When I first found out I had won a competition to become a Superdrug Summer Insider, I actually had to have a little lie down on the floor by my desk at work – this was not, I would like to add, at all related to the night before when I spent the evening in an Austrian-themed bar with large glasses.

When I entered the competition, on the last day you were actually allowed to, I never expected to actually get this far…

And now, I’m a little bit further, a little bit older and a little bit wiser and have the most amazing stash of goodies.

But I couldn’t have done it without the help from some fab peeps at Superdrug – Bronwyn and Kathleen – the former who came to my rescue when I reviewed Superdrug.com and answered my many questions, the latter who gave me excellent technical advice – so thanks guys!

Before this competition, Superdrug was the fabulous pink store that always had my favourite shampoo by Tresemme cheaper than anywhere else, always had the best choice of vibrant nail polish, and always had something I could afford as a treat no matter how far away pay day was.

But now when I walk into Superdrug I want to tell people – I was a Superdrug Summer Insider, don’t you know?! I want to point out products I’ve reviewed and say, ‘Try this, it’s ace!’

Or ‘Try that – it’s my new favourite!’

I think people would brand me as slightly mental if I actually did do that – so I have managed to bite my tongue so far and shop in silence, but I think the kinship I feel for the fabulous pink store will never, ever go.

Now when I walk past Superdrug, it makes me smile – when I hit on Superdrug.com, the Summer Insiders link gives me a giddy grin, and reading what the other Insiders are up is a great accompaniment to my lunchtime sarnie.

I think when this is all over, I will miss it very much.

So thanks Superdrug and Cherry London for making me a Superdrug Summer Insider – it’s a job title I will treasure forever.