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#bloggersfestival – event round up!

Hi everyone,

So last weekend I was lucky enough to snap up a ticket for the annual #bloggersfestival held at the luxury Conrad St James Hotel in Westminster by London lifestyle blogger Scarlett Dixon, in association with Scarlett London events. Although back for a third year running, this was my first time to the festival and I couldn’t wait to attend and to meet some new blogger friends! Here’s how I got on…

The arrival

Best backdrop ever 🌸🌸 #bloggersfestival @scarlettlondon #flowerwall

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I think the arrival was possibly the best thing I’ve ever walked into. Like, there was a flower wall. An ACTUAL, real life wall, made of flowers. Think Kim K. Think luxe fashonista and you’re there. I fell in love with this wall – a fair few photos (mainly selfies) were taken and I literally could have stayed there all day, I just wish I dressed up a bit more so I could have taken a more flattering photo!

 

The stalls & sponsors

The set up for #bloggersfestival was looking good last week! Thanks @scarlettlondon @conradlondonsj for an amazing event! #fbf #london

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The stalls at this event were quite heavily beauty and fashion focused, from the likes of Jewellery Box & Beverly Hills Formula to Exuviance and Heaven Skincare, so I felt like there wasn’t really much on offer in the way of travel. I would have liked to have seen a popup stall from a tour operator or even a luggage supplier, but I guess we’re all human and we all have skin/hair/beauty needs so it wasn’t completely irrelevant to my jetsetting lifestyle!

 

The competitions

Hoping to win these beauties from @gosendgo ! Having a fab day at #bloggersfestival @scarlettlondon

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There were a number of competitions that were being ran from selected stalls throughout the course of the day. Some were offering the chance to win big prizes, such as a Michael Kors watch and a £250 US gift bag, whilst others were running ones with smaller prizes. I entered pretty much all of them, via social media of course, but didn’t win a thing – boooo! I suppose it’s the taking part that counts though, and my Twitter/Insta was going crazy with notifications throughout the day.

The goody bags

 

Possibly my favourite thing about the festival was the endless amount of FREEBIES that were on offer throughout the day. I’m not one to go and grab free stuff, sometimes I feel cheeky and that I should pay for things where necessary, but I literally didn’t put my hand in my purse all day as everything was totally free! We were greeted with drinks and pick n mix upon arrival, then different goodies were thrust into our hands (or arms) whilst making our way around the stalls. I picked up everything from face masks and hair oils to phone charging devices, chocolates and make up. It’s safe to say that getting back on the Oxford Tube whilst carrying three bags, my handbag, jacket and umbrella was a bit of a challenge, but a fun one none the less! A big THANKYOU to all the lovely sponsors for the gifts and treats that I picked up during the day.

The goodbyes

Best day at #bloggersfestival with @scarlettlondon @katevictoriaphotography @girlgoesto @footstepsontheglobe

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Loved meeting these girls at last weekends #bloggersfestival @conradlondonsj in #London with @scarlettlondon 💖🎉 #fbf

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I spent the day with the lovely Kate from Kate Victoria Photography, we met up in Westminster just beforehand, once we’d found each other under Big Ben’s shadow and fought our way past hundreds of tourists! When we were at the hotel we met up with Mel from Footsteps on the Globe and Becky from Girl Goes To and we all had a lovely time devouring cupcakes and comparing freebies. Thanks for the company girls – see you at the next event!

So there we have it, my round up of my first ever #bloggersfestival experience. Did you go to the festival too? What did you think? I already can’t wait for the 2017 event – big thank you to Scarlett for putting together a fantastic afternoon!

Love Jess x

#fbf to when me and @katevictoriaphotography made the Twitter wall at last weeks #bloggersfestival 🙋🎉 @scarlettlondon

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Another exciting announcement: Something new in my travel career!

twitter-news

 

Hi guys,

So I know I had a big announcement to make last month, and becoming a brand ambassador for the first time with TransferTravel was super duper exciting news, but it’s all systems go in my little life right now, and you probably won’t be surprised to read that I’m taking on another new challenge as well!

As of this week I am now an INTERN for The UK Blog Awards, one of the biggest companies in the blogging industry! I was lucky enough to be selected and am delighted to be working closely with founder and MD Gemma to boost my social media and blogging skills and to learn lots of new things along the way.

 

 

As most of you will know, I entered the 2016 UK Blog Awards last year and was honoured to be shortlisted for Best Travel Blog by you lovely lot. This year I’m hoping to enter my blog into the awards again, and am aiming to be shortlisted for the second year running; who knows, I might even have a chance of winning the coveted award too! *Please be aware that my role as an intern for the company will NOT affect my entry in any way, shape or form and I will be entering in exactly the same way, just like any other blogger.*

I’ll be interning with Gemma for the next three months and am so excited for us to work together. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to attend a couple of events with the company too and I can’t wait to see where this opportunity leads for me! I’m getting myself out there and taking on as much as possible whilst I’m trying to launch my freelance writing & social media consultancy business as well as being a brand ambassador and blogging full time too.

So, it’s going to be a hectic few months between now and Christmas but I cannot WAIT to get started and to embrace this new role alongside my existing commitments! As always, I’ll be sharing everything with you all, every step of the way… Watch this space guys!

Love Jess x

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Discover Dallas in a Day

#Dallas 🇺🇸🎉

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Hey Y’all!

Sorry, American accent again, but this is a Texan themed blog post so I figured it would be ok to speak accordingly! On my Contiki adventure this summer I was lucky enough to explore different areas of Texas, including Amarillo and Fortworth, but my favourite by far was beautiful Dallas. I only spent a day there but it was enough to make me fall in love with it! If you’ve only got a short time in Dallas this guide will help you make the most of your visit…

Get your Cowboy boots on

#Dallas… The only time I've ever been BIG! 🙋 #tbt #grandsouthern #noregrets #throwbackthursday

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When in Dallas you MUST get yourself a pair of cowboy boots and fit in with the local Texan crowds! There are tonnes of shops selling all sorts of leather goods, from belts to bags to jackets, but getting your cowboy boots on will help to embrace your inner Texan spirit and will let you make the most of your short time in Dallas. I got mine from Wild Bills Western Store in the downtown area of the city and got a real bargain – $50 for a pair of size 3 kids boots! Ok, so most of you normal people won’t be able to get quite a good a deal as that (I bet you don’t have freakishly small feet like me) but the store sells boots for fair prices and I guarantee that you’ll find the style you’re looking for at Bills!

 

See the exact spot where JFK was assassinated

 

This was really moving and one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Dallas. Starting at The Sixth Floor Museum, I learnt about the history of JFK, how he first rose to power as US President and then how he met his demise when he was assassinated on 22nd November 1963. The museum is so informative and really gives you an insight into the life of one of the world’s most famous men. After the museum tour is over, ride up to the sixth floor and look out of the window to see where JFK was assassinated. You’ll be able to locate the exact place where he was fatally killed, an X marks the spot, and you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time to that fateful November day.

 

Visit the AT&T Stadium

Located in Arlington, just outside of the city centre, The AT & T Stadium is home to one of the most famous football teams in the world, The Dallas Cowboys. The 80,000 seat stadium is also used as a concert arena and hosts other major sporting events throughout the year. Upon our stadium tour we were taken around the conference boxes, stands and private dressing rooms and even played a bit of football out on the field itself. If you’re not a sporting fan this tour might not appeal to you, but don’t do what I did and expect the Dallas Cowboys to be a rodeo show, instead of a football team – I can guarantee you’ll feel disappointed! (duuhhh Jess!)

Check out the museums

I miss you #Dallas 🇺🇸🇺🇸 @contiki @statravel #grandsouthern #contiki #USA #america #traveltuesday #texas

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There are no shortage of museums in Dallas, from the African American museum to the Art museum and the museum of Nature and Science, there’s something for everyone. Many of the museums are free and are open to the public all year round, but it’s advised to book your tickets online or arrive early to avoid queuing. You’ll also find exhibits and other points of interest scattered around the city, such as the Dallas County Courthouse and the JFK memorial square.

 

Explore the zoo and aquarium

 

As if there wasn’t enough to see and do already, Dallas also boasts a huge zoo and large aquarium, both of which are two of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Situated in the downtown area of the city, Dallas Zoo is set on over 100 acres of land and is home to over 8000 animals, whilst Dallas World Aquarium looks after thousands of different species of fish as well as sharks, mammals, birds and reptiles. Both the zoo and the aquarium are the largest in Texas and offer a fun day out for all the family!

 

Climb the Reunion Tower

Ummm how beautiful is this sky, y'all?! I'm obsessed with Texas sunsets! -The Ball 📷: @hellabrassica

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One of the biggest tourist attractions is the iconic Reunion Tower, allowing visitors to experience Dallas in all its glory from 560ft up in the air with 360 degree panoramic views across the city. The tower is home to a restaurant, café, observation deck and gift shop and is popular with tourists from all across the globe. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to visit the tower during my short time in Dallas, but its on my to-do list for my return visit!

So there we have it, your ultimate guide to discovering Dallas in a day! Have you ever been to Dallas before? Is there any where you think I’ve missed that should be on this guide? I’d love to hear your feedback!

Love Jess x

 

 

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August Newsletter!

Hi everyone,

So August seems to have come and gone already and it’s passed us by oh so quickly! I’ve been busy for the most part of this month and have had plenty to keep me occupied; I’ve been  on a couple of little trips and have become a brand ambassador for an exciting new company! I’ve also totally rebranded my website and am working round the clock to launch my freelance social media consultancy business… Here’s how my August turned out…

I rebranded my website

 

I am sooo pleased that my brand new website is now LIVE! I’ve been working round the clock to improve my site, create proper menus and a new layout and am so pleased with the result. I feel that it looks much more professional and I’ve been receiving lots of compliments already – I’d love to know what you all think, and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!!

 

I spent a week in Liverpool

This is #Liverpool 🏙🇬🇧 #GB #UK #visitgreatbritain #traveltuesday

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I recently took a week out to spend some quality time with my family in Liverpool and I had the best week! I’d gone to the V Festival in Staffordshire and then spent the rest of the week staying with family and exploring my second home. Liverpool is such an amazing city with so much to see and do! We took a ferry ‘cross the Mersey, went inside the Town Hall and walked along the Pier Head past the iconic Liver Building. I had a lovely week off just relaxing and enjoying myself – big thanks to my lovely grandparents for having me to stay! <3

 

I’ve become a brand ambassador

**NEW BLOG POST!!** Read all about my special announcement!! Link in bio ⬆️⬆️ Go check it out! @transfertravel

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So my big August news was the announcement of my new role as a Brand Ambassador for Transfer Travel – I’ve been working with the guys there for a few weeks now and am LOVING every second! I’ve been creating video blogs (something totally new for me) and am sending over written content for the site too. Here’s to many more months as a brand ambassador!

 

I’m launching my brand new business

Now that I’m back from my American adventure I’m throwing myself into my blog whilst launching my freelance business at the same time. I’ve set myself up as a freelance writer and social media consultant and am absolutely loving working for myself! I have two social media clients and one writing client so far and I’ve only been freelancing for three weeks! I’m hoping to build on my portfolio and add more clients to my database which will enable me to take on more projects and keep up this job on a full time basis. If you’re looking for a freelance writer or social media consultant, or you’d like to hire me for a sponsored post or press trip, then please get in touch today to see how we could work together!

 

I collaborated with Cheerz.com

**NEW BLOG POST!** Collaboration with @cheerz – product review and discount code for you! #cheerz #Wordpress #blog #post #newpost

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August also saw me collaborate with fab photo printing website Cheerz – I was asked to review some of their products and I absolutely LOVED them! I now have some fancy fridge magnets and cute polaroid prints from my American adventure and I will 100% be using Cheerz again. If you want to place an order for yourself don’t forget to use the promo code JESS75 to receive a £4 discount!

So that’s pretty much it for August – September is coming up and looks set to be super busy with my Italian escape taking up the best part of two weeks and I am SO excited! How did your August go?

Love Jess x

 

👯👯🎉🎉 #bankholiday

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Help! I have a serious case of post-travel blues…

Quite possibly the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen 🇺🇸😍 @contiki @statravel_uk #monumentvalley

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Hey everyone,

So I’m writing this post with a bit of a heavy heart. I have been feeling so so down lately, and a bit lost, and I just don’t know where to turn to or what to do about it really, other than write it all down a big long blog post and try to work out what the hell is wrong with me!

As most of you will know, I recently returned from the trip of a lifetime across America. I had the best time of my whole life and made friends with so many new people, most of whom are now lifelong friends. We have become so close and I miss them all dearly, every single day. They all live in Australia and New Zealand, which makes it even harder when you live the other side of the world in rainy old England! I talk to most of them as much as I can – thank god for FaceTime! – and we all keep in touch on our group Facebook, but it’s just not the same!

 

 

I’ve experienced travel blues before, I often feel a bit down when I’m back from a holiday or city break, I guess it’s only normal, but this is a whole different thing all together. I’m experiencing something I’ve never dealt with before, I’m sad all the time and I feel low even when I have other people around me, like my amazing family and my friends from home. I guess it’s the intensity of being with so many people for such a long time, living with them day in day out, sharing the same adventure and going on the same journey together which makes it such an intense experience – we all bonded and clicked, and maybe that’s why I’m finding it so hard to be without them all.

I think I’m also struggling because I haven’t had a ‘normal’ routine to go back to – I quit my job in order to travel and focus on my blog for the rest of this year, which I’m doing, and I’m so lucky to be in a position to be able to do so, but I’m finding it incredibly lonely and, at times, I’m struggling to adjust to my new life. So many people have said to me ‘oh you’re living the dream’ or ‘oh why are you moaning you don’t have work to get up for tomorrow’ and yeah, I get that, I see where they’re coming from, but at the same time I don’t have anyone around me during the days when I’m at my lowest point and I’m dwelling on the past. I don’t have anyone to have my lunch with, and I don’t have anyone to talk to if I’m feeling like things are getting on top of me.

 

 

Maybe I’m suffering from sort of mild depression, and I say that very very carefully, as I know depression is a terrible illness that affects so many people. I’ve dealt with a mild form of depression before; when I was 15 and I had eating problem and body issues, and then again when I was 21 and I dealt with my first heartbreak. At times I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I went through darkness where I cried for hours every single day, for weeks on end, and it took months for me to get back to the real me, and to feel as I had done in happier times. So I’m not saying this on the same level, or in any way comparable to people who have suffered with and have been diagnosed with real depression, but it’s kind of the only thing that describes the way I’ve been feeling lately.

 

Even if it ain't all it seems, I've got a pocket full of dreams 🏙🇺🇸 #newyork #NYC #bigapple #tbt

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I’m trying to cure my travel blues by keeping busy, focusing on my blog and developing my freelance writing jobs and of course by keeping active. I take my dog out for a walk every single day, and she keeps me company by sitting at my feet whilst I type away furiously on my laptop! I also see my friends as much as I can and I’m constantly texting/FaceTiming people so that keeps me busy, I guess I just need to fill my time and plan things to look forward to until I feel content enough to just relax and enjoy life. Maybe I’m just a bit nervous at the moment, what with not having a full time job and I’m wondering how I’m going to make a proper living, but I think I just need to take a step back and stop WORRYING! I find that so hard though, I worry about everything, I just can’t help it.

 

So exactly a whole month ago today I returned from my American adventure. My mum took this photo of me just as I had come through arrivals at Heathrow airport. Seconds earlier I had collapsed into my mum and dads arms and burst into tears. I sobbed so much and they both hugged me so tight and, in those few seconds, I realised nothing was more important than love. I felt overwhelmed with exhaustion, with relief that I'd made it home safe, and with emotion because my amazing adventure was over. But in those few seconds I realised that nothing is more important than being with people you love. Travelling has made me realise that, no matter how far you go or how long you're away for, you'll always come home to where you belong, and you'll always be loved no matter where you are in the world. It's also made me want to be a better person, live each day as if it's my last, and to never be afraid to act how I feel and to follow my heart. Have courage and believe in yourself. If you like someone, tell them. If you love someone, show them. Don't let anyone tell you you're being stupid or you can't do something you've always wanted to, who are they to judge? I guess since I've been home I've appreciated things a lot more, I've learnt to be content with who I am as a person, and to never doubt myself. I've also learnt to stop living in the past and start looking forward to the future. Be spontaneous, do things and see the world. Don't put things off, do them today, not tomorrow. Don't leave things unsaid. A lot can change in a day. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, please go and explore our beautiful planet, before it's too late. ✈️🌍

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Sorry for the rant, it just helps sometimes for me to get things off my chest! Have any of you ever experienced post travel blues before, and have they ever been on this level? I’d be keen to know if such a thing actually exists, or if I’m just being plain stupid!

Please tell me if it’s real, or if it’s all in my head…

Love Jess x

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game ⚾️⚾️

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