Country Bumpkin Chic’s January Fave Raves

The Country Bumpkin Chic (CBC) fave raves are all about things I’m loving right now, which I want to share with you all – it would just be rude not to!

Cath Kidston Diary
Probably the most anticipated object I’ve got excited over since dare I say it – my iPhone! As soon as I saw a friend receive one from her Secret Santa I knew I just had to have it.

Finally the wait is over and my beloved new diary arrived in the post this morning. And yes it does live up to my expectations featuring quintessential vintage Cath Kidston prints throughout, cute mini perforated notes and a zip wallet for my creative paraphernalia. So, 2011 can officially commence and I can be little Miss Organised again.

If you’re in need of some organisation, there are still some diaries for sale at John Lewis http://www.johnlewis.com/168854/Style.aspx

Yard

‘A shop filled top to bottom with sheer gorgeousnous’ was the launch strap line used to describe Yard clothing and lifestyle shop. I can confirm it most definitely is brim full of yummy stuff. Located in ‘ladies that lunch’ Poundbury, with ample free parking right outside the door make’s Yard an ideal location to visit especially if you don’t want to stop in Dorchester or in my case less than a 5 minute drive from my village.

Product wise, there is something for everyone and every budget from French Connection and Saint Tropez clothing to kit out the classy chic Dorset girl, to fabulous home ware including funky lamp shades that will add some va va voom to your lounge, fantastic range of exquisite jewellery – my favourite is the swallow drop necklace, plus gifts for all occasions from kitsch birthday cards, leather purses, clutch bags, notelets, pampering kits and much much more.

The staff are always friendly and on hand for gift ideas and inspiration – my last three birthday presents for friends have come from Yard, as I know I will find something they’ll love which is different from other high street retailer.

To find out more about Yard become a fan on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/#!/shopYard

Mollie & Fred

‘Excite – inspire – indulge’ – I have most definitely indulged in Mollie & Fred a few times in the last six months. It’s right up Country Bumpkin Chic’s street with a wide range of stylish home ware and gifts to suit all budgets. Cath Kidston, Bombay Duck, Caroline Gardner, Orla Kiely, Emma Bridgewater and Gisela Graham are just a few of the well known brands on this site.

My favourite item is most definitely the duck doorstops by Wish which sits proudly in my kitchen, although my parents do think I’m a little quackers!!

Mollie & Fred might be an online business but you will also see them out and about at a number of outdoor events this year in the South West which is great for those who still love to touch before they buy.

Make sure you check out Mollie & Fred for your next birthday present or personal indulgence – http://www.mollieandfred.co.uk/  

James Blake

Radio 1 voted him 2nd in their Sounds of 2011 and NME listed him in their Top 20 bands to watch for 2011.

So who is James Blake? He’s a British electronic composer and singer who is set to shape the music scene for 2011. A classically trained musician his sound is a mix of folk, soul and R’n’B. His cover of Feist’s ‘Limit to your Love’ grabbed Zane Lowe’s attention to be named ‘hottest record of the week’ back in September 2010. His self titled 11 track album will be out 7 February and deffo worth checking out. 

To find out more about James Blake check out his site http://www.jamesblakemusic.com/  

Weedle

Is a social networking tool that helps individuals promote their skills for free to those who are looking for that specific skill. You’ll find freelancers and job seekers from graphic designers, copy writers, to lawyers and doctors on Weedle. It’s being dubbed as the next Linked In and definitely one to watch in the world of business for 2011.

So, this was my first Fave Rave blog post for 2011.  I would be interested in finding out what you thought…Thanks!