Clashing Time ran a blogging event

All the dramas that come with being a 24 year old female in 2016 have meant that my blog has been pushed to the bottom of my priority list. No matter how hard I try and deny it, I should accept defeat and admit that I have been a very bad blogger! Ironically, my post today is about how blogging has made my life better in so many ways (even if I have been useless), and the main ways are through the opportunities I've had and also people I have met. When I began blogging back in 2009 my blog was a small space for sharing my thoughts and ideas, and I certainly never imagined that I would meet anyone through doing it. My blog has evolved over the years, and as I have grown up I have realised the fantastic experiences that can come from this little website of mine.

The Camb Meet Up was first created back in March 2015 and I never thought that it would turn into what it has today. Our online Facebook group is used as a forum to share blog posts, discuss blogging tips and tricks, arrange meet ups and invite each other to events...or even used as just as a space to complain! The group is made up of fantastic blogging ladies who are all as supportive with each other as they are creative with their blogs. Each member offers something unique and I am truly honoured to be part of this community.

When Catesby's on Green Street got in touch with me a few months ago about organising a blogging event at their store, I jumped at the chance. There is honestly nothing nicer than having the opportunity to bring local businesses together with local bloggers. We are all proud of where we come from, and love all of unique stores that make our city so special - so I had to say yes! Catesby's is an adorable homeware store and cafe in Cambridge's city centre which sells beautiful, useful and original goods for the home and garden. Their business concentrates on the idea of 'l’art de vivre', which translates as 'the art of living' and the French mentality of making life effortlessly chic. What could be better? Catesby's is a one of a kind shop that loves that they sell, and sells what they love, which meant that I was absolutely spoilt for choice when I was walking round the store trying to decide what to buy.

 They asked if I could invite a group of bloggers in for a casual brunch so we could enjoy some networking whilst learning about their business and drinking cups of tea. It was the perfect setting for getting to know new members, whilst also catching up with old members who have been with Camb Meet Up since the start. A group of gorgeous ladies turned up on a beautiful sunny day, and I was so pleased to find that each and every one of them fell in love with Catesby's and the products they sell...a few even queued up at the end to make some purchases! It is really hard to not buy anything when you have two owners who are so passionate about their business and the products they sell. It is clear when you walk around their business that each item has been carefully selected to fit into their store. You feel so at home the more you explore, almost as if you are actually wandering round Neil and Jonathon's house.

The cafe is above the shop and is a bloggers dream. The white wash walls, simple tables and chairs, and cute little plants on the tables - so instagram friendly! As we all ventured upstairs to sit down for brunch you could tell that everyone couldn't wait to get stuck in. I made everyone introduce themselves to each other properly and explain a little bit about their blog before we ate as I love to find out as much as possible about our members. Jonathon had prepared a gorgeous feast for us of pain au chocolate, croissants, smoked salmon bagels, avocado on toast, some pastries and then finally  some seriously yummy granola and yoghurt. He did an amazing job and we were so spoilt for choice, so I had to make sure that I grabbed one of each.

To finish off the morning, we headed up to the top floor for a surprise. With the rise in subscription boxes all over the world, Catesby's decided that they wanted a piece of the action and introduced us to their newest concept in store. Catesby's buys in so many gorgeous pieces and they came up with the idea of matching up a selection of items for present/subscription boxes. They would create boxes for different price ranges, and also for different parts of the house - for example, kitchen or lounge. The collection of items are aimed to transform a blank canvas and Catesby's aim to make it as easy as possible for you to mix things up in your home each season. Such a great idea for the interiors lovers out there!

I had such a great morning at Catesby's shopping, eating and networking. A Sunday morning very well spent in my opinion! Blogging has been such a rollercoaster since I began, But throughout everything I am most grateful for the incredible people that I've met, and I'm so proud of the fact that I have put myself out there and brought other bloggers together through Camb Meet Up. I genuinely feel like I've made some friends for life and I can't wait to experience more fantastic things with these ladies in the years to come. I filmed a few bits when I was at the event, so take a look at my video on my youtube channel below.

CTx

tags:events,lifestyle