Supplying My Artwork to John Lewis -

Britain's Favourite Retailer!

I am extremely proud to finally be able to announce that I have secured a contract to supply my own personalised artwork range to John Lewis. This is a very prestigious and exciting time for me personally and for my business. This achievement and opportunity clearly recognises my continued drive and enthusiasm towards my artwork range, and my business.

Not only is the chosen artwork range available online at John Lewis Direct; but within the coming weeks, six of John Lewis flagship stores will feature the artwork within their nursery room sets. These chosen stores will include: Oxford Street, Kingston, Peter Jones, Trafford, Blue Water, and Edinburgh.

John Lewis have also selected my personalised artwork range to feature within their forthcoming nursery catalogue, which is due out shortly, and once again this will be a very prestigious moment for me. Having had the artwork range photographed for this, and also samples have been used for various press and media promotion, both myself and the John Lewis team are excited about this launch.

The full range of artwork designs are available from our online store, Illustrate My Name; which continues to grow and provide customers with a one stop shop for adorable personalised children's and baby gifts.

Finally, I would like to thank the team I am working with at John Lewis for this fabulous opportunity of supplying my artwork to Britain's Favourite Retailer!

Why do we celebrate Valentines Day?

Yes once again we are counting down the days until 'Valentines Day' is upon us; the question I ask is why do we celebrate valentines, what is the real reason? The history for this day?

Saint Valentine's Day is an annual holiday on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for one another by presenting gifts, and sending greeting cards. The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

So.... there is the truth behind Valentines, and the history why we celebrate this day. I am sure the majority of you can agree to some extent, that it is yet another money grabbing opportunity which businesses do take advantage of. I am not saying this is a bad thing, for us at Illustrate My name, an opportunity to showcase a selection of unique handmade gifts to be found, which you can't find in the usual high street stores. Why not take a look at our dedicated category to the beautiful Heart Gifts we offer, perhaps this valentines, order a little something for your little ones to say 'I LOVE YOU' or even your partner!

TO GO OUT OR NOT TO GO OUT?

I must admit personally, we always decide to either cook at home, or go out for a meal not on the 14th, why pay double the price at your favourite restaurant, just to get a rose and a menu printed on red card!!!!! Obviously like most women I do look forward to something romantic, whether that be flowers, chocolates or a little surprise of some kind - lets just wait and see!

One great deli locally to us is the Cornucopia Deli in Eynsham, a few years ago my husband completely bowled me over with a beautiful three course meal at home, which is obviously easier around the children, once they are tucked up in bed! He did let on straight away that he had visited our local deli, much to my surprise it was such a romantic gesture, very much appreciated with some nice wine to accompany it. The food comes all prepared with cooking/heating guidelines, so absolutly anyone can make this into a gourmet delight! Especially busy mums and people busy with work - a nice enjoyable treat, check out your local deli, I am sure you will admit its worth a try!