A couple of weeks back I had the absolute pleasure of attending a very powerful awards ceremony being held by Woman & Home in partnership with JD Williams. Full of glitz and glamour, it was just what the doctor ordered after my past sombre few months.
When the invitation arrived explaining this wasn’t just for the awards ceremony, but a full glamourous 24 hours, I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive. The cherry on the top was getting to spend it with one of the nominees aka my partner in crime Ashley from Lazy Daisy Jones.
The lead up to the ceremony
An early morning train into Waterloo is how it all began. We were whisked off to a studio where a lot of the nominees had already arrived. It was good to chat and get to know some of the stories behind these amazing women. some of their achievements are absolutely gobsmacking.
Once we were all “Done up” photos and filming were done. ( a bit nerve-wracking that filming!) I had my hair done with the spiral tongs. I’m contemplating on getting myself a pair. What do you think? Ashley loved it but I’m a bit dubious about how hot those tongs can be. My rollers are much more gentle. Thoughts please everyone!
Afternoon Delight
After the studio, we were taken to a lovely hotel where we were to spend the night after the awards ceremony. Durrants Hotel was gorgeous and I will write more about that later, but it made the day even more special. Our partners were also invited and it was great for them to meet up for the first time.
The dress was gifted for the event, I chose this one for the gorgeous vibrant colours. You will never believe what a bargain price it is? At the moment it’s a mere £25.00!! I wore it with my bargain find Zara shoes that I paid £5.00 for and the clutch was mum’s from the 80’s if I remember rightly.
A night to remember Celebrating with all these fabulous inspiring women
Anyway, enough about me for a bit.Let’s not forget what this ceremony is all about. 50 women over 50 all have done incredible things. I’m going to mention a few here, but you can read all about the women and what they’ve achieved in this months Woman & Home magazine.
Lots of these women have set up businesses, charities or support groups because something happened to them at some point in their lives. They’ve sat down, thought about it and rose to the challenge of getting their ideas out there. I think it’s so uplifting and really inspiring.
They’ve started with small acorns and ended up with big oak tree’s and that just goes to prove that you should never say can’t. The proof is here..
Lesley Knight – The mother who funded 21 Heli pads in memory of her son
A standing ovation for this lovely lady who lost her son in an accident. Picked up by air ambulance but died because there was nowhere for the helicopter to land.
Just take a minute and suck that in. Can you imagine even being in a scene like that? Losing your son over something like that?
Lesely has raised £686.000 in her son’s memory for the Help apeal to get more Heli pads available. I was just awestruck by this woman.
Alison Young – Runs nursing study days and is chair of the British Menopause Society
Alison, pictured here with Woman & Home editor Kath Brown and Radio Two’s presenter Jo Whiley who were handing out the awards.
Alison gives workplace awareness sessions to help women understand the menopause. I’m wondering how much the men get involved because I think they need to understand just as much!
Country Wives
Yay to this award! We are noted as an industry now. Young or us more mature women. Country wives picked up an award for best social influencers.
There are so many more! Go get yourself the mag, it’s a really good read. My friends Look Fabulous Forever was nominated too. It was good to see them at the ceremony.
Other winners were from all walks of life, A woman who set up a film academy for young people, a hero in my book was Carrie Herbert. Founder of “intensive care school” for bullies. Her charity has so far helped 700 bullied children.
Celebrating in the best of Company
Shame about the fuzziness of this pic. Here I am standing proudly next to my two blogger friends that were nominated. Nikki Garnett of Midlife Chic and of course Ashley from Lazy Daisy Jones. We had an absolute ball of a night. Claridges was beautiful, with champagne, cocktails and Canapes all night.
Getting to meet Jo Whiley. Just look at that dress! Jo looked absolutely stunning!
My only regret is that I didn’t get any shots inside Claridges on the night. I would have loved to have shared with you but the lighting was just too dark. But trust me it was amazing!
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Xo Laurie
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Oh Laurie!! Your face is just glowing! The universe delivered at the right time, didn’t it? What a wonderful celebration of positivity and every photo is so filled with joy!! I love those colours on you and had no idea that you were so petite!! What an absolute cutie! Thank you for sharing, it was uplifting just to read! Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🙏 donnadoesdresses.com
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger ifyou aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Fantastic! That’s amazing. You looked beautiful.
Laurie,
What a wonderful event! You look amazing in the dress, the colors are beautiful together. I love your hair! wow. I use the hot rollers but have never tried something like that. Sounds like a memorable time.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks for sharing this with us on TTB Laurie. Maybe see you next week at Jacynth’s festive extravaganza? Jo
Looks an inspiring and fabulous day – thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
What a beautiful event Laurie and everyone is dressed to the nines! I would definitely describe your tropical-print dress as “Afternoon Delight”. I am used to seeing you in neutrals but you look even more amazing in bright colors!
Welcome by every Thursday to link up with me on Thursday Moda. Thanks and Happy Sunday!
Looks like an amazing event Laurie…so many inspirational women all in one room! You look gorgeous as always…fabulous dress! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
What an awesome event. This is truly inspiring dear! Thanks for sharing.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thanks for sharing this exciting day with us Laurie. You do know all the right people don’t you sweetie! Love that dress of yours – the colours are so good for your complexion. As for the hair tongs, I think I’d worry about that extra heat and how it might cause damage over the long term. Your hair is indeed your crowning glory – I’d carry on with the rollers, they give a very natural effect.
Have a super week!
Anna x
Author
Thanks for your honesty Anna. I’ve been using those tongs and I just can’t make my mind up. You hit the nail on the head! xx
Wow this is amazing! I love your outfit and your hair looks absolutely gorgeous!
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Thanks Ruth. It’s a 50/50 vote so far on the hair! xx
I bet this was such a fabulous and exciting time, Laurie!!!
Congrats, you look marvelous!!
XOXO
Jodie
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Thank you so much Jodie xx
Looks like an amazing event! You look stunning in that dress!
Gemma x
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Thank you Gemma. It was a great day & night xx
Sounds and looks like you had an absolute ball Laurie and what a host of inspirational women to meet too. Love the curly hair look on you. #PoCoLo
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Thanks Jo. It was some much needed fun xx
What a lovely event, and your dress was FABULOUS!! #AnythingGoes
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Thank you Heather xx
You look amazing Laurie. You always do and good on you too for showing us over 50’s how to be awesome at our age. You are so inspiring
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Thank you so much, Michelle! Comments like these are what helps me keep this blog alive! xx
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it, you look gorgeous. What a lovely event to be invited to. I have to say I had a lump rise in my throat just thinking about that brave woman who lost her son. I love this event and its goal of celebrating women.
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Thank you Bojana. Some of the stories about these women were so sad and yet others were just so clever with their ideas. I think it’s wonderful how women of our age bracket are getting heard now rather than media thinking, hey, great story but they’re past it xx
Oh wow lucky you to be invited to such an inspirational evening and you looked amazing. I loved that dress Jo Wiley was wearing. #POCOLO
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Wasn’t it gorgeous! xx
What a wonderful event! Sounds like you had an amazing time and you look fabulous with your chosen outfit. I love that the colors are vibrant and those shoes, how beautiful. Happy Friday and wishing you a marvelous weekend ahead!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
It looks like it was a stunning evening. How inspiring. 🙂
Thanks for sharing with #pocolo
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Thanks Morgan xx
You look stunning! Love the looks. What a great day. Too bad that there is not s.th. like this here. Thanks for sharing your special day with my readers at the party!
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Never say never Nicole! You never know something like this could come your way! xx
What an amazing event Laurie, to be surrounded, inspired and empowered by all these wonderful women. Love your dress, amazing colours that match your complexion perfectly.
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Thank you so much Anna. The room was heaving with power! Here’s to us older girls! xx
This looks like an amazing and fun experience! I love how that bright dress looks on you!
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Thanks Laura xx
What a lovely event to attend! Looks like you had a wonderful time and you look fabulous!
Michelle x
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Thank you Michelle. This is what I blog for, great times like this! xx
This makes me so happy! I love to see women over 50 being celebrated for their many accomplishments. What a wonderful event! And you looked lovely – great color on you.
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Thank you Lana. It’s good to see you here xx
It sounds like you had an amazing time, Laurie! And you looked absolutely gorgeous. That dress is utter perfection on you. What a fabulous event <3
Suzy xx
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Thanks Suzy xx
What an amazing time Laurie, you all look stunning 🙂 Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Blog Hop
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Thanks Claire xx
Thanks again for sharing at Creative Mondays Laurie, you will be one of my featured blogs today 🙂 xx
Ohhhh Laurie this sounds like a truly beautiful event. I got emotional at the lady who lost her son. What a remarkable way to honour him. You looked absolutely stunning. I adore that dress you had on, and Mum’s bag. Just fabulous!! I am so glad you had such a brilliant time xxx
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It was the best time Kerry. I can say one of the best days of this year xx
Such an amazing evening wasn’t it my friend! I felt very humbled on hearing the other women’s life stories
Ashley xxx
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100% It’s amazing what us women in our fifties can achieve right? xx
What a brilliant event! You looked like you had a great time. Loved your hair Laurie – I’m afraid of the irons, my hair is so fragile these days, but I miss the smoothness they give. I’ve never learnt to use rollers so I’m just blow drying at the moment, but need another solution xx Maria
What a fabulous event to attend and you look dazzling in the beautiful dress. How inspiring are some of those winners – great to honour those ladies. Jacqui Mummabstylish
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Isn’t it jus. Thanks Jacqui xx
Fantastic! That must have been amazing! And of course you looked fabulous!
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Thanks Nancy. It was the best! xx