A reason to visit us!
We were delighted to receive our latest delivery from the lovely people at Emma Bridgewater of 100 specially designed Kirkby Lonsdale mugs and have found that they are not only proving popular with our local customers, but also selling as holiday momentos.
Time to book yourself a Bridget Jones Autumn mini break weekend, we think and pop in store to buy one whilst stocks last…Gorgeous independent shops, cafes, pubs, hotels and great walks.
Need we say more!
Read more…
Lampshades and Labradors are Best in Show!
Just time to write this (before rushing off to enter shop dog Bunty in our local dog show!) to let you know about the MOST beautiful lampshades we have just got in store at Parma Violet.
Still searching for that extra SOMETHING to finish off a room or just have a penchant for stags, dogs (no labradors though), boar, foxes, viaducts (?!) and the odd tea drinking cat, then look no further as we can accommodate your every wish!
The illustration on them is truly gorgeous and with prices starting at £28, very affordable too.
Aprons, teatowels, tins and cushions are also available and make great gifts for Christmas.*
Do give us a ring/email for any more info on sizes and mail order.
PS. * Yes, I REALLY do feel guilty about mentioning this in August!
And in case you were going to lie awake at night wondering how Bunty got on in the Dog Show, suffice to say that despite a great deal of enthusiasm, (particularly in the Biscuit throwing competition) we came away empty handed. Or should that be, empty pawed.
Now, if only they’d had the same competition for me to enter with chocolate hobnobs!…
Dog Days # 3
Another unsuspecting customer kindly agreed to be interviewed/interrogated for this, our third offering of ‘Dog Days’ where we basically get to be nosy and have a good chin wag with lots of stroking! (dog not customer)
Todays victims are Louise, with her 2 GORGEOUS Australian Shepherd dogs Amber and Henry…
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO IN KIRKBY LONSDALE? Kirkby is one of those feel HAPPY places that makes me smile every time I visit! Parma Violet is absolutely lovely at ALL times as there is always something new and exciting to find. I wish I could spend more time there but unfortunately I live a long way away which means when I do get to go there I have to go in every shop at least once and Parma Violet the most of all.
If you don’t like shopping (or your spouse doesn’t like shopping more to the point!) there is no need to panic for there are many other things to do in Kirkby – the river is a great place to go for a walk especially if you then follow it up with lunch or a drink in one of the great pubs or cafes.
The village itself is just a lovely reminder of how things used to be with a beautiful church and stunning views.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT PARMA VIOLET ANYWAY?… Any time you go into a shop where the owner and staff are proud and LOVE what they do it shows and Parma Violet is a prime example of this. The moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a warm smile and eye pleasing displays.
I do have trouble deciding between need and want in this shop because I do have a huge love of Bridgewater mugs and Cath Kidston tea towels and I am always in need of these items – especially the latter, as my eldest son keeps setting light to ones I already own, when attempting a spot of cooking!
The recent addition of clothing is a great touch and works well as Julie has great taste and it certainly shows in her shop… Good job Julie, you work so hard to make this little haven for us to enjoy each and every time we visit!
FAVOURITE EVER PURCHASE?.. A few years ago I got an antique French wire basket.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR DOGS.. Amber is a 4 year old red merle Australian Shepherd and Henry is a 2 year old black tri Australian Shepherd….there is nothing like a herding dog to bring life and joy to a home!
Amber is a bit of a couch potato but always up for a run, a play, a walk and a WOOF at anything that she feels like she should talk to. She is a total social butterfly, loves everyone (with and without fur). Aussies smile a lot and she always has the biggest smile to let us know she is one happy little thing, along with being a little stubborn.
Henry is a very special dog as he is by my side at all times. Loves frisbee, walks, runs, bike rides and his family, however he doesn’t really like other dogs.
Aussies do what is call the Aussie wiggle, when they greet us they wiggle and you get both a nose and a bottom at the same time. They are the only breed that does this.
BACK TO WORK!
Apologies for the lack of posts written lately, mainly due to the fact that we have just returned from a lovely holiday in Devon with much fossil hunting, eating (pasties and cream teas mainly!) kite flying, swimming and walking to be had.
A local lady, from the little village of Beer where we were staying, asked me if I had got my ‘hill legs’ yet on the second day and I actually did have by day seven, but it was a painful process in between!
In case you were thinking of visiting this beautiful area at some point, these briefly were our Holiday Highlights:
- www.hanselundgretel.com (fabulous shop in BATH which we stopped off at on the way. Nordic delights with an apple strudel bar downstairs… heaven!)
- BLACKPOOL SANDS BEACH (not the one in Lancashire! Voted one of the top 10 best beaches in Britain) also the infamous Venus Beach Cafe where they serve the best organic burgers you can find.
- Walking from Beer to BRANSCOMBE on the cliff path with lunch at the lovely Masons Arms. We even had some Morris men to greet us on arriving. Surprisingly pleasant but only after a few!
- LYME REGIS beach, fossil workshop and The TOWNMILL BAKERY. Also The Mermaid shop (www.mermaid-at-the-tudor.com) where you can get a lovely portrait painted from just £45. I also recommend reading Tracey Chevalier’s book ‘Remarkable Creatures’ if spending time in Lyme – particularly if your husband becomes addicted to scaling the cliffs with fossil hammer in hand!
- BURTON BRADSTOCK beach and the HIVE BEACH CAFE…Yes, another eating establishment, but a great one! Sit back and enjoy crayfish tails with something cold right on the beach.
- DARTMOUTH for both quirky shops, cafes and its naval history.
- BAILEYS HOME AND GARDEN in Ross on Wye. A great stopping off point on the way back from the West Country. An amazing barn filled with fabulous vintage and gift items; also offers light refreshments.
PS. Now the hols are over we are very much looking forward to our exciting NEW AUT/WINTER STOCK to arrive….expect lots of beautiful pieces to update your wardrobe, give to friends and family and hang on your Christmas tree! More details to follow…
SALE, SALE, SALE!
Dog Days #2
Another month has gone by and I am delighted to be posting this feature about my most favourite canine customers who frequent Parma Violet… meet owner Jo and PEG the ever so cute pug! (or ‘puglet’ as my daughters like to call them!)
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO IN KIRKBY LONSDALE? Today, we are going to the Brass Band Contest in the Market square which we try to do every year. Peg loves the chips! I meet my friend for lunch and a good nose in all the shops, which I also do most Fridays.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT PARMA VIOLET ANYWAY?… I adore everything about it! Somehow your spirits lift as soon as you go through the door. Well laid out, inspired displays, great cards, unusual and varied ‘present material’ and ever changing bits and pieces. I particularly love the antique and vintage finds and the quirky hand-written labels add to the fun too.
FAVOURITE EVER PURCHASE?.. My Emma Bridgewater vase and a brown wool and button corsage that Julie was wearing and I convinced her to sell to me!
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR DOG… Peg is a 6 year old fawn Pug. She loves non-stop eating, agility classes, shopping and dressing up to go to Gretna Green on Valentines Day!
WORST HABIT?.. Definitely snoring!
DREAMS OF?.. Lobster and steak (or really any food at all!) and her extremely handsome boyfriend Mr Taz, who has moved away to Dorset. Ah!
NB. Look out for Peggy the pug featuring again later in the year wearing her black velvet and apparently “off the shoulder”(?) Christmas outfit!
If you have a pampered pooch, love visiting Parma Violet and would like us to write about you, please get in touch. x
What’s New?
Just in and perfect for updating your kitchen or a gift for a chicken lover!
Ring us for mail order/info remembering to state which design you require. Chose from ‘Chicken’ or ‘Good Life’. Tel. 015242 72585
Aga Covers £10.50 / Napkins (set of 4) £10.50 / Adult Apron £13.95 / Child Apron… very cute! £9.95 / Tea towel £4.95 /Boxed China Mug £8.50 / China Chicken Jugs (3 sizes) £12.50 – £19.95 / Rosebud or Taupe Spot Cushions (2 sizes) £21 and £26 / Large garden string and scissors £11.95 / Tiny string and scissors £3.95 / Vintage childs shoe Lasts (various sizes) £22 each.
