The Mad Blog Awards 2014

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This is a post which I have debated writing for a few weeks now.

I've thrashed it out with friends (both real-life and online), family and peers.

And I have spent the last six months fairly adamant that I wouldn't be putting myself in this situation again, and yet two days before the close of the nominations for the MAD Blog Awards 2014 I find myself writing this post. And it feels a little odd.

For those non-blogging readers amongst you, the MAD Blog Awards are like the Oscars for those in the blogging world. I am incredibly fortunate for the past two years to have been a finalist in the Photography category, and quite frankly considering the calibre of the other finalists it was a very humbling situation to find myself in. I was also very lucky to be a finalist in the Family Fun category, which my great friend Fiona from Coombe Mill won.

It genuinely was amazing to me that so many people would nominate and vote for me, thank you to each and every one of you for that. Due to various, dull and frustrating self-esteem issues that I quite frankly won't bore you with, I'd made the decision not to put myself in the position of not winning again.

And then people nominated me. Not just in one category though…

  • Best School Days blog
  • Best Family Fun blog
  • Best Blog Photography
  • Best Writer
  • Best Craft blog
  • Best Food blog
  • Best Home & Interiors blog
  • Best Family Travel blog
  • Blog of the Year

It's all a bit astounding really. Looking around my living room, I'm not entirely convinced that I deserve a nomination for Home & Interiors though! But thanks!

Which is why I'm writing this post and adding the badge to my blog. I believe the awards are a wonderful celebration of all things blogging, and obviously so do the very generous people who've taken the time to nominate me again this year.

And so this badge is added to my blog to thank those people for taking the time to think of me.

If you're looking for bloggers to nominate, may I be so bold as to suggest the following:

365 Photographers: Point & Snap The World

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There are some people who take photographs that are so intriguing that they make the viewer ponder them. It might be because of the content, or it might be because of the editing style. Steph from Point & Snap The World is a person who makes me react in exactly this way for both those reasons.

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Tilt-shift, accentuated colours, monochrome, HDR filters. These are all features of her photographs, and it always amazes me how Steph can photograph so many different subjects, edit the photographs with varying finishes and still retain her definitive style. She likes her trees, 'stealth photography' with human interest, alleyways and architecture, close-up flowers, converse trainers.

I've been following Steph since she first started doing the 365 Project in the first week with the most amazing shadow, greyscale shadow picture. The blog she was using then is no longer online, but a thumbnail is available in that first week's linky; she's number 58.

The Instagram feed of Not So Slummy (as is her twitter and IG name) is a recognisable one with quirky and sneaky photos of the world around her; definitely one to follow!

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I absolutely love the photo of the two 'old dears' having an afternoon cuppa together under the shade of the parasol. The lady whose side profile we can see is chuckling away, and I can only imagine what was said to her by her companion to make her life in such a way. The less sneaky photograph of the poppy is simply stunning and needs no further commentary.

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The police car above to me epitomises Steph's photographs; classic high definition shots with perfect framing. I'd love to know what that old car was doing there, because I'm pretty sure that it's not still in service! The boisterous colours of the quirky canalboat are a wonderful contrast to the murky brown waters of the river behind.

These are Steph's favourite six from the 365 Project so far.

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27/03/13 – I was walking home one day and I saw these 3 ladies having a good ol' proper chinwag! They brought such a smile to my face!

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22/04/13 – I visited York for the first time earlier this year, and I had such a lovely time there, this was just a tranquil shot.

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01/06/13 – My boy, this is him in his element, just having fun! He's my world and brings my joy.

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04/07/13 – A simple picture of an icon!

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25/09/13 – This was taken just as summer was turning to autumn. One of the last balmy evenings we had and the rowers look so graceful gliding down the Thames.

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29/09/13 – I go through moods of taking colourful pictures, but on this foggy morning, colour would never do it justice.

  • When did you start doing the 365 photo project, and why?

I started in January 2012, after I saw a few people tweeting about it, and liked the idea of taking a photo a day.

  • Why did you decide to continue the project for a second year?

I really started getting into taking photos of people, places and things and set up a blog strictly for my photos. And despite going back to work full time, I was really determined to see it all the way through 2013.

  • What's the best bit about doing a 365 photo project?

I love looking back and being reminded of the places I've been or taking me back to a moment.

  • Are there times when you've wanted to give up, why? What kept you going?

Absolutely, there are some days when I just feel uninspired and think to myself 'does anyone want to see another flower or some scenic shot?'  And life is busy for me, so it's very easy to get into that frame of mind, when I think, 'I'll do it tomorrow'. But it's good therapy just to start snapping and see what photos appear.

  • What tips would you give to anyone who wants to start a 365 project?

Pick up your camera or smart phone and just take photos! I've only ever used my iPhone to take my pictures and do a bit of editing with the snapseed app. I love the instantaneous element that can be captured. It's also good to look at others taking part in the project for inspiration. And most importantly, have fun with it!

Here's the challenge; can you HDR your world like Point & Snap The World does?

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Please pop back next Thursday when I introduce the wonderful and loving family life of MummyMishaps.

365 Photographers: Five Go Blogging

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Photography should tell a story; the best photographs in the world have got something going on in them, something hidden to be deciphered by the viewer, or sometimes something obvious which involves those looking at it. Alison from Five Go Blogging is one of those great character photographers on the 365 project.

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Alison has been with me from the beginnings of the 365 linky, and her weekly collages are amongst those that I look forward to the most. I've noticed over that time that she has a few particular types of photographs that she likes to take; shadows, faces in fences (I kid you not), light streaming through windows/trees/anything around, and mischievious snaps of her children being cheeky!

Her Instagram feed is one of my favourites to follow, because of the wonderful beauties that she manages to spot on a walk to and from school, or a little thing that is noticed in her kitchen. And the best of these make it into her Project 365 weekly collages; full of life and telling a story.

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These two photos to me show two very different sides to Alison's photography; the simple colours of nature, and the quirky kitchens. There are many eye-catching photographs in her Instagram feed which show the wonderful colours and details that she can spot, like a brightly coloured leaf covered in dew in a gutter. Likewise there are a multitude of humorous shots of bits and pieces in a kitchen. I love the way her son is poking his head and nose over this, desperate to spot what mischief he can get up next.

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In Alison's kitchen, there is a slatted blind. And through this slatted blind, the sun casts some serious light at times, creating wonderful photographs like this one of her son laughing away, and another marvellous one from last year (which I couldn't find) of a half empty beer bottle and it's emerald green shadow. And for my final choice, I've selected a sentimental shadow picture which demonstrates how she uses light to perfection.

These are her favourite six from the 365 Project so far.

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9/6/12 – Burghley House and the children all scooting: Our favourite day out and its only a mile from home. No matter how many times, we go the children can always find something new to do or look at and I can take another photo that is different again from last time. I love this one because it shows the ages so perfectly of the children.

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30/9/12 – Swings: I took about 30 photos before I got this one with them both at the same point and both looking at me. I just love their expressions.

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14/10/12 – Tweeting gate: Again at Burghley House. I just saw the birds kissing and thought it was perfect for a twitter picture.

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18/11/12 – Family walking out of a winter evening sun: I loved that the sun was behind them, they look like they are returning home after a long satisfying walk (which they were).

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18/08/13 – Reflection in a knife: My favourite photo so far this year. I love reflections and shadows and just happened to glance down at my cutlery and saw the shot!

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27/1/13 – Shadow: I had to have a shadow shot in there somewhere and this one sums me up perfectly. My iPhone and a shadow.

  • When did you start doing the 365 photo project, and why?

I started Project 365 in January 2012. I am a habitual photographer and almost always take at least one photo a day anyway and when I heard of this project I knew it was something I wanted to do. It was a way to capture the memories and hopefully improve my photos in the process through practice and inspiration from other photographers.

  • Why did you decide to continue the project for a second year?

Once I had started and completed a year of 365project, I was hooked. The thought of a day passing and not capturing a shot was scary! I'd love to say it is because my followers insisted I carry on but neither of them seemed that bothered!

  • What's the best bit about doing a 365 photo project?

The best bit about the 365project for me is the photographic diary I am making. I suspect I'll still be doing this in twenty years time and look forward to going through my albums with whoever I can persuade to sit with me.

  • Are there times when you've wanted to give up, why? What kept you going?

I haven't ever thought about giving up but there are days when I just haven't been inspired or had time to really look for the shot. That's when you see a random still life photo in my collage!

  • What tips would you give to anyone who wants to start a 365 project?

If you are thinking about starting a project yourself, then just start snapping! There is a huge community to look to for support and inspiration and photographic critique if you want it. I use my iphone 99% of the time and I know they are not technically brilliant but more often than not a photo suddenly appears before me and I have to snap it there and then. Those are the best and most fun shots in a 365project and take no time or effort.

Like Five Go Blogging, how could you use light and shadow to improve your photographs?

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Please pop back next Thursday when I introduce the high-definition perspective of Point & Snap The World.

365 Photographers

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I've been hosting a 365 linky for nearly two years now and have been privileged in that time to be a witness to many different photographers' daily lives; to see couples marry, pregnancies develop, babies be born, learn to walk and talk, families grow and spread their wings. I've travelled the world without leaving my living room, and rediscovered some of the most amazing architecture Britain has to offer.

At the end of last year's project I didn't think there would be anyone foolish eager enough to carry on the project, but there are well over fifteen photographers who ventured into a second year and it is a pleasure to see their interest in photography develop. The 365 project becomes a part of everyday life for participants, picking up a camera and snapping a scene (hopefully unobtrusively) is second nature, assessing the composition and lighting, picking the best angle, and editing the image to get the best out of it, are all skills which come with time and practise. The 365 (and Project 52) photographers' dedication is something to be admired and sung about in my eyes.

And so I finally get to my point.

Months ago I sounded out a few of the 365 photographers about being featured in a series, they jumped at the chance and since then we've been sifting through finding our favourite photos to share.

The 365 Photographers series will run on Thursdays, starting this week with a photographer who has an incredibly artistic, architectural eye and manages to find the beauty in London that is often missed in the madding crowd.

Pop back over on Thursday to see the wonderful world of HPMcQ.

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In The Top 20!

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Today was a busy day and I didn't have much time for twitter. When I did have the opportunity to pop over to check my mentions, they were mostly competition entries and so I just scrolled through them not really paying attention.

And then I saw a tweet from @Tots100 about their Top Photography blogs, in which I was tagged.

I nipped over to see what it was all about and was over the moon to see that the lovely people at Tots 100 had named me as one of their Top 20 UK Photography Blogs!

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I'm so pleased to see so many of my favourite photo bloggers listed alongside me: Coombe Mill, HPMcQ, A Party of Seven, Capture By Lucy, and Cakes Photos Life. In addition to these, Mummy Daddy Me, Dear Beautiful, Ar-Blog and Mammasaurus do a brilliant job at promoting photography through tutorials and photo linkies.

I've also discovered a whole host of other bloggers included in the list, and that's the great thing about the parent blogging world; it's so diverse! Peonies & Polaroids, Tigerlilly Quinn, Oh So Amelia, Mum 2 Baby Insomniac, Mama Owl, Slugs on the Refrigerator, Sorry About the Mess, Emily Beale, Little Ruby Loves, and Shutterflies.

Many thanks to Tots 100 for including me in this list of fabulous bloggers. I've been nominated by fellow bloggers and readers both last year and this year in both the Britmums BiBs and the MADs, was a finalist in both last year, and am a finalist in the MADs this year (thank you all who voted!). I didn't win last year and while it would be lovely to win this year, the competition is stiff and I honestly don't expect to win this year either. My photography isn't technically great, I don't know how to use the manual settings, and I don't have a new and swizzy camera. I do however love taking photographs using whatever camera I can get my hands on; I love framing a photograph, telling a story and capturing a moment.

And with The Boy, there's a lot of moments!

My Britmums Live! Sponsor: Orchard Toys

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Today I'll be attending the Britmums Live! blogging conference in London, very kindly sponsored by Orchard Toys.

For those who regularly read my blog, or for those who occasionally saunter over here, you'll have noticed that I review a lot of puzzles and games from Orchard Toys. And every single one of those reviews is glowing, for three reasons:

  • they're bright and colourful, fun and engaging;
  • there is always an educational aspect which doesn't overshadow the fun factor;
  • The Boy loves them.

Now when I say I have a lot of them; I'm not actually joking:

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This collection has been built up over several years from review products, those scavenged at nearly new sales, and bought for The Boy's birthday and Christmas presents. We play one a day at least and The Boy alternates between them as to which his favourite is; at the moment it's 'What's Rubbish?', last week it was 'Baa Baa', and we're taking 'Shopping List' with us this weekend to Britmums Live! Even we have favourites; mine is 'Round and Round' and Mr. TBaM is 'What a Performance'.

My 'love affair' with Orchard Toys started many years ago, long before I had The Boy. I was visiting an ex-colleague and her two year old daughter who wanted me to play a game with her which involved rolling a dice to collect up different ingredients to make an ice-cream sundae. That was an Orchard Toys game (long since retired) and I made a mental note of the company for use with my own child. Little did I realised I'd be trying to collect every game they make, ten years later!

So who are Orchard Toys?

Orchard Toys are a British company located in Norfolk with a purpose built factory and office complex; meaning a low-carbon foot print and employment stays within the country. In addition, they also create new products from their own ideas using its team of in-house designers. Manufacture of components is subcontracted to a UK supplier base, some of whom have supplied the company throughout its history. They are also made from 75% recycled materials.

A leading manufacturer of educational puzzles and games for children aged between 18 months and 10 years, Orchard Toys has a reputation for excellence of design, manufacture and service. I'd be very surprised if most homes don't have at least one of their games or puzzles! Established in 1971 by Keith Harvey (who remains a director today), the company has stayed in the family passing down to the next generation.

Orchard Toys award-winning products are all designed with the ethos of “learning made fun” and combine bright, innovative design, durability and quality with sound educational principles. They completely support the Foundation Phase ethos of learning through play, and that's why as a teacher as well as a mum, I know how much they benefit The Boy's learning.

This is why I'm so very proud to be sponsored by Orchard Toys to attend Britmums Live!

If you could spare two minutes to nip over to the Loved By Parents awards site, Orchard Toys have been shortlisted in the Best Activity Toy 3-6 yrs category and the Best Board Game or Jigsaw category for the fabulous 'Old Macdonald Lotto' and they'd love a vote from you please!

Why I Love Pinterest (Pin It Forward)

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I'm a visual learner (technically a visual-kinaesthetic learner), which basically means that I learn and remember things better once I see them, especially if it involves pictures. As a result, the 'bookmarks' function on most browsers doesn't do it for me as I forget that I've put something there.

That's why I love Pinterest.

Pinterest is a web-based facility which allows users to create virtual 'boards' with items or ideas on it that they like (grouped into categories if they are that organised). For example I am busy browsing the web at the moment for ideas for The Boy's pirate birthday party, I've got a 'pin it' button on my browser and I click that when I see something I like. It saves on the 'Pirate' board I have and allows me to browse the ideas quickly, and then (because it saves the original site's URL in the picture) I can revisit it easily for more details. Far easier to use than 'Bookmarks'!

The other great thing about Pinterest is that other people can 'repin' your ideas onto their own boards, and as a blogger who often writes about craft or play ideas, then it's a great way to share my ideas around the 'Pin-o-sphere'.

Finally, I really enjoy the collaborative boards that can be created on Pinterest. I'm a member of several craft boards, but also run a few boards myself which help promote fun food for children, family days out or outdoor play. My favourite board at the moment is my 'Natural Childhood' board which has over twenty bloggers sharing ideas and prompts for outdoor play.

This month sees the Pinterest campaign 'Pin It Forward' kick off, involving 300 bloggers from a cross-section of interests. The campaign is designed to be the official launch of Pinterest in the UK, although I've been using it for around eighteen months now and have fifty-six boards as a result. As a part of the campaign, I have the honour of introducing another 'Pinner' to my readers, and it really is a pleasure to introduce Christine from Thinly Spread, and her Family Gardening collaborative board.

Thinly Spread was one of the first blogs that I started reading back in 2010, and Chris is a little bit of a blog-crush of mine, especially with her idyllic life with her Ransome-esque family in Somerset. Nip over and check out her wonderful boards full of country goodness for that wonderful feel-good inner glow.

Nip over to Pinterest now, and see what all the fuss is about!

Pin It Forward UK 2013

I'm Going to Britmums Live!

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Name:

I could tell you but that would kind of screw with the anonymity wouldn't it?

Blog:

Well you're here so presumably you know that then?

Twitter ID:

@TheBoyandMe

Height:

5'10" or 9". It does depend on how weary I'm feeling.

Hair:

Long highlighted blonde.

Eyes:

Normally red because I go to bed too late and wake up too early. If I had slept properly then they'd be a kind of grey/green/blue colour.

Is this your first blogging conference?

Nope, I went to Britmums Live! last year as well. I've also been to the Tots100 Christmas weekend and a Butlin's Ambassadors' weekend.

Are you attending both days?

Well I'm not going all that way for half an hour! Many thanks to my awesome sponsor Orchard Toys for allowing me to go this year. I couldn't be more proud to represent them, they're perfect for me.

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2013?

Seeing my blogging and twitter friends, catching up with them for more than an hour, meeting new people, building relationships with new brands, learning a bit in the sessions, stalking Kirstie Allsopp and hearing the woman from T.K.Maxx try and persuade me to wear a dress again.

What are you wearing?

I have no idea yet! Smarter on the Friday, but still casual. My Birkenstocks on the Saturday with comfy stuff! No-one cares what anyone wears anyway.

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2013?

Chat to my friends, all of them. My biggest regret from last year is not talking to Kerry more; sitting in the T.K.Maxx lounge with her was the last time I saw her. And I miss her.

Tell us one thing about you that not everyone knows:

MY NAME! Mwha ha ha! But it's not going to happen!

Ok, something more serious? Um… nope I got nothing.

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I'm linking up to the 'Britmums: I'm going to Britmums Live!' linky.

365 #17

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We're at Butlin's again this weekend, having loads of outdoor fun with a few other Butlin's Ambassadors. The weather is beautifully sunny, not surprising for the most sunny place in Britain.

So show me, show me your week!

This linky only works because of people linking to it and then contributing their thoughts to others' posts via comments. I can't emphasise this enough, it's the whole point of the linky!

Join in by entering the URL of your favourite photograph of the week (either a 52 or a 365 photo) and show some comment love to everyone else in the community. We've got a Facebook group, and now I've created a collaborative Pinterest board (if you'd like to collaborate, let me know and I'll add you).

  1. Choose your favourite photo from the past week and link it up below.
  2. Please add the badge to your linked-up post so that other people know how to find all the other fabulous entries.
  3. If you can spare five minutes to comment on a few other entries I know they'd appreciate it!
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