Shop Small

A quick note to readers:

I initially wrote this blog post before the stricter COVID-19 measures were enforced at the beginning of this week. I know now that some of the brands included are no longer able to ship items or may have temporarily closed their shops. I considered holding off posting this blog, but decided I still wanted to share it as I love all the brands included and even if you can't shop from them right now for whatever reason, then they are still worth knowing about for when you can, and I know they will appreciate your support in the future.

I think we can all agree that the next few months are going to be a bit of a strange time. It will no doubt be tough for many people, not just because of the uncertainty of what's ahead but the forced isolation could definitely make us all a bit stir crazy!

I have always been an advocate for shopping small and, since I started my journey with Hello Marilu, I have come to know so many amazing small brands who need our support now more than ever, so I thought I would share a few of my favourites which might be quite relevant with the current situation.

Of course online shopping might not be top of your list of priorities right now and that's totally understandable! Please don't feel any obligation to go and spend money - supporting small businesses comes in many forms and simply following and liking posts on Instagram, commenting, and sharing your favourite small brands with your friends and family goes a long way too.

A little bit of humour

Oh Squirrel’s 'Shall We Just Stay at Home Instead' print above could not be more apt right now! At times like this we all need a dose of humour to brighten up our days. I love Oh Squirrel's whimsical phrases, made even more special as they are often created in sparkly glitter (which is biodegradable, so much better for the planet!). If your budget is low then you could consider purchasing one of Oh Squirrel's greeting cards which could easily double up as a mini print. Or better yet, why not send a friend some happy post?! It couldn’t be a nicer time to show someone you are thinking about them.

Oh Squirrel

Visit: https://ohsquirrel.co.uk

Enjoy some magical reading

I have always admired Melanie Johnsson’s design style. It’s bright and colourful and full of uplifting patterns, illustrations and positive messages! Melanie has only gone and taken it to another level by launching a magazine!

Spellbound is such a beautiful publication, every page of which has been so carefully considered. The magazine focuses on three key elements; Joy, Planet and Mind. It features interviews with illustrators, artists and many small business owners. With so much time at home, it's a great time to sit down and read, especially a magazine full of inspirational and joyous content! Spellbound is more than just a magazine in my opinion, it's a beautiful piece of work that you will cherish for years to come.

Spellbound

Visit: https://www.iamspellbound.com

A cup of tea solves everything

A cup of tea makes everything better, especially when its in a gorgeous handmade mug. The lovely duo at 2 Hungry Bakers, started with a love of baking which later progressed into a passion for ceramics and wood carving. Inspired by their baking origins, they create items that are both beautiful and functional, that have an earthy modern rustic feel.

With all this enforced time at home I know I will certainly be having more than a few cups of tea, and it couldn't be nicer than in a rustic handmade mug. With a beautiful organic shape and warm colour tones, they are everything a mug should be.

Two Hungry Bakers

Visit: https://www.2hungrybakers.com

Create your own home spa

Soothe-Me offers a collection of small-batch handmade, cruelty-free and vegan skincare made from plant based ingredients that smell amazing. I’m on a mission at the moment to swap all of my makeup and skincare to cruelty-free products, and it feels so nice to be able to do this and to support a small business while I do it. Now is definitely the time for Self Care, so why not create your own mini spa at home, and pamper yourself with a facial or smother yourself in fragrant body oil.

Soothe me

Soothe Me are currently offering 20% off on their website using code SUPPORT so its a good time to stock up on your favourites. They are also generously donating 10% of their profits to their local Food Bank.

Visit: https://soothe-me.com

Get Planning

I love The Completist's colourful range of stationery. From cards for every occasion to their popular lay-flat notebooks, they have something for every design-conscious stationery lover in a beautiful array of stylish prints. Making a to-do list? Do it in style with one of their Planner Pads, and for your longer term goals their undated Planner books are amazing.

Why not stay organised and look fabulous while doing it? The Completists range will certainly brighten up your desk!

The Completist

Visit: https://the-completist.com/

Time for some crafting

We all need a bit of sparkle in our life, especially right now! Kate Gwilliam is the queen of sparkle and her handmade ornaments and patches definitely spark joy! With all this extra time we are spending at home at the moment why not jazz up your favourite t-shirt or denim jacket with one of Kate's cool patches. You’ll be ready for summer in no time!

Her kits come with pins, a needle and easy to follow instructions.

Kate Gwilliam

Visit: https://www.kategwilliam.com/

I would love to hear about your favourite small businesses! Why not share them in the comments below?!

There are of course many local businesses that need our support right now, so its worth thinking about ways to do that such as ordering take away food from your local restaurant or visiting a local green grocers rather than a large supermarket. Every little bit counts.

Thank you for reading. I hope you take care of yourselves and stay safe.