Sweet Spring
A delicious event with the perfect invitation; a flag-tastic source request; and a not-so-sweet slump
Friday, March 20, marked the start of spring. There’s still a slight chill in the air in Amsterdam, but the city is bursting with bright-yellow daffodils and lavender crocuses, and we’ve been blessed with blue skies as of late. It’s like the gray veil of winter has finally been lifted, and I’m not the only one who’s thrilled about that: The collective mood feels like rainbows and unicorns and cupcakes with sprinkles on top.
And speaking of sweet stuff: On Friday, I attended a fun event to celebrate a collaboration between two Amsterdam-based businesses: Tony’s Chocolonely, which produces delicious chocolate without exploitative practices, and The Social Hub, a collection of unique hotels with a strong focus on local programming and community partnerships. Both are B-corp entities, which means doing good is part of their DNA.
Called “The Sweetest Sleepover,” the collaboration features a pop-up hotel suite transformed into a chocolate-filled oasis. Three lucky winners (who were nominated by others as “the world’s sweetest person”) get to enjoy an overnight stay, and on March 29, the suite is open to the public (it’s free but registration required; sign up is at the bottom of this page).
I had a great time learning more about both brands and meeting some of the people behind them — including the lovely global comms director of The Social Hub, Daniel Hernández Lyon. Something about the way he phrased the invitation was just so on point: the acknowledgement that this may not be in my wheelhouse, but no pressure, no strings — just a friendly invite to a low-key event that also included lunch (and, of course, chocolate):
Do let me know if this would be of interest to you. I appreciate this may not be a topic you would normally cover, but would love to host you nonetheless at our event so you can experience our brand and finally meet in person.
How could I say no? :)
Recently Published Stories
For CNN Travel: This story about a couple who went to the Maldives for a wedding ceremony — and ended up stuck there for three times as long as they’d planned because of the unrest in the Middle East. It ended up being selected for CNN’s subscribers in the US, which was a big win – but that also means it’s behind a paywall. So shoot me an email (blanebachelor[at]gmail[dot]com) if you’d like me to send you a PDF.
For Virtuoso: This City Guide about what to do, see, eat and drink in Antwerp, one of my favorite under-the radar European cities
Source Requests
As usual, for all pitches/outreach, please send me a separate email — blanebachelor(at)gmail(dot)com, instead of just replying to this. Thank you!
For a major newspaper (both print and online), I’m writing a piece on flag tourism. I have a working list of U.S. destinations and events where Old Glory takes center stage, but I’m still open to new inclusions. But it must have a clear connection to the flag, with a unique historical perspective, ceremony or other flag-specific tie-in; if your client/destination can’t demonstrate this, it’s not a fit. I’ll share the outlet via email.
DEADLINE: Thursday, March 26
And That’s a Wrap!
My son’s under-10 soccer team, which I coach, has been in a slump for a while now, and it’s a really frustrating situation. They just seem to have lost their confidence and motivation, and they’re not playing as a cohesive unit. I’m doing my damndest to keep morale from completely tanking and focusing on effort instead of wins, but nothing seems to be working, and I am struggling mightily.
I have a few ideas in mind for some team-building activities during practice this week. But if you’re reading this and you have any experience with youth sports coaching — especially how to keep things somewhat on track when the wheels just seem to be falling off — please drop me a comment below with any ideas or insights. I’m in desperate need of encouragement right now.
Until next time,
Blane