BUY LOCAL - There has never been a better time to support your local shops with all the snow on the ground.  People generally do not wish to drive too far unnecessarily so do your last minute shopping for food and gifts in your local towns.

To help out I have my personal guide to some of the best businesses around.

Butchers: for those last minute purchases such as bacon and sausages.  In Cardigan there is Keith Davies a great family butcher as is Jenkins in Newcastle Emlyn and for award winning sausages you could not do better than Owains in Aberaeron – a really first class butcher. 

If you are in Aberaeron then you must not miss a visit to Naturally Scrumptious – my absolutely favourite Deli.  This is the place to buy your cheese amongst other yummy treats.  They have a wonderful selection from all over the world but also feature a selection of award winning Welsh cheeses such as from Caws Cenarth.  I recommend their Gift Boxes and have just sent a “Sweet “ Gift Box to my friend in Guildford.  Packed with delights such as baked fig Ball – (fab with Cheese); Locally made chocolates; Chocolate Christmas Cake – Heavenly.  A gift box would be a great present if staying with friends over Christmas or indeed ideal for parents who would like a yummy treat!  I regularly buy a gift box for my in-laws.

Gifts?  For friends or loved ones?  A few suggestions:
Vouchers – often thought a ‘cop-out’ but rather than hubby purchasing underwear which is totally impractical – if you get my drift or worse, the wrong size! I would welcome a voucher for a beauty treatment especially if it was from Tina at Tranquil Moments.  Her Hot Shell Massage is so very very good.  Tina offers gift vouchers from £15.
Continuing on the theme of Vouchers.  Do you have friends or family with a garden?  Why not buy a voucher to have a gardener for half day – Have a look at my previous blog here it discusses Gowin' Mowin'.  Think this is an ace of a present and hope hubby as taken the hint!!

Don’t forget the Garden Centres for vouchers.  Gardeners will always be especially pleased to receive them.  Pop into Brondesbury Garden Centre or take a trip out to Penrallt Garden Centre – always worth the drive even in these snowy conditions.

Gifts for everyone, from unique and stylish vases to quirky clocks, to splendid ornaments that happily would take pride of place in any room in the home, to funky crockery, and fab jewellery you will always find something to suit your budget at Tivy Hall in Newcastle Emlyn.  Just take time to wander round the shop and you will find the ideal present.

Jewellery, pop in to Ellianas in Black Lion Mews, Cardigan.  Nerys in Ellianas has a magnificent collection of costume jewellery which will suit every budget and age as well as scarves and specialist collection of ornaments.  Something for everyone.

Christmas Flowers, decorations for the dining table – you could not do better than pop into Pink Orchid.  Catrin has a real talent with decorations.  You will also find some unique gifts too.
So last minute shopping –

Think Local and Buy Local.  Happy Holidays!