Last updated on May 6th, 2024 at 10:58 am
This weekend hundreds of bloggers made their way to London to celebrate the world of blogging for the 2015 MAD Blog Awards. Finalists and plus ones spent Friday traveling into the big city, getting dolled up and sharing big moments with close friends. That’s what I love so much about blogging it turns online friends into real life friends. Friends that understand how hard you work, like minded passions, and there to support each other. Blogosphere is an amazing community to be apart of and a big reason I feel more at home now in the UK as an expat. Blogging really has changed my life.
Like so many others that attended the MAD Blog Awards I spent the morning traveling to London and getting my best dress out for the special occasion. I shared a room with my lovely friend Katie. I met Katie when I first started blogging and she has been such an amazing supporter and great friend over the last two years. I know even if my blog stopped tomorrow we would continue to be friends long after. She is the most genuine person I ever met with a heart of gold.
I was a finalist for the Family Fun category. A category that held four other amazing bloggers to win too. Katie was up for two amazing awards too so proud of her. Last year, we were up against each other for best baby blog and I was ever so honored to lose to her. She is a great blogger. This year, when it was time for my category to be announced I was so nervous. I didn’t think in a million years I had a chance to win. I keep thinking back to that moment when they said my name and how I felt. I am awful at public speaking and while the many of you that have met me know I can talk all day long, face to face but put me on a stage I am a mess. I have no idea what I blabbed about up there but what I really wanted to say is this…
Thank you for your support and reading my blog. Thank you for making me feel so welcomed into the blogging community when I started and chatting to me on social media. Thank you for engaging with me over the last two years and sharing my family experiences, adventures, fun, travels, and even the tough parts like potty training, starting school, and teething moments too. You all have touched my life in some way and this award is thanks to all of you. Last but most importantly thank you for voting for me. I hope to keep bringing you family fun and entertainment as well as so much more in the future to come.
(Photo by lovely Katie – only one I have of my outfit)
I have been stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of my wardrobe. I thought the MAD Blog Awards was the best time to test out my new dress. A dress that had more shape to it then I usually prefer to wear. I went for high heels that were a death waiting to happen and dark purple and black nails that are the opposite of bright that usually adorn my fingers. Sometimes it’s nice to change up my look and feel different. I was so pleased to be getting ready with my roomie Katie, who looked stunning in her jewelled navy dress and sequins shoes to die for.
But next to getting glamorous and being in London, I was so excited to see so many bloggers that have become apart of my life in some way online or in person. They have inspired me, been kind to me and supported me over the last two years. I love events because you come away feeling motivated. Here are a few photo captures from the night that I found coming morning time and full of new memories and new friends. 
Who doesn’t love a good photo booth session?… I got to get silly with Emma, Karen and Katie and Colette and Suzanne below. These ladies are the loveliest ladies you’ll ever meet. 
I had the following day to spend in London before heading back up north. Katie, Becky and I made our way around Chelsea for a lovely sunny morning and lunch. It was the perfect London day to explore together. We found a delicious smoothie place and sat in a garden soaking up the sunshine and chatting about everything from our fun filled evening, to kids to life in general. I love that feeling when you are so comfortable with friends you can just sit together and still have a great time.
The 2015 MAD Blog Awards saw me win my very first award for my writing. After writing my first novel and starting my blog, my writing became another baby for me. Something I was so passionate about and sharing it with others felt amazing, after years of writing in journals and books and never sharing it with anyone. Now, to be recognized for all my hard work by you all is the best feeling in the world. Thank you so much for reading, sharing and supporting me. I owe you all cupcakes.
I couldn’t have done all this without my amazing, supportive husband and my two beautiful toddlers that put up with my camera and phone always in their faces. They have been so understanding of my time, troopers getting involved in the various adventures we do, and I owe them this award. We won this award together as a family, after all it’s Family Fun category. They are always willing to try something new and experience something different with me. My husband especially needs a huge thank you for his support and understanding while I slave away at the computer late at night. I came home from London to pink champagne chilling, my favorite chocolate, dinner ready, and the best card ever to say congratulations. I was so emotional and overwhelmed with it all. He seemed so proud which was the best feeling in the entire world. He really is my best friend.
Well done Jenny! Such a well deserved win! You look absolutely beautiful and it sounds like you had an amazing time. I just love the blogging community for the wonderful people you meet.
I really do too. It’s changed so much for me and I feel like I am apart of something much bigger than my own little bubble. Thank you ever so much.
Well done Jenny, absolutely thrilled to bits for you and so so so deserving. Happy celebrating with hubby, B and MM XXXX
Thank you so much Nicola. I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s amazing support and reading so thank you for always stopping by, commenting and sharing, it means the world to me.
Ahhhh huge congrats! So well deserved – you are so lovely and so is your blog. So glad you won and enjoy every minute!! Lovely photos it looks like you had a super fun night!! 🙂
Jess xx
Thanks Jess so very much. I am still on cloud 9 about it all, shocked and honored though. So many amazing bloggers out there.
A gazillion congratulations again, it was wonderful to see you win and your speech of thanks was eloquent and very sweet and not rambling at all 🙂
Oh thanks Carie that means a lot. I wouldn’t ever say my speech was eloquent hahahah you are too kind to me. Thanks hunny for all your amazing support. It was lovely to see you too.
It was fabulous to spend the evening with you too Jenny. Let’s sort out a time for that coffee – did we say the week after next?!? I had had too many sambucas when we were making plans.
Oh Karen it really was and I am so proud of you too. It was a lovely evening with so many inspiring people. Let’s definitely have that coffee soon. hahah sambucas eeek
Congratulations honey, well deserved. I love your blog, it’s like my little pick me up and you looked absolutely gorgeous x
Thank you so much. That’s such a lovely thing to say and I am so glad it’s a place you find positivity and happiness. Thanks for reading.
Huge congrats lovely! A great evening had by all I think! x
Thank you so much Donna, it really was and what a surprise. I am very honored and grateful.
Congratulations! Your blog is as amazing as you and I am so happy for you x
Thank you so much Bex that means the world to me. Had a blast with you too at the awards and congrats right back at you darling.
Huge congrats for winning Jenny, your blog is like a breath of fresh air when I read it. Always bubbly and your personality just comes through completely, your award was well deserved and I hope the night was fantastic!! Your dress is gorgeous too 🙂
I’m so glad you won Jenny, very well deserved! You talk so much about all the lovely folk in blogging and you are one of the very nicest so it makes it extra special to you see you collect an award. I’m glad you had a good night and you and Katie look stunning, such beautiful ladies. Sounds like you had a very sweet homecoming too, congratulations lovely lady xx
Thanks Hayley your kind words mean the world to me. Yes, my family were so supportive I was very emotional over it. I still think I am in denial over it but it’s such a honor and I wish everyone could win though. It’s good to help support and encourage others and I hope I do that for so many that do it for me. Thank you darling.
So so so so well deserved my lovely lady and I am absolutely over the moon that you won. I wanted you to win far more than me as you deserve your time to shine- you work so hard on your blog and are so professional and I know how much it means to you.
I had such a wonderful weekend with you, it was so lovely, even if you did make me eat greasy pizza at 2.30am in the morning hehe! 😉
Lets hope we get to do it again soon- we need more katie and jenny weekends for sure!
Love you lots and thanks for being such a kind and supportive friend always. x
I will always be here for you darling even if my blogging days come to an end. And thank you ever sooo much for all your support, love and being my cheerleader. It has meant the world to me for sure. I am so glad we are close friends through blogging. I like the sound of more katie/jenny weekends for sure. I want to come into london a lot more so we will have to meet up loads. lol 🙂 I had the best weekend with you even if I didn’t win we always have fun together. Keep up the amazing work you are a multi-award winning writer I was rooting for you too and it doesn’t mean your time is up at all. I promise you. You are billions of peoples favorites still. Lots of love to you babes. xoxo
Congratulations on the award. What a great achievement! Kirsten
Ahh thanks babes so lovely of you to say. xo
Amazing Jenny – and well deserved – you are one of the hardest working bloggers out there and I think you must be like a little work-a-holic! Glad you got to have such a fabulous weekend hon Xx
That is amazing for you to say Sam thank you so much for all your support and I really do work so hard at it all and it’s been a great feeling that others like it and voted me in and I still can’t get over winning but so very honored.
Huge congrats Jenny! So well deserved and sounds like you had a brilliant night!!! I absolutely adore your outfit! Xx
It was a fantastic experience and thank you so much. I appreciate your support and lovely comment.
Congratulations – looks like you had a lovely time x
It was a brilliant night among so many great and inspiring friends. Thank you so much I am so honored.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I had such a fun night and you deserved to win. Your speech was amazing and you looked beautiful. Our photo booth adventures are up in my office and hope to see you really soon xxxxx
Oh gosh don’t mention my horrible blabbing spout hahaha I think I told everyone I loved them hahaha Great night hunny. Hope to see you soon and get MumTalkTV back hahaha
Congratulations! That is amazing. Looks like a really fun night. Isn’t the blogging community great?! #sharewithme
It really is and has changed so much for me. I have learned so much and met some many inspiring people it’s amazing.
Jenny woo hoo!! Massive congrats again on your win – you work so hard on your blog and the results are clear – well done! And how lovely to spend the next day with Katie hanging out – a friendship to cherish xx #ShareWithMe
It really is and blogging has brought so many special people into my life I am truly grateful for it. I am still shocked at winning but I work hard and feel blessed people like what they are reading. 🙂
Looks like you had amazing time – your dress was gorgeous by the way! Congratulations on your award, you deserve it! #sharewithme
Thank you it was a bargain buy last in the sale. lol Glad I went with it. Thank you so much what a shock but feeling loved.
It looked such a lovely evening and you and Kate both look stunning. I sent plenty of hearts through on Periscope when you were announced as the winner, it is the same category I won in 2013 so I was delighted to see it go to you this year.
Ahh thank you ever so much I hope I didn’t sound like a crazy person public speaking isn’t my thing. lol I think I told everyone I loved them. Had a brilliant night with Katie. Ahh sharing the category love it. 🙂
Well done Jenny – absolutely deserved! Looks like you had an awesome time! #sharewithme
Thank you ever so much Talya, we had a great night with so many good friends and inspiring bloggers. I am still in awe of the whole experience.
What a great achievement Jenny, you must be so thrilled! Congratulations! I’m pleased you had such a lovely weekend. So wonderful to have the support at home too 🙂 #Sharewithme
Ahh so sweet of you to say Sara thank you ever so much. My family has been amazing supporters for sure.
You looked fabulous, love your outfit choice. sometimes it’s good to step out of your comfort zone with clothing & it definitely paid off. Congrats on your MAD – it’s very well deserved, you have such a lovely blog. I’m so glad the MADs & London were so much fun #sharewithme x
Thank you hun, I wasn’t going to wear it but glad I did last minute shopping and all. lol I am so glad people even read my blog so over the moon to have won. Feeling humble for sure.
huge congratulations, you looked stunning! I’ve loved reading all about your days away, especially your US trip. well deserved lovely x #sharewithme
Congratulations on your award! & I love that dress! #sharewithme
Thank you. It was a bargain buy a little out of my comfort zone but I loved it and glad I went with it.
Congratulations on your win. Glad to hear you’ve made many new friends while blogging. Shame I missed such a good night out! Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
It was a lovely time and so great to be inspired and hang out with so many great bloggers. I am still shell shocked but grateful and honored to have won.
congrats Jenny. Good for you!
Thank you Jeremy.
Congratulations! Your blog is so professional and you deserve to be recognised for that, and for the SWM community you’ve built. x
Ahh thank you ever so much Betty and I love that you said the SWM community I am so grateful for everyone coming and linking up week after week and I love reading the various blog posts.
Ah I’m so glad you won Jenny, you totally deserved it. Loved your outfit. I didn’t get one pic of mine! And of course those photo booth pics – hilarious! x x
Photo booth was brilliant had a blast wish I could have taken more in their with others hahaah great memories. I know I only had one of my dress full length silly me. Thank you ever so much I am over the moon.
Many congratulations and you looked really beautiful!
That’s so sweet of you, thank you so very much.
Congratulations on your well deserved award! Love your outfit 🙂 Thanks for hosting #sharewthme
Debbie
Massive congratulations Jenny, very well deserved xx
Thank you so very much Sara. 🙂
Congratulations Jenny! From all th social media posts I’ve seen about the MAD awards it looks like it was an excellent night. Top marks to your hubby for putting on such a lovely homecoming! #sharewithme
It was a brilliant night and I much preferred this year but not because I lost last year and won this year but I knew more people to mingle with and be inspired throughout the night by amazing people. It was the perfect homecoming I must admit.
Congratulations! you definitely deserve it…. Lovely photos of you and fellow bloggers too! #sharewithme
Ahh thanks hunny so very much. It’s always lovely to hang out with the blogging crowd.
Congratulations on your win, Jenny! It looks like you had such a great time and your dress was absolutely stunning during the event. Lovely of your husband to be so supportive. He’s definitely a keeper 🙂 Thank you for sharing this on #sharewithme. Have a fantastic rest of the week!
Thank you ever so much Maria that means alot. Yes he is a keeper I was so surprised on both accounts lol. The dress was out of my comfort zone but pleased I went with it.
Congratulations. I’m really pleased that you won and had a great time. Your husband sounds really sweet too. #sharewthme
Thank you ever so much Helena. He normally isn’t the celebrating romantic kind so it was the best surprise ever and he really does support me so very much.
Congratulations Jenny. Well deserved, and you and Katie looked very glamorous.
Congratulations, I have only just discovered your lovely blog, and I have been having a good read. What a fantastic achievement. Sarah x
Oh welcome Sarah and thanks for stopping by and reading. So lovely of you and thank you for the congrats. I am still over the moon and so honored.
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest
websites on the internet. I’m going to recommend this site!
Congratulations! And what an absolutely gorgeous outfit!! #sharewithme
Ahh thanks Jennifer I am glad it was hit as I was stepping out of my comfort zone so much. So pleased with everyone’s lovely comments on it.
Congratulations!! You looked like you had a fab weekend and you looked amazing 🙂 I hope I can get to where you are in the next few years
#sharewithme
Ahh thanks hunny, I have only been blogging just under two years when this happened so keep working hard and you never know believe in yourself. 🙂 Thank you so much.
So well deserved Jenny and you looked beautiful- THAT DRESS!!!! Gorgeous. I’m sorry I made you drink shots with me, you were a trooper 😉 Great night out x
It was a lovely time and I was surprisingly ok the next day for shopping and going around London. Thanks for the drinks darling and the fun. 🙂 Had a great time hanging out with you.
You have done so well over since you started blogging and I shall never forget you starting to link up with Prose for Thought. You are a beautiful lady – inside and out – and thoroughly deserve this. So many congratulations xx #sharewithme
Ahh I can’t thank you enough for your amazing comments, your support and helping find my way I will never forget how much you have done for me lovely. xo
Congratulations on winning the award. That dress is absolutely GORGEOUS, and what a lovely thing for your husband to do. #ShareWithMe
Oh thank you so very much Alison. It has become a new favorite dress. I got a keeper for sure. I was so surprise. Thank you.
Oh, congratulations! Much deserved! #sharewithme
Thank you ever so much.
Firstly a huge congratulations Jenny. You deserve it. Your blog was one of the first I read. Your blog is awesome. It sounds like the MAD Blog awards is such a fun night, looks like you all had ana amazing time. Well done again 🙂
Congratulations!!! You really deserved the award!! Your outfit was amazing! I love it!! It is so nice to be able to make good friends from blogging. I’m starting to meet new people and it is really good. We understand each other. I hope I will make some good friends in the future like you. Thanks for hosting #sharewithme., :-)x
Ahh thank you ever so much that means the absolute world to me for your support and kind words. My dress was a risky one for me but I ended up loving it. Thanks. I have made some best friends through blogging and it’s made the UK feel more like home now.