Only one month to go until #christmas. Better start doing something about it, people. Yes, this year, it’s going to be different because of the obvious reasons. However I intend to keep the spirit of it alive, with #creativity and #joy.
For me, Christmas means #goodfood shared with others, that little surprise, deep cleaned home, the aroma of #beeswax #candles, hand-made #presents, #books, something luxurious, #cake, the smell of a #realchristmashristmastree and the joy in children's eyes when they open presents. One thing I want to implement as a new #tradition is to shop locally and support small businesses. Be more conscious about where our #money goes. Yes, I will still go to the supermarket and big shops, but I will spend most of my money on what I value most. We can all use whatever money we have to show what we #love and want to have in our #society. I hope you will do the same.
Here is my list of 12 favourite #smalllocalshops, start-ups that I support and will make our Christmas #memorable, #sustainable and #wholesome. #shopsmallthischristmas
Sutton Community Farm is where you get all your #vegetables, #fruit, #pulses for your #christmasdinner. They deliver fruit and veg bags full of high quality #organic locally sourced produce for a very #goodvalue. You can get 10 % off from your first order, just add the code: Nora's Events in the box 'where you found out about the farm'.
GG Sparkes supplies traditional farmed #meats specialising in #rarebreeds, #freerange & #organic. I just ordered #duck and #gammon for our Christmas dinner. They are #simplythebest. The quality and the service are #exceptional. Order here: 020 8355 8597 or check out their shop in Blackheath Standard. Guy Sparkes, The Master Butcher has a wealth of #experience ready to share it with you.
The Voewood is an #independent lifestyle #boutique with beautiful #womenswear, #homeware, #beauty, #gifts plus Frenchic chalk paint. I love their unique style and everything I bough from them brightened my day, not just the wardrobe. Get a 10% discount for the first order HERE.
Ottie & the Bea it is the best #toy, #book store for #babies, #children and #teenagers. This is where you find a wonderful selection of toys, creative play, #arts and #craft materials, books, #partygoods and #tableware. Your children will #love you for it. You might also find something for your #innerchild, as I alway do. They offer free local delivery for orders over £30. Julia and her team are valued members of our #community and we love everything they do. So will you.
South London Christmas Tree Farm is the best place to go and choose your #christmastree. You can either buy the ones frehly cut or choose one from the field and pick it up on a later date if needed. They are open every day from 9am-5pm, so go and get your tree now. I love the fact that you see where the trees come from and the #money goes directly to the #farm. Children will love it too. It's fun.
Melody's Magic is my favourite cleaning start-up. This is #mychristmas present sorted. Melody offers different services for private homes: basic cleaning, deep clean, #holistic cleaning including #probiotic, #natural and #vegan services. All her prices are bespoke so get in touch with her 07754820792, melodysmagicuk@gmail.com. She is #fast and a #perfectionist. Just what a good cleaner needs to be. Love her and so will you.
Boulangerie Jade is where I get my fix when it comes to #sweet, luxurious #cakes, #pastries and #bread. They have six shops in London: Victoria Park, East Dulwich, two in Blackheath Village, Woolwich and Blackheath Standard. They are taking orders for #christmascakes now. The quality and the care for every product is what makes me a loyal costumer.
Follow the Hem is one of my favourite #shops on Etsy. Marta is based in London and creates #beautiful, #sustainable #fabric #crackers for Christmas that I adore. They look great and makes you feel good about yourself. David Attenborough would be proud. Also on her #online shop you find #reusable #ecofriendly hand-made #sanitarypads which I love. Check them out #ladies. #sustainable is the new kid in #town.
Grandma Pepi started to share her #gifts with the world this year. She is The Master in #knitting and #crocheting. Our home is full of her wonderful #creations. On her Etsy shop you will find the #cosiest #woolen #socks, leg and #handwarmers, and also cute #toys for the little ones. Check her shop out. I admire the #stamina and her #passion for all things created by hand. My hand warmers are extra #special knowing that they are made with #love by Pepi. Order now as everything is #handmade and takes time to make.
Five Bees Yard is the place to get all your #beeswaxcandles you wish for. They harvest the #wax from their own #bees and #handmade all their products. I just ordered the #adventcalendar that comes with 24 candles and a brass candle stand and different #candles from their Etsy shop. Candles are a must in my books when it comes to every event actually, not only Christmas. Your house will smell #divine while you #helpsmalllocalfarms
Blackheath Complementary Health Centre- the ‘Mothership’ as she is affectionately known is a place where you can find #help, #light and #healing in this stormy weather. They have #giftvouchers available on the website and people can use these for any of their 30 different therapists they have. Morag Wightman (my favourite therapist) provides great relief to my tight #muscles with her strong hands and also interesting conversation. Book her for a #massage to remember. Your body will thank you for it.
Bookshop.org is a new ethical platform for #independent #bookstores online. It's the alternative to Amazon. Now you can buy your favourite book while knowing that you support small independent book stores in UK with a clean #conscious. I love #books and book stores too. I hope you do too.