What VancouverMom means to me!

Just under a year ago, my little blog was nominated for the VancouverMom.ca‘s Vancouver’s Top 30 Mom Blogger Awards.  I managed to sneak in to the Top 30 amidst a slew of fantastic blogs written by a group of lovely mamas.  What a huge honour and privilege it was… and continues to be!

Once North Shore Mama blog made it into the Top 30, I started on a journey I could not have imagined ever being on.  Before I started my blog, I didn’t really know much about blogging at all!  All I knew was that I loved writing, I loved the idea of having a blog, and I loved being ‘helpful’.  Little did I know how much I would soon LOVE the community I became a part of within our group of Top 30.

VancouverMom helped put my North Shore Mama blog on the map.  I grew my pet-project in ways I did not even know existed.  I now sponsor brands and local businesses, I attend conferences online and in-person, I get invited as a VIP to fun events, and I even once overheard a group of moms at the playground talking about my blog (THAT was so cool!) I really am so thankful for all these avenues that VancouverMom has allowed me to travel!

Aside from the perks of being able to make my blog more than I imagined I could make it, I have had the opportunity to meet other bloggers!

I first met the other mamas in the Top 30 at a wonderful party that VancouverMom threw in honour of us (how sweet is that?!).  I spoke to a few of the mamas in person that night, but the real connections were made in the months that followed. After the 2012 VancouverMom recognition night, a Facebook group was started so that we could stay in touch with each other.

Hubby and I at the 2012 VancouverMom Top 30 event

At first, there were comments posted in our private group mostly just about blog-related things.  A place for us to share opportunities, talk about events, ask questions about blogging, technology and so on.  It soon became a great forum to discuss, vent and relay information…but, more importantly, (and what I don’t think any of us could have anticipated)  it became the catalyst for deep and meaningful friendships… conversations that I value and connections that I cherish.

Our group of 30 dines together, high tea’s together, learns together, plays together, celebrates together and cries together.  We support one another, promote one another, and congratulate each other on accomplishments big and small.  It is truly hard to believe that we had not even met this time last year!

VancouverMom to me is: togetherness, happiness, friendship & FUN!

Playing & learning together at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

Alas, we find ourselves at the time of year where it is time to vote for a Top mama blogger!  The Top 30 Mom Bloggers have been chosen for 2013 and the voting begins TODAY. Voting will close on June 10, 2013.  Don’t miss this opportunity to discover some of Vancouver’s top mom bloggers and to VOTE for your favourite blog!

This year, to celebrate the Top 30 Mom Bloggers, VancouverMom is hosting their special annual event at Secret Location in Gastown.  The GLAM event is on June 19th, and we hope you will join us!  Tickets sell out super fast for this event, so grab yours now and come eat, drink and chat with some really lovely mamas!