Hi Guys!

Now I’m back into my normal routine and into the swing of blogging again, I thought I’d give you all a bit of an update so you know what’s been going on with me!

If you’re a regular reader you’ll know I was recently made redundant from my long-term job. I’d been there nearly 7 years, and though I’d started to fall out of love with the job, it was still a shock to the system and I found it pretty hard to deal with at first. After a couple of weeks off, hanging around the house, trying to tidy up after the boys and blogging, I happened to notice a Twitter friend tweeted about a beauty based social media vacancy. I clicked on the link, not really expecting it to be suitable as I live in the middle of nowhere, and lo and behold the job sounded perfect and involved working remotely from home. I messaged my friend and asked her if she thought I’d be any good for it as I don’t have any formal qualifications in the field, and she told me to go for it! I had to dig out and update my very old CV, and sent it over to the company, and I was really shocked when they contacted me asking for an interview. I had the interview over the phone – which was really handy as the company was based in London and it would have cost me a fortune to travel at short notice. Though I was nervous, I thought the interview went well, but I was still surprised when they said I’d got to the next stage and had two tests to take. I took the tests online a few days later, and kept telling myself I wouldn’t get the job as I didn’t want to get my hopes up and be let down. I mean, this was a desirable job from a big London company – what chance would I have really? Then, at the end of the week I received a voicemail letting me know I’d been chosen for the job, I literally couldn’t believe it! I then went to London for a three day induction, which was super exciting for a country gal like me!

I headed off into the big smoke, nervous about getting lost and arriving late, but all was fine thanks to trusty old Google maps! I stayed at Travelodge Covent Garden for two nights, and it couldn’t have been a nicer hotel. Firstly it was massive – with 13 floors! When I arrived the receptionist offered to put me on the thirteenth floor as they had a couple of large groups in and she wanted me to get a good night’s sleep, which was really nice of her.

You can see the room was set out in standard Travelodge style, it was clean and really quite spacious. As I was high up the window was only able to open a fraction, but they had kindly left a fan in my room too as it was quite muggy. The Travelodge staff were super friendly and helpful – even when I went to the wrong hotel! Yes I trustingly followed my Google maps back to the hotel one evening, I thought the entrance looked different but just assumed it was a second entrance and reception as it was a bit hotel. It was only when I reached the lift and saw there were only nine floors that I was like ‘Yep, I’m in the wrong hotel’ a kind member of staff made me feel slightly less stupid by letting me know my hotel was literally across the road – there were two Travelodges next to each other!

The room had all the basic necessities – an en-suite, tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV – what more do you need when you’re right next to Covent Garden!? I should also point out that the king sized bed was really comfy, and I had a fantastic nights’ sleep!

On the first evening after freshening up at the hotel, I headed off to Covent Garden, which was only a 10 minute walk away. I’ve never been to Covent Garden before (and I’ve only been to London a handful of times in my life) so I was basically like a super excited tourist! When I arrived to be greeted by the Dior, Chanel and Burberry beauty stores I was actually in heaven! Where I come from we have a small Boots and Superdrug and that’s it, so this was majorly exciting to me!!

I thought I’d take advantage of my time in London and arranged to meet up with a couple of Twitter chums – first was Rachel from Beauty Queen UK who gave me a quick tour of Covent Garden on Monday evening and totally made me go into Burberry and buy something… 😉 I’ll have a post on my gorgeous purchase coming up soon!

We then headed to Bill’s restaurant for dinner, and my review will be hopefully coming up on the blog tomorrow.

And on the second evening, after more browsing round Covent Garden my dinner date was Lex from Talonted Lex, we went to Mabel’s Bar & Kitchen for dinner and cocktails and had such a fun time! I’m also hoping to have this review ready tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled!

I absolutely loved being in London, coming from the countryside I just can’t get enough of the busy city! Hopefully I’ll get to go back soon. I’m also beyond happy with my new job! Life is good 🙂

I hope you enjoyed my post xxx

Travelodge kindly offered me a complimentary stay return for my review

life london Review travel travelodge