to get into IMATS.

Images taken by Liz Giacco for The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, and are not to be reproduced, republished or reused without inclusion of this credit. Images remain the property of The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

By the time we got inside it was already heaving with patrons credit cards in hand. I am not going to go into a lot of detail about IMATS in this post as it needs one of its own so keep an eye out for that. Here I will just tell you about the aspects of IMATS that were included in the ABBW.

One of our very generous sponsors Royal and Langnickle the brush company, had set up a ABBW2011 only media room, OMG what more can I say, I felt like a rock star, drinks, snacks, manicures, makeovers and plush lounge chairs to indulge in and catch our breath.  Also a great place to meet our fellow bloggers and have a chat. Thank you so much Royal and Langnickle.

Images taken by Liz Giacco for The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, and are not to be reproduced, republished or reused without inclusion of this credit. Images remain the property of The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend

After the morning at IMATS it was time to move on to the next even one I was really looking forward to, the Beauty Directory ………….., the fabulous Jackie Maxted the managing director of BD was a fountain of knowledge and I gained so many hints and tips on how to interact with PR companies and how to conduct myself at events ect.

We then had a round table workshop with the help of the BD staff discussing different aspects of blogging, my table were sharing the challenges we have faced working with PR’s and trying to overcome them. It was really rewarding to discuss the subject with not only someone who works in the industry but also my fellow bloggers.

The lovely Eleanor Pendelton the beauty editor of In Style Australia and our own Kimmi from the Plastic diaries were also part of a panel discussion talking about similar topics.  

Maxted Thomas Gala -

It was then time for me to head back to my room for a cup of tea, and tart myself up for the Maxted Thomas Gala. I was so excited…

We arrived at the Establishment hotel ready for the gala to begin. The venue was beautiful, the ornate celling’s are incredible.

My delight at the venue continued well after I had arrived, the ballroom and its foyer had been beautifully decorated; it had a “fairytale” feel.                                               

Some of the brands that the company represents were gathered ready to share their knowledge and products with us. I was handed a much-appreciated glass of bubbles, and off I went.

My first stop was at the Orly set up where I made an appointment to try their Gel FX polish system. I then made my way over to the Burt’s Bees display where the ever helpful Emma talked me through some of their new products, she was also kind enough to let me sit on her cozy sofa and discreetly swap my 4 inch heels for a pair of ballet flats I had hidden in my handbag.  

It was then time to sit and have my nails done by the friendly Orly team, I had the GelFX polish in Pink chocolate, I love the colour.

It only has a few minutes before dinner so I quickly made my way to the Nivea display and had a chat to the informative staff there. I was really interested in their sunscreen products, as the parent of 4 small children two of which are super fair skinned in am always on the look out for new sunscreen.

Molly, Stevie, Myself, Lou, Emma and Karyn

I made my way into the ballroom ready for dinner it was so pretty inside; I found my table and found my seat. I loved that our places were designated, it gave us a chance to talk to other bloggers that we may not have other wise. 

The food was incredible; I loved all three courses, and the wine that went with them. 

This was probably my favorite even of the weekend, the food, the fantastic company, and the generous brands that were happy to share their products and time with us. I cannot thank them enough. The whole Maxted Thomas team should be very proud it was a wonderful evening that I feel very fortunate to have been apart of.

Melissa and I 

 Images taken by Liz Giacco for The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, and are not to be reproduced, republished or reused without inclusion of this credit. Images remain the property of The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend