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Local Loves
Showing posts with label Local Loves. Show all posts
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Step Into Christmas with Lynsey from In Stitches - Q&A #LocalLoves #ShopLocal

2 Dec 2020

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Shopping with small and local businesses has always been something I've enjoyed, I appreciate the time and effort that goes into every item and I know that one individual sale to a small business means alot. That's why when I saw In Stitches put up on their Facebook page about taking preorders for the Christmas items they craft I knew I wanted to ask them some questions.

At this time of year gift items at In Stitches include Terrys Chocolate Orange Covers and cute festive coasters! Lynsey also made my pumpkin back in October which I loved displaying on my bookcase and using in photos. Check it out below.
Last year I bought quite a few covers Terrys Orange covers and this year I've managed to grab a few more, one which I'll be giving away at the bottom of this post, minus the Terrys Chocolate orange! Sorry! Read on to learn more about In Stitches. 


1) Can you tell readers about In Stitches?

Hi everyone, InStitches is a small, local business that specialises in handmade crocheted items. I range from baby blankets to adult scarves, so there's something for everyone.
2) How and why did you start your business?

When my son was a baby our elderly neighbour would very kindly crochet him blankets and cardigans, I was always so amazed watching her in the garden. A few years later after she passed away I thought it would be a good way to remember her if I could learn to crochet myself. I picked it up really quickly and friends and family encouraged me to sell my makes.
3) What's been a highlight for you since starting?

I have so many highlights from starting up InStitches but my favourite would the lovely people I've met and reconnected with along the way
4) Do you have a favourite item which you've made?

Oh that's such a hard one but I think my top favourite would be surprising my LFC mad son with his very own Liverpool blanket personalised with his name.
5) What is your preferred season to craft for?

Autumn/winter is my most busiest time but summer is my favourite as it gives me time to think up and create different pieces
6) Why would you encourage shoppers to shop small this Christmas?

For me, this little business has really helped me provide for my family. Unfortunately lately a lot of small businesses have been hit hard with these uncertain times and it's important to help keep the likes of handmade businesses stay afloat. It shows great community spirit to buy local if you can and feels a little more personal buying handmade.

Stay up to date with In Stitches on Facebook or Instagram.

G I V E A W A Y:


I am giving away one Terry's Chocolate orange hat over on Instagram, to be in with a chance of winning check out the giveaway details HERE and GOODLUCK!
 


 What do you think of the items In Stitches crafts? How do you support small or local businesses? Let me know below in the comments.

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A Datey Date To Remember - Bowling & Crazy Golf

15 Aug 2020

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On Tuesday I had a date where I went Ten Pin Bowling then onto play crazy golf which I'm still smiling about whilst writing this post as I had so much fun and hope to do it again soon..

We opted for the Dundonald Ice-Bowl and I was so pleased with everything they had set up in place regarding social distancing and also witnessing myself after a family had left how thorough they are cleaning everything used making me feel more comfortable and relaxed in the space around me. The customer service was excellent and I would encourage you if you're local to go and check it out for yourself and show support to the local places around us. Not just that but when you go Crazy Golfing be sure to pick up a loyalty card and for every 4 stamps, you earn a free 18 hole game to enjoy! If that's not reason enough I don't know what is.

For a week or two before though I was running my mouth telling L I was going to beat him and win... it's quick to say that didn't happen and he won... all games. *rolls eyes* I'm blaming it on the fact it's been roughly 10+ years since the last time I played and he just got lucky.. I'll win next time! Also, I was wearing flats which made me feel so tiny when I usually wear boots.. height must matter in bowling. 



As you can tell from the scores I need a lot of practice and even if he was the best cheerleader for saying 'you got this' every time to me 'cause I definitely didn't. He on the other hand was actually really good even providing tips and techniques I should try. (We'll keep it between us I said that)

The crazy golf I enjoyed so much more mainly due to the moving around and it was something I've wanted to try for many years - definitely not down to the many sexual innuendos I was saying that was keeping me entertained or that I got the ball in the hole first time, excitedly on the one he said he struggled with which resulted in me jumping like an idiot on the spot! I also managed to hit the ball in the water, the bushes, and nowhere near where it was meant to. But.. next time! Right? We decided on the 36 holes but when he mentioned it entailed two hours on our feet I was not amused though it's true what they say... time flies when you're having fun. Even in new shoes. 

This is the first-ever real fun date I've had in my dating history that wasn't lunch or coffee and although I love those dates because of Timbits and pizza. This was honestly the best date I've been on that allowed me the opportunity to break out of my comfort zone, let go, and honestly get lost in the moment. I can't recommend enough to others - Have a fun date! Laugh your butt off and allow yourself to jump on the spot, smile like a goof, and loosen up! You won't have the awesome company I did. But it'll be worth it.

What do you think of these two ideas for a date? Have you been on any dates post-lockdown? Are there any date ideas you recommend I try? Let me know in the comments below.

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Local Loves: Denise Byers Candles & Instagram Giveaway

5 Aug 2020

2 comments


I first discovered Denise Byers Candles roughly 6+ years ago and since then they have been my go-to candles for my home as I'm utterly obsessed with them and always telling friends and family to check them out or buying them as gifts.

Denise Byers Candles is a local business often found at a local Saturday market in Newtownards. They specialise in candles of  all different scents from Lenore, Zoflora, Cola bottle and even Chanel No 5! Plus a whole heap more. They offer votive candles, wax bars, oils and my favourite tartlets. They even offer starter sets (perfect for gifts) which include a burner and wax bars. Check out their Facebook page HERE. 



The fragrance lasts which is the most important thing for me being the pet owner of an indoor cat, this means I'm always worried about little odors but even after my burners been long blown out the scent still lingers in the air, leaving a refreshing feel. 



I would opt to purchase from Denise Byers Candles before Yankee or another brand as I love the design of them, the scents are fresh and unique plus they're really colourful. I've placed them in my bedroom, hall and even bathroom sometimes the same fragrance or a variety of ones. 

NOTE: Never leave candles unattended for long periods of time, around children or pets and don't leave the house with them lit. 

Check out the giveaway I'm doing over on Instagram to win a wax bar of my favourite scent open to UK residents only. Enter HERE.

What do you think of Denise Byers Candles? Do you have a favourite summery scent? Let me know in the comments below. 
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Local Loves: Pizza On The Square

27 Jul 2020

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Delicious pizza, great company, and Nutella dough balls! YES PLEASE!  

On Saturday I had the amazing experience of trying Pizza on the square in Belfast City Centre. A place which I've kept hearing about and have been wanting to try for quite some time so when my date spontaneously opted to book us a table without me knowing I was pretty excited to find out it was a pizza place we were going, my favourite food! The surprise was definitely worth it!

The front of this place really captured my interest and will be a total #DoingItForTheGram moment at Christmas time for outfit photos (which I can't wait for) because I know for a fact I will be back here. 

The staff were attentive, welcoming and the friendly atmosphere made me relax instantly, I felt so comfortable. 


I chose the margarita which was mouthwateringly delicious, as you can see the pizza has the right amount of everything, the crust even looks just as amazing as it tastes. The size of the pizza was pretty big and I was unable to finish it. I honestly believe it's one of the best pizzas in Belfast I've ever tried...


The first thing I spied on the menu was "nutella" then I was sold basically, which is why for dessert we shared a plate of Nutella Dough balls with cream in the middle! I was sipping on water the whole time as they are so sweet, covered in sugar and trust me when I say one will never be enough! 


What do you think of the food? Have you eaten out recently? What Let me know in the comments below! 





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Winter Wonderland Weekend Escape To The Stormont Hotel

3 May 2018

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I stayed recently in the Stormont Hotel to get a taste of what the decor and service were like. 
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Local Loves: The Belfast Barge

20 Apr 2018

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Imagine this - A small picturesque barge moored in the city centre of Belfast opposite the Waterfront Theatre offering a relaxing, calm and friendly restaurant serving quality, locally sourced dishes that anyone can enjoy. 
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Local Loves A New Discovery: Lisa's Attic

6 May 2017

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Thanks to my sister I discovered a new little haven in the middle of Belfast! Recently opened Lisa's Attic is a boutique with a difference, a major difference. They stock Plus-Size fashion, to say I'm surprised is a major understatement. 
Copyright Lisa's Attic

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Local Loves - French Village Bakery: Where Cupcake Dreams Are Made

9 Mar 2016

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Dogs may be a man's best friend but Cupcakes are definitely a woman's and I have had the absolute best cupcakes recently that I've just got to spill all! For quite awhile it seems everyone has been talking about French Village Bakery Cupcakes & Muffins and when I noticed their Cafe was just across the road from where I was staying the night just to try them!

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