With lockdown and the ongoing restrictions, so many businesses had to change the way they work.  Many small businesses rely on footfall from people out and about and office workers grabbing their lunchtime takeaway or having meetings in the local coffee shops.  I am always keen to hear of businesses that have adapted and I have shared a few on my blog this year.  Strawberry Grove is a local cafe and coffee shop that started in Lane End and then opened up two more branches in Maidenhead, Berkshire and Marlow in Buckinghamshire.  A few weeks ago Strawberry Grove got in touch to ask if I'd like to try them out and share a review on my blog.

They kindly delivered to me a hamper of fresh produce and invited me to sample lunch at their Maidenhead coffee shop.  They explained to me that when lockdown started they had to adapt, forced to close, they needed to still make an income to cover their costs.  They decided to convert Maidenhead into a farm shop, for local people to visit to buy fresh produce but to also deliver in the area (please see here for their delivery postcodes). 

This is the first in an occasional series of gifting ideas in the lead up to Christmas (yes that other C word) ... I am really keen to share inspiration for 'uncluttered gifting' so things that do not take up permanent house space.  I have been inspired to head in this direction from my consultations with Jo at Less is More.  I think there is so much more joy to be had from making memories and gifting a day out or an experience.  Or indeed something that can be enjoyed and then finished, items like food, drinks, toiletries etc, that have a limited life span and even better if there is a natural or sustainable element.  This was my post about it last year - and it includes ideas from Jo if you'd like to take a look - Decluttered and Conscious Christmas Gifting Ideas

My first recommendation, and I am delighted to include a discount code, is a private walking tour of one of Great Britains magnificent cities.  My blog post today is specifically about Oxford and the brilliant tours my sister offers with her company 'Walking Tours of Oxford'. If Oxford isn't convenient for you then there are many others of course, but why not make a day of it, or a weekend and book an overnight stay?

Have you ever been to Royal Ascot?  I went many many years ago, pre-children, I was working as a PA and had a last minute invitation to join the VIP guests the next day.  Queue panic to find a dress and hat.  I fortunately had a beautiful deep pink silk dress and a big hat ready to go ....!  It was really good fun but I have never been back and I really should put that right as Ascot isn't far from where we live.  Next week is Royal Ascot 2020, from Tuesday 16th June to Saturday 20th June.  But things are a bit different this year!

It would be wrong to write this post without acknowledging the very real and very worrying situation developing around the world today.  Whole countries shutting down, holidays cancelled, small businesses with no business, and no income for their owners, older people likely to feel very isolated ... stock piling of food and toilet rolls meaning the vulnerable will be left with none.  And so it goes on.  You have all seen the news.  I am beginning to feel quite worried and a bit uneasy.  I saw my elderly parents today to plan a few things for them.  But life has to continue and we should try and keep as close to normal routine as possible.  So I thought I would still share my outing last week.  Do let me know how Covid-19 is affecting you, are you worried?  Comment below.

A couple of months ago I was asked to save the day for an event in London with Maidenform, the shapewear brand.  They had organised such a fun and gorgeous event, held in the penthouse suite at the ME Hotel in the Strand.  I was so looking forward to it.  A chance to try on the shapewear (it is so difficult to know what will work when looking online), a make-up refresh with a make-up artist, fizz, canapés and an opportunity to have some photographs taken by a professional photographer.  I admit I did hesitate about going.  But in the end I decided to drive into London and not take the train/tube.  I felt with no official advice to stop my day to day life I was best to 'keep calm and carry on' but take sensible precautions.  Hence my decision to drive.  Usually when I meet friends we kiss and hug and welcome each other so it felt really odd not to be able to do this.