Blog: Suppliers + Products
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Hen party cupcake classes from Pretty Witty Cakes

Charlie

This weekend is my hen party.  I know little more than it’s on Sunday and I should bring warm clothes and wellies!  Organised by two dear friends and colleagues, it definitely won’t be the traditional hen party of ‘L’ plates and straws that look like willies.  Stay tuned for photos!

If like me, you’d like something a little different then how about a cupcake decorating party?  Suzi from Pretty Witty Cakes is a master at creating beautiful cupcakes, but she can also teach you and your friends how to create your own beautiful designs.

Pretty Witty Cakes cupcakes courses and classes

The bespoke hen party cupcake classes can be hosted in Suzi’s kitchen or held in your home, she’ll turn up with all the cakes ready made and then teach you how to pipe with various nozzles, do a two-toned swirl, and make great cupcake toppers like handbags, shoes or lacy undies – perfect for a giggly girly party!

Pretty Witty Cakes cupcakes courses and classes

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Local, seasonal, sustainable blooms among the 50 best florists in the UK

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A big congratulations to five of the flower businesses listed in the directory who were featured in The Independent’s ’50 Best Florists’ over the weekend.

It’s fantastic to see ethical businesses who either grow their own flowers in cutting gardens or who source local and seasonal blooms were prominent in the top 50 – all of them creating fabulous wedding flowers.  They were:

Blooming Green

Green and Gorgeous

Bella & Fifi

Catkin

BareBlooms

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Pretty one-shoulder wedding dress made from eco-friendly hemp fabrics

Charlie

When it comes to searching for a eco-friendly or ethical wedding dress these days, you are spoilt for choice.  Conscious Clothing is an American based company that has been creating beautiful clothing using environmentally-friendly hemp fabrics since 1995.

This new gown called Melissae is made from semi-sheer organic cotton voile.  The bodice has asymetrical pleating, which is fitted in at the bust and then falls gracefully down the entire length of the dress.

I love that one shoulder has been accentuated with roses made from hemp satin, sheer silk chiffon and organic cotton voile.  And even the undergown is made from hemp/peace silk satin.

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Top tips for a more natural Valentine’s Day and wedding

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Whilst not being a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, I think it’s lovely to celebrate being in love – love for your family, your friends, the world, and of course your special someone.

So I’ve put together my top tips for sharing your love during this loved-up time of year – and for planning a more eco-friendly, ethical or natural wedding.

A romantic sustainable meal for two…


Images: Cotswold Cooks; Organic Buffet; Cotswold Cooks; ChangeKitchen; Organic Buffet; Easy Gourmet

Say ‘no’ to the chain restaurants and find somewhere near to you from The Sustainable Restaurant Association’s directory of sustainable restaurants in the UK.  If you’re near to Dover, why not book a meal at The Coastguard pub and restaurant and enjoy a dinner of local produce.  Or, for a dinner of organic food and locally caught seafood with a difference how about Cafebarge – a Dutch barge in Argyll.

Those getting married who want a menu full of ethical, organic, local or seasonal ingredients should look no further than some fabulous caters like Cotswold Cooks (Wiltshire), Easy Gourmet (London), ChangeKitchen (Midlands), Eco Cusine (London), Organic Buffet or Tabiah Wedding Services (specialising in Asian weddings).  More caterers be found on our directory.

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A romantic yurt hideaway in the Welsh Forest perfect for an eco honeymoon

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Mr Rigg and I have recently booked our honeymoon, and although I can’t share where we are going or staying until after our wedding, I thought I would share with you another equally beautiful honeymoon spot that we were tempted by.

Eco Retreats offers a secluded hideaway spot for those looking for a honeymoon full of romance, peace and quiet.  You can stay under canvas – in a teepee or yurt – deep in the Welsh Forest, where you can slow down and enjoy forest walks, open fires and quality time together.

The traditional teepees and yurt are lovingly furnished with a comfy double bed, organic bed linen, and organic sheepskin rugs, among other creature comforts.  Each spot is set apart from the others so you can fully enjoy some undisturbed time together – and the yurt, which was made locally, is nestled close to a river.

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See the PapaKata giant teepees in all their glory

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PapaKåta – the specialist in hiring out the giant teepee Kata tents – are holding a Spring Open Weekend in York so that you can see for yourself these stunning and magical party spaces.

Ideal for weddings, parties or events, the Kata tents will be set up at Escrick Park Estate outside York on 16th and 17th April 2011.

The Open Weekend runs from 10am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday – don’t miss your opportunity to see these unique venue spaces set up for yourself.

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Natural Valentine’s inspired products from the Hea’ram-Skearam Soap Company

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With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, look no further for beautiful natural gifts than Hea’ram-Skearam Soap Company.

Their new Valentine’s inspired treats are made from scratch at Suzanne’s kitchen table, using raw ingredients inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Somerset Levels.

Special Valentine’s products include the ‘Be My Valentine Soap Chunk’ – a beautiful bar of silky smooth soap, handmade with natural oils, fragranced with white musk and sweet violets, and topped with rose buds and petals.

The soap comes hand wrapped in mulberry paper speckled with hearts and an ‘ellie poo’ paper wrap.

The ‘Be My Valentine Candle’ is made from natural eco-soya and is fragranced with a romantic blend of white musk, violets and red roses.  The candles are hand poured and are available in tins or jars.

If your Valentine loves nothing more than a soak in a hot bath, the ‘Be My Valentine Bath Bomb’ would be the ideal gift.  Gently fragranced and made from skin softening sodium bicarbonate, the bath bomb is heart-shaped and topped with a single rose bud.

The bath bomb comes wrapped and secured with a raffia tie.

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Pick your own local and seasonal wedding flowers

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Blooming Green another of the lovely businesses listed on the directory, is offering their stressed out brides the chance to escape wedding preparations and to come and pick their own flowers!  What a fantastic idea!

Jen of Blooming Green tells me it was really popular in 2010 and has been a great way to for couples to have beautiful, seasonal and locally grown wedding flowers on a budget.

You can visit their website www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk or email theshed@bloominggreenflowers.co.uk for more information.

Blooming Green is located in Kent, so if you’re looking for local, seasonal flowers a little closer to you then check out the ‘Flowers’ section on the directory for a full list of companies around the UK.

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Recycled vintage wool blanket bunting

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A truly delightful find on Etsy – bunting made from recycled vintage wool blankets and embellished with embroidered flowers.  This bunting is available from Monkey Puzzle in various colours of embroidery and different designs.

These would be a beautiful addition to any wedding or party, or even just to brighten up your home!

Or perhaps you could be inspired and have a go yourself – I have found on a number of occasions old wool blankets at the carboot, so if you’re a crafty person you could have a go yourself.

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