🎄Shop small this Christmas!🎄

We are in absolute love with this design by @samjayne_design.

We need your help! Comment below your favourite independents so we can compile a list of places you can shop this Christmas!

We hope your lockdown is going okay so far. It's a bit of a shock to the system here in the South West as we normally work out of our favourite cafes .

We miss going out for brunches, lunches and dinners to our favourite independents like @primecafebar @fika_kingsbridge @harbour.house.arts.yoga @the.hairy.barista

We miss getting our hair done at @yokeplymouth by the incredible @leighannestacey

At least we can still go for glorious walks.

I've tagged some of our favourite places for you to have a look at.

If we continue to support local we will get through this. Don't forget to tag us in all your posts and use the hashtag #lovelocalcollective

As always, have a great week

Big love

Jakob - Co-founder

#christmas #christmasgifts #lovelocal #shoplocal #christmasiscoming ⁣⁣⁣#winter #handmade #makersgonnamake #supportlocal #lovelocal #support #shoplocal #independentartist #independent #love #mondaymotivation #llc #devon #plymouth #swisbest #colour #local #business #smallbusiness #gifts #maker #shopsmall #cute #cornwall

#LocalLife Bloggers to Follow; The Foodie Jeff

You know we #LoveLocal (duh!) and you know that we actively support and share everything from local coffee shops to independent hotels. We are consistently inspired by the independent businesses that we work alongside, and the same goes for local bloggers; our fellow food, coffee and #IndyBusiness lovers.

What better way is there to learn about your very own local scene than hearing straight from those who live there?

Alex Jeffery - aka. @TheFoodieJeff on Instagram - is a local plant-based foodie based in East Cornwall/Plymouth. Alex - also known as Jeff; a nickname that has stuck with him since University - uses his platform to share his knowledge of nutrition; channeling his passion into a feed full of easy-to-digest information, vibrant colours and impressive foodie imagery (we mean... what's not to love!?).

With a Bachelors in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation and a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition, Jeff is on-track to develop a programme for corporate Nutrition, Health and Mental Wellbeing.

Showing that plant-based definitely doesn't mean 'boring', we asked Alex a few questions about pioneering a healthy lifestyle, whilst supporting his local independents:

1. What kind of content do you share and what inspired you to start your Instagram page?

I share the foods I love to cook, with a little bit of science behind why they benefit us. It’s usually a mix of recipes, plant-based science, coffee and straight up vegan #FoodPorn!

I love diversity in plant based foods so I tend to skip between cuisines/styles. I guess it could be somewhat disorganised to some, but coincidentally that’s also the way my life works... So, take that as you will 👀

I want to see people making their own decisions to live a healthier lifestyle through the same vibrant and empowering approach I use!

2. We know you love coffee as much as us! Where's your fave independent place in Plymouth to grab a cup of coffee?

So, Hangry use this fantastic independent roaster so their coffee is out of this world, but I absolutely adore the set-up of ‘Koffeehaus’ on the Barbican. I just love a rustic coffee shop only big enough to fit a handful of people, serving local independent coffee. 

6. You are plant-based, which is great! Where's your 'go-to' independent place for a delicious veggie/vegan meal?

Oh plant-based in Plymouth?! Hangry. Not only do they do (what I’d call) the best vegan fry-up alternative in Plymouth, they cook with real wholesome foods and their chef pulls out some really amazing specials. A current favourite is the coconut whipped tofu they’re serving like a yogurt on pancakes and waffles 😍

8. You have a keen eye for photography, producing eye-catching and colourful photos. Are you self-taught?

I’m totally self-taught! I started off using my iPhone, but soon got talking to Nick at @forkinpancakes and it just escalated from there. Nick pointed me towards DIY stores for backdrops and suggested I read a little into photography - so here we are. 

9. What are your future plans for The Foodie Jeff?

Long term, I’d love to run my own plant-based coffee house under the name. Sweet bakes, pancakes, and all the oat milk you could ever drink... but for now, The Foodie Jeff is just a little bit of fun and an access point for me to find new and exciting recipes, contacts and plant brands ✌🏼

Quick Fire Questions:

1. Breakfast, lunch or dinner?

Breakfast, hands down

2. Sunshine or Snow?

Sunshine

3. Favourite place to hang out in Plymouth?

Royal William Yard

4. Describe The Foodie Jeff in 3 words...

Vibrant. Positive. Real (real food, real representation of who I am and what I eat to feel good 👊🏼)

You can find @TheFoodieJeff on Instagram...let the drooling begin!

Five Reasons You Should Love Local

If you've been apart of Love Local for a while, or if you couldn't tell by now, we blimmin' love supporting and empowering local, independent businesses. We truly admire the hard-working crafters, makers and owners behind the scenes, and love learning more about them and their passions, which we then share with you.

But, it's not about us. It's about you, and them. If you've ever had a coffee at your local cafe, enjoyed a brunch at a seasonal eatery, or bought a gift from an online store such as NOTHS or Etsy, then you probably appreciate the driving forces, the friendly faces, behind such unique and original concepts. But what are the benefits of 'shopping' local?

It's these not-so-hidden gems that make up the backbone of our local economies, communities and cultures.

From one-man bands to small, passionate teams, all indy businesses share one common drive: they love what they do and want to share their joy with the world, be it through a piece of handmade jewellery, a carefully curated menu or a locally sourced coffee.

'Domino effect' refers to the idea that one event sets off a chain of similar events. We can use this term as an analogy to explain how loving local impacts many things beyond just the transaction. When you support a local independent business you are supporting a family, a dream, a culture, your local economy (good job!). Here are five, to-the-point reasons you should try your best to #LoveLocal:

1. Local Prosperity: It's the one-of-a-kind businesses that preserve your distinctive local character, aiding the local economy and community.

2. Uniqueness: When it comes to gifts, lifestyle or clothing, local independents produce unique, never-before-seen-anywhere items, usually inspired by their surroundings. It's this intrinsic originality that makes these businesses and their offerings so special.

3. Employment: Supporting a local independent not only generates money for the local economy, but also aids employment rates. The more successful small businesses there are, the more jobs become available.

4. Environmental Sustainability - Local shops sustain vibrant, compact high streets and, with greater emphasis placed on seasonality and freshness, many local businesses make it a priority to source some or all of their goods locally. This approach is better for the environment, reducing their carbon footprint.

5. It's fun to #LoveLocal!: Your local independents have a much more attractive offering than large chains, who are bound by strict regulations, pricing, procedures and monetary motives. The friendly faces behind each small business become friends, and 'shopping' local becomes your new 'normal'.

Why do YOU love shopping local?

Check Out Love Local Collective:

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Have you got an independent, local business or know someone that does?! Get in touch. We'd love to chat! info@lovelocalcollective.co.uk.