I always knew Melbourne would be an incredible class, but I could never have anticipated just how incredible. Let me tell you: two sold-out classes worth of incredible!

A whole lot of magical stuff happened in the lead-up. For example, ABC News showed up to interview us for a segment on blogging! (You can watch it right here.)

Since we were making our Australian television debut, we decided a little time spent with a make-up artist would pay dividends… And we were right!

We got to Lightdrop Studios super-early so that Bernice Mansfield could make us beautiful. And did she ever! (We adore and recommend her!)

Chit-chattin’ with Jacqui of ABC News. (She has been reading my site for years, isn’t that nice?!)

Look, if you’re going to be on the telly, you might as well do it in ears.

ABC not-so-discreetly perched in the back row!

Kat and a very giggly bunch.

Shauna laying the branding SMACKDOWN!

It’s always a treat to be given gifts. Arienne Gorlach made us personalised Filfofaxes, filled with customised inserts. So in love!

I love this notebook. How true!

Soon, it was time for lunch. 99designs hooked everyone up with a delicious lunchbox from Goldilocks!

Rachel, mid-story…

Caught in the (selfie) act!

After lunch, it was time for a surprise: Deanne Love showed up with a hula hoop for everyone! We shimmied and shook to Deanne’s block-rocking beats.

You simply cannot fake that kind of enthusiasm!

Even us headmistresses had a go….

Some of our blogcadettes turned out to be secret hooping goddesses!

It was so cool to finally meet Deanne. We have been talking online since I started my blog way, way back in 2006!

Seren is such a joy.

Takin’ notes and kicking ass.

One of the most valuable parts of the day is when our babes sit with us one-on-one as we give them feedback on their blogs. Here I am, clearly taking it very seriously!

Kat and Jade, who helped us out and saved our asses!

All our girls got a pair of gorgeous earrings from NAJO.

…And a Headfull of Feathers necklace.

We were all sweetly-scented after using our Sacred Self essential oils!

And well-organised after being spoiled with a selection of Mi Goals notebooks!

What’s a Blogcademy class without Crown And Glory ears?!

Boothalicious provided us with a photobooth — aka, blogger catnip — for both classes. Look at these cuties!

Spontaneous hugs!

Party horns from Hello Happy Day gave us a thrill!

Now that’s a class!

What fun is a class without prizes? This was our prize selection in Melbourne. (Very colour coordinated.)

Class one!

Class two!

Melbourne was absolutely a highlight of the year. Both classes were teeming with enthusiasm and excitement: what a stupendous babe cluster! We can’t wait to come back in December.

We go back on the road in May… Wanna join us?!

Hula-hooping in my mind,

Photos by Lakshal Perera and Corey Sleap. Video by Delyse and Kris of Jasper and Ruby Visions.