Like most people I have an uneasy relationship with awards. I profess not to be bothered about them but then feel bereft when I lose out on one and nearly wet myself when I do win one. In the very first year I entered the prestigious Jasmine Awards (given out for writing about fragrance) I was shortlisted in three separate categories and still managed to come out of the ceremony empty handed – a crushing defeat that almost scarred me for life. And then, in the year I did actually win one I couldn’t collect the thing because I was simultaneously appearing in court (as a witness I hasten to add). A video message didn’t seem appropriate, or legal.

Thankfully, I was able to make last night’s inaugural Fashion Monitor Journalism Awards, though,  and am glad I could because as you can see from the pic above (also featuring host Laura Whitmore and nail guru Leighton Denny) I actually managed to scoop a gong for Beauty/Grooming Blogger of The Year. This particular award means a lot to me partly because, whilst I get paid for my journalism, blogging is essentially a labour of love. I’ve been blogging for about four and a half of the 23 years I’ve been a journalist and as all bloggers know, it’s something you really have to want to do because the rewards are few and far between!

It also means a lot because the shortlist –  created by members of the fashion and beauty industry itself –  included amazing bloggers like The Beauty Shortlist, A Model Recommends, Vivianna Does Makeup and my good pal British Beauty Blogger –  someone I look up to myself.

But anyway, it was a fantastic evening (I suspect the Fashion Monitor Awards will become the Oscars of the Beauty & Grooming world) and now that my wine-induced headache is finally subsiding I’m actually beginning to appreciate it!

PS. Don’t you just love the fact that I look like I’m missing a finger in the photo?

PPS. When I refer to “The Grooming Guru” in the title I mean the blog not me personally. The day I start referring to myself in the third person is the day I call it a day! Or the day they carry me off.