My son went back to school today so my daughter and I made the most of the rare opportunity to spend the day together and went to Leeds for shopping and lunch. It was a long summer holiday for both of my children and we loved every minute of it, but it does slightly reduce my efficiency when working. They’re old enough to be left alone for a few hours though, so I went to two very different but equally wonderful local shops about which I’m writing features for the November issue of Aspire.
It was another misty morning and there was a definite hint of a chill in the air, so it was the perfect excuse to wear another of the new scarves from my online boutique.
The first of my appointments was at a fabulous gift shop, The Olive Branch, in the village of Addingham, West Yorkshire. It’s a place I’ve visited many times and it was an absolute pleasure to meet the owner, Danuta Johnson and to learn a little about her and the history of the business.
It stocks a gorgeous array of cards, gifts and jewellery…
…and some Christmas stock had just arrived.
My second meeting was at New Laithe Farm Butchers in Cross Hills, North Yorkshire. It was my first visit there and as a lover of fresh, locally sourced produce, it was a visual feast. The owner, Ian Hall, a butcher who started his working life as a graduate industrial chemist, was full of enthusiasm and pride and it reminded me once again how fortunate we are in this area to have so many wonderful shops, businesses and places to visit. Part of my role for the magazine is the occasional restaurant review and as a brilliant alternative, Ian gave me some produce to cook and review at home. The thought of eating and sharing locally sourced, delicious food fills me with such enthusiasm and excitement that I can barely wait to cook it.
As jobs go, I’m rather privileged.
Love Liz x
Outfit Details
White Shirt, Jack Wills
Jersey Tweed Henford Jacket, Joules
Skinny Jeans, Next £22 AW15
Navy Westminster handbag, Boden SS15
*Turquoise ballerinas, The British Flat Shoe Company, £105
*Bracelet: Trollbeads Flower Lock £45, Blue Diamond Bead, Trollbeads Cambridge
Silver Wrap Bracelet, What Lizzy Loves Boutique, £9.50
Pink Floral Scarf, What Lizzy Loves Boutique, £10
This blog post links up with:
I Will Wear What I Like