London Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch relay has reached Bath and we're super excited about it passing right outside our front door! The sun is shining, the people are gathering and as we took up our spot, here's what we saw....

some very enthusiastic cheerleaders to get the crowds going

the crowds are growing outside the shop here in Bath

eye spy

the Bloomsbury team  - who's this coming round the corner...

Olympic Gold medallist Jason Gardener carries the torch

big smiles all round

and as quickly as the torch passes by our cakes have sold out!

 

the torch carries on today off to Bristol

What an amazing experience, we're now looking forward to the opening event of the Olympics in July. But before that not to forget the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it's sure going to be a British Summer. Lets just hope the sun stays out!

Are we the Greatest?

Tomorrow night we will be attending the very prestigious 'The Greats Awards 2012', the leading awards in the gift industry. We're very excited to be finalists for not one but two awards!!
Firstly we're up for 'Best Gift Retailer of Jewellery' and even better we're entered into the the awards for 'Best Online Retailer and/or Mail Order Gift Retailer'. There is some good competition for the titles but we're hoping to take the top spots.
'The Greats' is now in its tenth year of celebrating not only the gift industries finest independent retailers but big country wide names as well.
We will be tweeting throughout the night to keep everyone posted on the frivolities of the evening so you can join in. (tweet us at @bloomsburystore)

We know that none of this would be possible without any of of you so a big thank you for getting us this far, and lets hope we're bringing home those trophy's.

Wish us luck!

Literary Mugs

Update: We now have the beautiful Literary Transport mugs in stock as well as the notebooks - so you can jot down all your novel ideas whilst having a good cup of coffee!

Corgi Competition

We have a competition running over on our Facebook Page to win a surprise Bloomsbury Jubilee package! 

Be sure to check it out! 

Pick up a Penguin

We get a great mention from PaulaShx on her blog (link here) featuring our Penguin Deckchairs, and in fact everything Penguin! A wonderfully written on all thing's 'Bookish' her blog pulls together everything literary. Actually, I'm now coveting the amazing book tent she features, perfect for literary breaks.

Weekend Getaway

It's the May Bank Holiday and we're thinking of getting away from it all (especially this rain if possible!). If you're doing the same, here is our tried and trusted list of essentials to take on a weekend away.

1. Miller Harris fragrance's are our new favourite must have! My personal favourite is the Fleur Oriental, guaranteed to transport you to distant lands.
2. Burts Bee's Radience Day Creme will keep you looking fresh and glowing whatever you get up to.
3. Tokyo Milk mini soaps - will not spill in your bag (like most of my shower gels!), comes in cute mini sizes and will lightly frangrance your bag, you simply can't go wrong.
4. A scarf can be the most versatile item in your wardrobe, I love this World of Hearts scarf by Beck Sondergaard is a beautiful large wrap to keep you cosy in the evening.
5. Take a travel journal to keep note on all the sights and sounds of your weekend. I always have a notebook close to hand for those sudden moments of inspiration, delicious dinners and whatever else won't fit on a postcard. The Literary Transport range is a perfect fit.

6. Remember to brush twice a day! 

7. I always have a camera when I go away and this handy little Ted Baker case is perfect to keep all your kodak moments safe and sound.

8. I can't be the only one who can't go anywhere without handcream - my favourite is Tokyo Milk's Gin & Rosewater with it's shea butter drenching moisturiser and light exotic fragrance.

9. Never leave the house without your Burts Bee's lip balm, it's a real lifesaver!

Oh and I'll be taking one of these Rob Ryan umbrella's with me - you know, just in case!

Tea Time!

New in this week are these lovely ceramics from designer Ali Miller. Ali seeks to revive forgotten and discarded household objects with artwork that you will cherish. Ali has a knack for creating home wares that feel personal and at the same time are widely appealing. Her re-styling of vintage ceramics into a new treasure has us so captivated that tea time will never be the same again!

Update: We've spied Stephen Fry with these on the Holiday in Britain advert on TV!