Needs to be comfortable and practical but also looks like you have made more effort than just slinging on a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie. We have some great suggestions to update your travelling attire, leaving you both comfortable and stylish when on the move to our destination.
1.Okarma Cardigan Safari Melange - £79.99
2. Chrissy Relaxed Tank T-Shirt Green wavy stripes - £35.00
3. Scout Mini Rucksack Vandra Black Ristop - £53.99
4. Leather Front Pocket Crossbody Bag Various Colours - £24.99
5. Green and White Trainer Pumps - £89.99
6. Lana Wide Denim Trousers - £59.99
Possibly in the UK but if you are heading to warmer climates, shorts are a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, perfect for exploring a new city or lounging on the beach. Opt for a classic denim pair or try a trendy linen or cotton style for a more elevated look. Pair them with a breezy blouse or a graphic tee for effortless vacation vibes.
1. Lana Short Sleeve Denim Shirt - £49.99
2. Emmeretta Blouse Baleine Blue - £39.99
4. Ria Tee - Black/bright White Stripes
5. Fenni Black Shorts - £49.99
6. Paihia Sunglasses and Case - £19.99
7. Black Crossover Sandals - £64.99
If you are planning on keeping it local and staying in the UK, we have some outfit suggestions which will hopefully prepare you for most weather conditions....we say most you can never bank on what British springtime has instore. From past experience layering is key and plenty of it!
2. Kinsley Relaxed T-Shirt Pink, Nature Bloom - £35.00
3. Ocie Sweatshirt Silver Grey - £29.99
4. Vega HW Jeans Light Blue Denim - £89.99
6. Leopard Print Trainers - £64.99
With these essentials in your suitcase, you'll be ready for any adventure that comes your way this Easter. Update your wardrobe with these key pieces and get ready to make memories in style!
]]>While the sun may be shining, spring weather can still be unpredictable. That's why having a stylish jacket on hand is essential. Opt for a lightweight quilted style or boxy denim jacket to stay warm on breezy days. These versatile pieces can easily be layered over your favourite spring styles to create great transitional outfits.
1. Elsano Jacket Vista Blue Mix - £79.99
2. Ria V-Neck Solid White Tee - £15.00
3. Raise Necklace Gold - £48.00
4. Vega HW Jeans Light Blue Denim -£89.95
5. Rava Rinna Cardigan Pearled Ivory - £74.99
6. Braid Earrings Gold - £34.00
7. White leather trainers - £89.99
1. Tessie Denim Jacket Whitecap Gray - £40.00
2. Indianna Fitted Pullover - £74.99
3. Leather Front Pocket Crossbody Bag Various Colours - £24.99
4. Black Patent Strap Ballet Pumps - £44.99
5. Becca Bootcut Leg Jeans Black Denim - £89.99
6. Black Patent Strap Ballet Pumps - £44.99
When it comes to spring fashion, don't underestimate the power of a good knit. Whether it's a cozy sweater or a cute cardigan, accent knits are the perfect way to add texture and interest to your outfit. Choose bright, cheerful colours like pastel blues or vibrant oranges to embrace the spirit of the season. Pair your knitwear with jeans, skirts, or even shorts (!!) for a bright and fun look.
1. Ravalina Stripe Pullover White and Sea Jet Stripe - £89.99
2. Rava Rinna Pullover - Tangerine £59.99
3. Ria Short Sleeve Tee - Angel Falls - £15.00
4. Crest Bracelet Gold - £49.00
5. Paihia Sunglasses and Case Amber Brown -£19.99
6. Leather Slingbacks Royal Blue - £69.99
Jeans are a staple, but spring is ideal for trying new styles. Swap denim for cotton trousers or a midi skirt. Play with patterns, colors, and light fabrics. Experiment with different silhouettes like wide or barrel leg trousers create a fresh and stylish spring look.
1. Lino Linen Mix Shirt - Cloud Dancer - £39.99
2. Selma LS Knit Pullover - Lime Green -£55.00
6. Two Tone Cognac Loafers - £79.99
]]>
Here it is, our Valentine's Gift Guide. A small selection of some of our most heart warming gift ideas for valentines day. We've got some delightful soap, great cards, cuddly hearts and some delectable candles. Perfect for a loved one or even a little treat for yourself. Lovely Stuff!
Keep your wine fresh and festive with this charming Lobster Cork Bottle Stopper from Lisa Angel! Its cork bottom seals your bottle tight, while the red lobster resin tops it off in style.
Introducing the Boho Red Glass Candle Holder from Talking Tables - the perfect partner for your dinner table no matter the occasion. Elevate your Valentine's Day dinner with a romantic candle-lit setting, host a killer dinner party with friends, or accentuate any room in the house. This show-stopping piece will create a stunning centrepiece for all your gatherings!
Decorate your home with this irresistible Honeycomb Ball Trio! Featuring a set of three candy pink hand-dyed balls, two sizes of 15cm and 25cm and a super size of 35cm, you can easily attach them to ceilings, window frames or door frames with the included extendable metal spring. Add a splash of color and charm to any room!
Create a relaxing atmosphere with the White Flowers Jar Candle from Olor Limited. Its sweet floral scent and notes of Sicilian lemon, basil, and neroli with an amber heart will leave you feeling calm, cozy, and refreshed. Thirty hour burn time means you can relax plenty long enough to really enjoy your zen!
Express your love with our "You're my Perfect Match" card from Raspberry Blossom. This unique Valentine's card features a die-cut and foiled finish, and a playful colour palette that is sure to bring a smile to your special someone's face.
Elevate your morning routine with the Roses All My Life Espresso Mug from Emma Bridgewater. This elegant mug, adorned with beautiful roses, is the perfect gift for any caffeine lover. Start your day with a shot of caffeine in style and add a touch of beauty to your coffee break.
Here we have the Bloom Soap Bar from Nathalie Bond. A nourishing soap bar for the whole body packed with gentle organic ingredients. French Pink Clay is a very gentle clay known for drawing out impurities without drying your skin. The Bloom soap is calming with its and rose and patchouli scent and has a silky-smooth texture. This soap is especially suited to sensitive skin types. Every soap bar is unique and handmade in our workshop and packaged in plastic-free recyclable packaging.
Made using the finest cocoa beans in the Dominican Republic, this organic Milk Chocolate & Raspberry Heart Lolly is the perfect chocolate Valentine's gift for the ones you love. Handmade with love from all of us in Sussex, our chocolates are, as always, organic, Fairtrade, and palm oil free! 18g. Plastic Free Packaging.
Declare your love with the I Love You Card from Raspberry Blossom! This Valentine's Day card combines bold type and curated colours for a modern and playful look. With spot UV and embossed finishes for a luxurious feel, it's the perfect love potion. Show your affection with style.
Introducing Amuseable Pink Heart - Little, the cuddly companion from Jellycat. With its squeezably soft body, shiny eyes, and friendly grin, this chunky heart is perfect for sharing hugs and brightening any day. Its weighted bottom allows for easy sitting, while the waving chocolate cord arms and kicking boots add an extra touch of charm. Spread love and joy with this lovable plush!
Here we have the Timeless Treasure Choc from Arthouse Unlimited. Inspired by ancient artefacts each artist contributed individual creative skills resulting in a beautiful interpretation of the historical treasures. Reimagined in pink and gold the packaging encases a new nostalgic and pleasing flavour of creamy caramel, in a smooth and milky chocolate. Sugar, cocoa butter, skimmed MILK powder, whey powder (MILK, fat, butter (MILK)), sunflower lecithin (E322), natural vanilla flavouring.
Make a bold statement with this unique Boob Key Fob from Ark Colour Design! Crafted with genuine leather and foil embossed, it's a cheeky way to keep your keys close and your style even closer. Free the nipple! Made in Scotland, it's 5.5 cm (excl. ring) in height and 4.2 cm in width.
Here's a selection of some of our favourite new pieces to hit the Clothes Shop floor this week - we hope you like them!
|
The Billie Breton Top by Sugarhill combines classic style with a touch of whimsy. The pink Bretton stripe design is accented with heart motifs on the cuffs, adding a charming detail to this timeless piece. Crafted with quality materials, this top is both stylish and durable.
The Otamara Jumper in the stunning Canyon Sunset color from B.Young features an oversize fit and a short length, making it a comfortable and stylish option for any occasion. The perfect addition to your wardrobe for a touch of effortless elegance.
The Tazi Jacket in Ether blue from Ichi is the perfect addition to your outerwear collection. Made with a waterproof fabric, this raincoat offers protection from the elements while maintaining a stylish look. Stay dry and fashionable with the Tazi Jacket.
The Leya Mid Blue Denim Skirt from B.Young offers a regular fit and waist, making it a comfortable and flattering choice for any body type. With a midi length, it's a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Elevate your wardrobe with this stylish and timeless addition.
Add classic elegance to your look with these beautiful statement earrings from Big Metal London. Crafted from recycled brass and finished with dazzling navy beads, they will bring a touch of sparkle to any outfit.
Adorn yourself with the beautiful Frost Necklace from Tutti Co! Crafted with recycled and traceable brass plated with gold, and finished with an anti-tarnish and water resistant coating. Its simple pendant is 1.4 cm x 1.3 cm, set on a 52 cm chain. Hypoallergenic and backed by a 12 month warranty, it also comes presented in a recycled fabric pouch.
These Green and White Trainer Pumps are new shop favourite. The bold green with the white looks fab. The leather upper ensures durability and comfort, while the removable insole allows for a customized fit. Stay stylish and comfortable all day long with these trainers.
Wide leg and flared jeans have made a comeback in the last couple of seasons, bringing a touch of retro style to modern wardrobes. These jeans are characterized by their wide leg openings, which create a flattering silhouette and elongate the legs. They are perfect for those who want to make a fashion statement and add a bit of drama to their outfits. Pair them with a fitted tee or a tucked-in blouse for a balanced look.
1. Black Sophie Leather Jacket - £140.00
2. Mira Long Sleeve Jersey Top - Coral Stripe - £21.99
3. Leather Medium Bum Bag Various Colours - £34.99
4. Kato Komma Crop jeans - Light Blue Denim - £59.99
5. Marina Textured Hoop Earrings - £12.99
6. Chunky Black Warmlined Leather Boots - £99.99
For those who prioritize comfort above all else, baggy jeans are the way to go. These relaxed-fit jeans offer plenty of room in the hips and thighs, making them perfect for a casual, laid-back look. The 'Baggy 90's look' is also a key trend, especially cargos or carpenter style jeans. Our B.Young jeans offer the perfect combo of style and comfort and looks great paired with an oversized knit or tucked in shirt.
1. Darya Long Sleeve Shirt - Medium Green -£69.99
2. Otamara Jumper - Canyon Sunset - £39.99
3. Kato Kiki Cargo Jeans - £59.99
4. Ball Chain Demi Hoops - Worn Gold - £13.99
5. Green and White Trainer Pumps - £89.99
Straight jeans offer a more relaxed fit compared to skinny jeans, while still maintaining a tailored look. Straight jeans are a great option for those who want a comfortable yet stylish fit. Our Ichi Twiggy Straight jeans are a great option styled with a plain white tee with the added option to layer up with a bright knit and boxy quilted jacket.
1. Anaka Jacket - Cement - £59.99
2. Lulu Mika Half Zip Knit - Classic Green - £75.00
3. Twiggy Straight Long Jeans Med Blue - £64.99
4. Ria Short Sleeve Tee White - £15.00
5. Octavia Tbar Chain Necklace - £11.99
6. White Platform Trainer Pumps - £54.99
Skinny jeans have become a classic staple in many wardrobes. These form-fitting jeans hug the legs from waist to ankle, creating a sleek and streamlined look. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Skinny jeans are particularly flattering for those with a petite or hourglass figure. Our B.Young Lola Luni Slim jeans look great with an oversized sweat or tuck in a long sleeve jersey for a streamlined silhouette.
1. Stella Quilted Jacket Hydrangea - £45.00
2. Eadie Relaxed Sweatshirt - Green Doodle Print -£59.00
3. Lola Luni jeans Slim Fit Regular leg - Dark ink - £44.99
4. Hexo Hat - Trekking Green - £12.00
6. Olive Chunky Leather Boots - £89.99
So, go ahead and explore the world of jeans. Find the style that speaks to you and embrace the perfect fit that combines both style and substance. Your wardrobe will thank you!
]]>
First up is Rosie, one of our managers. She's a keen 'puzzler' in her spare time, so it's inevitable that her favourite item is
'The World Of Bridgerton' jigsaw puzzle for £18.99.
These puzzles have been a winner this year and we have all different ones from Sherlock Holmes to the Brontes. You can view our full range of games and puzzles online or in store daily.
Our second instalment of 'Staff Picks' is with the lovely Sue, our clothes manager.
Sue has picked this snuggly scarf and hat combo as her favourite items in the shop. You know we all love a bit of pink and green at C&K!
Nikita Long Scarf - £20.00
Hexo Hat - £12.00
Some Fun Festive Facts about Sue:
Fave Christmas Song: 2000 miles by Pretenders
Fave Christmas Film: The Family Stone
Fave Christmas Tradition: Wrapping presents whilst watching The Family Stone!
Say hi to the lovely Emma, who is part of both our web team and our shop floor team.
Emma has been a big fan of our Olor candle range since they arrived earlier in the year. So it's no surprise that she's picked not one but three of them! They do smell amazing and look ace too!
Some Fun Festive Facts about Emma:
Fave Xmas Song: What Christmas Means To Me by Stevie Wonder A
Fave Xmas Film: Love Actually M
Fave Xmas Tradition: Playing games with the family after eating too much Christmas Dinner!
Here's Mr C&K himself. As the only man on the team Henry has picked this fab checked shirt from our menswear corner. A great gift idea for a partner, dad or brother.
Mason Flannel Overshirt £65.00
Some Fun Festive Facts About Henry:
Fave Christmas Film: Muppets Christmas Carol
Fave Christmas Song: Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses M
Fave Christmas Tradition: Bucks Fizz at breakfast
Our gift guide for boys
Presenting our gift guide for girls, each one is sure to be on any little girls letter to Santa Claus
Here's our gift guide for that guy in your life, yeah, 'that' guy. Buono buono buono...dive in
Here's our C&K Gift Guide for that lovely person in your life who likes pretty things, pink things, sparkly things and anything that smells nice
It's our final staff pick before the big day so who better to do it than Henry himself! I'm sure we're not alone in finding men the trickiest to buy for, so we thought it would be handy to get a male perspective on the topic. Check out what Henry chose!
"For her I've picked this Teapot, because I know Tash really wants this!"
"For kids I've picked the Story Out Of The Box because it's an easy, mess free activity to do with them!"
"For the gift under £25 I've gone for the Sprout Bingo because we love a silly family game at Christmas!"
]]>
Up this week for the staff picks gift guide it's Tash! Tash has picked some fab bits covering all bases; gifts for her, gifts for him, gifts for kids and a gift under £25. If you are stuck for fresh ideas of what to get your loved ones this festive season then this might be just what you need! Here is what Tash chose.
"For her I have chosen this super cosy hot water bottle from Chalk."
"For him I've chosen this beard wash from Sting In The Tail, perfect for any bearded men in your life!"
"For kids I have chosen this Magnetic Play set from Petit Collage. My daughter has this and it's one of her absolute faves!"
"For a gift under £25 I have chosen this lovely print from Gisela Graham. We have a whole selection of these prints, they are so reasonably priced AND they come with the frame! Winner!"
FOR HER
"For a gift for her I've picked this lovely body scrub from Nathalie Bond.It smells amazing and is like having a spa treatment at home!"
FOR HIM
"For him I've chosen this set of golf pens, they're a great stocking filler for a dad or brother"
FOR KIDS
"This advent calendar is a great early Christmas present and it's a lovely alternative to a traditional advent calendar"
UNDER £25
"I've picked the Pub Quiz from Talking Tables which is a perfect gift for a family, especially as we'll be staying in more over Christmas!"
]]>
Each and every order from you guys brings such joy into our shop - a kind of happiness that doesn’t hit the same in the big echoey warehouses of the commercial giants. Whether it’s the first sale of a new-in product Tash took a risk on, someone buying a product after seeing it recommended in one of the girls staff picks or a box of joy being sent off with a lovely note. Knowing that we get to be a part of making that gifting experience extra special for every single order we receive means so much.
Someone else who this joy resonates with is Nicola Hutchinson, founder of Hutch Cassidy. With a passion for greetings cards and the joy they bring combined with a great talent for illustration, Nicola decided to take the plunge and start her own business. And so, just after her first baby, Hutch Cassidy was born. In this chatty little Q&A session Nicola tells us all about how her business began, baby and all, and how she manages to juggle hectic family life as well as run her own super successful business along with some sage advice for couples doing business and life together! She truly is a superwoman!
Tell us about Hutch Cassidy- who are you guys and what are you about?
The business started with a single greetings card, one big dose of passion for illustration, and the desire to spread joy through it. We took one big plunge into establishing the brand whilst I was on maternity leave with our first son, Wilf and I remember thinking ‘I’ve just got to do something and it’s got to be now!’ Simon and I have always made each other hand painted greetings cards since day dot and I found myself itching to develop the ideas further and create a brand that could offer joy through our artwork to share with everyone’s nearest and dearest. So, from our tiny one bed flat that soon became our office/ stock room and bedroom, Hutch Cassidy began. It was passion fuelled, sleep deprived carnage! We signed up to a trade show with a 6-month-old Wilf having absolutely no idea what would happen, but it somehow took off and some of those initial greetings cards that we showcased, remain some of our best sellers today in our ever-growing range.
What made you want to start your own business?
It just happened really naturally, we had an idea and went with it. We were keen to leave London after our first son was born and was hoping for a change and to be more creative in our everyday life. We worked so hard to develop Hutch Cassidy and I think it was something we had always wanted to do but hadn’t known where to start. Having a baby and leaving the rat race kind of forced our hands at it and we haven’t looked back since.
Why did you choose cards?
We used to struggle to find greetings cards that resonated with us, we were looking for something different and something that we couldn’t find. We had a firm belief that we could bring something unique and exciting through our illustrations, but most of all different to what we were seeing at the time.
So Nicola, your background is in Fashion - what was the turning point in wanting to leave this industry and start up on your own?
I truly loved my job in fashion wholesale but was itching to do something more creative. I am from a creative background and found myself number crunching every day and missing having a creative outlet. I was very lucky I worked for a wonderful company who I am still in touch with today, they are like family now. I just felt the need to do something for myself and something that would work around us as a new family.
And Simon, how has he found the transition from interiors to illustration?
Simon still works in the world of interiors and paint, he now has a full time job in this area outside of Hutch Cassidy, but is very much on hand for Hutch Cassidy as and when he can be. He often gets home from his commute and sits down to work with me in the evenings. Simon is nick named “the colour man” by our friends and at work, his (and mine) love of colour is very apparent in our work today.
How do you find balancing your family life and your business?
Very very hard, particularly this year. We, like everybody else, had 0 childcare for 6 months and it was a real struggle. We are working on trying to create a better balance as I don’t think we have found it yet. Our kids are still very young 3.5 and nearly 2, they are obviously our number one priority and we seem to just be one big juggling act at the moment. We always put our phones down and have meals together and try and switch off from the business, we try and hang out all weekend together as a family but sometimes it just isn’t possible. We find ourselves tag teaming with the kids a lot but are definitely working on making this whole situation better. Its hard when your business is in your home, there is never any true switching off time but we hope to have a studio space next year to create that separation we definitely need.
Best advice for couples doing both life and business together?
Don’t forget you are a couple outside of the business. This year has been hard as all under one roof there hasn’t been much else to talk about what with lockdown etc. I think the best advice is to step away from it together as and when you can, it’s important to remember who you were/are before running a business together… Simon says. Make sure after business hours you talk about other things outside of the business. Its not good for anyone talking and making decisions at 10pm ( we do need to practise this more though) it consumes you so much and we often have to say, “lets stop talking about that now” and try and watch a film etc…..
What is your favourite thing about running your own business?
I absolutely love the day to day running of the business, I love the incredible small business community of independent creatives that we are a part of. I love the freedom to do what we think is best for us and growing more confident with this as time goes on.
Do you have any exciting plans in the pipeline for Hutch Cassidy?
This year we have developed new homeware and stationery and we have had the most wonderful response to this. I have a background in textiles and dream of developing more in this line for the home and I believe that our illustrations would transpose beautifully to this. We have a love for antique furniture and have created several bespoke illustrations on drawers and toy chests, which we would also love to develop into our business. But the biggest dream is to create beautiful wallpaper, which we are truly hopeful will one day get ticked off the list. Greetings Cards still and always will remain the true heart of our business, but we are hoping to grow into a much more diverse business with a wider product offering that still holds true to our ethos and continues to spread a little joy and magic through our work.
Name your three favourite small businesses
Mary Benson
Whiterain Designs
Abel and The label
Hutch Cassidy is one of our favourite small businesses, and we have some of their super lovely designs in stock on our website - yay!
How did Plewsy begin?
Plewsy began with 6 cards and an etsy shop! I enrolled onto The Princes Trust Enterprise Course shortly after I had launched the tiniest card collection ever. This was one of the best decisions I have made as their support is amazing, they back you 100% and have some brilliant business resources.
Tell us about Fison Zair
Fison Zair is colour and design studio creating small batches of handcrafted contemporary homewares and wearables.
Designs tend to be fairly bold and colourful with an element of intrigue, whether it be in the print design, in the embossed textures and just the fact that they are so lightweight, when you don’t expect them to be. The collection has developed from necklaces to earrings to wall hangings and homewares. All the products are handmade by myself, Katy, in my garden studio in Sheffield.
Where did the name ‘Fison Zair’ come from?
The studio’s name is inspired by my Granddads; Fison and Isaiah ('Zair' for short). Despite the exotic sounding name they were true Yorkshire folk, skilled craftsmen in Sheffield Steel Works. (Pronounced F-eye-sun Z-air in proper northern accent!) Having an inquisitive and creative yet frugal lifestyle, they utilised, treasured and repaired everyday objects.
What made you decide to take the plunge and start up your own business?
I started working with polymer clay about four years ago when I discovered the material allowed me to play with colour, form, print and texture in the same way that working with textiles had done during my degree and MA. But I knew long before that that I wanted to work for myself, so the idea has really been there most of my life, I just wasn’t quite sure what form it was going to take.
So you have a creative background- tell us a little bit more about that?
I studied textile design and innovation. Whilst at uni I learned what I really loved about design. I love working with colour, experimenting with texture and form and designing products that people were intrigued to touch and interact with. Emotionally durable design underpins all my work deep down.
You’ve worked in some amazing places- what drew you back to Yorkshire?
I took a year out whilst at university to work within lots of different areas of the textile industry. I quickly learned that I like to work with products that have longevity and a handcrafted feel. I worked all over the world, London, New York, Copenhagen and Japan. It allowed me to take influence from different cultures and experience different industries.
But I always knew at some point I would return home to Sheffield. The city is becoming more vibrant and creative everyday but we’re also on the brink of the countryside so you really gain from the best of both worlds. I also love working and being at home. I always thought I’d work within the interior sector (and still do in my day job) so I like to take pride in my home and fill it with lovely found and handmade treasures.
What is your favourite piece to create in the Fison Zair collection?
I am really pleased that I finally found the time to develop my wall hangings. There is something really special about knowing when someone purchases one of these they love it enough to hang it in their home and look at it every day. My large arch terrazzo earrings are also a winner!
How do you stay creative?
I try to stay creative by exploring new ideas. After a long day of maybe making a big (slightly repetitive) order I always try to spend just 15 minutes trying something new. It might be an idea that I’ve had in my head for ages or just a new colour combination or just using up some remnant clay and this helps me to keep inspired and can bring a fresh perspective to the next day, renewing motivation. It may be that I don’t pick up that idea for a long time again, but I keep a box of samples that I can always refer back to when it is time for a new project.
What is your biggest inspiration?
I am always inspired by colour and texture. This is a really dominant part of my process and is often the starting point to a new project. I might have seen a new colour combination while on my travels and spotted a texture I want to try and replicate and with a little trial and testing it is so satisfying when you finally get there.
Best advice for other creatives wanting to start up their own business?
Just Do It! I spent far too long worrying about everything being perfect and making excuses about why I couldn’t progress. Everything does take time, but slowly and gradually it will come together and you will look over what you’ve achieved and be really proud of it.
Shackets are totally our vibe right now - and we have some lovely ones to show you. Check out how Tash styles her Long Check Shacket with a super soft jumper and mom style jeans.
2. Washed Grey Twiggy Raven Jeans
Love this look as much as we do? Check out our fabulous range of shackets.
]]>
Halloween Stones
During lockdown it was all about the painted stones and it really did bring a smile to people’s faces seeing them dotted around on our daily walks! So, why not make some Halloween themed stones and keep spreading the joy. A super easy activity to get the kids creative, all you need is some stones (a fun task to find the best one when out on a walk!) and some paint. With trick or treating off the cards this Halloween many local communities are embracing the painted stones once more, with our town creating a Halloween Stone Trail down by the river so you can admire everyone’s creations! Here are a few that have been made already here in Settle- pretty cool, right?
Conker Crafts
Stones not your thing? Have an abundance of conkers? Well, this one is for you. Simply paint your conkers orange and, once they’ve dried, get crafty with a marker pen turning them into teeny little pumpkins! You could even add a little fluffy green pipe cleaner stalk!
Pumpkin Picking
Head to your nearest pick your own farm to get some pumpkins! As Halloween approaches, pumpkin carving is a super fun activity for all the family- so why not pick your own pumpkins too. Here in Settle, the wonderful Victoria Hall have set up their very own pumpkin patch right here on our doorstep! Amazing. Check out their Facebook page for all the details here.
Stay at home fun
October is notoriously a bit of a drizzly month, so it's always good to have a rainy day plan up your sleeve. Check out our fab selection of kids toys and games here, perfect for stay at home fun.
Whatever you get up to this holidays have fun and, most importantly, stay safe!
]]>
Over the next few weeks we are going to be running a series of Q&A sessions to showcase some of our favourite indie businesses. So, to kick things off we have our new kid on the block (and already firm fave) Olive & Frank. Founded by the lovely Chloe Torpey, Olive & Frank is a super cool clothing brand based in Liverpool with a mission to create empowering designs that make you feel good.
Chloe starts by telling us how it all began and she also drops some sage advice for those looking to start out on their own. We hope you enjoy!
Tell us about Olive & Frank - how did it all begin?
I always knew that I wanted to work for myself and started by selling jewellery made by other independent designers before experimenting with a couple of t-shirt designs.
After working in various temp jobs and saving up enough money, I decided to try selling the t-shirts online, that's when the seed that is Olive and Frank was planted and over the years it has blossomed from there.
What was the inspiration behind the brand?
To create clothes that make people feel good and to empower whoever wears them!
What is your favourite piece in the collection?
Our long sleeved stripe tees which were a labour of love between ourselves and our small partner factory in Portugal.
What is one thing 2020 has taught you as a business owner?
To always believe in my vision, regardless of external circumstances and to be adaptable and resilient during times of change.
2020 has been a pretty tricky year for creatives. What are your go to ways to get through a creative block?
To take a break, get out into nature and see my family, that always grounds me and re-inspires me creatively.
What was your lockdown silver lining?
I was able to continue working and even growing Olive and Frank, I was grateful for structure it provided me each day, that was a huge blessing.
Future plans for the brand?
We are releasing a new product line of embroidered joggers and sweatshirts very shortly and have a really exciting collaboration coming soon too but for now
I can’t say much more!
What advice would you give to others looking to start their own business?
To just start, it can be really easy to put off starting something until everything is ‘perfect’ but if you can start small, where you are, you will learn so much along the way.
Name your 3 favourite small businesses
Too Wordy, Lines and Current and Self Care Company.
Check out our collection of Olive & Frank here.
]]>
Enjoy,
Henry.
Shakshuka - (Serves 4)
This delicious middle eastern dish works as brunch, lunch or dinner and is a favourite in our household. We add chorizo sometimes. There are lots of versions. Don’t feel constrained…
I blend recipes but this is predominantly thanks to the Hairy Bikers but with a blend and a look to Ottolenghi too
Ingredients
Method
Give it a try and let us know how you get on in the comments.
Stay Safe & Enjoy.
Abi
]]>]]>