#EastMidsMeetUp

I knew Emma, from NotYourAverage before she started blogging, through her boyfriend Adam. She was one of the main inspirations that got me back into blogging, as I loved reading her blogposts and missed being part of the blogosphere. So when she told me she was planning a local meet up for bloggers, I put my name down straight away!

The idea behind the meet up was to allow local East Midlands based bloggers the chance to get together, as many blog events are held in the larger cities and places taken up pretty quickly. 
I'm still pretty new to blogging, with my blog only running since before the summer, and this was my first proper bloggers meet up so I was looking forward to it yet feeling a little nervous too.

So, on Saturday, November 30th I headed for the train station where I met up with Sophie from Sophie'sBeautique where we caught the train to Derby, where we met up with Emily from WhatEmLoves, Annie from TalesofAnnieBean, Anna from HouseofBargain & Sally from RainyDayFaces. We all felt a bit nervous as we headed to meet everyone else in Westfields. 

Myself, Sophie, Emily & Sally

Emma got us all to pick a name out of a bag for our Secret Santa gift. I ended up picking Sally, which was quite tricky as I was shopping with her all day, was tricky buying something for her while she wasn't looking! ;) 
We all then went off to do some shopping in small groups, where we were later joined by Sammie from LoveFromSammie and Amie from FashionIsOurReligion. 

Goodies I picked up whilst shopping

I managed to pick up some bits. Before we then met up to head for Fat Cats where we sat on 2 big tables and had a few cocktails and chatted to others. Hannah & Filiz from Hot House PR, who work for St Moriz and many more brands, popped in which was great to chat, swap business cards and hear about the new brands they're working on. The food was fantastic and they managed to bring it all out super fast and nobody had to wait. Everyone seemed pretty happy with their meals so they did great!

Throughout the whole day Emma rushed around after everyone, making sure everyone was okay and handing out Secret Santa presents and goody bags. She didn't stop - she didn't seem to relax the whole day. She was an amazing host and did a fantastic job! She'd spent so long making little labels, even baking us yummy cakes! I asked the girls I was shopping with if they fancied clubbing together to get her something to say thank you. Everyone agreed and we picked her up a Soap & Glory gift set so she could have a little pamper session once she got home! :)

I received a cute silver necklace from my Secret Santa. I can't remember who it was from, which is really annoying me - but huge thank you to you!!!

My Secret Santa gift - thank you!

The goody bags Emma had put together were fantastic, full of great products!!

All in all, it was a fantastic day! I really enjoyed myself and would like to say a big thanks to the girls I met and shopped with and to Emma for organising the event!