Prettiness and Supporting Small Business

So you may or may not know I have a small place in my heart for all things small business, if I can I try and buy from small businesses for birthdays, christmas etc I will.

This week I would like to tell you about two fabulous businesses I found on Instagram, both offering a gorgeous array of products, designed by themselves.

First up is Loving Dot, owned and all products designed by a fabulously talented sixteen year old. I don't believe I could have done anything this amazing at that age.

I ordered a goodie bag for £5, it costs a mere £1 shipping whatever your order value and it was dispatched within 24 hours so I received quickly and all wrapped up beautifully.

I received a gorgeous badge, mirror and some nail transfers, now if only I could just master doing my nails right ;)

Next up are these gorgeous felt brooches from Revamped Betty's, I cannot even begin to convey how gorgeous these are. I have got these to pop on my jacket, the bunny is perfect for the run up to Easter and well the toast….eep the toast.

I am sure you'll agree these are beautiful and if you pop on over to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page you'll be able to see regular updates on beautiful new items.

Loving Dot - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter

Supporting Small Businesses this Spring - Poppy Sparkles

It is my mother in laws 60th birthday on Sunday and since my husband is away it is left to me to sort out her present.

I had been wanting to buy myself something from Poppy Sparkles for a while so this gave me the perfect opportunity, whilst also supporting a small business.

For my mother in law I chose this gorgeous Pearl and Peridot Pendant, although it isn't her birthstone I think the green will go great against her skin and suit her hair colour.

For me I chose these two gorgeous bracelets, yellow for a pop of summer colour and I adore the turquoise teamed with the gorgeous pearls I think they are simple and lovely, plus pearl is my birthstone.

I ordered on Sunday night and they arrived this morning, what better service can there be? With shipping only £1.50 for the first item and free for the rest this was a darn site easier and cheaper than traipsing into town with two children.

Plus they were beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and within that a gorgeous organza bag with little paper hearts....plus a little heart lollipop in the packet.

This is one reason I love buying from independents, they always put a lovely personal stamp on it and for me the washi tape the parcel was sealed in and lovely note really made my day. Thank you Viv :)

Supporting local businesses!

I always like to support independant and local businesses, so when I needed some new jeans this week I headed to a local boutique that I knew would satisfy my needs.

I wasn't wrong, I picked up a gorgeous pair of skinny jeans and top that look and fit brilliantly.

Where is this place you may ask and can I buy on-line, well it is in Hockley, Nottingham and yes you can shop online at Pink & Lilly.co.uk

Caroline the lady who owns it is lovely and helped me pick out pieces to try on, this is something you don't get in a huge department store as standard.

As the owner of a small family run business I am all to aware of how difficult it is at the moment and I feel it is this attention to detail that sets small businesses apart from the high street giants.

Yes sometimes it costs more, but for good quality and good fitting items that I want to wear they are prices I am prepared to pay.

If you can please support small and independent local or online businesses this Christmas, so they may continue to thrive and someone's hard work and passion isn't wasted.

If you have a second then please check out this list that the lovely Karen over at All About the Boys has started, it contains many brilliant independent retailers who would be so grateful of your business this Christmas.