You see that woman in the red Chanel jacket standing rather awkwardly in the middle? Yeah, that's me. I'm representing a pygmy tribe from the Asian continent, flanked by my slender and statuesque Amazonian bodyguards, otherwise known as Charlie's Blogging Angels.
Before arriving at the Brewery just in time for the award ceremony, I'd already been wined and dined twice (!) in 4 hours. In case you haven't noticed the protruding stomach in the photo, it was the result of my phenomenal culinary experience. A huge thank you to Colleen and Lois who went out of their way to meet AND feed with me (love how that rhymes).



The Botanist & Wahaca**
I couldn't have wished for better company. I've never ever been to a blogging conference in my life. No wonder the poor man we'd pounced on earlier in the courtyard to take our photo (2nd photo with bulging tummy) looked petrified. Encountering 500 oestrogen filled women who'd been given free rein at the bar with practically NO food would look intimidating to any living soul. It turned out Ben was the winner in Fresh Voice (aka newcomer) category and what a sad story it was.

Photo credit: Panasonic
Now back to my model-esque buddies - Avril, Fiona and Kat. That's Fiona on the left grinning but still looking rather composed while Avril and I giggled uncontrollably. Sadly, if you can't drink (like moi), the only other option available was water. Sigh.
While waiting for the presenter to announce the winner in each category, I made Avril play the "Spot the Asian" game. "Err.....you?", Avril muttered after having a good look around. We never got to play the "Spot the Irish" game (Avril's from Belfast) because they started to announce the Photo category. I was still daydreaming when I heard my name being called out amidst pretty impressive hollers from my Charlie's Blogging Angels. My jaw hit the ground. I'm not a mommy blogger (I'm a mom but still not very kid friendly) or British (New Zealand's in the commonwealth so that counts for something, eh?) but nonetheless I'm so very thrilled for this accolade from the biggest blogging award in the UK of its kind.
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Photo credit: Avril |

This is what one of the judges, a professional photographer said about my blog - "Her sense of humor really shines through which makes her blog fun to read. Her photos are interesting, well executed and tell a story. She has a great variety of posts on her website. I particularly like the way she blogs about other bloggers." Okay, enough of tooting my own horn. I couldn't have gotten thus far without a) my faith aka God b) Avril's sneaky nomination & your vote and support c) the judges. I couldn't thank you all enough for your support and encouragement which have helped me reach this point today.
**big thanks to Ammu for recommending Wahaca. It was sooooo good!
Congrats! Really well deserved, can't believe you had t go up and talk in public, I'd have withered.
ReplyDeleteYou all look beautiful, I would have hid in the corner from that line up!
Believe me, Tabitha, I would've worn my sunglasses and hid in a corner but thankfully, I had these awesome ladies with me who totally made my night.
DeleteBig congrats Marlene! So happy for you and you look beautifully dressed for the event!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely smile in that second pic!
You are awesome. But we all knew that already. Hopefully you believe us now, even just a bit. And now we'll share you with your ever growing list of fans. Congratulations! x
ReplyDeleteHi there!! Sounds like a truly awesome weekend and to top it with the award is fabulous-many congratulations, you look great and it was well deserved too! xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning! Discovered your blog through Vintage Folly's post about the event - glad to have found you!
ReplyDeletewww.mancunianvintage.com
Aw Marlene I am so happy for you!!! Big congratulations, this is well deserved and I agree with everything the judge said about your blog! Stoping by your blog is always such a joy, I enjoy reading your smart and witty posts and looking through the wonderful photos :)
ReplyDeleteTake care and wishing you a wonderful week,
Daniella xox
Many congratulations to you for a well-deserved award! I always look forward to new posts from you, even if I don't comment--both your photos and your "voice" make this one of my favorite blogs.
ReplyDeleteAlissa
What a lovely thing to say, Alissa! Thank you for your support.
DeleteCongratulations Marlene! I love the quote about your blog; they did a great job at describing it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! - I Ying
ReplyDeleteHuge congratulations Marlene! I'm so thrilled for you & I don't know anyone who deserves it more, I agree with what the judges said 100% - especially the part about your photos telling a story, and of course your sense of humour too! :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! Congratulations!!!!!!! xxx
ReplyDeletecongratulations! i hope your site is ready for a tidal wave of new readers :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS my friend! well deserved!
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations to you! When did this happen?
ReplyDeleteThank you. The awards night was on Friday.
DeleteCongratulations! So very well deserved :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again Marlene! You've worked bloody hard and it really shows with the wonderful pics and the inspiring posts - let's see if you can do it again for next year! Two in a row. No pressure ;o)
ReplyDeleteNo pressure??!!! We're gonna have a chat when we next catch up. You're right. It's been bloody hard work. Who knew a hobby would require as many hours as a full time job?!
DeleteYou make me very jealous with all the food photos you keep posting. I just don't understand how you stay so tiny?
ReplyDeleteAhem..... There's a reason why I wear a lot of slouchy tops and jeans which I tend to buy 1 size bigger. I've just learned to hide my waist very well
DeleteMany congrats - having poked around your blog now I can see why you are a winner! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet of you, Alison. Thank you.
Deletelove chanel jacket!!!!
ReplyDeletecongrats
❤CrisMarieIsabelle❤
Oh wow, what a brilliant, well-deserved win for you and your blog. Did you have to make an acceptance speech?
ReplyDeleteSure did! I had no idea I had to give a speech. So yes, as Fiona said, I had this openmouthed look. Not attractive but I was shocked. Yes, shocked too that I had to speak!
DeleteMarlene, CONGRATULATIONS! Absolutely amazing and very much well-deserved. I love your blog for so many reasons and it's so nice to see you receive this recognition for doing what you do so well.
ReplyDeletePS. The red Chanel jacket looked gorgeous on you!
Wow, many congrats on your win! I completely agree with the photographer's comments. I like your funny take on fashion and kids. When I hopefully have kids, I hope to have a similar styles as you where I still lust after fashion and share great food and shopping while somewhat mentioning the kids, but not have them be the focus of everything.
ReplyDeleteOoh and hello Chanel jacket!
xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
aww...that's so sweet. You're absolutely right about not focusing your entire life on just the kids. They grow up so quickly too and pretty soon they'll be independent and where would that leave the parents?
DeleteYou are too freaking funny Marlene! :) Once again, congratulations on your win! I'm beyond happy for you and like I said before, it's definitely well deserved for sure! That must've been such an awesome moment for you. You look so good in that beautiful jacket. Love that it's a piece that you can seriously wear forever. Really sounds like the whole experience was beyond cool! And what a super sweet comment by that photographer. It's definitely true! :)
ReplyDeletexTheresa
Congrats on your award! You totally deserve it!!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
It was SO good to be by your side when you won - if I could bottle your shocked face I would - hilarious!
ReplyDeleteYou absolutely deserved to win, your photography is jaw dropping - well done to YOU.
Fiona
x
Oh I am so so happy!!! I love coming to your blog and your photos are gorgeous.....also you can't drink??? Oh I think I had a few celebratory wines for you my friend. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteH-O-O-R-A-Y!!!!! A huge congratulations on the award! You do such an amazing job and your photo's are always so captivating. Definitely an award that you truly earnt!
ReplyDelete- Mandi
www.findmeamuse.com
Ah, well done! Super congratulations and well deserved. Love your outfit in these photos! So chic. xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Marlene! I'm so happy for you. What a lovely and well deserved honor. You know how much I adore your blog and style. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI love that first picture- everyone looks so chic. And I love that jacket, but Chanel jackets always pull at my heart:)
Big congrats with winning the award! You really deserved it! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Congratulations :) Your blog is beautiful; the pictures are such a delight (along with fashion sense and writing!)
ReplyDeleteThat's just awesome! Well done you and very well deserved. I can't remember if I've ever said this to you but yours is actually my favourite blog in the blogosphere. It's just perfect so I'm not surprised you've won an award x
ReplyDeleteMARLENE!!!!!!!! That's amazing!! Congratulations!! You definitely deserve - everything they said about your blog is true! Miss y'all in Texas! xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats Marlene! You truly deserve this... :)
ReplyDeleteyou won you won! congrats, i told you you are awesome! (sorry i missed this post last month...)
ReplyDeleteAwww...thanks, Terri!
DeleteI featured one of your pictures in a post on my blog post about colorful front doors. I linked back to this post. If you would like me to take down this image, please let me know. Check it out over at whirlwhim.com
ReplyDelete