Category: Presents

Pressies 2

I spoke to my gut the other day and asked it what the theme for Christmas would be this year, it said cottagecore all the way: home made, simple, unfussy, thoughtful. I said thank you very much and felt our bond. The above is from a great little independent shop called Midgley Green – what could be more hands on and satisfying than artisan soap and a thrown soap dish? Maybe the price point – £5 for the soap, £15 for the dish. £20 all in? Bargain.

Midgley Green also have these beautiful tea towels – which are fab just as that – but….wouldn’t they make the most beautiful pair of cushions stitched onto an enveloped piece of linen? Guaranteed washable.

(All pics Midgley Green and Pinterest)

On my personal Wishlist this year is this Welsh throw. I’m thinking sofa, candles, fire. And a large glass of egg snog. Sigh.

Laters,

Kate x

Green is Go!

That time is fast approaching. The one where we all have to make big decisions about who to buy who what, knowing that both our personalities will be forever enshrined and defined by our choice. A veritable minefield. First best in show offering – the winter version of spring bulbs, in preferably a slightly rough, stood the test of time pot filled with lacey ferns, dark green moss and something sculptural. I can’t think of anything – apart from maybe candles (can always add) – I would like more at the centre of my dining room table as the nights draw in and food and conversation become a priority.

You can even make your own planters like these ones – go here for more details.

(All pics Pinterest and Artsyprettyplants)

My tip? For the larger bases, hot glue gun on some felt to protect vulnerable table tops. Delicious.

Laters, Kate x

Hands up x

I’ve mixed up the pics of mens and women gloves, mainly because I don’t like segregation of any form; I think it leads to the worst kind of fomo. And because it generally leads to the men getting the cleaner, stronger designs. Which is not to say these gloves by Mabel Shepherd aren’t fab and certainly deserve a place on both ‘presents to give’ and the lust list. Can you tell which one is which?

(All pics Pinterest and Mabel Shepherd)

Except the computer had other dividing ideas – still, do you mind your designs conforming?

Laters, Kate x

Laundry Life x

 

The weather has changed. A strong wind is blowing in from the north, dropping the temperature by ten degrees plus.  As I look out of my study window there’s still enough blue to patch a Dutchman’s trousers, but the heavy grey clouds look like they could gather and coalesce at any moment.  Now half is dark, fast moving cloud, the rest blue.  The clouds are being chased away.  But there’s more behind.  Would you put your washing out today?

 

 

There’s something inescapably romantic about clothes on a washing line

like the playing cards of a family laid out for all to see.

 

 

Fresh air whipping the wet into submission.

 

 

The downside can be rust marks from wooden pegs, lack of flexibility from solid wooden pegs, and brittle plastic pegs that age and snap.  Hence the joy of these babies by Pincinox: Stainless steel, designed for life, packaged with care and vintage love.

 

(All pics Pinterest and Pincinox)

 

Made in France, but buy now and the shipping to the UK is free.

 

 

Laters, Kate x

Smile x

 

In the summer, in Greece, I hunt down the old fashioned souvenir shops that still sell the shell based surfer chokers of old for a few euros, then layer them up. A look akin to a mash up between a Masai warrior (is that cultural appropriation – or cultural celebration?) and a sun bleached beach bum. The jewellery of Roxanne Assoulin gives me the same joyful feeling – and for those still on the present hunt, the price point is a Christmas treat (£70 – £350) but not in the mortgage your left kidney and sell your soul to the devil bracket.

(All pics Roxanne Assoulin and Pinterest)

 

It also helps that her ‘story’ page makes me laugh. You can either read it as I don’t care, or you can see it as a pithy comment on the modern disease to manufacture and self promote.

 

For me it’s the later.

Laters, Kate x

Tasty Pampers x

Even I think I’m a conundrum – I love seeing boundaries pushed, to the extent I hate boundaries. But if something works, I’m loyal – it takes a great deal to convince me the grass is greener on the other side.  Hence this post – the pampers that make the cut every time, because not only do they smell like heaven, they also work. Stuck for a Crimbo present? Look no further than Le Labo’s Jasmine 17 shower gel...even Bella has discovered it..I was hoping the plain packaging would put her off…it is pure joy in a bottle and I covet every drop.

 

 

This baby – OI all in one milk –  works on fly away hair..and anything else. Rub into arms and legs just because it’s gorgeous – the type of scent that turns heads when you walk into a room.

 

 

An every day must –  Ren Moroccan Rose body oil – for use on face – buy the body oil, ignore the body bit – 100ml versus 30.  Bargain.  (The only difference is in your mind, put there so you don’t do it.  A wall that needs to come down)

 

 

This little wonder  – Herbivore Orchid – packs a punch – small and powerful – as an extra layer and to extend the bottle, I mix 3 drops in my palm with my Ren rose oil for a mood boosting face cocktail. I’ve used face oils for years and won’t use anything else.

 

 

And finally, an old favourite – Elemis Frangipani monoi body oil – because now it smells of holidays, sunshine and smiles. Perfect for the summer. Perfect for the winter.

 

Laters, Kate x

 

 

 

 

Mind the gap x

A fan of the quirky and like a genuine re-cycle? For present inspiration, look no further than the London Transport Museum shop. and their vintage shop.

There’s a whole section dedicated to first edition posters at unframed, present friendly prices.

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As well as refurbished luggage racks, large and small.  And for the real aficionados…push plates…

And even a jubilee line telephone….

(All pics London Transport Museum)

 

 

Choices, Choices.

Laters, Kate x

Madness with love x

A fusion made in heaven: Tall candlesticks – already an object of desire because of their perfect balance of functionality with beauty – now upgraded to lust level with whimsy, madness and imagination.  Apparently these lovelies were originally from Anthropologie, and – apologies – are both unavailable and required deep pockets (I saw them priced at $395 each). But their joy is the love they continue to radiate in inspiration, because when should price stop anyone?

I particularly love this pic, and can only doff my hat to the skillful drilling it must’ve entailed. Muchus Kudos.

Quite a few examples have used glass: I have no idea what kind of glue they used, or how long the bonds would last, but how appealing for a Christmas table…

(All pics Pinterest)

 

And then there’s this little beauty, a hybrid of many things, including a brutal yet fanciful version of Japanese Kinsugi, the art of finding strength in the broken.

 

Come to Mama.

Laters, Kate x

Layers of ethos x

Why do I love Toast so much? Let me count the ways…authentic, wholesome yet elusively stylish and contemporary, it’s a brand that manages to mix the products it sells with the ethos it promotes.  For example, these handblown glass baubles at £35 for 5 will be on my wish list this Christmas, not for decorating the tree, but to add to chandeliers all year round – the present element is a Brucie bonus.

(All pics Toast and Pinterest)

If you’re a maker then this bit of information I found on their website could be of real interest to you:

The TOAST New Makers programme will support and mentor five emerging makers. We will offer production, design, business and marketing advice, as well as a digital and physical platform to sell their pieces with full profits being returned to them.

The programme is open to makers of all disciplines. We are seeking makers who use sustainable materials, demonstrate skilled craftsmanship, share an appreciation of texture and colour and have an understanding of thoughtful, functional design.

If you are an emerging maker and would like to apply, please submit your application before 12pm, Wednesday 18th December 2019. The shortlist will be selected by an internal TOAST panel. Please note that this programme is open to all new makers, wherever you may be in the world.

 

It’s almost the perfect Christmas gift…

Laters, Kate x