......in your neighbourhood, in your neighbour-hood

This week was a bit of a one for local goodness. On Wednesday, the long awaited haven for parents and children was opened in Croydon - Beanies. Born from Beanos, the former 'largest record shop in Europe' it still retains some vinyl magic on the inside.

I so wasn't disappointed after all the hype and excitement, waitress service for coffees, fab shoplets, tip top play bits - 3 floors of fabulous stuff all on my doorstep! Happy girl!.

Beach hut shops selling beautiful gifts hand made and otherwise - again most sourced locally.

Beanies is in Central Croydon - Middle Street and worth a train ride or car journey.

Local Hero number 2 was my neighbour up until Friday, Claire from simply gorgeous shop Calladoodles! If the name doesn't make you want to visit then maybe this will.

Very lucky me gets to have my work in such a beautiful place. Claire has come up an eclectic mix of hand made and great bought in pieces

Calladoodles is shop that I was told about the moment it opened - who knew the owner ended up in living over the road from me! Calladoodles is 18 High Street Carshalton and I would be hugely surprised if you came out empty handed. Other crafter delights include gorgeousness from What Katie Did Next.

So, today - a hop skip and a jump was Reigate and the Reigate Craft & Gift fair that's on the 1st Saturday of every month - Slipshoe Street.

Well done to Kirstin from Rocket and Fairydust not only does she organise the fairs but is opening a shop this month - she be livin' the dream in my eyes! Well done and good luck Kirstin! x

Father's day malarky starts here - Daddies Sauce based daddy keyrings.

I don't think I've been creatively excited about living here for a long time (well since I did my foundation course at Croydon College!) just so much going on that makes me proud to live round these parts!