Hello everyone, hope you are all well! I can’t belive how fast this school year has gone again – we are already in the last half term and its certainly showing in my two, they are so ready for that Summer break – as am I!So of course my thoughts have turned to holidays – this year we are staying in the UK and are fortunate enough to have friends that live in some lovely locations who are happy for us to visit! We have already been to Brighton and the New Forest last half term and will be heading to the Cotswolds and Berkshire for our Summer break. We have some amazing countryside and beaches in the this country and when the sun is shining there is nowhere else I would rather be.
So this month I have rounded up some British made and ethical essentials for the beach – of course if you are on a British one, you may need to add an anorak to the list!
Fieldlife I have featured before on my posts and as you may remember they do great classic designs all manufactured in Great Britain, what you might not know is that they also do some great swimwear – the boys shorts pictured top left and right are £22, made in 100% polyester, have a dreawstring waist and are mesh lined, they also come in red. The swimsuit pictured bottom left at £22 in 80% nylon and 20% elastane, comes fully front lined and as well as in this beautiful floral print also comes in classy nautical stripe and spot versions. The rash vest pictured bottom right at £25.00 and made in 80% nylon and 20% elastane is a great beach cover up, it also comes in a navy and green colourway. All available at www.fieldlife.co.uk
Ahh jelly shoes! They take me back to my youth! But what a perfect beach accessory! Originally invented by a Frenchman in 1946 during a leather shortage the fisherman sandal design has become a retro classic, all products are made in a soft 100% recyclable PVC ( ethical brownie points!) and the bags are made in the UK!
The photos from their current lookbook are fab, a real vintage riviera feel, I particularly like the pastel shades they have in at the moment. Pictured top right are the Original Kids Sun Jellies in mint £12, they also have a wide range of other colours and sizes range from a small 4 to a big kids 1. The Jelly bags are also so cute, I love the Matilda Mini Jelly bag pictured bottom left, which be easily taken apart and reassembled, and at £5 its a perfect suitcase essential. An adult version is available at £10 and comes in a variety of colours. While you are there why not treat yourself to the Betty Blue Tote (top right,) £20, also available in Amelia (Pink) and Jane (Yellow.) All available at www.sunjellies.com
What British holiday would be complete without a deckchair or windbreak! I came across this company – Reefer – while looking for British made beach products and just had to include them. Based in Devon they upcycle old sails and wings into unique products including deckchairs, windbreaks & bags. The company is run by a husband and wife team with a passion for sustainable living and sailing, it was whilst wondering what to do with all the old sailing equipment they had, that they came up with the idea – the company has grown organically and now employs a team of 6.
The Crabbing Drop Net Kit at £29.75 is a great buy for a British beach holiday and includes a camouflaged brown net with galvanised metal rings around its perimeter, 5m of knot resistant line and a wooden hand winder, all supplied in a recycled sailcloth bag. If you haven’t tried it I thoroughly recommend it, my girls did it for the first time recently when we were on holiday in the New Forest and they had a whale of a time!
Their sailcloth deckchairs and windbreaks are more of an investment piece (prices start at £149,) but they are definitely a purchase which will be around for some time to come as the deckchairs are made from sturdy upcycled sail cloths and and have quality wooden frames from sustainably grown durable Merpauh hardwood. They also have a new addition (their trademark) of a classic nautical reefing line which allows the frame to be closed shut when stored or carried.
They also do a double seater deckchair which would make a fab wedding or anniversary present and they can be personalised for that finishing touch. The windbreaks can also be personalised and can also be supplied with such modern requiremenst as handy pockets for iphone / ipod / book etc and also a beer bottle opener, perfect for those beach BBQ’s! All available at www.reefersails.com
Thats all for this month folks, I hope you have a great Summer wherever you go!
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