Archive for the ‘Gifts/Homewares’ Category
Monday, November 9th, 2009
The fabulousplaces.co.uk Christmas Market is here! Â We’ll be taking over the stunning Blackbrook House on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2009 from 11am – 5pm. Â All the stalls and food are all indoors, should it decide to to rain!
Click here to see the event preview email sent out recently.
The event will be the perfect way to start the festive season. Â There will be something for all the family, from face painting and craft corner to an outdoor German-style market and stunning Derbyshire food and gifts.
To browse the list of exhibitors please click here. Â Only places and producers featured on the fabulousplaces.co.uk website will be attending, so you know you’ll be tempted by the array of food and gifts on offer! Â Jewellery, gifts, Christmas decorations, food, cards and gift wrap, cupcakes, festive flowers and so much more!
There will also be a tombola and raffle, both of which will be supporting the Dog Trust.
You will also be given the opportunity to purchase your fabulousplaces.co.uk Derbyshire Card. Â The Derbyshire Card will be launched by fabulousplaces.co.uk and will offer lots of special offers and promotions at many of the places and producers featured on the website and also give you exclusive invitation to fabulousplaces.co.uk special events which will be held throughout the year.
Useful Information:
- Â Please note: not all the standholders will have card transaction machines. The nearest
cash machines are in nearby Belper.
- Â Entry and parking is free.
-  For directions to Blackbrook House in Derbyshire please click here.
See you there…it’s going to be fabulous!
Deb
Tags: Blackbrook House, christmas market derbyshre, christmas shopping in derbyshire, derbyshire christmas fair, Derbyshire Christmas Market, Derbyshire event, derbyshire market, fabulousplaces.co.uk, family events in derbyshire, places to visit in derbyshire, things to do in derbyshire
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
I don’t like to wish away time, but I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to the Christmas Market! Â The planning is going great and there will be a wonderful selection of places and producers from the fabulousplaces.co.uk website. Â There will be something for all the family and will be a fabulous start to the festive season!
Christmas Market
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd November 2009
11-5pm
Blackbrook House, Belper, Derbyshire
Here are the fabulous places and producers attending to date:
Quirky Cookies & Cakes – novelty cookies, biscotti & much more
eco eco – ethical & eco friendly gifts for home & garden
Studio 61 Gallery Boutique – ceramics, bath & body, cards & more
the loaf – amazing artisan bread & festive handmade food.
Anney Grace Jewellery – handmade unique jewellery
The Blossom Tree - festive flowers & fresh door wreaths
The Beetroot Tree – hand crafted gifts and art
Housley & Co – handmade cushions pictures, bags & more
Bow at the printworks – home accessories & gifts
Vintage & Cake – homemade cakes
Elaine Lim-Newton – East Asian inspired ceramics
Lavender grey – home accessories & gifts
I Should Cocoa – artisan chocolate gifts
Jack Rabbits – gorgeous home cooked food
HWR Designs – handmade textile accessories
Havoc Jewellery – handmade jewellery
Usborne Books – fab books for little ones
Bluebells Dairy & Farm Shop
Blackbrook House will also be offering an outdoor German-style food market with hot offerings. You will also be able to preorder your Christmas Tree.
As with the Summer Fete, there will also be lots to keep the little ones entertained, from face painting to craft corner.
The Christmas Market is all about the fabulous independent places and producers featured on the website, so you can be rest assured that the quality and array of products on display will be the best Derbyshire has to offer.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Tags: belper, Blackbrook House, bluebells dairy, Christmas Event in Derbyshire, Christmas Shopping, December events in Derbyshire, Derbyshire event, I Should Cocoa. the loaf, lavender grey, things to do in derbyshire
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
I’m super pleased to be able to announce that the next event for the website has been confirmed! Â The Christmas Market will be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2009 at Blackbrook House near Belper. Â I am delighted to be holding another event at this stunning venue and even more happy to be running the event over two days.
As always, the events are a perfect opportunity to see lots of the places and producers from the fabulousplaces.co.uk website in one place! Â From Christmas wreaths and gifts to mince pies and home accessories…there will be something fabulous for all the family and some great extras..face painting, craft corner for the little ones and an outdoor German style market.
Full information will be on the website soon, but please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions in the meantime.
Deb
Tags: fabulousplaces.co.uk; Christmas Market; Derbyshire; Blackbrook House; November; Derbyshire producers
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Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
What a day! Â It began very early for me and with the early start came the rain and lots of it! Luckily it decided to move on around 10.50am just as the doors opened and the visitors arrived. Â I was so surprised by the number of visitors…many more than anticipated, but how fantastic! I’m delighted that so many people came along to support Derbyshire’s most fabulous places and producers and rightly so…..I’m sure you’ll agree, they’re fabulous and together put on quite a spread of goodies for us!!
I would like to say thank you to Blackbrook House for providing such a stunning venue!  Also, a huge thank you to all the visitors and exhibitors. I would like to say a special thank you to my friend, Lucy, for helping me throughout the day…what would I have done without you!!
Below are some photos from the event, but if you would like to browse all the photos please click here.
The lovely loaf chaps from Crich…taken a few moments before completely selling out of bread! Â 
)
Lots of delicious food on the Fresh Basil stall:
Lovely home accessories from the Bottlekiln:
The Summer Fete was the second event I have organised and I hope to organise many more.  I would love to receive your feedback as my aim is to make every event as enjoyable as possible and ensure there is something for everyone.  To help me when I’m planning the next event I’m asking for your feedback and in return I’m offering you the chance to WIN a tin of Best of British cookies from the fabulous Quirky Cookies & Cakes!  Click here to complete the feedback form, I promise it’s short and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes!
Well, now I’m on to planning the Christmas themed event, but that’s all I’ll say about that….afterall, we’re still in July and mentioning Christmas feels wrong!!
Bye for now!Â
Debs
Tags: Blackbrook House, derbyshire places to visit, fresh basil, quirky cookies and cakes, summer fete, the bottlekiln, the loaf
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Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Here are some events taking place over the next couple of weeks, so if you have a spare day with nothing planned take a look below for some inspiration….
Oliver’s Organics – Jamie Oliver Kitchenware Open Day, Tuesday 23rd June
Call by Oliver’s Organics in Allestree from 12 onwards on Tuesday to browse the truly wonderful Jamie Oliver range & also sample his range of yummy food. The event is open to everyone…I’ll be calling in to have a look. To have a sneak preview of his range visit: www.jamieoliver.com/jme
Gifted, Duffield
20% off EVERYTHING until the end of June! Visit Gifted’s page on the website for directions.
Open Studios at Rachel Helen Designs
Saturday 27th, 10am – 5pm & Sunday 28th, 10am – 4pm.  Click here to view the FP page for Rachel Helen Designs. Â
NEWÂ Â The Old Schoolhouse, Stanton-by-Dale
Recently opened by Ali Lycett, The Cake Sculptor, in May, The Old Schoolhouse is a wonderful new place to meet for coffee, homemade cakes and lunches and cupcakes of course! Visit www.theoldschoolhouse.moonfruit.com/ for full information.
Saturday 27th June, 12.00 onwards
Duffield Show
I’ll be there promoting the website! Pop by & say hello!
Sunday 28th June
Derbyshire County Show, Elvaston
A truly great day out for all the family…visit www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk for more information.  I’ll be there promoting the website in the farmer markets area.Â
Tags: derbyshire, derbyshire county show, Derbyshire events, difted duffield, duffield show, lavender grey, oliver's organics, rachel helen designs, the old schoolhouse, things to do in derbyshire
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Friday, May 29th, 2009
I’m sat working in the garden today, the weather is far too nice to be stuck indoors. I received some great feedback on the last ‘Something for the weekend’, so I thought I would do another!
I really love this time of year in Derbyshire….there’s always something to do, whether it’s a fair, carnival or traditional event the county offers something for everyone and with the weather being so very kind to us, there’s no better reason to head out for the day.
If you haven’t planned your weekend yet, maybe this post will help you decide…..
Chatsworth Estate
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May
Chatsworth are holding their first ever food and drinks fair this weekend, which I think I’ll head over to. The fair is located on the hill leading up towards the stables. There will be food and drinks producers from all over the Midlands, from Sheep dip malt whisky, cider perry fruit wine, handmade farmhouse cheeses and freshly made organic pancakes will be among the delicious goods on offer. Â
Other ‘fabulous places‘ within the Chatsworth Estate are the Farm Shop Restaurant, Farm Shop, Interiors Shop & Carriage House Restaurant. Â
Â
Bakewell Farmers Market
Agricultural Business Centre Bakewell
Saturday 30th May
I love a good farmers market and Bakewell’s is pretty fantastic for great produce. The market offers a wide variety of locally produced foods for sale under cover at the Agricultural Business Centre, which is easily signposted as your approach the town.  The market runs from 9am – 2pm.
‘Fabulous places’ to visit while you’re in Bakewell are Chalet Home, Treeline Gallery, The Style House and Ag Gallery.
Chesterfield Farmers Market
Sunday 31st May
Situated in the centre of town, the market runs from 10am – 2pm.
While you’re in Chesterfield some great ‘fabulous places’ to visit are Koo coffee Shop & Koo Deli, Libby’s and Created Gallery.
Other great ideas while the weather is so good are:Â
Ice cream from BluebellsÂ
Lunch ourside at the Bottlekiln – there’s something quite wonderful about catching up with friends over lunch in the garden. Quiche and salad washed down with sparkling Belvoir Elderflower, yum! The Bottlekiln are also running a promotion where there is 25% off all their British handmade art pieces and jewellery. I highly recommend a browse….I picked up a gorgeous necklace today.
Right, must go and prepare for this evening’s BBQ! Have a fabulously British weekend!
Tags: ag gallery, bakewell, bakewell farms market, bluebells, bottlekiln, chalet home, chatsworth farm shop, chatsworth food and drink fair, created gallery, derbyshire, koo coffee shop, libby's, places to visit, the style house, treeline gallery
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Looking for something to do this weekend?  Why not get out and about and visit some fabulous places in Derbyshire?  fabulousplaces.co.uk is the perfect ‘where to go’ resource if you’re looking for an extra special visit into Derbyshire.  This blog post is looking at the A6 journey into Derbyshire, starting from Duffield and ending at Avant Garde in Baslow.
Gifted is a lovely gift boutique on the main road in Duffield. Â From jewellery to bags and homwares to childrens traditional toys. Â Gifted is open 7 days a week.
Next on the A6 is Belper which has lots of fabulous places:


I Should Cocoa – a must see for all chocolate lovers. Â This is artisan chocolate at its best and the selection is to die for…there are even a few surprising chocolates for the adventurous chocolate fan. Â I Should Cocoa also have a lunch menu which is perfect for a light bite at a great price. Â I Should Cocoa is open Monday to Saturday.
Fresh Basil – a fab deli eatery offering a great range of carefully selected local and continental deli produce, homemade cakes, bread, meats, eggs and lots of other tempting fresh goodies.  They also have a great menu, which I’m working my way through…delicious!  Fresh Basil is open Monday to Saturday.
Definitely worth a visit is Sweetings Interiors.  On several floors, this interiors shop is a wonderful place to lose an hour wondering round getting  lots of inspiration. Sweetings is open 7 days a week.
The next must see is Lavender grey. Â This little shop is fabulous, each time I visit I know there will be something to tempt me. Â Run by Lucy, an interior designer, who is always happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Â Lavender grey is open Tuesday to Saturday.Â
Next would have to be Bow at the Printworks in Cromford.  I wonderful little shop full of accessories for the home, jewellery and cards.  What I love about Bow is that each item is carefully selected by the owner, Susanna, and the prices are very reasonable.  Susanna also sources locally and stocks lots of products made from all over Derbyshire.


Heading a little further towards Bakewell, I always stop off at Caudwells Mill.  The Mill has such a lovely atmosphere on a sunny day and the eatery is great….the hommity pie is delicious and the cakes always look and taste fab.

 After Caudwells Mill I would go for a wonder around the Chatsworth Estate.  A mid afternoon walk around Chatsworth is a treat.  The best walk, in my opinion, and it’s totally free, is to head up through the car park and follow the track past the farm yard and round to the right. This takes you up to the back of the house, a great view and there are also magical-looking lakes, waterfalls and woodland – the perfect place to head with doggies and it’s normally very quiet.

Our Chatsworth ritual is to finish off in the farm shop to get sausages and other goodies to cook for tea when we get home…or in the case of the caramel slices, to eat in the car on the way home!
I’m not sure how much time you’ll have left, but Avant Garde in Baslow is one of my favourites.

This is a pretty full on day and it can be done with children and/or doggies…especially if you’re lucky like I am and have a partner who’s happy to wonder around with the dogs while I nip into browse round a shop!  ) 

Have fun!
Tags: avant garde, bakewell, baslow, belper, caudwells mill, chatsworth estate, derbyshire, duffield, farm shop, fresh basil, i should cocoa, lavender grey, places to visit, things to do
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Each month I select one of the featured places or producers from the website and award them ‘Place of the Month’. Â For May, I have chosen Eco Eco home in Hope.
Eco Eco home is a wonderful shop offering beautiful ranges of gifts and accessories for the home and garden, along with luxury bodycare made with high quality organic and fair trade ingredients.  If you’re looking for somewhere to inspire you to make a positive change, then eco eco in Hope is the place to go.  While you’re there you can also have a browse around Alison’s second shop, which is devoted to ethical clothing and jewellery for all the family.
The main reason I have chosen eco eco home for place of the month is simply because it’s so important for us to look at the way our lifestyle impacts the environment we live in and make positive changes. Â eco eco is the perfect place to visit to browse a wide selection of desirable products from eco bags and stationery to paint and home textiles. Â For me, Alison offers everything you need to easily become eco chic and fabulous!Â
I’m delighted to announce that eco eco will be attending the fabulousplaces.co.uk Summer Fete at Blackbrook House on the 26th July, so if you can’t make the journey to Hope, you can visit their stand at the Fete.
If you’re planning a trip to eco eco why not take a look at what’s fabulous and just down the road in Hathersage: Riverside Herb Centre, The Walnut Club and Colemans Deli.
Tags: colemans deli, derbyshire places to visit, eco eco, ethical, ethical homewares, fair trade, fsc certified, hathersage, hope, organic, riverside herb centre, sustainable, the walnut club
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
I’ve been out and about over the past month visiting fabulous places and producers, visiting the Country Living Fair and doing the first promotional outing for the website this year!
Country Living Spring Fair
A couple of weeks ago I went along to the Country Living Fair, held at the Islington Business Centre in London. The Fair was fantastic and full to the brim with great independent shops and producers. I was delighted to see Clare Gage exhibiting who won the Editors Choice Award – well done Clare! Also attending was Massey and Rogers with their fantastic range of hand printed textiles.
I came away with some great buys and will definitely be going along to the Christmas Fair, November 11th to 15th.
My favourite place for a skinny latte
It really is no surprise that The Bottlekiln Cafe has won awards for their coffee, it’s fabulous! I met a friend there last week and, I have to say, they do the best skinny latte! I love proper coffee and have tried coffees all over Derbyshire and I’m yet to find somewhere that comes close! So, well done The Bottlekiln, keep up the good skinny lattes!
Wirksworth Farmers Market
Saturday 4th April 2009
The first of what will be many outings to promote the website was Wirksworth Farmers Market. What a fantastic event, it was the first farmers market I have attended to promote the website and I’m so glad I did. I met some great producers of both food and goodies for the home.
Here’s what the FP stand looked like…
I found a fabulous producer there too! New to the website is Hearts & Homespun Soaps. The soaps, bath melts and liquid soaps are made by Elaine, in the Amber Valley, using only natural ingredients. They smell fantastic!
Have a wonderful Easter break…there’s no better time to head out and about around Derbyshire!
Tags: bottlekiln, clare gage, country living fair, derbyshire, farmers market, handmade soap, hearts and homespun, massey and rogers, places to visit, wirksworth
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Monday, March 2nd, 2009
Anyone who has a dog or two will agree when I say that I’m delighted to see the signs of spring….slightly warmer, snow drops, sunshine….and the dogs don’t get caked in mud, well not all the time anyway! The weekend showed us some lovely sunshine, so what could be more perfect than getting out in Derbyshire to visit some fabulous places!
New fabulous places!
Receiving the Stamp of Approval recently are:
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Bluebells Dairy, Locko Road, Derbyshire Â
If there’s ever a good reason to eat ice cream in March it has to be the delicious ice cream they make on the farm at Bluebells Dairy. Bluebells is also a cafe and farm with great facilities for little ones. I recommend the bacon and poached egg on toast, yum!
 Click here to view Bluebells Dairy fabulous places page.
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Helen Meakin Â
Helen Meakin is a textile artist who produces some truly beautiful items ranging from framed pieces to cards and candles.
Click here for more information about Helen Meakin. |
Join us on our fundraising Crocus Walk!
I’ve decided to organise a Crocus Walk and would love for you to come along too! The walk is open to everyone and please feel free to bring your dogs, I’ll be taking my dogs, Molly and Toby.
| The Venue: |
Shipley Country Park, Heanor, Derbyshire |
| Time & Date: |
11.00am, Sunday 29th March 2009 |
| Meeting Point: |
Main Car Park |
Click here to be taken to the Crocus Walk page.
fabulousplaces.co.uk events
With the success of the website’s first event in January, my task this month is to start working on the next one. I have lots of ideas, but the first step is to find the perfect venue, so I’ll keep you posted!
The events are always planned with the website’s users in mind and I would love to hear your feedback regarding the first event and any thoughts on what you would like at the next one? Click here to contact me.
Coming soon…
fabulous places to stay in Derbyshire!
Do you know a B&B, hotel or self catering accommodation worthy of the FP Stamp of Approval? Click here to let me know all about it. Thank you!
Well, it seems I’ve been given my orders……
off out to walk the dogs….bye!
Tags: bluebells dairy, crocus walk, Derbyshire events, helen meakin, ice cream, places to stay derbyshire, places to visit, shipley park, summer fete, textile artist
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