Tag: shop local

Burn, Baby, Burn! My Favourite Local Candle Companies

There’s really nothing better than the house smelling amazing from a new glowing, fragrant candle. If you’re like me and totally obsessed with candles and wax melts, then I have some amazing local places to share with you! I love finding new places to buy candles, instead of the usual high street brands. As lovely as they are, you can pick them up anywhere and the unique-ness of them starts to wear off as replicas are made in supermarkets. Fine for a quick fix, but if you just adore a beautiful candle either for yourself or for a present (who doesn’t LOVE a candle!?), then there are some wonderful local businesses you should try. Also, because the huge brands are already ‘out there’ and doing well, it’s time to champion some of our own (which in my opinion are better!) and give them the recognition they deserve, because these candles are made with love and from real, genuine, hard-working people. A quote I saw a few years ago has always stuck with me, “when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance!” and it is so true!

Why you need wide leg trousers in your life

As the Meghan Markle craze continues to sweep over us, one thing that has us all wanting to be her is that wardrobe! From classy knee-length dresses (probs the only length you’re allowed to wear as a royal) to French berets, everything she wears, we want. Her style is timeless and she has an aura of effortless class with every fresh look. Something she has been wearing a lot recently are wide leg trousers, even wearing them on her recent visit to Edinburgh with her husband-to-be.

A must-have this spring, these trousers create a gorgeous silhouette and are really flattering on every body shape. For one, I am petite at 5ft2 (and three quarters!) and never thought a shorter girl like me could get away with an extra wide trouser leg, yet I was so wrong! Because of the way the waist pulls in and the way the leg flares out and down to the ground, the style actually makes my legs appear longer. 

Red Alert! Hot pieces for V-Day round Glasgow

It’s that time of year when love is in the air, things are heating up and the world is full of heart-eye emoji’s. You know I love to shop local, and I’ve found some gorgeous and affordable pieces round Glasgow and the surrounding areas that will make the perfect Valentine’s date night outfit or a perfect gift for that special someone.

5 alternative places around Glasgow to get your Christmas gifts

If you’re anything like me, you will love shopping for others at Christmas. And yes, it’s that time of year again (I know, it’s came around so fast)! If you follow my vlog on Youtube or any of my social media channels you’ll know how much I love shopping locally so I’ve taken a trip round the outskirts of Glasgow in the last few weeks to find little independent shops to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family, and I thought I would share 5 of my favourites with you.

Gingerbread Dreams, Duntocher

It’s so worth the trip out of the city to visit this snug little shop hidden in the heart of Duntocher. Despite the being there for almost 15 years, last week I visited the special little shop for the first time. As soon as I opened the door, the friendly heat warmed my cheeks and the scent of freshly baked cookies combined with cinnamon filled my nose. It’s a tiny village shop but it is filled to the brim with scented candles, bath bombs and unique presents for your loved ones (or yourself!) in the form of wooden hanging signs, frames and cards. It is family owned, and you automatically feel like part of it when you step through the door. There is something for everyone in that little spot on Dumbarton Rd, known as an “American Country Shop”, and you will not be disappointed. My personal favourites were the wooden signs – particularly the Christmas and the Harry Potter ones – and the ready made ‘Christmas Kisses’ and ‘Secret Santa’ gift packages! Check them out here.

Gemini Cards & Gifts, Kirkintilloch

A treasure trove full of wonderful things, Gemini has been on the corner of Kirkintilloch Main Street for over ten years. It is filled with beautiful and unique gifts, from unusual wedding presents to handcrafted cards, there is something for every occasion that is different and can’t be found on the high street. Unusual gifts like prosecco-pong for your Secret Santa and little beanie hats with torches inside the eyes of the owls for kids stockings can all be found here. Something I just loved were the Still Game mugs designed by Edd Travers, with caricatures of every character on them! They are so unique and funny and a great gift for any Still Game fan – and let’s be honest, who isn’t one?! A favourite for locals, Gemini Cards & Gifts should be on your go-to list for unusual presents, too. For Christmas, the scented candles are a must have, my favourites are Pink Gin and Gin & Tonic, they fill my home with such a gorgeous sweet smell! If you’re from further out, it’s just a trip along the M80, or if you’re lucky enough to take the back country roads it’s a beautiful drive to the shop where every corner is filled with something special.

Jennifer Hercus Glass Art, Cumbernauld

For something completely different, why not get a painting of your pet, family members, favourite film character or even yourself on a set of wine glasses, (or any glass you choose!)? Jennifer is based in Cumbernauld and works from home in her own little studio. She is an exceptionally good artist as you can see from these pictures and her attention to detail is so particular that your pictures and photographs come to life in a unique way that I have never seen before. It’s not just Christmas these glasses are perfect for (although Santa on a pint glass does tickle my fancy), but why not for your bridesmaids, your best friends birthday or your Valentine? As soon as I came across Jennifer and her unique and wonderful talent, I knew I had to order some wine glasses from her! The time and dedication put into every order can be seen in the glimmer of a dogs eye or the sparkle in a brides veil. A truly personal gift and bound to put the smile on someone you love’s face for any occasion, have a look on her Facebook Page to see what you would like.

 

Lake&Loch, Glasgow

Another Jennifer – this time originally from Canada – has created her own business in the form of Lake&Loch. What I love about Lake&Loch is that they pride themselves in being local, and there is nothing more local than their ‘Ma Bit’ beanies! Now, if you’re from Glasgow, you’ll know all about your ‘bit’ – the area you live, it’s where your ice cream van comes round, where your pals live, where you play… it’s your bit! Lake&Loch have some fab handmade beanies with local areas from round Glasgow and the West on them, such as ‘East End’, ‘Hillhead’ and ‘Govanhill’. I just think they are so unique and ever since first seeing them I thought they would make fantastic and unusual presents! Lake&Loch say they are “ardent supporters of  where we live… we love to support our local – from pubs, to shops, to yes, even football”. As well as the loud and proud Ma Bit beanies inspired by bobble hats worn as kids, Lake&Loch sell blankets, mugs, beautifully scented candles and one of my favourite items ever, these crazy Buckfast cosy gloves (see below)! Find them on Facebook and Twitter @LAKEANDLOCH or visit www.lakeandloch.com

 

Cherished Box Frames & Personalised Gifts, Shettleston

These ladies can make you bespoke box frames for any occasion, combining the perfect recipe of glitter, fancy fonts and motifs. Whether it’s your favourite quote, a box with LED lights to make sure Santa stops at your house or a frame to let your mum know you love her, they can make them all. Based in Shettleston, they will turn your creations into reality. I think one of my favourite ideas is the box frame with a slot at the top for money so you can see your savings building up! With their unique style and attention to detail, the frames are stunning and add personality (and most importantly glitter) to any home or business. Made with love and with each customer in mind, the box frames make a great gift for birthdays, Christenings, weddings or any special occasion. They recently completed a frame for the salon I go to for my nails, tanning and make up, Desiree’s and it was so beeautiful, the ladies really loved it! You can see their frames and gifts on their page here.

 

Have a look and see for yourself, we have some amazing local shops and businesses!

Amber Zoe x

 

Fab-yule-us Christmas jumpers for 2017

It’s my favourite time of  the year, and one thing I adore about the festive season is wearing my Christmas jumper… or all 23 of them. You read that right, it’s not a typo. Don’t slag me. I cleared out my wardrobe last night and found 23 of the festive knits, sparkling, flashing and bobbling in all their glory. From reindeer, Christmas puddings, tongue-in-cheek sayings to the big man Santa himself, I have them all. Although I have quite the impressive collection – if I do say so myself – some of them are years old as it’s become my ‘thing’ to collect Crimbo jumpers. I have therefore decided to have a look online and in stores and find you some of my favourite Christmas jumpers this year to give you some inspiration! Here are my top 10, unfortunately I only own 4 of them… for now *wink*…