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A big thank you- part 2… Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Giveaway

Caracal EquestrianFollowing on from part 1, this is the second and final part of my Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar ‘thank yous’. I always meant to do this in the period between Christmas and New Year, and while I know I technically made it, a day to spare is not ideal. But still, we’re here. So, now to thank the brands who donated prizes for days 13-24. As I said it part one, I really am very, very grateful to the brands who supported the Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Giveaway, but I am also incredibly grateful to all of you. The people who liked, shared and commented on the Facebook posts each day… because I am sure you had more than enough on your plate in December! I have LOVED receiving pictures and notes from the winners and seeing the prizes in their new homes. So a big thank you to you too.

Before we crack on with days 13-24, I also wanted to take this opportunity to wish you an incredible 2018. See you on the other side…

The Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Giveaway – part 2

Day 13 – Hold Fast Mug – Doris & Co. As a very proud brand ambassador for Doris & Co, I have a bit of a thing about the brand. Since the first British creamware mug entered my life, I’ve been hooked. Not only is this beautiful handmade creation made in the UK, it’s hard as nails. You can dishwasher it (is that the right term?), it’s robust, it’s lovely to hold and use… and the designs are fab. All the pieces in the collection have an exclusive design. In the case of ‘Hold Fast’, this has an equestrian theme, but many don’t. Everyone who meets Doris loves her, so when the company said they would like to donate a ‘Hold Fast’ mug to my giveaway, I was pretty Haynetdelighted.

Day 14 – Stock – Caracal Equestrian. Ailsa, the lady behind Caracal Equestrian is a seriously talented designer and seamstress, and I have loved watching her brand grow and expand over the last few months. The company is best known for its beautiful riding shirts (do check them out, seriously!), but it also makes stocks. Like the shirts, the stocks use more unusual fabrics to create something truly stunning. Traditional shapes and design touches meet pretty fabrics and lace and more. The stock is a great example of this, so I was thrilled when Ailsa kindly donated one to the competition. Thank you Ailsa and Caracal.

Day 15 – Heavyweight Bobble Hat – Apt Cavalier. I first met this bobble hat when I was putting together my Christmas gift guides. I was due to send all the gift guide products back to their ‘owners’ after filming. But there was an issue. I loved this one too much and felt I really needed it in my life. The colour was ‘my’ colour, by which I mean the burgundy/plum that has made up my logo for years. And I made the fatal mistake of trying it on and it was so snug. As I walk the dog in all weathers and spend time outside with the horses (and, OK, have pretty crazy hair), it ticked so many boxes. And at just £12.50, it was a bargain. So I treated myself. And I am in no way disappointed. After this, I got in touch with Sarah at Apt Cavalier about the competition and she very kindly said she’d donate one for it… so thank you Sarah!

Day 16 – Stationery Bundle – Sainsbury’s. This was a prize I bought, because I am nothing if not a stationery addict! I do like Sainsbury’s stationery, and the ‘You’ve got this’ embossed in foil on the notebook sold it to me!

Day 17 – Haynet Saddlecloth and Mug – Haynet. I have the privilege of working with Sam at Haynet on her fabulous podcast. I love being involved with this and am very excited about 2018 too. Anyway, I digress. Haynet is a fabulous website, well, a lot more than a website, a community, that offers support for equestrian and country bloggers. Some of these bloggers blog for business and some just for fun. But why they blog matters not, Sam supports them. I was really thrilled when Sam offered a branded saddlecloth and mug for the advent calendar snaffle friendship braceletcompetition. I’m looking forward to seeing them pop up on social media soon, to help spread the Haynet message. Thank you Sam for the donation.

Day 18 – Stable Hands & Muck Off – Hawkins Organic. Hawkins Organic is run by the same people as Annabel Brocks, and you’ll know by now that I am a big fan of Annabel! The Hawkins collection is really lovely, and I was delighted to feature products for dogs, horses and humans in the Christmas Gift Guides. I wanted to share a bit of Hawkins loveliness in the advent calendar and opted for Muck Off (hand wash) and Stable Hands (hand cream) as I felt these had the most universal appeal. Made with green fig, they smell lovely, and they’re beautifully branded too.

Day 19 – The Million Dollar Blog by Natasha Courtenay-Smith. This is another book I bought as I recommend it to SO many people. If you’re thinking of starting a blog or you’re feeling a bit ‘meh’ on the inspiration front, head to Amazon now if not sooner! The Million Dollar Blog is not very expensive, it’s really easy to read and full of useful info, case studies and more.

Day 20 – Bubblegum Pink & Faux Fur Headwarmer – Annabel Brocks. This was another competition prize that people loved… and especially with the chilly weather we were experiencing then, it’s not a surprise! I have the pewter velvet version of this and it is lovely, so I wanted to get one for the giveaway so someone else could enjoy a little head based luxury. The fully reversible headwarmer combines bubblegum pink tweed with luxurious faux fur, is made in Britain and is so snug. I know the winner was very excited to be picked!

Day 21- #AskGaryVee by Gary Vaynerchuk. Another book? Yes, but the last one for this competition, and I wanted to end with a good one. I am very fond of Gary Vee because he’s right on the money on so much. I have every book of his and have pre-ordered his new one too. He doesn’t sugarcoat things and his knowledge and insight is incredible. This book is nothing short of an education and one I really think anyone in business should read.

Day 22- Exclusive Snaffle Friendship Bracelet – Hiho Silver. This little bracelet is SO cute and this new version has two very special new features. The Exclusive Sterling Silver Snaffle Bracelet is not new to Hiho Silver, but this version is. On the original, the toggle that allows for adjustment is a round Hiho engraved toggle, but on this one IT’S A TINY SADDLE. And just when you didn’t think it could get any better, the beads have been replaced by teeny sterling silver stirrups. I love it. And when Hiho donated one to the competition, I did a happy dance. There. I told you.

Day 23- Wimpy Bundle – Diary Of A Wimpy Eventer – Victoria Brant. Victoria has just released her second book, and I originally spoke to Victoria about buying book two for this competition. Well, she wasn’t having that, so she donated book two, a Wimpy Calendar and a Bravery Band instead! Thank you Victoria. The whole bundle is lovely – the calendar was created with her fans, the Bravery Band gives a welcome reminder that all will be OK, and the book. Well, if it’s anything like book one, it’s bound to have the reader crying and laughing! The second book ‘How to stay on top’ is out now (and I am reviewing it too) and book one ‘How to get your leg over’ is genuinely great. Victoria is as open and honest as she is on her Facebook page and manages to help the reader feel inspired and motivated by sharing her story.

Day 24 – Seaside Stroll Candle – Zoella Lifestyle. Is it odd to end on something from Zoella Lifestyle? I’m going to say no. And here’s why. In the equestrian and country industry, there’s an increasing surge towards vlogging, as there should be, because it’s a great tool. I watch quite a few vlogs and Zoella is one I watch. I know I am nowhere near her target demographic, but with over 13million subscribers, anyone looking to harness video to promote themselves needs to pay this lady some respect and have a look at what she does. The candle is testament to the power of video. No Zoella Lifestyle range would exist without the Zoella brand. And the brand would not exist without Youtube and video. Simples.

So that’s it, we’re at the end of the thank yous (if you’ve stuck with me to this point, thank you again!). A big thank you to everyone who’s been part this. See you in the New Year!

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A big thank you post… Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar

Sweet Images PhotographySo, as 2017 draws to a close, I wanted to write a thank you post. I’m grateful to many people this year, but this blog is going to focus on one group, and these are the kind businesses who contributed to my Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Giveaway, something I ran over on my Facebook page between 1-24th December. A lot of the products were donated by clients, some I bought, and others were given, very kindly, by people who I have the pleasure of knowing through social media, or through my Small & Supercharged business group on Facebook. And before I give you a whistle-stop tour of days 1-12, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you if you entered any of the competitions or supported my Facebook page this year and during the competition. I appreciate it. I have also LOVED hearing from the people who received the prizes. It’s so nice to hear that they love the prizes as much as I did. So, without further ado…

The Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Giveaway…

Day 1 – She Means Business Book – by Carrie Green. This was a book that I bought as I recommend it to so many people and I wanted the Advent Calendar Giveaway to be relevant for equestrian and country business owners.

Day 2- Personalised Ornament from Hoofprints Amy, the lady behind Hoofprints, is a client of mine and very, very kindly provided a personalised ornament for one winner. The ornament that was pictured featured my in-laws’ black Labrador Polly (photograph by Sophie Callahan!) and my mother in law LOVED it, so when Amy said she was happy to give one to one lucky Facebook fan, I was thrilled. Thank you to Amy and Hoofprints for the really kind donation.

Day 3 – Wine Down Hoof Pick – Noble Outfitters. Noble Outfitters very kindly donated one fab hoof pick for the competition, so a huge thank you to them. The company sent me a lovely bundle of bits and bobs for my Christmas Gift Guides and the hoof pick was in the Hiho Silver Double Wrap Leather BraceletStocking Fillers one… and I just loved it. I mean, what’s better than a beautifully made hoof pick with a wooden handle? A beautifully made hoof pick with bottle opener and corkscrew, that’s what!

Day 4 – Faux Fur Neck Warmer – Annabel Brocks. Annabel Brocks is best known for its luxurious fully reversible faux fur head warmers made in the UK using lovely tweeds and fabrics… but the company makes more than that. And the Faux Fur Neck Warmer is one great example. The one Annabel Brocks very kindly donated had pale faux fur on one side and bubblegum pink tweed on the other. It was a VERY popular competition! Thank you to Annabel for donating this gorgeous prize.

Day 5 – Sophie Callahan’s 2018 Calendar – Sophie Callahan If you follow me on social media or have followed this blog at all, you’ll know I’m a big fan of Sophie Callahan and her work and I have the absolute privilege of working with her too. This incredibly talented lady very kindly donated one of her gorgeous calendars for day 5. I own one of these lovely calendars and in addition to beautiful pictures, Sophie’s also added a number of key equestrian and country dates too, which is really useful.

Day 6 – Exclusive Double Wrap Leather Bracelet- Hiho Silver. This was the most popular giveaway and people went mad for it. I mean, I’m not surprised. The double wrap leather bracelet is genuinely a thing of beauty… and it’s nothing short of a miracle I allowed it to leave the house to go to its new home! I am very lucky to work with Hiho and am very grateful to them for kindly donating this little gem. The recipient was very excited when I told them they had won it!

Day 7 – Burgundy Boot Tassels – Fairfax & Favor. Oh, I do love this brand… and I was Sophie Callahan Equestrian Calendarthrilled when they said they would be happy to donate this rather festive pair of suede boot tassels. I own a pair of the Reginas and a pair of the Explorers… and also a pair of navy and plum tassels… and I love how they can transform a look. Don’t get me wrong, the boots look gorgeous with their matching tassels too, but the extra touch of adding a dash of colour to them to tone with an outfit is a winner. Thank you Fairfax & Favor.

Day 8 – Eat The Frog Book – by Brian Tracy. This was a book I bought as part of the giveaway because I found that the advice between the covers was simple to understand, kind of obvious really, but absolutely game changing. It’s also a book and an idea that I know a number of my clients have had great success with, hence it made it into giveaway.

Day 9 – Mounted Print – Sweet Images. I’m very lucky to work with the fabulous Rachel Bragg, the lady behind Sweet images, and I have always loved her work. When this very print popped up on her Instagram feed, I asked if I could buy one for my office wall, because I loved it so much. The colours were lovely, the timing was perfect… I LOVED IT. Anyway, long story short, I have one and Rachel very, very kindly donated one for my advent calendar giveaway too. A massive thank you Rachel for doing this.

Day 10 – Arthur Bear – Kate Negus Saddlery. I’ve worked with Julia and Kate Negus Saddlery for a number of years, and the quality of the products she designs is exceptional. Marilyn, the mighty cob, is lucky enough to own a gorgeous Kate Negus bridle and it’s stunning – made using English leather and beautifully crafted in the UK too. Not all that long ago, Kate Negus launched the new Lifestyle Collection, and Arthur Bear is one part of it. A big thank you to Julia for donating an Arthur.

Day 11 – Running In The Rain Scented Candle – Hanrose. If you haven’t heard of burgundy tassels from fairfax and favorHanrose, I have a real treat in store. If you love scented candles, wax melts and all manner of loveliness, you’re very much home with Hanrose… so I was delighted when Johanna, the lovely lady behind Hanrose, offered a candle for day 11. The candle, called Running In The Rain, came in a gorgeous tin and had a lovely fresh scent which would work so well in any room. It was lovely to be able to give a great horsey company a bit more exposure and I am very grateful to Johanna for providing this lovely gift.

Day 12 – Hanging Star – Robin Roadnight. I have been a huge fan of Robin’s since I ‘found’ her via the Small & Supercharged group and then bought a ‘Horsepower’ print for my office wall. And then I was hooked. Robin creates truly beautiful equestrian art, which she prints onto fabric and makes beautiful homeware products from, and the star is a great example. I have a heart hanging up in my kitchen and it makes me smile whenever I see it, and I know how thrilled the winner of the Hanging Star was as they sent me a lovely email. Thank you to Robin for the donation.

 

**The plan was to do one blog thanking all the brands who kindly donated to my Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar… but it would have been a HUGE blog. So part 2 will follow tomorrow! **

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The Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Competition… starting on 1st December

Robin Roadnight Hanging HeartI can’t contain my advent calendar based excitement any longer… because my Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Competition launches on Friday, 1st December. And yes, I’m pretty flipping excited. As with a lot of what I do, I wanted to explain why I’ve done it the way I have, as well as the kind of things you’re likely to find in there.

What’s the idea behind the Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Competition?

There are a few reasons why I decided to do an Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Competition. The first reason is that by creating video content around some great products from my clients and friends, I get to introduce them to you in a more personal way. Every product I am giving away I genuinely love and have a connection with in some way. I’m very, very lucky in that I’ve had a lot of the prizes donated, but I have also bought some too. The ones I have bought are generally connected to the business side of what I do, so books I rate and have talked about, a bit of stationery and the like. I have also bought some of the other products, and I will explain this aspect in the blog that accompanies each day of the calendar. Because I like to give people credit when they go above and beyond. And it’s only fair that people who have been kind enough to gift prizes to you, my lovely followers, get that recognition.

Sophie Callahan Equestrian CalendarHow will the Equestrian and Country Advent Calendar Competition work?

Each day I will be giving away one lovely prize over on my Facebook page. I did think a lot about the best way to do this and keeping it on one platform just seemed a lot more clean cut and a lot easier to manage. So, each day, a short video will appear on my Facebook page with the prize I’m giving for that day, and the entry mechanism will be a simple ‘Like & Comment’. Of course, I’d be very grateful for any shares, but that’s not part of the entry criteria. Each video will also have an accompanying blog that will explain more about the prize. It’s a simple competition, because I like to keep things simple… especially at this time of year!!

What kind of things can you expect to find in the Equestrian Advent Calendar Competition?

You’re in for a treat! There are books from some people I find hugely inspiring, products from Hiho Silver, Annabel Brocks, Sophie Callahan Photography, Sweet Images Photography, Hoofprints, Noble Outfitters, Robin Roadnight… the list goes on. I hope you love taking part as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. The first one launches on Friday!

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