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@themakingbee

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1713

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Event Styling • Bow Maker 🎀 • Designer • Creative Workshops • sharing preloved finds
Co-founder of 👉 @_theumbrellahub

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Uni Packing List & Empty Nest Tips

After quite an overwhelming response to my last reel I’ve uploaded our comprehensive uni packing list here for anyone to use. I hope its helpful ❤️ This list was created for our daughters so might not be 💯 applicable for everyone ☺️

Since sharing my experience of sending our daughters off to Uni it’s become very clear there should definitely be some kind of support network set up for parents. I’ve received quite literally hundreds of messages in my DM’s (mostly from mothers) who are experiencing real pain and feelings of grief preparing to send their children off to University.
We are one year on from this event and as I look back on the drop off, what broke me was the moment we had to say goodbye (particularly sending two off at once) and even now I still can’t type that without welling up 😢. We had to take two cars so I drove back from Newcastle on my own sobbing all the way home. I spent most of the following day doing very little and again couldn’t stop crying. Then I woke up the following day and I was OK, really and truly OK. Leading up to the girls starting at Uni I spent a very long time preparing, knowing i was going to find it hard. I decided what I needed to do was focus on MY new beginning and on things I didn’t have enough head space for when they were around all the time. We’ve found we can now plan meals around just what we want. I can focus and concentrate on doing something allllll day without any interruptions (that’s HUGE) and I’m able to let go of any time restrictions in terms of when I need to be back home from an event or having fun with friends. I’ve ramped up things work wise which meant I have an exciting new focus. Plus we visit them for weekends and have had so much fun exploring a new city.

As I pen this post I’m lying in my hotel bed in Newcastle during our weekend of settling the girls into their new homes for the second year. Whilst there is a slight tinge of sadness it’s nothing like the grief from last year. It does get easier. ❤️

#university #unipacking #universitypackinglist #emptynest #uni #newcastle #newcastleuniversity taken in Newcastle upon Tyne by @themakingbee

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a year ago

Is there anything better than a girls trip to Mallorca in September? Some incredible meals, many hours of weaving our way through the Mallorca markets and beautiful shops, seeking out the best flat white, lots of outfit chat, sharing bags, straighteners and nighttime cleansing routines.

I think for me one of the best things about a girls trip is the continual conversation that lasts a full 6 days. The one where it starts at the airport, pops up again during coffee the next day, dinner that night and concludes mid shopping trip the day after. Girls chat where the devil is in the detail. Where you complete that full circle of sharing deep thoughts, maybe a few tears, a proper belly laugh and finish with a realisation and some conclusions. It’s like a full reset.

It’s been a funny old 12 months for me where in truth, I’ve struggled at times. Hoping you’ll see a little more posting from me over the coming months. ❤️ taken in Deià, Mallorca by @themakingbee

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6 days ago

Hello 👋

After a crazy week we just wanted to give a little update.

Firstly, for those that have purchased tickets - thank you 🙏🏻. We sold all of our original allocation of 6pm tickets in 22 minutes. We then added in the extra allocation we had in reserve and all the tickets were sold out across the board in two days - so again THANK YOU.

We have now also closed our waitlist as we are at a number we feel is unlikely to be fulfilled and don’t want to set unrealistic expectations to those waiting.

If you have secured your entry ticket please note the entry time. This slot cannot be moved. As previously mentioned, we are governed by the number of parking spots and are keen to ensure a pleasurable shopping experience.

Please don’t be tempted to purchase tickets from someone on social media. Only tickets purchased directly from @love.local or @thebarnstanway will allow you entry.

And now the fun beings 🤗 we will share more soon ❤️

#christmasmarket #shoplocal #makerschristmas taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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18 days ago

⭐️ ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT ⭐️

We have a few 7.30 entry time tickets left for our Independent Christmas Market. You can find the booking link in our bio at @love.local @themakingbee @thebarnstanway or in store at The Barn via a QR code.

6pm and 7pm entry SOLD OUT. Be quick before they’re all gone.

Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Time: 6 - 9.30
Venue: The Barn Garden centre cafe and lifestyle store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, Colchester, C03 8ND

#christmasmarket #thebarngardencentre #christmas2026

@love.local
@thebarnstanway
@themakingbee

Colchester Christmas Market | independent sellers | local makers | shop local | taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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22 days ago

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

The Independent Christmas Market is back and we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Time: 6pm - 9.30pm
Venue: The Barn Garden centre cafe and lifestyle store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 8ND.

Tickets: £5 per person (plus a small booking fee)

What’s NEW this year?
To make sure everyone gets a chance to browse comfortably, we’re introducing staggered entry slots:
* 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
* 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
* 7:30 PM onwards
Note: Your time slot is just for entry! Once you’re in, you can stay and shop for as long as you like.

HOW TO GET YOUR TICKETS: Comment “TICKETS” below and we’ll DM you the link directly!
Head to the link in the @love.local bio.
Visit www.lovelocalshop.co.uk directly.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you are following @love.local and @themakingbee so our DMs can reach your inbox! If you aren’t following both accounts, Instagram might block us from sending your ticket link.

We can’t wait to see you all there for an unforgettable evening of local shopping!
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#christmasmarkets #independent #shoplocal #curated #christmasgifts taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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24 days ago

*EARLY BIRD TICKETS*

The Independent Christmas Market early bird Tickets go on sale this Friday 11th September at 9am.

Last year sold out in a matter of days and we know some of you may have a been a little disappointed to miss out, so please set your reminders for 9am this Friday.

This year, to enable us to continue a pleasurable fun shopping experience we are introducing 3 different entry times which will appear as an option when you purchase tickets, once inside you are welcome to stay until the end.

Entry times:
6pm-6.30pm
7pm-7.30pm
From 7.30pm onwards

Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Time: 6pm - 9.30pm
Venue: The Barn Garden centre cafe and lifestyle store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 8ND.

Tickets will be available via The Love Local website linked in their bio. taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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a month ago

Christmas Market & late night shopping event

We’ve made a few upgrades for this year - more info and ticket release to follow..

Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Time: 6 - 9.30
Venue: The Barn Garden centre cafe and lifestyle store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, Colchester, C03 8ND.

@love.local
@thebarnstanway
@themakingbee

#christmasmarket #thebarngardencentre #makersmarket taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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a month ago

Keep your eyes 👀 peeled this week for the release of our Christmas Market tickets 🎫

Date: Friday 27th November 2026
Time: 6 - 9.30
Venue: The Barn Garden centre cafe and lifestyle store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, Colchester, C03 8ND.

We are busy making plans and can’t wait to share more… 🙌🙌

#christmasmarket #thebarngardencentre #makersmarket

@thebarnstanway
@love.local
@themakingbee taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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a month ago

We’re back!

Love Local, The Making Bee & The Barn Garden Centre Cafe and Lifestyle Store are teaming up once again for our late night shopping event & Christmas market, celebrating the very best in independent local brands.

Date: Friday 27th November
Time: 6.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Venue: The Barn Garden centre, cafe & Lifestyle Store, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway, CO3 8ND

SAVE THE DATE! Tickets go on sale very soon—keep an eye out for details on how to book.

@themakingbee
@love.local
@thebarnstanway
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#WeAreBack #ChristmasMarket #TheBarnGardenCentre #lovelocal #curated taken in The Barn Garden Centre & Café by @themakingbee

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a month ago

S N I P P E T S from January 2026

Against popular opinion - I quite like January. For me, it’s a time for going a little slower and when the sun comes out it’s so appreciated. It’s also the time my creative brain is whirling. How about you?

Creative | maker | making | lampshades | embroidery | triangle scarf | Bookaversary | books | sunny walks | creativity is medicine for the mind 💫 by @themakingbee

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8 months ago

A cheeky January escape to @serrybeachresort in Hurghada, Egypt. 5 days with my husband and kids relaxing, reading books, chatting and playing endless card games. I shared a few stories about our break at the weekend and I had a few messages about where we stayed I thought I pop something on the grid. I can highly recommend the hotel. It was very bougie - so many aesthetically pleasing areas to relax, chat and generally just chill out. Delicious food with a fabulous selection of restaurants and the location is literally 10 minutes from the airport (yet you don’t hear the planes). We’ve never done an all-inclusive holiday as a family before and I’m not gonna lie I was a little apprehensive. I was pleasantly surprised and for five nights we would definitely do this again particularly with older kids who like the odd drink or two! 🍸 🍸

The hotel has to be one of the most photographed in Egypt for for its aesthetics and setting but for me what sets this hotel apart from anywhere else I’ve been is the service. It was honestly exceptional. The attention to detail and the genuine enthusiasm to ensure you had the best stay possible was unlike anything I’ve experienced.

We love a game of cards and they come everywhere with us on holiday. From the airport to sun loungers to after dinner drinks never miss an opportunity for a quick game of bullshit ☺️

Even though we were only away for five days, it felt like so much longer, especially when we returned to heavy rain in Strong winds. Too much footage for 1.30 seconds so I’ll pop the rest in another post.

holidays | holidays with teenagers | Egypt in January | family fun | easyJet holidays | cards with the family | sea | swimming | winter sunshine | 5 day break | all inclusive holiday taken in The Serry by @themakingbee

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8 months ago

✨2 0 2 6 Plans ✨

I’m not a massive fan of the term new year’s resolutions. But I do love the idea of having a period of time where I think about what I’d like to focus on and plan some things around that. Maybe that’s the same thing 🤷🏼‍♀️

Travel: I’d like to travel a little more this year. Ideally weekends away. Love the idea of bite sized trips. I’m quite the homebird and don’t sleep massively well anywhere else. So, send me info of your favourite long weekend trips 😁 both UK and overseas.

Creative Classes: I’ve literally just booked myself a painting class for February. I so enjoyed the one I did with @jessica_sian_ in Nov last year - and yes, my parents LOVED the picture of their house. I’m also desperate to attend a class @merchantandmills down in Sussex.

Reading: Both my kids are readers. One in particular is a massive book worm. I’m so envious how she’s able to completely loose herself and enjoy it. So, this year I want to start - and finish - 3 books 😊

Fitness: In 2025 I consistently built up my strength by attending a local PT with a friend. In 2026 I plan on expanding that by walking more and doing some classes at home with weights. Again - send me some recommendations 😁

What are your plans for 2026??

#themakingbee #creativity #2026 taken in Colchester Essex, UK by @themakingbee

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9 months ago