A couple of weekends ago I finally made it to a bloggers event! Alert the authorities, I know. I usually say I’m going to go and I’m excited until about four days before the thing, when I realize I’m short on money and would rather stay home and save on transport. The weekend of #bloggersfestival, the northern line — the easiest, most straightforward way for me to get to the event — was closed between Golders Green and Camden Town for repairs in Hampstead, too, but I actually spent less on buses than I would have on the tube even though I had to take two separate 168 buses on the way back because the first one randomly cut short at Camden Town, only announcing its shortened route when it was already past King’s Cross. Can you get a refund if a bus does that? I chose to walk extra to avoid a second bus fare; it’s just unfair.
Anyway, I went despite this! And I’m really lazy about walking, so that means I was extra brave. Go me. I was really encouraged by the way Scarlett from Scarlett London organized everything and kept sending out reminders to guests, and the #bloggersfestival hashtag actually having people talking about it.
The walk didn’t feel nearly as long as I expected — I keep thinking “10 minutes” as per Google Maps will feel like a long walk, but it’s actually a breeze at this point. One day I’m going to check the time it takes me to get from my flat to the supermarket (either supermarket) and see if it’s actually ten minutes. It feels like five, tops. It feels nice. On the walk from the 168 bus stop near Southampton Row to Tottenham Court Rd, where the event was held, I actually came across a large party all dressed for what I assume was a wedding, judging by the women in matching golden dresses and also the fact that they were having their group picture taken on the steps of a church. I lingered for a couple of minutes to take pictures, naturally, though in retrospect I kind of wish I’d lingered longer and taken more.
I did take a ton at the event, though; it was a cool practice run for event photography, which is one of the reasons I wanted to be there. The goodie bag wasn’t awful, either, and the cupcakes were delicious. I clearly should have taken more. And more sugar cookies. I’m going to have to make the trek to Marks & Spencer or something at some point, because the two supermarkets within easy walking distance of my flat are totally failing me in the sweet pastry department. I want some damn cupcakes that have actual icing on them and don’t cost an eye; is that so much to ask?
Anyway, the event. Prepare for lots of pictures.
The Brands
Very
I don’t support this company, but I like this picture
Quiz Clothing
Cloud Nine hair stuff
Oriflame. Got a parcel in the mail from them today! Excited to try their products.
Bee Good and their themed cookies
Ecco and Ella — don’t ask me to tell them apart, but they both sell very nice shoes
I didn’t get to try Sweet Pizzas — I was too thirsty and didn’t think I should down any more sugar — and I regret it every time I look at this picture.
The Bloggers
If you know anyone here that I haven’t ID’d, feel free to tell me. I’m curious.
Aura from Aura Borealis Writes
Nina from Nina Francesca
Sade from In My Sunday Best
Urika from U for Urika
Amanda from Rhyme & Ribbons
Olivia from Beauty From The Fjord
I love this picture so much I have it in black and white too. But I haven’t the first clue who this girl is.
The View From Paramount Centre
And Me, Afterwards
Overall, I’m glad I went. I was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable for a good while, but I kind of lingered after everyone had left and the place was empty and I felt a lot better, plus I got a couple of things that were supposed to go out in a raffle and hadn’t been — a tote bag and a notebook from Ted Baker, both of which I’ve been using regularly since. The goodie bags had lovely stuff, too — I have long since eaten the cupcake from Want Her Dress (delicious, though they had some mini ones at their stand and they were far easier to eat) and the sugar cookie from Quiz, but I still have, unopened in their original packaging, a small bottle of white wine, a lipstick from Oriflame, a travel size thing of body butter from Green People, a couple of brochures I wish I’d seen and left behind (they’re going straight to the recycling bin; it seems wasteful), and a tank top from Minimum that I need to get rid of because I never wear tank tops, though I was ridiculously disappointed when I realized it wasn’t a tee — the fabric is so nice. I also got some nail stickers that I thought would go great with a dress I need to shoot.
There were several raffles spread across the brand stands, none of which I participated in because awkward and also crowds stifle me. I got to say hi to more people than I thought I would at first, which was nice. Next time, I need to either agree to meet with someone beforehand who won’t mind hanging off them for most of the event, or get involved in the organizing so I have something specific to do and a reason to sit back and let stuff happen around me — or stand around and take pictures, which is basically what I did for most of this one.
Also, bring water with me. I got a glass of water from the bar at the end of the event and they didn’t charge me for that, but they were selling water for £4 and that was the cheapest thing on the mini drink menu. I am too broke for drinks.
Have you been to any blogging events? Do you like them?