It doesn’t seem that long ago that I sat down to write my first blog birthday post and yet here I am again for my blog turning two! TWO YEARS OLD! My goodness what a year this has been.
There are so many highlights that it’s really hard to choose, but I thought I’d share some of the things that made this year so special and why it means the world to me that you all continue to support my blog.
To mark my first blog birthday my friend Marcus persuaded me to pose for some outfit pictures. I was incredibly nervous as I’d never attempted a fashion post before but the encouragement I got from you in comments and tweets and on Instagram was overwhelming. I’ve been doing OOTD’s ever since!
Although I sometime have confidence wobbles, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy styling up a look and I’m much more adventurous with my outfit choices these days, so it’s done wonders for my wardrobe!
(See my first OOTD post here.)
I was completely speechless when I got shortlisted for the inaugural Bloggers Blog Awards as a wildcard entry.
To see my name listed alongside so many talented, highly successful bloggers is still one of my proudest moments to date. I’m pretty sure that none of the other girls had a clue who I was before the day but every single one of them was down to earth, encouraging and just as freaked out by the whole thing as I was!
We all had a wonderful time at the event and it was an incredibly positive experience. I made sure that I nominated my own favourites for the 2016 Awards because if I can bottle that feeling and pass it on I want some other bloggers to feel it too!
(Read my post on the Bloggers Blog Awards 2015 here.)
I’ve always loved writing about food and drink but in the past year I’ve been able to really grow this side of my blog. Not only have I been developing and featuring more original recipes recently (look out for a recipe in my next post in fact!) but I’ve also been able to participate in some incredible experiences and collaborate with some fabulous food partners too.
I learned how to make authentic Italian pizza with I Just Love It…
Levi Roots cooked me authentic Caribbean cuisine…
…and I dined with Jimmy Doherty who taught me to appreciate Jersey Royals.
I’ve had quite a few ‘pinch me’ moments in the last year too, where I’ve received an invitation and thought: Who me? Are you sure?!
Noteable standouts are participating in the Joe Browns Christmas Campaign (Me? Modelling? Say whaaat?) and having a bath in public. With champagne. And the Saracens rugby team. Seriously don’t pinch me I’d rather not wake up thanks.
Yes you. The ones reading this post, supporting my blog and leaving me lovely comments of encouragement. You’re hands down the best thing about blogging and I thank you all for sticking by me!
In fact to say a big thank you, how would you like to win £100 worth of beautiful flowers from Arena Flowers?
Well here’s your chance! Arena Flowers have kindly offered to send one lucky reader a £100 voucher to spend with them. I received my own huge birthday bunch from them last week and they’ve been in pride of place on my coffee table ever since.
I had a massive smile on my face when I opened the box (they come carefully packaged in protective cardboard). Fragrant sunflowers, lilies and roses in the most beautiful hues, fresh berries and stunning foliage. The flowers themselves are lasting ages too.
You could fill your house with small bouquets, send some to a friend to show how much you appreciate them or go to all out Instagram Heaven with this premium rose bouquet!
To enter please follow the instructions on Rafflecopter. To be eligible you must complete the mandatory options, then there are some additional optional entries if you fancy an extra chance at winning!
These terms and conditions are the rules which apply to this competition. By submitting their entry, entrants will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the following terms and conditions.
*This competition is run by Loved By Laura in conjunction with Arena Flowers.
*To enter the competition entrants must complete the mandatory entry requirements on Rafflecopter before the closing date listed.
*This promotion is open to residents of the UK.
*No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.
*The prize on offer is £100 Arena Flowers voucher redeemable at Arena Flowers
*The prize is only as stipulated and cannot be transferred and/or exchanged for cash.
*Confirmation of the prize will be made by email to the winner and announced on Twitter after the closing date.
*Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner. If the winner cannot be contacted, or is unable to comply with these terms and conditions, Loved By Laura and Arena Flowers reserve the right to offer the prize to another eligible entrant. Failure to respond and/or provide an address, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.
*Loved By Laura and Arena Flowers reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. If we do this, we will publish the amended terms and conditions on the competition page.
*Loved By Laura and Arena Flowers reserve the right to end this promotion at any time, and without notice.
Good luck everyone, and thanks again for helping Loved By Laura Turn Two!
