LOCAL SALISBURY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Saturday

I was debating doing a Christmas gift guide this year as I did one last year, but I thought since I created the Salisbury Bloggers network this year, it would be great to share some local businesses with you, whether you are from the Salisbury area or not.


If you are not yet aware of the Salisbury Bloggers network, this is an Instagram account I created over summer with the aim of connecting creators and local businesses in Salisbury and the surrounding areas. While being at uni in Bournemouth, I was part of the Bournemouth Bloggers group and had some great opportunities from being part of it, so I thought Salisbury needed something similar. Follow the Salisbury Bloggers network on Instagram here.


Another aim of the group is to create opportunities for Salisbury creators, similar to the opportunities I had from Bournemouth Bloggers. So, if you are a local business wanting to work with influencers and creators, or if you're a creator looking to work with local businesses, get in touch and see more information here.

Salisbury Christmas Gift Guide


So, I am going to be sharing my favourite local businesses with you where you can get great gifts for loved ones for Christmas.


1. Wolf Cabin Wax Melts


Glittery wax melt in burner

I recently ordered some wax melts from Naomi at Wolf Cabin Wax Melts and they smell amazing. Wolf Cabin is a small wax melt business local to Salisbury which was started in 2020 and the name of the business inspired by everything cosy, just like you would find in a cabin.


Their wax melts would make great Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. They have such a wide range of scents - Christmassy and non Christmassy and they are so affordable too.


2. Rosebourne


If you haven't been to Rosebourne at this time of year yet then you need to! It is not in the centre of Salisbury, but if you are looking for a day out that is not too far away then it's definitely worth a visit. It is in Weyhill near Andover.

They have so many luxury gifts to choose from - foodie and otherwise. They also have gift vouchers and if you prefer to gift people experiences rather than items, you can get someone a voucher to have a lovely afternoon tea at Rosebourne.

Even if you don't end up getting presents there, the Christmas section looks amazing and you can check out their cafe for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

3. Ginkgo Accessories


Ginkgo is a small business on Etsy started by a lovely lady called Hollie this year who is local to Hampshire. Hollie makes her lovely earrings by hand and these would make beautiful gifts for people who love jewellery.

4. Crystals

Crystals is one of my favourite shops in Salisbury. It is a physical shop near The Maltings by the river and as far as I'm aware they don't have an online shop. It is a jewellery shop again but slightly different styles to Ginkgo. 

They have such beautiful jewellery made from a wide range of gemstones and they sell crystals by themselves too. I have given and received lots of gifts from here in the past so if you are in Salisbury, it's definitely worth visiting. I try to get in there where I can and support them where possible.

5. My Mini Wardrobe


If you are looking for handmade knitted clothes for little people in your life, then look no further than My Mini Wardrobe on Etsy.


These items are handmade in Salisbury and you can personalise and chat with the business owner to collaborate on the perfect pieces.


6. Weathered Knots


Paige from Weathered Knots creates and sells the most amazing home decorations made out of Macrame knots. So much talent goes into these items, and again she is local to Salisbury.


Paige's website is definitely worth a look. There are so many unique gifts you could buy for a loved one to spice up their living space.


7. Army Flying Museum


The Army Flying Museum in Stockbridge is offering gift vouchers and they have a shop with all things army. The museum would make a great day out for anyone who is interested in flying.

8. Ruby and Moon


OK this is another jewellery business, but can you ever have enough jewellery? Also, the ones I have included are all so different.

Ruby and Moon have some really beautiful pieces that would make great gifts for jewellery lovers and is an Etsy business run by Nikki from Salisbury.

9. Maul's Cheese and Wine Bar


So it's no surprise that Maul's is one of my favourite places to go ever because I love their cheese! But did you know they have a shop? That's right, you can purchase the most amazing cheese and wine from them and give someone a cheese and wine night of their own at home.

You can go into the bar and buy cheeses or you can order from a wide selection of cheese, wine and pate online. (If anyone is reading this may want to buy me a present for any reason, this is definitely NOT a hint).

10. Chalke Valley Soaps


Handmade in Wiltshire, these luxury soaps would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who loves to indulge in self-care at bath or shower time. The soaps look so good that I want to eat them (don't do that) and they even have soap for dogs? I'm sold.

11. Artisan Wine and Spirit Co


If you're looking for a boozy gift then why not support local at this Salisbury shop? You can look in the store or order online and choose from a wide range of wines and (you guessed it) spirits.

12. Bluestone Vineyards


Bluestone Vineyards is local to Salisbury in the nearby village of Cholderton. Here, you can go on wine tasting tours or visit their online shop with local English sparkling wine. You can purchase wine tasting vouchers for loved ones which would make a great experience gift.

While you're at it...

13. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm


Right by Bluestone Vineyards is Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, which offers a range of experiences for animal lovers. Again, this would make a great experience gift for children and adults and you can even walk with alpacas here.
I couldn't include all of the amazing businesses in and around Salisbury because there is just not enough time! But make sure you are following @SalisburyBloggers on Instagram to see all of our favourites showcased on the page.
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DRAG QUEEN OF SCOTS BY LAWRENCE CHANEY - BOOK REVIEW

Now that I have left uni and don't have to read for my dissertation anymore, I am actually enjoying reading as a hobby for the first time really. One of the books I have really enjoyed reading lately is Lawrence Chaney's first book, Drag Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don'ts of a Drag Superstar.


Lawrence chaney drag queen shipwreck look
Image from @lawrencechaney on Instagram.


If you don't know who Lawrence Chaney is, they are a Scottish drag queen who won RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 and I have been a fan since watching the show. I have also seen Lawrence Chaney perform live which was fabulous.


I haven't really read a biography until this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so I had to share my thoughts with you.


What was the book about?


The book does what it says on the tin. It is an autobiography mixed with advice for drag queens who want to start out. As Lawrence was only 24 at the time of writing, the book is about their childhood, teenage years and how they got into drag, and ultimately winning Drag Race.

Related: Women don't owe you pretty book review

After watching Lawrence Chaney KILL IT all of season 2, it was so interesting to read about their childhood. As with many drag queens, they were bullied throughout most of their childhood, mostly for being gay, being fat or being Scottish. Although it was hard to read about, Lawrence made light of this and in the end, the bullying lessened at school due to their sense of humour. Being funny and making fun of themself was a way out of being targeted and I resonate with this a lot.


After that Lawrence wrote about getting into drag and gender identity. They said at one point that they are still on a journey with gender so even though I have heard Lawrence be referred to as he/him out of drag and she/her in drag, I am using gender-neutral pronouns in this post such as they/them/theirs.


The book had a lot of content about mental health but it was a light read due to a balance of talking about important subjects whilst also injecting comedy into the book.


Should you read this book?


The answer is 100% yes! Even if you are not into RuPaul's Drag Race, it's still so interesting to read about how an ordinary person pursues their dreams and becomes a drag superstar. 

Related: 5 books I wish I'd read sooner

Have you read this book?

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I'M A GRADUATE

Since starting university I have written a few blog posts about student life, so I thought I also need to write about it all being over as sad as that is.


I finished university in May but I have only just had my graduation.


If you are reading my blog for the first time, I have been studying Communication and Media at Bournemouth University for the past four years (including a placement year) and have recently graduated!


Girl in graduation cap and gown bournemouth university


About the day

First of all, there was a huge storm a few nights before the big day and we were completely without power the day before and the morning of my graduation. I had to do my hair at my grandma's house before we could make our way down to Bournemouth.

Our ceremony was at 16:30 so my parents and I went for a lovely lunch at Miller and Carter beforehand. Then, I was able to collect my gown and hat, get my professional photography done, and see all my friends.

Bournemouth university graduates in cap and gown

Bournemouth university graduates

It was an emotional day and I'm still not over it. It was amazing being able to attend graduation after the uncertainty of Covid and see my friends graduate too. But, it is so sad thinking that is the last of uni for us.
After the ceremony, where we all walked across the stage and collected our diplomas, there was free fizz and snacks in another room. Did I need the free fizz? Definitely not, but did I enjoy it. Then, my friends and I went out to celebrate.

Onwards and upwards

Since finishing uni, I have been working full-time as a Social Media and Communications Coordinator. Although I am really sad that uni is over, I will look forward to what the future holds and there are lots of positives. One being that with working full-time, I have more money to do fun things that I want to do.

A lot of people have been saying, does this mean you're a real adult now? And I am thinking, no probably not. I don't actually feel much older than I did when I started uni at 18, I am wondering if that will ever change.

Girl in graduation gown with parents

There were a lot of times at uni where I just thought is this even worth it? And there have been times where I didn't want to do it anymore. I'm sure every student has felt this. But now I can say, it was all worth it and I am so glad.

Towards the end of my degree, there were a few times where people made me feel like I was stupid and not clever enough. I don't know why, because I was clearly at university for a reason and I ended up getting better grades than these people anyway. What can I say? Karma is real.

For those of you who have been reading my blogs all the way through uni, thank you! It definitely is the end of an era but now I will cherish the happy memories I had and remember that I overcame the not so happy ones.
I am thinking of writing graduate content too so please let me know if you would like to see this.
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5 WAYS TO BEAT THE POST-SUMMER BLUES

We are definitely in the swing of autumn now and a lot of people will be excited about this change, but if you're like me, you might be sad that summer is over.


There are lots of things to enjoy about autumn, nice-smelling candles, Halloween, and the lead-up to Christmas may all get you excited. However, there are natural reasons as to why you may be happier in summer.

Cars and rain drops on camera lens


The sun is great for so many things but it is also good for your mental health. Getting sunlight can increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a mood stabilising hormone that is often known as the happiness hormone.


Naturally, as we see less sun and sunlight hours in autumn and winter, we are less exposed to the sun. This is one explanation for why you may not be as happy in the colder seasons, and this is completely normal.


Some people have what's known as SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Find out more about symptoms for SAD on the NHS website. 


I am not a mental health professional, but I am going to share some ways to help with beating the post-summer blues that help me. If you think you may have symptoms of depression, please visit your GP.


5 ways to beat the post-summer blues


1. Get out and about

When the weather is rubbish and it's dark, it can make you want to stay inside which is fine. However, knowing what we know about sunlight and serotonin levels, it's important to try and get out in the sun when you can.

Although it is not as warm as before, there is still chance to get out, whether that is for a lunch time walk or a trip to the shops.

Sometimes I find it hard to go out when I really don't want to go, but I usually feel better for doing it.

2. Natural sunlight lamp

One way to treat SAD according to the NHS is to use natural sunlight lamps. These are designed to make your room look like natural sunlight is coming through even when the weather is bad outside or if it's dark. You can purchase these lamps from a range of places including Amazon.

3. Embrace the new season

One of the main reasons I prefer summer is because I seem to like so much more about it than the other seasons. That doesn't mean I hate autumn and winter though. I try to pick out the things I like about the new seasons and focusing on that rather than focusing on why I'm sad that summer is over.

4. Plan things to look forward to

My favourite thing to do is plan things to look forward to, this always helps my mental health. This can even be small things like planning a film to watch after work. This forward-thinking helps to get you away from missing the past activities.

5. Summer can be a state of mind


It may not be summer right now and the weather may not be good enough to do a lot of activities that are usually associated with summer, but that doesn't mean you can't remind yourself of summer.

This could be as simple as using summer-scented candles. One thing that makes me really think of summer is the smell of aftersun. It's a bit weird but sometimes I put it on even in winter just so it can make me feel like I have just been to the beach.
Which season makes you the happiest?

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