My Town Friday Shoot Out - Favourite Things

The theme for this weeks shoot out is "Favourite Things" but was described as the first Christmas theme. However, I couldn't do a shoot out about favourite things without including my new car, my Mini Cooper, my pride and joy, my baby..... Actually, Cooper is a sort of Birthday/Christmas present anyway so its right that he should be included in this weeks theme.

When thinking of what I should take pictures of to feature the theme, I was on my way into Wrexham town to take photos of the Christmas lights, when I stopped myself and ended up at the Grosvenor Garden Centre in Pulford just 3 miles from my home. Why? Well because whenever I think of Christmas and Christmas decorations, my mind always roams to this place. It has been an important store for me this year because on the days when I needed to get out or needed to buy a gift but didnt have the energy to venture far..... this store was my saviour!

The picture above is of the entrance into the Garden Centre. They always have such wonderful displays no matter what the time of year!

The decorations at the Grosvenor are in plentiful supply, you can buy just about anything you want from here. Fibre optic trees, false trees, real Christmas Trees, Christmas Wreaths, cuddly toys, Santa Stop Here Signs, Christmas food, Christmas gifts...... I could go on and on and on.

I love the models of Santa scattered around the store, some are even life sized.

Robins are my favourite birds because whenever I feel a bit down or sad about my late brother Peter, a Robin always seems to appear and cheer me up. I love these fat fellas in the pottery section of the store.

I adore Squirrels too..... not the grey ones but the endangered red ones. This ornament is so clever and I love it to bits.

You cannot celebrate Christmas without the Nativity scene and this is only one of the many types available to buy here.

Christmas is all about the children and I love that concept. This metal red fire engine is the sort of thing I would have loved to have bought my sons when they were toddlers but too expensive I am afraid!

This is a life sized Charley Bear! Anyone who knows me, knows just how much I love my collection of bears. My collection includes Herman, Merrythought, Steiff, Charley to name but a few and includes some vintage pieces.

Santas Grotto is always a special place with very fond memories. I remember Harry going to see Father Christmas when he was 3 and struggling to get away from him, crying!




Again, anyone who knows me knows how much I love my Chimineas. I really like these pottery ones but ours is metal because we decided it was more stable with having the dogs and children around.

If I had £200 to spare, this is what I would spend it on. I love this limited edition print. I love it not only because it is of a dog, but I love dogs noses (weird I know) and I love the concept of this picture.

So If you are ever in the area I would definately recommend that you visit The Grosvenor Garden Centre www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk because not only does it stock just about everything you need, the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable and the feel of the place is so special. I love shopping there.

They also have a grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat coffee shop called The Blue Planet and the produce home made pastries, cakes and food. Next time I go there I will take some pictures just so that you can see how special it is. The coffee is delicious and I must admit I spent a very pleasant couple of hours there this morning with my friend Clare.

What doesn't this shops stock? Garden furniture, garden appliances, garden plants, shrubs and trees, pottery, sheds, gifts, walking sticks, wellington boots, indoor plants, books, cards, confectionary, cakes, biscuits, eggs, meat, drinks, cutlery, kitchen implements...... the list is endless.