The MAD Blog Awards Are Back!

It was 10 years ago when the MAD blog Awards were first held, and it was 2013 when I first found myself nominated along to the fabulous awards ceremony. Which was hosted by the lovely Dr Ranj.

I was also lucky enough to go in 2015 and 2016 as well. I was thinking about 2016 last night, and I can’t believe how much my mobility has deteriorated since then. Still, at least I got to have a dance in 2013 and 2015.

MAD Awards

This year the doors are open for all parent influencers so the focus is not solely on bloggers. MAD still stand for Mum and Dad but the awards are now influencer based, so open to those who vlog or use social media to blog on. Of course, regular, old style bloggers are still welcome to enter.

You can nominate using the MAD Blog and Influencer awards nomination form here.

So, now, without any shame, here is where I ask you to consider me for a nomination. Out of the 12 categories I believe I fit in most in the Tween and Teen influencer category. I have two tweens and a teen so I know all about those fun years and share them here on my blog and social media.

All you have to do is fill in your name and e-mail and you can nominate as many or as few as you like. But remember, you can only enter the form once so make sure you know who you are nominating before you begin.

Why Nominate Me?

I’ve been blogging for a long time and over the years I’ve used my blog as a platform to share all things good and bad about family life. We’ve had fantastic trips and holidays but most of all it’s those little ordinary moments that I’ve enjoyed sharing the most. Like my Funny Things Kids Say and Do Posts.

• Kids Say the Funniest Things
• Kids (and Mums Say and Do the Funniest things
• Kids Say and Do the Funniest Things (latest offerings)

I’m sure there will be more to come.

When I started this blog nearly ten years ago we were living in a different house with with two young girls and a baby boy. Since then we’ve moved house, spent 18 months in and out of hospital with Star including five trips to theatre and the dreaded halo vest. The girls have changed primary schools and now moved up to secondary school. The Little man has started school and then moved to another school after bullying so bad he ended up in A&E with a fractured arm. I also home educated him for six months while we were looking for a new school. All three of my children have experienced bullying at some point, but they are all mostly settled now.

Star was diagnosed with Autism in 2012, and a connective tissue disorder in 2014. The Little Man has also recently been diagnosed with Autism.

In the blogging world I used to run Kids in the Kitchen when my three were younger. Now I run Word of the Week a popular weekly round up linky open from Friday to Monday.

I’ve been to several blog camps which I’ve thouroughly enjoyed. And more recently I’ve been on a couple of blogging retreats. It’s always lovely to connect with other influencers and I’ve made many friends throughout the years.

Personal Journey

As a mum of three young children, finding myself in hospital in 2016 with an auto-immune condition which left me paralysed has had a big affect on my life. I’ve tried to keep things as normal as possible but it’s not easy. The Little Man doesn’t even remember the days when I could walk.

My blog has become a place where I not only talk about my children but how I deal with life as a disabled person after being able bodied for so many years.

Why I love Blogging

I don’t really think of myself as an influencer, but blogging means so much more to me. I’m not here to give advice or tell you the best way to parent your children. I’m just sharing my experiences as they happen. From time to time I may share places and things that we enjoy, in particular books and board games, as well as days out. My children have experienced a lot of fun time over the years as the kids of a blogger Mum, we’ve been to Legoland, Hatton Adventure Park, Center Parcs and Blackpool. We’ve also had trips to the theatre and even a fun day out at a Julia Donaldson exhibition. (the kids may have grown out of Julia Donaldson but she’ll always hold fond memories for me.

I’ve never really got to grips with other social media, although I do have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube channel. (My most watched You Tube video is of the kids playing with the Scalextric they had for Christmas a few years back!)

The competition is Tough

Way back when I was first nominated for an award there was a lot less competition. Over the years there has been so many people turning to blogging in their own way and sharing their experiences. Even after all this time I wouldn’t consider myself as a popular blogger or influencer. There are some that are still big after such a long time though.

I’d love to share my favourite influencers with you but there are so many now that I’d be afraid of missing someone out. But if you want to vote for others then please check out the Tots100 site for inspiration.

And if you think I’m worthy then please do pop my URL https://www.raisiebay.com into the nomination form Maybe this time it could be my time to win something! (Don’t take too long though, nominations end on January 24th!)

Thank you,

Anne x