Two For Tea

My toddler has been invited to her first proper birthday party so this calls for a big post.  In honour of her mate Esme's 2nd birthday (and because HM's recent insatiable interest in the content of my jewellery box has indicated that she is a real girl now) I will break things down into two important shopping areas. Outfit and present. Let's start with the clothes!:

Outfit

1. Wild Things - Funky Little Dresses by Kirsty Hartley £32.00

The retro look: So funky and pretty without being too pink and girly. Gorgeous!

2. Sister's Guild Bobo Choses Dress £35.00

The casual chic look: I can just imagine how gorgeous this would look with some white pedal pushers and bare feet.

3. Bethany Dress by The Eggcup Clothing Company £100.00

The classic elegant look: A touch more formal but absolutely to die for and the vintage rose print makes it truly spectacular.

4. Tutu by Cotton Fairies £14.99

The junior fashionista look: I love the punky-ness of this pretty little skirt casually paired with a faux-fur jacket and bother boots. Adorable. 

5. Pink Loafers by Skeanie £34.99

I've just ordered a pair of these for her along with a couple of other styles from the Skeanie website which now ships to the UK. Paediatrically-approved and much more stylish than anything Clarks has to offer, I anticipate becoming a regular. 

6. Port Red Shoes by Livie & Luca £34.99

They look sort of edible don't they? Love them.

7. Flower Shoes by My Little Boots £16.75

Reassuringly sturdy while being irresistibly dainty.

Gift

1. Wooden Biscuit Game  by Ella James Living £12.00

Fun, educational and so pretty. I love the vintage box too.

2. Personalised Embroidered Nursery Cushion by Big Stitch £48.00

Slightly pricer but timeless, tasteful and classic. Something to keep forever. 

3. Rubber Stamp Set by Lollipop Designs £7.50

Most two-year old girls will be getting into art by now in a major way. These collections of stamps in sweet little bags will keep them well occupied while creating their daily masterpiece.

4. Allsorts Button Bracelet by The Blue Pebble £9.60

Edible. That is all.

5. Owl Handbag by Vicky Davison £12.00

Pretty to display in a bedroom and perfect for toting about all those little everyday essentials like toy cars, bangles and small toys.

She's A Lady

I've had a request for 60th birthday gift ideas for mum. An excellent challenge. I think we want to keep this one out of the ordinary. At the same time, what has this particular kind of special woman NOT received from her children over the years. I take up the gauntlet with the following suggestions and I hope that she won't be disappointed...

1. Ivory Freshwater Pearl Earrings by Highland Angel £ 22.00

Simple. Beautiful. Elegant. Timeless. The perfect gift for a lady. 

2. Personalised Word Art from Cherry Pete at NotOnTheHighStreet.com (from) £80.00

For the mum who likes to cover her walls with meaningful things, I strongly recommend that you go have a look at what Cherry Pete have in their trove. The work of art they can produce for you is can be available in a number of different finishes from unframed finish to xxl - stretched canvas.

3. "Crown" Cross Stich Kit by What Delilah Did £45.00

For the crafty mum (children please take note). Choose from a range of superbly detailed cross stitch kit cushions from this beautiful website. There are a number of designs from this boutique from insects to cupcakes to birds and cameos but, given the year, I like this one the best. And, as a little added bonus, What Delilah Did, offers free UK delivery. 

4. Perfume Bottle from Lavender Room £28.00

I've collected these for some years and my most recent one came from my husband on our last Anniversary. They look wonderful on a dressing table, window sill or adorning a dresser in a guest bedroom. They come in all shapes and sizes, new and antique but I think this one from Lavender Room is particularly pure and pretty. 

5. I Love U Mum Biscuit Card by Biscuiteers £9.00

A business that goes WAY above any beyond, the Biscuiteers' delicious edible greetings cards come in beautiful hand-illustrated gift boxes that can be recycled as trinket or keepsake storage. 

Showcase: Roost Living

I've found a lovely online boutique called Roost Living selling an absolutely mouth-watering range of beautiful gifts and homewares. It's been ages since I've done a showcase and it usually follows that I post one when I can't choose between my finds on a single website. Here are a few of my favourite things from their very stylish site:

1. Upcycled lightshade made from vintage wooden rulers - from £320.00

2. Wobbly Bowls from £12.00

3. "Jelly" Teatowel £6.00

4. Blackwork Cushion, Square £110.00

5. Set of Three Artichoke Handkerchiefs £15.00

6. Flight of Fancy Cakestand £90.00

7. Silverleaf Bowls from £15.00

God Bless You Ma'am

With the anniversary today of Her Majesty's accession to the throne and a summer full of Diamond Jubilee celebrations planned, just for the fun of it, I'm digging up some royal loveliness. Not a "Keep Calm & Carry On" motto in sight. Here are some truly original patriotic present ideas fit for a Queen. God Bless You Ma'am!

1. Karen Hilton Designs Set of 3 Cushions £94.04

2. Queen Bee Pendant With Crown by Emillina Ballerina £9.73

3. Handprinted Commemorative Cushion by HELKATDESIGN £41.00

4. Empire Ribbons (Set of 6) 150cm of each from The DotComGiftShop.com £3.95

5. Corgi Brooch by Finest Imaginary £15.00

6. Chess Piece King & Queen Salt & Pepper Grinders from Sage Inspired by Life £38.00 

7. Drama Queen Shopper from Alphabet Bags £12.00

On the 5th Day of Christmas...

Something contemporary and for the guys today. The Eva Solo Black Smiley £74.00 from www.mylivingspace.co.uk is an innovative and sophisticated piece of design but, most importantly for our purposes, it makes a great alternative to socks, cuff links and golf balls for that tricky man in your life who likes to spend a lot of time at Christmas exercising the nutcrackers in front of the TV. I know this is a good present because last year I gave one similar to this to my dad and he actually uses it. Success! It's ingenious really and so simple: put the food in the top and the waste in the bottom...or the other way around if you prefer. Also good for olives and quails eggs and ideal for parties when he's not using it. Cracking!

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

Honestly, I just want to get a dog so that I can have one of these in my kitchen. That's not to say I would be an irresponsible pet owner for the sake of style but just look at how gorgeous this is. The PLUSH Basket Bed £85.00 from uber-chic pet nap emporium Hugo & Hennie comprises a tasteful willow basket and hand made cushion (with optional waterproof liner). Perfect for small and toy dogs and cats, it measures 62cm x 62cm x 12cm and if you have a larger pet in mind, they even have a bespoke service so you can have whatever you want. A deeply luxurious gift for the serious pet owner. The website's a treat too with it's interactive design tools and, at the moment, the company is offering 10% off if you follow them on Facebook. They're from my homeland of Devon (I miss the moors!) and their motto is "Practical doesn't have to be boring". I couldn't agree more.  

This is the second in my Advent Calendar series in the run up to Christmas. Read also my recent post A Dog's Life on handmade pet collars from NotMassProduced.com for more pet pressie inspiration. 

Haunting & Atmospheric

I was perusing Folksy's new look website and came across this beautiful and haunting painting by British artist Paul Bailey. Art is subjective which makes it a bit of a minefield for present giving but I challenge anyone not to be struck by the etherial and atmospheric tone of his watercolour rural scenes. It takes me right back to the long houses on Dartmoor that I knew from my childhood. This one is my favourite: White Barn on Fox Earth £80.00 measures 6 x 9 inches making it a lovely investment for you or as a gift for a lover of the country life.