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Halloween Pumpkin Patch

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Visiting a pumpkin patch has always been my dream, however because of travelling non stop and kind of escaping autumn in the UK I haven’t had a chance to visit one since I’ve moved to London (how crazy is that?) This year I promised myself I will make this happen. And I finally did- yay!

How have I planned the visit? I simply typed “pumpkin patch near me” in google haha and checked what came up first. There was quite a few to choose from but I went for the one closest to where I live – Crockford Bridge Farm  It was only and hour drive from London.When I went there I didn’t really know what to expect as I have never visited a pumpkin patch before, but it was way more than I actually expected!

Definitely didn’t expect a pink bath out there, haha! But hold on a second- it was literally like made for The Blonde Flamingo!

I was such a happy kiddo running around, picking up pumpkins. Can I just say how hard that was? The choice was insane! So many shapes, sizes and colours, real pumpkin heaven! I bought enough for a pumpkin soup, pumpkin pasta and pumpkins for the entire house as a decoration, haha. I am a pumpkin lady this month!

Have you visited a pumpkin patch before?

Xoxo,

The Blonde Flamingo

How I turned my love to travel into a full time job

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It’s been 2 years. Maybe a little bit more however I am counting it as 2 years as exactly 2 years ago in August I was invited to my first blogger event hosted by We Are Travel Girls. This event and meeting so many incredible girls from all over the world seriously motivated, inspired and gave me the faith to believe in my dream career. But let’s start from the beginning as I never shared it with you.

Crochet dress by Uli Herzner

How did I get to where I am? Well, first of all- my love to travel. Since I can remember I’ve always loved travelling and exploring. Already as a teenager I would spent all my little savings for a weekend trip abroad with school friends. In high school I was involved in organising student exchanges and this is how I slowly started to see the world and fall in love with it. During my last semester at high school I have decided that after the final exams I am going to work abroad all summer before starting off the University. The only question was WHAT JOB. I was 19 with zero experience. What I had in mind was simple- abroad, sunshine and money to be just fine. So here I came with a crazy idea- I have decided to do an animator course. You know these crazy people dancing zumba, playing with the kids, organising streching, aqua aerobic and generally entertaining everyone in the hotel? Yup, that was my dream job 6 years ago! So I did finish the course, got all the certificates and the last part was the casting. It was terryfing! I mean if I think of it now I am pretty amazed how brave and stubborn I was at such a young age! Well, I did get the job! I have signed my first contract and got hired by a hotel in Kos Island, Greece. Not to get too much into details ( but I really wanted you to know this story as it was such an important period in my life!) I’ve had the most incredible summer, met people from all over the world, fallen in love with Greece, languages, beautiful sunny weather and this was the place where I’ve taken my first photos and already started to think of having a blog where I could share these magical moments and captures with the world.

Here’s few images! Found them on Facebook haha! 19 year old The Blonde Flamingo

After the most magical summer in Greece I came back to Poland where I’ve started the University. Ok, let me be absolutely honest with you- I HATED IT and lasted around 2 weeks. I felt like I am literally from a different planet. I was a happy sunshine person in grey rainy country and people who mainly went to uni because parents told them to. I was trying to push myself so hard, but one day I came back home crying and told myself „ NOPE, not doing it! Life’s too short”. I couldn’t imagine myself being there and following a well-known system- uni, finding the boyfriend, getting married and having kids. I wanted to LIVE and see the world. My parents were obviously shocked and I am sure- dissapointed however I was feeling that down that I knew I have to get away. All I wanted was travelling and living surrounded by happy, energetic and inspiring people. I needed this positivity back in my life! Few days later I packed my pink suitcase and flew to London.

I wish I could say the beginning in London was colorful and easy but it was not. I really struggled. With job, with money, with lack of friends. The truth is, i have been feeling so alone and I have made many mistakes trying to fit in somewhere where I did not. I was working 2 crappy jobs. I was surrounded by people I would normally never go out with. But I was alone, I was depressed, homesick but not homesick, I just couldn’t find my place at all. At one point I was feeling that lost that I decided to go on a solo trip back to Kos Island in Greece. When I look at it now, I really think this trip helped me. It helped me to realise what’s important, what makes me happy and what is missing in my life. I was missing doing what I love. I guess many of us have been feeling this way at some point of our lives. And the key is to realise it, move our asses and change it! It took me ages to move mine really. To change the job I hated. I stuck there for way too long! But when I finally found the courtage to quit – that was the beginning of my journey! I am not going to lie it was scary! But now I know it was only my inner fear and lack of confidence. Surprisingly I found a new job very quickly. This is how I became a part of Soho House family. I’ve worked for the company for over 3 years, growing from receptionist to my dream Social Media role while constantly investing money in new travel destinations. At first, I did not know I can earn any money from it, but this was not something I was thinking about then. I was making my travel dreams come true and posting all adventures on my Instagram. One day we woke up in the morning ( after a very inspiring birthday trip to Ibiza!) with a name „theblondeflamingo” ( my Instagram used to be my name and surname when I first started). I thought- OMG it matches perfectly! I always loved these pink birds and considered myself similar with my pink obsession and weird flamingo looking legs! So The Blonde Flamingo- the new exciting beginning!

I remember how excited I was when I reached 3000 followers on my Instagram and I started to get approached by first brands. I remember tears in my eyes when the brand I love – Dancing Leopard messaged me saying they would love to send me a dress for my next trip! I literally couldn’t believe it- as I said I was cluess about how it all works! And here, after few months I was invited to We Are Travel Girls event. I think I was the smallest Influencer invited and I was honoured and overwhelmed. I remember even asking Becky and Vanessa (the Founders) why did I even get invited and they said my photos are so beautiful, colorful and that I have potential. I really needed this kick! Seeing these boss girls travelling the world, living their dream life without any limits helped me to believe in my dream. I am forever grateful ladies!

PS. We keep in touch until today and I’m attending another We Are Travel Girls meet up at the end of this month!

I’ve started to invest more and more. First in Europe escapes, then slowly started to explore other continents. Nothing was making me happier than a new stamp in my passport! I was already living the dream, my dream. I discovered places I though I would never be able to! But now I know- we can do ANYTHING. It’s a lot of sacrifice, hard work and savings but the world is wide open and we can see it at any budget. The word „impossible” doesn’t exist in my dictionary anymore.

I am not going to lie, builing my presence on Social Media wasn’t easy. While my channels were growing I kept loosing „friends”. Some of them used to tell me what I do is stupid or that they could never do what I do- let me tell you a funny thing- now they are wearing same outfits and travelling to same places as I do- greetings👋🏼 I’ve also heard that it worked out because I’m lucky. Some people used to gossip I have a rich boyfriend. Another “friend” would use me to build own Social Media presence. It’s incredible what some people can do to make you feel down or even give up. Well, I didn’t. It wasn’t easy but I had people who believed in me. My mum, boyfriend and real friends were by my side all the time pushing me towards my dreams. This journey definitely showed me what the word “friend” means. It was very painful but I’m grateful as I’ve learnt a great lesson.

This year was the harderst. I’ve been already on Social Media position and this was also when my following started to grow very fast. It was so hard to combine my full time position at work with meeting PRs, attending events, going on press trips, creating content, looking after my accounting, invoices, delivering everything on time. I was so stressed out and tired. You can read more about my struggles here. But I didn’t give up. I continued growing my Social Media career and running my business on the side. I never stopped learning, reading and exchanging the knowledge and experience with others. And here I am now, after one year of working crazy amount of hours and being completely exhausted- in Greece, on the sun bed sharing my story. It’s been around 2 months since I quitted my Social Media job and decided to travel and blog full-time. I have been travelling non stop, creating content for brands while being by the ocean and making a very good salary of out it. That was my biggest fear while quitting my full-time job as I got used to having a double salary for the past year from full time job and a blog income on the top but it’s been working out so far! I think it’s really important to have enough savings and few clients who work with you every month before making this very exciting but still a risky decision. It took me a while to get ready financially as I couldn’t imagine doing this job without having a real home. I love travelling the world but I also love knowing I have my little home in the city of my dreams- London.

I am not sure where this journey will take me from now on, but what I know is- I am living my dream and will continue no matter how hard it will be. Thank you for helping me to get here and supporting me on this journey. I am here now to support you and motivate you on yours. I hope my little story will inspire you to follow your dreams no matter what they say. Don’t try to fit in if you don’t. Write your own story.

XOXO,

The Blonde Flamingo

5 things I struggle with as a blogger

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Hi guys,

Hope you’re having a great weekend. I started mine off  with a delicious brunch at Ffiona’s with a group of bloggers from all around the world. We had such a fun meeting talking about our careers,plans, trips, patient partners and friends behind the camera and all that inspired me to write a blog post about what I struggle with the most as a blogger and all real stories behind all that I am doing.

First of all- as many of you ask- I am not a full time blogger yet (even though it feels like a real full time job already!) I have a full time job as Social Media Coordinator. Many of you ask why I am still working full time. Is it because I don’t make enough money from the blog? Or because I am scared of change? Is it because I just don’t want it to be a full time job? The answer may be a little bit surprising- it’s simply because I like my job! I know it may sound a bit weird, but I do respect position I am at. I was fighting for this job for very long time and done all I could to get it. I am finally doing what I love and it’s extremely important to me. I used to have a job that I hated so much that every morning I was waking up with the thought that I don’t wanna go to work. Nothing was making me more sad and frustrating. And one day, I finally found the courage to quit and promised myself I won’t ever stuck at the job I hate again. As now I have a job I enjoy doing, I will try to do both for as long as I can.

However I am not going to lie- it’s extremely hard to work full time and run my own business. So my main struggle as a blogger is time. Since I think November, I’ve been working crazy amount of hours to make it all work. What my week really looks like? When do I shoot campaigns and content?  If you’ve ever seen a blonde girl rushing around South Kensington and Portobello with a bouquet of flowers, balloons, suitcase (clothes and shoes to change if I need to shoot few outfits) and a tired looking boyfriend or a friend at 7 am in the morning – yes- more likely you’ve seen The Blonde Flamingo. I always have to shoot campaigns before going to work – plus I always have to beg my boyfriend or a friend to wake up with me and take my photos (omg I know it sounds mad!) I am always on a run, even though I have my shooting locations planned in advance. So many times the locations I planned to shoot at are still closed- this is when I start panicking and nervously looking for another pretty spot. I know it may sound funny but it really stresses me out when I know I only have an hour or two to get it done. After the shoot I am running to work. I am editing and responding to my emails on my lunch break. After work I am running home or to the cafe to finish editing, to write captions, plan trips, book tickets, plan outfits and locations for the next day. Most of the days the only “time off “I have is watching a movie with my boyfriend but most of the times I don’t last until the end of it as I am too tired. Why am I not doing that all in the weekend? The answer is simple- it wouldn’t be enough time. I need to spread the shoots between the days to not get mental ( well, to be honest I get mental most of the times anyway haha!) Also- the crowds! Shooting at the cute cafes is simply impossible in the weekend- if I had to wait 2 hours to sit down at Elan Cafe to take one photo or wait for people to move out of my shot (perfect example is my favourite pink spot- Peggy Porshen) I would never ever get my work done!

Second struggle I have as a London based blogger is the weather. Those of you who were following me for a long time already know my colourful and cheerful editing style. I never struggle that much with creating content during my tropical travels- this is actually when I get super creative. It’s warm, sunny and magical. My head is exploding with ideas and set ups. The real struggle started when I came back to London and I realised that because of work I would need to be here for a while. I’ll be honest with you- I didn’t know where to start. Most of the times I had to push myself to get out of bed at 5.30/6am to get ready for a 7am shoot. Couple of months ago it was still dark at this time so I had to wait for first ray of sunlight to take a photo. Now it’s a little bit easier as days are getting longer, but it’s still freezing! Last weekend I was shooting campaigns in a total blizzard (I just LOOOVE deadlines!) and I was changing my outfits and warming up in the phone box hahaha ( I swear- this Instagram story had the biggest amount of views ever!) but seriously speaking- I’ve been so cold and so sick in the last few months because of all that. I can’t wait for the spring to finally arrive and make my work at least a little bit easier!

Another thing I am struggling with is finding the balance. Last few months all I was really doing was working, working and working. And all I can think of and talk about is work. This had a negative impact on my relationships. I’ve just been so busy! And I know it’s not really easy to be my partner right now. Building all that takes so much of my time and it’s something I think of 24/7. I am constantly reading, learning, researching, analysing, negotiating, planning and organising. Sometimes I get really stressed, down and tired and think of giving up as I know my lifestyle at the moment is not healthy but I promised to myself I’ll start working on it and look after my health and my family and friends better. I am so blessed I have them on my side!

Another problem is lack of real time off.  Since I’ve started to think of this blog more seriously, I’ve been devoting almost all my holidays allowance to building the content. I barely go home to see my family as I simply don’t have enough days to do so. The press trips are not really flexible dates wise so many times I had to decline because of not having enough holidays left ( always crying after that I swear! ) If I manage to make it, I work on every single trip that others call a “holiday” or my favourite comment a “free holiday” – nothing comes free and bloggers work days and nights to pay off the complimentary accommodation or trip they’ve been invited to. So may times my friends and colleagues were asking why am I so pale (after a tropical trip)- the answer is simple- I wasn’t on holidays! I went on a work trip!  At the beginning it wasn’t bothering me, but as now also being in London is so intense with work and shoots I started to dream of a trip or retreat that I could completely switch off. Turn off my phone, forget about Instagram, photos and simply lie down on a sun bed and do absolutely nothing for at least couple of days. I promised to my boyfriend we’ll do it this year- we both need it now more than ever.

And the last struggle – lack of space. Since I’ve became a blogger, I had a chance to work with a lot of amazing brands and designers so I became a lucky owner of so many beautiful clothes, bikinis, shoes, bags, accessories and cosmetics. Now, after not even a year our apartment (that we only moved to last year in May and it felt so spacious) is simply too small. I can barely close my wardrobe. My dressing table is totally full. The amount of shoes I have its simply unbelievable- I never though I’ll have so many pairs at this age ( but I am not going to lie it’s always been a dream of mine as I looove shoes!) so because of me and my business we have to change apartment for bigger. Isn’t that insane?

What do you struggle the most as a blogger?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 facts about The Blonde Flamingo

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Hi guys,

Slightly different post than usual, but I realised I don’t share enough with you (besides my travels) and would love you to get to know me better as a person! Hope you’re survive until the end, haha!

  1. I LOVE puppies I am literally a freak – all my family and close friends know that. I can play with puppies, touch puppies, talk about puppies, stare at puppies on the street and think of puppies all day long, haha. When I am stressed or in a bad mood- I watch videos of puppies and all my negativity and stress is gone in a second. I also have the names for my puppies chosen already! The only question is when am I going to have one?
  2. I am addicted to mangos– omg. I swear I can’t survive a day without eating a whole mango by myself. I prefer mangos more than any sweets in the world! I recently found that one shop that sells the sweetest and most juicy mangos I’ve ever had in my life( well maybe except those I had in Zanzibar!) and I go there almost every single day.
  3. I’ve always wanted to travel the world and move abroad At first, my parents were not very happy about it. They wanted me to finish off University in Poland – as every ‚normal’ person- as my dad called it. But deep inside I knew that following the system is not for me. I also wasn’t even sure what I wanted to study. All I knew was- I want to travel the world. During my last year at high school I was already working on the weekends (while others where partying) and saving money to get all courses and certificates I needed to be able to apply for an animator job abroad. I went for a casting- omg it was insane- I had to dance and sing in front of everyone on a proper stage, but I was one of the 17 people who got offered the job out of over 200. Signing that contact(my first proper job) was the happiest day of my life that time, haha! Imagine I was sitting on a plane to Greece one week after my final exams without even knowing if I passed them or not! The adventure was all I cared about.
  4. Blogging was always something I wanted to do Of course- 8-9 years ago it wasn’t as popular as it is right now and I didn’t think about it as future, dream job, but I just simply enjoyed it and had this idea in my mind. When I look back, already as a 15,16 years old girl I was going out with girls to take photos, shopping at second shops, doing some DIY, going on little summer trips abroad with my friends and I was sharing all my adventures and outfits on a platform called Stylio. However at 17, I had some personal issues and I’ve given up ( I wish I never have) and stopped working on it. It took me few years to get back to this vision of my life. Moving to London at 19 years old definitely helped me with that- it’s such an inspiring city! Here I started to believe that nothing is impossible.
  5. London is not my final destination Even though I love this city with all my heart. This is where my „real life” started. This is where all my ideas and dreams were born. This is where I’ve grew up, fallen in love, made friends, started my own business and I think the most important thing- this is where I found myself and started to believe in myself.  However somewhere deep inside I belong to the ocean breeze and sunshine. In the near future, I’d love to settle down somewhere more relaxing than busy London (where I run around all the time rather than walk) where I could wear summer dresses all year long, eat fresh seafood for dinner everyday and watch sunsets on the beach every evening. Not sure where that perfect place is yet, but I am not going to lie that Italy is the country that stolen my heart with all its beautiful traditions, delicious food, melodic language( have I ever mentioned I can speak a basic Italian? Don’t mind my bad grammar though!) and warm people and this is the place I am considering as my future home. Could I please have a little villa in Positano and a pink vespa, please?

 

The most magical Christmas spots in London

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As some of you already know- this year I am spending Christmas in my favourite city- London (before heading on the next and very special trip soon, but will share it with you later! It’s still a little secret!) I’ve been here for 5 years and this city never fails to amaze me- especially during the festive season. I just can’t get enough of the decorations and lights all around the city. I love strolling around my favourite places with hot chocolate in hand. Today I decided to share my favourite Christmassy spots with you!

Peggy Porshen I think I don’t have to introduce this perfect pink coffee shop with the prettiest looking coffees, cupcakes and the most magical displays. This place is actually my tradition every season of the year and I think it can’t be missed during your visit in London! The closest tube station is Sloane Square.

 Winter Wonderland – I have been visiting this place every single year for the past 5 years and I can’t get enough! Makes me feel like a little child! Love running around with pink cotton candy, riding carousels, sipping mulled wine and watching London from above on a Giant Wheel. There’s no better place in London to get into the Christmas spirit!

 

 

New Bond Street– definitely my favourite street to stroll around during the festive season. Every shop display is just incredible and so photo-worthy.  I promise the memory card in your camera will get completely full!

 

Ice skating at National History Museum– London has quite a few ice rinks but this one is the most enchanting. This year my visit to this ice rink was even more especial than last year as it was snowing! Couldn’t get more magical!

 

 

Harrods – the world’s most famous department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. It’s a must see tourist attraction all year long, but during the festive season is just something else! You need to see it with your own eyes!

 

 

Shop my festive looks