Well, as you all know, it was the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards today.
What an amazing day!!!!!!
The start for me was trying to carry two bulging bags of cakes to the venue, via train and tube! You’d think that would be a conversation starter, wouldn’t you?
I got a comment from one of the employees at the tube station when he clocked them, and then as I was sat on the Tube, the man opposite looked at the contents of the bag, and gave me a smile… no mate, you ain’t getting none! These are for my Blogily!
I arrived, in typical Ritu fashion, an hour early, and settled in the lobby of the venue, ready to catch up on blog posts and comments, when I heard a squeal as the committee arrlved… Sacha , His Geoffleship , Ali and Huggable Hugh!
And so the day began!
The function room, and cake station!
Over the day there were incredibly informative presentations from Suzie about how to monetize your blog and from Elena about how to harness and use Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog… I feel educated now!!! (Scrambles to find pinnable images for use on Canva!)
Suzie
And there was a great panel discussion with Suzie, Elena and Christoph, where questions were fired at them (worry not, no one got hurt!) and plenty of informative answers were thrown back at us! It provided an opportunity for those of us in the audience to participate in discussions too, including “Lucy Mitchell – BlondeWriteMore“!
Then there was ample time in between the official slots, for mingling and chatting, which inevitably ran over the allotted time, because, did you know, bloggers talk as much as they write!!!
And then there was the all important presenting of awards! Four were announced earlier in the proceedings, and then five at the end…
Much hilarity ensued as His Geoffleship attempted to be a mic stand for Huggable Hugh!
Presentations were made by all the committee and previous winners, Suzie, Lucy and Shelley, and last minute guest committee member Allie Potts!
And my category came up.
Best Overall Blog.
Runner up –Sue Vincent -Someone I look up to in awe!
2nd Place – Chris Graham – Again one of my blogging idols!
My heart was pounding. If a microphone had been held up close to my chest there would have been no need for a drum roll! I was shaking with nerves…
And then the unbelievable happened….
Sacha only went and said But I Smile Anyway!!!!
Seriously?! I had won!!??!!
I was almost speechless… almost. I said a few short words before I was convinced to sing a quick line from We Are Blogily! (Doesn’t take much to get me singing… who said bloggers were introverts!)
But seriously, WOW!!!!
I am gobsmacked…
Congratulations to all the bloggers who were either Runner Up, 2nd Place or Winners in their respective categories. See a full list of the Winners by clicking here!
We ended the day with a couple of hours of mingling in the hotel bar – where, interestingly enough, the Bar Manager was unaware what a wine spritzer was?! Here was me, the minimal alcohol drinker, educating a Bar Manager on how to make a drink?
I did take my selfie stick, but never got to use it…I look forward to Sacha’s posting of the big group shot!!
I didn’t get photos with everyone, was so happy to meet so many names I was familiar with via the Blogosphere!!! Shout out to Willow, Graeme, Marje, Sheila, Noelle, Sherrie, Helen, Mary, Eloise, Jools, Steve, Ellen, Lance, Sally, Icy, Matt, Susie, Adam, Ruth and Jo. If I missed anyone who I spoke to, I apologise, but it was great to meet you too!!!!!
Thank you all so much for voting.
I wouldn’t have received this accolade if it wasn’t for you all pressing that Vote button!
I had the most amazing day meeting old friends, consolidating friendships, and meeting new friends. The award was just the icing on the cake!
I hope you enjoyed my recount of a most amazing day!
Put the date in your diary for next year too Peeps!
9th June 2018 is going to be the Annual Bloggers Bash 2018!
And another important bit of news from the committee… they are looking to grow… so if you want to help arrange the event next year… you are prepared to not be nominated or to vote… you can deal with a monthly Google Hangouts call with your fellow committee members… you can offer support in organisation, admin, fund-raising, budgeting, promotion, marketing, fresh ideas etc. Contact Sacha!!!!!!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Apr 26, 2018 @ 17:29:48
You so deserved this award, Ritu – and you do again 🙂 Congratulations!
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Apr 26, 2018 @ 17:58:00
You are so sweet Erin! Thank You! 😍😍😍
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Nov 28, 2017 @ 07:11:50
Congratulations! You deserve it 🙂
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Nov 28, 2017 @ 07:24:05
Thank you so much!
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Nov 09, 2017 @ 01:29:26
This was a great post, I actually consider teachers ,some that is, a real great in the influence of how the kids will grow up. Point being, congratulations you certaingly deserve it.
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Nov 09, 2017 @ 06:56:55
Thank you so much Charly! I really appreciate that! 😀
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Jul 24, 2017 @ 17:36:25
Congratulations for the achievement.
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Jul 24, 2017 @ 17:48:23
Thank you ☺
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Jul 24, 2017 @ 17:54:42
U welcome
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Jun 19, 2017 @ 00:01:44
Congrats!
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Jun 19, 2017 @ 06:54:52
Thank you!
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 15:50:12
Wonderful post Ritu….so happy for you, you deserve it! So lovely to watch you receive your award. Roll on next year! 🙂 ❤ xxx
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 15:56:12
Thank you so much Sherri 💗💗💗
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Jun 20, 2017 @ 17:39:48
❤ 🙂 ❤
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Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:57:13
Congratulations! 🎉 And wonderful post and photos.
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Jun 13, 2017 @ 06:59:30
Thank you so much Sarah! 😀
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 19:22:50
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Just in the door after our weekend in London. A fabulous day on Saturday at the #BloggersBash and apart from meeting some old friends and having real hugs, also delighted to meet new friends. Ritu has done a wonderful post about the day and is celebrating winning Best Overall Blog and may I add deserves an award for her baking marathon…do head over and enjoy…
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 19:33:13
Lol thank you so much Sally 😍
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:36:59
Congratulations, Ritu, so well-deserved! Enjoy it all, even the “Meh Monday” feeling you shared. I wish this California girl could have been there to watch you all win and rub shoulders with awesome bloggers!
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 17:26:22
Thank you so much Terri 😍
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:50:24
Congrats Ritu!
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 17:24:16
Thank you 😊
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:40:36
Well, congratulations Ritu! This looks like such a fun day. (And never mind the blogging, you got me at ‘cake station’!)
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 17:24:07
Lol!!! Thank you so much Ruth xx
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 07:11:22
Congratulations! I think it was well deserved as far as i’m on your blogs since a month,
Keep doing great
Have a great day ahead
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 07:40:15
Thank you so much! You have a great day too!
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 05:15:30
Congratulations Ritu! Your award is well deserved. You were so sweet to bake all those goodies. What a fantastic day!❤️xx
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 06:58:35
Thank you so much Vashti! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 23:38:40
Great post summing up what was a fantastic day. And well done again on winning – well deserved.
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 06:56:05
Thank you so much Mary! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:48:03
Well done Ritu. Well deserved! You are also a very welcoming blogger 💚
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:54:44
Thank you so much Gloria! 💖💖💖
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:43:42
What is there to day that hasn’t been said by all those who you entertain and inform and, most importantly make them feel like you are writing just to them, and for them. Your blog is so full of positivist thoughts that you have to smile anyway, whatever the weather. So well deserved and so much fun seeing you again. Though you’ll not out cake me next year…. that was a one time success, kiddo!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:54:04
Hee hee!!!!! Maybe I’ll try my hand at savoury then… 😉
But seriously His Geoffleship, thank you for your words. They humble me. I’m so touched to have actually won. It was the icing on the cake of a most excellent day!!!
I can’t wait until next year!!!! 😍😗💕
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:24:07
Many congrats! Glad to see at least one of my votes recently has come up good! 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:32:12
Thank you so much Scott!!! I truly appreciate that!!! 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:19:20
What a great day–fun and educational! Your baked goodies looked beautiful and delicious, too. A very hearty congratulations, Ritu! So happy for you!! 🙂🎉
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 22:31:52
Thank you so much Tonya! It was a lovely day, and the award was just the icing on the cake!
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 02:52:56
That’s wonderful!
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 06:57:32
🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 18:54:54
Congrats, you deserve it 🎉😁. You did so well to bring those cakes on the tube!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 18:57:47
That was fun and games too lol!!! Thank you 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 17:08:53
Congratulations Sister and I’m glad everyone had an amazing day!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 17:12:43
Thank you so much Brother! 🤗😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 18:23:14
You’re welcome Sister!! 🤗
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:46:49
Well, what a day, you had, What a day we all had. Would not have been the same without you there. Thanks so much for those wonderful home-baked mouth watering goodies, Ritu. I seriously think Geoffle and you should go on The Great British Bakeoff. I know it’s over on Channel 4 now, but you two would pull in so many more viewers.
Many congratulations on winning that big award as well. Not only does your blog rock, but so do you. Well deserved.
Hugs from me. I’ve now got to get all my hugs ready for next year, which means taking over Sacha’s (no cross that out) Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. I may have to make a few more for next year. 🤗
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:52:50
Thank you so much Hugh!!! The Bash has become one of the highlights of my year.
I’m not sure the Bake off would be able to cope with His Geoffleship and me Lol!!!
And you better make sure those hugs are all ready! Here’s Hoping the bash grows so you need more… maybe i can be your second in hug-mand!!!!! 🤗
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:58:03
That sounds like the perfect idea to me, Ritu. You’d make a fantastic second in hug-mand 🤣 I’m worn out today after all that videoing and social media tweeting I was doing. I’ll be putting the video together this week and am so pleased you enjoy the event so much. Bask in the glory of winning that award for the next 12 months. Well deserved. 🤗
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 17:00:08
I know what you mean about being worn out!! I managed to wake and get the grocery shopping done… but apart from that I haven’t been able to drag myself from the sofa 😂😂😂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:44:04
Great post! A deserving winner. You put out great posts and you are so supportive of others. This is why you won. Love you Ritu 😜
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:45:04
Lucy you may just be my number one fan! 😍😍😍 thank you xxxxxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:24:22
Congratulations Ritu! I voted for you ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:41:08
Thank you Diana xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 15:44:12
Congrats! So happy for you!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:07:00
Thank you 😍😍😍
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