Lady’s New Year’s Inspiration for 2018

Happy New Year! I hope your 2018 is off to a good start wherever you are in the world. I’ve been looking forward to fresh beginnings, and I want to share some New Year’s inspiration with you today.

New Year’s Resolutions

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not great at New Year’s resolutions, so this year I’ve picked a couple of words to focus on instead.

For work, my mantra is “balance”. Full-time blogging tends to take over my life, and I need to make sure I balance it with non-blogging activities so I don’t burn out. For my personal life, it’s “acceptance”. I’m not very good at accepting things as they are, but I’m working on letting go of resistance. Are you making any resolutions or setting goals?

New Year’s Inspiration

If you’re in need of some inspiration yourself, I have exciting events coming up in London and around the world in 2018. If you’re a blogger (or an aspiring one), a marketer, or a PR, head over to my Events calendar to take a look.

My Blogging Basics and Advanced Blogging eBooks will also be useful if your New Year’s resolution is to start a blog, give yours a boost, or take your blog to a professional level.

Travel in the New Year

Where are you traveling this year? I’m flying to Japan tomorrow and have trips to Central America and Rotterdam coming up in the next six months. If you have travel tips for me, I would love to hear them.

I’m also planning to travel to Naples for a weekend and the Scottish Hebrides for another sailing expedition in June. If you have recommendations for either, please share your tips. If you’re planning a trip to anywhere I’ve written about on the blog, I hope my tips can help you, too.

Happy New Year

Above all, I wish you a healthy, happy 2018 and I look forward to the adventures we’ll have!

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Lady’s Lovely Guide to London’s Walthamstow

Walthamstow. Awesomestow. Whatever you call it, this London neighborhood is worth exploring. Which is funny, because I’ve lived in London for 10 years and haven’t. Until today, when my boyfriend and I take the Victoria line to the last stop to see what all the excitement is about. I’ve heard there are a lot of things to do in Walthamstow, and I can’t wait to find them.

Things to Do in Walthamstow

Up in northeast London, Walthamstow has gotten trendy faster than I can say gentrification. Everyone is moving here, visiting here, and setting up shop here these days. The result is a mix of classic London neighborhood and creative new energy.

Getting off the tube at Walthamstow Central, we find ourselves in the more traditional part of Walthamstow. Walthamstow Market, which lines the high street, is the longest of its kind in Europe. Its colorful fruits and vegetables brighten up a gray day and set the tone for our visit.

Down Hoe Street we find the newer bits of the area on Orford Road. The village here is home to stylish shops and restaurants patronized by yummy mummies and posh puppies. We join the crowd for lunch at Eat 17, where giant gnocchi and vegetable curry go down a treat.

From Orford Road it’s a quick hop to God’s Own Junkyard, the most famous shop in the area and certainly one of the most popular things to do in Walthamstow. It claims to be the oldest sign maker in London with the largest stock of vintage neon and signs in Europe. And it’s pretty much an electrified feast for the eyes.

On the more subtle end of the spectrum, we head around the corner to the Ancient House in Walthamstow. This 15th-century timber frame home is just the thing to make us appreciate the neighborhood’s history.

And there’s a lot of it around. Across the street is a graveyard with weathered stones, and down from there are pretty almshouses and a Vestry House museum.

Speaking of museums, Walthamstow is best known for being home to the William Morris Gallery.

Set in Llyod Park, this Georgian house is full of the work of the Arts and Crafts designer and his family. From rich textiles and wallpapers to interactive exhibits, it’s an inspiring place to get in touch with one’s inner maker.

Which is good, because down the road Blackhorse Lane is the epicenter of Walthamstow’s creativity. In the midst of giant warehouses, small workshops and studios have popped up to bring Londoners everything from hand-made wood works to local honey.

We pop into a couple of them, watching enterprising individuals welding metal and exploring new flavors of food. We catch glimpses of pop-ups on the roadside and colorful murals sprucing up bland walls as we go.

And when the sun starts to set, the sky rises to the occasion and puts its best hues on display, too. We beat a path to the nearby wetlands, which along with Epping Forest are some of the neighborhood’s natural highlights.

As darkness settles in, we make our way back to the tube while marveling at how much ground we’ve covered in our short time in the area. I had no idea there were so many amazing things to do in Walthamstow, but now that I do I can see why everyone wants to be here. Including me.

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Lady’s 7 Easy Steps to Conquering Jet Lag

People always ask me for jet lag tips. Having traveled to over 100 countries, I’ve seen all sides of time-zone affliction. Whether it’s traveling to Asia and the Americas with only a few days in London in between, or going back and forth between the UK and the US multiple times in a month, I’ve been a jet lag survivor. But over the years I’ve developed strategies to overcome jet lag, and today I like to think of myself as a jet lag conqueror. If you want to be one too, read on for my 7 steps to overcoming jet lag.

Jet Lag Tips

Jet lag comes in many forms for me. Sometimes it’s lying awake all night, others it’s the inability to keep my eyes open during the day. Sometimes it’s headaches, others it’s backaches. But whatever shape it takes, it’s not a fun way to start (or end) a trip.

Some people have recommended sleeping pills or melatonin, but I’ve shied away from the former and can’t buy the latter over-the-counter in the UK. So I’ve come up with my own system, and I hope it will help you overcome the symptoms as much as it’s helped me.

1. Plan for East or West

There’s no silver bullet cure for jet lag, because it takes a different shape depending whether I’m traveling east or west. If east, I want to stay awake all night and sleep all day. If west, I want to go to bed at happy hour and wake up at 4am. So I’ve learned to tailor my strategy for the direction of travel.

If I’m flying east, I take a power nap on arrival to help me survive the day. In the evening, I meditate before bedtime to relax and coax my body into sleep.

If I’m flying west, I expose my eyes to as much daylight as possible from the time I land to the time it gets dark. This helps convince my body to stay awake during the day. When evening comes I avoid alcohol and heavy meals that might induce food coma, then try to have evening plans that keep me out and encourage me to stay awake as late as I can.

After the first couple days my internal clock starts adjusting, and when I fly home I reverse my actions to get back on London time.

2. Bring Sleep Aids

One of the reasons I get hit hard with jet lag is that my sleeping environment isn’t always the most conducive to…well…sleep. Whether it’s daylight streaming through the curtains at 5am or loud noise coming from the street, sometimes even my best preparations can be affected by external forces.

So I mitigate the risks by bringing things that help me rest well. The first is earplugs. I know I’ve written about them before, but they’re lifesavers for a light sleeper like me. I swear by Ohropax, soft earplugs that have helped me sleep through a lot of loud nights. You can get them here.

The second is an eye mask. Having it on while I sleep or nap improves the quality of my sleep and ensures that any cracks in the blinds don’t wake me up too early or keep me from napping. You can get one here.

3. Avoid Excess Alcohol and Caffeine

I’m no teetotal, and I like a good cup of coffee. But over the years I’ve learned to drink alcohol in moderation and curb my caffeine intake after long-haul flights. A glass of wine on the plane can help me sleep, but too much and I can’t drift off. A cup of coffee in the morning can revive me after I land, but a second can make me jittery and unable to sleep later. Both alcohol and caffeine can also dehydrate me, leaving my body a mess and exacerbating the effects of jet lag. So I’ve learned to have both in moderation until I’ve adjusted to the time difference.

4. Stay Hydrated

My next jet lag tip is the flip side of the last one. In addition to avoiding too much alcohol and caffeine, I try to drink as much water as I can. There’s nothing like an airplane to dehydrate me, and often part of my jet lag stems from not having had enough water. So I make sure to drink a lot of water before I travel, while I’m on a flight, and when I land. It makes a huge difference to my wakefulness, energy, and general well-being, setting me up for overcoming jet lag before I even touch down.

5. Fly on Planes with Good Cabin Pressure

Another of my best jet lag tips is to do some research when booking a flight to try to fly on a plane with good cabin pressure. Whether it’s an A350 or a 787 Dreamliner—both are pressurized to 6,000 feet instead of the normal 8,000—it can make a big difference in everything from less ear popping to easier in-flight sleep. The kinder the flight is to my body, the better I feel when I land. And that’s half the battle for me.

6. Listen to Your Body

Perhaps the most important jet lag tip I have is that even when I do all the things that usually work, sometimes I still can’t escape it. I used to try to force myself to adjust even when it wasn’t working, but I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing to do is listen to my body.

If I feel a crushing need to sleep at 6pm in California, I should take a nap. If I feel wide awake when I land at 8am in Asia, I shouldn’t take a nap. Forcing myself into a routine can just cause stress, which makes my jet lag worse. So I check in with myself and adjust my jet lag survival routine accordingly.

7. Know Yourself

The above are all things that I’ve refined over the years for my body, brain, and circadian rhythm. But everyone is different, and what works for me might need some tweaking for you. You may need to consult your doctor or do some experimentation to find the perfect mix for yourself.

Whatever works for you, I hope you succeed in conquering jet lag and making the most of every day of your next big trip.

How about you? What are your best jet lag tips?

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Lady’s Festive Guide to Visiting 5 York Christmas Markets

My favorite thing about this time of year is visiting Christmas markets. One year I flew to Germany for a day just to visit the ones in Cologne. A few weeks ago I made a special trip to Edinburgh for its big markets. And now I’m heading to York to explore the city’s offerings and put together a York Christmas market guide for you.

York Christmas Market Guide

Christmas in York is a bonanza. Every inch of the city is decked with lights, trees, and boughs, and every street and square is filled with festive chalets and delicious scents of the season. I’m walking all over the city today and discovering 5 markets particularly worth visiting.

1. York Christmas Market on Parliament Street

The first market I stumble upon is unmissable. It takes up all of St Sampson’s Square and overflows down Parliament Street in a riot of Christmas cheer.

I love the VW camper vans serving mulled wine in St Sampson’s Square, and how the chalets brighten Parliament Street all the way to Thor’s Tipi bar at the end.

2. York Christmas Market in Coppergate

Across the road, the goodness continues under strings of baubles that lead to Coppergate. There the aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the sight of hand-carved wooden bowls in a market that offers a feast for the senses.

3. Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village in the Shambles

Back up near Parliament Street, the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village in the Shambles offers handmade gifts of all kinds under a giant tent. Next door, the Shambles Market and Food Court tempts my taste buds with the sizzling sounds of cuisines from all over the world.

4. Kings Square

Just up from the Shambles, Kings Square is full of Christmas tidings. There’s a little amusement park set up, lights flashing in time with the season. Bunting hangs overhead, and crooked old buildings add a dollop of charm.

5. York Christmas Market at The Judge’s Lodging

But perhaps my favorite York Christmas market is the one in the courtyard in front of The Judge’s Lodging. This little one is not only pleasing to look at, but also full of beautiful handcrafted gifts. It’s officially called the Small Business Christmas Market, so the chalets feature objects from independent producers.

After a day of exploring the markets, I warm up at the famous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in St Helen’s Square. Two mince pies with brandy butter are just what I need to restore my energy and keep me in the Christmas spirit. They’re my first of the season, but they certainly won’t be my last. Because I love Christmas markets, and I’m sure I’ll travel to more between now and the 25th. I just hope they’re all as good as York’s.

How about you? What’s your favorite York Christmas market?

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Lady’s 7 Amazing British Christmas Markets You Have to Visit This Season

I love a good Christmas market. Whether it’s a traditional German one, a stylish Parisian one, or a contemporary Viennese one, I revel in their festive cheer. But perhaps the best thing about them is that I don’t have to travel to Europe to find one. The UK has plenty, and they’re getting bigger and brighter every year. So today I bring you A Lady in London’s 7 British Christmas markets that will get you in the seasonal spirit.

British Christmas Markets

From England to Scotland, Kent to Devon, there’s no shortage of towns and cities preparing for Christmas right now. I spent yesterday discovering York’s offerings, and have traveled up and down the country over the last 10 years to see the others on this list. If you get a chance to visit any or all, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

1. York Christmas Market

I knew I had to explore York’s Christmas markets after seeing friends’ photos of them last year. When I arrived in the city I was amazed at how many there were. From squares and courtyards to streets and lanes, every inch of York was filled with market stalls. I particularly liked the ones outside The Judge’s Lodging, which specialized in handcrafted gifts.

2. Canterbury Christmas Market

The first British Christmas market I ever went to was the one in Canterbury. A friend and I took a day trip from London to explore the city, not realizing we would stumble upon festive rows of chalets selling food and presents when we arrived. It was a pleasant surprise, and has remained one of my favorite Christmas memories ever since.

3. Bath Christmas Market

I visited Bath one winter and fell in love with its Christmas market (among other things…Bath is too pretty for words). From wooden stalls decked with pine boughs to a huge Christmas tree in front of Bath Abbey, the city knows how to put on a beautiful display for the season.

4. Exeter Christmas Market

One of my favorite under-the-radar British Christmas markets is the one in Exeter. Taking up a festive space in the city center, the market has everything from winter comfort food to traditional crafts. Add to that the backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, and it’s one of the most picturesque markets in Britain.

5. Edinburgh Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens is one of the biggest I’ve been to in the UK. With everything from traditional chalets to a Christmas tree maze, miniature train, and Ferris wheel, this market is worth planning a special trip to Scotland for.

6. Birmingham Christmas Market

Speaking of special trips, I took one to Birmingham just to see the city’s Christmas markets (they claim to be the biggest of their kind in Britain). I spent the entire day exploring and particularly loved the one in Victoria Square. In addition to lights and colors, it has the beautiful Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in the background and flows all the way down New Street.

7. London Christmas Markets

No list of British Christmas markets would be complete without mentioning London’s, and the capital has a lot to choose from. But my favorite has always been Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It’s gotten bigger and better every year, and now has everything from an ice skating rink to a circus tent. Which is to say nothing of Santa’s Pub, a sight that makes me laugh every time.

And that’s what keeps me coming back to the markets. They put a smile on my face and cheer in my heart, which is exactly what I want for Christmas every year.

How about you? What do you think are the best British Christmas markets?

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Lady’s 7 Christmas Trees You Have to See in London Right Now

Christmas trees are popping up all over London. Everywhere I go there’s a fir decked with lights and baubles. Some are seasonal staples, others new additions to the London Christmas scene, and all are getting me in the mood to belt out carols as I walk down the street. In wandering, I’ve come across a lot of Christmas trees in London, but there are 7 that stand out above the rest.

Christmas Trees in London

Why? For different reasons. Some are enormous. Others are stylish. And still more are picture pretty. So read on for my top picks of the season.

1. Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square

This year is an important one for London’s annual Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. It’s the 70th anniversary of the year Norway first gave the British people a tree in honor of the UK’s support in World War II. Since then a giant Norwegian spruce has graced Trafalgar Square every December. 2017 will be no exception, and the tree, which is on its way to London as I write, will be lit up at a ceremony on December 7th.

2. Christmas Tree in St James’s

Not far from Trafalgar Square, the Christmas tree in St James’s takes over Waterloo Place next to the Guards Crimean War Memorial. I first noticed it last year, when December sunrises lit up the sky in orange to match the shiny ornaments on its boughs. Since then it’s been one of my favorite Christmas trees in London.

3. Christmas Tree at The Connaught

London’s hotels have a tradition of decking the halls, lobbies, and restaurants with seasonal decor, and The Connaught in Mayfair is no exception. Its annual Christmas tree sits outside the hotel’s entrance and adds to the lights and atmosphere on Mount Street, which always puts on a good show at Christmastime.

4. Christmas Tree at the Natural History Museum

The Christmas tree at the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most famous. Sitting in the middle of the ice skating rink, it takes pride of place in the museum’s wintry courtyard. Skaters glide around it and a carousel circles next door, all combining to make a festive picture.

5. Christmas Tree in Covent Garden

Another part of London where the tree takes pride of place is Covent Garden. The piazza is full of everything from a giant reindeer to larger-than-life mistletoe, but the real eye catcher is the Christmas tree. Standing tall outside the covered market, it dominates the square and brings the season to life.

6. Christmas Tree in Claridge’s

Back in Mayfair, perhaps the most non-traditional of all the Christmas trees in London is the one in Claridge’s. The hotel is known for having a different designer take charge of the tree each year, and in 2017 it’s none other than Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. He has turned the tree upside down—literally—and made it more fashionable than most women in Mayfair.

7. Christmas Tree in St Pancras International

Up in King’s Cross, the annual Christmas tree in St Pancras International train station might just be my favorite. While the theme changes every year, the tree is always creative—one year it was covered in teddy bears—and tall enough that it never fails to catch my eye as I walk by. This year it’s garlanded with flowers, and it checks my boxes for both beauty and Christmas perfectly.

And that’s what I love so much about London’s Christmas trees. They make the skies bright on dark winter days and bring color to the city in the festive season. I can’t wait to see more in the coming weeks, and if you hear me belting out Christmas carols in the streets you’ll know why.

How about you? What do you think are the best Christmas trees in London?

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