I Love Your Blog: Connie Consumes

I have been reading Connie's blog for a couple of years now, and more recently have become friends with her through the most wonderful of mediums...as members of PIZZA CLUB (the other two members, Vicky and Emma, have also been interviewed for this series!). Connie writes about her foodie and travel adventures over at Connie Consumes, and I'm forever getting great restaurant tips and major food envy from her shares!

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How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging at Connie Consumes for around three years and still love every minute of it!

What do you blog about?  Do you have a specific goal with your blog, or is it more a record of your life?

I blog about food and travel which are two huge parts of my life in London and the main reasons I moved here! I like to think of the blog as a diary and portfolio - it's a reminder of all the incredible adventures we've had and also a place for me to indulge in my love of story telling and writing.

All pictures in this post are courtesy of the lovely Connie!

What is your favourite thing about blogging?

It's a cliche but definitely the people I've met through blogging in London - as an expat, it can be hard to make new friends in a new city, but the blogging community has made this pretty easy!

What is your least favourite thing about blogging?

All the boring technical, behind the scenes stuff which I still don't understand! I'm just a girl who wants to tell everyone what she had for dinner...

Do you have any favourite posts on your blog – pieces you’re really proud of, which document something special, or which seemed to strike a chord with your readers?

I've got an old post and a recent post which I really love... The recent one is about our experience at Gaggan, Asia's Best Restaurant according to World's 50 Best Awards; I'm really happy with the way I captured our overall disappointing experience in what I hope is a balanced and informative post. The old one is my recipe for a fancy sausage roll which despite my amateur photography skills is still one of the most popular posts on my blog!


Whose blogs do you love?  I’m always looking for recommendations :)

I love Dalton Banks because Vicky and I share a very similar food and travel style, Hand Luggage Only because their photography is to die for, and Woks Of Life for cooking inspiration!

You are the queen of finding amazing places to dine! Where are your go-to sites for inspiration and ideas?

I use instagram a lot... some might even say I'm a little obsessed with it, but I also love reading reviews from Marina O'Laughlin and Jay Rayner, and the Eater Hot Lists. I'm not someone who swears by a critic's review, as I believe people should try things for themselves and form their own opinions, but I do enjoy reading their commentaries!

What would be your perfect meal?

I think I've spent more time thinking about this one than a current issue I'm trying to resolve at work - such a tricky question! I would start with a selection of nigiri and a beef tartare, then follow that up with a stonkingly spicy laksa, before finishing with a gelato - and if anyone knows of a restaurant who can do all that in one meal, please for the love of god, let me know!

Which ingredients or dishes do you loathe?

Aubergine, pumpkin, sweet potato, and mint!

What tips do you have for bloggers growing and nurturing their blogs?

I truly believe the most successful and engaging blogs are the ones where the blogger is not only passionate, but also knowledgeable about their content - I value their opinions so much more and actually get excited about what they have to share.

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Thank you so much for visiting today, Connie!

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I Love Your Blog: Dorkface

Jemma, the girl genius behind Dorkface and the loveliness that is The Girl Gang over on social media, is a multi-coloured ray of sunshine. Filled to the brim with humour and creativity, both she and her blog are delightful, and I was so pleased she was able to make time for a quick interview for I Love Your Blog.

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The lady herself! The pictures in this post were kindly provided by Jemma :)

How long have you been blogging?

In total, almost 5 years, however Dorkface has only been 3 and a half! I decided to start taking it seriously and putting my rambles to good use, haha.

What do you blog about?  Do you have a specific goal with your blog (i.e. reviewing products, promoting a business, transitioning into a writing / media / digital career), or is it more a record of your life? 

I blog about a range of topics which all build up to give my readers a greater understand of who I am. So there'll be plenty of lifestyle posts, think pieces, DIY posts, crafty, creative and colourful work, some beauty reviews, and whatever else I fancy! The goals for my blog are mainly just to keep people interested! I love documenting my life for myself, but I'd truly love if this helped me achieve my dreams (SO many! Write a fiction book, create an Art book, Get my designs in places like Paperchase, travel the world!).

What is your favourite thing about blogging?

The inspiration I now feel on a daily basis! I can't believe there was once a time where I came home from work, watched TV and did NOTHING. I feel sorry for old Jemma, haha!

What is your least favourite thing about blogging? 

The gang mentality on social media. It happens, I've had it happen. It can be really damaging. Keeping a distance is healthy.

Do you have any favourite posts on your blog – pieces you’re really proud of, which document something special, or which seemed to strike a chord with your readers? 

I do!

This is a personal piece I wrote, but I felt like I'd bared my soul writing it, and I wrote this recently, on how life can change so much. I also created a full guide to blogging, which I put so much effort into!

Whose blogs do you love?  I’m always looking for recommendations. 

I LOOOOVE the following SO damn much -

Little White Socks

Lauren Evie

Lazy Thoughts

A Girl Obsessed

Midnight and Lace

I’m always in awe of the sheer amount of writing you manage to do. What are your best tips for creating and organising content? 

Write every damn chance you get! Whether its on your phone scribbling notes on your phone, or writing down an idea in the middle of the night - take advantage of inspiration! I always meticulously plan ahead, for the next month of content. I can switch my schedule around as much as I like, but I have all the ideas/drafts for posts there, ready to go or work on!

I love The Girl Gang, the amazing community you’ve created. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the group? 

I simply hope people will keep the spirit of it alive! I try to do giveaways, plan fun things, get people involved; but at the heart of it is a simple message of spreading joy. I hope it serves as a nice reminder and encourages people.

I love your creativity and I know you make and sell many beautiful things on your etsy. What are your favourite things to create? Are there any items you’d like to make or design that you haven’t done yet? 

YES OMG. My favourite things for the past few months have been selling original canvas paintings. Each one is unique, and never replicated; and they're my babies! I tend to put these on Twitter or Instagram when they're done, to see if anyone wants them, rather than listing them on Etsy, just as its easier! I'm SOSOSO excited for a current project I'm working on. It's something I've ALWAYS wanted to do, and I've been keeping it hidden for months now. I hope it'll be finished and ready for sale in September, eeep! Keep an eye out!

What tips do you have for bloggers growing and nurturing their blogs?

Do your own thing, only spread joy, take time away from social media often, and do whatever makes you happy! :)

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Thanks so much for popping over, Jemma! What a fun and inspiring interview!

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I Love Your Blog!

I've been lucky enough to do some pretty cool things in the name of blogging. This little series is one of my pet projects, however, as it's a fantastic way to get to share some of the awesome bloggers I work alongside and whose words, images, personalities and style I enjoy. In the series I've included all sorts of bloggers, of all different sizes and niches, from dear friends (one was even one of my bridesmaids!) to people I only know and admire online. Here are five more blogs I love - I'm approaching them all for interview and hopefully before long I'll be able to feature one, some, or all of them here.

1. Connie Consumes

I knew of Connie from her awesome blog for a good long while, and in more recent times I've got to spend time with her as a member of Pizza Club. Connie's writing is whip-smart, conversational and fun, and her images are beautiful. The woman is so game for trying new dishes, new flavours and cuisines, and I'm always finding great London foodie spots through her blog.

2. Dorkface

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I Love Your Blog: Vicky Dalton-Banks

While I love being a lifestyle blogger, I like to read blogs of a million different types. From books to food to fashion to travel there are so many awesome people writing great things, taking amazing pictures and creating compelling, interesting content. What a delight it is to be a small cog within this realm!

One of my favourite foodie bloggers, as well as a great traveller and truly a 'must click' for restaurant recommendations here in town is the lovely Vicky Dalton-Banks. I've been reading her blog for about two years now and I adore it, and I've been lucky to become friends with the lady herself through a series of food events and the wonder that is Pizza Club. I was delighted when Vicky agreed to be part of I Love Your Blog, and hope you enjoy her interview below.

Pretty lady! All pictures from Vicky's awesome blog :)

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for 2 and a half years and probably love doing it more than ever!

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I Love Your Blog: Jaye Rockett

I love when I get the chance to do this series. There are so many great bloggers out there, people sharing great ideas, great words, great images, and I love having the chance and the platform to share some of them here with you.

I actually cannot recall the first time I met Jaye, but I am oh-so-glad I did. Stylish, funny, and utterly addicted to stationery (qwe bonded hard over a mutual love of Kikki K, Paperchase, and Erin Condren, among others!), she's such a creative and kind member of the blogosphere, and I'm delighted that she agreed to take part in 'I Love Your Blog'.

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 1.      How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging now for almost five years, but my blog has taken quite a few forms during that time. I originally started it as something to keep me occupied when I moved to London for Uni and knew nobody, and it’s kind of evolved into something of a digital diary!

2.      What do you blog about?  Do you have a specific goal with your blog, or is it more a record of your life?

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Sunday letters....

On Sunday, I pressed 'publish' on my first ever newsletter. I thought I'd share the first one here too - if you'd like to be on the list for a little letter from me each week, you can sign up here. No spam, no hard sell, just thinking-out-loud, a little love, a little silliness, going out into the world. I'd love to have you join.

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Subject: Hello!

When I was younger, at boarding school, each Sunday was letter writing day.

After chapel, before lunch, we all had to sit in the common room and write letters. Letters to parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, scrawled out longhand and mailed off to the four corners of the globe. As tiresome as I found the routine at times back then, the discipline of Sunday letters has stuck with me and often it's the day where I find myself putting pen to paper to write a card, a greeting or a hello.

When I thought about setting up a newsletter, then, it made sense that Sunday would be the day to do it. Mondays are too busy, Fridays too festive, Saturdays too social and the rest of the week a bit of a blur, to be honest! As we move forward I'm sure this little newsletter will grow and change and morph into something all its very own, but for now I'm just excited to have you all along for the ride.

As I type this it's an inky-dark November evening here in London. Outside the temperature has dropped and the last few fireworks of the season are being set off by the good denizens of Stratford and Hackney. Here in my study all is calm and quiet, bar the occasional purr-snores emanating from Poppet and Leela, who are both snoozing in the corner (Fry has repaired elsewhere after bravely 'saving' me from the printer a moment ago. Hero). I love having this little space - a little haven from the world.

A world which can seem more than a little fraught at times. The next week is going to be pretty much dominated by one story, I think. Clinton vs Trump. The big showdown. I'm not sure how it'll play out, but whatever happens I think it'll be nasty right down to the wire. I've never seen a fight so vicious. Or so long - it feels like this presidential campaign kicked off in 1995!

I'll sign off for now, as dinner and an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition call my name. More to come; I'm looking forward to going on this journey with you all!

Best wishes,

Claire

This week I have been reading Hold Back The Stars; listening to Big Day In A Small Town; and watching The Apprentice  (so hooked!). I've also been enjoying candles in the dark nights, picking up catalogues for Christmas gift ideas, and partying at a Silent Disco in the loading bay of The Royal Albert Hall. Dressed as a nun.

The week ahead contains fun at the World Travel Market exhibition, steak at an Argentinian hotspot, time with friends, volunteering, and ten pin bowling. All on top of the usual fun. Have a great week, all!

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Thanks for reading :)

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I Love Your Blog: Bloody Hell Brennan

Katie Brennan is a flipping force of nature.

Actress, singer, writer, bon vivant and so much more, I've been reading her blog (Bloody Hell Brennan) for a good long while now and am extremely lucky to be able to call her a friend too. Whether it's watching her (award nominated, sellout) autobiographical stage show, bantering on WhatsApp or laughing at a well-told story at a Bangarang get-together, I never tire of her company, and her writing is a delight. I'm thrilled to host her here today for another round of 'I Love Your Blog'. Let's go, Brennan!

The lovely Miss B! All pictures kindly sent to me by the lady herself.

1.How long have you been blogging?

Since February 2013...so nearly four years! BLIMEY MATE that's gone quickly! 

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I Love Your Blog

I really love this series. In a busy blogosphere, there are so many fantastic writers, photographers and storytellers sharing their view of the world, and I never fail to be inspired, educated or entertained by my fellow bloggers. In this feature I get to share about some favourites of mine - and here are my choices for this turnaround.  I've emailed all the bloggers involved and will hope to have some of them interviewed here soon, very busy schedules allowing :).

Bloody Hell Brennan

Whether she's taking the Fringe by storm, sipping a fabulous gin cocktail or kicking the butt of a goblin, Katie is a force of nature and her blog is funny, clever and moving. I adore both the woman and the blog, and am always excited to see a new post from the divine Miss Brennan.

Charlie Distracted

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