"These are some of my favourite things"
Whilst I would love it if you had a look at my products or came to visit me at a show, I thought I'd also share some of my favourite places, websites and other bits and bobs for you to enjoy!
Bath is my home city. If you visit, I hope that you have a really enjoyable time. As a local, here are some of my recommendations...
Things to Do in Bath Spring/Summer 2012
Bath Literature Festival 2 March - 11 April
Ten days of discovery, discourse, delight and delectation.
Bath Half Marathon 11 March
One of the longest established and most popular city centre road events in the UK, it is also the largest charity fundraising event in the South West region, raising over £1.4 million for charity last year alone. [Tip: Bath central roads will be closed on this day, so use the park and ride.]
Bath Fashion Week 25 - 31 March
Bath in Fashion 2012 brings together the world's most prolific milliner, Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik, the world's most revered shoe designer.
Bath Comedy Festival 30 March - 9 April.
Acts from all over the country meet for the "fourth annual celebration of the art of making people laugh". Top acts from all over the country - not to be missed!
Bath International Music Festival 30 May - 10 June 
A range of high quality events including orchestral, chamber and contemporary classical music, contemporary jazz, world and folk music.
Bath Fringe Festival 27 May - 12 June
A 17-Day festival of all the arts. It runs alongside the Music Festival. Events are held at special venues and in the street. So if you're looking for something different, this is it.
Widcombe Rising 1:30 - 7:30pm 17 June.
Bath's biggest and best street party and family fun day. With an Olympic theme, there will be snail racing, trapeze artists, hula-hooping and kids sporting activities, with the theme being Retro Sporting Heroes from Ancient Greece to now…so get out those long Chariots of Fire shorts!
Things to Do in Bath All Year Round
Thermae Bath Spa Britain's only natural thermal spa, with traditional and state-of-the-art spa facilities...and from the roof pool, I can see my house! [Tips: Hire a robe and have a healthy lunch in their restaurant. Pre-booking for spa treatments is essential. For a really special treat, hire out the private Cross Bath.]
Roman Baths/Pump Rooms Anyone visiting Bath should go to the Roman Baths. The commentary can be a bit long winded, but I bet you'll be surprised about the statues! [Tips: Go early to avoid the queue. Have tea at the Pump Rooms. DON'T drink the water.]
Bath Rugby In good weather, this is an excellent way to spend a few hours. [Tips: Take all weather clothing. Have pre-match drinks at either Lambrettas or The Boater. Afterwards, step onboard the Penny Lane river boat bar.]
Shopping There is a great selection of boutiques and shops in Bath. The new Southgate development has been really successful, but don't forget to check out the independents in Milsom Place and Pinkstripes@Definitions in Broad Street.
Go for a Walk Grab your boots and see Bath from a different angle with the National Trust Skyline Walk. Their website has a downloadable map. [Tip: Visit Bath Cats and Dogs Home to see the work they do - please remember to give them a donation if you can.]
Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk If you are historied-out, try this alternative guide to Bath by compere Neol Britten. A short and very funny tour of some of the less well known sights. Meet at The Huntsman, 8pm every evening (1st April-29th October 2011). [Tip: Look out for the rabbit!]
Komedia This group succesfully converted the Beau Nash Picture House into a comedy, cabaret, music, variety and special events venue. With a very friendly atmosphere, they have a great selection of entertainment waiting for you. [TIP: The morning after, have breakfast in their cafe with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage menu. Great kippers!]
Places to Eat in Bath
Bathwick Boatman Relaxed, informal Italian inspired rustic food, great friendly service, overlooking the river Avon. Lovely. [TIPS: If the weather is good, get a balcony table. During the day you can hire wooden punts from the boathouse below.]
Time Out Expresso Snack Bar At the heart of the Guildhall Market, it's a fabulous spot to stop off for an excellent espresso and a yummy snack and watch a fully functioning English market in action.
Where to Stay in Bath
Bath Priory Top of the range luxury, this exclusive hotel boasts a three AA Rosette restaurant (Michael Caines), beautiful landscape gardens, objet d'art packed rooms and a gorgeous spa. [TIP: If you are not staying there, go for a long lunch.]
Other There are plenty of lovely independent hotels, especially in areas like Great Pulteney Street.
Favorite Online Shops
Whilst running my own business, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with fellow independent business owners. Here are some examples of Great British businesses who are out there making it happen
www.gilinix.co.uk - Beautifully made tweed gillets, coat and jackets. Also stocks my shirts at many shows
www.cardtastic.co.uk - Stunning colourful photography by Helen Brayshaw, available as wide collection of greeting cards
www.bowndesigns.com - One of my ex-Mulberry pals, now running her own gorgeous luxury bag and accessories business. As seen in Vogue, Tatler, Elle, Style...you name it
www.supremeproducts.co.uk - The leaders in equine preparation products and garments
www.tismaria.com - A highly fashionable collection of handbags for every occasion
www.jomanda.co.uk - A irresistable range of soft toys made to a high standard, specialising in sheep, dogs and horses
www.abhapearls.com - Inspirational jewellery in diamond, pearl, gold silver or gemstones. Handmade one off designs available
www.giggle-giggle.co.uk provides kids with cool clothing options where high quality meets all-season practicality and eye-catching design. Also the warmest, cosiest fleece garments to pull on and play in. Imaginative, easy wear pieces. Each garment is designed and carefully crafted to withstand usual rough and tumble, and endless wearing and washing. Super Important fact: these garments require little or no ironing - Happy Days.
Fun Stuff on YouTube
Fenton! www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU
Make your own shirt card www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YcRKO99zHo
Origami Shirt www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehkktuZVfWA
The Yeo Valley Ad www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOHAUvbuV4o
Shopping Directories
Clothing & Clothes Directory. We are listed under Millinery Clothing category