First, a quick apology
It's been an awfully long time since I last put finger to keyboard and wrote a blog post... In my defence, I've been busy holidaying (back in September which is pushing it as an excuse in November!) and also trying to get my freelance career going. That and managing a pint-size toddler with more demands than your typical A-lister, has left this blog somewhat neglected and at the bottom of the pile. So I'm starting my new year's resolutions early, and will try to get back into the swing of things again with more regular posts.Christmas shopping
With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to highlight something that I think everyone should consider when it comes to Christmas shopping - supporting local businesses. It's so easy to make one online trip to Amazon, and throw in presents for the whole family into your shopping basket within a few clicks. I can't deny that this is much easier than schlepping up and down the high street, in the cold, and with the crowds. However, there are a lot of small and home-based businesses out there that are struggling to compete with these massive companies, with dubious corporate tax practices (ahem). Buying a gift where you can look the person that created it in the eye, or knowing that your money is going straight back into a local business has to give you much more satisfaction than buying something from a faceless website, right? And so often, these local businesses are creating really unique, hand crafted gifts, that you can't buy anywhere else. What could please the gift recipient more?Introducing Studio Style of Art
So on this theme, I wanted to introduce a creative business local to me - Studio Style of Art. Creator, Anouk Goossens, set up her hand painted crockery business after being inspired by her grandfather. Originally from the Netherlands, she now runs her art and craft studio from her home in St Neots. Anouk hand paints plain white pieces of crockery and turns them into beautiful, unique pieces that would light up any kitchen. Her range of products covers everything from tea cups and mugs to teapots, cake stands, plates, and breakfast and dinner sets. What's more, it can all be personalised, or she can even create something original just for you.After helping her out with her website, Anouk kindly offered me a complimentary breakfast set personalised for Bobble. I wanted to share it, because I think it's lovely. And it would make a perfect Christmas, birthday, christening or new baby gift.
Here it is, beautifully gift wrapped. You can't see from here, but the mug is stuffed full of lovely sweet treats. Some of which I might consider sharing with Bobble!
And here it is unwrapped. As you can see, I went for a car designed, for my vehicle-mad little one.
This little set is usually priced at £17.50, which I think is a great price for something so unique.
Please take a look at the rest of the website, to see some of the other lovely products available. And if you're local to Cambridge, you will find Studio Style of Art at the general market every Monday and Tuesday between 10am and 4pm.
In the meantime, good luck with your Christmas shopping and don't forget to try and shop locally for as many gifts as you can!
