With so much work on for my final year of University, organising an event in the run up to Christmas seemed like an impossibility. However, after #BloggersFestival in September – I really missed the buzz of putting something together – and staying in Bournemouth for a couple of months put me firmly out of the bloggers loop. So when JewelleryBox.co.uk (who showcased at September’s event) got in touch about hosting a couple of smaller blogger evenings at their festive pop-up shop in Brick Lane, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get my events hat back on – without the pressure of a mammoth exhibition style party.
JewelleryBox, in case you haven’t come across their wonderful site before, offer a varied selection of gorgeous dainty bracelets, rings, charms, necklaces and earrings. Everything is very affordable (the majority are under £10) however you can also tell it’s great quality, as the majority of items are 9ct gold and jewellery with intricate detailing and adorable packaging. I discovered their incredible collection earlier this year and own a number of pieces myself, which reside in my very own jewellery box at home!
Seeing as I can personally vouch for them as a brand, I was delighted to be on board to organise two blogger pop-up evenings – one on Saturday 21st November and another on Tuesday 24th. Hosted at their Brick Lane store, which was kitted out in an incredibly festive display – we wanted both events to have an intimate feel, with just 10-15 bloggers at each. Although I absolutely love the atmosphere of the larger (200 + blogger) events, it was lovely to be able to chat to everyone properly – rather than fleetingly, so I think the smaller format worked very well.
In addition to the array of jewellery displays, bloggers were also treated to a couple of glasses of bubbly and some festive nibbles. Caroline from Glimmer Glam came along to offer individual glitter tattoos (you may remember her from September’s event) – and the lovely Gemma from JewelleryBox had arranged for each of us to stamp our initials onto our new necklaces. We managed to while away two hours chatting all things blog related, taking pictures and browsing jewellery – which I absolutely loved, because I felt I hadn’t for so long!
Each blogger left with a jam packed JewelleryBox tote bag, laden with goodies prepared both by myself and Gemma. Good & Proper Tea kindly donated a full size pack of their loose leaf tea, which I can’t wait to try – because there’s something so decadent about loose tea (just me?), while Doisy & Dam gave each attendee a little bar of their coffee and sprouted buckwheat organic chocolate. I won’t be able to try it personally (silly lactose intolerance) but I have tried Doisy & Dam before and their flavours are fab, so this will be enjoyed by another family member – I’m sure!
Scentered got everyone in the festive spirit with their adorable therapy balm bauble – a few drops on your pillow promotes a restful nights sleep – and Activbod provided samples of their cooling finish lotion, with menthol and vitamin E (such a refreshing scent). And finally, in among candy canes and sweeties lay a sample of Plump It, an incredibly lightweight volumising lip-plumper which creates a tingly sensation and added volume within 5 minutes of application. Used under your lipstick, it isn’t sticky or gloopy like other similar products – in fact, you hardly notice it’s there at all (although the subtle fuller pout is a giveaway).
J20 kindly provided the soft drinks for the event, with their new festive flavours – Midnight Forest – Orange, Cherry & Chocolate and Midnight Amber – Orange, Lemon and Mandarin. I wasn’t sure if the mix of fruits would really ‘go’ however in actual fact, they partnered brilliant and made for the most delicious sweet drink (without being sickly). If you’re on the lookout for some unique festive drinks for the family, these are something to try! lbd also donated some alcoholic beverages, in the form of their new Apple Cranberry vodka fizz cans, which are a mere 98 calories each (per 250ml) and delicious when cold and mixed with lemonade (or as a standalone). They’re 4%, so not too overpowering – but a really yummy festive tipple!
Despite the cold weather, everyone was dressed so glamorously – and I was admiring the array of gorgeous autumnal colours on show! I stuck to black (forever adventurous, I know), sporting this high neck floaty dress from JOY London. I absolutely loved the detailing at the neck – which looks a little like a glitzy choker/necklace and perfect for the festive season – and teamed it with these over the knee boots and a tassel bracelet also from JOY.
Overall, I had such a fantastic time at #JewelleryBoxPop – both in terms of hosting and assisting Gemma in the organisation, and chatting to all the wonderful bloggers who kindly made the effort to come along. I feel so lucky that I’m able to get involved with such fantastic blogging activities – and can’t wait for the next one!
If you’d like to register your interest in attending any of my future events, or if you’re a brand who would be interested in showcasing, please leave your details on this page. My next large event is in June (details on the page linked) and I can’t wait to show you what I have planned!
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