Chai And A Chat #37 #ChaiAndAChat #BloggersBash Special @BloggersBash

17 Jun 2019 84 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Chai and a Chat Tags: , , , , , , ,

Hey there Peeps! Time for our weekly catch up, but with a difference… I’m going Bloggers Bash crazy today! So go and get that drink ready!

  • If we were sipping chai together I’d start off by whizzing through the beginning of the week… Yes, we are back at school. And the first week was busy, but we all survived! There was a little training, a lot of teaching, plenty of organisiation and too many headaches! I know where I will be, class-wise, next year, though am not able to say, but it is good to know. One less thing to think of!  The kids seem to have noticably grown and matured in these last two weeks too, so the days flowed perfectly! But I couldn’t wait for the end of the week… because it was Bash Time!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that after much deliberation, Hoppalong Hubby and I decided that the train would be a bit too much for him, so I braved the London drive, and the extortionate costs for parking, so we could drive there, stay overnight, and drive back on the Sunday. We got there by the skin of our teeth, what with traffic, but at least we arrived, which was more than some, who ended up having to curtail their trips as there was an incident on one of the train lines, meaning they had no way of getting there.
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d mention that it was such a joy to see so many familiar faces again. It honestly is like seeing dear family after an age! There are those who have become dear friends too… you know who you are. Missed certain faces, like Lucy Mitchell and Christoph Fischer – your absences were noted, and there were Lucy and Christoph shaped holes in my bash experience this year 😥 But I took a few photos, amidst the chatting,a nd I have borrowed a few from,Marjorie Mallon , Willow Withers and Shelley Wilson too!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d say the event got off to a good start, despite both speakers not arriving yet, as they were, too, stuck in the train chaos! But arrive, they did, and we were able to hear some delicious pearls of wisdom from burger-fanatic food blogger Lauren Creaven, who writes a blog all about food experiences in Birmingham, aka Brum… so her blog name is Full To The Brum. She is a successful blogger who has been interviewed on the telly, writes for Sainsbury’s Magazine and Olive magazine, and who is passionate about giving her readers an authentic, down to earth review of the various places she visits.
Lauren Creaven
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d let you know that the second speaker, who is also a Midlands girl, but rather than being Brummie, was a Yam Yam… (for those of you who are unaware, the Yams Yams are the indiginous folk of the Black Country who live very close to Birmingham, but aren;t Brummies!). We were delighted to be able to listen to author GX Todd, or in reality, Gemma Todd. Gemma is a traditionally published writer who was extremely blessed to have been signed up to Headline Books, with a four-book contract, of which two are published, and two are on their way. Gemma spoke to us about her journey to becoming a writer, which always fascinates me. Why do people write, and if they get out there, how did they manage it? She took us on a very emotional journey of discovery and realisation, and left us with hope that if we want to write a book, and get it out there the traditional way, there is a chance!
GX Todd
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d obviously mention the workshop that Suzie and Sacha ran, which taught everyone about Flatlay Photography, which is basically the art of arranging objects in an appealing manner to showcase a specific book, product or event. Eloise did a wonderful, photo filled post on it, so please go and read it here.
  • If we were sipping chai together how could I forget to tell you about the awards? Well… Sitting comfortably, with a topped up drink? Okay, them. The awards announcements were peppered through the day, two at a time, and instead of having first, second and third places, there were just straight winners announced. So the categories and winners were as follows :

Wait… What? I won?

Now, Peeps, if you’ve read my posts, you will know that I was pleasantly surprised to have been voted for the Book Blogger category. Yes, I do review books, and this year I have been doing bumper monthly posts about what I have been reading, but I have never considered myself to be a book blogger as such. So, instead of my crazy campaigning for votes, I announced it, and then let it lie… After all, there were 65-odd others nominated in my category and that is a huge amount of bloggers to be up against.

And yet still… you guys did this. You voted me as the BEST BOOK BLOG!

It’s not often I am left speechless, but I definitely was when I heard that. Gobsmacked, more like! But seriously, WOW! I am so apreciative of the votes and confidence you all show in me.

Thank you all, so much! You don’t know the love that is pouring from my heart for each and every one of you that supports me.

I was so excited I even did a bit of rush Flatlay with my certificate!

  • If we were sipping chai together I’d offer you cake myself, as I made some to take to the Bash! We had Banana Bread and Yoghurt cake, which is eggless, and fruity, rather like a fruit loaf. (Recipes will follow!)
CAKE!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d say that one of the best parts of the day was the mingling (or networking, as posher folk call it – Me, I’d rather say chatting, because I’m good at that 😉). Throughout the day, we had breaks and chances to sit and talk to each other, either catching up on life since we last met, or getting to know newer members of my blogily! There was less Chai and more Vino, but hey, it was a special day! We discussed, blogs, books, other writers books, our own books, spam, cricket and all sorts! The day wound down at around 5pm, and we retired to the bar where some had to dash as they had trains to catch. The numbers slowly dwindled over the evening with lots of promises to see each other next year and we were left alone, after finally seeing the stragglers off! Hubby and I were staying the night, so we had nowhere we needed to get back to!
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d tell you that we ended the night with a little meal at the Indian restaurant across the road from the hotel, where the food wasn’t much to write home about, but the service was good, and I was even given a rose at the end! Awards, certificates, roses… this day was getting better and better! Then we finally retired to our room for the night. I was shattered, and spent an hour trying to answer messages from all over the world, with friends and family congratulating me. Ritu felt like a very special girl ❤
  • If we were sipping chai together I’d have to say Ritu felt like a very special girl ❤ This week has been lovely in so many respects, from work to family, to the Bash. I’m not sure I’m ready to start a new week…I want to wallow in my happiness a little longer!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d tell you that this week has another first happening. Lil Princess will be off on her first ever residential trip with her class… She is so excited, and I am too, for her, but nervous as well…
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’d mention that I have another trip to London this week, for a course… at least that means reading time on the train!
  • If we were sipping that chai together, and possibly reaching for cake or cookies I’m still not in full editing mode, but once I get those reports finished… I promise! So many folk at the Bash were encouraging me about the book and it’s future, I just have to get it done!

Have a wonderful week, Peeps! Let me know how your week went!

84 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Invisibly Me
    Jun 20, 2019 @ 16:19:20

    I take my hat off to you for driving around London! Thanks for sharing your adventure to the Bloggers Bash – I’m so sad I’m not well enough to go as it was too far away and too long a day to manage, but I love to be able to read about it and see your lovely photos! Huuuuuge congrats on your award, you know I love you & think you rock so I’m super happy you won the Book Blog category!  ♥
    Caz xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. You Can Always Start Now
    Jun 19, 2019 @ 23:53:20

    one of the best parts of blogging has been community! Thank you for being part of mine.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. arv!
    Jun 19, 2019 @ 11:42:19

    Congratulations, Ritu! Thanks for taking us all through a virtual trip.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. thebeasley
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 18:26:14

    Thanks for the mention, Ritu. And congratulations again on your win 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Mary Smith
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 16:27:36

    Great post. It was lovely to see you and the cake was delish.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Sherri Matthews
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 15:08:21

    Congratulations, Ritu! It was lovely to see you again and have a quick catch up at least 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  7. Leanne
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 03:24:18

    Wow! Congratulations! Definitely found some good books from your reviews.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Lisa Dorenfest
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 02:04:20

    Congratulations on your win and thank you for taking me to the Bloggers Bash virtually.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Robert Matthew Goldstein
    Jun 18, 2019 @ 00:06:44

    I like your new profile pic, Ritu. It sounds like folks had a good time. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Erika Kind
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 20:30:43

    Awh, sis! You so deserved winning this award! I am so proud of my lil sis!! I am happy you had such a great time at the bash. How many people were there this year, actually?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. syl65
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 19:23:52

    I’m happy it was an awesome time for all..any cake left 😜 congratulations again on your award Sister!!! Have a great week 💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. robbiesinspiration
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 18:53:19

    A fabulous day, Ritu, and a marvelous success for you. Thank you for sharing all the great photographs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Darlene
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 17:54:52

    Sounds like a fabulous time ta the bash!! Congratulations on your award too. All good stuff!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Jennie
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 17:08:37

    Fabulous, Ritu! Thanks for the photos, the Bash recap (those poor folks stuck on the train 🙁) and the list of winners. Congratulations! 🎈

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 16:16:53

    Oh i forgot: Thank you for all the interesting link recommendations, and all the wonderful pictures. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 16:12:02

    Hey, Sis! Isnt it nice meeting all the pupils again? Lol From week to week your life is going busier. You are honoured for all these activities. Congrats again, and have a fabulous week! Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. dearanonymousfriend
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 15:18:30

    I would be toasting you with champagne instead of chai this week. Congratulations on your award! So excited for you. Thank you for telling us about the Bash, it is my hope to someday attend. It sounds so wonderful. Have a great week. Cathi

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Hugh's Views and News
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 09:52:55

    Thanks for the tea and cakes, Ritu. As ever, it was terrific to see you at the Bloggers Bash. You’ve summed up the wonderful day; it was, brilliantly. It makes me so proud to see all the beautiful friendships that blogging and the Bloggers Bash has created. It’s simply magic.
    Many congratulations on your win. I’ll be in touch soon with your winner’s badge. 😀
    Have a wonderful week.
    Hugs as always.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Image Earth Travel
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 09:33:46

    What an amazing, fantastic, and action-packed week – you must be exhausted!

    I wish I was at the Bash – it looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
    Congratulations on winning also – you deserve this award – stiff competition!
    Hope to catch you all next year. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 09:20:01

    Sounds like an amazing week and topped off with the Blogger’s Bash.thanks for the run down on what we missed..Congratulations again on your award lovely to hear. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Rachael Stray | https://rachaelstray.com/
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 09:11:14

    You were a lot braver than me for driving to the Bash! Sounds like a great day. Congratulations again!! I hope the residency trip goes well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. bereavedandbeingasingleparent
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 08:42:58

    I am so pleased for you. You deserve that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. niasunset
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 07:32:37

    What a beautiful post and event, congratulations dear Ritu, I loved your own photographs, you are so lovely and beautiful. Thank you, Love, nia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Trackback: The Bloggers Bash 2019 – Highlights and Photos #bloggersbash | M J Mallon YA/Paranormal Author

  25. Debbie Harris
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 07:28:55

    Fab to hear all about it Ritu, you did really well to capture the day as you did amid all the fun and chatting! Congrats again, well deserved 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. willowdot21
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 07:25:37

    What an amazing post Sis, it brought it all back and I can see I have left gaping holes in my post ! But Sunday is always a busy day and phone free when mother in law is about 😆🤭💜💜💜. It was so good to see you and everyone roll on next year 💜💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. Emmalene aka A Brummie Home and Abroad
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 06:55:06

    Fab write up Ritu! Glad to see there was still a decent Midlands/Brummie contingent in my absence 😁 And congratulations once again 👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  28. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 06:34:33

    Reading this post makes me realise how much I forgot to mention in my post! Great summation of the event and keep on doing what you do so fabulously Ritu. Good luck with the editing and you know I’m here to help too when its ready for a pair of eyes. Congrats. Xxx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. Marina Sofia
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 06:15:49

    Congratulations, Ritu, what a wonderful week you’ve had!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. pranabaxom
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 05:24:47

    Congratulations.

    “bumber monthly posts abot what I have” – is abot the new word for today? 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  31. Chelsea Owens
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 05:10:47

    Congratulations on the win, and thanks for posting pictures!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  32. Chocoviv
    Jun 17, 2019 @ 05:03:51

    Great to meet you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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