Saturday the 19th of May took it’s time to arrive, but equally, it sped its way here, if you know what I mean!
The Annual Blogger’s Bash is one of the pinnacles of my year (I can’t say THE pinnacle… family might object lol!) and I always look forward to it immensely!
This year we were in a lovely venue, the George IV in Chiswick, and the weather was glorious!
Of course, we also shared the special day with a couple of other minor events, such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan (congrats!) and the FA CUP final, and my best friend’s daughter’s first birthday… certainly chose a popular date!
There were a few notable absences, where certain folk were either unwell, or caught up in the ridiculous traffic that clogged the roads and trains.
But there was a healthy turnout of both familiar faces as well as some new ones (to me, anyway!)
We chatted, mingled, networked, asked questions, gave advice, ate drank and were merry!
The committee was up there, introducing, presenting and generally making merry!
My nerves when I was speaking were evident, as I physically shook when I started, but once I got my groove, all was well! There were even questions at the end, which I’m told is a good thing!
Sacha’s presentation about mailing lists was really enlightening too! I may even start thinking of starting one!
Awards were handed out periodically through the day, as were book prizes for a raffle that had several draws… And I won one of those prizes!
Gotta love a book prize!
And I was also asked to be part of the panel discussion, where I felt just sitting and smiling through would be sufficient, but I did input a little!
And I am honoured to say I was awarded Third place Runner up for Best Overall Blog 2018. There was some tough competition, but what an honour, to get some recognition!
Thank you Voters!
There will be a much better one of this shot out there, but my long-suffering Hubby Dearest, who accompanied me, took a sneaky couple of all the attendees!
I am really grateful to Sacha, Geoff, Hugh, Suzie, Shelley, Graeme, Helen and Adam for taking so much time over the last year, organising such a fantastic get together!
The Fab Committee!
Thank you to all the Committee for creating such a wonderful event for us to be a part of.
Congratulations to all the Winners, Runners Up, and Nominees! You are all stars!
The awards are fun, but the Bash itself, and meeting other bloggers out there – priceless!
I simply can’t wait for next year!!!!
But I Smile Anyway... 
May 23, 2018 @ 11:07:26
Congratulations, Ritu. I’ve seen several posts about it and it sounds fantastic. ♥
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May 23, 2018 @ 11:35:29
Thanks Olga!
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May 23, 2018 @ 08:47:44
Sounds like a great, fun day, as always. I couldn’t make it this year but hope next year I’ll be back. Is there a date yet? Congrats on coming third in the overall blogger category 🙂
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May 23, 2018 @ 11:37:06
No date yet! Thanks Mary! Next time!
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May 23, 2018 @ 04:25:29
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
Great write-up on the Bloggers Bash 2018 by the wonderful Ritu
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May 22, 2018 @ 01:36:28
Congrats, girlie!!!💕
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May 22, 2018 @ 05:57:39
Thank you ! 🙂
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May 22, 2018 @ 01:26:51
Thanks for sharing Ritu, for those who couldn’t be there. 🙂
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May 22, 2018 @ 05:57:32
In the hope that we may convince a few more to try and come next year!
It is such a lovely day Deb!
And you’re welcome!
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May 22, 2018 @ 15:28:15
Fabulous, thanks Ritu. 🙂
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May 22, 2018 @ 16:58:03
😊😊😊
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May 22, 2018 @ 00:57:34
I’m glad to read it was a fab day! We had a busy day here in Sacramento California with street closures in the downtown near the venue for university graduation, to which I attended, all due to the Amgen Cycling Races. Congrats on your 3rd place–quite an honor!
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May 22, 2018 @ 05:56:29
Thank you Terri! Well you were busy in your own right then!!
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May 22, 2018 @ 00:23:05
Never attended such an event but I would luv to 🙂
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May 22, 2018 @ 00:22:10
Never attended such an event but I would luv to.. 🙂
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May 22, 2018 @ 05:55:50
Sara, it is lovely to meet like minded people!
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May 21, 2018 @ 21:11:05
Congratulations on your award and your talk Ritu! Lovely write up of a lovely day filled with lovely people 🙂
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May 21, 2018 @ 21:20:56
Thank you so much Sherri. It was a gorgeous day 😍
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May 21, 2018 @ 17:17:59
Congratulations Ritu! Glad you had fun! Thanks for sharing your photos.
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:44:56
Thank you Julie 😍
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May 21, 2018 @ 16:35:05
What a wonderful time you had, Ritu! Congratulations on your award and for presenting!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:43:55
Thank you so much Charli! 😍
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May 21, 2018 @ 16:25:24
Thanks for sharing your day with us, Sis, it looked amazing and I am sorry I couldn’t be there with you all. 💖💖💖
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:23:15
Thanks sis! I’m counting on you for next year! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 16:07:25
Thanks for sharing your experience at the bash, Ritu. It looks so amazing.
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:22:57
Robbie, maybe next time you could be there too!
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May 21, 2018 @ 14:49:07
Congratulations Ritu!
I am loving all your photos! It looks like a fantastic bash!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:22:22
Thank you Josy! It was lovely!
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May 21, 2018 @ 14:38:51
Congrats to all involved in this bash. May it keeps growing!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:22:12
Cheers to that!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:44:12
It looks like it was a fabulous day, I really wish I could have been there! And congratulations on your award!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:21:58
Thank you! Next year, when the date is set, you must pencil it in!
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:39:49
“We chatted, mingled, networked, asked questions, gave advice, ate drank and were merry!” – no singing, dancing (belly)? 😃
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:21:33
There was a chance, but the talking took too much time!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 21:36:12
😃😃😃
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:27:07
Congratulations to all involved! The images – also at Marje-blog are showing great fun. Michael
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:21:17
Thanks Michael! It was great fun!
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:26:04
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:23:06
It was a fab day indeed Ritu 😊 congrats on the third place, we’ll deserved! Your speech was excellent too well done 👍
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:21:02
Thanks Sam! Hope you really enjoyed the day too!
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:03:25
It was a great day, Ritu, and you made a magnificent contribution (and I’m not just talking about the cakes here!). The nerves didn’t show, and I was standing pretty close to you while you were on stage. Next time, don’t mention them, and no one else will know.
Here’s to the next one!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:20:26
Aw thank you Graeme!
And next time we WILL get to chat properly!!!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 20:03:57
They all say that!
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May 21, 2018 @ 20:08:22
It’s a definite!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 12:29:31
Awesome event Sister! Congratulations to everyone involved and all who could make it.
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:20:04
Thanks Brother! It was indeed awesome!
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May 22, 2018 @ 16:54:08
You’re welcome Sister!
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May 21, 2018 @ 10:31:24
A lovely write up of the event and lots of pics Ritu. Can’t believe that’s it for another year. It comes and goes so quick! Here’s to the next one! Xxx
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:19:28
It really does Marje! I can’t wait for the next year’s date to be pencilled in!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 10:05:43
Aww what a lovely event, it was so wonderful to see. Thanks for sharing Ritu and congratulations on your award 😘 xx
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:19:04
Thank you ! It is a great place to meet and get to know fellow bloggers and I highly recommend it!
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May 21, 2018 @ 19:13:48
Def will do. Thank you so much 😊
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May 21, 2018 @ 19:28:07
😍
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May 21, 2018 @ 09:47:28
A fantastic roundup and a fantastic day, Ritu. You’re such a big part of the whole Bloggers Bash spirit. Thanks so much for doing the talk (which was brilliant) and for joining us on the panel. So glad you enjoyed the day. It was also great to meet ‘hubby dearest.’ From what he told me, he thoroughly enjoyed the day as well.
P.S – Those homebaked treats you baked, were lovely. I especially enjoyed the carrot cake(s). 😍
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:18:11
It was my pleasure Hugh, the baking and the nervous speaking!
Thank you all for making it something so special!
Hubby Dearest is ready for next year!
❤ 😀
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May 21, 2018 @ 09:43:32
Congratulations lovely. It looked and sounded like a brilliant day. Gutted to have missed it!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:17:21
Thank you Rachael! Next year, eh!
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May 21, 2018 @ 09:42:41
Congratulations lovely. Awesome shots and a memorable day for sure. Xx
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:17:08
Thank you! It was a lovely day! 😀
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May 21, 2018 @ 09:16:25
Well done Ritu, for you did contribute to making the day a special one. I did note that the cakes went fast if the photos were anything to go by 🙂 See you next year!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:16:52
HA ha! Here’s to next year Suzanne!! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 08:55:53
WOOOHOOO!!! Congratulations Ritu, you deserve it. ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:15:55
Aw thanks Masha! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 08:50:49
Aw, sis, I wish I had seen you. The first talk is the worst… lol! But guess what, I had so many and still I am nervous like hell… haha! I know you did great and I hope they recorded your talk. Awesome, that you carried another award home. I have to say, you are the only winner I know. I so hope I can make it next year to the Bash again. Love ya, sis 💖
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:15:45
I sure hope you can be there next year too Sis! Love ya too! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 19:22:51
Will do my best to get there for sure 😊
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May 21, 2018 @ 19:28:45
😊
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May 21, 2018 @ 08:08:39
So great to meet you Ritu. It was such a lovely day. Love these photos too!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:14:53
Hayley, it was so lovely you meet you too!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 08:06:31
This is a great write-up, Ritu! 🙂
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:14:23
Thanks Terry!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 08:01:40
Congratulations to you and all the other winners. I can ‘feel’ it was a fab event through your write up. x
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:14:17
Yvonne, it was a lovely day out and a great chance to meet so many wonderful people!
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May 21, 2018 @ 07:50:03
It really looked like it was a great time. I will be there for sure next year!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:13:55
I look forward to meeting you Cherie!!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 07:04:25
Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Looks like a good time was had by all. So sorry I couldn’t make it…
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:12:58
Thanks Stevie!
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May 21, 2018 @ 20:39:48
You’re welcome.
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May 21, 2018 @ 07:02:39
It was indeed a lovely day and Hubby Dearest was charming.
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:12:48
I’ll be sure to tell him so April ! Was lovely to meet you too! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:41:35
It was lovely wasn’t it Sis I tried hard to speak with everyone but it just seems to flash by💜💜. I love the Bash and the committee as much as you and did get some sideways looks from family for saying it was the Highlight of my year! 😁 Anywho as ever it was great to see you and meet hubby dearest who is a treasure. Looking forward to next year already 💜💝💖💜
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:42:48
I can’t wait to get a date in my diary sis!
It was so lovely to catch up with you again!!!!! ❤ ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:46:20
Yes indeed 💜💜
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May 21, 2018 @ 05:46:10
Congratulations to you Ritu and such a beautiful write up and so nice to see you bloggers getting together and having a great time. Thanks for the share.
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:07:13
Thank you so much Kamal! It is a wonderful event!
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:34:29
Welcome Ritu and it must have been a wonderful bash.
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:36:16
🙂 It was! It always is to be honest!
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:41:50
Great.
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May 21, 2018 @ 05:43:39
Congratulations on your place and I loved your talk!! Gutted I didn’t get to speak to you- slightly nervous of speaking to anyone on the day! X
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:06:54
Thank you so much Zoe!
That is the thing, it can be so hard to speak to everyone!!
Next time, we must!!
Don’t be nervous then!! xxx
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May 22, 2018 @ 18:02:56
Ha ha ok I promise not to be. I know what you mean I would love to have spoken to more people. Just nervous approaching everyone lol and I’m not normally xx
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May 22, 2018 @ 18:45:53
It’s a strange feeling the first time but you’ll feel like A veteran next year!
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May 23, 2018 @ 18:24:19
Ha ha how many years have you been going? X
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May 23, 2018 @ 18:29:12
That was my third. There have been 4. Xx
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May 23, 2018 @ 18:40:38
Ah you will be a veteran! Definitely my second next year! X
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May 23, 2018 @ 18:41:16
I’m already looking forward to it… though I don’t know the date!
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May 23, 2018 @ 19:52:10
I know me too! God only 360 odd days to go! 😂 x
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May 23, 2018 @ 20:26:39
🤣🤣 a fellow bash addict yay!!!
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May 23, 2018 @ 21:21:51
Lol I am now!!! This is what happens when I get involved in something lol
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May 24, 2018 @ 06:30:57
I know, me too, get totally hooked up in it all!!
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May 21, 2018 @ 05:35:37
A lovely write up, Ritu! Huge congratulations on your award. It was an honour to announce your category and celebrate your win. Lovely to see you again (and meet Hubby Dearest 😁) and thanks for the gorgeous cakes xx
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:05:04
Thanks Shelley! I just love the whole ethos of the day, as it should be.
Meet, mingle and magpie! (And in my case, Make cake!)
Like I said, the awards are secondary really, it is such fun to see everyone, chat to all, and get some new ideas about what you can do to make blogging better for you! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 05:24:38
Fab to see you! Lovely cakes and fab speech.
In my photo I look like a giant haystack 😦
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:03:10
Lol! No you don’t Lucy, you look gorgeous!
It was so wonderful to see you too! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 13:04:12
To be fair, Lucy does a bit…
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May 21, 2018 @ 18:20:36
Ooooh! Cheeky!
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May 21, 2018 @ 05:23:49
Congratulations, this is so beautiful. Thank you dear Ritu, love, nia
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:02:42
Thank you Nia! ❤
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May 21, 2018 @ 04:06:15
Congratulations again, My Dear!!! So happy for you and glad that you and Hubby Dearest! Had a fun time! I can only surmise that he had more fun as your Plus One than some of the Plus Ones that you have been?? LOL! Great photos of a great time!!
xoxo
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May 21, 2018 @ 06:02:27
It was a great day! He got to meet peopel I talk about and see that they are real, not just internet souls!
But I enjoy all his plus one events too to be honest!
Thanks Chuck!
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