Festive Five: X-Mas Gift Ideas for the Dog Lover in Your Life.

With just 49 days until Christmas it’s time to start thinking about what to get our loved ones this year. For me, the very best gifts are always the ones with some thought behind them, something unique and personal. Watching your loved ones reaction when they open such gifts is priceless!

I’ve put together five of my favourite finds that would make a truly special gift for anyone this Christmas. Please note that these are in alphabetical order and by no means in order of preference, I love them all equally! 

Afternoon Tea for Human and Hound

The perfect treat for yourself or your loved ones and you can now include your furry best friend in the experience too! There are a number of places up and down the UK that now offer delicious afternoon teas for humans and a dog friendly version for their pooch. The Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club offer vouchers priced at £35 which includes afternoon tea for 2 people and a dog and can be found here 

The following places also offer afternoon tea for humans with a dog friendly version for the pups:

The Blue Whippet Café in Hull

Cheddar Paws in Cheddar

Coed-Y-Mwstwr in Bridgend

Egerton House in London

The Fish Hotel in Worcestershire

Angelcasts 

Ami creates the most stunning pieces of jewellery from the print of your pets paw or nose texture. Classy, subtle and discreet these keepsakes are truly one of a kind and the perfect way to keep your pet close forever. As each item is completely bespoke the choices are endless, from dainty stacking rings to statement necklaces, Ami can create exactly what you have in mind. There is also the option of engraving names, dates, initials or a short message to make the item even more unique and special.

A gift that will be worn and treasured for a lifetime. The prints are super easy and safe for you to get yourself at home with the kit Ami sends out in the post and are completely mess free. The full range can be found here. Ami is also currently offering 15% off to all those that sign up to the members area.

 

Emma Gadd Pet Portrait

Emma is a professional colour pencil artist with a talent that just blows me away! Specialising in pet portrait commissions she uses high resolution digital photos as a reference to create her drawings. Emma captures the unique character and personality of each and every pet she draws, with an attention to detail like no other making her drawings truly lifelike. A piece to display and treasure forever. 

Mounted and ready to frame with a hand signed certificate of authenticity from the artist this truly is a special gift. 

Emma is currently fully booked for 2019, however you can purchase a gift certificate to give on the day to be claimed in the new year. 

Emma Gadd Artist

Jessica Coates Photography 

Is there anything better than looking back over photos of your pup and remembering a special moment? Jess is currently offering a range of different packages to suit every budget including special human and hound shoots designed to capture that special bond between you. Whatever you have in mind whether its a favourite place, season or event Jess captures the moment perfectly. Jess is easy going and patient and really makes you and your pup feel at ease making the whole experience fun and enjoyable for all. 

More examples of Jess' work can be found on her website and the code MURPHY10 will save you 10% off your booking. 

Vistaprint Photo Gifts

Vistaprint offer a wide range of quality and affordable gifts that can be customised with your own text and photos. From mugs and wall calendars to cushions and blankets there is something for everyone. I am often guilty of not printing photos as regularly as I should and if you're like me the photobooks are perfect! Print all of your cherished photos in one place and give a unique gift that will be enjoyed again and again. The website is really user friendly making the gifts easy to create and the steps straightforward to follow, meaning you can create your gift within a matter of minutes! 

You can create your own gifts by visiting my link here You can also use my code '50XMAS' to save 50% off one item until the 23.12.19 (Max savings up to £250)

Please note that this blog post is in no way sponsored by Vistaprint and all opinions are my own. 

We hope that you all enjoy the lead up to Christmas and have fun finding the perfect gifts.

Love Kelly and Murphy x x

A week adventuring with Vauxhall

This week Murphy and I were lucky enough to adventure around North Yorkshire in the new Vauxhall Crossland X. An SUV packed with style and driver assist features, which really did make this a dream to drive. 

I'm not going to lie, I'm used to driving a tiny hatchback so I was a little nervous about getting behind the wheel. I didn't need to be, with a 180° panoramic rear view camera and front parking sensors I was able to park like a pro (for the first time ever!) 

When travelling with a dog, for me, space and safety are paramount and the Crossland X ticks all of the right boxes. With up to 520 litres of flexible load space there was plenty of room for Murphy's crate and accessories in the back. 

                                 

                                     

With the early nights drawing in, it was dark when we set off. Our destination; Beech Nut Shepherds Hut, located on a working farm just outside of York. With a little help from the fully integrated European SAT NAV system (OK, a LOT of help) we were able to find our destination. That's not to say I didn't take a few wrong turns along the way (even with the best technology in the world this is still me we're talking about.) One wrong turn took me down a very narrow dirt track heavily lined by trees, it didn't take me long to realise this was probably the direction to the wolves house and not my idyllic Shepherds hut at all. The only option was to reverse, in the pitch black I didn't fancy my chances but luckily for me the camera worked amazingly well, and myself, Murphy and (Thank God) the car all came out unscathed. 

Staying on a fully working farm at this time of year there was understandably mud, and a lot of it (sorry Vauxhall) but the Crossland X handled it well and thankfully I have no stories of getting stuck to report! 

Beech Nut Shepherds Hut is a wonderful place to relax, with the closest neighbours being a pair of donkeys it's a truly peaceful escape. 

With a rustic shabby chic country feel the hut is decorated simply and elegantly and was surprisingly spacious with a double bed, day bed and dresser. Despite visiting at the end of October, the fire made the hut warm and cosy and there was freshly baked bread to wake up to in the morning, can you get any more perfect? 

Whilst here, we took the Crossland X to Whitby. Navigating the winding country roads with comfort and ease. I found the car to be so smooth and responsive I was able to relax and really enjoy the drive. 

The sun shone but that's not to say there wasn't still a chill in the air, so returning to the car it was great to be able to crank up the heated seat and steering wheel and warm up quickly. 

It's safe to say I fell a little in love with this car and had the best time adventuring in it with Murphy by my side. 

Thank you Vauxhall for the gifted rental, all opinions are my own.

Love Kelly and Murphy x