Hidden Treasure: Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium

Photo courtesy of www.ladydinahs.com

After our monthly theme in September, we thought we would do another one for November and this time all about Presents for that Big Christmas thing happening in December. Well why not!

So to start, I thought it would be good to use my Hidden Treasure feature as a way in which to spend some quality time with friends.  One thing I love about Christmas time is spending time with friends who you don't see all the time and instead of buying each other presents, why not book a meal out, go out for the day or go for a few cocktails?  You know, actually hanging out with each other and catching up properly rather than always on the phone or by email.

With that theme in mind, my hidden treasure is Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium in London.  I have been waiting for this place to open for so long and now it's finally here, I just have to get on that waiting list to go as it is booked up way in advance, but I think worth the wait.

Lady Dinah's is a cafe with cats.  They will sit on your lap, you can stroke them and generally just chill out in their space.  It comes from a Japanese idea that stroking cats can be very therapeutic.  They use rescue cats too and re-home them, so its also doing a good deed.

So, why not get some friends together, book a spot now and take yourself off for some hanging out with your mates time.

H


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Makers Month Hidden Treasure: We Make London

Image courtesy of www.wemakelondon.co.uk

We are big fans of this month's Hidden Treasure and what better way to celebrate Maker's Month, than with a shop that showcases British Designer/Makers in the heart of Camden, London.

Last year we attended their 5th Birthday celebrations and they have gone from strength to strength with visits to other shows and markets alongside their shop in Camden.  You will be able to see them at The Handmade Fair this weekend, so go check them out if you are going for a visit.

Image courtesy of www.wemakelondon.co.uk

They have over 30 designer/makers selling a range of items from Jewellery and homewares to children's clothes and gifts.  There is so much to buy for yourself and as presents of course.  This is where H first came across I am Acrylic and Mister Peebles and so there are definitely some great things to be found.

Is there a place like this in your town?  There is a shop where Sammy lives called the Craft Coop which do something similar and H's work, The Lightbox always pride themselves in having designer/makers work in their shop.

Image courtesy of www.wemakelondon.co.uk

We love little places like this and think they should be everywhere!  What a great way to support designer/makers and get the real life shopping experience at the same time!

H

 Live, Love, Make, Like, Share, Follow, Tweet, Pin, Add, Enjoy. 

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Hidden Treasures: Frock & Roll

We found this little Gem of a shop when we did our Live it Vintage event way back in 2012 and since then it has given H the excuse to go back for visit after visit.  Many a wedding outfit has been bought and alterations still to be finished in the wardrobe - what is it with me not finishing clothes?!  This visit resulted in a 1960's skirt purchase, but no alterations required! yey.

Frock & Roll is tucked a little bit out of the way in Reading and so you definitely need to know it is there to make the effort to walk up to it, so it definitely fits our hidden treasure category.  But if you work at the hospital or go to the University of Reading you will be right around the corner and if you love Vintage, you will make the effort.

When you go in there is just row after row of Vintage treats on offer, from men's attire through to women's, skirts, dresses, tops, coats and of course all the accessories to go with.

There is a large array of Jewellery as well to go with your outfit and so something for everyone.

You can peruse all the clothes at your leisure and there is a changing room and dressing area set-up so you can see colours and styles.

All in all, Frock & Roll is a treasure trove of all things Vintage and they do go to events too and so if you can't make it to the shop, you could see them at an event.  Thanks to Ali for once again making it impossible to leave without buying something!

Am off to see what I can put with my new skirt.
H

Hidden Treasure: Sacred Cafe

Photo courtesy of http://sacredcafe.co.uk

Something which I pride myself on is finding little treasures on my travels and I always have to research a place before I go there - sometimes maps included!  Yes I am THAT person.  I love to find the unusual and the places that other people might not go to, or those places that others recommend.

I thought that I would share some of those places I have found or do find on the way.

I guess, as I lived in London, people are always asking me about places to go and I usually always know a 'little place just up the road from ...' and so its only right that I start with a little place that Sammy and I love to go to when we visit, and it's only a stones throw away from Liberty's, so it can't be bad.

Sacred Cafe brings the New Zealand Cafe experience to London, all I know is that they do a good brew and a lovely slice of cake!  We love to go to the one on Ganton Street off Carnaby Street, but there are also venues at Westfield White City, Covent Garden and Highbury.  They have a wide range of Teapots and plates so that no one gets the same.  So many different types of tea too and the cake slices are a good wedge rather than a sliver - nothing beats that!

It makes a great excuse for a bit of a sit down after some Oxford Street shopping or just a place to relax before you start.  There are so many places to have a drink around Oxford Street but you can't beat an independent cafe to get your coffee fix.

If you have been or you go and try it out, do let us know in the comments below, we would love to know what you think!

H