#LumiaStreetArt...

On Tuesday evening I headed to Shoreditch after work as I was kindly invited to Microsoft's #LumiaStreetArt event by Talent Talkers. Outside of Shoreditch High Street Station I met a bunch of lovely London bloggers where we were given Lumia 930's to test out! Being an avid Apple fan, I was really looking forward to trying something new and had high hopes for the camera! 

After spending a few minutes getting to grips with the new phone (three years of an iPhone apparently makes you forget how to use anything else!), I couldn't believe how much the camera lets you do! From adjusting white balance to altering brightness and playing with ISO, the Lumia 930 gives you so much freedom to take amazing pictures. I may not be fully converted to a Windows phone but it has certainly made me wish I had access to a mobile camera as good as that everyday. 

It was such a fun evening learning about the difference between graffiti and street art and how to use the Lumia 930's camera to the best of its ability. I wish I could have a guide taking me to cool locations and a photographer giving me tips all the time!

Thanks so much to Talented Talkers for inviting me along, to Karim for guiding us around Shoreditch and to Phil for the top camera tips. 

Read Microsoft's write up of the tour here.

Penshurst Place...

As the sun decided to shine, this weekend Ben and I took the opportunity to head out into Kent to soak up the rays and explore the beautiful Penshurst Place. Located just outside of Tonbridge, Penshurst Place has been owned by the Sidney family since 1552, after previously being passed through the hands of two of Henry IV's sons as well as by Henry VIII who used it as a hunting lodge.

When we got there, we found out the Maize Maze was up and running (much to Ben's delight!) so we headed there first. With map and rescue flag in hand we had a great time trying - and failing - to fins our way back out. When we made it out alive, we grabbed a well needed drink before exploring the house and gardens. The house is filled with mementos and artefacts charting the house's history and recent use in productions such as the BBC's 'Wolf Hall' whilst the garden has every type of colourful plant you can imagine!

Penshurst Place is a great place to while away the hours on a sunny afternoon as there's endless pretty views and activities that will appeal to all ages.