When I hit the ‘publish’ button on my first blog post exactly three years ago today I had absolutely no idea what I was doing nor what a brilliant adventure I was embarking on.

I did virtually no research into the world of food blogging before I got going, and in a way I’m rather thankful I didn’t, as I probably wouldn’t have plucked up the courage to do it if I had. There are so many amazing food blogs out there, I’m constantly amazed that anyone ever bothers to read mine. Whenever someone likes a post, leaves a comment or better still makes a recipe and comes back with feedback, I am absolutely thrilled and surprised.

It’s been a brilliant three years working on Bangers & Mash. It’s developed organically and I’ve learned so much along the way. I work pretty much full-time and have a family who take up much of the rest of my time, so the blog is definitely a hobby I must squeeze in, rather than a business enterprise.

From my funny little hand-drawn illustrations and dodgy photos with bad lighting, I’ve improved massively as a photographer over the years and finally this year invested in a digital SLR camera. Some of my photos are now getting accepted by the likes of Foodgawker, which I still can’t quite believe. My food and abilities as a home cook are improving all the time as a direct result of the blog, and I’ve made some really good friends along the way. Food bloggers are an incredibly supportive and friendly community, which is something I really wouldn’t have anticipated before I started down this road.

And so, lovely reader, as I celebrate three years as a food blogger, I’m asking for your support.

I’m very chuffed to have had Bangers & Mash shortlisted for two (yay, two!) awards and it would absolutely make my day (nay, year!) to make it through to the finals. And I need the public to vote for me – could you possibly throw a vote my way?

The first are the UK Blog Awards – the national industry awards for bloggers, in which Bangers & Mash has been nominated in the Food & Drink category. Voting closes on Wednesday 3 December 2014.

And the second awards are the Food Magazine Reader Awards – which celebrate the best foodies in the South West. So if you know this part of the world, you can also vote for your favourite local restaurant, chef, deli etc while you’re at it. Voting closes on Wednesday 14 January 2015.

With both awards, voting gets blogs through to the finals but the overall winners are selected by a panel of judges. If you can help me get in front of the judges that would be amazing.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement over the last three years, and thanks also to everyone who has voted for me so far. Here’s to many more years of food writing and cooking!