I’ve already written an ‘official’ post about the 2011 MAD Blog Awards, which were sponsored by Parentdish.co.uk, over on the MADs website.
But I thought I’d share some of my personal highlights of the awards ceremony with you, so here are 10 things you never knew about the MAD Blog Awards:
- Did you know that Michelle from Mummy from the Heart is an AMAZING singer? The X-Factor karaoke was shamelessly abused during the evening, but Michelle was awesome! Although you might not know it from this enthustiastic rendition of You're the Best, by Michelle, Sophie, Liska, Sharon and Louise
- At the awards we had a lovely photo board with nice headshots of all the finalists, their names, and blog names. I may have entirely accidentally sent the photo below of Laura from LittleStuff to the printer instead of the other photo she sent me, of her looking normal. I tried to stick a Post-It note over the offending image but was busted within 10 minutes. I’m a grown-up, professional woman so when I saw Laura I decided to, erm, run away quite fast. What? She's at least two feet taller than me.
A few days before the awards Marylin emailed me in a panic because her new skinny jeans, provided by Simply Be, were torn on both sides, and she urgently needed a replacement. Only after I’d made several frantic phone calls did Marylin look at the website and realise that actually, the jeans were ‘distressed’ on purpose, not damaged.
- When one of our sponsors couldn’t attend to present an award, I had to step in. I might have accidentally said, “Course, the only reason someone else won this is because I wasn’t eligible.” I hope people realised I was mostly kidding.
- Only Pippa can make the phrase “server cupboard” sound saucy. And I am not surprised that the IT guy from TalkTalk ran away when she invited him round to her place for a good roast and a play with her touch pad.
- We planned the wine stocks very carefully ahead of the awards, and experienced professionals assured me we had over-ordered. We still ran out of white wine halfway through the night. Bloggers can drink Chardonnay at a rate of knots.
- Despite being emotionally autistic and allergic to over-familiar touching, I was felt up by three women in the space of six hours. The official photographer caught an image of me being kissed on the cheeck by Jane. I do not look impressed. And if I ever work out who it was on the microphone behind me who announced to the room, “Sally LOVES hugs,” there’s going to be trouble.
- I don’t think I was born to be an MC at glamorous evening events. When asking for quiet in the room before the presentations, I may have resorted to the words: “Guys, I know judo. Don’t make me come down there.” Seriously, though, you lot are CHATTY.
- When Sandy came up to present the award for Best New Blog, I did warn the audience, “This could go either way.” It went brilliantly, and Sandy’s ever so slightly tipsy presentation to the blog that will forever more be known as Mammy Woooooooooo was one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed.
- One of our sponsors cornered me towards the end of the evening and confessed that the next week she had to go to a corporate fundraising event and she was dreading it, because she never wanted to go to any events again that didn’t include Mummy bloggers, because they make everything fun. She’s right, too.
So, all that remains is a big thanks to everyone who has supported the MAD Blog Awards in 2011, especially our sponsors, Parentdish.co.uk, and our hosts at TalkTalk. Thanks to all the bloggers who helped out on the night, too.
I'm so grateful to everyone who nominated and voted, who blogged and Tweeted about us, and those who came and helped make Friday evening such a fun experience for everyone involved. You're all completely amazing. Just don't ever hug me again. Okay?
About Sally
Sally is a full-time blogger and founder of the Tots100, Trips100, Foodies100 and HIBS100 communities, along with the MAD Blog Awards. She spends a bit too much time on the Internet. She’s also a very happy Mum to Flea, the world’s coolest ten year old.
Sounds like you didn’t plan the wine stocks carefully enough. You should’ve known what us rabble would be like! lol
Just virtual (((Hugs))) to you then Sally. You did an amazing job and pulled off a fantastic evening, as evidenced by all the smiling faces (and that was not just the wine!)
Sorry, hugs are an essential part of mummy blogging and cannot be avoided. Thanks again for a wonderful evening, I am in awe of your organisational skills!
I’m sure it was Jane who announced “Sally LOVES hugs”…I’d put money on it!
I thought about hugging you, but then I saw the look on your face and changed my mind. I’m tough, I was in the army for ten years, served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands but never came across anybody with “that look” on their face.
Great evening, many thanks to you and your fab team, all the sponsors and especially John Lewis for my awesome dress and sparkly shoes.
What can I say that you haven’t already? It was a fab night and I have a husky voice at times…
that husky voice came out to play a few times friday night 😉
Seriously. You needed to REPEAT The Photo here too? Next time we meet I am publicly snogging you by way of revenge.
That bloody photo is going to haunt me…
(top TOP night, totally knocked a certain other awards ceremony way out into the middle distance. Just sad I had to leave so early. And sober. And FAILED to get a goodie bag. Tch.)
I think it was Nickie who said you liked hugs. Hence why I chased you across the room. You may be tiny compared to me, but bloody hell you’re fast!
Great night Sally, really enjoyed it
I refuse to apologise for hugging you. I was very happy, and you’re lovely. Deal with it!
On the “Sally loves hugs” comment… It’s entirely possible there may be video evidence of that… Should we have a chat about what goes into the highlight reel? 😉
I did try and warn them. Honest, I did.
Thanks Monika – we really appreciated all your help on the night, too!
My best friend just read that comment and almost died laughing.
I bloody knew it!
haha! I have a look that says, “Don’t even think it”.
I am so pleased you had a good time, and by the way – you looked AMAZING.
What, like 50p easy?
I’m going to repeat the photo regularly. It deserves a regular airing. It’s AWESOME.
Like a whippet. Or something.
Oh, stop it, you’ll make me blush. Glad you had fun.
We ran out of white wine? That might explain the falling *up* the stairs when I got home… Whoops. Please don’t tell the health visitors.
To be fair I think the person who said sally loves hugs may have said it twice but because she drank most of the chardonnay she probably can’t remember….
Where is the pic of us kissing? Since you uploaded horse picture I would like to see our loved up shot please…..
Love the person who definitely never instructed a room of mummy bloggers to hug you….
You all did me very proud.
Honestly. Some people would take “proud pony” as a compliment, you know.
You are safe with me Lucky, I’m not the huggy type but it is true that these Mummy bloggers do have a habit of grabbing people!
As for the karaoke, this is what happens when there is too much free alcohol on offer! oh dear…
Mich x
And I gave you a huge hug when I arrived at the venue – I am so so so so sorry 🙂
Thank you for an amazing night – my first night out in months – LOVED it!
You are a star!
x
xx
Clearly an awesome night by a group of girls who know how to party! Great to see!
Oh my God I videoed it (only watched this morning). Left computer on overnight, uploading everything to photo bucket.
Anyway, it WAS Northern Mum (and I could have sworn it was Nickie).
Gosh I can’t rely on my memory. Clearly.
See here:
http://s1089.photobucket.com/albums/i345/New_Mum_Online/Mad%20Blog%20Awards/?action=view¤t=MOV06396.mp4
xxx
I soooooooooo thought it was Nickie who said it. But my video tells me it was YOU, and the camera never lies 😉
xxxx
So jealous. You gals seem like you had an absolute ball. Kudos to you.