As I write this – wrapped in my duvet while feeling sorry for myself with a stinking horrid cold – I realise that July has been a pretty busy month. And it doesn’t look like there’s going to be any let-up in August either. I got home around 11pm last night from icelolly.com‘s #BlogAtTheBeach event in Leeds. With talks on SEO and video (plus a session on how to work with brands by the lovely Monica Stott at The Travel Hack), it was an inspiring afternoon that’s got me raring to go with this blogging m’larkey. Well, once I’m shrugged off this cold.
Greg Brand of Travizeo giving a talk on videos at icelolly.com’s #BlogAtTheBeach
What I’ve Been Doing
Afternoon tea after afternoon tea…it’s been a pretty full-on month of cake and sandwiches. I dread to think just how weight I’ve actually put on thanks to this challenge, but I’ve loved every second of it. While Clapham’s Secret Garden won me over with their gorgeous decor (make sure you pop in to have a look if you’re down that way!), the Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea at the Sanderson Hotel wins the prize of most inventive use of sugary goodness. And don’t even get me started on how great a venue the British Museum is for afternoon tea – I’ll save that for its own post!
On top of that I took a whirlwind tour to the South Downs National Park for a unique stay in an old Pullman carriage. It was so lovely to get away from London for a night – especially with the Tube strike in full swing – and to get a taste of this wonderful area of England. Definitely a place to re-visit soon!
I also spent a day volunteering in London for the Waterloo food bank (a fantastic cause if you ever see them around and about), plus a lunchtime up the Walkie Talkie at the Sky Garden. As you’ll see in a future post, I’m pretty sure it’s even better than going up the Shard – and did I mention it’s 100% free?!
What I’ve Been Writing
Bloggers Reveal Their Best Animal Experience
Afternoon Tea at the Wellcome Kitchen
Essential Items For Your Las Vegas Trip
I Spent the Night on a Luxury Pullman Train Carriage!
5 Times I Was Glad I Had Travel Insurance
Bloggers’ Mad Hatters Tea Party at Sanderson Hotel
Win an Afternoon Tea For Two at The Black Swan, Helmsley
Clapham’s Secret Garden: One Pop-Up to Visit This Summer
What I’ve Been Reading
Luggage Tags and Ticket Stumps shared her views on why expat life isn’t always fun, holidays and parties, while I’ve loved Global Roaming’s posts on why catching cross-country trains is better than flying andusing a Eurail pass. It’s got me tempted to run off on a European rail trip…
And if there’s one video you’re going to watch this month, make it Vicky Flip Flop‘s round-up of her year of travel by herself. Could it get any more inspiring than this?!
Next Month…
I’m looking to make the most of the sun by catching up with friends I haven’t seen in aaaaages. But don’t worry – there’ll be lots more blog posts for you! Amongst many other things there will be a blogger sleepover at Qbic London City Hotel (plus a pretty nifty competition for all you lovelies). Plus I’ll *finally* be heading over to a city that I’ve been wanting to visit for years. Keep an eye on my Instagram page for all the goss!
As for now? Back to bed for my 17th nap of the day. *Sniffles*
I hope you get over your cold soon Emily – looking forward to reading about your British Museum tea and I loved your post about sleeping in the railway carriage!
Lol! I feel like a spend my life going to afternoon teas! I was in Cannes this month, it was gorgeous!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Ooo, thanks for including my video! I was just popping by to see what you’d been up to and there I see my face. Shocker!
Sounds like you’ve had a good month. Glad the BlogBeach thing was fun. Looks like you all had a good time.
Haha no problem love! I’ve been telling everyone to watch it. Seriously so inspiring. (Also I LOOOVE the name ‘BlogBeach’.) x