Yeah, yeah, probably incredibly impartial because, well, Mums’ Night Out! is my ‘baby’, conceived by me, stressed over by me and, yes, it to has sent me into the foetal position, sobbing my little heart out in the middle of the night, much like all my other babies have.

Or, you could view it that I know the damned event inside out, so can give you a more descript view of it. Or both

Anyhoo, it’s now, what, the 7th one of these I’ve done (I took a year off one year), the first being in 2003. I have to say, despite the fact the chick I communicated with at the venue being a rude bitch and not having the ability to crack a smile, this would have to have been the Best. One. Yet.

I do put some of this down to the people I had helping me … dragged in kicking and screaming, and probably feeling manipulated into it by my odd tantrum. But truly, Kirsty and Jacinta were (and still are) a godsend – especially given I was out of action for a week leading up to the event.

Mostly, I put it down to the awesome sponsors we had supporting the night, our fabulous DJ for the night, Arnie from Arnold’s Disco, and the gorouges Deb from Day 2 Day PA, who acted as the MC for the event … and bloody good acting she did, too. She really is just fabulous.

The Real Mum of the Year was announced, the illustrious title going to Jodi Gibson of Melbourne, who was tiara’d, robed and sashed, courtesy of Clever Streak, Pink Apple and Bella Sashes, and won some prizes from Chef’s Toolbox. Of course, she was also presented with a trophy, courtesy of Engraving Plus and a chocolte bouquet from Better than Flowers.

Prizes were aplenty; bling from Glitzee, adornments and accessories from Baubles, Bubbles & Bags and Accessory IDheas, gifts from Real Mums,  What Can I Eat, Mother’s Toolkit, Sunny Mummy, La Toriana, and … soooo many  more …

They had to work for them though; Jacinta managing to get her washing (well, socks specifically) sorted, paired and folded, the person matching the most pairs chose their prize. We also knew how to fill a dance floor – literally everyone up – for a game of musical statues to win the much coveted two night stay at Front Beach Torquay!

Guests were treated to a fashion parade by some very real mums, courtesy of Argyro Gavalas, who also dressed me for the evening (well, I dressed myself, I am capable of doing that – even after all the wine’s I’d had pre-event – they just provided the outfit). Oh, how everyone laughed and laughed and wolf-whilstled and drank some more.

We had some deliciously scrumptious cupcakes from Cupcakes of Kensington to indulge in, and had soooo much fun with the incredibly awesome Chocolate Shots courtesy of Chocolatier, who are doubly awesome because they came to our rescue with only two days notice after a previous sponsor had a crisis and has to pull out. So, we do love Chocolatier quite a lot right at this point in time.

There were also the gorgeous girls from Adorn Mineral Cosmetics who made us all look more gorgeous, and were run off their feet the entire night, providing mini-makoevers and touch ups (of the makeup on our face! It wasn’t that sort of night, thank you very much!), and the very fabulous Emma from Hand Print Massage who treated all of us (except me, I never got one *pout*) to a bit of a back rub, while the talented Sarah Louise wandered around pointing a camera in our faces and catching the action.

Everyone went home happy, tired and more than a wee bit pissed, with a goody bag from The Spotty Napkin, who also provided the lolly bags – yes, lolly bags! – filled with vouchers and samples from everyone above, and more; Your Kids Ed contributed, as did Suz’s Space, Ahava Dead Sea, Curves, 52 Hair Co, some much needed Wine Wipes and even more bling courtsey of Dot Info Enterprises (who, I also need to add, are our BIGGEST supporter, we wouldn’t have the night if not for them, and they also have the most amazing and the classiest woman in the world working for them!)

All in all, it was a fabulous night, with some great goodies to take home. The best bit, for me, was how everyone just relaxed and had FUN! A LOT of fun. No doubt the mental health break many needed.

It’s not just me, either, quite a few have commented that this was the “best Mums’ Night Out! yet” … so that’s nice!

Can’t wait for the next one. I just love catching up with a bunch of amazing, fun and supportive women, dancing, and doing a heap of laughing! Love it!

Here are some (very few, actually!) hightlights of the night