Author: Cari

I hope you are having a lovely day so far. We’ve had quite a few bumps in the run up to today, especially discovering yesterday afternoon that the frozen turkey was not ‘cook from frozen’ as I thought – cue husband driving to the local supermarket praying for turkey we could have instead (plus foil, as you always forget that and need lots for Christmas dinner!)

I’m feeling emotional as I miss my dad so much, and this first Christmas without him is a tough day. We have my father in law coming for dinner which is lovely but adding to the pressure as I don’t feel like I can be as relaxed. I always have a wobble with all the stuff that needs doing and this Christmas I started the day with a headache, so that’s perfect!

Please share how you spend Christmas Day as I often feel like I’m talking to myself writing these posts. However you pass the time, I hope it is peaceful, full of love and problem free (yes he did get turkey by the way, so we’re all good).

Cari xx

It’s so easy at this time of year to get caught up in Christmas preparation, but what about those other occasions that need celebrating with a card? There are still plenty of birthdays to remember, plus engagements and weddings (and maybe even a new baby or two?)

If you need a top up of special occasion cards we are posting every working day, so if you’d rather not battle the crowds just to get a birthday card or three then browse our online emporium and have them delivered to your door.

This new baby card is also available with a pink background. Aren’t the animal characters cute?

We also have a good range of humour cards suitable for birthdays and other occasions. One of my favourites is this ‘unexpected item’ design.

I just love these greetings cards for animal lovers with a range of cats and dogs, plus cards with chickens, goats and even a highland cow featured.

We’ve also had a restock of these lovely ladies, so why not start prepping for Christmas 2025?

Thank you to everyone who has supported my small family run business this year, it’s been lovely to see our new ranges being received so well and to revive the business after a difficult transition from Flamingo closing to becoming fully independent. I have hope now that 2025 will see continued growth and that we will be going from strength to strength. To think I almost closed for good!

Have a restful Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Cari xx

I’m sending out website orders right up to the last posting dates, but if you prefer to shop in person then this weekend is your last chance to buy Christmas cards, activity packs and more from me. We start off at Bowes Museum tomorrow and Saturday, then on Sunday I will be at Sheriff Hutton Village Market for their Christmas market.

It sounds like they really pull out all the stops, with mulled wine and mince pies, and all the traders dress up in Christmas jumpers. I’m so excited as it’s a friendly market with great local support. Will we see you there?

I still have a few packs of Holly and Ivy Christmas cards left but there are plenty of other choices if they don’t suit. I will try to get more added online so you have a better choice.

We will be taking a short break over Christmas before everything starts again in 2025. Our first market will be at Hovingham in February (tbc) and after that all three markets from March onwards. Of course I am always looking for other popular markets to trade at so if you have suggestions please comment below.

My delivery arrived (finally!) and that means the very popular Holly and Ivy cards are in stock and available online. In fact, it’s been an exciting day with two card deliveries and a stationery delivery – lots of exciting things!

I have some advent calendar cards ready for Crayke Village Market, your last chance to treat someone (including you) to an advent calendar. I also have more of the grow your own Christmas tree and the magic snow packs, they just need pricing up.

It’s been a cold day outside and we’ve only just got our boiler repaired so I’m huddled up with my dog, a mug of tea and lots of lovely cards to sort through!

We’re down to our last few advent calendar cards, and don’t have many advent calendars left either, so with a three day Christmas market this weekend we may well sell out.

Now is the time to order online if you don’t want to miss out. All our advent calendars are on our website as well as some of the more popular Christmas cards.

I’m really excited about this Christmas event, it’s the first one we have done where we have our own little chalet space to decorate and fill. It’s probably as close as I’ll get to having my own ‘shop’ and I’ve been planning the layout for weeks.

I’ll let you know how it goes next week.

Well, what can I say? These two lovely friends depicted on our Christmas cards have proved very popular with our online customers. I have restocked once and am now thinking we may need more.

Advent calendars are also doing well, both online and at Christmas markets, with my personal favourite leading the way. At our first Christmas Fair advent calendar cards were my bestseller, so I may need to see if I can get more of those too.

I have a list of jobs that need doing, but for now I’m resting after a busy weekend. Of course, if I hear that ‘kerching’ from my iPad I will spring into action, as my customers come first and getting those orders out in a timely fashion is my priority.

Hope you are all well and excited about Christmas.

Cari xx