When I checked in on Facebook from the Adelaide airport announcing my landing for the first time in South Australia for #WordsToGo14, I received a rush of feedback from fans, locals, and ex-pats living in other Aussie regions expressing enthusiasm for the city. Affectionately known as ‘Radelaide’, the city is renowned as being friendly, relaxed yet vibrant, and surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful beaches and world-famous wine and dairy producing regions. I discovered for myself the city’s delightful (and delicious) precincts dedicated to eating, boutique bars and gourmet food trucks, Haigh’s Chocolates, the National Wine Centre, as well as the southern hemisphere’s largest undercover produce market, Adelaide Central Markets.
Tasting Australia in Adelaide 2014
It seems fitting that among Adelaide’s many renowned annual events, the city also hosts one of the world’s most well known culinary festivals, Tasting Australia (tastingaustralia.com.au, 27 April to 4 May 2014).
The event is always a resounding success, and Tasting Australia in Adelaide 2014 is shaping up to be no exception, following a world-class program of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cooking classes, experiences, tours and workshops presented by Australia’s very best chefs, winemakers and producers. The level of expertise is a cut above, and I became acutely aware of why South Australia has garnered an international reputation as a premier food and wine destination.
Adelaide was actually named as one of Lonely Planet‘s top 10 cities to visit in 2014; described as “effortlessly chic − and like a perfectly cellared red, it’s ready to be uncorked and sampled.”
About The City of Churches
WeekendNotes.com has presented a few neat facts on Adelaide that I’ll share with you briefly. “In 1836, a city named Adelaide was born with a proclamation under a gumtree at Glenelg, now a seaside suburb west of the city… Adelaide has been nicknamed the ‘City of Churches’. Although it is not known as to who first started using this nickname, one only needs to take a look around to dig out the rationale behind such a nickname. Churches boasting exquisite architectural designs abound in this beautiful city with the Holy Trinity Anglican Church being the oldest which was built in the year 1838…
Adelaide is reportedly home to the biggest display of Aboriginal Culture and artefacts. These are showcased at the South Australian Museum as well as at Tandanya – the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute… Arguably one can reach any point in the city within a period of 20 minutes thus the [other] nickname, ‘20 minutes’ city… Adelaide’s exotic Botanic Garden has the largest and oldest glasshouses in the Southern hemisphere. These glasshouses sure make some terrific tourist attractions… Adelaide is not only the capital of South Australia but is also the opal capital of Australia… [In Australia] Adelaide was the first place to abolish sexual and racial discrimination, the first to do away with capital punishment, the first to recognise Aboriginal land rights, the first to give women voting rights and interestingly is also the first place to legalise nude swimming.”
The southern hemisphere’s largest undercover produce market and South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction, with roots dating back to 1869. The market boasts over 80 stalls selling everything you can imagine, from fresh cheese, fruit, veges, bread, cakes, coffee, nuts, yoghurt and fare from around the region and the world. The market is easy to navigate as it’s divided into a colourful array of lanes and broadways; it’s also easy to find being as it’s generally referred to as being the ‘Heart of Adelaide’.
Now this is an experience that everyone in the family will adore. Indulge in a cheese-making master-class hosted by the gorgeous Sheree Sullivan and the team, who will guide you through making your very own cheese which you can create, take home, nurture and in good time eat. You’ll learn all about cheese (in an entertaining context − no boring science lectures here) as well as the wonderful local businesses in the Adelaide Hills region (many tight-knit family owned for generations); and you’ll enjoy lunch while your cheese mix incubates. A cheese and wine trail is on offer to explore on location in Hahndorf, and you can even take a cheese themed high tea for good measure. Many of the experiences on offer at Udder Delights are booked out in advance, so reserve your space to avoid disappointment.
Also worth a peep while you’re in the area is the picturesque Bird in Hand winery where I was lucky enough to experience my own unique version of the Udder Delights cheese-making master-class. Bird In Hand is now also hosting wonderfully chic musical events on site at the vineyard, check the website to see if something’s on that coincides with your visit: birdinhand.com.au.
Planning a trip to Adelaide? I enjoyed my stay at the Rendezvous Grand Adelaide Hotel –read more.
Got a comment, query or suggestion? I’d love to hear from you – there’s space below :-)
A lovely friend of mine has asked Cooper and I to MC her wedding next week. So flattering but a bit nerve wrecking.
We’re looking at it as a great opportunity to get back into public speaking and we’ll do our best to make the guests feel happy, proud and jubilant on the big day.
Do you have any tips for us though? It’s our first wedding MC gig so all advice gratefully accepted. Here’s what my research has presented so far:
Tips for a novice wedding MC
When in doubt, keep it simple; additionally, it’s not an MC’s role to jest, entertain, perform or tell a significant story or joke at every turn (although humour is gratefully received if it’s tastefully done and well timed).
It is however, the role of the MC to ‘run’ the wedding reception; to keep things moving along smoothly and on time.
We should indeed know the names (and any tricky pronunciations) of the bridal party and key players like bride and groom’s parents, photographer, DJ/band…
The longest an MC usually speaks is at the beginning of the reception, where it is appropriate to welcome guests, explain any rules, requirements and proceedings for the event, and introduce the wedding party.
An MC should encourage laughter, and gear everything towards the positives of the affair.
An MC should help the guests feel comfortable and manage crowd behaviour if necessary.
What are your experiences MCing important events? Do you have any advice for our first time?
I’ve hit mid thirties, and I could either freak out about it or embrace it. I choose the latter. I believe age is a mindset, and I feel better now within myself than I ever have. I’m happy the way I am, unique as I may be in my views. Turning 35 to me is ok. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter and adventure. If I can help anyone with that attitude, then that’s awesome. I’ve had feedback this year that I’ve helped people. I have been called Ms. Blinco by the younger set I’ve been mentoring – yeah, that makes me feel a little old; being able to positively influence even just one person of any age by sharing a bit of encouragement and wisdom is worth it though.
Reflecting then with a positive spirit, here are some things I’m grateful for today. Can you relate? Happy Birthday to me (and fellow ANZAC Day babies) x
35 Things I am grateful for at 35
Cooper – my gorg partner in crime of nearly 13 years.
Harry the cattle dog. Coolest dog ever.
Not being concerned about turning 35.
Travel – it’s life changing; it’s adventure and equals real living.
Meditation and mindfulness practice has changed my life. I can now manage stress and challenges so much better, and I’m much more focussed and passionate about my goals and ideas.
Being an ‘ideas’ person; it can be annoying at times, but I’ve grown to like this ever-churning mind of mine.
Being a dog person – dogs bring Cooper and I so much joy, and this passion continues to grow.
The pleasant surprises that come with discovering who my true and old friends are.
Being more at peace.
Understanding everything better than I did when I was 25!
The Internet – I love it and am able to facilitate my passion for creating media on a wider scale.
London – yes, you can fall in love with a place, and this city is it for me. My photographer mate, Cara Bendon, describes it as my “spiritual home”, I think she may be right.
My interesting, generous family and extended family who are constantly doing kind things, as well as teaching me valuable lessons that I’ll take with me always. And, my parents for giving me a good life, and instilling in me that “travel is the best education you can receive”. I took it on board more later in life, but I think the mantra means even more to me because of that.
Greater spiritual awareness.
My new Canon EOS – it’s a toy, and I love it!
Realising it’s ok to never grow out of watching and adoring CW television shows (among other things); I never let go after Dawson’s Creek, The OC, One Tree Hill… nup, bring it on, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Reign…
Being less afraid to share my opinion.
I’m happy to have developed the view point where I look on things as opportunities rather than negatives.
I count myself fortunate that I’ve not lost any close loved ones at this point. I realise it’s a part of life, but I’m still grateful to have all my important peeps around.
The opportunity to be a life long learner.
Webinars – I learn so many great things thanks to the good people who produce free training for everything from Yoga to social media. You should get into it if you haven’t done so already!
Realising that we’re never perfect, but that consistency and practice go a long way towards being the best you can be at whatever you love, be that writing, singing, cooking, parenting and so on.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continuously meet the cool people I meet, whether they stay in my life for a moment or much more; I more often than not can recognise now what people are sent to me for.
I’m grateful that I have life and career-based experience which enables me to help others in their pursuit of motivation, and better managing social media, media, PR and digital endeavours in their own businesses and life.
I have realised I really enjoy mentoring those younger than me, and have successfully inspired a number of students already this year. We take for granted how few mentors in life people encounter, and it really makes a difference to students under 23 especially; I know this from personal experience and I’m glad to be in a position to pay it forward.
I’m thankful for the courage I have to stand by my decisions and pursue what’s right for me even though it may not be what society says I’m ‘meant to be doing’. I’m grateful for the choice I understand is in my power in order to be happy each day.
I’m grateful Darren Hayes is still writing music and producing other media like podcasts to inspire his long time fans (*waves Darren* – one day, ONE day he will Tweet me; how exciting!).
I have awesome clients, bosses, ex-bosses, colleagues and former colleagues. I’m so lucky to have learned amazing insights and skills from people I’ve worked with and for.
I’m grateful for the supporters in my life; there are just a handful of you – you know who you are and I love you. As I grow older I do believe that you can only count your true friends on one hand. I think I’m lucky enough to count them on two, probably no more, but that’s ok.
Travel blogging and blogging in general. What a joy and an opportunity.
My travel bucket list – I’m grateful for the destinations I’m about to receive.
Freedom. Thanks to the ANZACs and everyone else who fights (and has fought) to keep us safe. We really do not have any reason to whine about menial things – have you not looked on the news recently to see what hell some others are born into? I’m grateful to have been born in Australia (and proud to be an Aussie).
For vision boards and and the power of the written-down goal – how did I not get into this mindset earlier? Better late than never.
My brother Josh, he is fab and I love our in depth discussions on the paranormal!
For the nice comments you’ll leave below ;-)
Thanks for reading, Sarah x
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Best blogging tips (for business and hobby blogging newbies)
1. If you are writing “how to” type posts, longer and more detailed pieces generally receive more shares because if the piece is good, it becomes a point of reference for anyone interested in the subject matter (so the more detail the better; 800+ words).
2. Posts should be easy to read and neatly laid out. This means utilising H1 and H2 headers (larger text, such as the ‘best blogging tips’ headline above), bolded words and headings, sectioning pieces off as quotes, and using images to add colour and break text apart.
3. If you’re aiming to gather newsletter subscribers, your sign up form should be prominent and at the top of your site. Additionally, you should ask for as little detail as possible, and restrict sign up to simply email address and/or name, not age, location, address, phone. If people have to work too hard to be part of it, you’ll lose them.
4. Learn a little about SEO, so you are familiar with how to choose appropriate key words for your posts, and then include the key word / phrase (minimum four times) in the post and within the URL and H1 or H2 headlines. A resource I enjoy is Jim Stewart’s platform on Stewart Media, and his weekly videos.
5.Compose interesting blog posts which feature useful, helpful information. This works to position you as an expert and authority in your field (whatever it may be), rather than someone who is merely trying to “sell” a product or service. Helping others by sharing valuable information will lead to sales anyway, because through your blog you have the opportunity to garner trust as well as showcase your knowledge.
6. Readers love numbers and lists, so sometimes it is a good idea to present your material in this way, as I’ve done here with these snackable blogging tips.
7. Share and re-share. It is entirely feasible to share your post more than just once. Indeed, if you promote it on Twitter, Facebook or wherever you play on the web, there’s only a certain number of people who will see your update at that one particular point in time. Re-share (scheduling is ideal) your blog posts many times, at different points in the year and at varying times of the day for maximum exposure.
8. Make use of social sharing tools like Facebook scheduling, HootSuite, Viralwoot and Buffer so you may schedule as many posts as you like ahead of time. You could schedule material for social media sharing for a year ahead if you wanted to, and all in one day’s work.
9. Commenting. Ask readers to leave a comment and/or share. The majority of people cruising through your blog and social sites won’t generally understand the social etiquette rule of ‘liking’, ‘commenting’ and ‘sharing’, so ask them to perform the action you desire. This goes for blog activity as well as posts on Facebook etc. Some more advice here.
Then, when people do comment within any of your spaces, make sure you reply – engage in conversation so they know you’re real and interested to speak to them. It’s also manners if they’ve gone to the bother of engaging with you in the first place. Lastly, develop your online community by leaving comments on other sites and blogs. Read more about this here.
Got something to add, or a question to ask? Drop it in the comments below and we’ll reply as swiftly as we can.
AUSTRALIA’S MOST INSPIRING YOUNG WRITERS UNCOVERED
Last week seven of Australia’s brightest writers discovered they were winners in a national student writing competition hosted by Sugoi Media Australasia and Media Bootcamp Australia.
READ THE WINNING ENTRIES
The competition, promoted throughout high school English departments Australia wide, garnered much attention and the standard of entries was exceptionally high. Aspiring writers and media stars were encouraged to submit a piece of up to 500 words in any format (i.e. poem, interview, news story, fiction…) but the work had to relate to the theme “INSPIRE”.
Director of Sugoi Media, Sarah Blinco, says, “The judging panel which consisted of media, publishing and education professionals, was excited and surprised to receive so many high quality entries from across Australia. It was difficult narrowing down to finalists, let alone choosing winners. As it was, we extended the ‘final six’ to include a seventh outstanding and unique entry. It’s been so rewarding liaising with enthusiastic young talent. Too often media spotlights those youngsters behaving badly, and this is an excellent opportunity to promote the quiet achievers − the kids who are smart, hard working and switched on − who actually do deserve the attention.”
Each of the winners achieved their first ever published piece by being showcased on popular lifestyle website, travellivelearn.com, which receives thousands of visits from all over the world each month. They will also enjoy a digital mentoring session with an industry professional as part of their prize, in order to assist them to hone in on individual writing and media goals.
This national writing competition was hosted in conjunction with Media Bootcamp, a world-first digital mentoring and training program designed to provide extra assistance to high achieving English and media students keen on a career in communications, media, publishing, radio or PR. It’s particularly useful for students in the city who want to get a head start on their careers, and students in regional parts of Australia who lack resources and opportunities to be trained and mentored by relevant industry professionals. Media Bootcamp was developed in 2012, has already fostered exceptional young talent around the country, and has assisted a number of students into trainee roles in radio and communications well ahead of the time it usually takes to get a foot in the door of these competitive industries.
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I’ve hit mid thirties, and I could either freak out about it or embrace it. I choose the latter. I believe age is a mindset, and I feel better now within myself than I ever have. I’m happy the way I am, unique as I may be in my views. Turning 35 to me is ok. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter and adventure. If I can help anyone with that attitude, then that’s awesome. I’ve had feedback this year that I’ve helped people. I have been called Ms. Blinco by the younger set I’ve been mentoring – yeah, that makes me feel a little old; being able to positively influence even just one person of any age by sharing a bit of encouragement and wisdom is worth it though.
