Outdoor family portrait sessions in Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows
The summer is my favourite time of the year and I’m so excited to now be offering outdoor family portrait sessions among some of Dorset’s finest wildflower meadows.
This year, I’ve collaborated with the lovely people at Holme for Gardens in Wareham, and have permission to use their field for outdoor lifestyle portraits.
So, naturally, I’ve been making the most of this opportunity and taking my clients there in the past week or so. It’s worked out brilliantly and all the children involved have loved having their photograph taken among the beautiful wildflowers.
Outdoor wildflower portrait sessions in Dorset
Here are just some of the portraits I’ve created. Would like something similar of your family?
There is still time left in the season before the flowers lose their vibrant colours, and these outdoor portrait sessions are suitable whether you are after maternity/pregnancy photography, or child and family portraits. Contact me today to book yours.
Natural family portraits
What I love about these sessions is that the children and families who take part are so clearly enjoying the flowers and the freedom to be able to walk among them (while being careful not to damage them, of course).
You’ll see that there are no forced smiles or static poses. The family photographs I create natural, outdoor pictures that bring the best of the outdoors into your home, and everyone has a great time in the process.
I achieve this by keeping everyone involved active and entertained throughout. The little ones, I keep occupied by encouraging them to count the wildflowers while I take their portrait. As every parent knows, distraction is the key with younger children!
As both a mum myself and an experienced child photographer, I’ve got lots of tricks like this up my sleeve to secure the perfect outdoor portrait.
Dorset wildflowers are bloomin’ lovely!
Seeing the wildflowers popping up in fields, gardens and grass verges in the summer makes me really happy. And quite rightly! Who can fail to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells that these flowers create? They are simply fabulous, aren’t they?!
Every year I aim to make the most of the wildflower season. In a previous blog, I have written about how I can achieve perfect portraits in unlikely locations – take a look! It’s a behind-the-scenes insight into how I can create a stunning portrait in small spaces. A creative eye and even just a small patch of wildflowers is all I need!
Book your wildflower portrait session today!
There are plenty of stunning flowers on display this year and they are currently in full bloom. So, don’t miss your chance to get some updated family photos taken outdoors among the beautiful wildflowers while they last!
If you’d like to book one of my outdoor family portrait sessions, get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of the last few slots I have available this summer.
And, if you haven’t already, do pay the Holme garden centre a visit! It’s a family-run business and has beautiful surroundings, a relaxing ambience, gorgeous plants to take home with you and unrivalled gardens to enjoy. I think you’ll love it!
Karen x
Picnic Time, don't forget your teddy bear
July is “National Picnic Month”
The whole month of July is National Picnic Month, the weather will hopefully warm up and we can all head outdoors. As a family photographer i love the long summer evenings for photoshoots and picnics.
The schools finish for summer at the end of the month (I know 2020 is a bit different) what better way to celebrate summer than a picnic. Here in Dorset, we are truly spoilt by our wide-open spaces.
The Local parks, forests and beaches are beckoning, even the perfect spot in the garden makes a great picnic spot. Kids love heading out to breathe in the fresh air and run around. They can run around and enjoy the sunshine whilst you get to relax on the picnic blanket sipping something chilled and bubbly.
Best Local Picnic Spots
Whether you are local or visiting the area its always great to get the lowdown on some great venues for picnics.
Picnics can be anything from a quick stop on the way to the park to grab some prepacked food or a full-on cream tea complete with Pimms. Either way, the kids will love just being outside.
Here some of my favourite local picnic places.
This beautiful place really does have it all. At Upton Country Park there is so much open space over the site that you can enjoy a picnic and a game of rounders almost anywhere on the site. Enjoy the peace on the newly opened meadows or head to the shoreline and take in the views of Poole harbour. The front lawn of the house is perfect for picnics, learning to ride bikes and football. There’s plenty of toilets and the cafe and ice cream kiosk are re-opening. As a Family photographer Upton Country Park is also my favourite place to hold sessions. The car park is open 9 am-9 pm in the summer and parking charges apply.
Set over 110 acres of parkland, Poole park is open all year round. You have everything from crazy golf to two large play areas to amuse the kids. You can try your hand at dingy sailing on the saltwater lagoon or feed the ducks and swans on the boating lake. Its a fab place to take the family for a picnic and enjoy the Summer sun. Parking charges apply.
Moors Valley is a hugely popular place for families of all ages. It’s a great place to spend the day and because it’s so popular its best to head out first thing and take a picnic. It’s easy to fill the day in the adventure play areas or on the play trail and come away safe in the knowledge the kids will be well and truly worn out. Parking charges apply.
Teddy bears picnic
Children just love to take their favourite stuffed toy out to play. Whether its a battered teddy or a Disney character it doesn’t matter. By bringing your kids “cuddly friend” along it makes the picnic so much more fun. In-fact why not take teddy along to your family photo shoot and we can create a special teddy bears picnic.
As a family and children’s photographer, I just love the storytelling interaction when kids use their imagination in play. Sometimes these are the best photos because they are so relaxed.
Let me know your favourite spots for a picnic, I love to explore new places too.
Why not join me for a family photoshoot bring teddy and a picnic, and just let the magic unfold.
Oh and don’t forget Teddy!
Bye for now
Karen x
National Surrogacy Week - What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy, what’s it all about?
My job as a newborn and family photographer means I meet hundreds of new parents every year in my Poole studio. During the past 10 years, I’ve met parents from all walks of life. No matter what their nationality, beliefs, or sexuality is they love their babies unconditionally. As every parent across the globe does. It’s National Surrogacy week and I knew the perfect couple to chat about their experience.
I’ve been lucky enough to share the joy of well over a thousand couples in being new parents. I’ve heard countless birth stories and their journeys to becoming parents. My own pregnancies were “easy”. I have two amazing kids that are growing into lovely young adults. I couldn’t imagine not being able to share my life with my offspring.
As it’s National Surrogacy week I thought it would be amazing to share one couple’s very personal and emotional account. I learned of their Surrogacy story whilst photographing their newborn baby girl.
Lisa and Sunny’s Surrogacy story
“The statistics show that 1:4 women experience a miscarriage at some point in their life and 1:100 will experience recurrent miscarriages. It says women but I think it’s important to highlight that men are also impacted by this. For every woman suffering, in many cases, there will be a man struggling as well. So it impacts everyone, your friends, family and colleagues. Whether we realise it or not someone in your world will have dealt with the devastating impact of losing a baby through miscarriage.
There will be no two experiences the same, everyone will deal with their journey differently. Only since my beautiful two-year-old daughter was born, do I feel comfortable to talk about my experience. In the 5 years before Lara was born we experienced multiple miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy. Had several rounds of IVF, a couple of misdiagnoses, numerous invasive tests, operations, blood tests and more needles and drugs than I care to mention. The physical, emotional, mental and financial strain of infertility is immense and has a significant impact on your life.
Many people would like to share their journey with others but feel unable to. The stigma that surrounds miscarriage, loss of a baby, infertility feels very real. You battle with yourself daily. It becomes all-consuming and dominates your thoughts and feelings. The emotions I have dealt with include shame, anger, embarrassment, loss, jealousy, desperation, love and hope. It is a roller-coaster of emotions, highs and lows. On more than one occasion I considered living a child-free life, I had a career I loved, a loving relationship, good friends and family but every time I considered it my heart dropped and my future looked dark.
During this time we tried everything. From holistic therapy (acupuncture, reflexology, detox retreats) to visiting top London fertility clinics. Finally, in 2015 I was diagnosed with several blood conditions that meant my body views my babies as intruders and rather than nurturing them, attacks resulting in a miscarriage. After being told numerous times by Fertility Consultants that our embryos are ‘perfect’ I was determined not to give up and after my last loss in March 2016, I decided to research Gestational Surrogacy (where a woman often called a host, carries our embryo for us). And this is where our story takes a positive turn; we met Rachel and her family in April 2016 in a Facebook Surrogacy group and have become firm friends ever since.
The next part of my story is the reason I’m able to talk about my experience now. Our beautiful baby girl was born in November 2017. The day Lara was born, so was I. It felt like a fog lifted, I had found my purpose, my missing piece, it was like that dark future disappeared and everything became clear.
Hope
Surrogacy is often a misunderstood topic. Where people think the Surrogate is a victim or being taken advantage of. Here in the UK that couldn’t be further from the truth (there are always exceptions). These women are strong, focused and determined. They have come to the surrogacy world for a variety of reasons but ultimately, they want to help someone have the family they dreamed of. In the UK it’s altruistic so only expenses connected to the pregnancy can be paid, they do not gain financially for giving this incredible gift.
Although our surrogacy journey was straightforward compared to other journeys, it was still an emotional rollercoaster. We were successful with Lara on our second IVF attempt, so we still had to deal with the heartache of a failed transfer which we found out about the day before my 38th birthday. Even with Surrogacy, there is no guarantee you’ll have a family at the end of your journey. Watching Lara now though it was worth every tear, every moment of heartbreak, every penny and I’d do it all over again to be where we are now.
Looking back on my journey, we’ve been taken emotionally, physically and mentally to some dark places. The surrogacy community and the Surrogates that are prepared to help people like us brought hope when we thought there was none. They don’t only change lives but help create them, helping people start and complete their families. They’re some of the strongest people I’ve ever met. I’m blessed to have found the community and made some amazing friends, both Surrogates and other Intended Parents (IPs).
I’m always here to answer questions or offer support so please feel free to get in touch if you’re in the middle of that fog or just would like to know more. Wishing anyone who is in that dark place the strength and determination to continue their journey, whether you reach your dream through your own pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy – hold on, it’s definitely worth it!”
Lisa x
Don’t forget Dad-to-be: Introducing couple’s maternity photoshoots
I’ve been busy doing lots of outdoor maternity sessions so far this year. But something new, that I have been doing more and more of recently, is couple’s maternity photos.
Yep, I’ve been getting the dads-to-be involved in some of my recent maternity sessions! And the families who have embraced this new idea are loving the portraits that I’ve created for them.
Maternity photography
Maternity photography traditionally focuses on the mum-to-be who is carrying the baby. It’s done in the final weeks before the birth (usually sometime between weeks 28-34), and is done as a way of celebrating the pregnancy.
Thanks to the gorgeous Mio Estillo dresses that I have available, and the optional extra of a bit of pampering and styling beforehand, a maternity session makes my ladies feel fabulous!
And importantly, the portrait creates a lasting memory of the pregnancy and can be hung pride of place on the walls at home as a permanent record of that special time.
Introducing couple’s maternity photos
But, if you know me and my work, you’ll know that I like to experiment and try out new things!
I thought to myself, why should a maternity photos session just be about the mum?
What about the dads too? Yes, the woman is carrying the baby, but it’s as much his baby as hers!
Getting pregnant and having a baby is an emotional journey that involves two people. And so now, I like to involve the dad-to-be as well, if they wish.
My couple’s maternity photoshoots capture both mum and dad (and any children or pets as well). Creating a portrait that celebrates the family unit and the emotion of the journey that they are experiencing together.
Relaxed photoshoots, natural portraits
Men can often be reluctant to get involved and to be photographed, but I make all my clients feel comfortable. My sessions are 100% relaxed and lots of fun.
Dads, I won’t ask you to look at the camera necessarily, which can make you feel awkward. I’m not after cheesy photos of you smiling at the camera.
No, my style of photography is to capture natural maternity photos that tell a story. To show the connection between the people in the photograph. It is done in a timeless style – like the examples I am showing here. The maternity photos don’t date and can be enjoyed for years and years to come.
Indoor and outdoor couple’s maternity photos
I take maternity, and couple’s maternity portraits, in my photography studio in Poole. Or, if you prefer, we can go outdoors. I can photograph you in locations such as local parks, on the beach or any other local place special to you as a couple.
If you are interested in my maternity photography, and the idea of getting your partner and children involved too, please contact me today to book one of my couple’s maternity photoshoots.
I’m available on 07749 270431 or email me at karenwiltshire@me.com or complete this contact form.
Karen x
Create Newborn photos at home.
DIY Newborn photos
What strange times we are living in, week 5 of a national lockdown and we are getting full-on cabin fever. So I thought i’d add you useful tips on DIY newborn photos to my blog.
My days consist mostly of battling with my teenage son to get him out of bed before midday because it’s “wasting the day”. This is generally met with a chorus “of what’s the point”. I’m also struggling to see what the point is to be fair, and I’m picking my battles wisely.
Even my naughty dog Scamp ( yes aptly named) has the wanderlust and is finding the tiniest hole to escape the garden and go for a walk.
I’m missing my lovely clients, and the newborn cuddles that are the highlight of my week. What a great job to have! This got me thinking, babies don’t stop being born during a pandemic. Obviously, with the stay-home stay-safe advice we can’t get those early days photographed in the studio.
So how can parents still get DIY newborn photos to cherish?
Create memories in your own home.
You have a new baby and sadly can’t have any visitors to meet your new bundle. So now is the ideal time to create some perfect memories with your new baby. Capture every moment, even if you are feeling very sleep deprived, show family and friends so they can share in your joy.
Download my DIY newborn photos tips.
I’ve put together a guide for you to download. It’s full of helpful advice on how to capture those all-important shots of your newborn baby. These early days with your baby are so precious and fleeting its important to remember them.
Hope you find it useful as a prompt to get the best from your camera or camera phone at home.
I’m sure the Lockdown will lift soon so remember I’m very comfortable photographing older newborns.
Please do get in touch if you would like more information on newborn photoshoots, I’d love to chat.
Stay safe and bye for now
Karen x
Is it too late for my Newborn photos?
Is my baby too old for newborn photos?
The current lockdown situation in the UK doesn’t stop baby’s being born. They arrive whatever the situation! Obviously its not possible to venture out and have baby photos done right now, with all non-essential businesses being closed.
The question I’m getting asked a lot at the moment, ” is my baby going to be too old for sleepy newborn photos”.
My answer is always the same. We can definitely create beautiful newborn style photos with babies that are more than a few days old. Infact they can be 12-13 weeks old and still get sleepy newborn photos, it just takes a little forward planning.
How to prepare for the session.
There are a few ways you can help prepare for an older newborn photo session.
- Book the session time to fit in around normal nap times. From about 6 weeks baby start to fall into a rhythm with naps, this means you have a better idea when your baby is most likely to be sleepy.
- Have lots of awake time before the session. Its not always possible especially if you have a long journey to make to get to the studio, but try to have some awake fun time before the session.
- Babies sleep best on a full tummy. Bring milk to the session to fill those tummys and help make them sleepy. If you use a dummy bring that too as it can help to settle baby.
- Dress baby in something easy to take off like a baby grow or vest. This makes it easier to undress them if they are sleepy on arrival.
- Last but not least allow time, time to relax and really enjoy the photoshoot. The session can take an hour or it could take 3 hours, it just depends on the baby on the day.
What to expect during the session.
Whether your baby is a few weeks old or a few months old you can expect a fun, relaxed and stress free photoshoot. I have over 9 years of experience with newborns and have photographed well over a thousand now.
So expect to arrive at the studio, sit in comfortable surroundings drink tea and relax whilst I photograph your adorable baby. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to ensure we get great photos for you to cherish.
There will be plenty of time to capture those important memories, please stay safe and enjoy the time with your new family. When the time is right, get in touch and we can book that all-important photoshoot.
Bye for now
Karen x
Siblings and Newborns-What to expect during your photoshoot.
Can the rest of my children come to the newborn session?
I’m experienced newborn photographer and a mum of two myself. I know that one of the most important photos parents want from the newborn photoshoot is the siblings and newborns together. I really understand that its the most important photo of the whole session for parents, often topping the family photo.
So yes, absolutely do bring the other children to the session. At the newborn photoshoot booking we can discuss the best way to organise the photo session to include the siblings.
In an ideal world, your toddler/child will sit nicely, carefully cradling the precious new bundle and smile adoringly at the camera. Oh if only, my job would be made so easy!
Younger children especially, react differently to the changes when a new baby arrives. Some love their new sibling others can’t even bear to be near the new baby. On the whole most toddlers just too busy and mostly ignore the new arrival. All of these traits can make it quite tricky to get the siblings and newborns together for the sibling photo.
I have years of experience so I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get those all-important photos of the kids together.
There are also a few things that you could do at home to help the session go more smoothly.
Tips for a smooth session.
- If they are old enough then get them used to cuddling the baby. In a safe way either on your lap or in the corner or the sofa with your assistance.
- Try to mention you are coming to visit Karen and shes going to take some photos so its not a total shock when they arrive at the studio.
- Get them used to having photos taken with the baby and ask them to smile.
- Make sure the older children aren’t tired or hungry or both at the time the session is booked for.
- Bring the outfit you’d like them to wear to keep it clean until they need to wear it. Avoid bright colours, patterns and pictures if possible.
- Bring a favourite toy or cuddly to keep them entertained during the session.
- Bribery if all else fails. Try not to make it chocolate though , it can get messy with a mouth full of chocolate.
- Finally don’t stress about the session, I have lots of tricks to help get those all-important memories.
Siblings and Newborns
There are lots of ways to get your children in the photo for the important siblings and newborns together. But if a toddler really doesn’t want to join in then we can use the magic of photoshop to get them together.
Most newborn photoshoot sessions are during the week so if you have a child at school don’t worry, we can split the session. It is possible to do the newborn part of the session, come back after school, and do the family and sibling shots.
Same goes for toddlers, if you think they may struggle to cope with staying in one place for a few hours then have a chat with me and we can work out the best way to get the photos you want in the most stress free way.
Hope this give you some hints and tips on how a newborn photosession works with siblings whatever their age. if you’d like more info then please drop me message.
Bye for now 🙂
Karen x
What a year!
Well what can i say , 2020 has been a absolute shitstorm of a year that i think we will all remember for so many reasons. We have all endured so so much this past 12 months, you may have been sick with covid19, home schooled in lockdown and had to face financial uncertainty. Some people loved lockdown ( i know i did) others hated it but we all got on with it and did as we were told to save the ones we love and help the NHS.
I have started this blog post and deleted it so many times in the past 12 months, just really not knowing how to start or how to make this a positive upbeat blog when the reality was a bit different for me.
Today seemed like a poignant day to sit down and reflect my last 12 months, well here goes i can finally put this out there to anyone who takes the time to read this.
On the 21st Oct 2019 i was told I had Cancer, I sat with my husband in a room filled medical professionals with concerned faces and listened whilst they told me I had Squamous Cell Carcinoma! A form of skin cancer incase you don't know. Lots of people suffer from Squamous Cell but generally its related to UV sun damage. Mine wasn't UV related which apparently makes it even more aggressive. My cancer started as a tiny spot like a grain of sand then a year later it was 4cm .
As If that wasn't bad enough they also told me it had infected the lymph nodes in my groin which made the cancer a whole lot worse. I have to admit all I heard was cancer and I broke down right there and then, no brave face actually nothing brave at all. I cried out that I actually couldn't have Cancer because I have kids ( why I thought that made a difference to cancer I don't know). I was not prepared to be told I had cancer at all.
I was transferred from dermatology to gynecology at this point due to the area infected.
What happens now?.......
After that initial diagnosis appointment the worst moment was telling my kids and my family. It broke my heart and still does if I think too hard about it. I decided from the start to be as open and honest about my diagnosis as I could be without terrifying them. You can imagine how it went , they are old enough (13-15 then) to know that Cancer is a killer and immediately wanted reassurance I wasn't going to die!
The next week was a whirlwind week of prebooked appointments, meet the surgeon, MRI, CT Scan and PET Scan to try to determine just how far it had spread, my head was spinning with all the new information. Apparently, my cancer is Rare, I had one of the 5 gynecological cancers us ladies can suffer with. It took way too long to get diagnosed , a consultant gynecologist told me just 3 months before it was "nothing sinister" I can still hear him say those words to me and can't help feel bitter towards him for dismissing me and not even sending me for a biopsy.
My surgeon at Poole general hospital is truly the most amazing woman, to whom I owe my life I'm sure, sounds melodramatic but I believe she really did save my life. She moved fast made sure I was moved to the top of the list, speed was important to stop the spread of the disease, less than a month after diagnosis I had surgery.
Surgery, wasn't fun but necessary, I also had 3 cancerous lymph nodes removed which proved more problematic to heal than the cancer site. I was told the infection risk was 50% due to where the cancer was, that scared me almost as much as the cancer. Sepsis wasn't something I wanted on top of cancer.
All in all it took 3 months to heal, we had some dark days but overall it was ok and whist it did get infected it was managed before it got worse.
So January 2020 I started daily radiotherapy and weekly chemotherapy, 25 sessions of radio and 5 Chemo to treat any stray cells intent on spreading the cancer. The staff in both departments are amazing, kind and reassuring making the treatment seem less awful.
I was wiped out by the treatment , some days I just wanted to stay in bed but i didn't , I got up did the school run and even managed to work a little. It felt important to me try to keep things as normal as i could, and keep my business going. I love being a photographer, I did miss working so much after surgery. No, i didn't lose my hair...not all chemo treatment causes hair loss.
I have the most amazing friends supporting me and massive thank you to my family for helping. Special thanks to my dear friend Jacky for the constant help, the special body cream to stop the radiation burns, lifts to hospital , sitting with me during chemo and just generally making life bearable. Oh and Mark Bennett lunches :)
So a year on, I have the all clear ! I don't think it gets better than that, 3 monthly appointments to keep a check on me but i'll take that! No sign of cancer so I'm getting on with living life ,watching my kids grow and trying to put the whole thing to the back of my mind.
I'd like to thank the NHS staff for just being amazing ! Please if you have ANY lump bumps aches and pains don't leave them, get it checked out and if you aren't happy with the first diagnosis then seek another opinion to double check. I'm here today because I did!
Love to all
Karen x
PS It's really hard to be upbeat about Cancer but I do try, If anyone wants to chat to me please just drop me a line. :)
Christmas Eve Box ideas
Christmas Eve is nearly here.
Christmas Eve traditions for my family are pretty simple, carrot for Rudolf and whisky and mince pie for Santa. However there’s a new tradition landed in the UK from Germany , the Christmas Eve Box. I’ve done a little digging to find out what it’s all about and come up with a few ideas to take the stress away.
Keep reading for my tips and ideas .
What on earth is it?
So if like me you are wondering what a Christmas Eve box is all about then think of it as an early Christmas stocking. I love the idea of adding a little tradition to help get the kids though Christmas Eve , which can end not in the tv commercial happy families but in the kids having total meltdowns having to wait for the big day. The excitement can just be too much for the kids to bear.
To buy or not to buy?
So the box itself can be a simple as a wrapped box, a shoe box would work perfectly as it already has a a neat fitting lid. Why not line the box with festive paper and add a personal touch to the outside with some ribbon it’s as easy as that. Or if the diy option isn’t your thing then there are plenty of boxes available to buy, like this reusable box from John Lewis
You might want to have a personalised box , there are plenty to chose from online but I like these from Not on the high street
What do I fill it with?
The big question, what do you put in it? Well think about the pressies you stash away to stop the kids getting bored and usually buy or make anyway to make Christmas festive.
1, Festive Colouring, why not print out a few christmasy colouring pages for the kids. Check out these fun free Christmas pages
2, Xmas PJ’s , this is a must for the kids festive jammies are just so cute to wake up in on Christmas Day. Why not add them to the Christmas Eve box and make them that little bit more special . We love these from M&S
3, Gingerbread biscuits, Love baking? Why not add a festive cookie cutter to the box and make some biscuits with the kids. Or you could pop in some ready to eat gingerbread men that just need decorating to save time.
4 Hot chocolate, well you are going to need something to dip those biscuits into ! You could add a little packet of marshmallows and a bag of hot choc powder to a festive mug or buy a pre made cone for the occasion.
5, Christmas book, there’s something quite magical about reading a Christmas book on Christmas Eve with the children at bedtime. Wrap your favourite book or add a new Christmas book.
6, Reindeer food, you can make your own food as an activity with the kids or buy some pre-made to sprinkle for Rudolph and the team.
Just a few inexpensive ideas for you to try and i hope this has inspired you to start or continue a cute tradition on Christmas Eve with the children.
Bye for now
Karen x
Shop local this Christmas
Christmas shopping, love it or loathe it?
If you are anything like me then the Amazon delivery man is making daily visits to your door with Christmas pressies. That started me thinking that as a small business myself I really ought to try and shop local and visit those local independent retailers and makers.
Here are a few of my favourites I found on my travels.
I first came across the Attic store many years ago when they were an online based store trading mainly on “Not on the high street” and I loved their quirky crochet toys and gifts. Well, now you can visit either of their beautiful gift stores located in Broadstone and Westbourne. Both shops have something for everyone and lots of items that can be personalised making the perfect Christmas gift.
My faves are the personalised jewellery , chose your item and they will put it on a personalised card with a special message. So much nicer and thoughtful than the normal amazon delivery 😉
Lytchett Bay Soaps
Continuing the shop local ethos we have include this great new small business, free postage and packing over £18 or if you are local enough then its free delivery within 3 miles. That’s a win win to me its local but I can order online and the lovely Liz will drop the soaps off to me .
Looking on the website you are literally spoilt for choice , you can go for a best seller like “storm freya” or make up a super gift box as a perfect present.
Great news too is that most of the products are vegan and plastic free.
Cherry Picked Hampers
Theres something supremely christmassy about giving and receiving a hamper full of wonderful local sourced goodies. Over at Cherry picked hampers they have a wonderful selection of hampers for every occasion, the Christmas hampers look extra yummy. This fab local business ticks the local box by sourcing all their produce from Dorset, making it the perfect gift for family and friends.
Walford Mill Wimborne
Walford Mill is a unique centre for makers and artists, they offer a great range of individual items ranging from ceramics to jewellery and cards in the shop. The current maker exhibition is all about Christmas and there are lots of pop-up artists and makers exhibiting during December making it an ideal place to get those unique and unusual gifts.
The Rhubarb Candle Company
Everybody loves candles at Christmas and I just love this local candle making company. The candles are hand poured and made using soy and not the nasty paraffin wax. Very tempted to get the Christmas tree, Spiced Orange or Gingerbread perfumed candle to make the house smell just oh so christmassy. You can order on the website, pick up at a local gift fair or collect from them in person.
Hope you find that ideal gift for your loved ones, don’t forget that you can purchase a KW Photography gift voucher and keep those memories alive forever.
Bye for now
Karen x
