Last week I was lucky enough to attend an event where you get to meet power bloggers in the flesh. Yes, that’s correct. No more hiding behind an online persona, this discussion hosted by Social Media Club Melbourne brought three of our best locals together, to share tips and insights. Who was there? Well of course those of you in the blogosphere have heard of the big daddy bears Problogger (Daren Rouse) and Duncan Riley from The Inquisitr. But if you are not from my neck of the woods, you may have not (yet) come across the gorgeous Mummy Bear Blogger, Pip Lincolne from Meet Me At Mikes. And then there was me, baby bear blogger who hoped that she would find some kids sleeping at home in their beds on return from the woods of AC/DC Lane….oh and a hundred plus other really good looking geeks too. I’d love to write-up my personal recount from the night, but there’s no need. You can watch the action yourself on the Social Media Club YouTube site. What I really want to share with you is my thank you letter to Pip.
Thank you Pip – The envelope project
Since I started blogging a few short months ago, I’ve been experimenting with a range of posts to see what sparks your interest…I fully expect that as my blog evolves the nutrition niche will narrow. So please “like” what you like or drop me a general comment about what you want more of. But as I gaze outwards and reflect, what I realise early on is that I love the interaction with you. And that’s where Pip comes in. Those of you that know me from Twitter appreciate that I am a retro girl just trying to keep up in this techno world. And that’s why I really loved the balance that Pip brought to the night. The envelope project she is launching is a spectacular example of how you can combine the retro & techno worlds, to build deeper, stronger relationships and a sharing, caring community.
In a nutshell, anyone can send a decorated envelope to Pip’s store Meet Me At Mikes. It will then be displayed in the window as one of a growing number over a 6 week period. Each envelope is to contain a small, cheap or free item…a surprise…..but something that evokes the spirit of the craft or retro girl in Pip and the Meet Me at Mikes community. Envelopes and contents will be blogged about and posted on FlickR…and at the end a lucky winner gets sent the full contents.
To quote Pip herself, “Every single thing. Sent to that person! Holy aceness! Hurrah! No matter where you are in the world! If you join in, you could win! This is open to kids and grown ups too. We like to be inclusive!”
My thank you envelope
So I couldn’t help a quick pop to Savers (local thrift / opp shop) for inspiration. I’ve already mentioned my love of old magazines, diet and health books and how we can learn a lot about moving forward, by looking back to the past. You may like to read my post on Retro nutrition trends you can leave behind. So of course I had to pick up a copy of The Seventh Girl Annual from 1959 (UK).
Full of amazing gems and inspiring role models for girls like the “huntress Lotte Hass…nearly as fearless an underwater explorer as husband Hass.” (I added the bold)
And loads of craft I hope the lucky winner will love, like knitting patterns for “gay stripes” and “new uses for duffle coat buttons”.
But of course I love the foodie finds, like the chapter on foreign food. With a description of favourites in the United States being “hot dogs and gingerbread boys” and vindaloo described as “Indian dishes may have odd-sounding names but they taste delicious”. 
How’s a girl to choose what to send Pip? But then I found the perfect Stepford Wife pattern for every kitchen mama….I’m sure you can guess. I’m so passionate about making time to encourage the dying culiary skills many of us (mistakenly) take for granted. We need to encourage kids in the kitchen, Drs in the kitchen (more on that soon) and more. So here’s a sneak peek heading to Meet Me At Mikes by snail mail right now. As the pages of The Seventh Girl Annual were loose, I carefully separated these out to mail……but I’m keen to forward the whole book to the lucky winner once Pip makes the announcement. Can’t have such a gem incomplete…we must have balanced girls in 2010 too you know.
So what do you think? Do you agree with me? I think it’s a wonderful way to bring people together? And it would work in so many parallel ways with food, nutrition and health? Recipe swap anyone? Write a crowd sourced get well letter? Love to hear what you think of the idea in the comments below and please spread the word. You can join in by clicking on the envelope link below. If you are particularly crafty you may like to pick up one of Pip’s books too. And stay tuned…I’ll keep you updated on the lucky winner.
