Most Mondays I slowly awake to the sound of busy London life, lie there awaiting that dreadful iPhone alarm tone before snoozing for 15 minutes trying to steal as much body heat as possible from Allyn before I brave my duvet exit. Then I’ll sigh, start slowly edging towards the side of the bed as I seriously consider how important work and money really is when your bed is this cosy. I’ll drag myself out as Allyn tries to pull me back in for one last cuddle (little shit) and then I’ll go brush my teeth as I check up on what’s happening in the world.
Most Mondays, I wake up like this…
Yes. That is me.
Yesterday started this way.
Until I was about ten seconds in to my sleepy teeth cleaning regime and something made me dribble my toothpaste all down my PJs.
A tweet.
One simple tweet.
“Travel blogger of the year: the nominees are…”
Yeah you guessed it. They picked me. Out of all the beautiful writers and non stop travellers… Blogosphere Magazine picked me.
A week ago I semi-celebrated my first ever blogiversary, one whole year of being a blogger. There was even cake (Amsterdam’s own special kind). So I guess this is like the best ever blog-birthday present?
Along with four other incredibly talented bloggers (and no I’m not just saying that, I genuinely follow and love them all), little ‘ole me will be up for the award of Travel Blogger of the Year. CAN YOU FUCKING BELIEVE IT.
Suddenly I felt like this.
And this.
And a little bit of this.
When I relaunched this blog a year ago, I had hopes of becoming “successful” although I didn’t really know what that meant in the blogging world yet. But if there’s anything I’ve learnt in the last 12 months, its that success is personal. Its not judged on numbers, money or fame. Its based on your own goals and your passion.
On Sunday evening I hosted my first ever twitter chat and someone replied to my question of “What do you think makes a blog unique?” with… “When you can sense how excited they are about a post they’ve produced”. The fundamental reason that I sit and write twice a week is not to pay bills or to satisfy a craving for attention. It’s to share my passion for writing, photography and adventure. So when that is recognised by the likes of Blogosphere Magazine, well I’m gooey to the core.
So basically I’m writing this post as a way of dealing with my bucket of emotions. The last few weeks haven’t sailed so smoothly, but this weekend I started to feel like myself again (maybe I just needed to sweat out the damage of two European city breaks in a row at hot yoga). So to begin a week by jumping around squealing before I’d even had a cup of tea, well I’ll always remember that moment.
I want to say a gigantic thank you to the lovely lot of you who read my often long-winded posts, comment on my photography and recognise the work I put in. You are so appreciated. You are true supporters and if in some magical dreamlike state I win the thing, I’ll dedicate it to you.
Of course I have to shamefully plug now…
Please spare a second to vote before the 22nd of May and share the link with your friends, family and fans!
There are some other wonderful bloggers in the mix so check out the additional categories also. The winners will be announced at a fancy pants ceremony on the 22nd of June. If you have any advice on WHAT THE HELL I SHOULD WEAR then please let me know below. Thanks in advance you beauties.
https://www.blogospheremagazine.com/awards/
Okay one more…
Congratulations! That is so amazing! All the best. We hope you win. Fingers crossed
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Thanks so much 🙂
Congratulations! I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!
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Thanks Annalise!
Congratulations! Sorry I didn’t get on to it soon enough to vote. Good luck.
Wow! Super cool! Congrats 🙂
Author
Thank you!
Congratulations! Will vote for you and much exited to see how much you’ve established in a year 🙂
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Thanks so much Sanna 🙂
Congratulations! That’s an awesome achievement! Fingers crossed.
Great stuff – have just vote for you now
Author
Thank you!
Awwww this was the best blog birthday present, I love it! Congratulations on the nomination and good luck! We just voted for you 🙂
Author
Oh thank you! I’ve been overwhelmed by the support 🙂
Way to go! I voted!
Author
Thank you so much!
Omg Eppie, congratz!!! Keep up the great travel posts! Look forward to read them all <3
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Thanks so much Claire!
Congratulations! This is amazing and you have already won by being one of the finalist. Great job. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you Stephanie! I do feel so honoured already! x
Congratulations! Have voted – good luck! #feetdotravel
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Thanks so much both of you 🙂
thats major. congratulations!
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Thanks Tia!
Congratulations, what an amazing achievement! I voted for you straight away when the nominees were introduced as your blog just totally stood out to me and your instagram even more so! Good luck with the awards and have a great time at the event!
http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com
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Thanks so much Victoria, that really made my morning! 😀 x
Congrats! Awesome stuff and well deserved! Definitely will be keeping an eye out! Good luck!
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Thanks so much 😀
Congrats! I love the part about success being personal. So often we get caught up shares and impressions, but at the end of the day you as the blogger should define the success. Inspiring.
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Thank you Albert that means a lot! Exactly, its not all about numbers. You should celebrate what your personal achievements are!
Congratulations Eppie!! This is such an inspiration to achieve this in one year! I started my blog as a way to stay in touch with my family back home but you have inspired me to take it more seriously. Voting straight away! xx
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Thank you so much Simone that really means a lot 🙂 x
Congratumalations, Eppie! Well done!
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Thanks so much Honey 😀
Oh wow. Congratulations. That is so amazing and really well deserved. I love your writing style
Author
Thank you! That really means a lot 🙂
I’m so excited for you lovely!!
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Thanks so much hun!
MY GIRL! Well done chica, very proud! Clearly, there are two very important elections in the UK at the mo 🙂
Author
Hahaha hell yes! Thanks my lovely 😀 xx
congrats!!
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Thank you!
This is amaaaaaazing!!! You totally deserve it and I can totally feel how excited you are! Congratulations!!! Also, you will look gorgeous no matter what you wear!
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Ahhhh thanks so much Nano! That means a lot 🙂 xxx