Embarking on a New Adventure: My Return to Travel Blogging and Exciting Projects Ahead with Mandy Charlton, Photographer, Writer, Blogger!

Attention all wanderlust souls! After a brief hiatus, I, Mandy Charlton, Photographer, Writer, Blogger, am thrilled to announce my triumphant return to travel blogging. With renewed passion and a fresh perspective, I am eager to dive back into the world of exploration, storytelling, and sharing memorable travel experiences through my blog. As I set forth on this exhilarating journey once more, I am especially excited to focus on slow travel, sustainable travel, and uncovering those hidden, quirky places that delight the senses. Join me as we embark on unforgettable adventures together!

1. **The Beauty of Slow Travel**:

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In a fast-paced world, the allure of slow travel beckons us to savour each moment and immerse ourselves in the local culture. My blog will be a celebration of this unhurried approach to travel. I aim to inspire fellow travellers to embrace the joy of meandering through charming towns, engaging with locals, and cultivating a deeper appreciation for the destinations we visit. From the picturesque countryside to the vibrant city streets, slow travel allows us to create meaningful connections and lasting memories.

2. **Embracing Sustainable Travel**:

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As a responsible traveler, I am committed to treading lightly on the planet and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Through my blog, I will shine a light on eco-conscious accommodations, green transportation options, and mindful activities that have a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Let's discover ways to preserve the beauty of our world for future generations while still indulging in awe-inspiring adventures.

3. **Unearthing Quirky Places to Eat, See, and Go**:

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Hidden gems and offbeat experiences await us in every corner of the globe. Whether it's a tucked-away café with mouthwatering delicacies, an extraordinary art installation tucked within a bustling city, or a whimsical village brimming with enchanting stories, I am dedicated to uncovering these unique spots and sharing them with you. Expect a blend of gastronomic delights, eccentric attractions, and unconventional activities that will undoubtedly add an extra dash of wonder to your travel plans.

4. **Inviting Collaboration and New Projects**:

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My return to travel blogging marks the beginning of exciting possibilities. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals, tourism boards, sustainable brands, and fellow travellers who share my passion for slow and sustainable travel. If you're interested in working together on travel-related projects, initiatives, or partnerships, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's join forces in promoting ethical and enriching travel experiences that leave a positive impact on both travellers and the destinations we visit.

Conclusion:

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As my journey recommences, I invite you to be a part of this adventure. Together, let's explore the world with open hearts and open minds, cherishing the beauty of slow travel, embracing sustainability, and unearthing the most captivating and quirky places to eat, see, and go. Get ready for a tapestry of stories that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire you to embark on your own unforgettable voyages.

Stay tuned for travel tales, guides, tips, and reflections as we celebrate the joys of travel while caring for the world we inhabit. Let's make every journey a meaningful and enriching one.

Are you ready to embrace the magic of slow travel and embark on a sustainable, quirky adventure with me? Let's wander, wonder, and make a positive impact along the way!

Mandy’s Great bus Adventure - The Trial Run, Part 2

On the 6th of July at 9.45am I boarded the Stagecoach 685 bus service from Newcastle to Carlisle handing over my £2 fare, a bargain for a journey which is just under 60 miles and takes 2 and a half hours.  The Stagecoach local public transport bus had USB chargers and Wi-Fi although my phone signal was just fine on its own.  I settled in with my bottle of water and my book as we passed hills and fields on this rural service via Corbridge, Hexham, Haltwhistle and Brampton. My great bus adventure had begun.

I arrived in Carlisle just after noon where I immediately dived into a coffee shop to find out where my Instagram and Facebook followers had chosen to send me to next.  The choices were Keswick, Annan, Langholm and Cockermouth.  I wished hard for Keswick whilst I imagined a lovely weekend touring the Lake District but no, instead my followers chose to send me to Annan.  I jumped on the 79 to Annan and once again settled in as we crossed the border following a lovely rural route.

Annan is a small Scottish town right on the border, it was so quiet it was as if it was closed for the day but no, it has its own museum and a harbour although the harbour is currently not all that nice, do not despair though, it has been chosen for a massive regeneration programme and I hope this might bring tourists back to a town which seemed to me like it had seen better times.

I stayed at The Old Rectory, paying £55 for a double room including breakfast, and my whole day's travel and accommodation cost only £59, I immediately felt like I was onto something, I love to travel but I’m also forever on a budget so if I can find a hack to let me travel more at a lower cost then I am all over this scheme.

Now unfortunately there was a glitch.  You see, what I didn’t know was that Scotland isn’t participating in the £2 bus scheme so it would cost me £6.80 to get back to England, my followers did not mind and decided to keep me going on public transport in Scotland and I found out that Scotland has lots of day savers which makes travel just as cheap so the next day my travel from Annan - Dumfries - Moffat cost me just £7.30 and I could have travelled as much as I wanted that day for that price.  My B&B in Moffat, Rockhill B&B cost £85 including breakfast and honestly, although it was the most expensive B&B I stayed in, it was also the nicest.

Moffat is a charming Scottish town on the border of southwest Scotland and I adored it, there are so many well-sign-posted walks that you can do of varying distances. It’s also famous for its toffee so there are not one but two shops specialising in toffee and fudge, the biggest of which The Moffat Toffee Shop has more traditional sweets than I have ever seen anywhere.  I cannot recommend a trip to Moffat highly enough, it’s a gem of a town and don’t forget to visit the local museum.  Apparently, Merlin might have lived in Moffat for a time but then again he might also have not, I’ll let you make your mind up on that one.

After Moffat, I was feeling full of bravado and my final destination was chosen as Oban, somewhere I’d only spent 6 hours on a coach trip and wanted to explore more of but at that point, the trip fell apart.  I boarded the X74 to Glasgow and found the bus full of young people travelling to a festival.  The bus was too hot, too full and I’d forgotten to bring a bottle of water.  My anxiety started to flare up and by the time I reached Glasgow, I got off the bus, saw the crowds and decided there was no way I could do 3.5 hours more on a coach to get to Oban, even if it was only £24.

I looked for other options and jumped on the first train to Stirling costing £9.50 and taking just half an hour.  Whilst on the train I booked myself into the uni accommodation for a bargain £45.  most universities will let out space on campus over the summer but not all uni campuses are equal.  Stirling Uni has a loch and a castle and miles of sprawling countryside.  It also sits just below the Wallace monument, making for the prettiest photos.  

I didn’t get a chance to visit the Wallace monument this time, instead, I opted for Stirling Castle and I am so glad that I did, it’s got the most beautiful gardens for a castle and spending a few hours there really helped to calm me down.  I actually did over 20,000 steps that day and could have done more so just because you’ve had an anxiety attack does not mean you can’t go on to have a brilliant day.  I always carry CBD oil and gummies with me for those exact reasons.  6 months ago I couldn’t have even done the journey but thanks to CBD I’m almost functioning like an average human (in some respects).

On my last day, I opted to get home by the quickest method and as Scotland has highly subsidised train fares I managed to bag myself a first-class ticket for the bargain price of £45.

In August from the 9-16th I will be doing this all again, this time I will be sticking to England and there are some more details I’m looking forward to announcing as soon as the contracts are signed and the details are firmed up and I will write again when I have more details on a very exciting collaboration.

Some things I’ve learnt from my trip

Carry cash

Enjoy the slower pace

Take a phone charger and back up batteries

Travel as lightly as possible as there isn’t as much luggage storage on public transport

Plan your route in advance if you like safe travel, or just decide on the go if you are daring and love adventure.

and with that, there’s just one thing to say… onwards to the next great bus adventure where we’ll find out just how far the £2 bus scheme can take us.

Ways to support my writing

If you have enjoyed this article or found it useful and would like to support my writing I'd love a virtual coffee

I also have a lovely Facebook group I'd love you to come and join 

You could also come and follow me on Instagram or  TikTok keep up with my adventures, I really am grateful for all

of your love and support.

Mandy's Great Summer Bus Adventure - The Trial Run

 Mandy’s Great Summer Bus Adventure-Trial Run…

I’m about to do something slightly bonkers and I’d like you all to join in. Did you know that the £2 single bus fare scheme has been extended to October?

I want to see how far I can get on a bus and I’m doing a trial run tomorrow and I’m going to need your help to make it even more fun. I love travelling so much and after starting to take CBD oil and gummies every single day my anxiety has subsided to be the best it's ever been in years. Believe me, I could not have done this 6 months ago.

Tomorrow morning I’ll set off on a bus from Newcastle to Carlisle, one of the longest single journeys you can do from Newcastle.

Here’s where you come in, when I get there I’ll assess where I can get to on the bus from there, I’ll give you 3 choices and you get to decide, if you want to join in you can follow along on Facebook or, Instagram

I’ll spend the night wherever I end up and on Friday morning we’ll do the same thing from wherever I am and the same again on Saturday. I plan to get 2 buses every day with a break in between for the loo/lunch and a little exploring. I’m coming home on Sunday (probably by train) from wherever I end up. And then next month I plan to do this for an entire week. I’ll be using booking.com and Airbnb along the way to book last-minute accommodation and who knows where I’ll end up. The bus companies I'll be using will mostly depend on where I end up but Stagecoach is a national bus company and in England, all of the single fares are £2

It could be deep in the Lake District or over to Scotland, who knows?! I’ve not checked the places you can get from Carlisle to on the bus!! Will it be @arrivabusuk or will it be @stagecoach_bus who knows!

Are you ready for a giant adventure? I definitely am!! If you'd like to really hop on board with me you can buy me a virtual coffee at ko-fi.com/mandycharlton. I'm doing this on an incredibly tiny budget, I had planned to blog along the way but since my MacBook pro screen died it's plugged permanently into a monitor. I hope to get a Macbook Air in the future as soon as I can afford it but currently, I'll just be doing socials from my phone and blogging when I come back. I will be saving up all of my virtual coffee's to help get a new MacBook and it will also help with the hotel costs, bus fares may be cheap but hotels aren't so much.

You’ll be able to follow across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and I can’t wait to share it all with you. It’s time to be free!!

Want to sponsor my big summer bus adventure?

In August I plan to take a week to see how far I can get using only buses and I'm actively looking for sponsors for that so if you'd like to get involved please drop me an email and let's do this!!

Ways to support my writing

If you have enjoyed this article or found it useful and would like to support my writing I'd love a virtual coffee

I also have a lovely Facebook group I'd love you to come and join 

You could also come and follow me on Instagram or  TikTok keep up with my adventures, I really am grateful for all

of your love and support.

5 Tips for Saving Money on West End Musicals, Today Tix App

 5 Tips for Saving Money on West End Musicals

There’s nothing quite like seeing a musical on the West End Stage in London. The lights, the sets, the costumes—it’s magical! But if you’re not careful, the cost of seeing one of these productions can be astronomical, which is why it pays to make your plans in advance and learn how to save money on theatre tickets with the Today Tix app.

1) Buy Discounted Tickets

If you’re looking to save money on theatre tickets, today is your lucky day! The Today Tix app has a terrific selection of tickets at up to 50% off box office prices. Plus, if you buy tickets before noon you can save up to 35%! The Today Tix app allows you to browse current listings by date and performance time (or by show name if you’re in a hurry), which makes it super easy to find seats in advance.  When I was in London just a few weeks ago I managed to see 4 musicals in 5 days for just £88, the price of 1 normal priced ticket.  I saw Anything Goes, Joseph, Be More Chill and Pretty Woman, the Musical.

2) Go for Rush Tickets

If you’re looking to buy tickets to a West End musical, try for rush tickets. Rush seats can be had at a reduced price (usually £25), and they’re distributed on the app at 10 am every morning, the only catch is you can't choose where you sit and the maximum number of tickets you can book is two together.

3) Visit Off-Days

You’ll save a ton of money by buying tickets to off-days. The biggest benefit of going on a Tuesday is that performances are usually sparsely attended, which means you’ll have your pick of seats—and you can score cheaper tickets (and maybe even complimentary ones!). Going midweek also means fewer tourists and lower prices overall. And if Tuesdays aren’t your thing, try Wednesdays or Thursdays; crowds will be smaller then, too.

5) Sign Up For Alerts

One of my favourite features of TodayTix is its alerts system. You can sign up to receive alerts about show discounts, and special offers, or even get notified when tickets to your favourite musical are released. I’ve used alerts to get last-minute deals on shows like Anything Goes, Pretty Woman, the Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat saving anywhere from 20%-50% off ticket prices, in fact, when I saw Anything Goes I paid £25 for a ticket which would have cost me £125 if I'd booked through the official site or the Barbican Theatre.

3 Days in Edinburgh, Best Place for Cocktails, a Scottish Birthday Break

I've just come back from a 3-night break in Edinburgh with Abigail and we definitely found the best places for cocktails, in fact, we even managed to try out the number 1 place for cocktails in Edinburgh on Trip Advisor. 

Our reason for the mini-break?  My forty-ninth birthday!  I'd saved some Red Letter Days vouchers and we added an extra night meaning 3 nights staying at the Yotel, Edinburgh a tech-heavy hotel on Queen's Street which is around a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley if like us you are arriving by train.

When we arrived on Monday afternoon, our first stop after checking in was for food and drinks at Wahaca, I love margaritas and Mexican food and I'd not had a chance to try the brand so thought I'd give it a go.  I will say that the Margaritas were great, and the food was good but the service was completely underwhelming.  Not sure I'd go there again, especially as we heard a manager talking to some customers who had been served feta instead of vegan feta and had taken a bite before realising!!

Our first cocktail bar was Lady Libertine which is just off St Andrew's Square, I had the Asturias which is tequila, lime, peach sherbet and coconut, a really great cocktail if you love sour tastes.  Lady Libertine is a beautiful bar, with lots of wood and an eclectic crowd, I felt like I was sitting in an office or a library but I really liked it.

I would say that cocktails in Edinburgh are expensive now, gone are the days of being able to get 2 cocktails for less than about £17- £20 and it's one reason I'm teaching myself the art of mixology, I love cocktails, I love a good time but I cannot afford repeated nights out when a round of drinks costs £20 or more.

One big thing I did notice on this visit to Edinburgh is how many bars are now table service, it's one good thing to come from the pandemic I'd suggest although another new thing seems to be the compulsory service charge.  I'm not quite so keen on mandatory service charges.  I always tip if the service has been good and often more than 10% so it always seems a little counterintuitive because when you don't have an option I'll often not pay more than what's already added.

If you fancy laid-back cocktails and good food, we visited 63rd and First on Frederick Street twice this visit, I really liked the ambience and the cushions!!  Again, expect a couple of cocktails to set you back around £20.  I have a love of glassware and after our visit, I am coveting some Nick and Nora glasses.

My favourite place we went for cocktails?  I hate to be a cliche but Bramble Bar and Lounge on the corner of Queen Street really do make amazing concoctions and it's no wonder they're the number 1 cocktail bar in Edinburgh on Trip Advisor.  It is a very small bar and it's first come, first served so do bear that in mind, it also doesn't have a sign so look for the clothing alteration shop on the corner and descend down the stone steps into the basement, I promise that it will be worth it.

For my birthday meal, Abigail took me to Fazenda, a rodizio restaurant on George Street serving the best meats I've ever tasted, they also make the most amazing cocktails and when I said it was my birthday they presented a tiny, perfect red velvet cake with a candle in it at the end of the meal.  Expect to pay around £36 per person daytime and £46 per person in the evenings.  The wine list was impressive and we could have stayed for hours, it was laid-back dining but done in a wonderful high-end way.  I 100% recommend it for a special occasion if you're in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is the most fantastic foodie city with restaurants and eateries on every corner, you can eat and drink any time of the night or day on every day of the week in every season.  This was, for me, the first time when I didn't really do anything historic but goodness, I had the most fun and I cannot wait until the next time we can go back together to find even more of the best cocktails.  Thank you so much Abigail for making your mama's 49th birthday the most fun birthday I have ever had.

The Hardest Thing is Letting Go: The Emotional Journey of Closing My Business

 

The Hardest Thing is Letting Go: The Emotional Journey of Closing My Business

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of something you've poured your heart and soul into. Today, with a heavy heart, I share my personal journey of closing my beloved business. Join me as I navigate the depths of emotion and bid farewell to a chapter that defined my entrepreneurial spirit.

The Birth of a Dream 

From the moment I envisioned Philomena's Boutique, it became an extension of my very being. It was more than a venture; it was a representation of my passion and a testament to my resilience. Countless sleepless nights and tireless efforts birthed my dream, and seeing it flourish brought immeasurable joy. But as the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end."

Navigating the Storms 

Running a business is not for the faint-hearted. I weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, that threatened to shake the very foundations I had built. I battled through economic downturns, fierce competition, and personal sacrifices. Yet, each challenge further fueled my determination to keep going, until the weight of it all became too heavy to bear.

The Unseen Toll 

Behind the scenes, the toll of entrepreneurship can be invisible. The sleepless nights and the constant weight of responsibility took their toll on my physical and mental well-being. Sacrificing personal relationships and neglecting self-care became the norm. It became clear that I needed to reassess my priorities and address the imbalance that had slowly eroded my joy. At first, I hired Robyn and that worked so well but then Robyn also became anxious, in serving wonderful customers we also encountered aggressive, rude, abusive people, some of whom actually threatened us.  No cup or bowl or handmade item is worth that and we choose to save our mental health first and foremost.

The Bittersweet Farewell 

Saying goodbye to something you love is a cocktail of emotions—bittersweet, nostalgic, and undeniably painful. As I made the difficult decision to close my business, I mourn the loss of the community I have built, the customers I have served, and the dreams that fueled my ambition. But in that farewell, I also discovered an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Today, as of now, Philomena's Boutique is up for sale. I will continue to run the business until such a time as it sells but I will be removing all of the handmade goods and continuing with gifts I don't make, ones which with the click of a button I can send to your home wherever I may be.

Closing my business is undoubtedly the hardest thing I've ever done. It requires immense strength to acknowledge that letting go is not a sign of failure but a leap of faith towards personal well-being and happiness. I choose to cherish the memories, the lessons learned, and the strength gained throughout this journey. Today, I embark on a new path, eager to apply the wisdom acquired and embrace the unknown with an open heart.  I will continue to build Mandy Charlton Photography, I've been a photographer in Newcastle since the 22nd of June 2007 and I'm happy to say that I have work coming in and a busy calendar for weddings for the next couple of years.  I also continue to thrive on TikTok where I have my own TikTok shop making affiliate income from sales, it's completely unstressful and as I have found, I can make more from one 15-second video than a whole week of constant work and stress at Philomena's Boutique.

Philomena's Boutique has so much potential in the right hands but it needs someone with vast amounts of energy and a healthy wallet of cash, we recently reached a six-figure valuation but if you're out there reading this, know that I would take half of that to walk away tomorrow.

I really do not know what the future holds but I do know this, in 6 months I am going to be 50, it's time to read books in the sunshine, it's time to have an easier life, it's time to enjoy just being me for a while.

Empowering Independence: The Rise of Adult Sippy Cups for Those with Disabilities and Mobility Issues

As we get older or experience certain disabilities, it can become difficult to perform basic tasks that we once took for granted. Drinking from a cup is one such task, and for those with limited hand mobility or who suffer from conditions like dementia or brain injuries, a sippy cup for adults and children with extra needs can provide a much-needed solution. However, many existing designs are outdated or even infantilising, which is why Philomena's Boutique has created a revolutionary new product: an adult sippy cup that is both functional and stylish.

Philomena's Boutique is a small business that has been operating for nearly three years. Recently, I (Mandy Charlton) created a custom sippy cup for a customer whose mother had suffered a stroke. This cup was intended to bring joy and ease to her daily life, but it also highlighted a larger issue: the lack of suitable options available for adults who need sippy cups.

After researching the market, Philomena's Boutique discovered that the existing designs were not only subpar in terms of functionality, but they also carried a negative stigma due to their infantile appearance. This led to the creation of a new product that is both sleek and practical. Made from double-walled stainless steel, these cups are not only durable and long-lasting, but they also keep drinks at the perfect temperature. Additionally, the cups can be customised with any design, pattern, or photograph, making them a unique and personalized gift for anyone who needs them.

But it's not just about aesthetics – the cups also serve a practical purpose. For those with limited hand mobility or tremors, spillage can be a major issue. The adult sippy cup is spill-proof, allowing the user to drink without fear of making a mess. It also promotes independence and dignity, empowering those who may feel ashamed or embarrassed by their condition.

It's clear that there is a need for this product, and Philomena's Boutique is on a mission to get it to the people who need it most. This may involve reaching out to carers or healthcare professionals who can recommend the cup to their patients or clients. It may also involve writing a press release or using other marketing tactics to spread the word.

The adult sippy cup is a game-changer for those with mobility issues, disabilities, or conditions like dementia. It provides a practical solution to a common problem, while also promoting dignity and independence. As we age, it's important to find products that can help us maintain our quality of life, and Philomena's Boutique has created a product that does just that.

If you're interested in purchasing an adult sippy cup or recommending one to someone you know, you can visit Philomena's Boutique's website. With a variety of customisation options and a commitment to quality, this small business is changing the game for adaptive drinking aids. Whether you're looking for a gift for a loved one or you need a cup for yourself, the adult sippy cup is a must-have item for anyone who values practicality and style.

https://philomenasboutique.com/products/adult-sippy-cup-adaptive-drinking-aid-spill-proof-mug