The beauty of these awards, as opposed to publishing house awards, was that they were entirely community-led; readers nominated their favourite blogs, the shortlist was drawn up from those with the most nominations and then the winner was chosen by the blogging community. It made sense that, for such an inclusive concept, the awards ceremony were equally as community minded. Held in Lambert's Yard in Leeds, bloggers from all over the country travelled long distances to be in attendance, which almost made the event feel like a family reunion. I met so many people that I have been talking to for years!
I was sharing a hotel room with Vix and we got ready with the other girls staying in our hotel (Jordan, Katy, Laura, Fleur, Charlotte and Hannah) before walking the short distance to the venue. Once there, I got the chance to chat to some familiar faces as well as meeting some new friends, most notably Claire, who was sweeter and funnier than I even imagined (and that was already a lot!)

When it came to announcing the awards, we discovered gifts from Jewellery Box on our chairs which was a lovely surprise. I was incredibly grateful to be highly commended (read: second place) in my category. I hadn't really mentioned it much because, to me, the achievement was in people voting without being cajoled into it, so to still earn so many votes, even though I'd only mentioned the awards once, was incredible. If you're reading this and you voted for me- thank you so much! I'm over the moon! Especially as my prize was a Magnitone, which I've wanted for ages!

After the awards, 40 of us went to a pub around the corner for pizza before my fellow Ibis Hotel girls headed back to change into our pyjamas and play a round of Cards Against Humanity.

It was a wonderful way to spend the weekend. A huge thank you to all the lovely people I met, everybody who voted for me and, of course, Hayley for organising such a fantastic moment in the UK blogging community.
I am SO glad that my head looks this good from the back haha but for reals, Becky, this made me well up and feel... Things... haha
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing meeting you and I remember rushing home to Martin to tell him "MARTIN GUESS WHAT!? Becky and I share the same humour and she's amazing and I love herrrrr" I can't believe how familiar it felt to meet you, it must be love <3
Claire xo
Congrats! What an honor :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It looked like a great event and will hopefully be on next year too! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://francescaandrews.com
Congrats! It's massively well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThe whole day looked awesome. Hayley did such a great job!
Hopefully there will be one next year, and I can come along ;)
Lou
naturallybeige.com
xxx
Love the photos and congratulations on being highly recommended :) x
ReplyDeleteclosingwinter.wordpress.com
Congrats on your highly commended! It looks like an all-round amazing event, Hayley did such a great job!!
ReplyDeleteJess xo
http://just-jesss.blogspot.co.uk
It was such a fab day! Gutted I didn't get the chance to speak to you more! xxx
ReplyDeleteRhianna | robowecop
Cards against humanity and pyjamas sounds like the perfect night. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAmy - fourcatsplusus.co.uk
what a lovely event! How did you hear about it?
ReplyDeletegreat pictures too :)
http://allornothing-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
I follow Hayley on Twitter so that's where I first heard about it and it was talked about a lot on there. Then, because I was nominated, I was invited to the event.
DeleteAwww brilliant post. Love al the hair colours too sweet. Was lovely to meet you and I love having a binge on your blog posts so.. hey... thats me devolving deep into your archives. Sooo informative and basically I bloody love you :)
ReplyDeletex
www.theteabee.com
Awww, this is such a cute post! I love seeing bloggers meeting up and having a good time and I love Cards Against Humanity, it's so funny but I just know that some of my reactions to them would have my friends laughing at me - they've all told me I have a very specific shocked face! Such a cool event and I'm glad you all had an amazing time and so many brilliant people won awards! - Tasha
ReplyDeleteSounds and looks like such a great event and congrats on being high commended! what a fantastic achievement :D
ReplyDeleteVioletDaffodils
xx
congratulations! I am sure you had wonderful time :)
ReplyDeleteIts amazing seeing the blogging community come together for something so lovely! Well done also :)
ReplyDeleteSophie x
So much amazing hair :D It was so lovely to meet you Becky you're just as cool in real life & congrats on your award!! <3
ReplyDeletehellomissjordan.com xx