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... 
Jun 11, 2017 @ 15:44:10
What a fab time for you! Capping off the visit with the big win! So very happy for you and I can only imagine you shall have to put stones in your pocket for your feet to touch the ground over the next few days. Float along, precious Ritu and enjoy all this love! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:06:52
Thank you so much Annette 😍😍😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 15:24:21
Awesome sauce Ritu; Richly deserved too #Gatu
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:05:41
Thank you so.much Gary! #GaTu 💜
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 15:12:51
Thanks for writing up your day Ritu…it looks like a fantastic time was had by everyone. Ok, I NEED to be there next year…now I have the date I can start planning straight away! 😉
Big congrats again!! Xx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:04:46
Thank you Em!!! Definitely get that planning started!!!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 15:04:30
Huge congrats Ritu ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:04:17
Thank you 😍
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 01:57:49
❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 14:59:43
Congrats, Ritu! I’m so happy for you! Well deserved!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:04:10
You are so sweet! Thank you Lisa 😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 14:54:05
Since I couldn’t be there, reading about it is (almost) as good! It sounds amazing and you deserve the award! Your commitment to community and your love of people shines in every post. Thank you for all you contribute-online and off. 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 16:03:48
Thank you so much Angela xxxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:45:50
Congratulations, Ritu!! You are so deserving of it!! 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:52:19
Thank you so much 😍😍😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:44:05
I was so hoping someone would post on the Blogger Bash today! Know short notice. Your award was well deserved – you are one of the most supportive people I know. Great seeing pictures of you and the others. I think it would be too cool to meet people we/I have been reading and sharing with. Thank you and now more coffee and more reading. Loved your post was the first one in the list. xo
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:50:32
Lol!!! I’m so thankful for your support too Amelia! Thank you xxc
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:02:15
Sounds like a wonderful day. A huge congrats to you Ritu, well deserved!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 13:49:45
Thank you Miriam! It was Wonderful!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:48:24
A HUGE congrats to you and hugs too 😀
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:50:27
Thank you so much 😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:50:30
CONGRATULATIONS! happy dance
Sounds like an amazing time was had by all! One of these days I hope to be able to hug you (and all the other amazing bloggers in attendance) in person but for now – HUGS
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:55:17
It was wonderful Traci! Thank you xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:37:29
Congratulations Ritu ! This is really awesome, your blog deserves all the recognition and love 😊 It looked like a fun and convivial event to be, also those cakes seemed so yummy !
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:45:46
Thank you xxxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:32:55
Many many Congratulations.Thank you for sharing the day!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:33:57
Thank you Shruti 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:04:52
Firstly, congrats Ritu! No surprise at all, but still, I’m so glad you received a portion of the recognition you deserve.
Nextly, sounds like such a wonderful experience Ritu (I’m already excited about the prospect of attending next year to meet so many familiar faces). You’ve captured the moment in this post so well, I’m going to take virtual credit for being there to cheer you all on.
Cheers!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:31:23
Thanks Gabe! I look forward to meeting you in.perdon next year then!!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 10:23:45
Lovely to finally meet you yesterday, thanks for breaking into song!, and congratulations on the award, well deserved.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:30:05
Thanks Matt! Was great to finally meet you too! Can’t believe we frequented the same places in Kingston!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:58:57
Congratulations again! So well deserved. It was so nice to meet you in person, and so generous of you to supply the cakes too. Well done!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:29:13
Thank you Allie!!! Xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:58:35
I read I loved I voted. And the cakes were an absolute dream. One talented lady a well deserved win stands to clap raucously * ‘whoops … the husband thinks I’m bonkers *shrugs shoulders what’s new… but we smile anyway. X
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:29:00
Lol!!! Thank You so much Ellen 😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:57:31
Congratulations once again Ritu, totally deserved as not only are you a great blogger and writer, but you’re also completely supportive of others in the blogging community. A blogging star! xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:27:19
Thank you hun 😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:47:54
Reblogged this on Sun in Gemini.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 11:26:53
Thanks Steve 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:32:26
Reblogged this on Image & Word and commented:
Huge congratulations to the lovely Ritu from ‘But I Smile Anyway’ for winning Best Overall Blogger at the Bloggers Bash yesterday – and to top it all here is her perfect example of what a proper post-Bash post should look like! 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:32:55
Thank you so much Ruth xxxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:29:45
Reblogged this on Thoughts by Mello-Elo and commented:
And the winner is…butismileanyway!
I can’t put it into better words than better Ritu’s to describe the amazing day we had yesterday. So here is her blog post and expect a few more reposts from some of the lovely people I met yesterday.
Take it away Ritu…
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:30:09
Thank you 😚😚😚
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Jun 12, 2017 @ 00:04:35
My pleasure
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:20:41
Sounds like a really fantastic day and what a way to finish off! Congratulations, Sis xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:26:41
You were sorely missed though sis! Thank you! 9th June next year… book it off now!!! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:51:28
Congratulations.. what an amazing day..
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:54:56
Thank you so much! 😀
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:49:20
A very well-deserved win, Ritu – and thank you so much for the lovely carrot cake! 🙂 x
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:54:43
Thank you so much Ruth! ❤ ❤ Glad the cake was enjoyed!!! 😀
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:46:05
Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:
I had an amazing day at the Bloggers Bash, it was wonderful to meet up with old friends and make some new ones too. Ritu at But I Smile Anyway was the deserved winner of the Best Overall Blog, so to honour her wonderful accomplishment I’m reblogging her post.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:54:13
Thank you Marje! You are so sweet!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:30:41
Well done Ritu, you deserved your win. It was an amazing day… all you Bloggers really rocked the Bash and made it the success that it is. Congratulations, and thanks for the delicious cakes! Xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:52:23
Mutual appreciation society here… It wouldn’t have been possible without all of you! Thank you Ali! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:07:03
Have a GREAT Celebratory Sunday Ritu ❤ ❤ ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:51:43
Thank you so much Chris! I shall endeavour to!!! ❤ ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:04:59
Right, making a note of next year’s date in the diary and this time NOTHING will come up to clash with it! Sounds like great fun, and congratulations!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:50:54
You must come! It is always a fantastic time to meet everyone!!! And thank you! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:02:48
Was so lovely to meet you yesterday! And the cakes were AMAZING!! Huge congratulations on your win! Xx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:50:30
I absolutely loved meeting you Jo, and everyone else. My only regret is that there are never enough minutes to meet everyone properly!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:54:41
Yes I found myself on the train wishing I had been able to meet and spend more time with everyone there! And I have a feeling that this event is just going to get bigger and bigger every year!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:55:50
Year on year, it will indeed!!!! I hope so anyway!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:00:46
Wonderful Lady, wonderful friend, wonderful winner and wonderful post 💜 you have said it all!! Hugs!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:49:39
Aw Willow! You wonderful Sis!!!! ❤ Thank you ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:52:21
It’s all true 💜💜
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:55:09
🙂 ❤ 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:53:36
It’s all true 💜💜 you are the best
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:55:26
Mwah!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:55:44
💗💖
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 07:02:02
Many, many congratulations …. there really could have been only one winner – YOU!!! I will take a little time out to explore the other blogs too so thank you for all the links! Wind down and enjoy the weekend – I hope the sun is shining on you x
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:49:12
Thank you so much!
It’s a tad cloudy outside, but that cant dampen my spirit!!!!!
I hope you enjoy the other blogs, there are some great ones there!!! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 06:50:49
Congratulations Ritu, you have a great blog and now you have that in writing.I’m so glad a nice day was had by all even though everyone got hugs but me .
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:48:09
Thank you so much David for all your support! Virtual hugs winging their way over to you right now! (((hugs)))!!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 06:47:13
Terrific to see you again, Ritu. Don’t take this personally but, in all fairness, it was terrific to see everyone! Great carrot cake by the way!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:47:31
Lol! No offence taken! You are totally right Graeme! It is always fantastic to see everyone!!!! Thank you, and I am so glad you enjoyed the cake!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 06:35:13
Up? Most people look down on me from a great height 😉
Seriously…wonderful to meet you, Ritu…and congratulations once again. 😀
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:46:28
Lol!!! Most definitely up, figuratively speaking Sue! ;D Thank you so much though! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:50:47
😀 ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 06:35:00
What a beautiful day dear Ritu, congratulatons. I am so glad as much as you. Thank you, Love, nia
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:45:51
Thank you so much Nia!!! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 05:45:34
Congratulations again, Ritu. Most marvellous day. Thank you for sharing some photos and insights.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:45:01
Thank you Robbie! it was a lovely day, so good to meet everyone!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 05:12:03
Congratulations Ritu🎆🎇🎊🎉😅
You’re beautiful! 😅
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:44:38
Aw Esther! Thank you so much!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 04:25:39
Congratulations.
Where are the thanks to the voters? I am pretty sure my last minute vote took you over the top😅
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:44:24
The thank you was in the post, I promise!!! But my personal thanks comes to you now… THANK YOU!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:45:04
👍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 03:39:27
Ritu, that is awesome. Congratulations! And thank you for the post, letting us fellow bloggers who could not be there have a peek at the Bash.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:43:27
Thank so much for your support Jennie! The date is there of next year… Maybe you could make it!!! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:11:35
It would be a dream!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:45:38
Don’t stop dreaming!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 12:47:38
😍
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 03:32:49
Well done to you Ritu and all those nominated, it’s a great honour. Great to read your account of the day. Congrats!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:42:57
Thank you so much Deb! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 03:29:46
I would have loved to been there, I would totally be OK with just hanging out, I would even make drinks.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:42:45
Next year Tony! 9th June!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 02:49:14
Congratulations to you Ritu and to all who won. ☺☺
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:42:25
Thank you so much!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 01:45:42
BRAVO!!! Well deserved!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 08:42:17
Thank you so much Becky!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:51:31
Congratulations!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:51:46
Thank you Jim!!! 💜💜💜
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:36:47
Gutted I couldn’t make it but next year is already booked! Well done Ritu – well deserved!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:44:14
Thank you so much Simon!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 09:49:25
Always 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:35:44
Congratulations!!🤗
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:43:55
Thank you Jessica!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:29:46
Wow! What fun! Thanks for sharing the details and pics 🙂
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:30:07
You are most welcome!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:18:05
Ritu, congratulations! So well deserved, my friend. What a great celebration! Hugs to you and the rest of the winners. ❤️❤️❤️
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:18:34
Thank you so much Colleen! 9th June next year… maybe you can make it!!! ❤
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:22:33
Money… I need money and a passport! LOL! Now how do you make money blogging? 🤔😘
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:27:14
Thats why you needed to be here lol! To hear Suzanne speak!!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:39:46
LOL! That’s what I was thinking 💭 😳
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:44:26
😚😚😚
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:07:16
Congratulations again! Looks like a great event. We need one in Boston!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:11:15
The next one here is 9th June 2018 if you fancy a trip to Blighty!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:47:53
Maybe I should plan for it…
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:48:32
Would be great to have you!!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:49:55
Thanks! The chances are pretty slim, but never say never.
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:50:25
Exactly!!! 😊
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:03:34
Sounds like an amazing day! I look forward to next year! 🙂 And Huge Congratulations 🎊 again, you’re a ledge! 💖
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:10:48
~Thank you so much! ‘Til next year!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:11:19
Indeed missus, get some well deserved sleep x
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:11:47
I am running on pure adrenalin now lol!!!
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:12:34
I can only imagine! Awesome day ! 💖
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Jun 11, 2017 @ 00:18:05
But I know my kids will end up up at the crack of dawn, so I should stop… but there are notifications popping up everywhere!!!!
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