#BuyBritishDay

Do you have a favourite British brand or business who you regularly buy from?

I do a LOT of shopping online and do try to buy from independents. I sometimes get so lost in the bargains and discount codes that are available online that I don't always consider whether I am buying British or not.

(image courtesy of Love Umbrellas - another of my favourite British brands!)

However to celebrate #BuyBritishDay here are a few of my favourite British companies and products that I have on my Christmas list

I recently bought some very cute personalised crayons from a company I met on Twitter; Colour Me Fun. I have added one of their Grown-Up Colouring in books to my Christmas list! 

I love candles! I always get given candles as birthday and Christmas gifts and yet I still treat myself on a regularly basis to them! I bought 2 lovely ones from Kiss Air candles in September and the Black Cherry one has to be one of favourites so far! Kiss Air always have a 'Candle of the Month' on offer too. This month it is Mint Choc Chip which sounds lovely and I've hinted to my step-children that it would be a lovely gift on Christmas day!

Another British brand that is on my Christmas list is Boozi Bodycare who I met at The Clothes Show a few years ago. All of their products are cocktail inspired and this is on my wish list; Virgin Mojito happy hour wash bag

Have you started a Christmas wish-list? Do you have British brands on there?

Ruthie xx

Love Umbrellas - Open Evening

I met Klair who owns Love Umbrellas on Twitter about 4 years ago and knew instantly that we would be great friends! She is awesome just like her umbrellas.

Here we are celebrating her win at the EVA awards last year 

When Klair phoned me to say she was opening her first retail space I was very excited and couldn't wait to see her transform a loft space that had been used for storage into, what I knew would be, a very pretty shop full of beautiful umbrellas.

Lots of local businesses as well as family and friends joined Klair in celebrating the opening of the shop.

There was everything I like about a celebration; fizz, cake and lovely people. To top it off there were amazing goody bags full to bursting with lovely goodies from local and national businesses who support and love Klair as much as I do!

Love Umbrellas have taken over the top floor of Novak Bridal Lounge in Rawtenstall. Situated in the heart of the Rossendale Valley, the shop is conveniently located with great links from Lancashire and Manchester.

If you are planning a wedding and have yet to find THE perfect dress then you really do need to visit Novak Bridal Lounge. I have already found my favourite 5 dresses!

And obviously if you are ever near Rossendale make sure you pop in and say hello to Klair and admire her beautiful umbrellas

Ruth x

(Big thank you to Nothing Moves Photography who sent me some of these images to use)