This year’s Cosmo Blog Awards were bigger and better than ever. 2014 is my third year as a nominee, but only the second that I’ve attended the event. I thought I knew what to expect but was still blown away by the amazing bash they’d put on for us. Cosmo sure knows how to throw a good party.

I didn’t win any awards but just to be shortlisted from the many thousands of blogs out there and recognised by traditional media is a huge confidence booster.  It also means I got to meet up with a few nail blogging buddies, Alice and Lucie who were also nominated, as we all live so far away and hardly ever get to see each other in real life!

I was a bit too excited about being in First Class on the train (one of the perks of booking months in advance) but then we were delayed due to an accident. Luckily I booked my ride from the station with Blacklane and they went out of their way to make sure there was a car there to pick me up when I eventually got to London. I did feel pretty lucky to avoid the underground on this trip as it’s always my least favourite part of London! I headed straight to the hotel and the three of us got ready to go. We stopped by Nandos on the way for a catch-up and some good grub before wandering our way over to the event.

After the champagne reception, it’s all a bit of a whirl. Because it was such an exciting evening, I should add, not because of the champagne – although the cocktails got the best of me a little later in the evening! I can’t lie, the perfect steak and chips was a highlight for me, but mostly I just enjoyed getting to hang out in a room full to the brim with blogging talent for a few hours! I met Yasmeen, Rachel, Abigail, Katie and even a familiar face from Bespoke Bride (I went to school with Jess!) among many more accomplished bloggers and I hope more than anything that I get to attend more events like this in the future as I keep my blog going and growing!

1. Gradient Nails with a flash of Fool’s Gold obvz!) 2. Travelling light 3. Delayed train

4. First Class First Time 5. Riding in style with Blacklane 6. Meeting up with Lucie and Alice

7. Obligatory group nail art shot 8. Pre-Nandos 9. IZ Beauty of London were doing nails at the event

10. Proper posh seats 11. Throw is the new Frow 12. Build your own cupcakes with Two Little Cats

13. No shortage of cocktails 14. Strike a Pose 15. Biscuitpops

16. Best steak and chips ever. I had 3! 17. Waiting for the train 18. Napping on the train home with Fluffhat