Alina's Gifts

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
How are you spending this weekend?
I'm in the shop every day, as you know, but I have so much more to do!! So I've got the washing machine on and preparing some stock this evening too!
Anyway, in between this and that I was thinking I'm asking people to visit and Shop Local. So why shouldn't I add little stickers with the businesses which represent the local community?
What do you think, would you like to see that walking into a shop? And should I add the area or leave it blank? ❤️

So... do you remember the broken tiles stand and the work in progress I showed you a few days back?
Well this is the final look! 😁 And I even added some more display stands to it!!! All of them are waiting to be filled with beautiful makes 😍
One more job to go, which is some silicon which I can't do, I have no clue how nor do I have the right tool for it!
What do you guys think of the end look?

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Today I had a stand still at the shop so I started on the stock. After doing rolly polies on the floor trying to put down the last layer of varnish I was stuck 😆
Not literally but I couldn't do much more while little one had his nap.
So that's one business stock taken in and accounted for! Probably because I like to keep things organised I have a stock book along the till. I'm a firm believer either technology or my memory can fail me so I'd rather make sure I cover all options! A bit of extra work for me but I'm sure once everything is logged in I won't have to do it for a few weeks 😊
This lovely lady actually missed 5 items of her list! Which proves the point I'm trying to make by asking everyone to provide this, human error is possible on both sides.
Better check and double check, this way everyone is happy 😊
Would you do things differently if you were doing this?

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
💥 Eczema Week Topic 💥
I've been so busy I forgot to make a post about it! Which is very naughty of me, as most of my products are for Skincare!
Now before I get into this subject grab a cuppa and sit yourself down 😆 Seriously tho, I need to add the next few lines!
⚠️ Please be advised this is a personal account of my experience with Eczema and/or related effects of medicated ointments/creams. Should you have any concerns related to skin conditions see a health care practitioner and/or dermatologist! ⚠️

My problems with skin started about 13 years ago, I still don't know what triggered it! I went from using anything and everything (including cheap make up products) to looking like I had nappy rash on my face!
It took months, 4 medicated ointments and a steroids one, 2 visits to dermatology and I still had no diagnosis! One elderly lady said to me "Use Sudocrem" which I did and it did give me some relief. But it seemed each prescribed cream made it worse and it spread and itched! It was so uncomfortable for me, physically but also emotionally! I really didn't feel comfortable being in public 😕😪
Anyway, they finally gave me something that was unscented, used for babies and after about 2 weeks it started clearing it.
From then I stopped using make up and I have been very careful with what I used on my skin! However, that period triggered several allergic reactions to high street products until I stopped using everything altogether! So when I started all my studies, research and experiments 6 years ago skincare became a very important part of my life. And I will be very proud to display my Diploma in Organic Skincare in my shop ❤️

💥 Eczema Facts 💥
❤️ There are 7 types of Eczema : Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Dyshidrotic Eczema, Neurodermatitis, Nummular Eczema, Statis Dermatitis.
❤️ There are individual characteristics to each, depending on how they affect the skin and presentation.
❤️ Triggers may sometimes be "unknown"
❤️ Triggers may also be Stress, Environmental factors (change in weather conditions, holidays), Household products (cleaners, soaps, shampoo), Fragranced products, Unwashed Clothing items (due to dye or allergens), Synthetic Material.
❤️ Lifestyle changes may help reduce the discomfort, along ointments.
❤️ Anti-inflammatory diet and avoidance of diary products may relieve the symptoms.
❤️ Avoid Hot Showers/Baths and over use of soap/shower gels.
❤️ Natural Oils and Butters, without added fragrances, should be used regularly to keep the skin moisturised.
❤️ H**p Oil is extremely beneficial for people suffering with skin conditions as eczema, psoriasis, acne and even cradle cap.
❤️ Although the power of the Sun is advised, remember sweating can lead to itching and irritation. Less is more on this!
❤️ Drink more water, it increases hydration on the top layers of skin (which are compromised).
❤️ Don't scratch, if needed ask your consultant for some antihistamines!

I am sure there is much more to add but what you have to remember is that One cures All doesn't work! Is important to have a proper diagnosis to the exact type and extent of the condition before having the right course of treatment!
And if you're struggling with this don't feel embarrassed or ashamed and don't give up on finding the right relief for yourself! ❤️

Good evening beautiful people or good night 😆
I'm sure ready for my bed!! This evening we both had our "toys" out! For some reason he didn't want his colouring book (that's always my go to if I have a pen around him) I'll be finding putty for the next 2 weeks now!!!
Who's ready for a Show off on the amazing businesses joining me in the shop??? Pop by tomorrow for a nosey 😉

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
I'm on my way to the shop while little one is at nursery, more painting and display storage being set up! As is getting closer is more exciting, yet stressful 😅
So happy to have little man in my life! Yesterday he noticed I was busy on phone and ipad and he came to me, lifting his arms up and said Mummy, hug 😍😊
Bless him, he's mummy's little helper in more ways than one ❤️

Good afternoon beautiful people ❤️
From That to This, it already looks better! I've had the tiles removed, I've sanded and stained the wood ready for varnish! That's a job to be finished when I get the paint, then I can show you one of the new display stands that will go there!
I still have room for wood work, home signs, slate work or ceramics!

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Only thing missing in this picture is my child sat on my head 😆 Literally!!! 😆
How is everyone? I've had another day in the shop, this time I got white paint all over me! 🙃
My delivery for paint and varnish is being delayed, outside work is still in progress but I got some new shelves added to the shop!!! So I'm keeping positive, even tho I've slowly developed an involuntary twitch every time I check the status of my orders 😆
We're getting there and hopefully Monday I'll be showing off all the amazing businesses joining!

I must give this amazing mother and daughter duo a shout out!!! Please pop by their page and show some love! ❤️
Ali And Gems Creations is a small business, with some beautiful creations and ideas!
Ali, the daughter, is only 16 and she created this gorgeous fairy garden! And yes, I will proudly display their products on my shelves when I open!
And!!! They may also be doing workshops too 😁 ❤️

Who likes dragons??? 😍😊😍
I'm very pleased to say ML3D Printing will be sending some of their beautiful 3D Creations to my shop!
If you haven't done so pop by and see what other gorgeous makes they have! ❤️

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
I spend a lot of my time sharing businesses who will be in the shop and updates.
But I must remind you this is what you'll also find in the shop! And yes, I'm the person who says I have an oil for that! 😆
There will be a seating area where we can have a chat about your concern, a form to fill in (should you choose a personalised blend or oil) and plenty of Free Advice! And the best that's to come??? You can book in for a hand massage too! Because many pressure points and meridians are found in our hands and feet!
But the best advice I will always offer is that there is no miracle cure! It would go against my nature to sell something without being honest! Oh they will help tremendously if you make an effort too! Always remember they will only work short term if they're not used regularly and you don't follow with lifestyle changes!
Also the strength can be increased, for safety reasons I have to do a 2% concentration to start with. That prepares your skin for the oils, as well as minimising the risks of allergic reactions!
Is any oil you would like to know more about? Let me know in the comments! ❤️

One more shout out for today! ❤️
Beautiful Leeann is sending this and more all the way from Scotland!!! I've followed LMS Crafts from early days and I can't possibly not have her beautiful makes in the shop! It looks all sparkly and Christmasy! ❤️

New stockist announcement!! ❤️
Lovely Nicola from Crafty Beetle Design will also join us! These are gorgeous, don't you think?? ❤️

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
I was thinking the last few days how would I represent myself to someone who doesn't want to talk? It may not make sense, bare with me!
I'll have several different people stocking the shelves. Some prospective customers will like to talk and find out about the maker, designer, creative force behind a product. Others will want to browse quietly without being "hassled"
So I came up with this, what do you think? 🤔
I will suggest it to all the beautiful people sending their products to my shop. I can have them next to their shelves so people get a quick insight into the person behind the product.
Would you want to know who made your product, especially as it is a small business? ❤️

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Plenty of shelves waiting to be filled 😁 Why don't you check my earlier reel to see the progress of the shop and let me know what you think!?!
I've still got some work but I hope to get it done this week!! Based on all the progress and communication with the landlord we're on our way to opening last week of September 🥳 ❤️

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
I won't even tell you where and how I'm spending today 😆 I'm sure you can guess by now what happens every day! I don't like Sundays there because everything is closed and little man doesn't get fed properly. Hopefully the varnish won't take long so I can take him for pub grub.
How are you and what's your plan for the day?

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Can you tell the difference?? Inside is looking better too, just the varnish to go on the floors tomorrow!
Tonight I'm doing absolutely nothing! Little one is going around jumping and screaming, can't blame him really, while I'm just laying on the floor! Wish me luck getting up 😆🤣😂
Wouldn't like to be presumptuous...but someone suggested today the opening of the shop might be a good feature in the local paper! I think that would be fantastic for everyone involved, don't you!?!
We'll just have to wait and see what happens I guess 😅

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Yes, yes another floor picture 😆 but is not the same, that's the second coat!!! I will finish this tomorrow then on Sunday I'll varnish it!
Tomorrow my shelves are also getting delivered, more painting outside and hopefully everything else I can't do will be done by someone I'm seeing tomorrow for a quote 🙏
And!!!! 10am on Monday I'm having the shelves set up!!! 🥳🎉🎊 I am so excited to take some pictures afterwards, don't forget to pop by for a nosey!!! ❤️
I need a drink now, I think I've earned it!! Are you having a lovely cuppa or a cheeky drink tonight?

Good afternoon beautiful people ❤️
You know the saying Where there's a Will, there's a Way...was created for me 😆
The cheapest way for me to sort out the floors was £400, just for cheap vinyl! So I was on my hands and knees using floor Filler, then I sanded it all myself and now look what I'm doing!!! It may not look perfect but I'm pleased with it!
I'm so happy I had a spare mop cushy for my knees because is soooo hard!!! And I have so many splinters stuck to my pants I'll be able to make a new slat with them 😆🤣😂

Good afternoon beautiful people ❤️
With little one back at nursery I've been running around doing housework, just stopped for a coffee and to make this post!

As you know time to open up the shop is closing in and I do have a Rent a Shelf opportunity available too!
Is not a massive shop so I'm limiting the amount of businesses selling the same thing (or maybe similar).
That being said I also don't have a lot of shelves available either, I already had to start a waiting list!!!
💥 Products I would take in the shop are wood work, home decor (plaques, Wreaths,signs), resin, Bath Bombs, clothing (especially adult), hair accessories, soft furnishings (pillows, cushions, covers), anything for children, hair care products. 💥
But it may be something I missed or I could add you to the waiting list!
💥 I will not accept anything that's likely to fall under Copyright Infringement and everyone is responsible for their own labels, trading standards requirements and Public Liability Insurance 💥
If you are interested, or know someone that would, please drop your page link in the comments.
I will contact everyone directly if is a space for a particular product and DO NOT give personal information out to anyone claiming they're getting in touch on my behalf!!!

Good evening beautiful people (good night also 🥱)
Not long until the front is done 🙌 🥳 As soon as the edges of the windows are done I'll get the lad with the window vinyl down to get that ordered and of course the logo at the top 😎
We've moved things around inside but the next indoor look will be with some shelves in 😁 The floors are proving a bit of a hard thing to resolve but I am concentrating on the display areas more now. Some things are out of my control and stressing doesn't help much!
What do you think?

Good morning beautiful people ❤️
Yesterday had to take it a little slow after the morning trip to the shop, my chest and sinuses are a nightmare!
So I'm going a bit later to the shop and get home early again to give myself a little break. After all this time a day won't make a difference there! But it will give me the opportunity to look after myself, which has to be also important!
When are your children back to school, are you looking forward to it? ❤️

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
How are you spending the weekend? My sinuses and a heald cold have been a nuisance last 2 weeks, I think the paint and dust haven't really helped either!! So this evening I'm chilling with little man and catching up with some of you.
No rest for the wicked so I'll be back to the shop tomorrow to do more painting. Good bye lazy Sunday 😆
What do you think of the desk? If you remember I posted the original look a few days ago. As you can tell there's only a couple of finishing touches but I think it looks fantastic, my friend did a great job with it!!

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
I've had another busy day but I managed to keep the paint of me for a change 😆🤣😂
And I'm also sharing another lovely business joining me! Here are some of the great products that will come from JC PotteryBarn If you haven't done so already, pop by and show some love ❤️

Good evening beautiful people ❤️
Can I say how tired I am or is it classed as complaining?? 😆
Had a little cry to myself regarding the till system but I have a video call about a different one tomorrow, I'll go for whichever one is cheaper. But to be honest I have taken the card charges into consideration in the monthly fees so I hope that will cover everything 🤷
I had it all planned out in my business plan but until you actually start buying this, that and the other you don't fully realise the costs!
For example, I had to buy more paint (twice) treating the floor is not enough so I'll have someone working on it next week and I had to change the initial shelves and display areas lay out plan because of health&safety risks (I don't want someone to trip or knocking the glass display cabinet).
And somehow I'm even more excited now as everything comes together!!!
The amount of interest from people walking past is also encouraging, I'm now talking to 3-4 different people every time I'm at the shop and some even come just to see how it's developing and saying it already looks great 😁