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Hit The Books This Christmas The “Jolabokaflod” Way!

By Books & Reading, Christmas, Life & Style No Comments

Hit The Books This Christmas The “Jolabokaflod” Way!

Have you ever heard of jolabokaflod? Unless you were born and raised in Iceland (or have a knack for learning about all the cosiest Christmas traditions out there), you probably haven’t. This Icelandic word literally translates as “Christmas Book Flood”…and there’s no better way of describing this joyous occasion. Keep reading to learn more about the origins behind this tradition of cosiness and contentment!

One For the Books!

After World War II, most countries experienced a period of self-isolation as many nations struggled to rebuild their economies, drastically reducing the number of imports. Luckily, restrictions on paper goods weren’t as heavy. Since Iceland’s economy hadn’t suffered as much, people were left with an above-average spending capacity, but a less diverse giftware catalogue of items to spend it on. The result? A Christmas Eve reading tradition!

Iceland’s Christmas-goers resorted to giving books as gifts, and would then spend the night before Christmas curled up in front of a crackling fire reading the books they received…with a cup of hot chocolate on the side. The best part is that, ever since then, this tradition has survived and is still followed every year, now accompanied with an official Christmas Book Flood catalogue!

If the history buff lurking inside you got a kick out of learning that, then you’ll definitely want to take a look at our History section, which is chock-full of enlightening entries and exciting adventures, including two of our top picks. If you’re a voracious reader, then there’s a good chance you’re an aspiring writer. Take some tips from history’s greatest wordsmiths by leafing through “Writers: Their Lives and Works”, an invaluable source of inspiration lying in the biographies of various novelists, playwrights, and poets.

And what better writing advice to take than from J.K. Rowling’s own Cinderella story? Continue the Harry Potter saga with the third instalment in this legendary series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. It’s a fun read for all ages (and a first edition, no less)!

Bring Up the Past!

And speaking about the past…while you should always create some Christmas memories for your own children, you shouldn’t forget about the child in you! Whether you choose to gift a book to a child, or take a stroll down memory lane by reliving your own childhood, you can’t go wrong with going off the beaten path into our Children’s Books section for a bit of nostalgia. Some of our items are incredibly valuable first editions that would enrich any vintage collection.

For instance, this copy of Enid Blyton’s “The Island of Adventure”, the first in the Adventure Series, is incredibly rare, containing an inscription by the author herself. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a signed book from this worldwide bestseller, creator of such beloved series as the Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Noddy. While you’re at it, don’t miss out on the opportunity to own your very own first edition copy of Michael Bond’s “Paddington Abroad”, where our friendly spectacled bear comes to recapture our hearts in his old red hat and blue duffel coat. You might want to add some marmalade sandwiches to the menu this jolabokaflod night!

(If you’re busy preparing for a lavish Christmas dinner, you might also want to bring back a little bit of your childhood with these darling Nancy & Betty Studio Luxury Crackers, each decorated with the original Paddington Bear artwork of Peggy Fortnum!)

It’s Not All About Reading!

Christmas is as much about appealing aesthetics as it is about feelings of good will and togetherness. So who’s to say that you shouldn’t also get to indulge in some homey library decor while perusing your bookshelves? We were particularly taken with this hand-painted wooden book rest, waiting to cradle a very special book. This piece consists of meadow flowers – daisies, buttercups, bluebells, and cow parsley – lovingly painted on a washed green background by artist Adeline Ford.

If you want to add a touch of mystery to your library, then we’re also pleased to share this DIY light-up bookend/insert, part of a recently overwhelmingly popular craze of atmospheric library additions. Puzzle lovers will not only enjoy piecing together this miniature diorama of an old-fashioned library nook, but also cherish the warm scene on those cold winter nights.

A Helping Hand

What do such classics as A Christmas Carol, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Little Women have in common? Yes, they’re all about Christmas, but more than that, they strike at the heart of what this holiday represents: the spirit of charity, kindness, redemption, and hope. At We Are Not A Shop, we try to do the most we can for the causes that matter to us. Ultimately, Christmas isn’t all about gift-giving; it’s about giving in general.

By buying such classic tales as Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” and “Nicholas Nickleby”, each relating their own groundbreaking stories of standing up against injustice and protecting those things you hold dear, you’ll not only be donating to a worthy cause (Every little counts!), but you’ll also be purchasing masterful tales of adventure and suspense. Your Christmas Eve is sure to be a memorable one whilst in the company of great characters, including the Artful Dodger, the terrifying Bill Sikes, master thief Fagin, and many, many others.

(On a side note, we were particularly touched with the ink inscription in this copy of “Nicholas Nickleby”. One lucky individual received it as a gift on their 12th birthday!)

Do you think you’ll be incorporating more reading time into your holidays this year? If you’re stumped on gift ideas, perhaps you’d like to give someone the priceless treasure of the written word. Browse through our archive to get some ideas. It’s time to celebrate this Christmas in true Icelandic jolabokaflod style!

Summer Living

By Books & Reading, Life & Style, Summer No Comments

Living Your Best Summer Life In 2023

It’s time to roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, and we’ve decided to take a few pieces of advice from good ol’ Nat King Cole. After all, jazz is all about using cool tones and low beats to help unwind and destress, and who better to understand this than the famous musician who heavily influenced the jazz scene back in the late 1930s for nearly three decades? Let’s all take some time to take a look at how to make the most of these hot summer months, from casual entertaining to easy accessorising.

Those Days Of Soda And Pretzels And Beer

Channel the sun with different shades of yellow, orange, and red as you decorate your home, both indoors and outdoors. Making sure that your residence feels comfortable and looks stylish is incredibly easy by sprucing your decor up with some well-chosen pieces. Place this elegant hand-painted pottery jug with floral motifs on your dazzling Indian block print terracotta tablecloth with orange and gold flowers. Adorn empty areas with yellow floral bunting, and bring out some much-needed ice-cream in this set of adorable waffle con sundae cups. All that’s left is for you to kick back, put your feet up, and relax!

Dust Off The Sun And Moon And Sing A Song Of Cheer

It’s all about staying cool and fresh…and that includes your ensemble! Dress up for that summer party by accessorising with a vintage floral lucite bangle, a bright and fun pair of handcrafted polymer clay geometric drop earrings, and a light floral scarf in fuchsia and honey. Before you head out the door, don’t forget to upload that Instagram selfie to show off your latest look. Need some background contrast? Add a single spray of delicate yellow Dancing-lady Orchid, which we’d always recommend as a maintenance-free alternative  to plants anyway!

 

Just Fill Your Basket Full Of Sandwiches And Weenies

Get some exercise in by organising a little seaside picnic and inviting your closest friends and family. Of course, you’ll need some cotton napkins and an eye-catching vintage set of goblets in an incredible cobalt blue colour. To make things more interesting, concoct some delicious cocktails with “Cheers! The Complete Cocktail Recipe Book: Modern And Classic Cocktails For Every Occasion”. Better yet, make it a group activity! Nothing says summer days like getting to incorporate cooling herbs like fennel, basil, mint, coriander, and dill. Don’t forget to take along some cushions for maximum comfort, too, like this unique and colourful cushion with a handcrafted 50s/60s needlepoint panel featuring some bathing beauties. This will be an outing to remember!

 

You’ll Wish That Summer Could Always Be Here

Don’t we all? If you’re heading to the beach to catch some rays, don’t forget these essentials! This cheerful red fan will be a lifesaver when battling the heat at any get-together. Complete your look with a beautiful sarong made with traditional Indian hand block printing by Rastogi Handicrafts. Need some entertainment? We’ve got a selection of choice summer reads from best-selling author Danielle Steel, one of which is aptly named “Summer’s End”

(Hush! We’re not thinking of such pleasant warm weather ending so soon). But how will you haul all these things back and forth? Why, with this quaint straw lemon-coloured bag, of course! You may choose to be relaxed, but you can still do so in style, and this little bag is perfect for the odd luncheon date or chat at the local cafe.

How will you be spending your summer vacation? Let is know all about how you plan on making Summer 2023 a collection of dreams to look back on!

Why You Should Become a Collector

By Collecting, Life & Style No Comments

We came across a quote recently that said: “Antiquing is all about the journey, the hunt, the thrill of finding the objects of your desire.” To this, someone had added an extra thought: “Or objects you didn’t even know you desired.” We’re embracing our “Collector” era, and we’d love it if you’d join us!

While there is technically a difference between an antique (anything older than 100 years) and a vintage item (not quite that old but still having particular collector appeal), the idea here is that something speaks to you on a purely spiritual level, saying: “Take me home with you.”

From braving fixer-uppers to maintaining fine, age-related patinas, from investment pieces to adding history to your home, it’s never too late to start your journey in the wacky world of collectible curiosities. 

History Buffs Unite
Imagine having the opportunity to own a part of British history. This is an actual letter, dated 1993, and signed by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher that was sent to the niece of a family friend, strangely about something quite trivial: a cake recipe. Collectors will also get the very same silver-plated coffee pot that Thatcher references in the letter. A non-political subject from one of the most important figures in Britain’s recent history!

A highly collectable piece dating from the 1830s comes in the form of 10 antique hand-coloured prints depicting plants, fish, and animals. These prints would have featured in the famous Guerin Dictionary of Natural History and Phenomena of Nature. They’re already framed, so you can hang them up and add some character to your growing collection.

It’s All About Sustainability
If you’re a fan of BBC’s The Repair Shop, the phrase “throwaway culture” is most likely a part of your everyday vocabulary now. Before mass industrialisation took over, antiques were made to last, lovingly crafted by and imbued with the soul of artisans. Rather than idolising the new, your job as a collector will be to look back and preserve history by giving everyday items a new lease on life.

Take board games, for instance. How many cheap packs of cards have we gone through in our lives? How many others have ended up wasting away in a crammed garage or dusty attic? You can turn gaming into an art form by investing in one of these! A miniature set of hand-carved dominoes dating to the early 19th century is a small item with a big history. Or choose to play in style with a smart vintage black- and red-striped backgammon set from Harrods.

Your New Pet Project
Speaking of sustainability, imagine getting these items back up and running! We’re seeing a great resurgence in vinyl record players, but owning a piece made in the 1940s or ‘50s is something else. If you manage to get this portable wind-up  “His Master’s Voice” gramophone working again, we’d like to think the sound would be an otherworldly experience. The same goes for this Olympia SM2 typewriter from the 1950s. Such unparalleled engineering is waiting for some TLC to bring out the writer in you.

Of course, a vintage piece already has its own value by simply existing, able to complement both classical and contemporary interiors as independent showpieces, but getting to hear music coming out of that phonograph once more, or getting to type out your memoirs through the satisfying clicks of this typewriter, would make any aficionado feel giddy.

Beauty For Beauty’s Sake
There’s no shame in owning something that has no practical function; its beauty should be enough to warrant a place in your home. Some things never go out of style, like this pair of sterling silver filigree cloisonné enamelled birds from the mid-1900s. The ornate workmanship is composed of varying techniques, finished with inlaid turquoise stones and filigree silver mimicking feathers. Certainly a conversation starter, and definitely something to add to your dressing table.

Add to that an Art Deco vanity set and your bedroom will look the part. While this set, consisting of a mirror, hairbrush, comb, nail file, and two containers, technically does have a practical use, we wouldn’t blame you if you never used them for fear of  damaging such delicate items. Even the unusual presentation box is gorgeous!

Supporting The Arts
Can we ever escape the sordid topic of coin? If you owned valuable pieces, you probably wouldn’t want to avoid it! Goodness knows how many of us have dreamt of going on Antiques Roadshow and finding out that the dusty heirloom we never give a second thought about is actually worth a bundle. To learn more about what your pieces might be worth, we’ve got just the thing for you!

You won’t want to be caught without your copy of Judith Miller’s Collectibles & Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2021-2022. Deservingly subtitled as “The Indispensable Guide To What It’s Really Worth”, this will serve as your guide in the collectibles market for both buying and selling. Featuring over 4,000 items, you’ll be in the safest of hands.

Perhaps one day you’ll become so knowledgeable that you’d be able to recognise items with one look, like this Victorian ebonised drinks tray. Dating to around 1850, this black painted papier-mâché tray is adorned with gilt vines and grapes, and depicts a scene of pheasants in a garden. You won’t often find something this rare and unusual!

Chinese New Year 2023 – Year Of The Rabbit

By Chinese New Year, Life & Style

Year Of The Rabbit

Unlike Western astrology, which assigns one of twelve constellations according to a person’s birth month, the Chinese zodiac works according to one’s birth year, where one is said to be born under the traits of one of twelve sacred animals. It follows that each year is then dedicated to one of these animals, and 2023 happens to be the Year of the Rabbit. The fleet-footed rabbit will bring a focus on travel for many this year, along with an element of cautiousness. The rabbit also symbolises longevity, peace, prosperity, and intellect, so 2023 is shaping up to be a good year!

Let’s see what the new year has in store for you depending on your own Chinese zodiac animal!

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020): The astrologers have marked 2023 down as a challenging year for you, little Rat, but this isn’t anything you can’t overcome with your outgoing and hardworking attitude towards life. You’ve got your eyes on the prize, and nothing and no one can get in your way. Take care of your physical and mental wellbeing while you’re working on achieving your goals.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021): This year is filled with fortune and blessings for the patient and honest Ox. Looking for love? This could be your year! If you’re already in a relationship, you might want to consider taking things to the next level. While you’re a traditional person capable of enduring anything, don’t let your stubbornness get in the way of prioritising your health.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022): Things always seem to go your way, don’t they, noble Tiger? This year, try focusing more on balance. Your confidence and courage never fails to charm, but it’s also time to put aside your ego and learn from your past mistakes. You’re a generous person, so show some gratitude to those who have helped you along your way. It also wouldn’t be a bad time to be a little more in control of your spending habits!

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011): It’s your year, dear Rabbit, but don’t count your chickens (or bunnies in this case) before they hatch. Life has a funny way of surprising us. Rather than trying to hold back the universe’s divine plan for you, go with the flow and see where it takes you! Surrendering is just as important and can teach you a lot.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012): It’s time to spread your scaly wings and soar! If you’re born under the Year of the Dragon, this year will have you focusing on your career and finances, and boy will you be going places. Cash bonuses and the like will come easy, but you might be challenged on the emotional side of things. If you’re in a relationship, watch your temper by employing meditation lest you barbecue your significant other!

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013): You’re a mysterious one! As a Snake, you’re incredibly wise, and this year will see you receiving quite a bit of recognition in your professional life. You’ll have to prove yourself first, though! Single and looking to mingle? This is your year! If you’re already committed, best to lay low and not create drama for the sake of attention.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014): As a Horse, your high-spirited and energetic nature is hard to beat, but this kind of enthusiasm can sometimes be your downfall. This year, you’ll need to slow down a little bit before taking bold risks, especially when it comes to your finances. Slow and steady will definitely win this race, and might even help you in the romance department!

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): If you’re a Goat, you’re truly the G.O.A.T (or Greatest Of Them All)! You’re usually quite a stable person, and this preference for practicality will help you find inner balance, especially when dealing with your emotions. Moderation is paramount, and maintaining a balanced diet along with meditation rituals will work wonders for you!

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): You’re a clever one, mischievous Monkey! Things might occasionally feel boring in your work life, which makes sense – your intellect needs stimulation. But if you manage to stick through it, your perseverance will be rewarded. Make sure to get enough sleep!

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Your ambition knows no bounds, but any self-respecting Rooster should be aware that having a self-consistent attitude is just one step on the journey towards achieving your goals. You also need to work hard! Best not take any shortcuts this year or you might end up in even more complicated situations. Cut out the frivolous spending and save as much as you can!

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): It seems you can do no wrong! Being born under the Year of the Dog gives you so many enviable traits, including a kind and compassionate nature, as well as being tirelessly hardworking and loyal. Things will be pretty stable for you this year, and any career surprises will work themselves out. A special someone could be right around the corner, or even a baby bundle of joy!

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): Everything’s coming up roses this year for the passionate Pig! As ever, you’re always willing to offer a helping hand, and these solid relationships will help you on your career path. If you’re employed, you might rise up the corporate ladder, or you might find some new investors and partners if you’re a business owner. You can, however, be easily fooled, so be on your guard.

A Passion For Caffeine

By Food for thought, Life & Style

“If I couldn’t, three times a day, be allowed to drink my little cup of coffee, in my anguish I will turn into a shrivelled-up roast goat.”

This line – which I’m sure we can all empathise with – is from one of Bach’s miniature comic operas, known as the Coffee Cantata, concerning a young woman obsessed with coffee and who insists on having it inserted in her marriage contract that she be allowed to brew coffee whenever she wants.

Its original name is Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht (“Be still, stop chattering”), which is exactly what we want to tell most people who insist on talking to us in the morning before we’ve had our first cup of coffee.

Let’s brew a welcome pot while we entertain you with some interesting facts about the history of the bean we all know, love…and depend on!

Damn, That’s Old!

The beginning of coffee can be traced all the way back to 800AD, when, as legend would have it, 9th-century goat-herders noticed how their goats were experiencing fits of erratic behaviour after eating the fruit of the Coffea plant. After that, a local monk concocted a drink from the same fruit and discovered it kept him up all night. Here’s to all those sleepless, caffeine-induced nights!

What’s In A Name?

Did you know that we actually only drink two types of coffee? The most popular one is called Arabica, while the less common variety is known as Robusta, which has a more bitter taste and much more caffeine. The word “coffee” also comes from the Arabic word for “wine”, qahwah, which evolved into kahveh in Turkish and eventually koffie in Dutch.

That’s Revolting!

Believe it or not, there were quite a few attempts stretching over two hundred years to have this delicious mixture banned, from the 1500s all the way up till the late 1700s. The first of these goes all the way back to 1511 in Mecca, where it was banned as it waS believed to be a stimulator of radical thinking.

Fast forward to the Boston Tea Party incident leading up to the American Revolutionary War, where we find the colonies ditching the age-old British preference for tea in favour of java so as to avoid King George III’s tax levies. Drinking coffee as a show of patriotism helped popularise the beverage in America, and also helped energise tired Civil War soldiers.

Drink Up, You’ll Look Great!

Don’t throw away those used coffee grounds! They can actually make a very effective DIY facial scrub. Turns out they’re the perfect physical exfoliators for removing dead skin cells, helping to make your skin fell smooth and look vibrant. Caffeine can also improve the blood circulation in your skin.

JUAN GAMBINA, TENOR & AMATEUR DINNER PARTY HOST

By Entertaining, Life & Style No Comments

Juan Gambina is a Maltese tenor who has dazzled the world with his impeccable voice time and time again. Fun fact: he’s also quite the dinner party host! Today, though, he’s sitting down with us to talk about his favourite We Are Not A Shop picks.

Juan, thank you for joining us! Let’s jump right in. Could you tell us what inspired your We Are Not A Shop selections today?

Certainly. First off, I picked this Richard England print because Richard and I actually go back quite a long way. Both our families have strong roots in architecture and a love of opera– he is quite the tenor enthusiast. I already own a few of his pieces, so this will be a pleasant addition to the collection.

Then I just had to pick Miriam Margolyes’ book – she’s fantastic, what can I say? She’s a great artist and an even better storyteller – naughty but nice. I mean, have you seen her interviews on Graham Norton? They’re incredibly entertaining. She’d definitely be my dream dinner-party guest.

Speaking of dinner, I love cooking and entertaining, which is why I went for this Nigella Lawson classic. When you host as much as I do, you want recipes that have been tried and tested and are guaranteed to work, which is why I’m always on the lookout for new cookbooks. These recipes in particular are super fun and can be quite a conversation starter – the lemon and lime pavlova is my favourite!

This gorgeous Royal Worcester commemorative coffee set is the perfect collector’s item. As a descendant of Gio Batta Delia, I couldn’t possibly pass it by.

Then, I picked this white jasmine candle because, frankly, I’m slightly obsessed with candles. I think I may have one in every room of my house – I really enjoy moving between rooms and being greeted by different scents. They also create a great atmosphere, so the more the merrier.

You also can’t go wrong with a classic game, which is why this backgammon piece stood out to me. I can’t wait to use this vintage set the next time I have friends over. Afternoon tea and a game of backgammon, anyone?

Then, I thought that this perfume traveling case was so unique and timeless that I couldn’t not take it. I’m admittedly a bit of a perfume buff and I just love the combination of leather and quality perfume. If only I could pop this into my travel bag…

I also happen to own the most adorable Frenchie and this dog tag would look great on him – and be a bit of an icebreaker too, perhaps?

Finally, the colour and design of this cashmere scarf instantly caught my eye, so I grabbed it without a second thought.

Those are some great picks, Juan. Now, what would you say was your most surprising selection?

Probably the champagne wine cooler. I’ll be getting a lot of use out of it now that summer’s approaching.

Do you have a favourite section of the website?

I wouldn’t say I have a favourite section, no. There are hidden gems everywhere. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt really; you know you’re always going to find something wherever you look.

What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

Well, the fact that you can purchase lovely pieces and know that all the proceeds are going to such a noble charity is fantastic – it makes you happy to spend the money.

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

I’d probably let the items speak for themselves at my next dinner party.

Will we be seeing you again?

 On your website, for sure!

POPULAR WEDDING TRADITIONS & THEIR ORIGINS

By Entertaining, Life & Style, Occasions No Comments

Is there any other dream more romantic than the idea of walking down the aisle towards true love? For some, getting married to the person you care about most in the world is a milestone achievement. 

While the institution of marriage, a concept that dates back by about 23,000 years to the first hunter-gatherers, was, until very recently, a contractual agreement in Western society, its original concept and strict gender roles are thankfully heading out the door, allowing for more freedom, and a focus on the simple desire to create a life with an individual you cherish. 

The thought of weddings makes us quite giddy, so let’s talk about some well-known wedding traditions and how they came about.

OLD EXPRESSIONS

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…and a silver sixpence in her shoe!” This cute Old English rhyme asks that the bride be given five objects for good luck on her special day. 

“Something old” represents the couples’ past lives, while “Something new” symbolises their happy future. “Something borrowed” refers to an object belonging to an already happily married couple, in the hopes that their good fortune will rub off. For fidelity and love, you would give the bride “Something blue”, qualities represented by that colour. Finally, the father of the bride would slip a silver sixpence in his daughter’s shoe for good luck and prosperity.

EVIL SPIRITS

It’s quite fascinating just how many wedding traditions stem from one intent: the conviction to protect the couple from any evil spirits determined to ruin their big day. A bride’s veil would disguise her from any spirits envious of her beauty and happiness. The same goes for the tradition of bridesmaids wearing the same dress, the intention of which was to have them act as the bride’s decoys to confuse the pesky spirits.

While Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 made it fashionable to carry a bouquet of one’s favourite flowers (in her case, snowdrops), in ancient Greece and Rome, this bridal bouquet would have actually consisted of aromatic herbs such as garlic and dill to once again – you guessed it! – ward off evil spirits.

SPEAKING OF BOUQUETS

Why does the bride (and every single person at the wedding for that matter) take such a keen interest when the bouquet is tossed? In 1700s England, single women would attempt to touch the bride’s dress for luck, and in some cases, would even try to tear a piece off of it. As a diversion, the bride would toss the bouquet! Nowadays, it’s all in good fun, but wedding-goers often hope they’ll be next in line.

WHY WHITE?

The go-to colour for wedding gowns is white, a colour representing the bride’s virginity and purity. However, believe it or not, white wedding gowns only became fashionable in the Victorian era after Queen Victoria wore white to her own wedding. Before that, women simply wore the best dress they had. 

While colours still retain their own meanings, this doesn’t apply to all cultures. For example, to most Westerners, wearing a red wedding gown wouldn’t be seen as ideal. Red represents many positive qualities, such as warmth and love, but also danger, leading many to believe it would bring bad luck. On the other hand, red wedding dresses have always been a popular choice in China. Often referred to as phoenix dresses, this opulent colour represents wealth and good fortune. 

PRESERVING FOR POSTERITY

Antique aficionados amongst you might have taken an interest in the image at the beginning of this post. A curious piece known as a globe de mariée (marriage dome), which were popular in the late 19th century, this was traditionally given to a French bride and groom to commemorate their wedding day. 

It would consist of many individual pieces, including a velvet or silk cushion surrounded by all manner of symbolic additions, including birds, leaves, and mirrors, each having their own meaning. As a highly personalised display representing the couple’s journey, keepsakes would be added along the way, including photographs, locks of their children’s hair, and jewellery. All of this would then be covered by a delicate glass dome. Think of it as a high-class scrapbook! 

OF FINGERS, HANDS & RICE

Did you ever wonder why we were wedding rings on the fourth finger of our left hand? Romans believed this contained the “vein of love”, which was directly connected to the heart. And how about the expression “Tying the knot”? Celtic wedding ceremonies called this “handfasting”, where the couple’s hands were literally joined together to represent their commitment and new bond. In Hindu weddings, we can still see this happen, in a ceremony called hastmelap.

If you’ve ever gotten hit with a faceful of rice at a wedding, consider yourself lucky! Rice represents prosperity and fertility, essentially showering the couple with good fortune. A lot of people still adhere to this tradition, though it’s not uncommon to find alternatives in the form of biodegradable confetti and pieces clipped from leaves.

JACQUI LOSCO, MODEL, AIR HOSTESS, CONTENT CREATOR & TV PRESENTER

By Fashion, Life & Style No Comments

“I love the fact that We Are Not A Shop offers such a wide range of pieces that you don’t find anywhere else. And it’s all for a good cause, too.”

You may recognize Jacqui Losco from her modelling work, TV appearances, or her Instagram, @jacquilosco. But you may have also spotted her on a plane, serving among the Air Malta cabin crew! Today, however, she’s sitting down with us to talk all things We Are Not A Shop. Find out what she selected from our online store, below.

Jacqui, thanks so much for joining us! Can you tell us a bit about the items you selected today and what drew you to them?

Sure. I was mainly drawn to pieces that reminded me of my childhood, and there are quite a few!

Firstly, I picked the apothecary’s box because it’s just so unique. I also happen to love things with small compartments – they’re so cute, and tiny!

This piece also instantly caught my eye. It’s essentially a fun ice-cream cone-shaped container to keep your baby’s first tooth in. I admit it’s sort of creepy, but also so sweet. I have lots of nephews and nieces, so I’m always on the lookout for baby-related things.

Then, I selected this cigarette holder because it’s so chic. It felt very 007 – which I loved growing up. I wasn’t allowed to watch them all of course, but I would try to look over my sister’s shoulder while she was watching them in the living room. Her thesis was on the 007 films and gender issues, so she watched them all for research. I just watched them for fun…

As you can tell from my voice, I’m a smoker, unfortunately. So that’s why I’ve gone for another smoking-related item. I just think old cigarette boxes like this one are so cool.

Then, I would really like to have a table lamp like this in my new place. The white coral feels so peaceful. And it’s not your everyday table lamp, either – it’s got a twist.

As for this backgammon set, my family owned a very similar one, which I would play with endlessly. I didn’t actually know how to play (and still don’t), but I would keep myself busy moving the pieces around. It belonged to my Nannu, so it’s sentimental I suppose.

This bunny fairy light was another blast from the past. As a child, I was obsessed with Peter Rabbit. My bedroom was full of bunnies and flowers! It brought back many memories.

Finally, I obviously had to pick this framed collection of cat cartoons – I’m a proud cat lady.

What will you be doing with your items?

I’ll probably put the backgammon set and apothecary’s box on display in my new living room.

What was your most surprising selection?

Probably the baby’s first tooth container. I don’t have any babies myself, but it seems like a sweet thing to have. You can pop it in your glass vetrina with the rest of the silverware.

Do you have a favourite section of the website?

Yes, the jewellery section.

What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

I love the fact that We Are Not A Shop offers such a wide range of pieces that you don’t find anywhere else. And it’s all for a good cause, too. Anyone visiting the website has the opportunity to purchase some truly beautiful items and donate to charity at the same time. That’s an amazing thing!

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

As a pleasantly surprising online shopping experience. When you visit the website, you’re bound to find something interesting. I could have picked many more items, but I had already exceeded my quota!

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

I’ll recommend it to my friends, for sure. We’ll do a lot of damage…

JEAN PAUL FARRUGIA, ENTREPRENEUR, ENGINEER & FOUNDER OF REROOT, MALTA

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“If you’re searching for a personal gift with a story behind it – We Are Not A Shop is the place to look.”

Jean Paul is an entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of the local eco-friendly brand, Reroot. This online store offers loads of sustainable alternatives to all your day-to-day products and essentials, to help make your journey towards a more environmentally conscious life that bit easier.  Today, however, Jean Paul is talking to us about our online store, and the items that caught his attention. Find out what he selected below.

Jean Paul, thanks for being here! Could you talk us through some of your favourite We Are Not A Shop items?

I’m happy to be here. Well, I think I have to start with this handcrafted, gold-plated egg! I picked it primarily because it reminded me of the DreamWorks film, Anastasia – which is one of my all-time favourites. It’s definitely a lot heavier than I expected… A sign of great quality, they say?

These glasses are beautiful, too. I already have quite the collection, so this will make a pleasant addition.

Then, I picked these smelling salts because, frankly, I’m very dramatic. Have you seen those period dramas where a character faints, and another character whips out some smelling salts to help them come to? It’s hilarious. Hopefully, I get the chance to use them on someone myself. Can you imagine?

This dinosaur poo is great fun. I mean, what a conversation starter! It’s certainly one way to get people talking.

I’m also quite a fan of perfume so this scent bottle was a natural choice. I figured it would look great on display, too. Fun fact – I recently heard that way-back-when people would carry small scent bottles like this around their necks to regularly top up their ‘scent’. I’m thinking we should bring that back.

Then, I thought that this letter from Margaret Thatcher was fascinating. Considering what a polarising political figure she was, it’s interesting to read a letter written by her talking about sponge cake!

The mystery box was another fun choice – I’m big on board games, you see. As for this 3D printed planter, it’s one of those pieces that you either love or hate, and I absolutely love it.

And, what will you be doing with your items?

I think I’ll turn this into a centrepiece for my dining table. And I’ll probably carry these smelling salts with me at all times, just in case the opportunity presents itself…

What was your most surprising selection?

Everything was quite surprising because I really didn’t expect to find any of the items on the website at all. Each is fun and original.

Do you have a favourite section of the website?

I love the Collectors’ Corner. I’m always on the hunt for a quirky antique.

What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

The fact that every cent is donated to Save the Valletta Skyline or St John is fantastic. I also think that We Are Not A Shop is perfect for gift shopping. If you’re looking for a personal gift with a story behind it, We Are Not A Shop is definitely the place to look.

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who didn’t know about it?

As an online store full of random treasures. It’s great fun to scroll through, and you can completely get lost in it. It’s a bit of an Aladdin’s cave of wonders really.

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

I already have! I also purchased most of my Christmas gifts from the website.

HELGA ELLUL, CEO OF ADVISE, FORMER CEO OF PLAYMOBIL MALTA & FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE MALTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Collecting, Life & Style No Comments

We Are Not A Shop is a very original concept with a brilliant cause behind it – what’s not to like?”

Helga Ellul is the current CEO of Advise, former CEO of Playmobil Malta and former President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce. If that wasn’t enough to impress you, she’s also a dedicated philanthropist who offers her support to several important causes both locally and overseas. Today, we’re lucky enough to have her with us to talk about the fabulous items she selected from our online store.

Helga, we’re so glad you could join us. Could you tell us what inspired your We Are Not A Shop picks?

Of course. Overall, my family and I love buying each other joke gifts, so I’m always on the lookout for things that will elicit a bit of laughter from them. That’s why I selected this cushion, for instance. And this one, too. We the Maltese aren’t the best at whispering, so I thought it was appropriate. This ‘Uwejja’ mug would also make a great gift for a family member, or a foreign friend at that.

Then, I just had to pick this dinner plate with the beautiful beating heart of Valletta design – I look forward to using it at my next dinner party. I think the design is just so striking. Did I mention that I also bought two ‘beating heart’ mugs? A blue one for my husband, and a red one for me. You could say I’m a fan…

This tea towel is also quite charming – it’s a great way to brighten up your kitchen and put a smile on someone’s face. It’s a bit of a conversation starter, too. And, if you entertain as much as I do, you’ll know that it’s always great to have items like that dotted around the house.

Then, I figured you really can’t go wrong with a shawl as timelessly chic as this one, so I had to snap it up. Need I say more?

Finally, a dear friend of mine is a total prosecco girl – so I figured this tea towel would make the perfect birthday gift.

Those sound great, Helga. Now, what was your most surprising selection?

A lot of the items were quite surprising and unusual. That’s why I love buying gifts from We Are Not A Shop – there is such a wide selection of unique items that you just don’t find anywhere else.

Do you have a favourite section on the website?

Admittedly, there are a few – bear with me. I definitely love the Collector’s Corner, but I’m also a fan of the Gifts for Him and Her, sections. It’s always convenient to have a bit of direction when you’re shopping for a significant other.

I love the Jewellery section, too. I’m always looking out for distinctive pieces and the website has too many options to choose from.

The Gifts for Children section was also good fun. My youngest grandchild will be overjoyed when he sees these dinosaur bookends that I picked out for him.

What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

For starters, I love to know that my money is going towards a great cause – it makes spending a lot more fun. Plus, it’s a very original concept with a brilliant cause behind it – what’s not to like?

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

As an extraordinary concept, with an online store that has been set up to support the restoration of the Valletta skyline. It’s also a fantastic place to find gifts for anyone in your life.

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Always.

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