Exciting news + Let’s do lunch on the Gold Coast

Brought to you by Olympus.yay

I’ve got some exciting news to share today. Exciting enough that I’ve pulled out the confetti. Yay!

So you may well know I’ve been doing some work with Olympus. I had lunch with 10 readers in Sydney a few months ago, and I also gave away a camera to one reader too. I’ve also been doing some writing over at Kidspot where Olympus is the sponsor.

This week I became an Ambassador for Olympus, and I’m telling you guys first here. Well, I told Lacey when I first found out {Hubby was at work} but I don’t think she really got it. And Luella, well she just laughed like I was telling an awesome joke {I think it was the expressive eye brows I use to try to explain it all}.

I shared in a post the feelings I felt when Olympus gave me a camera to play around with, I was still in that new baby fog and feeling a little bit overwhelmed with life. But one Sunday I pulled out the camera and started shooting, and this passion came alive again. I’ve always loved photography, but I felt that excitement inside me again.

And now I rarely leave home without my camera {O-MD E-M10}. We’ve been on holiday together, we’ve done dinner and we’ve celebrated the first birthday of my beautiful niece together. We’re tight.

It’s captured Luella crawling, walking, playing, bathing, eating… all the things. With the camera I’ve snapped Lacey’s first missing tooth, and her first big award at school. And also breakfast, because the every day moments are important too.

breakfast2

breakfast

I love photography, and it makes me come alive. This feels so exciting. To have Olympus supporting me and helping make good stuff happen. Can you tell I’m smiling as I write this? I am.

That’s not the only exciting news I have to share…

olympus-lunch

Just like the lunch the Olympus team hosted for us in Sydney, they’re hosting one on the Gold Coast too {and Melbourne a little later}. It’ll be delicious food, fun conversations, a little photo-talk, and good times {and maybe a little gift as well!}.

This time we’re putting more seats at the table and inviting 20 people to come and join us. The more the merrier. And we’ll be heading to the ever-so-fancy Palazzo Versace on the water at the Gold Coast. If you haven’t heard of it before it’s a luxury 5-star hotel. A few years ago I snuck inside to just stand in the foyer and soak it all in. I can’t wait to actually go in and lunch there.

versace

Are you available on August 28th for lunch? If so, just let me know in the comments below that you want to come along.

Comments will close on Friday 15th August 2014 at 11:59pm. I’ll share here who the lucky 20 are. And then… we lunch!

Please note: Transport to and from the lunch isn’t included. You’ll have to make your own way there.

Thanks for everyone you left a comment, the guests attending the lunch are:

Debbie H
Melissa W
Marney R
Kirsty S
Renae R
Rana R
Ella S
Stacey C
Erica M
Kirralee B
Jacinta B
Sarah A
Deb D
Blythe R
Amanda B
Karen M
Jane M
Katrina A
Madelaine C
Peta B
Emily T
Claire C
Kirsten S
Megan K

I look forward to seeing you all next week! xxx

153 thoughts on “Exciting news + Let’s do lunch on the Gold Coast”

  6. Yes please! I’m a fellow click-happy mama of two with a passion for blogging kiddie recipes and capturing life through the lens. I’d love to meet you!

  11. It would be an amazing experience! I would love to be apart of it. FMS | Olympus | Versace – what a combo! Awesome x

  12. You are an inspiration to me! I would love for the chance, as a GC local to come to this lunch xxx 🙂

  14. Hi Chantelle would love love love to go to lunch with you. Have been photo a daying with you for over 2 years and would just love to meet you. Also I’m off on a European Adventure for 2 months next year and looking at buying a new camera. Pick me, pick me, pick me

  16. By some grand miracle the 28th is a non work day… I am free! 🙂 (crosses all limbs and extremities in hope)

  17. Oh goodness, yes please! This may be just the thing to get me out of my ‘I don’t wanna turn 30’ (on the 19th) funk and get me back in the swing of #fmsphotaday and enjoying the little things!

  18. HUGE congrats on becoming an Olympus Ambassador! Such exciting news. I would absolutely love to join you at the Olympus Versace Lunch!! (fingers and toes are crossed x)

  19. OOOOhhhh, a long leisurely lunch with a bunch of people who want to talk about cameras and photography…. YES Please 🙂 I’m about to start a new business in which a good camera is vital and my poor cannon after 10 years and 1000000000 photos later has finally given up the ghost! (and it’s a kindy day so no babysitting needed 🙂 )

  21. Congratulations you will make an awesome ambassador for Olympus! They are lucky to have you on board! Would love love love a place at your lunch table!!

  22. Oh my goodness, the Palazzo Versace is divine! I don’t know much about taking my own photos, I’d love to pick up some tips. I’m sure lunch would be lovely too 🙂

  24. Good morning – am loving your passion to photo the everyday events – I would love the chance oy lunch with you and Olympus and be able to photo my time there, it would be an amazing opportunity for me.

    Please pick me 🙂

  25. I would love the opportunity to come! I’m an iPhone snapper and love that I take photos but dislike the flatness and lack of creativity! I need some motivation and assistance to lift my photos!

  26. Oooooh… yes, please. That’s one of my kidfree days and lunch at Palazzo Versace would be a great way to spend it. And meeting new peeps… yay!

  27. Oh my gosh! Congrats on becoming an ambassador! I can just picture you telling the kids, excited eyebrows and all 🙂

  28. I would love love LOVE to be a part of this. It sounds amazing. And I would love to meet you Chantelle!

  29. Oh please pick me!!! I’ve better following you (maybe blog stalking) since my eldest girl, now 6 was little and my youngest girl is 6 months older than Luella. I’ve wanted to meet you since forever cos I feel like we’re bffs that haven’t got to meet yet. And you’re all kinds of awesome and I live just north of the gold coast.

    • And I should add that I’ve wanted for ever to learn more about photography.. I have a DSLR and an SLR for that matter, that I totoally don’t use to it’s fullest though I’ve been guilty of taking “arty-farty” – as my fam calls it – pics for years.. so many years that they now get called just “farty photos” lol

      And I’m also a “fat mum” getting slim.. 16 kgs since March and I NEED a reason to dress up pretty and celebrate it..a nd versace.. no way i’d ever get to go there otherwise!!!

      p.s. Thank god you didn’t say in 25 words or less.. there’s no way i could have condensed all this…..

  32. I would absolutely love to come! A day out without the cherubs, a chance to dress-up, meet you and talk about photography!? Wow, that would truly be amazing and something I would enjoy so, so much! Xx

  39. I would love to have lunch with you and meet some new friends.. I work full time I need lunch with the girls.. Ohh photographing food, yes I’m guilty!!

  42. I would just love that! It’s actually my birthday too haha! We fly up the the Gold Coast that morning I could ditch my hubby and lunch date with you lovely ladies

  43. I can make it! Take me with yooooooou. Heck I’ll even come early and help you set up. I’m helpful like that. 😉

    Congratulations on the new role lady! A perfect fit. And those photos of breakfast are gorgeous.

  46. Oh I would love to come along. I am only new to your blog but really enjoy it (thanks to Lauren @CreateBakeMake for enticing me).

  47. What a lovely prize! And oh yes please I’d love to come! Being a mum to an autistic daughter we cant even consider a pub meal let alone a fancy smancy place like Versace and its a kindy day so Im free! 🙂

  48. Hi Chantelle,
    Congratulations on becoming an Olympus Ambassodor, as I sit here in my messy house feeding my no.4 while trying to type, lunch at Versace sounds so far away……. And utterly divine, I would love to come!! Thanks for the chance, (and creating Photo-a-Day and the amazing Little Moments App)!!

  49. Congratulations on the role with Olympus. I just started researching new cameras a couple of days ago, Olympus comes high on my lust-list!

    I’d love the chance to meet you and chat photos, cameras and blogging (and just quietly, I’d be instagraming the toilets at palazzo Versace, I bet they’re spectacular!)

  55. Oh Telle, I wouldn’t give up a day and eat lunch at Palazzo Versace for just anyone, but for you I will (I’m a giver

  56. Who wouldn’t say yes to a civilized lunch without a 1 & 3 year old eating your food, climbing all over you, squeezing their popper so the juice goes everywhere and wiping their mouths on your “they were clean” clothes!!! Hmmm!

  59. If I got picked I would love to give the invite to my gorgeous friend and mother of 4 who loves photography. We meet up on Thursdays so I know she is available.
    Super excited! Xx

  60. I would feel privileged to have lunch in your company at this amazing venue, one that I’m ashamed to say I have never stepped foot in despite having lived her for almost 10 years! I’ll be putting this one out to the universe – everything crossed! x

  63. Oh I would so love to come along!! Would love to meet you as I’ve been following your blog forever & love your outlook on life. And taking photos is such a passion of mine. I am sure my mum (she loves it) will be able look after my little boy if needed. Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂

  65. The babysitter is on hold, husband is locked in for a school pickup, and I’m desperate to frock-up for the 1st time in months! Let me out of the house!!! x

  69. Yes! I want to come and have lunch with you! I would love to! But feel free to pick someone else as I am sure I am going to stalk you another time and make you come to lunch with me.

  72. I would love an invite to your lunch – sounds fabulous!. I’m a mother to two gorgeous girls, two furbabies and have an adorable husband and love a spot of photography. I’ve recently become a WAHM and it would be great to get out and mingle and enjoy a glamorous lunch at the Palazzo. x

  74. Oh, what a wonderful thing! I was super jealous when you posted the Sydney get up! Super exciting lunch I think!

  75. Oooh just checked my calendar and I happen to be free that day – what a coincidence! Would love to join your inspirational self!

  76. Why thank you, I accept the invitation! 😉 Please pick me, I need a grown up outing away from the kids and I haven’t taken a single photo of my second child on a proper camera and I need someone and something to kick me up the bum to do this, this Olympus inspiration might just be the ticket!

  78. I would love to come and meet you and talk photography. I am in the market for my first dslr. Exciting xxx deb

  83. A long fabulous lunch with you and other inspiring cool people, at the Palazzo Versace, PLUS a photography focus….Ummm….YES PLEASE!!!!! I’d love that Chantelle. I live just up the highway and will get babysitters {grandparents} booked – fingers crossed! How cool.
    Claire x

  87. Oh Chantelle! Congratulations on becoming an Ambassador for Olympus. Your photos are always beautifully captured. Lunch with you + Olympus at the Versace sounds like a fabulous idea! I’d love to join you x

  88. Wow. What an opportunity. I’m from SA and it just happens that my husband and I will be on the Gold Coast and actually staying at the Versace and we would love to attend. (If males are allowed, if not I would love to attend). We are looking to buy a new camera so to us this would be a great opportunity.

  89. Dannielle from @ Zamamabakes here 🙂 I would love to come along, sounds like an absolutely amazing experience. I have driven past the Versace on our way to Seaworld so you are a step ahead of me by having stood in the foyer! I love food, I would love to learn more about photography and I think you are an inspiration.
    Kind thoughts xx

  92. I’d love to attend lunch at Versace. As a Gold Coast local I’d love a touch of luxury. A good excuse to get out of the house, with a new baby I don’t get out if the house much. I’ve followed you for a number of years and it’d be awesome to finally meet you.

  95. My heart goes ‘clickity click’
    And my heart is all a shutter…
    It would be so exciting to sink my teeth into, great food surrounded by a feast for the eyes!
    I can’t put into words how much I would like to join you for lunch..but I can picture it. 🙂

  101. An indulgent lunch purely in my element and a fabulous day of escapism, basking in creativity?!! My entire being is pleading please pick me!

  103. Congrats Chantelle on becoming an ambassador for Olympus! I’m a mother to a gorgeous 6yo girl and live in the tweed valley…I’ll be turning 30 just 4 days after your lunch date, so meeting you, a lazy lunch and talking photos would be the perfect celebration!

  105. Yes please i will love it I’m Olympus love and of course a big fan of all your work , i always said an image said more than 1000 words, and now is my way to share my life with all my family and relatives overseas , so i will love to enjoy a chat with you and learn more to improve my photography thanks for the chance.

  107. Oh my! I would personally fly myself up there from Melbourne to attend this workshop! Totally love photography and would so appreciate the refresher and all the other lovely bits!! Fingers crossed like a mad-woman!!

  108. I would absolutely love to have lunch with you and I live on the Gold Coast too so it perfect haha! My birthday is the 30th and to win a lunch with you would be an amazing early birthday present! x

  109. Sounds fabulous! Have lived in Qld for 7 years and have never made it to the Palazzo Versace. We always said we would go there before Isaac was born last year in August but never made it as he arrived early. Would be a brilliant day meeting new people.

  112. Would love to be one of the 20 invited – it would have to also be a secret +1 as I will have a newborn by then! {due 23rd} My older two will be minded and I am sure lunch at the Palazzo would be fabulous treat for this 3rd time mummy and possibility to win a camera would be handy for all the photos of the kids I will be taking.

  113. Hi Chantelle! Congratulations on your great gig with Olympus – sounds fantastic! You’re a fantastic photographer, so the fit seems perfect to me! I’d love to join you for lunch at Versace, daaaahllling!

  114. Olympus couldn’t have picked a better ambassador, congratulations! No wonder you are tight, it’s found its way to its rightful home 🙂 Lunching with you and your readers would be an amazing opportunity, especially as I am still easing my way into life on the GC after moving here late last year. What a way it would be to connect!

  115. Hi Chantelle. I am available on the 28th and would be so grateful for the opportunity to meet and chat with you and other like-minded people. I live in the same area as you and as a regular reader (fan) of your blog I always keep an eye out for you when I am out and about in case I get the opportunity to say hi. Please think of it more as “Celebrity Spotting” then “stalking”. I would definitely feel more comfortable meeting you officially for lunch then approaching you out of the blue. Oh and I guess Palazzo Versace will do!

  116. Oh my! What a treat. Luscious long lunch with lovely ladies. Clearing my calender as we speak! YES YES YES! I am available!

  119. I would love the chance to hear your advice on all things creative, loving, and inspiring! Lunch would be a bonus!

  125. Chantelle, lunch sounds just wonderful and I would def love to come along! I don’t have a camera (I knowwww) as I use my phone but I would def love to develop my own “tight relationship” with one just like YOU 😉

  126. What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with like minded people. I’m one of the “older” Mumma’s with a click happy finger, a click happy hubby, and a click happy daughter that I could share the delights of lunch at Versace with.

  128. I’d love the opportunity to do lunch in style with you and 19 other lucky people Chantelle. My husband and I spent a single wonderful night at Versace’s for our ‘honeymoon’ and I would LOVE the opportunity to return and get some fabulous photos!

  130. Oh WOW Chantelle, I’m so excited for you and everything that is blossoming in your world. You are such an inspiration to me (and many) and I would LOVE the opportunity to celebrate Versace / Olympus style with you and your other lucky guest. Your Photo-A-Day project as been life changing to me, Thank-you xx

  133. Since it’s not when I get to hopefully visit you in September I’ll have to pass, but ohh how I’d love to come to the Melbourne lunch later!!

    I really need a camera for my blogging work, I feel really limited having just my phone to work with. I also just love to take photos and find the more I do the happier I feel. It makes me stop and take in the little things we often rush past. Loads of friends always laugh at me taking pics but they also say it reminds them to stop too because they see me do it. Love to hear all about what this camera can do.

  134. Can you please pick my wife. If she isn’t reading your blog and making me read articles because she thinks I will understand what she is trying to tell me more she is re-reading fifty shades of grey and I think she needs a break from that. Plus it will mean she will nag me less about taking her somewhere nicer than the raffles on a sunday night.

  135. Sounds absolutely devine would love the opportunity to lunch with you and others would be a fabulous opportunity.

  136. That would be fun!!! I’m having a birthday week that week, since it’s a milestone birthday this year – lunch would be a wonderful way to celebrate!!!

  137. Wow, I’d love to join you! I’m usually surrounded by tradies so going to Versace would be totally out of my comfort zone. Am going on an overseas trip in October and need a camera, iphone just won’t do!. So I’d love the opportunity to discuss the features of the Olympus – haven’t owned a decent camera in years.

    • So devastated I wasn’t one of the ‘chosen’ few. Enjoy ladies, what a wonderful experience. Looks like I’ll have to find a suitable camera on my own.

  138. With a snap and a click
    I’m taking the shot,
    Some zoom and refocus
    A pro I am not!

    To learn how to capture
    Great moments to share,
    Would fulfil a life dream,
    My blog will gain flare.

    To share lunch with you
    and some great gals to meet,
    Add Olympus insights
    would be ‘beyond neat’!

    Versace, Gold Coast,
    A rocking great crew,
    My fingers are crossed,
    My toes and knees too!

  140. wow, chantelle, you are simply going from strength to strength! what an amazing sponsorship…. and WHY YES, I WOULD BE THRILLED to join your lovely lunch if i were to be invited.

    xoxo

  141. Wow!! What an honour to be selected as the ambassador for Olympus! Congrats!! I’d love to join you for lunch, if I’m lucky enough to be selected! 🙂

  142. Big big smiles for you. Oh what gorgeous comments too!! I don’t think I am at all fancy enough for an opportunity like this, but would squeal with delight if you could invite me. Maybe I could carry your bags or help set things up? I make a fabulous minion 😉 Wanted to join in congratulating you on becoming an ambassador oh and your awesomeness Xxx

  143. Congratulations!!! What an amazing honour!!! And how much FUN!! I would love to come to lunch…. Pretty please with sprinkles on top?
    Kim

  144. Congratulations on becoming an Ambassador for Olympus,
    I’d love to join you for lunch before I head to Moscow in 97 days to have a Stem Cell Transplant and there’s no better way to document my journey through words and pictures.
    Any advice, tips or tricks I can get over lunch would be appreciated.
    Again, congratulations.

  146. Oooh oooh Chantelle, please pick me! I really enjoyed doing photo a day with you, starring my baby girl from February 2012 til I went back to work. I’ve recently (in June) had another baby and was thinking I need to start up pic a day again – I love taking (far too many) photos of my cherubs, they grow so fast and it’s so lovely to look back on the journey… You know what else I love? Food 🙂 With a newbie and a cyclonic toddler, fancy schmancy dos have been nonexistent of late. If you pick me it will be just the excuse I need to shave my legs, wash my hair and ditch the baby spew covered jammies. (Uggies are OK at Versace right?)

  147. Versace for lunch, oh yes, choose me please,
    if I have to beg, I’ll gladly fall to my knees!
    I’ll cry and I’ll grovel, I’ll even bake you some fudge,
    so you will take me away from daily boredom and drudge!

    I need a break from ironing, cooking, cleaning the floors
    so I can dress up and lunch with a blogger I adore!
    I’m a Mumma who clicks from sun up to sun down
    but blurred pics and shaky images turn my smile upside down!

    You see, photography’s my passion but there’s still much to learn,
    so a place at your luncheon I’m dying to earn!
    This amateur needs help with aperture, focus, shutter speed,
    to produce fabulous images with an OLYMPUS I need!
    Give me tips on lighting, composition, all things digital
    to improve my poor photos so they’re no longer terrible!

    And on top of this, boy I certainly love a good chat,
    just imagine the noise from ladies at a lunch date like that!
    I’ll throw on my “glad rags” and be there in a flash,
    to create my own “little moments” at Fat Mum Slim’s Versace Bash!

    There’ll be squeals of delight and precious stories to share,
    so I’ll cross everything tight and hope that I’m there!

  149. What a shame I didn’t see this post earlier! I will already be there that day doing hair/makeup/styling for an event that’s being held there that evening. I will say hi if I see you in the foyer! (I may even try and steal a bread roll on my way past 😉

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