The happiness of giving
Posted on: Dec 8, 2018
This year has been quite a ride. It’s been fast, bumpy and at times scary but above all fun. My L plates have been attached at all times but I’m feeling a transition to P really soon.
The opportunities that have come my way have been truly bonkers. But none of this could have happened without the support that I’ve received from my incredible followers and the brands that have taken a chance on me.
It seems only right that I give a little something back and there couldn’t be a better time than this period when I, for one feel pulled in more directions than Stretch Armstrong. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked the same question. ‘What do you/your kids/your husband/your sister want for Christmas?’ I am forever the one doing all of the choosing, my head is so full of jobs and choices there is barely room for a rizla in there. Self love and self care right now is so very important but there’s no time for that right?
Normally, this bugs me a tad but this year is a little different. I don’t mind being the only doing all of the picking because my wish list is pretty non existent. My gift cup overfloweth and this year I’m happy with some mince pies and a mug or 3 of mulled wine.
I do know the power of giving though which is why I have teamed up with some of my favourite brands to give two of you the chance to win an incredible prize. A big fat thank you to all of you lovely lot and a way for me to truly shout about the brands that I have LOVED working with.
The Prizes
Here are the prizes up for grabs. They will be wrapped, packed and all sent to your door ready to pop straight under your tree. Just call me Mrs Claus
None of this would be possible without the generosity and support of these amazing brands. So sit back, grab a handful of Quality Street and let me tell you why I love them so much.
I was first introduced to the incredible Christy team at the Northern Blog awards 2017. These girls give real meaning to the phrase ‘girl power’. They are fun, approachable and have been integral in taking the brand in a new direction. I’m a Christy covert and even my kids now go for the Christy towels first.
My 3 favourite Christy xmas picks……
I stumbled upon Mirabeau after a very clever campaign involving Liv (@ultimategirlgang). I was totally ‘influenced’ and consequently ordered a bucket load of the stuff for my 40th birthday celebrations. I was not disappointed and it remains in my ‘favourites’ on my supermarket order. Trust me, Rose is not just for the Summer!
My 3 Xmas faves
A short drive up the A61 from my gaff will take you to the headquarters of this iconic brand. Their candles have always been a favorite of mine but they are SO much more than that. Their brand is built entirely on well being and based on it’s founder, Nicola’s own journey. All 100% natural fragrance and organic and ethically sourced, if you haven’t tried Neom product yet you are missing out.
My 3 xmas faves
I love print and I also love people who make me smile. Eleanor gives good both which is why I’m a total fan girl. Tea towels, art prints, bags and more, I am thoroughly enjoying watching Eleanor nail it. May you rise up even further my friend.
My 3 Xmas faves
Back in 2016 when I opened my account Sam from Lime Lace took a punt on me. With only a few hundred followers she made me a Lime Lace brand ambassador and I felt like I’d won the lottery. That was the first toe dip into this crazy world. Our accounts have both grown since then and Sam continues to source amazing product that are right up my street. Totally worth a look see.
My 3 xmas faves
Take a large cup of talent, mix it with a serving of determination, a scoop of kindness, and a massive dollop of style. Take that cup and wrap it up in a huge gentlemanly cravat and you have the recipe for the Curious Department. I stumbled across their feed in the early days and 100% of their stock went straight on my lust list. I’m lucky enough to call Chris & Ross my friends now and can think of nothing better than their success in this world. Their product is insanely good.
My 3 xmas faves
I think Bag & Bones was part of the drug that got me hooked on Instagram. Again, one of the first and most exciting brands that I came across, I was instantly obsessed. I worked with them on my Come Down To The Woods neon 2 years ago and could not recommend them more as a brand, especially for their bespoke service. I have recently worked on a number of client pieces and they consistently knock it out of the park. All hail the Foyle sisters. .
My 3 Xmas faves
I worked with Rise earlier in the year where I wrote a blog post on choosing art. You can read it here. It is here that I was introduced to the wonderful Andrew Millar. The selection is so incredible that my account now has a wish list of over 50 pieces. Definitely worth a look but be prepared to fall down a big fat art rabbit hole!
My 3 xmas faves.
The team at Made have been responsible for hundreds of my smiles. Heck do they know how to do events. They pick the best venues, the best food, the best gin, the best wine and the best company. Their knowledge of their incredible product is insane and the more I learn about Made, the more I love them. The support that they have shown both me and No House Rules has been bonkers as is their selection of pieces. Now, if they could just move HQ to Leeds I would be ‘Made’ up. Ba doom tush
My 3 xmas faves
Another glorious Northern brand to champion, I couldn’t gush more over R&G. Lyndsey, the brains behind the brand joined us for our Mad About The House event in May and brought along a gorgeous selection on furniture and accessories. Their faux range is a triumph and their showroom in Altrincham a total feast for the eyes. Definitely worth checking out if you don’t already.
My 3 Xmas faves
I am entirely sure that Miller Harris have the ability to make anybody and anything smell good. They have shops all over London which make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I’ve been lucky enough to work with them on a few campaigns and their candles are gorgeous Personally, their Tea Tonique is my all time favourite smell and will forever remind me of good times.
My 3 Xmas faves
I am almost happy that Miriam broke her ankle this time last year. Well, OK not exactly but if she hadn’t she wouldn’t be covering the world in chunky knit loveliness right about now. I am lucky enough to know Mizzy really well, she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. I know exactly how hard she works at this and I also know how much she deserves every ounce of success that has come and is coming her way. Be warned though, if you do happen to fall into a bar with her, she’s a very bad influence……..
My 3 Xmas faves
BoConcept was always a brand that I thought was way out of my price range, it’s the concession that I used to walk past presuming it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. BoConcept offers incredible quality pieces and an insane selection of accessories. BoConcept, accessories who knew? Well, you do now. You might also fancy knowing that Bo in Danish means life. Every day’s a school day.
My 3 Xmas faves
If I wasn’t married I’d tell Jo from Love Frankie to watch herself. There’s a piece of me that actually loves her. She oozes style and is the maker of not only the perfect lampshades but also a very fine gin & tonic. If you are ever in Totnes, I would stop at her gorgeous shop before anywhere else (although there is a very lovely fudge shop a few doors down). Onwards and upwards for you LF!
My 3 Xmas faves
Quick hop on the M62 and you’ll find yourself at La Redoute towers. It’s not all grim up North right? La Redoute has become a personal favourite of mine over the past year. Not only do they give good home wares but I’ve found myself increasingly on their women’s section too.
My 3 Xmas faves
Lovely, lovely Wendy is my go to for gorgeous home wares. If you haven’t come across Uashmama washable paper bags then you’re missing out. They aren’t exactly going to change your life but they will make it a lot more stylish and practical. I use mine as laundry baskets, plant pots, sink caddies, you name it, I have a use for one. I blummin love em!
My 3 Xmas faves
A chance introduction at a Made event has lead to a very lovely and very boozy relationship with Portobello Rd Gin. I have had the pleasure of working with them at No House Rules events and am planning a visit to the ginstitute in the New Year.
My 3 xmas faves
If you fancy entering, just click here and find the picture at the top of this post.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I am forever grateful for all the love, positivity and support I am shown daily.
In the interests of being completely transparent I have received nothing for this post. The idea of this is giving back. Paying back some of the generosity that I have been shown over the year. Any product offered to me has been passed on to the winners.
Giveaway T&C’s
The giveaway is in no way administered or endorsed by Instagram. By entering you are agreeing that you are 18+ years of age, that you release Instagram from all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of service. The giveaway is open to U.K. residents only. Giveaway closes at 9pm 15th Dec and winners will be chosen at random and contacted the following day.
4 responses to “The happiness of giving”
What a year you’ve had – you’re one very busy lady! Lime Lace, LoveFrankie and The Curious Department are all personal faves of mine and my regular go to for goodies – thanks for the introduction to them via your blogs and insta posts. Have a great Christmas and keep up the great work x
Thank you so much Kevin, I’ve had a proper hoot! It doesn’t feel like work when you live it this much x
This is fab, not sure how you do it or how I’ve not found you before as I’ve only been a follower for a couple months but keep doing what ya doing as your giving me so much inspiration in doing up my French home x merry Christmas
such a lovely comment, thank you xx