Regular readers may have picked up on my love for small businesses. I absolutely love hunting down things for the home that I won’t find in my friend’s houses, and I love the idea of spending my hard-earned pennies here in the UK (and knowing that they won’t end up in Sweden *cough, cough*). There’s something very quaint about the idea of ordering something from an Etsy page and knowing that someone will be excitedly receiving my order and pulling their sewing kit out or planning a morning in their home workshop.

It’s the exact same feeling I get when I buy from the butcher or baby boutique in my local village. It’s not just we’re on first name terms, it’s the satisfaction of knowing that my purchases are helping them and their families survive in these tough times. I know their sons and daughters and where they live, and if I ever saw a ‘Retail Unit To Let’ sign I’d be devastated for them.

Well I’ve recently been introduced to a fabulous online shop called MyHigh.St, that is (excuse the pun) right up my street. The concept is to bring all the charm and the excitement of browsing the high street to your laptop. What might sound like a bit of a contradiction is actually an inspired move. It means you can shop any time of the day or night and discover new village / high street stores from far-flung corners of the UK. Craig is one of those irritating people who has to research every purchase he makes (from sofas to light-bulbs), I’m far more impulsive and love to buy-in-the-moment - so the 24/7 element definitely appeals to me.

It’s an independent retail emporium featuring everything you’d dash into your local village for - from pet supplies, to white goods, from meat to kid clothes… it’s all there in one handy location. Originally a West Country vision, it’s now growing to include shops all across Britain and new lines are being added daily. What’s more, up to 70p in every £1 you spend will stay in the pocket of the independent retailer, that’s versus an average of just 5p when you buy from a chain. In an age where high streets shop are forever disappearing under the weight of high rents, decreased footfall, and aggressive pricing from the big boys, it’s a stroke of genius to open up the world of the high-street to the hundreds of us that enjoy the convenience of shopping online.

As an extra incentive, you can also collect Hi-Points every time you purchase anything from the site. You get one Hi-Point per £1 spent. The great thing about Hi-Points is that they are not specific to any one store. Choose to redeem them against part, or all, of any online purchase from any store anywhere in the UK on MyHigh.St - it’s just another reason why this site is so brilliant.

Without further ado - here’s just a flavour of what you might find on the site.

Beautiful Antique Furniture

I’ve fallen in love with this beautiful refurbished french chateau chest from High Wire of Wells (£495). Teamed with this seriously pretty french mirrored armoire (£975), and I’ve created the perfect romantic bedroom I’ve been lusting after. All I need is some vintage wallpaper and a velvet covered chaise, and I’m no longer in my semi-terraced house at the side of the M4, I’m slap bang in the middle of Loire Valley. And what about this distressed chest of drawers (£445) from No21 at Shepton Mallet? How beautiful would these be in my new nursery?

Speaking of Nurseries…

From Left to Right: Hanging Crystals from Man Myth and Magik (£14) / Set of 3 Wooden Owls from Warm Wishes (£13.50) / Daisy Garland from Lunaria Gifts (£12.00) / Stained Glass Hanging Bird from Lunartique in Bristol (£17.50) / Tonka Toy Jeep from Poppy Greens Home of Wells (£45) / Owl Lampshade from High Wire of Wells (£52) / Lighthouse and Seagull Garland from Lunaria Gifts (£15) / Metal Heart from Butterfly Hall of Stroud (£8.99) / Water Lily Cushion of Trowbridge Gallery of Castle Cary (£79)

I can already see these hanging crystals and metal heart being fashioned into tiebacks for the curtains in baby’s room. There are little delicate splash of pink in an otherwise unapologetically non girly room. I love the idea of these sweet little owls watching over her as she sleeps too - how cute are these?! Hanging safely on the side of her crib would be this pretty daisy garland too. As her cot is Farrow & Ball grey, this muted palette would look fabulous up against it. Finally, I’m IN LOVE with this water-lily cushion for my nursing chair and simply have to have it.

Not wanting to leave Dexter out, I love this stained glass hanging bird for hanging from his chest of drawers. Not to mention this adorable Tonka toy jeep that we’d keep safe for him until he’s old enough to appreciate it. As he’s currently got a very pretty (but a bit too feminine) mini chandelier in his room, we’d also strip that out and switch to a soft lamp instead. This one from High Wire of Wells will create the perfect ambiance for getting our little rascal get to Sleepville. Finally his own cot garland would be this lighthouse and seagull garland to remind of him of him of fish n chips (his all-time favourite meal).

And for Mummy?

From Left to Right: Christmas Train from Cromer Curtains & Linens of Cromer (£14.95) / Santa Whip from Enchanted Florals Ltd (£7.95) / Wooden Frog Puppet from Warm Wishes (£16.00) / Throw from Maisie and Mac (£45.00) / Mabel Hot Water Bottle from Chi Chi Moi of Wells (£39) / Vase Lamp in Ivory with Butterflies from Whiting & Son of Wells (£85.41) / Enamel Flower Jug from Bramble & Wild (£16.70) / Interior Hook from Eureka of Bath (£5.95) / Onion Vase (Medium) of Trowbridge Gallery of Castle Cary (£6)

I’m not going to say this too loudly… but guess who doesn’t have a Christmas Tree this year? In fact, I have no Christmas decorations up at all. I’m using the excuse we’ve just moved house and have all been struck down with flu, but realise I’m dropping some serious mummy points. This Christmas Train and Santa Whip would therefore give my lounge the hint of Christmas it’s so missing.

I really love this wooden frog puppet too - he’s very cute and would look right at home on my bathroom windowsill. In the same vein, the enamel flower jug, onion vase and interior hook would really inject some life into our pretty soulless bathroom.

Finally, as the winter sets in, I’m hoping to replace all our threadbare living room throws. I love this simple throw from Maisie & Mac as it’s so understated and grown-up - much nicer than the fleecy number it’ll be replacing! Snuggling under this, Kindle Paperwhite in hand, with a hot water bottle keeping bump nice and warm sounds like the ideal way to get through the colder months. And there’ll be nice harsh glare from our spot lights either, as I’d have this beautiful butterfly vase lamp too… I’m almost convincing myself that the winter won’t be that bad!

What do you think then guys?

This is my entry into the MyHigh.St Blogger Competition. By showcasing my favourite items, I’m hoping to win £200 worth of vouchers to spend - did I tell you how much I NEED that Water Lily Cushion??