Golly Gosh - you girls have no idea how excited I am!!

So, just for a quick roll call we have:

Definite:

Me
KP
Karen
Sharon
Megan

Depending on weekend possibly

Tara
Tam

I think Queen Street Mall is a good idea because its easy to get to and has a whole lot of variety. I know I especially like the Myer centre. Must admit though, I'm somewhat directionally challenged so of course I'm more comfortable going somewhere I'm familiar with LOL

Oh, do any of us have a good camera? Mine isn't all that flash I'd be happy to help Tara with the writing too.

KP I think your idea of meeting mid-late morning then doing lunch before shopping is a good idea - I have checked flights and if I flew in of a Saturday morning, I would make it to the mall around 10amish I think. What are flights from Sydney like Megan?

Is it wrong that I'm already thinking of writing a "Shopping with YLF Friends" list of things to buy??? And I'm already thinking about what to wear, and how to carry as little as possible but still have a big bag to take shopping home in?

OK, yes I'm a super excited overthinker LOL

I am absolutely NOT a morning person so as late in the morning (more like 11-11:30) would be better for me- we could start with brunch/lunch to get our strength up and then shop!

Are there any places that do high tea around that mall? We could finish with that!

Late morning is always good.....as long as shops are open late enough afterwards!!!

Im happy with whatever time - 11-11.30 does sound good though enough time for everyone to get there introduce ourselves then find somewhere to eat. Not sure what's around for high tea Megan but I'm sure there are heaps of cafes around that could even suffice for just a coffee/cake stop before heading off home.

I am hoping to get a better camera before we go overseas, fingers crossed. Is there anyone else that might have missed this post?

Oooh, so jealous. Would love to meet up with you all but like Anne I'm over on the other side of the country.

Which makes me think... Anne, where are you when you say 'other side of the country'? I'm in Perth.

OK Girls - I woke up in the middle of the night last night and wrote a note about this meet!!!

I was thinking about High Tea - isn't there a super posh hotel at one end (I'm thinking the Myer end as opposed to DJ's end IYKWIM), super expensive and very flash? If I'm not completely off course here, do you think it would do high tea? Just an idea anyway! (Of course, I have no idea what the hotel is just a vague memory that a former colleagues wife used to always stay there because she wouldn't have anything but the very best...)

And, the girls dad gave the green light to the October 9th-10th weekend, but he wasn't sure about later in the month yet as he has a few things on.

So if we pick that weekend I'm def there, but later in the month and I can't be sure now

or even the Treasury - do they do High Tea?

I've only even walked through Queen St Mall (late at night too I must add) so I'm not sure what's there. Here are a few things I found

http://www.cocoawoo.com/cocoawoo%20menu.pdf
http://www.cicadagroup.com.au/.....r_menu.pdf
http://www.stamford.com.au/spb.....ial=569770
http://www.brisbanearcade.com......roses.html
http://www.sofitelbrisbane.com.....ining.html
http://www.brisbanearcade.com......roses.html

Couldnt see anywhere on the Treasury website saying they did High Tea.

This thread always makes me smile when I see it pop up!

Well I'm sad to admit it, but I haven't had much of an opportunity to get out and about in Brisbane since I've lived here. (I'm going to blame that on the kids (and on being the new kid in town <sniffity sniff!>.)

The closest I have been to High Tea 'round here is at the "Room with Roses" cafe, which is located within Brisbane Arcade (Queen Street Mall). I'd have to say that it had some nice features, but I really think that we can do better!

If it would help, I'm more than happy to ask the other mums at school and work where they would recommend we go. Of course, if someone else knows of a great place, that's fine too - the more options the better!

From my point of view, the most important thing is to get the actual weekend finalised, so that I can ensure I let work know in plenty of time. (My work schedule is generally two - three months in advance, hence the need to work it out sooner rather than later!)

Is it still the 9-10 October or has it changed?

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

I agree KP - I think we need to finalise a weekend asap - I want to keep any eye on flights and get some nice cheap ones!!

I'll be honest and say I'd prefer the 9th of October - I can definitely make it, and Tara will be up on hols.

The only person this weekend doesn't suit though is Tam

We should make this meet a learning experience and then plan another one for next year WAY in advance... maybe set an annual weekend and do it every year LOL

*bumping* for the fellow aussies who may have been MIA over the weekend...

Let's set a date!

Is this near the mall? They do high tea

http://www.stamford.com.au/spb.....ial=569770

http://maps.google.com.au/maps.....&z=16

Here's a map - its about 4 blocks from the mall to there, but it looks so divine I'd happily walk that far!! I also have a friend down there that I've asked if she knows anywhere too...

Well I may need to sit this one out then. Hope you all have a great time though - not that I doubt you will!

I will be there any weekend that is nominated!! So who does that narrow us down to coming along?

I'm sooooo there Jackie O! 11.00am, 9th October, 2010, Queen Street Mall!

OK so date set!!!

Now just to book some flights and work out what on earth to wear to meet you lovely ladies

Tam we will be thinking of you and I have no doubt you, Anne, Stringy and any other Aussies that I have missed will be there in spirit with us.

OMG sooo exciting! Now I shall have much fun planning my Aussie YLF Gathering outfit! And finding a way to be springy/summery without getting my super pale skin incredibly burned in the gorgeous Brisbane sun!

Only problem is...where will we go for outfit advice, cos if we collaborate on YLF then we'll all see each other's outfits beforehand!!! ;-D

Well, I'm so excited I could just about wet my pants...

I have just booked my flights WOOHOO!!!!!

I booked zero luggage on the flight down, but up to 23kgs for the flight home - just in case my shopping is out of control and I can't fit it all in carry on LOL

According to the itinerary, I arrive in Brisbane at 8.45, so that will give me plenty of time to perhaps swing by the DFO on my way to the city

Ooh I missed the last update on the confirmed date - super exciting I cant wait to meet you all. I lost track of who's coming though?

Well, I may have a hiccup now I'm very bummed, but before I write it off I'm going to talk to you gals!

My ex-H is about to start a new job and it will involve weekend shifts, and at this stage he will be working that weekend. Now I'm very happy for him because I know he needs a change and think its a great opportunity for him, but of course it messes up my plans! (Yes I'm the selfish ex wife here LOL!)

So, I'm going to ask my brother if he'd be willing to look after the girls for me... but its a big ask - he's handled a couple of hours ok - just, but 12 hours is a whole lot more! I'll have to be super nice to him before I ask LOL

If he can't do it, then I'm either going to have to give it a miss, or.... bring the girls with me....

So, before I get worked up, I thought I'd ask your opinions on me even considering bringing them with me... they love flying, love Brisbane & love shopping, BUT I can totally understand if you guys don't want kids tagging on!!!

I won't be even slightly offended if you'd prefer they didn't come - in fact, I'm wondering if its too much to even be asking...

I'll be doing what I can to find someone to look after them, but I'm just trying to cover all my bases in case

(And crossing my fingers that he'll start a week earlier or later so this isn't even a concern and he will be able to still have the girls!)

*sigh*

I am completely in favor of you bringing the littlies if needed Theresa! I'm sure they'd also have a blast

5 years as a nanny and now a career in developmental psychology....I'd be more than happy for the children to be around

I know I'm totally late to your question T but I swear being out of the country is a good enough excuse So what's the latest with this, have I missed anything and what's the final roll call?

BTW I'm sitting at Hong Kong airport waiting for my flight to Brisbane and YLF is the first thing I look at!

Still considering!!

Tam - I am beside myself - You have to come! You have to come! You have to come! Pretty please!!!!! I saw Virgin has some very cheap fares at the moment..... (hinty, hint....)

Now, I have found out that I am unfortunately working on the 9th. *However*, I will say that I can only work the morning and so will finish work at 12.30pm. My gorgeous husband has agreed that he will pick me up from the uni and drop me wherever you guys are and has told me he will look after the kidlets, so I can catch up in the city by about 1.15pm (this allows travelling time). The only problem is that I'll be wearing boring/conservative clothes - so please excuse my clothing, ok?

I simply can't wait to meet you all!!!!

PS - Puffenstuff, I'm happy to see you post - are you still o/s? Are you having a wonderful time? I've been thinking envious thoughts about you having a great time.

Theresa, just sent you a PM about the gathering!

oooh Tam, you know we'd love to see you there!!!!!!!!

Karen, we do also have another thread going, I'll find it for you! I can't wait to hear ALL about your trip!!! Oh, did you end up buying a fabulous camera?

KP I'm pretty sure we can forgive your outfit LOL And at least you do still get to make it!

Angie I shall get some details back to you as soon as its all sorted!

Here's the other thread:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....t-9th-2010

I'm just trying to think of an easily identifiable location to meet at - can any of you locals suggest somewhere? I'm thinking the Myer centre entrance? (Mainly because I'll be walking across from Southbank, so would rather meet that end of the mall as opposed to DJ's end ROFL).

Tam great to see you might be coming - got everything crossed that you'll be able to make it!

KP your plan sounds great, maybe you could get hubby to bring along a change of clothes for you? I was waiting in Hong Kong airport to come back to Brissy when I posted, back home safe and sound yesterday morning but picked up some dreadful cold/bug thing while in Venice so dealing with the effects of it now.

Theresa thanks for linking upto the new thread, I'll go and post over there too about meeting place suggestions.We didnt end up getting a new camera so have to deal with the one I already have unfortunately.

Karen, sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I really hope you'll post on the forum about your trip and how you found your wardrobe capsule worked, because I love to live vicariously through others!

Also, that's a great idea about the change of clothes! I think I might try to do that. I'll bring a little bag with my "quick change" outfit all ready to go. I am so unbelievably excited about this trip, I can't wait to meet you all in person.

Although, I may be feeling a tad crazy, but I have a feeling that I'll recognise most of you quite easily. Do you feel this way too, or should I wear a red rose behind my left ear to make sure I'm recognisable?

Hmmmmm, also, do you think it would be a good idea if we prepare a secret handshake that only those attending will know to ensure there are no intruders? (Ooops - sorry about that moment of silliness: Sunday night + big day + glass of wine + kids are (finally) in bed = slightly crazy Katiepea!)

[PS: You know it's a really, really, REALLY bad joke, when you start giggling at your own typing. Time to stop writing now I think.]