MAD BLOG AWARDS & LONDON FUN

You might have heard me mention it *ahem* a few times but for those who might have missed it, last Friday was an exciting date for UK bloggers, as finalists of the MAD Blog Awards 2014 made their way to London, in hopes of returning home with a winning trophy or at at least a hangover and fun memories of the nights events.

Being my first award ceremony, I was super excited to see what the evening had in store and couldn't wait to meet some lovely blogger friends both old and new. I headed down to London with Fritha who was also up for an award and we decided to treat ourselves to a quick lunch in Portobello Market before heading over for a coffee at Made.com HQ, where I promptly drooled over most of the furnishing and lights there on show.

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Jumping back on the tube, we navigated our way to Mayfair and checked in to the sumptuous home away from home, The Athenaeum Hotel. Situated in the luxurious borough of Mayfair and overlooking Hyde Park, it could not have been more of a treat than to sit back with a few gin & tonics in our private apartment and shake off the london bustle before getting ready for the awards. In the excitement of our apartment, I completely indulged myself in having time to do my make up without the interruption of little hands pulling at me, and there was possibly a bit of dancing around while getting ready too.

Not one to miss out on buying a new outfit, I was excited to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn, teaming a black lace top and short bell black and white stripped skirt with a touch of gold, and some peep toe coral high heels. All dressed up, we headed downstairs after a selfie or two – obviously – to the hotel bar to indulge in a glass of wine and nibbles before legend, Jim the doorman, hailed us a black cab and sent us on our way

Thanks to all you lovely readers, Wild & Grizzly was a finalist in the Best Family Fun category and I couldn't have been more psyched to attend the awards and be surrounded by such a great bunch of inspirational bloggers. Being a bit keen, we arrived a little early to find they weren't quite ready for us, which was a great excuse to hang out in the Royal Garden Hotel bar and sample a cocktail with some lovely ladies.

After I'd been chased around by a giant Pikachu – cue slightly terrified squeals from me – and catching up with the lovely Jess, Lucy, Katie, Jenny, Morgana and Fiona, we were ushered to our seats. Wine flowed, laughter ensued and we were by far the loudest table when it came to cheering, as I fully got into the excitement of the night with my new drinking buddy Emma. There was a slight blushing moment when our CBeebies presenter had slightly too much wine and decided to ad-lib, making an interesting comparison between the name Wild & Grizzly with a part of his anatomy, but I'll leave that one to your imagination! I didn't take many photo's but for me that's a sign of a good evening.

Although I didn't win my category, I was so thrilled to be there and support everyone who had worked so hard to reach the finals. I want to offer a huge congratulations to everyone who won an award and I hope to see you all again next year.

*We were complimentary guests at The Anthenaeum Hotel which was wonderful, look out for my full hotel review to come.

**MAD Blog Awards Image courtesy of Tom Arber