Wild Flowers Company Review inc Discount Code

I was recently sent some beautiful flowers in the post by a wonderful little company called Wild Flowers Company.  Wild Flowers Company was set up to offer seasonal, British, farm and love-grown flower arrangements. They are based in Kentish Town in North London, have just launched in the new year, only sell online and solely offer to send on a regular basis flower arrangements (and one-offs arrangements by way of exception). 

Flowers are sourced from UK growers, from Cornwall to Scotland. A sustainable business from which the farmers, the environment and the customers all benefit. The company is also part of The British Flower Collective, a group of passionate British flower growers and arrangers who are working together to put seasonality, local, home grown (and British) back into the flower industry.

The box arrived and was beautifully simple with just a touch of glitz, with the gold stickers sealing the box. I love flowers and somehow receiving them in the post just added to the excitement, who doesn't love receiving things in the post?

Inside the box, the flowers were wrapped in brown paper, tied with simple raffia and attached was a handwritten tag with the names of the flowers, I love this touch, which made it so personal.

Simple and beautiful packaging just makes for a more exciting time opening the flowers.

On opening the paper you are presented with the flowers and attached around the bottom of the flowers is a water pack that has kept the flowers from getting too thirsty. Some of them were a little bit limp, but after being in water for a few hours they perked up.

The flowers had faired well during their journey, they were all still perfectly intact, none were broken or bruised. 

The flowers themselves were beautiful, not something I would have chosen myself but they they all worked so well with each other, it was this fact that made them so special. Not bright and gaudy like supermarket flowers, they were earthy and natural and perfect for this time of the year.

The great thing about these flowers are you don't need to be a florist to arrange them, once I had undone them I placed into a large Kilner jar and they just looked stunning. They fit in with the fireplace and just bring the outside inside.

I adored this display, I really did, once the Narcissus had died the Anemones came out and once they had died the Magnolia buds started to come out so the whole display has lasted over three weeks and is still going strong.

Here is a little bit more about the available subscriptions:

A three posies a week package costs £24 p/w
A weekly package costs £28 p/w
A monthly package costs £32 p/m
A seasonal package costs £128 p/a and delivers four seasonal bunches a year
A pregnancy packages costs £168 p/a and delivers 6 seasonal arrangements over 6 months.
Subscriptions can be one-off, for a specific period (usually for gifts purposes) or on open-ended basis (when buying flowers for oneself).

One-off arrangements can be arranged but only shipped on Thursdays

Why order with Wild Flowers Company?

• Because the flowers will look nothing like the ones you usually see at the supermarket or online, or even at your local florist.
• Because our flowers have not travelled for days but instead are cut the day before we ship, because they have not been frozen nor heated to control their flowering, they arrive fresh and last long.
• Because the flowers are curated every week using what's in season, it creates surprise and anticipation.
• Because a gift says a lot about you, and this one will show consideration and thoughtfulness as opposed to cheap and easy.
• Because this is a gesture towards the environment, as there is no air mile attached to it, and it is beneficial to vegetation and pollination.
• Because one minds the provenance and the conditions in which his purchase have been put together.
• Because the recurrence/regular delivery shows one cares beyond past the past the tinsel and Christmas cheer.
• Because one choose quality and sustainability.

If you like what you see and would like to order a beautiful display for yourself or a loved one, perhaps for Valentines Day or Mothers Day or just because then you can 20% off with code MUMD20 until the 31/03/15.

I cannot express enough how much I love these flowers and how impressed I am with them.

NB: I was sent the flowers for the purpose of the review, all opinions and photos are my own.

Little Herbert Shoe Shop Southwell - Shop Local

I recently visited a beautiful little shoe shop in the gorgeous town of Southwell in Nottinghamshire.

Now this post will only really be relevant to those local to the area but I felt the need to shout about this little shop.

Not only are the shoes all beautiful, the shop is owned by Amy, a knowledgable and helpful lady who loves shoes and making sure you get the right ones for your child.

For me, my children's shoes are an important investment and one that I take seriously, knowing how important feet are for a healthy back and to support your whole body.

Stocking everything from Ava & Luc to Bobux, Crocs and more it is a little haven for trying on shoes, there is no feeling rushed and like you can't give them a proper try!

Southwell has some lovely coffee shops and other independent boutiques with everything from clothing to gifts, so it is well worth a trip to this lovely little town.

Here are my daughters lovely Ava & Luc boots, I was only a little bit jealous!

You can find Little Herbert Shoe Shop on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Rocket and Rose Competition

Today I would like to introduce you to a lovely small business called Rocket and Rose, I've chatted with Gemma the owner for a while now on Instagram, she works hard and is an inspiration to the small business world and I am amazed at how much she does.

Polka Dot Apron

Running an online business selling clothing is difficult enough, I should know having run one. But making personalised items is a whole different ball game,  her items are beautiful and can be custom made to your requirements.

Big Brother Tee

From birthday to race for life t-shirts, mugs to canvases, she does it all, here is a little about why Gemma does what she does.

"My idea for Rocket & Rose started back in November 2011.  My twin girls were very tiny and whilst they napped I started designing tutus and outfits for them and for family and friends.  I decided to venture into boys fashion and my ideas and drawing and practise outfits and clothing items soon escalated into the wonderful world of Rocket & Rose and here we are now! 

I design and create all the items you can see on the Rocket & Rose website whilst still raising my gorgeous Twinklies.  I am a part time working Mum and Wife, hence why there is a short waiting list for my items - but I have been assured they are worth the wait! 

I studied fashion and textiles at the Kent Institute of Art and Design, followed by a degree in Theatre Costume Design for the Performing Arts at the London College of Fashion, so I am delighted to be able to use my skills more than 15 years later in a career that I absolutely adore. 

Along with my husband, Dan we run the business from a lovely workshop in the heart of the Devon countryside." 

I hope you’ll agree she is a pretty amazing lady, not only does she run this business she also has three young children too.

Tutus

Finally she has offered a brilliant competition prize, one lucky person will win a £25 voucher to spend on the Rocket and Rose website. So whether it is something for your little one to dress up in or some goodies for a birthday or Christmas there is something for everyone.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Shopping Local to Make Great Food

I have been on a mission of late to shop local, so last weekend I met my grandparents for a coffee and visited a local greengrocers in the process.

The Fruit Bowl on Mapperley Top in Nottingham offers a huge range of fruit and veg, most of which is local or UK grown with the add addition from abroad that we simply don't have the climate to grown them.

My gorgeous selection of food consisted of, beetroot (for beetroot brownies), tomatoes, plums, cress apples, pears, onions, all from UK and then sweet potatoes (for soup) and peaches from abroad.

How fabulous to be able to buy so much English produce and the taste is so much better.

Since this week has been rather rubbish weather wise I made some simple sweet potato soup, just onion, sweet potato, stock, salt and pepper and some milk. Perfect for an autumnal day.

Do you use your local greengrocers? If not then why not give them a try next time you need some fruit and veg.

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 Small Businesses this Christmas - Knot Just Jigs

I have bought many things from Knot Just Jigs, not just because Toniann who owns it is lovely but because the toys are fabulous.

As I have said before there is nothing sadder than hearing a toy where the batteries are going. With wooden and fabric there is none of that, all you need is some good old fashioned imagination.

We have just bought this gorgeous Alfie the Elf from her as a little Christmas friend for my son.

We bought all of our daughters party bag gifts from her too, which went down a treat including these fab wooden castanets.

And if you want personalised she can do that too, from bags to bunting, dolls to owls. Toniann has made a taggy for my daughter and a book bag for a friends little girl. They were both gorgeous and unique and just that little bit different.

If you are local to Nottingham you might be able to catch her at a local craft fair, but you can order online at www.knowjustjigs.co.uk too.

Supporting Small Businesses this Christmas - Colour Me Fun

So I said I would write about the small businesses I have found and love and this one is perfect if you have little ones who love to colour.

Colour Me Fun's crayons make perfect stocking fillers, they are unusal, reasonably priced and fun.

I really love these lego crayons, they are brilliant and would be great for any logo loving mini Picasso.

If you want to go personalised you can have your childs name in crayons too!

I went for the dinosaur set as we are going to the party of a dino mad little boy tomorrow, they look awesome and I just hope my son doesn't see them otherwise he'll want a set too!

 

So if you are looking for the perfect gift that you can't find on the high street head on over to Colour Me Fun, the delivery was super quick and I am really pleased with my purchase.

Supporting Small Businesses this Christmas - The White Approach

I wanted to highlight some fab businesses on my blog this Christmas, small businesses run by the loveliest of people.

Today is The White Approach, owned by the very lovely Karen Jones. I have mentioned her store so many times before and that is because I love everything Karen has in her shop. I only wished I lived in Exeter where she can be found at so many vintage fairs, she even has a space at The Vintage Trading Company too.

I bought this gorgeous bon bon dish from her a while back and it sits proudly in my display cabinet.

Why do I love her vintage items so much? One word 'quality', these pieces have already stood the test of time, they are well made and built to last. They are of the moment pieces, most of them very similar to what is already on the market, but these are more individual because they are so old.

Like this gorgeous Pink Pyrex Dish, with the beautiful snowflake design. Wouldn't it be perfect to serve your veg in on Christmas day.

Or how about this serving bowl, the colour is divine and look at the legs! Oh how beautiful this would be on a dining room table!

If you are in Exeter this weekend then there are several fairs she is selling at so please do go and take a look, think about who in your life would love something this gorgeous sitting on their dinner table this Christmas.

I have not received anything to write this, I just wanted to share the small business love.

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.

When customer service goes bad! (well actually not!)

I had written a post only to have to delete it, you see we had a fridge/freezer which died about a month ago. It was only four years old and we were pretty gutted, with the cost of it you would have expected it to last longer.

The company who made it has bought our silence over the problem by offering us some money out of the kindness of their heart for a new one but in return we cannot tell you who it was!

So instead of ranting about bad customer service I thought I would tell you about some good customer service....

Stokke are without a doubt great, I won't go into detail but they came to our aid and we are eternally grateful!

Owning an on-line shop means that when I buy things on-line I feel they are letting people like me down if the service is rubbish so after I recently bought some things for my daughter and they were here within days then they need to be raved about....

First is My Little Patch, they have some fab bibs, bags and other bits lovingly hand made with gorgeous stand out fabrics, quick delivery and I am thrilled with my buys!

Next is Knot Just Jigs, I recently had a personalised item made from here, it was ordered, made and delivered within a week! Great customer service from a lovely lady.

Finally my rather long haired daughter needed some hair clips so I ordered her some from The Baby Bow Boutique, ordered one day received the next, gorgeous and just what I wanted.

If you have had good customer service then tell everyone about it and hopefully they'll receive the same and pass it on. Helping the smaller companies who care to carry on doing a great job :)