Charmed by Ortak

A few weeks ago I was invited along to view the new 'Charming range' from Ortak but unfortunately due to a busy work schedule I had to miss out. Instead I was left to indulge myself on the Ortak website. 

By definition, Ortak's Charming:- A varied selection of dainty wristlets and necklets crafted in sterling silver, with a choice of delicate symbols.

For those of you who obsessed over the sideways cross bracelet or the dainty bow necklets or even the 'love' rings, then this range will be right up your street.  You can view the full range here.

I very kindly received my favourite of the range as a Christmas gift, the LOVE charm necklet.  It's based on the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana which I just ... LOVE! ;)  It sits perfectly around my neck, not too long and not too short and has received many compliments so far.  

Each piece is priced at £35 but you save £10 when buying 2 pieces together and another £20 when you purchase 3 pieces from the range. 

I am now hoping to add to my own collection of charms with the Unity necklet and the Hope anchor bracelet which is a nod to the industry I work in.  They are just too pretty! 

Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker

Having not been brought up with a very 'festive' upbringing, Christmas-sy things are still a bit new to me including Scottish Ballet's winter season offering of The Nutcracker.

Of course I knew The Nutcracker's wonderful score was by Tchaikovsky and that the story entailed a toy soldier, the famous sugar plum fairy, scary mice and a magical dolls house but for me the Christmas connection and the actual storyline didn't mean very much to me... until now.

What better way to get to know this enchanted tale (and get in the Christmas spirit) through the beauty of music and dance?!

'An enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, and a nutcracker who may just be a handsome prince in disguise ... '

Scottish Ballet has certainly helped me enter a magical new world with their production of The Nutcracker, based on ETA Hoffmann's original story 'Nutcracker and the King of Mice'.

As always, Scottish Ballet presented a vivid retelling of the Christmas story with colourful and stunning sets and costumes that even included a representation of Tchaikovsky himself on stage.  It was a truly magical performance from start to finish and I can't believe I have missed out on this fantastical tale for such a long time.

Since discovering the beauty and joy of the art through Scottish Ballet's influence, I have actually become acquainted with many new interests and The Nutcracker is just one of them.  It is such a wonderful (and slightly mad) story that I will be making sure that elements of it is factored into my annual celebrations.  In fact, I had to make sure I had candy canes for my tree after it and a rather beautiful emerald Nutcracker prince was purchased!

Christmas might be over but there is still time to catch a performance near you and reignite the magic of Christmas:

Glasgow 
Theatre Royal 8-29 December 2012

Edinburgh
Festival Theatre 8-12 January 2013

Aberdeen
His Majesty's Theatre 16-19 January 2013

Inverness
Eden Court Theatre 23-26 January 2013

Belfast

Grand Opera House 30 January-2 February 2013

Newcastle

Theatre Royal 6-9 February 2013

I'd love to hear if you have been to see it or if you are planning on going!