Top Ten Blogs | Vuelio

Craft Blogs UK Top 10

July 8, 2020/0 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Paul Burvill

Last updated 08/07/2020

Vuelio uses a proprietary algorithm to create these rankings, based on topic-related content in blogs on its system – you can read more about the process here. Our research team actively seeks out new blogs and bloggers for inclusion, but if you think we’ve missed someone, please get in touch to let us know.

1. Red Ted Art

Still red hot when it comes to getting crafty is Maggy Woodley’s Red Ted Art. This blog for beginners shares ‘cute and easy crafts for kids’ that are promised to be a) ‘do-able’ b) made from simple materials and c) perfect for helping build both skills and confidence. With a selection of books also under her belt, Maggy has the makings for many fun family afternoons with pots of glitter, poster paints and spare paper to hand. Find her most popular posts under the ‘START HERE’ section for how to make a volcano, paper clay or princess paper dolls in 3D, or watch along with her YouTube playlist for crafters aged 8-12.

2. Kids Craft Room

Bringing ‘creative fun for everyone’ is Emma Smith at the Kids Craft Room. Since 2012, primary school teacher Emma has been sharing art and craft ideas with an aim to inspire children to get creating (and boost their self-esteem and self-expression while doing so). Believing there is no right or wrong way when it comes to crafts, an explorative process is what this blogger promotes. That means printable plans for pasta and handprint pineapple art, paper bag lions, potato printing paintings and getting messy with sensory play for what Emma calls a ‘more hands-on free-range childhood’ filled with fun.

3. Mum In The Madhouse

We take another trip to the Madhouse, which stays in the top ten for UK craft blogs (AND features in our top ten UK mummy blogs ranking). Multitasking comes naturally to the Mum in this Madhouse Jen Walshaw, even when things are mad-busy – her ideas for family time with kids don’t involve staring at screens or Switch Lites, but instead making memories up the table with sellotape, pipe cleaners and toilet rolls, or in the kitchen for more edible concoctions. And Jen’s ideas are inexpensive – check out the printable 2020 time capsule, downloadable colouring sheets and recipes for quick meals, too.

4. The Gingerbread House

Crafts for kids and adults are being cooked up over at The Gingerbread House by blogger Jenny Kearney, who has been posting ideas for all age groups since 2005. For parents, the Back to School section is bound to be coming in useful soon, and for grown-ups who want to get crafting themselves, the Crafts For Adults channel has plenty of projects. Die cutting, patch work and quilting, sewing projects and paper cut art are regular features, alongside Jenny’s monthly attempts at the Mollie Makes magazine front cover gift. And if that’s not quite enough to keep you busy, Jenny also shares which (often craft-related) books she’s reading right now.

5. Crafts on Sea

Sailing smoothly back into the ranking for another year is Kate Williams with Crafts on Sea. Having featured in publications including The Sunday Mirror, The Daily Telegraph, and HuffPost, Kate has also previously found herself at Downing Street for discussions with Mumsnet and Railway Children. Filled with useful things, Crafts on Sea splits its ideas by age, with creativity for kids and toddlers. Activities for two-year-olds is one of this blogger’s favourite posts, as well as 40 things her daughter could eat before she got teeth. Our fave: the Captain America paper plate shield (which is good for every age).

6. Rainy Day Mum

Another familiar face from both past craft blog top tens and mummy blog rankings is Cerys Parker of Rainy Day Mum. Starting with a goal to complete at least one activity with her toddler each day, the blog has since grown and is now filled with enough ideas for many, many rainy (and sunny) days to come. Crafting with Cerys doesn’t just involve paper and glue – there are nursery rhymes and songs to follow along with, ideas for cooking, reading, and summer bucket lists to work through, for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

7. Heart Handmade UK

And here is where we move beyond Beginner-level crafting and towards Expert… If you heart all things handmade, Claire Donovan of Heart Handmade UK has plenty of practical projects to partake in. Established in 2010, this blog has craft ideas, expert guides, home décor tips and ‘plan & print’ resources for bullet journaling, mastering calligraphy and much more. Describing herself as a ‘chronically ill, disabled blogger’ and this website as her ‘Happy Haven’, Claire is an advocate for happy creative lives, and crafting as a tool for helping with mental health. A recent idea for keeping your surroundings bright during lockdown – templates for paper flowers (perfection).

8. Folksy Blog

Folks: modern British craft is something to be proud of, and the people behind Folksy are here to big-up designers and makers across the UK. Setting out their raison d’etre on the blog, the folksy team believe in craft skills, strength in numbers for reaching bigger audiences, the support of cottage industries, the merits of work standing for itself and ‘David, not Goliath’. For those who have expert painting, crochet, knitting, embroidery, wood/metal work or pottery skills and are busy making all things beautiful, the Folksy blog is where you can share what you do with others, and pick up advice for finding your audience.

9. Look At What I Made

Look at what blogger Dedri Uys has made – a top ten craft blog for her crocheting and baking success stories. Now also featuring help from friends Jane and Jenni, Look At What I Made covers all things yarn (and sometimes, cake). ‘What started out as an ‘anything-I-can-make-or-bake-or-fake’ blog ten years ago has turned into a full-on crochet fest,’ says Dedri, who sees the art of crochet as much more than a craft, but a ‘life-saving panacea’ for medication-free therapy and meditation. Having published and collaborated on numerous books on the subject, Dedri definitely knows how to hook happily – grab some wool and join her.

10. Barbara Gray Blog

Founder of Claritystamps and curator of quality stencils and designs, Barbara Gray blogs to share her thoughts on new card products she’s trying out, updates on how her current projects are going and ideas for things you can try crafting yourself. Always ready with a warm welcome for her fellow crafty card and art makers, Barbara is well-loved and regarded within the crafting community, who are frequently invited to (digitally) take a walk in her garden, ruminate on what’s worth having a go at and take part in regular giveaways. If you’re into crafting and haven’t discovered Barbara’s blog yet, give it a go.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: charity, lifestyle, mummy and top 20 fashion to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Collaborating with bloggers requires mutual respect and understanding: respect their schedules; take time to read their content to learn their interests; and only contact them if/when they want to be contacted. You can see more advice in our blogger spotlights.

Profiles of these craft blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Baking Blogs UK Top 10

July 1, 2020/0 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers, Top Social Lists Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last updated 01/07/2020

1. Jane’s Patisserie

Rising to the top of the UK baking blogs is Jane’s Patisserie, Jane Dunn’s blog for homemade snacks including cupcakes, cookies, traybakes and tarts. ‘My goal is to give you the fun, laughter, confidence and knowledge to bake and cook whatever you fancy,’ says Jane, who probably has the recipe for whatever you’re in the mood for. Want something sweet but good for you? There’s her recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies. Hungry for something more extravagant? The jammie dodger blondies or NYC red velvet cookies might be more your thing. Either way, you’re sure to find something suitably sweet to fill your plate.

2. Becky Excell

Still a star baker in our top three is London/Essex-based food blogger, food photographer and recipe creator Becky Excell. Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean going sticky toffee loaf or millionaire’s cornflake bar free – Becky has the makings for gluten free versions of both, and much more besides. This blogger thought she’d never eat nice food again after a doctor’s appointment back in 2013 confirmed her relationship with gluten was over. But Becky believed in life after gluten-filled flour and schooled up on cake and cookie creations that taste just as good as the originals.

3. The Little Blog of Vegan

When you’re all about plant-based eating but the supermarket’s dedicated aisle is low on snacks right now, plant-based baking is your next step. But keeping vegan treats packed with the protein, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins A, D and B12 that vegan diets often lack, especially when you want to keep things tasty, can be tough… unless you’ve been checking out Holly Jade’s tips over on The Little Blog of Vegan. Whichever meal you’re planning next, Holly has a recipe for you. Lunch? Easy vegan sausage rolls. Dinner? Jackfruit quiche. And try her strawberry shortcake ice cream bars recipe if you’ve still got room for dessert (there’s always room for dessert).

4. The Baking Explorer

If you’re on a hunt for more cakes, bakes, veggie eats and vegan treats, Kat Buckley’s The Baking Explorer has been searching far and wide for the very best recipes that home kitchens can produce since August 2012. ‘I aim to bring you achievable bakes that you can see yourself producing in your kitchen, too,’ says Kat. ‘I like things to look good, but also look fun and homemade.’ While the blog originally included meat and dairy options, Kat switched to 100% vegetarian (with lots of vegan-friendly recipes, too) in 2015, so no gelatine, lard or suet here – just cruelty-free cooking and bountiful bakes.

5. Domestic Gothess

While fairy cakes aren’t particularly goth, baking doesn’t always have to be light, fluffy and pastel-coloured. Hannah Hossack-Lodge is the Birmingham-based ‘professional blogger, aspiring food photographer, cake fanatic and goth’ behind Domestic Gothess, here to prove that you don’t need a long list of ‘weird’ ingredients to make something delicious. ‘If you want to make delicious, easy vegan cakes, cookies, pies, bread, desserts and more then you are in the right place,’ says Hannah, who invites her readers in to take notes on the latest recipes filed within the blog’s Recipe Index. What biscuits (AND cakes, AND cookies) they make…

6. Patisserie Makes Perfect

If you love fancy patisserie, but watching the demands of Cherish and Benoit on ‘Bake Off: The Professionals’ have intimidated you out of attempting your own Tarte Chiboust Vallée d’Auge or pièce montée, take some encouragement from Patisserie Makes Perfect’s Angela Field. Her mastering of French pastry didn’t come easy, but practice has made perfect when it comes to blogging about baking. Regularly sharing recipes on the fancier side, Angela makes them achievable for her readers with clear advice and encouragement – ‘hopefully my experiences show that anyone can create patisserie and viennoiserie in their own home’.

7. Sandhya’s Kitchen

Another kitchen we’d love to be invited to is that of Sandhya Hariharan – ‘a Londoner by choice, South Indian by birth, with an upbringing in Mumbai’. For now, this blog will definitely do – recipes shared include classics collected over the years from family and friends as well as traditional bakes. Luckily, ‘classic’ doesn’t have to mean difficult or labour-intensive – Sandhya loves sharing ‘easy recipes that can be stirred up in minutes’. Find something quick under the Instant Pot and Airfryer Recipes sections, or break things down by meal in the Recipe Index. Even kneading isn’t needed – check out her recipe for instant pot no knead bread.

8. Supergolden Bakes

‘If you are looking for easy sweet and savoury recipes that are packed with flavour, you have come to the right place!’ Supergolden Bakes’ super baking blogger is London-based Lucy Parissi, a recipe developer, food photographer and author. Having learned how important food is to a happy and healthy life during her childhood in Greece, Lucy seeks to share good food, fine drinks and good company, too. This blog is all about unfussy but flavourful food, with inspiration taken from all over the world. You don’t have to go far, though – on the homepage now are recipes for light brioche burger buns and biscoff chocolate biscuit cake, so go and get stuck in.

9. Katie Cakes

Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s Katie Deacon is the professional baker behind the Pet Lamb Patisserie cupcake shop and blogger of Katie Cakes. Katie loves to eat, more than anything else in the world, which makes her skills in baking really helpful (for the rest of us who love to eat, too). At Katie Cakes you’ll find recipes as well as restaurant reviews and a bit of lifestyle content. What will make any lifestyle easier – her recipes for ‘no bake Battenberg cheesecake’ and ‘chocolate mayonnaise cake’. And the cookie dough stuffed cupcakes. Probably the banoffee brownies, also.

10. The Loopy Whisk

If this has all made you very hungry indeed, and you’re looking for someone ‘to help, to guide, to inspire’ you to pick up your whisk and get baking, may we introduce Katarina of The Loopy Whisk. Though, if you’re au fait with our previous rankings, you’ll already know this blogger well. Since its launch in 2016, The Loopy Whisk has been sharing ‘free-from’ ideas and recipes with its fans. Food has always been an important part of blogger Katarina’s life, from early days of offering to lick the spoon, to becoming one of our top ten baking bloggers in the UK. Dairy free, nut free, paleo, vegan and ‘I just want to try those vegan matcha thumbprint cookies, now please’ – whatever diet you’re on, Kat has plenty of options for you.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: food, fitness and exercise, beer and parenting to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Profiles of these baking blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

LGBTQ+ Blogs UK Top 10

June 24, 2020/4 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Blog Posts, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Christina Pirilla

The Top 10 LGBTQ+ ranking was last updated 24/06/2020.

1. Our Transitional Life

Sitting proudly at the top of our LGBTQ+ blog ranking for Pride month are Kelly and Zoey of Our Transitional Life. Worthy winner of Best Newcomer at last year’s Online Influencer Awards, this blog was born in 2019 by Kelly, who started to write following her wife Zoey’s decision to come out as transgender. Working to raise visibility for the trans community by sharing the story of their day to day lives and family, Kelly and Zoey hope to show that ‘with some love and honesty, there is hope and a light during a late transition’. Sections on the blog include Just the Two of Us, Family Time, Transgender Support, Self-Care & Gratitude and Reviews, meaning all aspects of life are featured and celebrated.

2. Daddy & Dad

Not only should Jamie and Tom of Daddy & Dad be familiar to you for sticking at number two on this ranking, you probably also remember them from seventh place in last week’s dad blog ranking. These multiskilled, multi-focused bloggers big up LGBTQ parenting in a big way, blogging about their lives as adoptive parents as well as other inspirational same-sex couples with kids. Advice and information for those starting their adoption journey feature, as well as guest posts from those across the world bringing up their families. Daddy & Dad have worked with big brands including M&S, Disney Junior, George and Ebay and regularly feature the finest tech available to keep the kids busy (very handy during lockdown, no doubt).

3. LesBeMums

Staying in the top three are Kate Everall and her wife Sharon, who started their blog in 2012 to chronicle their journey to motherhood. Get ideas on good days out for the summer across Sussex, Kent, London, the West Country and Wales, and find reviews of new releases when it comes to toys and books. Kate considers herself a ‘geek and gamer nerd, and loves all things to do with gadgets and stationery’ and Sharon – ‘the fun parent’ – is into cooking, long walks, films, tech and homelife, so whatever you’re looking for, LesBeMums are likely to know about it. Check out their picks for wholesome Queer entertainment to catch up on and ways to support Pride without a parade.

4. My Two Mums

My Two Mums skips up the list from last year’s seventh place to fourth. Sharing ‘Life – Love – Adventure’ on the blog are Kirsty and Clara Taylor-Gallop, regularly writing about bringing up their son Monkey, as well as important issues happening in the LGBTQ+ community. Posts on finding fossils in Dorset, raising a ‘rock star’ and World Book Day feature alongside deeper pieces on the ‘new normal’ families find themselves in during the COVID-19 crisis as well as the importance of accountability when it comes to racism, and the need to amplify efforts in activism. Check out their resources for education and discussion.

5. Queer Little Family

There is definitely nothing little about the Queer Little Family blog, which has sections on *deep breath* Parenting, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Days Out, Humour, Cats, and Writing (featuring poetry by blogger Bread). ‘We’re writers and artists, crafters and photographers – we want to review trips and experiences, places we can take our son, books for both adults and kids and products from local (Welsh) or LGBTQ businesses in particular’ says Queer Little Family. Though the blog encompasses many subjects, it’s ‘stories over stuff’ that is most important here – go and read the latest chapter of their story.

6. The Globetrotter Guys

Fresh to the top ten for 2020 are Sion and Ben, who trot around the globe looking for prime locations for LGBTQ peeps to holiday and day trip to – ‘it can be hard enough to live day to day life as an LGBT person, let alone go out of your comfort zone! We want to try and break down some of these barriers and make travel for LGBT people easier’. The Globetrotter Guys share their own travel experiences, produce guides to destinations and interview LGBTQ people across the world to find out what it’s like for the community in their countries. Hoping to ‘inspire, educate, promote safety and get more people travelling,’ this is a blog to travel over to.

7. The Smith Story

AKA The Blog Formerly Known As Sarah + Laura, The Smith Story comes from international couple Sarah and Laura Smith who write about their ‘little moments [and] big adventures’. Things both little and big are blogged about in the channels Mum Life, Travel, Wife Life, Food and Wedding where the team share highlights from their lives including coming out stories, wedding planning, making the move from London to Birmingham, pregnancy, birth and family. Working to ‘normalise the daily lives of a same-sex couple and a two-mum family,’ The Smith Story is a happy one.

8. The Girl Who Should Know Better

The ‘girl who should know better’ back again in eighth place for this year’s ranking is Wiltshire-based demigirl Lucie Hailey, who blogs about transgender and other LGBTQ+ subjects. Describing the blog as ‘a mixture of random thoughts, sometimes shallow, often cathartic, occasionally deep, mainly in digestible bite-sized chunks,’ Lucie lets her readers know about the things they should be aware of. Most recently – the updating of the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 in Scotland, Transgender Day of Visibility, trans dating and taking the opportunity to go through and throw out 20-year-old pay slips and uni-era floppy disks during lockdown (relatable).

9. Trade Blog

With taking care of your health perhaps being more important than ever, Leicester-based charity Trade Sexual Health are here to educate and inform on sexual health within the LGBTQ+ community. As well as running discussion evenings In the City, the Trade Blog team work with those local to Leicestershire and Rutland. Luckily, we can benefit from the good work the charity is doing from anywhere in the world – get confidential advice from healthcare professionals, details of support organisations and news of new projects launching.

10. Yet Another Transgender Blog

And at number ten is Yet Another Transgender Blog, founded by Lynn Jones. Lynn writes about what it’s like to be somewhere in the middle – ‘or is that in a muddle?’ – around gender and how that plays out as someone not wholly out of the closet. Writing as a Trans person who’s also a parent, a husband, and passing as a regular bloke most of the time, life is interesting. Lynn shares her experiences of this unseen world and has done since 2005. She also helps run a transgender support & social group: Nottingham Chameleons. Make the most of the blog’s resources section on self-care and the power of listening, and catch up with what’s happening in the life of Lynn – right now, maxi skirts for summer, voting with your purse, and bigging-up Daniel Radcliffe’s recent beautifully-written piece for the Trevor project. ‘I started this blog to give me a place to go through thoughts, share things with people and – if I was lucky – to connect with people like me,’ says Lynn – this isn’t ‘just another blog’, so go and connect!

Daddy Blogs UK Top 10

June 17, 2020/10 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Daddy Blog ranking was last updated 17/06/2020.

1. Dad Blog UK

An early Father’s Day present for Dad Blog UK’s John Adams, who stays at the top spot in our top ten UK dad blog ranking. Having left his full-time government communication job to become a full-time ‘school run dad’, John started to share his story by blogging about fatherhood, parenting, family and lifestyle. ‘Being so heavily involved in my children’s lives has been a blessing and something few men get to experience. My experience of parenting is closer that of many mothers’ and my blog reflects this’ says John, who clearly treasures his role as a stay-at-home dad, and frequently speaks on the subject of gender equality in parenting on TV and radio.

2. Slouching Towards Thatcham

Tim Liew has ‘three kids, one blog’ and is here to tell ‘tales from the front-line of fatherhood’. Hoping that his kids might actually read some of the blog when they’re older, Tim chronicles his life with his family – at the moment, with his ‘Life under lockdown’ series, fitness updates and posts focusing on mental health. The big stuff happening in all of our day-to-day lives and families is something Tim also takes time to address – the Black Lives Matter movement, how to talk to children about the impact of coronavirus, lessons to learn from the last General Election and the Peter Parker principle (‘with great power comes great responsibility’ – as every good parent knows).

3. DIY Daddy

After a few months stuck at home and staring at the walls, possibly wondering how to put some shelves up, or straighten the ones you already have, Nigel Higgins’ blog on DIYing and juggling fatherhood of five might be a good place to stop by. Bringing 20 years of experience with decorating and DIY to the blog, Nigel knows how to knock up a climbing frame and upcycle pallets for shabby chic interiors. He also knows that building solid foundations for families takes more than a tool kit and some paint – DIY Daddy covers mental health, body issues, gender and how to cope with stressful situations, whether or not they come in the form of DIY emergencies.

4. The DADventurer

You don’t have to leave the house to find adventure. This DADventurer is Dave Hornby, who shares his tales of family-related derring-do – ‘I’ve written about anything and everything related to dad life in an honest, relatable, light-hearted and often sweary way’. As the kids have grown up, Dave’s focus on the blog has expanded to include home tech reviews, food and recipes, family days out, travel, big issues and hot topics. Hot topics right now? How Dave and the family are handling lockdown in the ‘Coronavirus Diaries’ – so far, like characters in a movie sequel ‘nobody asked for but everybody is getting anyway’ – we’re thinking it’s a family movie with a good upbeat ending, though.

5. Diary of the Dad

Sticking at number five in our top ten dad blogs is Tom Briggs with Diary of the Dad, which, talking of movies, sounds a bit like a horror film, but actually shares good things from family life – how to watch family films in 33 easy steps (spoiler: ‘popcorn’ is not the answer to all 33 easy steps) and the need to negotiate when your youngest won’t eat their peas. Tom has been blogging with Diary of the Dad since 2010, and ‘despite being a pensioner in blogging terms now’ still loves writing about things from a dad’s point of view. Tom also loves shoring up embarrassing stories about his kids for future best man and maid of honor speeches, so go and check out the material just in case you’ll be the one writing them in 20 years’ time.

6. The Yorkshire Dad

Surprisingly enough, blogger Karl Young is a dad based in Yorkshire, and after discovering this thing called parenting blogging back in 2013, decided to start The Yorkshire Dad. If you’re also based in the area and are looking for fun things for your family post-lockdown, Karl covers things to do and places to visit around Leeds. While you prepare packed lunches for that eventuality, check out posts on helping your children get a decent night’s sleep, garden improvements, keeping elderly family members occupied and happy at home, and helpful tips for what to get your own dad this Father’s Day.

7. Daddy & Dad

One of our finalists at last year’s Online Influence Awards, Daddy & Dad is ‘two dads, two boys, one blog’. Jamie and Tom are the two dads to the two boys Lyall and Richard and share all aspects of adoptive parenting as well as LGBTQ news and current affairs. As well as sharing their own highs and lows, Jamie and Tom use the blog to highlight other inspirational stories from LGBTQ parents, and reviews of everything you might need to help keep the kids entertained in a modern family. That means lots of family days out, tech reviews and traditional boardgames – Daddy & Dad won’t let the kids get bored this summer.

8. Music.Football.Fatherhood

What the BBC has called ‘the dad’s version of Mumsnet’ is Elliott Rae’s Music.Football.Fatherhood, which covers much more than what’s mentioned in the title. Created as an online community for every type of dad – single parent, stay-at-home, co-parenting and beyond – readers are encouraged to join the ‘open conversations around fatherhood’ and chat about all things family. To spark the conversation, Elliott writes about Things To Do (family days out, daddy day care, holidays and trips) and Stuff To Get (baby essentials, cook books, toys and family games) and talks about the deeper stuff too in the DaddyDebates Podcast.

9. Daddacool

Pretty cool and sticking at number nine is Alex Walsh of Daddacool, who started blogging to share stories from life with his family, and has since worked with big brands like Nintendo and Playmobil. Right now, Alex has handy tips like ‘how to not go bonkers during lockdown’ and ‘tech projects to stop your kids going stir crazy during coronavirus’ which are well worth taking notes on. In fact, whatever you need, you’ll find somewhere in the Parenting, Family Fun, Reviews, Music and Soapbox sections. Alex is a super blogger, with superpowers including ‘walking over LEGO barefoot AND feeling NO pain!’ – if that’s a cool skill you want to learn, go check this cool blog out.

10. Dad’s Delicious Dinners

If this has all made you very hungry, stick around a little longer for something nourishing from Ian of Dad’s Delicious Dinner. Blogging about food, family life, fatherhood and fun, Ian has easy-to-follow recipes and ideas for feeding the family for £5 with ‘fresh and affordable home cooking’. Ian is not a chef – ‘I AM NOT A CHEF’ – but instead, a single working parent with a budget, a small family kitchen, a handful of knives and lots of great ideas for keeping fams fed and happy. Grab a bowl and go fill up on the good things he’s sharing.

The fundamentals of working with bloggers are the same as with traditional journalists at traditional media outlets: respect their schedules; take time to read their material to learn their interests; and only contact them if/when they want to be contacted.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Daddy blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Beer Blogs UK Top 10

June 10, 2020/0 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last updated 10/06/2020

1. Boak & Bailey’s Beer Blog

Top of the drinks menu for UK beer bloggers is still Jessica Boak and Ray Bailey’s beer blog. While you can’t make it to the local pub to test the produce quite yet, you can join Boak & Bailey online for chat from the (digital-at-the-moment) pub scene. Blogging on the subject since 2007, these ‘geeks in general, but especially about beer and pubs’ dip into a variety of beer-related subjects. Did you know the HMV dog also advertised beer? That there’s a pub designed to look like an art deco racing plane out there? And that the best seat at their local takeaway pub is the table tucked away by the front door? Go pull up an imaginary seat with an imaginary (or real, if you have any in the cupboard) pint to join the chat.

2. CAMRGB

The Campaign For Really Good Beer (that’s CAMRGB for short) was launched back in 2011 by Simon Williams, who wasn’t happy about English kegged beer being denied a place at the Great British Beer Festival. Since then, CAMRGB has continued in its quest to big-up big-taste beer. ‘We’re a group of likeminded people who believe that good beer and good breweries should be celebrated and supported no matter what their size, shape, or dispense method’. Good beers recently supped by the team have had ‘lashings of sticky honey right at heart’ and finishes that are ‘super smooth, soft and clean’. Thirsty? Check out the blog to find out where you can get yourself a glass of the good stuff.

3. Protz On Beer

Still steady in the third spot is leading beer writer, historian, lecturer and taster Roger Protz with the Protz On Beer blog. While Roger’s worldwide search for the best beer around is on hold, his posting on quality pints continues, with reminiscing about his favourite pubs, past breweries and plans for new openings. And when it comes to reviews, Protz has a palate you can trust, having founded the British Guild of Beer Writers, edited the Good Beer Guide from 2000 to 2018, won the Glenfiddich Drink Writer award twice, and the SIBA 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Brewing Industry. And if you want more of his words, there are over 30 books from Roger on his specialist subject.

4. Zythophile

Martyn Cornell, the lover of beer (that’s what ‘zythophile’, pronounced ‘zee-tho-fyle’, means, by the way) behind the Zythophile blog travels his way up this ranking this year. If you’re looking for a bit about history alongside the imbibing, but watching Drunk History isn’t quite hitting the spot, Martyn posts a mix of tales from the past and present. With pieces on Porter – it was recently the 299th anniversary of the first mention of the tipple in print – and tragic histories of brewers past, Martyn is also covering current events impacting everyone, including the Black Lives Matter movement. ‘An award-winning blog about beer now and then,’ Zythophile isn’t just for those looking for a new IPA to try.

5. The Pub Curmudgeon

When you’re really missing griping over a drink or two with friends, this ‘jaundiced view of life from the darkest recess of the saloon bar’ is where to go to hangout. From the counter on the left side of the home page highlighting the number of pubs closed in England since 1 July 2007 (current count: 20,411) to polls on how long you’d queue to get into a pub (55% – ‘I wouldn’t’), this sobering view of the ins and outs of the changing industry, and continuing impact of the smoking ban, is written anonymously. Meaning the opinions shared are raw, without being sugar-coated, or as artificially sweetened as an alcopop or fruity cocktail. Interesting to hang out and listen to, whichever side of the debate you happen to fall on.

6. Tandleman’s Beer Blog

This veteran beer lover, local CAMRA Chairman and activist, beer writer, beer reviewer and ‘pursuer of all things good in beer’ supports Northern methods of beer dispense, dislikes pasteurization and truly hates poorly presented beer. The Tandleman’s promise: ‘The opinions will be forthright, but you can always disagree’. Founded by Peter Alexander in 2007, the blog largely focuses on pubs and beers in the North West of England, also covering breweries takeovers, mergers and buy outs. Having been a judge at the International Beer Challenge and the World Beer Awards, this blogger knows what makes for a tasty tipple, and has travelled far and wide to find the best.

7. Called to the Bar

‘Words on beer, pubs, people and travel’ from Adrian Tierney-Jones is what you’ll find at Called to the Bar, which enters the top ten UK beer blogs this year. Freelance writer Adrian has written for publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times Travel, All About Beer and Brewing & Beverage Industries Business, and is also the editor of Original Gravity. In fact, Adrian is very busy between pints – he’s been writing books since 2002, edited editions of 1001 Beers to Try Before You Die, contributed to The Oxford Companion to Beer, sat on the Chair of Judges at the World Beer Awards and more. After recounting all that, we need a beer – check out Adrian’s expertise if you feel the same.

8. Beer Insider

Glynn Davis’s Beer Insider (sister site to Retail Insider) is here to amplify the voices and experiences of those working in the beer and pub industry. During a difficult time for the trade, contributions to the blog come from brewers, bar and bottle shop owners as well as beer writers and lovers – ‘there are lots of websites and blogs devoted to beer so the idea here is to be a little bit different and provide a platform not only for my voice but also a variety of other individuals’. While shining a light on the parts of pubbing you might not know, Glynn is also here to celebrate good beer and the places that will be back to serving it soon.

9. Cans Across The World

Raising cans across the world are the team behind this non-profit blog and podcast, which has been going since 2019. Stu, a writer and musician, and Seán, a music, travel, food, beer and ‘craic enthusiast’ based in Belfast, have a clear mission with their content: ‘no toxic elitism, no pretentious tomfoolery, no hate, no prats, no gatekeeping, no underhanded brand affiliation, no shilling, no agenda, no politics, no discrimination, no snobbery, just fans of beer’. Still on their journey in beer discovery and palate development, Stu and Sean want to champion small brewers and promote the beer lover community. If you’re also fanatical about beer, raise a can and join them.

10. Look at Brew

Taking a close look at brews (and the fancy artwork on beer bottles) is Rachael Smith, part of the British Guild of Beer Writers and active member of the Sussex beer scene. Initially intrigued by the complex designs featured on artisan beer bottle labels, Rachael found her palate for the beer inside of them developing, and now blogs about both what’s in and on the brown and green glass. Most recent reflections from Rachael focus on pale ale and IPA and her thoughts on beer, pubs and life during lockdown. If you’re getting bored of contemplating your navel while stuck indoors, consider contemplating with Rachael instead.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: top 50 UK blogs, baking, beauty, and mummy to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these beer blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Top 10 UK Green Blogs

June 3, 2020/0 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Public Affairs, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Green Blog ranking was last updated 03/06/2020.

1. Moral Fibres

Wendy Graham’s Moral Fibres stays at the top when it comes to all things green, sharing ‘sustainable living that’s hip, not hippie’. Since 2013, Wendy has been helping those wanting to go green across all areas of their lives, not just in the kitchen or garden. The blog’s sections for living sustainably include Life & Style, Food & Drink, Home & Garden, Families, Travel and Resources. ‘I want to show that sustainable living can be part of everyone’s daily life, whether you wear sandals or prefer a more substantial footwear – Moral Fibres is never preachy, nor judgmental’. It’s not always easy being green (as a wise frog once said), but our judgement? This blog will certainly make it a lot easier.

2. The Earthbound Report

Reporting on the developed and undeveloped world is Jeremy Williams, who originally launched The Earthbound Report as Make Wealth History. Created to work in tandem with the Make Poverty History campaign, Jeremy’s blog now covers a variety of subjects for earthbound folks who want to make the world a better place for everyone living here – recent posts focus on low carbon greenhouse farming, recyclable solar panels, rebuilding reefs and turning coal mines into energy storage, and lessons learned during lockdown. And if you’d like to learn more, there’s Jeremy’s round-up of facts he’s found across the web in ‘What we learned this week’.

3. #EthicalHour

Sian Conway believes ethical business is something worth spending time on. Having left the corporate marketing world to bring ethical change to big business, Sian shares her passion for sustainability on the #EthicalHour blog, hoping to contribute to building ‘a future where business is a powerful force for good’. Split into sections on Ethical Business, Ethical Living and Sustainability, content aims to ‘start conversations that matter – making ethical and sustainable living easier and more accessible, and helping good businesses grow’. Articles take in topics like changemakers, policy, shopping with intention and the problems with palm oil – if you want to help make change, go join the conversation.

4. The Green Familia

Welcoming eco-friendly fans into The Green Familia is blogger Brenda Cuby, who advises families on shopping greener. Family extends to pets (as it should) here, with content on going greener with Babies & Toddlers, Kids & Teens, Grown Ups AND co-habiting canines/cats/other cuties (healthy hemp inspired wellness treats are a good investment for the furry members of the fam – pro tip). Green giving goes right along with green living at The Green Familia and if you’re not sure what’s worth having when it comes to making sustainable purchases, Brenda’s Reviews & Views section will point you in the right direction.

5. Curiously Conscious

If recent times have made you curious enough about environmental issues to forgo fast fashion, convenient but chemical-filled food and gems that have been unsustainably sourced, find out how with Curiously Conscious. Started by Besma Whayeb in 2014, the blog provides a guide for making changes during the day to day. Beauty, Fashion, Home, Life and Travel feature, filled with advice on caring for your clothes to make them last longer, shopping for vintage/upcycled fashion, making plastic-free swaps, cooking with eco pots and pans and banking ethically. ‘Sustainability in a pandemic: is it necessary?’ – Besma says yes, and taking a look through her blog will convince you to keep curious, both during lockdown and beyond.

6. Inside Track

Think tank Green Alliance has the goods on all things green across the globe, being dedicated to ensuring UK political leaders are delivering solutions to environmental issues worldwide. Updates on what’s developing when it comes to policy, plastic and renewable energy, Inside Track is where you’ll find debate and political opinion from the think tank as well as those supporting the work of the Green Alliance. Passionate about a specific cause? Under the Themes channel, click through to Political Leadership, Resource Stewardship, Sustainable Business, Low Carbon Future, Natural Environment or Greening the Economy to get the inside track.

7. pebble magazine

Here to help its readers ‘read the change’ in the air, whether concerning sustainable design, ethical fashion, eco-travel or slow food (like slow fashion, but easier on the digestion) is Georgina Wilson-Powell, the mind behind pebble. Having previously worked in Dubai for BBC Good Food and Lonely Planet Traveller magazines, blogged for BBC Travel and managing many Time Out guides, Georgina knows what’s going on around the planet. Realising that green is the way to go, and ‘rather than retraining as something useful like a mushroom farmer or shoreline manager,’ Georgina launched the platform for positive stories from people doing good things for the world in 2016– feel good features are just a stone’s throw away, on both the blog and its big Facebook community.

8. Pow Wow Blog

If animal welfare is close to your heart, this blog from Compassion in World Farming CEO and animal advocate Philip Lymbery is shining a light on animal reform. Pow Wow aims to inform, educate and debate the future of food, taking a 360-view of all aspects of the meat industry – humanity, animals (farmed and wild) and the planet. A difficult, but important, subject, Philip himself warns that the content of the blog ‘won’t always be pretty, but it’ll give you the facts and make you think – it is for all those who want to hear about the here, the now and the future’. For those who want to see a future still filled with animals free and out in the wild, Pow Wow is a must read.

9. Veggie Vagabonds

You don’t have to roam the world in search of green and vegan-friendly adventures – adventure vicariously with Veggie Vagabonds and self-confessed ‘crazy vegans’ Josh and Sarah. Bartender Josh and disco dancer Sarah originally met in Steel City Sheffield and their appetites for adventure inspired their travels and eventually, this blog. Jettisoning the material for a life of ‘vagabonding’, the bloggers have shared their time climbing mountain peaks in Sri Lanka, completing the UK Three Peaks Challenge by bike and rock climbing in the forests of France. If you also want to live a life outside, but aren’t quite as adventurous, Josh and Sarah provide resources for those itching to embrace the outdoors in ethical ways.

10. PinksCharming

Blogging (and charming) its way into the top ten green UK blog ranking is PinksCharming from Becky Pink, a ‘clean-beauty-aholic, interior-obsessed, sometime crafter and baker’ based in Milton Keynes. Having evolved from its start in 2015 as a place for Becky to record life with her daughters, the blog now shares simple ways to lead more sustainable lives. Full of tips for living ‘a greener, more ethical life, without compromising too much on the good stuff,’ posts cover House to Home, Clean Beauty, Life & Style, Family Life and Make & Do (Days Out, Crafts and Recipes). Check it out – you’ll be tickled pink (and green).

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Green blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Top 10 UK Technology Blogs

May 27, 2020/7 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Technology ranking was last updated 27/05/2020.

1. Geeky Gadgets

Still at the top when it comes to inspecting gadgets is Roland Hutchinson of Geeky Gadgets. Launched in 2007, Roland started the blog as a place to share technology news with fellow tech geeks online. These days you’ll find all manner of tech with sections on Apple, Android, Hardware, Gaming and Cars and if you’re low on budget but big on having the latest stuff, click through to the Deals section. There’s links to gifts for The Gadget Geek, DIY Enthusiasts and Audiophiles as well as a Holiday Deal Guide (when’s the next holiday, you ask? Geeky Gadgets can probably help you find an app for that).

2. Coolsmartphone

Both cool and also very smart is Leigh Geary’s blog Coolsmartphone, which has advice on the best gear for those looking to upgrade their phone – operating system, payment plan or fancy phone case etc. Alongside deals, there are useful hints and hacks for those of us frequently on our phones while we can’t see friends and family face-to-face – recent handy features on the How To section include ‘Preserving battery life on your smartphone’ (yes please) ‘The best ways to minimize your battery usage’ (definitely, thank you) and ‘Smartphone safety and security. It’s still a big deal’ (for sure – can’t be too careful these days, tbh).

3. The Red Ferret

‘Covering the people’s tech since 2000’ in ‘a fun and offbeat way’ is The Red Ferret, founded by columnist and Sunday Times feature writer Nigel Powell. Aiming to dig out the weird and wonderful when it comes to tech rather than simply listing every new release or update, the blog features gadgets, software, unusual websites and technological trivia. With pieces on weird-yet-must-haves like the Goat 2 Meeting service (which enables you to bring a goat to your next virtual meeting) there’s news on implantable chips to restore touch after spinal cord injuries. The world wide web is full of amazing things – The Red Ferret will find them for you.

4. Coolest Gadgets

Al Carlton at Coolest Gadgets can point you in the right direction for the coolest tech available, whether you’re heading outdoors (this blog has sections on Camping and Gear), home (grab links to what you need in the Gardening, Kitchen and Tools channels), or need electronics that’ll work for either (reviews on Cameras, Computers, Audio, Accessories, Software and Apps are kept here). The team have many reasons for sharing all this knowledge with us, but ‘we can now also buy gadgets and use this site to justify our spending to partners and the tax man’ (a section on ‘justifying spending’ isn’t available on the blog quite yet; you’re on your own with that bit…).

5. Mighty Gadget

Technology news and reviews is what you’ll find at Mighty Gadget, and this is for the real Tech Heads out there. Do you want a better camera, or better chipset and display? Is it worth paying extra for a periscope zoom? What’s the latest on mesh Wi-Fi 6 systems? If you know what all those words mean (or would like to), and want the answers, the team at Mighty Gadget have the expertise and opinions. Get their takes on Mobile, PC Hardware and Smart Home tech, as well as reviews of what’s currently available to help with investing in the right multi-gig/cloud-managed/CPU/integrated GPU product for you.

6. Automated Home

Wherever technology can help with getting through being stuck indoors (and coping with the household chores that come with that), Automated Home will have the info on the specifications. Created in 1996 by Mark McCall, the blog has evolved alongside advances in home automation – originally documenting the build of Mark’s own smart home (the first – he’s now onto his second), the site has tutorials to help readers bring technology into their own living rooms… and bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Particularly popular features on the site are the regularly updated New Product equipment reviews, Tutorials and the Forum and Facebook group for smart discussion and sharing.

7. Clove Technology Blog

Originally founded in 1992 by Chris Love to target the emerging mobile computing market, smartphone specialist company Clove Technology has a blog to provide help with getting the most out of smart devices, wherever you’ve purchased them. ‘Through our blog posts we aim to bring you up to date news about device releases, relevant accessories and our own unbiased reviews of both recent and upcoming technology’. Recent features focus on dream phones for smartphone photographers, how to use gestures if you’re using Android 10, and which phone has great specs if you’re on a budget – go check out the Clove Technology team’s thoughts for more.

8. TechSling

Founded by Joseph Onibokun, TechSling goes behind the specifications and user journey to get the viewpoints of the original developers. As well as providing a source for digital news, information and resource – along with updates in tech, business education, entertainment, social, lifestyle, world events and reviews – the blog features interviews with app creators and product designers. Previous featured developers, innovators and experts include Gregory Finkelson, Leo Galley and video game composer Samuel Laflamme. And with the high(er) brow stuff, there are practical features, such as ‘The Best Prank Apps to Fool Your Friends’ (thank you, TechSling).

9. Lifehacker UK

If you’ve Googled how to do anything over the last decade, it’s likely you’ve been directed to a Lifehacker how-to at some point. The guide for ‘anyone looking to get things done, whether at home or at work, both on and offline,’ it’s ‘all about showing you how to live your life better by being more efficient and more productive’. The UK version, just like the original but with ‘fewer dollars and cents and more pounds and pence’, has been sharing hacks for life from contributors across all corners of the British Isles since 2014. Useful hacks being shared now in May 2020: how to avoid Coronavirus-themed malware and keeping work and personal browsing separate.

10. Ken’s Tech Tips

And here with a mission to ‘demystify the world of mobile technology’ is Ken Lo – ‘mobile technology enthusiast and fan of all things tech’. Ken’s tips on tech, which he’s been sharing with the world since 2005, are split into four main topics: Understand Mobile Technology, Recommended Deals & Offers, Networks & Tariffs Reviewed and Changing Network or Handset. This blogger’s passion is helping people get the most out of their mobile phone, which happens to be very handy for anyone whose screen time has gone up rather significantly over the last few months… so, that would be everyone, probably.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top 10 Blogs: mummy, London lifestyle, music and men’s lifestyle to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these technology blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Cycling Blogs UK Top 10

May 20, 2020/6 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Cycling blog ranking was last updated 20/05/2020.

1. The Inner Ring

Still in first place in the top ten UK cycling blogs is The Inner Ring, which has been busy covering all the big cycling events since its launch back in February 2010. Over ten years later, the blog has built up a following of fans of cycling, cycle sport and pro cycling with its mix of news, comment, opinion and chat. With no particular ‘overriding aim’, the blog’s take on cycling is that ‘analysis and nonsense can go together’ and that, despite the business side and commercial aspects of the pursuit, riding a bike should always be a pleasure. The approach taken by the mysterious and anonymous bod behind the blog is a popular one – they’ve also written for Cyclesport, cyclingnews.com and Procycling magazine.

2. CyclingEurope.org

Also on the inside track is writer, teacher and cyclist Andrew P. Sykes, who shares his two-wheeled adventures across Europe at CyclingEurope.org. Andrew and Reggie (that’s his two-wheeled fellow adventurer) have traversed the Scottish Highlands, the Pennine cycleway, and cycled from Spain to Norway together. While current circumstances may have stalled the journey for now, wisdom from their wanderings is still being posted in recent pieces on Gears for Queers’ writers Abigail Melton and Lilith Cooper and the 2020 Tour De France contenders. And if you want more from Andrew, he’s written three books focusing on his travels and presents his own podcast – perfect for listening to when on your (stationary) bike.

3. Wiggle Blog

Retaining its place at number three is the official blog of outdoor online retailer Wiggle. The team write about a variety of keep-fit sports/hobbies in sections Run, Triathlon, Competition and Gym alongside the Cycle channel, so there’s lots to keep busy with while wiggling back into your Lycra shorts and cycling helmet for outdoor exercise is on hold. Though cycling can be a sociable pursuit, Wiggle has useful tips for covering significant distances on your bike while socially-distanced – check out ‘Seven Ways to Enjoy Solo Cycling’ (make sure your bike is in good form, stick to a known route, be ready to fix any punctures and pack extra snacks, to start).

4. thewashingmachinepost

Scottish Hebrides-based blogger Brian Palmer created thewashingmachinepost – or TWMP, for short – in 1996 and covers way more than the wheels, posting interviews and features as well as DVD, equipment, clothing, books and video reviews. Along with the biking and blogging, Brian is the man behind the Ride of the Falling Rain (a 100-mile ride taking place every first Sunday in August – hopefully this one, too) and local Islay-based cycling club Velo Club d’Artbeg. If you’re ‘consistently caught at the wrong end of the peloton’ like Brian at the moment, find out more about the pros – there’s a whole section of the blog devoted to 1984’s winner of the King of the Mountains jersey Robert Millar.

5. Epic Road Rides

Here to answer questions like ‘where should I ride?’, ‘where’s the best place to stay?’, ‘should I take my bike or hire one?’, ‘how can I fit cycling into a holiday with non-cyclists?’ is Epic Road Rides Clare Dewey. Also answering ‘where is the best place online to help me ponder and plan my post-lockdown cycling holiday?’, Clare’s blog gives impartial advice on the best routes to take in the best places across the world – ‘you’ll find everything from 20-mile coffee runs to century rides with thousands of metres of climbing’. Take notes from sections including Destinations & Rides, Gear and Planning & Logistics to prepare for that first coffee run (because thousands of metres of climbing needs some working up to).

6. As Easy As Riding A Bike

Getting into cycling as a hobby isn’t always as easy as… well, you know. Blogger Mike Treasure started blogging in 2011 with a hope to inspire those with cobweb-covered cycles to get on their bike instead of into their congestion-causing cars. Since then, Mike admits ‘I’ve changed my mind. People are not stupid. They will vote with their feet – or more accurately, their wheels. We should listen to the reasons people give when they say why they don’t cycle’. A realistic approach to road safety is just part of the treasures Mike dispenses – read about e-bikes, dealing with junction turns and navigating sometimes-hostile road networks safely.

7. The Ranty Highwayman

‘Adventures in time and space in the strange universe of highways and transport’ is what you’ll find on The Ranty Highwayman. Sometimes a rant can be as good for the health as a walk, jog or bike ride, and professional engineer Mark is here to help – ‘this is my way of exploring how we can enable walking and cycling in the UK’s urban areas (as well as moaning about other highways and transport-related things!)’. Believing that unrestricted car use is not sustainable for towns, cities and their communities, Mark advocates for the improvement of cycling conditions with solid engineering. Engineers – and others – can join the debate fully tooled up with this blog’s Resources, Glossary and Legislation sections.

8. road|Theory

Pete Linsley shares his theories on ‘cycling, pro cycling and other stories’ on road|Theory, home to posts on road|Reality, road|Reviews, road|Behaviour and more. As well as features on well-known cyclists like Chris Froome and in-depth accounts of past Tour De France events, Pete provides reviews on cycling gear and the techy tools you need for smooth sailing riding. You’ll also find his takes on lockdown cycling – recent posts include ‘Free your mind and your (Lycra-clad) ass will follow’, ‘Cycling, frictionless, through lockdown’, ‘Virtual cyclist and corona-business’ and – particularly useful – ‘How to be a cyclist when you’re “lockdown fit”’.

9. Bikes N’ Stuff

Former pro-snowboarder, PR consultant and model Juliet Elliott is here to promote women in the sport of cycling with her blog Bikes N’ Stuff. Alongside the bikes, the ‘stuff’ includes top locations, training schedules, events and picking the right shoes for cycling routes. Bike Biz’s ‘Most Influential Woman in Cycling’ (and one of YouTube’s ‘Women to Watch’) Juliet also founded women’s action, art and adventure title Coven Magazine, contributes to national and international publications, consults for brands, films and TV and has competed in road, track and mountain bike races. Basically, she’s very busy with bikes and lots and lots of other stuff.

10. Life In The Saddle

Back in the top ten UK cycling blog ranking is Tim Wiggins, who blogs his ‘personal story of adventure cycling, endurance bike racing and insights into a two-wheeled world’ at Life In The Saddle. Having founded his blog on his passion for the sport, Tim hopes to engage fellow enthusiasts and supply ‘inspiration, motivation, and education for cyclists from all backgrounds and disciplines’. Cycle through sections including Adventures, Reviews and Advice and take some tips on overall health while you’re here – Tim has secrets for improving sleep quality, top reads and a good recipe for sprouted spelt pancakes (that you’ll be able to work off when the world opens back up).

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Cycling blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Gardening Blogs UK Top 10

May 13, 2020/6 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Gardening Blog ranking was last updated 13/05/2020.

1. The Blackberry Garden

Still growing strong is The Blackberry Garden – created by Leicester-based ‘amateur and somewhat obsessed gardener’ Alison Levey. Originally planted online back in 2011, this blog opens the gates to Alison’s own garden, as well as inspirations and things about gardening that make her happy. Happy things include reviewing products, gardening books and sharing her current plant-related projects (right now – practising patience while waiting for Wisteria to flower). As Alison herself says, this is not quite a ‘how to’ blog, instead it explores the enjoyment that can come from creating a welcoming outdoor space of your own.

2. The Middle-Sized Garden

Not too large, not too small – journalist and gardener Alexandra Campbell seeks to celebrate those gardens sitting right in the middle when it comes to square footage. If your garden is ‘bigger than a courtyard, but smaller than an acre,’ Alexandra’s blog is for you. Town and country gardens, trends and designs, container gardening, decorations and parties, know-how, sheds and sanctuaries, wildlife and growing-your-own – The Middle-Sized Garden is full to the brim with handy horticulture. Need to stock up your shed? You can also find tips for the best gardening tools and products in Alexandra’s ‘Things I Like’ section.

3. Growing Family

For those lucky enough to have a garden for family-overflow when staying inside gets stuffy, blogger Catherine Hughes has plenty of ideas to plant. Originally purely focused on bringing gardening and the outdoors into family life, Catherine added family crafts, days out, holidays and interiors into the mix. While you can’t venture much beyond your own fences, check out how to grow your own windowsill herb garden, what your birth month flower is and tips on getting started with vegetable plots. And if you don’t think it’s a bit mulch, there is the blog’s recent round-up of gardening puns (they’re just the thicket!).

4. Mr Plant Geek

Mr Plant Geek is Michael Perry, who brings over 18 years of experience in the horticultural industry to his blog as well as his presenting stints on QVC, This Morning, The One Show and BBC’s Great British Garden Revival. His wisdom (and willingness to share selfies with his favourite plants) have amassed him a growing following of more than 26,000 on Twitter, 22,000 on Instagram and 12,000 on his Facebook, but if you’re looking for shortcuts to gardening success, his blog is where to find uncomplicated tips – ‘I’m here to clear the fog, and help people enjoy easy gardens again!’

5. Vertical Veg

Things continue to be on the up and up for Vertical Veg’s Mark Ridsdill Smith, whose sustainable skills in growing vegetables on window sills, balconies, and basically anywhere you can fit a few pots or a trestle, are proving particularly useful in the current climate. Rain or shine, Mark has tips for growing (‘lots of!’) food yourself – ‘anyone can create a beautiful, productive container garden. I’ll show you how’. Very handily, the blog is split into sections like DIY projects, Learning, Challenges and Solutions, and if you prefer to learn visually (or aurally), here’s the Video & Podcasts channel to get stuck into.

6. Two Thirsty Gardeners

‘Digging and swigging through the seasons’ are the Two Thirsty Gardeners Rich and Nick, who have been making their own cider since 2008. Now far from those early days of sneaking apples from other people’s trees, struggling against hoards of slugs and weeds when starting their own allotment plot, and producing their first fruit harvests, Rich and Nick are sharing free resources for readers creating their own tipples. If you’re starting from the ground up with growing eatables or eventual drinkables, take notes from The Veg Plot and The Brewing Shed sections, and when you’re ready for bottling, the blog has printable PDF labels so you’ll never mix up your beetroot wine with your blackberry brandy.

7. The Frustrated Gardener

Chronicling ‘the life and loves of a time-poor plantsman’ is Dan Cooper’s The Frustrated Gardener. Plants have always been a passion for Dan, since experimenting with seeds and cuttings in his parents’ and grandparents’ gardens as a child, acquiring his own greenhouse at the age of 14, gaining a first-class degree in Landscape Management at university and opening The Watch House – his second home in Broadstairs – to the public for the National Gardens Scheme in 2015. Commuting back and forth from London during the week couldn’t stop Dan from finding time for his garden, so get inspiration from the ‘Our Garden’ and ‘Our Allotment’ sections while you also have more time to potter among your planters.

8. The Enduring Gardener

Enduring in the top ten UK gardening blog ranking is freelance journalist and former Country Living magazine gardens editor Stephanie Donaldson. Now blogging alongside greenhouse business pro Daniel, Stephanie’s got the goods on greenhouses (choosing one, keeping it clean, etc.), gardens (composting, designing, maintaining) and plants (smelling the roses, growing strawberries, winter fragrances and plants that bite – yikes). ‘Gardeners tend to be a resilient lot, hardy, dependable and patient. Able to overcome the most extreme conditions and put up with setbacks,’ says Stephanie (we imagine that’s useful with those plants that bite).

9. Garden Ninja

Sneaking up a place on the ranking since last time, is Lee Burkhill’s Garden Ninja. Based in the North West of England, Lee posts advice for formal gardens, informal gardens, contemporary gardens, cottage gardens (*deep breath*), themed and fantasy gardens, concept and fusion gardens and many, many more. Any kind of garden you’re hoping to grow, Lee’s tips can help you to cultivate your cuttings and propagate plants. While you can’t mosey down to the local garden centre for new planters and pottery, take a look at this blog’s recent postings for changing up your outside spaces without filling up a trolley with trellises.

10. MandyCanUDigIt

The Mandy who can definitely dig it when it comes to quality garden blogging is freelance journalist, specialist gardening copywriter and ‘plantaholic’ Mandy Watson. Her ‘rainforest of information’ grew from ‘the tiny seed’ of a Twitter account, and now seeks to make gardening more accessible to those perhaps less able, less funded and less knowledgeable about the pursuit. Mandy advocates for gardening as a tool for better mental and physical health, and even has a ‘Jobs’ section with timetables for what to get working on in the garden each month (week two of May is all about herbaceous perennials, tender plants and hardy annuals, so go and get digging).

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Gardening blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Interior Design Blogs UK Top 10

May 6, 2020/36 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last Updated 06/05/2020

1. Mad About The House

Regular readers of interiors blogs in the UK are still mad about Kate Watson-Smyth’s Mad About The House, which stays right at the top of this ten. Property and interiors journalist Kate has been writing about property, interiors and design for over 20 years for titles including the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. Having founded the blog in 2010, Kate has built on its following with books including Shades of Grey: Decorating with the Most Elegant of Neutrals and 101 Interior Design Answers. If you want even more of this award-winning blogger, author and journalist’s words, you can listen in to The Great Indoors, her podcast with Sophie Robinson (who you’ll be hearing more about later). ‘The Mad door is always open’, so go take a look around.

2. Love Chic Living

On the move up from number five is Jen Stanbrook’s Love Chic Living, a blog for ‘inspirational yet achievable home interiors’. Not wanting her readers to be intimidated by the idea of creating a beautiful home, Jen aims to inspire enthusiasm with posts on the whole house. The blog’s Interiors section houses advice for the living room, kitchen, conservatory, bathroom, kids’ room, study, etc. and the details for each are dealt with in her Design channel, fully stocked with art, wallpaper, DIY and upcycling ideas. Work from female designers is showcased in its own dedicated section, and you can also take a virtual nose around Jen’s home (in the ‘My Home’ section) if you’re getting bored of being in your own. ‘I’ve been a full-time freelance blogger and content creator for seven years now,’ says Jen of her passion for inspiring interiors, ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’.

3. Sophie Robinson

‘Undisputed colour queen’ and ‘tour de force in the interior design industry’, blogger Sophie Robinson brings 20 years of experience in journalism, TV and design to blog posts on interiors and lifestyle. Important things to know about Sophie – she’s ‘bonkers for colour’, owns ‘far too many cushions’ and has the expertise to help you turn your home into a place you can feel proud of. This blogger has worked with some of the top retailers in the country as well as in magazines and television, including the BBC shows Great Interior Design Challenge and DIY SOS. Banning the beige is what Sophie is all about – get her advice on the blog, in the aforementioned podcast with Kate Watson-Smyth and over on her popular Instagram account.

4. The Design Sheppard

Sheppard-ing readers away from dodgy design, wacky wallpaper and kinda crappy carpeting is The Design Sheppard’s Stacey Sheppard. ‘Rounding up the very best in interior design today’ is the aim for the blog, which has shelves of sections packed with suggestions for quality décor. Find just the right flooring, furniture, lighting, tech, colour schemes and more alongside interviews with successful designers such as Forge Creative’s Josh & Oli, Ramsign’s Nick Brandt and furniture and homeware maker Nihal Shah for interior-inspo. Formerly part of the editorial team at Designer Kitchen & Bathroom magazine, Stacey has since written for outlets including Devon Home Magazine and World Interior News – don’t be sheepish, go round-up some of her good ideas.

5. Swoon Worthy

Interior set-ups worth swooning over is what Kimberly Duran brings to the world of blogging, sharing her ‘eclectic boho glam’ stylings in writing and photography. If vintage style and bold prints on a budget also happens to be your style, this is where to go to pick up ritzy (yet financially realistic) recommendations. Travel through Kimberley’s entire house right here (including the Dressing Room, Home Office and Hallway) as well as her life (in the Travel, Beauty, Recipes, Fashion and Pets sections) while you make notes on where to get the prints and fabrics you want for classy comfort. ‘I believe in my heart of hearts that you are fully capable of making your home a reflection of you even if you are on a budget,’ says Kimberley. ‘I’m hoping Swoon Worthy will inspire you to feel the same.’

6. Dear Designer’s Blog

This ‘Home of Inspiring Spaces and Places’ comes courtesy of Carole King, founder and co-editor of the UK’s first digital-only interiors magazine for the promotion of new British designers: Heart Home. While home is where your heart (and the rest of you, too) is during lockdown, why not use the opportunity to flick through this blogger’s ‘library of loveliness’ and interior design transformations and trends. Recent posts cover little things you can do to brighten up your home during self-isolation, a guide to exterior paint work (get a good ladder, be careful, etc.), getting an uber-glam kitchen in shades of grey and gold and how to escape into tropical cottage interior styling while you’re stuck inside.

7. Cate St Hill

Design and interiors stylist, consultant, writer and blogger Cate St Hill has been sharing her love of all gradients of grey, Scandi style and understated neutrals on her eponymous blog since 2011. ‘Simple design for everyday living’ is the idea, perfect for the everydays we’re all currently living through. Rather than ordering and installing trendy but quickly dated interior design pieces, Cate advises making choices with ‘meaning, honesty and intention’ for simple and stylish living. While you can’t spend an afternoon walking around Ikea to pick through throw cushions and desk chairs, you can digitally dig through Cate’s creative ideas for sustainable set-ups built to last and perfectly-matched to you and your space.

8. French For Pineapple

Firstly, it’s ‘ananas’, but more importantly, it’s a blog from Bianca Hall focusing on ‘Elegant Liveable Interior Inspiration’. This ‘interiors obsessive and DIY lover’ blogs from her Victorian home in North London, where colour experiments, room overhauls and reinventions are continuously underway. Product reviews, interviews with high-profile designers and roundups of the best of current trends (seashells, if you were wondering) feature, as well as regular updates on what’s happening at Bianca’s place – this year, plans for reconfiguring the middle floor. If you also fancy giving interiors blogging a go, Bianca shares her skills in online courses on Photoshop for Blogging as well as styling and shooting, but if that sounds like too much work, just sit on back and scroll.

9. Luke Arthur Wells

Interior stylist, social media influencer, blogger and designer Luke Arthur Wells has amassed a following of over 100k across various online platforms, but his blog is where you’ll find his handiest guides for home-based hacks. Making an MDF pelmet to hide curtain tracks, DIYing marble coffee tables and hanging pampas decorations are just some of the projects you can try out with Luke’s help online. This blogger is ‘all about understated, timeless interiors that will age gracefully, using a delicate touch to create the drama and impact demanded in homes of all shapes and sizes’ – make the most of the former Great Interior Design Challenge contestant’s skills and get creating.

10. Fresh Design Blog

Accessing affordable design and making the most of your living space is easy with Rachel Newcombe’s Fresh Design Blog, originally launched in 2009 as a place to share inspiration for both the home and garden. ‘Modern and contemporary interior design’ is Rachel’s focus – posts cover bargain buys, special offers and ways you can decorate homes on a budget. Highstreet and big-name recommendations rub along together here, meaning affordably priced interiors can also be aspirational. Want to ‘upcycle’ furniture you’ve been ignoring in the garage/loft/shed for years? Check out Rachel’s tips for ‘10 Retro Homes Accessories Making a Comeback’ – no assembly or stressful shopping trips required.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: top 50 UK blogs, London lifestyle, top 20 fashion, and lifestyle to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these interior design blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Literature Blogs UK Top 10

April 29, 2020/6 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists Top Ten Blogs /by Christina Pirilla

The Top 10 Literature blog ranking was last updated 29/04/2020.

1. Interesting Literature

Up on the top of the UK literature blogs bookshelf is Dr Oliver Tearle’s ‘online library of all that is most interesting and captivating about literature’. Set up in 2012 by the freelance writer and Loughborough University English lecturer, the blog’s aim is to uncover and share little-known tidbits from the world of books. Does the thought of getting started with Homer’s The Iliad or James Joyce’s Ulysses fill you with trepidation or despair? Interesting Literature gives readers a ‘way in’ to intimidating classic texts by introducing curious aspects of the works and their writers. With over 24,000 subscribers, over 100,000 followers on Twitter and more than 8,000 likes on Facebook, lots of literature lovers are finding this interesting blogging.

2. The Book Smugglers

‘Like many foolhardy ideas, The Book Smugglers was born of a time of great adversity’ – Ana Grilo and Thea James originally founded their blog in 2008 after gaining a rep for buying too many books and smuggling them back to their shelves in stuffed handbags. Started as a healthier outlet for their love of books, reviews and ‘popgeekery’, the blog covers speculative and genre fiction for fellow book lovers of all ages. Sections include Old School Wednesdays, Women to Read, X Marks the Story, and Trash and Treasure, and if you want more from The Book Smugglers, you can check out releases from their original SFF short fiction and nonfiction publishing house.

3. SocialBookshelves

With socialising being low on the list of priorities for most people right now, books are becoming the go-to for spending time wisely during lockdown. Dane Cobain started SocialBookshelves in May 2013 as a ‘labour of love’ and ‘running record’ of all the books he reads. What makes Dane’s reviews different? Each post’s word count is limited to the number of pages in the books he’s writing about. Meaning each word is carefully chosen with no filler to be found. And if you’re looking for a particular tale to get to know better, the blog’s categories are broken down by author name, as well as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Magazine.

4. Feeling Fictional

If fiction is your jam, you have something in common with our next blogger, Sarah Gibson. Since January 2010, Sarah has been sharing her love of the young adult genre with the followers of Feeling Fictional. Whether looking for fiction online, in paper/hardback format or audio, you’ll be able to find something to your tastes here – Sarah has reviewed hundreds of novels, recognising the classics and well as up and coming authors. This blogger knows her way around the young adult fiction canon, so while reviews may not always be positive, they’ll be honest and upfront. Definitely one to check out if you’re looking for even more from the genre that brought us sparkly vampires that play baseball.

5. Stuck in a Book

If you’ve pulled your head out of a book to read this ranking, Simon Thomas’ Stuck in a Book is for you. As neatly organised as a library, though not keeping to the Dewey Decimal System for its shelving, Simon’s book reviews are stacked by author, or month of posting, and there’s even a review directory to scroll through if you want to take your time tracking down a tome. Those who want to discover something unusual can also peruse the ’50 Books You Must Read But May Not Have Heard About’ section curated by Simon (number one being The Lost Europeans by Emanuel Litvinoff). Having been around since 2007, there’s a lot in the Stuck in a Book archive, so go get stuck in.

6. Bookmunch

Readers who hunger for books from all of the literature food groups can satiate themselves here at Valerie O’Riordan and Peter Wild’s blog. Their set-up is simple – ‘We’re nice people. We read books. We’ll tell you what we think about them. Sometimes we get a bit mad about things. That’s okay. It would be wrong if we liked everything. We don’t like everything. But we like a lot of stuff’. Look forward to what Valerie, Peter and their team of contributors are reviewing next in the Coming soon on Bookmunch section, delve into its back-catalogue of posts or contribute thoughts on your own recently-read pile in the ‘write for us’ section – because, as the bloggers say themselves, ‘Isn’t democracy wonderful?’.

7. Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books

The talented Vincent Ripley of Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books has been blogging about children’s fiction – from JK Rowling to Philip Pullman – since 2008. The ‘social media junkie and lover of real books’ admits to mostly keeping his head in a middle-grade book and his brain in the clouds (which sounds like a perfect place to be when you can’t get to a book shop or library right now). Reading, reviewing and collecting modern children’s books is what this blog does best, so ‘enjoy, communicate and share the love of books’ with Vincent. Find whatever you, or any young people in your life, are into in the super-detailed Labels section along the right-hand side – Action Horror, Alien Species, Antarctica or Apocalypse (and that’s only the start of the alphabet).

8. Books and Bao

Travel vicariously through literature from across the world with Will Harris and Jessica Esa’s blog for translated texts and more. Books and Bao is ‘Where World Literature and Travel Meet’ as well as a place for learning about different cultures, countries and continents through the books they’ve produced. This blog’s freelance travel writer founders firmly believe that a diverse reading list is the best way to understand other places and people. While you plan future trips from your living room or daydream about far-away destinations across the globe, get to know them in print first – ‘Read their authors, learn about their history, and celebrate their literature.’

9. Asylum

There’s perhaps never been a better time to seek some sanctuary in books, and what better place to do that than ‘John Self’s Shelves’, aka Asylum. A record of the books John the ‘Book Botherer’ reads, as well as the occasional interview, this blog can boast over 1,700,000 visits (and counting) from fellow fiction (and non-fiction) fans and over 14,000 followers on Twitter. John has recently discussed short story collections for lockdown reading on Radio 4’s Open Book with Ingrid Persaud and Mariella Frostrup, written about Samanta Schweblin’s Little Eyes for The Irish Times and has explored ‘pandemics, plagues and the like’ in fiction for Penguin Books – safely find links to all in the Asylum.

10. Ten Penny Dreams

Very reasonably priced (aka gratis) imaginings come courtesy of author and blogger Amy Lord at literary lifestyle blog Ten Penny Dreams, the place where she ‘Writes, Reads, Wanders, Dreams’. The writer of the award-winning dystopian novel The Disappeared, published in May of last year, posts in the sections Book Loving, North East Life, On Writing and Wanderlust, guide readers through her travels, both physical and in books. Amy aims to ‘inspire and intrigue’ with her mix of reviews, writing tips, discussion pieces and ‘general ramblings’ – look up her ‘Manifesto for Dreamers’ to see what she’s all about.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Literature blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Fitness & Exercise Blogs UK Top 10

April 22, 2020/24 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Paul Burvill

The Top 10 Fitness & Exercise blog ranking was last updated 22/04/2020.

1. The Runner Beans

Still up at the front of the pack in the Fitness & Exercise blog race (not that this is a race – everyone is a winner) is Charlie, who believes that ‘anyone can run a marathon if they want’. While actual marathons aren’t on the cards right now, Charlie is continuing to champion journeys to healthier and more active lives. Readers can learn how she’s using her time while on lockdown, pick up recommendations for fitness and nutrition books to read and find out what exactly ‘stuffing the silo’ means. Charlie (a registered dietitian) is also highlighting the amazing work her doctor and nurse colleagues are accomplishing on the front line of health and fitness and would love to hear from others working to keep everyone well – check out the blog and get in touch with your experiences.

2. Keep it simpElle

Fitness professional and blogger Elle isn’t just keeping pace in this top ten – she’s moved up a place from earlier in the year. Keeping fitness levels up during self-isolation doesn’t have to be complicated – Elle advises keeping it simple with 30-minute no equipment core workouts, indoor cycling workouts you can do without expensive class sign-ups and improving your flexibility by nailing the splits (we advise moving the furniture back before you attempt that one). ‘I love to sweat, eat and feel good doing so in fitkit!’ says Elle – follow along with her easy-to-follow tips and video sets to do the same. You can even spend a day with her over on the blog if you’d like to hang out more (virtually, of course).

3. Zanna Van Dijk

‘I’m an entrepreneur, business owner, personal trainer, ocean lover and blogger with a purpose’ – multi-skilled Zanna Van Dijk covers a range of topics on her blog, all related to health, whether that be personal or planet-wide wellbeing. As well as posting workouts and recipes, Zanna writes about sustainability issues, travel and lifestyle. Responsible messaging is this blogger’s aim, sharing advice for nourishment, empowerment, holistic health and – super-important right now – self-care. Zanna’s work has led to media coverage in publications such as Sunday Times Style, Women’s Fitness and Glamour, as well as an appointment as the UK’s first female global ambassador for adidas. Hoping to help people make positive and informed changes wherever they are, Zanna’s online space is where to go for inspiration.

4. Lazy Girl Running

If laziness is a particularly tempting pastime for you right now, Laura Fountain of Lazy Girl Running is here to help you take up some healthier hobbies. Laura started running for fitness at the age of 30, having avoided exercise as much as possible after leaving school. While joining running groups and jogging cross-country are out of the question, Laura continues to share expertise in 25-minute core strength for beginner runners’ workouts and 30-minute home cardio routines and strength exercises. All well worth taking the time for while you wait for the starting whistle on heading outside to join up with your local running group once more.

5. Fat Girls’ Guide To Running

Blogger Julie Creffield started with running for fitness and fun with a 3k run in back in 2003 – times are very different now, but Julie’s passion for running remains: ‘If you run, you are a runner – simple!’ Being part of the running community isn’t just for wide outside spaces, followers can join the blogger’s Thrive Inside programme on the Facebook group for lockdown fitness, mindset and wellness. The encouragement of all body shapes and sizes into fitness is an important one – check out the blog to join in on one of her upcoming programmes: ‘if you identify as a woman, support health at every size and want to stay safe, strong and sane during lockdown then you will be more then welcome to join us’.

6. Tales of Annie Bean

Qualified spin instructors (who are also well-versed in outside active pursuits like running, swimming and triathloning) Annie and Nick are the minds behind Tales of Annie Bean. Originally started in 2013 as Annie’s personal blog, husband Nick’s contributions in posts and films have bolstered its growth and following. Covering a host of topics including travel, lifestyle, and occasionally fashion and beauty, the blog’s main focus continues to be fitness. Recent posts have extolled the benefits of looking after yourself at home – working out with your dog, planning future road trips, embracing social distancing and the best indoor bike workouts to try (probably not with your dog for that one).

7. Paddle Pedal Pace

Paddle Pedal Pace’s Lucy has a growing record of completed triathlons under her fitness-wear lycra belt. While adding to them is on hold, she’s sharing top tips for progressing with fitness journeys indoors and staying motivated. No access to public swimming pools? Lucy has six stretch cord exercises for swimmers instead. Public park closed? Read her book recommendations for runners, cyclist and triathletes. While keeping fit continues to be important, being kind to yourself is also a daily requirement for staying healthy – looking for reassurance if you’ve had to cut down on your training? You’ll also find that here – Lucy has seven reasons why a break from triathlon training might be a good thing.

8. Father Fitness

This ‘normal guy who just wants to try and keep fit’ is a father of two, husband to one, and past participant in Total Warrior and Pier to Pier events. Paul Stainthorpe is also a successful blogger, who’s been posting about Exercise & Kids, Family, Fitness, Health, Muscle, Nutrition and Weight Loss, and charity since 2010. ‘I think readers like the honesty and the fact I’m bridging the gap between an unfit dad to a fitter dad’ – scroll through recent posts to get an idea of how Paul is getting on. As well as personal pieces like ‘Maintaining your fitness routine during lockdown’, there’s ‘How to raise money for charity as a family’ for Paul’s take on wellbeing for the wider world.

9. Be Healthy Now

This online haven for ‘natural living and healthy lifestyle’ comes courtesy of blogger Petra, who believes in a holistic approach to wellbeing beyond healthy eating, exercise and nutrition (though, those certainly help). Natural living, avoiding toxins and pollution, going organic and maintaining a healthy mind while managing your stress levels are also vital for Petra, who likes to write about ‘everything which is linked to health’. Helpful advice shared over the last month includes her recipes for smoothies to help with sleep, shopping online for natural skin care products and creating a yoga corner in your backyard – all very healthy, and very now.

10. Lipstick, Lettuce & Lycra

What might not be a tasty mash up in a sandwich is certainly a tasty combination when it comes to blogging – Lipstick, Lettuce & Lycra is here to provide your daily recommended intake of Fitness & Health, Fashion & Beauty, Inspiration & Lifestyle, Travel & Events and Food & Drink. ‘Enjoy the journey’ is blogger Gemma Seager’s mantra – ‘you won’t find elaborate DIY projects, time consuming beauty tips, rock hard abs or detox diets here – it’s about finding balance and moderation in all things’. Blogging since 2008, Gemma is an events organiser, social media manager and freelance writer, as well as a Roller Derbyer with the Norfolk Brawds. Basically, this blogger knows how to mix things up to get the perfect balance for staying healthy and happy.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Fitness & Exercise blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Pet Blogs UK Top 10

April 15, 2020/1 Comment/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last Updated 15/04/2020

1. Katzenworld

Still at the top of the pet blogs in the UK is cat-focused Katzenworld, which comes from feline-fans Marc-Andre Runcie-Unger and Iain Runcie-Unger. Featuring posts on our be-pawed pals from across the world, the blog splits content into Mews (that’s cat-speak for ‘news’), International Mews, Advice & Tips Mews, Tummy Rub Tuesday (the best day of the week) and The Friday Art Cat (…maybe also the best day of the week). For all you crazy cat and kitten owners, Katzenworld is here to help with pets who’re getting confused with all the extra time you’re spending at home these days. Find ideas for lockdown fun, help with virtual veterinary care benefits and learn how to distract your kitten-kids from your keyboard when working from home – purrfect.

2. Bionic Basil

Though Basil, the original inspiration for this blog, has since walked over the Rainbow Bridge, him and his siblings on the ‘B-team’ (and their assistant blogger Cathrine Garnell) continue to share their thoughts on the latest book releases, cat crafts, pet peeves and more on Bionic Basil. Get introduced to the full team of cat-contributors – that’s Humphrey, Amber, Smooch, Pandora, Posie, Fudge, Snowie and Melvin – on the home page, and then dig into recent content like breathing exercises with Smoochie, ‘getting your OM on’ with colouring books, and the dedicated puzzles page featuring Melvyn’s Really Relaxed Selfie jigsaw puzzle. The B-Team are all working hard to keep their fans busy (along with fluffy pics of their fam).

3. The Dogvine

You may have heard it on the Dogvine, but this blog from Teresa Keohane is a good place to start digging if you need all the info London dogs need to know. This ‘Timeout for London Dogs’ – or rather, at the moment, the ‘Timein for London Dogs’ – is tried and tested for London-local dog-friendly restaurants, parks and other activities to get out and about with your pooch. While pet-owners are in need of something more socially-distant right now, Teresa is helping out with posts on virtual dog events you can join online and free resources for keeping your dog entertained at home. And if your canine flat mates aren’t providing all the support you need right now, check out The Dogvine’s list of London groups for dog owners struggling during self-isolation.

4. The Paw Post Pet Blog

Patch the terrier and his ‘Crazy Dog Lady’ co-worker Rachel Spencer are the human-dog duo sharing their pet-related wisdom on The Paw Post Pet Blog. Both love trying out new gadgets and treats (Patch especially being a big fan of the treats) and highlighting the work of people making a difference with charities including Street Paws and StreetVet, Medical Detection Dogs, DogLost.co.uk and Canine Hope. It isn’t just dogs who get all the attention and affection here, though – cats and rabbits also get the occasional look-in, as well as squirrels. Mainly in posts like, ‘how to stop dogs chasing squirrels’ though. But with squirrel-chasing down to a minimum now, Rachel and Patch are also sharing ways to keep dogs happy and healthy at home.

5. Steph and The Spaniels

Steph and spaniels Sev and Lily endeavor to find everything dog-friendly out there with their unique brand of ‘Human & Hound Style & Adventure’. The blog features product and place reviews and even some stylish (and trendy) dog modelling. Going beyond blogging, their social media presence now extends to brand collabs on TikTok, where you can find what dogs would bring back when tasked with the shopping and how they can keep fit with dancing for dinner. Also useful for dog owners over on the main blog – top cleaning tips for when you have to hoover around your hounds, dust without disturbing your dachshunds and spritz up spaniel living-quarters (Important note: other breeds are available and also just as snuggly).

6. WOOFWAGWALK

Run, don’t walk, over to the online home of cocker spaniels Maya and Lucia (and their human) for a vicarious look at the top dog hotels, luxury dog fashion and fancy trips outside. Sections include Dog Food Reviews, Dog Friendly Days Out, Dog Friendly Dining, Dog Friendly Travel, Our Favourite Dog Walks, Tips and Advice and Tried and Tested, and content goes back as far as November 2016, so there’s lots to check out in between dog walks. ‘Maya and Lucia are gregarious, friendly and well-behaved photogenic cocker spaniels who are happy to participate in most activities’ according to their human co-blogger, and love collaborating with brands. Check this one out if your pets also enjoy the finer things in life.

7. Alfie’s Diary

Alfie is a very busy dog. As well as holding down his responsibilities as a blogger, Alfie runs his local Pet Dogs Democratic Party and serves as Head of Pets for his Mistress and Master and fam Shadow, Megan and Aristotle. Alfie is also an author, but writes most regularly for his blog, where he shares what it’s like to be ‘dog enough not to be human, human enough to be a pet’. Recent events Alfie has reported on – ‘this lockdown thing’, what he made of his Easter treat hunt over the weekend and helping his Mum and Dad to fix a gate. He also has words of advice for pet owners, so take note: ‘I’ve heard from friends all over the world who are happily spending their time staring at their humans. I do realise the intensity of our devotion may be freaking out one or two of you, but that can’t be helped’.

8. Miss Darcy’s Adventures

Focusing on ‘The extraordinary life of a London dog’, the chronicles of cockapoo Miss Darcy launched in February 2013, with help – as Miss Darcy herself explains ‘my paws are not very adept on the keyboard, I am dictating my stories to Mummy as she types my posts’. Now joined by little brother George, Miss Darcy’s has been busy posting about well-being and training, keeping social, grooming/spa retreats, apparel and more. This dog-blogger is also a big fan of travel, having previously visited six countries in the span of 24 hours. While things are a little quieter though, she’s taking the time to enjoy full moons, celebrate Easter and show support for the essentials. You can also check out mum May Wong’s take on things over on the ‘Mummy’s Page’ (Miss Darcy isn’t hogging the blogging spotlight).

9. Le Corgi

‘Bone-jour! Je suis Marcel “Le Corgi”, fluffy extraordinaire’ – get to know Marcel and his photographer/social media manager/handler/blogger friend Aurélie Four. Purebred Pembroke Welsh corgi Marcel lives in London and has amassed a following of 160k across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and the blog (by the way, he’s also a sought-after model, having worked with Helena Bonham-Carter for a Harper’s Bazaar photoshoot late last year). Marcel and Aurélie’s focus on the blog spans across travel and eating out – they’ve also reported on dog-accommodating hotels and restaurants across London for the Evening Standard’s GoLondon. All the adventures shared on the blog come with marvelously modelled Marcel pics – go see what he’s up to next.

10. Adventures of Monty Dogge

Mark Sanders is the ‘hooman’ behind the blogging of Monty Dogge’s adventures, and Monty is the white and black Newfoundland volunteering in schools and nursery homes and fundraising for charities across the country. Having written children’s books including I’m Not a Pandacow and Monty and Friends African Adventure: The Mission to Save Kaluwa, more of Monty/Mark’s words can be found on their ‘sooper dooper Blog thingy’. Find details of their past journeys, what they’re all reading and even birthday poems (happy late-birthday for January, Monty!). What started as Facebook page ‘Life according to Monty Dogge’ back when the pre-eminent pup was still small, is now a popular blog where Mark can share ‘the things that are really helpful to other pet owners’. Plus, lots of pictures of Monty working, which are just lovely to look at, really.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: top 50 UK blogs, top 20 fashion, London lifestyle and interior design to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these pet blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Top 10 UK Food Blogs

April 8, 2020/8 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last updated 08/04/2020

1. Hungry Healthy Happy

Still at the top is Hungry Healthy Happy with its selection of ‘simple family recipes with a healthy twist’. With healthy homemade food options more important than ever, blogger Dannii is helping family’s make the most of the supplies in their cupboards with suggestions including Peri Peri chicken (aka ‘homemade Nando’s’), roasted vegetable couscous salad (aka a more healthy option) and white chocolate and raspberry muffins (aka dessert is still an important part of the day). Much has changed since the blog’s launch in 2011, especially the needs of hungry and currently house-bound families with reduced access to the fancier of ingredients, yet this blog’s nutrition-packed meal suggestions remain reassuringly realistic and fulfilling for the fam.

2. Recipes From A Pantry

With a last-minute walk to the local bakery or supermarket out of the question right now, ‘shopping your stash’/making the most of what you currently have in the kitchen, is a skill everyone is having to learn. Luckily, blogger Bintu is here with recommendations for learning how to make good stuff with instant air-fryers and one-pot cooking. Having grown up making food for her extended family with her gran and aunt, Bintu is a pro at putting together food from the pantry – check out her fusion African and traditional recipes and crack out your herb and spice stack if you fancy a change from instant noodles.

3. Jack Monroe

Ahead of the launch of Jack’s live morning TV show with Matt Tebbett on BBC One on Monday 13 April, get to know the kind of recipes they’ll be sharing by taking a scroll through Jack’s previous recs on the blog. Cooking on a bootstrap is the aim here, particularly useful when you’re having to be more frugal with your food spend and shopping. Following Jack’s fans demand for a cooking show from the blogger a few weeks ago on Twitter, the upcoming programme is sure to satisfy as much as the blog does, Recent recipes have included Beet (yep, that’s Vegan) Wellington, how to make pancakes from 8p each and lemon-drop tuppence cookies – yum.

4. Lavender and Lovage

Grab recipes gathered from across the British Isles’ feasts and festivals from home with Lavender and Lovage. Blogger Karen has journeyed across the UK since moving here from South Africa and shares ‘food and travel from home and abroad’ – namely forgotten food finds in posts on dairy, dessert and baking as well as tips from her kitchen and her travel adventures. Among the tasty traditional finds in recent posts, there are the staples – bread (‘emergency bread, scones and cakes’), hot and hearty stodge (‘totally tinned chili’), and pastry (‘store cupboard cowboy pie’). And if you’d like to vicariously travel while eating your food and dreaming of the outside, read posts on some of Karen’s past trips to the highways of the US, Bajan restaurants in Barbados, and two-berth caravan trips closer to home.

5. My Fussy Eater

When the produce you have at your disposal is limited, filling plates for fussy eaters is going to be difficult every mealtime… unless you have My Fussy Eater’s backlog of over 500 recipes for getting fusspots to enjoy dinnertime at your disposal, which you do! Launched in 2014 to chronicle blogger Ciara’s efforts to get her fussy daughter Aoife to eat a more varied and balanced diet, the blog has since helped parents across the web put together tasty treats for their own picky kids. Read along while you make tortilla sausage rolls, ice cream in a bag or cheat’s paella, or watch/listen to Ciara’s video recipes on YouTube – you’re sure to snag the steps for making something even the fussiest of eaters will find fulfilling.

6. A Mummy Too

Emily Leary is the food and lifestyle blogger behind A Mummy Too. Author of the smash cookbook Get Your Kids to Eat Anything, Emily has built a large and loyal following with tasty dishes that don’t take hours to craft or a million ingredients to create. As well as writing hit books and blogging (which includes creating over 500 recipes for her index), Emily is a freelance columnist for titles including Good Housekeeping and the Metro, a recipe developer, media commentator, workshop host and vlogger. And somehow, she still has time to be a mummy too.

7. Becky Excell

A familiar name to fans of our top 10 baking blogs, Becky has expanded her offering from scrumby cakes and doughlicious doughnuts to incorporate everything from Oven-baked Chip Shop Chips & Curry Sauce (yes please) to Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Tacos. Borne out of a need to say goodbye to gluten in 2013, the blog has delighted fans with increasingly inventive ways to get round the prolific ingredient. And, of course, it includes incredible cakes that will make even the most ardent savoury lovers drool a little.

Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary

8. Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary

‘Possibly Britain’s most northerly award-winning food blogger’, Elizabeth is a Canadian ex-pat who now calls Shetland home. Winner at the Vuelio Blog Awards 2018, Elizabeth uses her blog to create recipes and go on culinary adventures, with an unsurprising soft spot for her home in the North Sea. With helpful videos to go along with some mouthwatering creation, Elizabeth’s blog is full of homely goodness.

9. Fuss Free Flavours

What’s all the fuss? Helen is a full time freelance food writer, photographer and blogger who cuts through ostentatious gastronomy with her achievable and affordable meals for ‘busy people on a budget who don’t want to compromise on flavour’. Driven by two mantras – Michael Pollan’s ‘Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants’, and ‘Eat a generous portion of (raw) vegetables with every meal whenever you can’ – Helen’s blog is simply delightfully, and delightfully simple. Fuss free? Sign us up!

10. The Curry Guy

The king of curries, Dan Toombs is now perhaps best known for writing the ultimate curry cookbooks that adorn the shelves of the culinary curious up and down the country. But the blog is where it started and still the place for the best recipes from The Curry Guy, with excellently laid back advice that encourages anyone to cook. ‘Do not worry too much about getting the measure exactly right’ – thank goodness! With sauces, dishes and sundries, every curry dish you’ve ever wanted is now just a short kitchen visit away. And we owe it all to Dan.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top Blogs: London lifestyle, fitness and exercise, interior design and mummy to name just a few.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these food blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Beauty Blogs UK Top 10

April 1, 2020/26 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Christina Pirilla

The Top 10 Beauty Blog ranking was last updated 01/04/2020.

1. Caroline Hirons

As the winner of 2019’s Best Beauty Blog as well as the overall Best Blog at the Online Influence Awards, Caroline Hirons is unsurprisingly still at the top of this UK beauty blog ranking. Caroline is a trusted voice after more than 30 years of experience in retail and ten as a consultant to the beauty industry. Best of all, she’s still passionate about the sector – ‘it’s my career and I love it’. Here you’ll find honest product reviews or news of what’s launching when it comes to cosmetics and skincare, and for even more tips on skincare, Caroline’s ‘ultimate no-nonsense guide’ skincare will be published in June 2020. In the meantime, grab all the Skincare, Beauty, Cheat Sheets and Treatment tips you can handle over on the blog.

2. A Model Recommends

Ruth Crilly – ‘erstwhile fashion model, dedicated beauty insider and prolific writer of nonsense’ – knows what works on camera and day-to-day when it comes to beauty, which is why she started her blog in 2010 to share the knowledge. Ten years later, this former model’s recommendations have expanded beyond beauty (including bodycare, fragrance, haircare, makeup and skincare) to fashion, family, and house-related content, or as Ruth puts it, posts streaming from ‘completely random and mundane thoughts’. Having moved out of London and into rural Somerset with her husband, two children and pets, Ruth’s day-to-day now includes posts on free hotel loofah mysteries, or creepy things small kids do (both actual posts you can track down on the blog) – perfect for scrolling through while you undertake your daily beauty regime.

3. British Beauty Blogger

The British beauty blogger behind the next beauty hot spot in our ranking is Jane Cunningham, a writer for both digital and print media and an author of four books. Having started her writing career with children’s products and travel writing, Jane found her favourite topic in beauty and decided to stick with it – ‘I’ve never enjoyed writing anything as much as I do about beauty’. The ‘endlessly interesting, constantly changing’ field is covered by Jane in the sections Makeup Reviews, Fragrance & Perfume, Nail Polish & Colour, Skin Care Reviews and Hair & Styling. Where Jane’s work in magazines and papers occasionally limited her freedom to be brutally honest, independent blogging has had no such restrictions – this British Beauty Blogger’s approach is very much ‘no holds barred’ when it comes to what’s worth trying.

4. Really Ree

Really Ree is really Anne-Marie Lodge, who created this blog in 2010 as a place to share new products and ideas. Originally a hobby, blogging has since become a full-time career for Anne-Marie, her ‘handful of readers’ at the beginning growing into a dedicated legion of fans. Responsibility to her readers is something the blogger doesn’t take lightly – ‘I love that people rely on me to know what’s new and worth trying, and I work hard to achieve that’. Products recommended as worth trying range from the high-end glamour of Charlotte Tilbury and Surrat to the everyday wearability of brands like Milk and Maybelline, keeping with the blog’s aim to keep beauty treatments realistic and achievable for everyone, whatever budget they’re working with.

5. Hayley Hall

Hayley Hall’s experience as a brand manager in the cosmetics industry has come in handy during her decade of blogging. Now a well-known voice in the sector, Hayley has featured in print titles like the Daily Mail, heat magazine and Grazia and has worked as a brand consultant with names including Boots, Unilever and ASDA. Her work on the blog also covers fashion, travel, interiors and even weddings, but if you’ll be staying inside the house for the foreseeable and finally have time for face masks and foot peels, check out Hayley’s beauty tips. Recent posts include easy beauty tasks to tick off during lockdown, how to handle dry frizzy hair and recommendations for the best creams to try on over-washed hands.

6. Gemma Etc.

Gemma Etc. started in 2012 as Miss Makeup Magpie and has since expanded to include general lifestyle features. Beauty remains this blogger’s main love, however, and Gemma Etc. is her outlet to ‘share opinions while talking about the products I love, and those I don’t’. Gemma aims to keep things balanced when it comes to products she rates and the ones she doesn’t, buying new releases herself to try alongside PR samples. If you’re looking for something product-focused, this blog is for you – ‘I like that my blog is purely about the products I feature, and I don’t want the ‘fame’ that some do with blogging and YouTube – I just want to blog daily about different products as I love it’.

7. The Sunday Girl

Started in a ‘obscenely youthful and nauseating pink bedroom’ by Adrienne Söndag in 2011, The Sunday Girl is now a global (and award-winning) blog with roots in the UK and USA that covers all aspects of beauty. Posts feature the latest launches, cult products and celebrity slap as well as the blog’s discoveries of tricks and tips both new and old. Fans of The Sunday Girl’s mix can also sign up for ‘weekly drops’ of beauty in the Sunday newsletter and follow the popular associated channels on social media for beauty products, tips and pretty flat lay pics of pots and powders being tested by the team at the moment.

8. Jasmine Talks Beauty

Jasmine Stewart started talking beauty online during a boredom-filled break from study at the University of Birmingham. Having read Philosophy and Theology, Jasmine is also well-studied on the subject of beauty for all budgets – ‘some people like Star Wars Memorabilia, some people collect stamps, my thing just happens to be beauty!’ Instead of focusing on tutorials, the feeling Jasmine aims for with her blog is that of sitting down with friends, a coffee and a makeup bag for a chat, and she encourages readers to continue the discussion and do their own research on ingredients. Recent chats on the blog have included staying motivated and positive and which five eyeshadow palettes Jasmine would keep if she had to choose – click over to the blog to see her picks.

9. Makeup Savvy

Fee, aka Fiona Houghton, is savvy about makeup and where to find the best low-priced products both on the high street and online (the online tips being particularly useful at the moment). Categories on the blog include Beauty, Skincare, Nails, Lifestyle, Blogging Tips and Freebies, so if you’re passionate about pretty things and blogging about them too, Fee has the goods. While luxury products might be hard to get hold of right now, this blog’s advice on storage solutions for what you already have in your collection, no-spend professional skincare tips everyone should know and how to control sensitive skin will keep you and your skin beautifully busy.

10. Beauty Geek UK

Back in our top ten beauty blog ranking this year is online resource for makeup, skincare and all things beauty Beauty Geek UK, edited by 35-year-old ‘lover of pink lipstick and pretty palettes’ Sascha Taylor-Curtis. Bursting with pictures of the prettiest in new launches, the brightly-coloured blog features recommendations for brushes, nail polish, concealer, bath foams, face masks and much more – meaning full-face and full-body beauty tips. Sascha has a special interest in problem skin, having tried many different products and potions herself, so seeks to help people with similar issues make informed decisions. If you’re hoping to spruce up your skincare regime, Sascha is who to geek out with.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Beauty blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Political Blogs UK Top 10

March 25, 2020/7 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Public Affairs, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

The Top 10 Political Blog ranking was last updated 25/03/2020.

1. Guido Fawkes

The number one political blog in the UK is Guido Fawkes, originally created in September 2004 by Paul Staines. ‘The primary motivation for the creation of the site was purely to make mischief at the expense of politicians and for the founding author’s own self-gratification,’ goes the origin story from Paul, who found other such blogs at the time ‘too earnest and serious’. Guido’s mix of news, rumour and gossip has since made it a major mover in the world of Westminster, capable of changing the political landscape. Whichever way you’re affiliated politically, it’s a key place to visit if you want to keep up with the latest goings-on in the halls of power.

2. ConservativeHome

In the same spot as last year’s ranking, the ‘home of conservatism’ continues to encourage conversation among its readers while covering everything going on in the party. A lot has changed since Tim Montgomerie launched the site back in 2005 for grassroots Conservative members. ConservativeHome uses its independent stance to cover news in its ToryDiary section, reports on what’s happening across the corridor in its LeftWatch channel, and publishes opinion and feature pieces in the MPs ETC, Local Government, Majority and Think Tank parts of the site. Now edited by Paul Goodman, this blog is one to keep an eye on as the nation watches the ruling party’s reaction to the challenges of 2020.

3. Wings Over Scotland

Rev. Stuart Campbell’s blog focuses on the political landscape in Scotland with a straightforward style and brutal honesty (the most honest, or brutal, perhaps being its ranking for ‘The Thickest Politician In Scotland’). If you’re new to the blog, check out the About Us page for choice quotes on its content from media outlets including STV News, The Herald and the Daily Mail, and even opinions from politicians themselves. What you’ll also find is sharp insight on how the media is covering politics in Scotland as well as original commentary and analysis from its contributors.

4. LabourList

Supporting Labour while remaining independent from it, LabourList launched in 2009 as a forum for discussion of, and news from, the party. It’s News, Comment, Video, Brexit, Unions, Selections, Local and Scotland channels aim to cover everything happening in the party and writers range from grassroots activists to peers and current MPs. Readers are also an important part of the blog, which encourages its visitors to share their takes on the latest political news alongside its contributors. Leading the team is Sienna Rodgers, who brings experience from her work in journalism and activism for the party.

5. PoliticalBetting.com

If something lighter yet informative is what you’re looking for in a political blog, PoliticalBetting is a safe bet. Describing itself as ‘the best online resource for betting on politics’, this platform for political gamblers and forecasters posts analysis, statistics and polls for predicting what might happen next in global politics. Founder Mike Smithson comes from a journalism and politics background and has been combining the two on the blog since its foundation in 2004. With things changing in politics across the world by the day, check out Mike’s predictions for what might happen tomorrow.

6. Slugger O’Toole

Multilingual content is what makes Slugger O’Toole unique – contributions come in English, Irish and Welsh and cover news from the Republic of Ireland, Britain and across the globe. Aiming to bring its audience ‘open source analysis’ from the blogosphere and the mainstream media, the team are ‘constantly on the look out for opportunities to add value to the debate of matters of regional, national and international concern’. Slugger O’Toole started life in 2002 as a place for founder Mike Fealty to share Northern Irish political news – now its focus reaches further and doesn’t shy away from controversial issues, whatever language they come in.

7. Left Foot Forward

Edited by Josiah Mortimer and Joe Lo, this space for progressives on the left of the political sphere aims to provide fresh takes on current affairs. Unaffiliated to any political parties, Left Foot Forward keeps its posts evidence-based to analyse current policy. Topical contributions from its readers as well as campaigners and politicians are welcomed, particularly if they come with new or unreported data people should know about, reports of unbalanced media coverage, or any debate on the British left. There’s certainly lots to talk about – put your Left Foot Forward if you have something to share.

8. Craig Murray

Craig Murray has had a busy career and brings a wealth of experience to his eponymous blog. The campaigner, broadcaster and author was British Ambassador to Uzbekistan from August 2002 to October 2004 and Rector of the University of Dundee from 2007 to 2010 and regularly speaks at events on a variety of topics. This blog has a popular comments section with posts attracting healthy debate among its many politically engaged readers. If you can’t get to a family meal to argue politics at the moment but have thoughts to share, this is an ideal place to visit and interact.

9. Bella Caledonia

Unaligned to any party, Bella Caledonia was created in 2007 by Mike Small and Kevin Williamson. Focusing on Scottish independence and aiming to provide conclusions uninfluenced by the mainstream media, the blog welcomes viewpoints from readers, campaigners and people working in the creative industries. Bella Caledonia aims to create a movement that is ‘vigorous and insatiably curious’ and sections including Arts & Culture, Opinion, Media, International and Economics reflect each way politics influences all aspects of our daily lives.

10. Iain Dale

This blog from award-winning radio presenter Iain Dale often features posts inspired by discussions from his work on LBC’s Evening Show – recent posts focus on strains on the NHS, surviving self-isolation and how to help struggling businesses. A respected political commentator, Iain regularly writes for publications including The Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard, was a contributing editor for GQ magazine, a columnist for Attitude, founded Total Politics magazine and was one of the team behind Politico’s Bookstore. Here you can find regular updates and his take on current events on the website as well as news on his books and upcoming talks.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Political blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

Mummy Blogs UK Top 10

March 18, 2020/17 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last Updated 18/03/2020.

1. Slummy Single Mummy

Still at the top of our mummy blogger ranking is Slummy Single Mummy Jo Middleton, who has been sharing the highs and lows (but mostly highs) of being a single parent since this blog’s birth back in 2009. Jo’s adventure started with parenthood, as mum to Bee and Belle, and her current chapter includes being a grandmother. ‘As my kids have got older I’ve broadened my content and I particularly enjoy creating recipes and writing about food and travel’. Have your own tales you’d like to share with Jo and her readership? Don’t leave it untold – get in touch to take part in her Untold Stories section.

2. Honest Mum

Blogger, vlogger, author and former filmmaker and TV director Vicki is the honest mum behind this blog, which covers family, food, style, travel and life. Still often popping up on TV for BBC News and ITV as a presenter and parenting expert, Vicki has spoken on perinatal mental health in the House of Commons, maternal rights as well as flexible working. No lie, Vicky knows her stuff about nailing that work/life balance as a parent, and you can read more of her advice for doing the same in her book Mumboss – A guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home.

3. Mum In The Madhouse

The crafty blogging mum in this madhouse is Jen Walshaw, who believes creativity is important when raising children rather than leaving them to sit in front of an iPad. Jen advocates for a variety of ways to get kids away from staring at screens big and small, in sections devoted to seasonal fun, things to do in the kitchen, arts and crafts, outside activities, and general parenting features and advice. Sounds smart and sane to us, so why is Jen’s blog and home called ‘The Mad House’? ‘My home is never quiet,’ says Jen ‘which is why my mum named it The Mad House all those years ago. It stuck.’ If you’re looking to unplug with your family, this is a blog worth sticking with.

4. Mudpie Fridays

Get advice for keeping kids busy all week round with Clare Minall’s Mudpie Fridays. Career woman Clare originally launched the blog to chronicle life with her sons Monkey and Kipper as she balanced motherhood with work. This means realistic tips for other working parents looking for practical family days that don’t need too much planning – quick trips, playing in the mud (hence the title), park visits and hunting for statues in public gardens. For parents that need quick ideas there’s a weekly newsletter and mums can find time for themselves in the ‘Mum Life’ section (quicker than running a bath and lighting some candles).

5. Rainy Day Mum

Whatever the weather, Rainy Day Mum Cerys Parker will be able to find something for families to do to stay busy and have fun. Though, in the UK, we certainly have a lot of rainy days to contend with, so Cerys’ insider tips for staying inside are vital for parents with rambunctious children who need something fun to focus on. Self-improvement though creating and learning is the aim here, as well as daily goals – there are crafts for toddlers, activities for babies, and even free printables for the artistically-inclined and crayon-equipped. There’s lots to keep families occupied – as Cerys says herself, parenting doesn’t have to stop for rain.

6. What the Redhead said

The redhead writing about the ‘ups and downs of family life’ on What the Redhead said is Donna – a fulltime blogger living just outside of London in Camberley with her husband Dave and children Athena and Troy. For Donna, ‘the future’s bright, the future’s ginger’, and if you regularly read her blog, your future will most likely be filled with quality days with the fam, hearty recipes to conquer and happy kids. For the more serious stuff, Donna is an advocate for home births, co-sleeping, baby led weaning and as well as breastfeeding and comes from a background in retail finance, so you can find practical thoughts from the Redhead of What the Redhead said as well.

7. BritMums

The bloggers behind BritMums are co-founders Jen and Susannah, who started the network back in 2008 way before influencers were born. This blog has grown since then to take the best from the realm of blogging and influence and boasts to have a ‘site full of the best content from the community. Check it out and join the conversation!’ The Magazine section has content covering News & Views, Family & Relationships, Travel, Food & Recipes, Style and Health & Beauty. But if blogging is also your passion, the Blogs & Social channel will have what you need – there’s advice on social media, getting started with blogging and vlogging and (always a nice thing) making money.

8. Boo Roo and Tigger Too

Boo – AKA Sarah Anguish – blogs about her family, which includes chatterbox and dancer Roo, fussy eater Tigger and wild child Piglet. Here on their digital home, you’ll find lifestyle features on home decorating, travel, product reviews, days out with the family and advice for fellow parents on baby and toddlers, car seats, push chairs and even teenagers, which unfortunately don’t tend to arrive with a manual. Boo is also branching out into the world of Blogger Outreach, so get in touch if you’d like to learn from one of the best (and one of the top ten in the UK when it comes to mummy blogging).

9. Toby & Roo

Here we have another Roo making it in the world of mummy blogging – Reuben, brother of Tobias and Edith, who are the children of blogger Harriet Shearsmith. This blogger describes herself as ‘a serial mum bun wearer, total over sharer in desperate need of a nap. I witter a lot about feminism, equality, letting children be children and I have a rather colourful mouth… again, some would say foul but what do they know?’ and writes from her home in the Northern English countryside. Having worked for an international children’s merchandise retailer, Harriet knows what’s good when it comes to children’s products and provides a trustworthy (and colourful) take on what’s currently available for the family.

10. In The Playroom

London-based blogger Anna started In The Playroom to share ideas about playing, learning and living life with young children and does so in the sections Play, Craft, Baby, Food, Travel, Printables and Toy Reviews. Anna recommends sensory play, process-based activities and traditional crafts but doesn’t just post herself – as the blog has grown, so has the team. Regular contributors now add to the Playroom’s resources with ideas for toddlers and pre-schoolers. In fact, this blogger loves interacting with fellow bloggers, writers and her readership, so head on over to In The Playroom’s Facebook wall to join the family.

MORE TOP 10 BLOGS

Discover more Top 10 rankings: including parenting, daddy, London lifestyle and family travel.

Or explore the full list of Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Mummy blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

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Top 10 Irish Blogs

March 11, 2020/0 Comments/in PR Pulse, Top Ten Blogs, Social Media Index, Top Lists, Influencers Top Ten Blogs /by Holly Hodges

Last Updated 11/03/2020.

1. Arseblog

At number one for another year is Andrew Mangan’s Arsenal FC-focused (what else did you think it would be focusing on?) blog. If you’re a Gunners fan, you’ll find live blogs of Arsenal matches, detailed commentary as well as news and predictions for upcoming games. Want more from your football favourites? Listen in to the Arsecast podcast, or become a member of the blog for merchandise discounts, the scuttlebutt on events and ticket releases as well as exclusive content.

2. Phil Mac Giolla Bháin

Launched back in 2008 by author/journo/playwright Phil Mac Giolla Bháin, his eponymous blog originally covered Scottish football. He has since used the blog to break many stories, some beyond his original focus, and has campaigned for social justice for more than 35 years as both a journalist and writer. He also doesn’t shy away from controversial or heavy subjects in blog posts today, recently having written about the potential impact COVID-19 could have on Scottish football.

3. Pippa

Here you’ll find the latest fashion, beauty and travel tips from former model Pippa O’Connor Ormond, who’s also the founder of her own denim fashion line and scented candle collection. Pippa’s style is all over the blog, in its fashion and beauty picks just in time for payday, Spring wedding guest dresses you’ll actually wear again and new finds picked out for readers. If you’re on a budget, deals in the high street also feature on the blog as well as ideas for making good use of your full wardrobe (biker boots with dresses? Why not).

4. Nialler9

If music is your thing, journalist and DJ Niall Byrne’s blog Nialler9 is for you. Bigging up Irish music being made across the world since its launch in November 2005, this Dublin-based blog has festival news, gig guides in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and beyond, details of new music releases and playlists to download on the go. Niall knows his music, having held curated events as well as DJing regularly at monthly club night Lumo. If you can’t make it out to the club, get your fix of Irish music online, easy.

5. Dolly Dowsie

Dolly Dowsie has grown from its start in 2013 as a digital scrapbook for Fiona Naughton’s family and now focuses on all aspects of parenting, including kid-friendly holidays, cooking with your children and even moving house. You’ll also find lifestyle, interiors, beauty, health and baking features as well as recipes to try with the family. Fiona loves photography, DIY projects, cooking, flowers and shabby chic, making this a stylish online destination as well as a practical one.

6. Journalist On The Run

This blog from qualified journalist and intrepid traveller Janet Newenham was created to capture all of her ‘travels and adventures, my career growth and career failure, and keeping track of all the goals I have achieved and the many more which have yet to be accomplished’. Originally inspired after reading the short story Another Check Mark On the List from Chicken Soup for the Soul, Janet’s ‘bucket list for life’ has allowed her to chronicle ticking off her own goals, ‘learning loads, smiling loads, making loads more amazing friends. I see life as one big adventure, so come join me and let’s have some fun!’

7. Rosanna Davison

Qualified nutritional therapist – and 2003 Miss World beauty competition winner – Rosanna Davison is passionate about bringing her evidence-based approach to food, health and wellness to the public. Each recipe and health tip shared with her blog readership is trialled and tested by Rosanna and is designed to help reach the highest of health and beauty potentials. If that’s something you’re hungry for, grab up her suggestions for breakfasts, salads, main meals, smoothies, spreads, snacks, dips, dressings and even desserts.

8. SoSueMe

Created in 2010 by Suzanne Jackson, SoSueMe shares fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle content with its huge readership. Suzanne’s influence has previously been compared to Kate Middleton by The Sunday Independent and she is considered as a top Irish influencer when it comes to fashion and beauty. Hardly surprising for the founder and CEO of popular beauty brand SOSUbySJ. If you’re inspired by Suzanne’s style, you can even emulate it by checking out the What I Wore section and picking up the products and threads she recommends.

9. Cuddle Fairy

‘There’s positivity around every corner’ is the MO of this blog from creator and writer Becky O’Haire. Hailing from New York, Becky is now based in County Mayo with her family and ‘loves writing about everything’, so you’ll find a mix of upbeat topics. This blogger’s journey into positive thinking started after a 24 hour ‘no complaints’ challenge – if you’re thinking of taking part yourself, surrounding yourself with happier fare you can find on Cuddle Fairy is a good start.

10. Sociable

Aiming to pick apart how technology transforms society, this news blog delves into governments, business, and citizens to analyse the ethical, social and philosophical implications of tech. Founded in September 2010 by Darren McCarra and Piers Scott, Sociable is now one of the most popular technology blogs in Ireland. With a team of writers now headed up by editor Tim Hinchliffe, posts focus on social, web, mobile and science as well as columns on cryptocurrencies. There is also advice on how to use tech, with tips on using audience marketing in digital campaigns and embracing tech in social connectivity, so it’s worth making a connection with Sociable.

Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these Irish blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.

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