Xootz. Fun Without Limits. CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE…. www.xootz.co.uk
Xootz, the wheeled toy & action sports brand for kids, is on a mission to promote, inspire and encourage children to get outdoors and have fun without boundaries. From electric ride-ons to stunt scooters and skateboards, Xootz has all outdoor activities covered to provide plenty of fun this Christmas!
Recommended age: 3-7
On sale: Late September
A new breed of grandeur, the Xootz BMW X5 M Electric Ride-On makes a powerful statement. This officially licensed BMW ride-on features all the details of the full-scale powerhouse. Kidney grille, sculptured bonnet and unmistakable working front lights, this ride-on has presence. With a 3-speed drive and reverse gear, little ones can practice their skills in the ultimate driving machine. If they are too young to take the wheel parents don’t need to worry, the included remote control allows them to take control. It also boasts two opening doors, a realistic steering wheel, an adjustable seat with seatbelt and an internal MP3 player with AUX input.
Xootz Decoy Dirt Scooters, in Black or Silver: RRP £119.99
Recommended age: 6+
On sale: Mid-October
One of the key Xootz values is having fun “without boundaries” and this Dirt Scooter is the epitome of this, ensuring no terrain is off limits and there are no barriers to exploring new trails. Designed for kids aged 6+ to adults up to 100kg, you can now tackle those trails that were once impassable. This affordable yet durable dirt scooter is designed with a heat treated aluminium deck, and strong steel handlebar. It shares many features with higher price point offerings, all in a great value package with an impressive spec.
Xootz Phantom & Shred 2.0 Stunt Scooters: RRP £49.99
Recommended age: 6+
On sale: Mid-October
This is perfect for young shredders wanting a first stunt scooter setup. With a contemporary design and perfectly coordinated performance, these scooters have all the essentials for taking on some daring new tricks. The precision quality ABEC-7 bearings and 100mm wheels, combined with the stunt scooter T-bar and 3-bolt tube clamp ensures kids will be landing sick tricks in no time at all! Phantom and Shred 2.0 consist of the same outstanding features as current best sellers within the range, but with some fresh graphics and colourways. The scooter has an impressive max weight of 100kg.
Xootz Brainache & Monster Mash-up Scooters: RRP £44.99
Recommended age: 5-12
On sale: Mid-October
These youth stunt scooters help beginners learn their very first jumps, hops and tricks. Including a fixed height handlebar, these scooters don’t fold up, which ensures they maintain strength and rigidity when used for a variety of jumps and tricks. Featuring 36cm wide bars with soft grips, ABEC-5 bearings and a built-in aluminium rear brake for keeping in control, these stunt scooters have all the essentials covered.
Xootz Deviate & Streak Skateboards: RRP £26.99
Recommended age: 3+
On sale: End of August
The Xootz Deviate and Streak Double Kick Skateboards are a great introduction into the world of skating. Ideal for beginner or amateur skaters, this 31” skateboard is a great platform to learn on and practice stunts and tricks. Made from tough 9 ply maple deck with strong black grip tape, it is reliable for a trick heavy performance. It benefits from lightweight 5” aluminium trucks, 608Z bearings, 6mm PE risers and 54 x 36mm PVC wheels to offer a controllable, smooth and fun riding experience. Featuring a unique contemporary design, colour-coordinated wheels, these skateboards are ready for kids to show off their tricks down at the skatepark.
Xootz Scout Tri-Scooters: RRP £49.99
Recommended age: 3+
On sale: Early November
The Xootz Scout Tri-Scooter is designed to give little ones the confidence they need and help them to grasp the basics of scooter riding. This three-wheeled scooter allows children to practice their balance and stability. Featuring an adjustable and foldable stem for comfortable riding even as they grow, a rear brake so they stay in control and a wide footplate for improved stability, the Scout Tri Scooter is a perfect first scooter. Suitable for 3 to 6 years olds, this three-wheeled scooter has an extra wide footplate with texture grip, super-soft TPR grips on the handlebars and works by tilt and turn steering, meaning kids simply lean in the direction they want to go, and the wheels will then turn.
Xoots Elements Scooter: RRP £109.99
Recommended age: 6+
On sale: Now
Capable of reaching speeds of 8km/h, the Xootz Element Electric Scooter will provide hours of high-speed thrills for active children aged 6 years and over. Offering speed, agility and excitement, kids can switch between traditional push scooter and electric motor scooter modes! The electric mode provides travel up to 10km in a single charge.
With the easy-to-use thumb throttle placed on the Element’s cushioned bars, kids will be able to dart in and out of obstacles at the local park. Thanks to the powerful integrated 70W gear driven motor they’ll love being propelled along at speed. The Elements Scooter also folds for easy transportation and storage.
Xootz Quad Skates, in Blue and Pink: RRP £32.99
Recommended age: 5+
On sale: Now
Looking for the most affordable beginner skate around? The Xootz Quad Skates offers both performance and value, and are ideal for juniors who want to try out this exciting sport. Comfortable and supportive roller skates designed for learners, they adjust to fit your child’s shoe size thanks to an adjustable touch and close fastener (UK Child Sizes 9-12 & 13-3), perfect for growing feet! Providing plenty of ankle support thanks to the super comfortable padded boot, the Xootz Quad Skates are great for new riders who will take some tumbles. Finished in a super cute pink and baby blue design, little ones will love getting to grips with their brand new skates.
Xootz Inline Skates, in Blue and Pink: RRP £32.99
Recommended age: 5+
On sale: Now
These are the perfect beginner skates for budding little skaters. These Xootz Inline Skates are for those who want to practice their skating skills or want to learn a new sport. The super comfortable boot provides plenty of ankle support so junior riders feel secure when they head to their first roller disco or test them out at their local skate park. You can also adjust the skate to fit your child’s feet as they grow. Featuring a PVC stopper and bushings as well as 608Z bearings, these blades offer a smooth, manoeuvrable ride with loads of stopping power for when they need It.
Xootz. Fun Without Limits.
Xootz bridges the gap between wheeled toys and action sports and our mission is to inspire and encourage kids to get outdoors and have fun without boundaries and to do it in style!
Since 2014, Xootz has developed a multi-award-winning range of scooters, go-karts, skateboards, electric drift trikes, skates, and ride-ons including premium officially licensed vehicles from BMW to McLaren. This offers hours of thrills for kids with no boundaries.
Xootz products are available from a range of well-known stockists, including Amazon, Argos, Very, Littlewoods, Skates.co.uk, Halfords, and Skate Hut.
Follow Xootz on social media:
Instagram: @xootzofficial
Facebook: @xootzofficial
FIVE FITNESS TIPS FOR TIME-POOR INDIVIDUALS
From Nick Wardle, founder of Body Transformation Centre (bodytransformationcentre.com)
1 Morning is often best: It’s common that busy business people get to the end of the working day, which is usually way beyond 5pm, and they are just too tired to train. Energy levels are low in the evening, and there’s plenty of research that suggest individuals should switch their exercise regime to the morning.On an empty stomach, it’s the best way to burn stored fat, making it a good way to lose weight. Morning exercisers may have less of an appetite through the day. And getting a sweat on before work can also lead to better mental health and productivity during the day, since exercise is a great stress reliever.
2 Maintain a good sleep hygiene: sleep and exercise go hand in hand. Busy people find it difficult to switch off, they go to bed late and then just don’t have the energy in the morning to get up a little earlier and exercise. This is very common. Sleep hygiene is an important part of our wellbeing and it’s key to keeping fit.
3 Prepare the sport kit in advance: getting the sport gear together the night before removes another excuse to avoid it, as individuals would be tempted to give up if for instane they don’t find their trainers or sports bra.
4 Plan the workout regime: planning workout ahead helps to be consistent. Nick and his team are always helping their clients to plan their workout sessions, giving them one less thing for their busy minds to think about.
5 Remove all distractions: especially in the morning, it’s easy to get dragged into the working day. Try to avoid checking your phone before, unless it’s just to choose the Spotify tracks. For many busy people, getting active and fit is about removing barriers that simply make it too difficult. The key is to make it easy, build it into a routine, and don’t look back.
Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust’s selection of exhilarating boating excursions on impressive historic vessels, which make for a great gift for dads and grandads who are regularly the hardest to buy for!
Following Christmas of 2020, where gift giving via Zoom was the only way of celebrating with loved ones, experience-based gifts will be more special than ever this year.
From historic Motor Gun Boats to Seaplane Tenders and RAF High Speed Launch’s, guests can take to the helm for an epic ‘bond style’ ride. This is a unique experience, offering sights of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from the water on former service vessels that have been lovingly restored for visitors to enjoy.
Prices start from £100, inclusive of a 20-minute trip for up to 10 people or for those looking to impress and immerse themselves fully, whole day charters on the renowned High-Speed Launch 102 vessel are available from £2500, where groups can plan the perfect day alongside the PNBPT team.
As a charitable organisation, the Trust is responsible for conserving and restoring the iconic boats and buildings of Britain’s history, so that future generations can visit and learn about the inspiring tales of the past. Profits from visits to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard are reinvested by the Trust, so that the heritage of the iconic dockyard can be upheld.
In order to book customers simply need to drop the boatkeeper’s an email at boats@pnbpt.co.uk with the party size and desired date, or give them a call on 023 9282 0921.
Jumper Maybach, born Ben Workman in 1963, is an American artist originally from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dubbed the Jackson Pollock of the 21st century, Jumper’s constant evolution of color and bold mixing of techniques is the artist’s unique and vivid way of expressing freedom, love and acceptance. Every stroke of the brush, application of paint and product design that emerges is a true work of art—and every piece of art stands against bullying and intolerance in the world.
Jumper Maybach creates not only original and print artwork but also a wide range of clothing and accessories for both men and women. Below are our Holiday Giftable items
Gifts for Her
Dark Matrix Clutch
Cherry Raspberry Fields scarf
Dancing Queen Print
Venetian Rain Crossbody
Birds of peace tote
Cotton Candy Rose T-shirt
Flowers of the Universe T-shirt
Gifts for Him
Rose Petal Tie
Artopia Bow Tie
Rose Petals bow tie
Gifts for Home
Dark Matrix Print
Dancing Queen Print
Lake in Venice Original Artwork
Triangle Matrix Print
Cherry Raspberry Print
NYC Skyline PRINT
General Fun/Trendy Items:
The One Tote
In Motion Tote
Cosmic Strawberry Cotton Candy print
Sailboat clutch
Red Rocket Print
Luxury
Can’t Fix Stupid Messenger Bag
BUNNY Messenger bag
Can’t Fix Stupid Original Artwork
Clown Purple Haze Original Artwork
People in the Mist Print
It’s the Season of Giving!
Give the book lover in your life something special or treat yourself to our selection of great reads and save 20% this festive season! Shop online now, while stocks last.
In need of some Christmas gift inspiration?
We’ve put together a selection of some of our favourite books anyone will be thrilled to find under the Christmas tree this year!
Flip through our Graffiti Books Christmas Gift Guide here: bit.ly/31AKAfv
Shop Graffiti Books Christmas Choice titles here and SAVE 20% before 31 December 2021: bit.ly/3GqjCG4
PET PORTRAITS FROM PAW & GLORY – THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT
Whether its Rover the Rottweiler as a Russian General or a Siamese Cat called Daisy as a Downton Dowager, a pet portrait from Paw & Glory can magically immortalise a much-loved pet and could be the perfect present for Christmas. Prices start from as little as £26.
Just upload a pet picture onto www.pawandglory.com. Choose the costume that most suits the pets personality selected from popular UK TV show, films and historical styles. You can view and approve the image before it goes to print guaranteeing complete satisfaction every time.
The pet portrait can be reproduced as a canvas, on mobile phone covers, mugs, cushions and much more. The images can even be supplied as digital artworks for use as screen savers and in digital photo frames. The whole process takes just 5 days from start to delivery.
About Paw and Glory Ltd
Paw and Glory was founded in 2020. The business comprises a trio of best friends. The CEO and founder is Lucy, an experienced graphic designer. Beth is in charge of admin and customer relations and Zara looks after design and bespoke requests. The company is based in north London and the whole process – design, print and production – takes place in the UK.
Paw and Glory has hundreds of happy customers (just check out the reviews on the website), many of whom are repeat clients.
To see the whole range of designs, visit www.pawandglory.com.
Wonderful Games for Summer… from Jaques London… jaqueslondon.co.uk
Jaques of London
Games and Memory makers
Teaching the world to learn with our Mini Minds Hub
Complete Kubb Set
Kid’s Kubb Garden Game Set
£17.99
Sports Day Set
Full Kids Sports Day Kit
£13.99
Outdoor Target Ball
Ideal Garden Game for Family Fun
£18.99
Trapeze Bar
Outdoor Play Equipment
Regular price£17.99 £15.99
Giant Dominoes
Ideal for Indoor & Outdoor Play
£18.99
Hoopla
Family Fun Throwing Game
£13.99
Quoits
Solid Wood Game Set
£19.99
Croquet Set
4 Player Eton Croquet Set With Wooden Box
£399.99
Many items from SUIT DIRECT are perfect for Autumn… and so fashioanble Make Sure he Looks SUPER This Autumn >>> suitdirect.co.uk 😊
Racing Green | Men’s Blue Tan Checked Suit | SuitDirect.co.uk
Marc Darcy Enzo Tan Check Three Piece Suit (suitdirect.co.uk)
Ted Baker | Navy Tweed Slim Fit Men’s Blazer | SuitDirect.co.uk
Ted Baker | Men’s White Sateen Slim Shirt | Suit Direct
Jeff Banks | Black Long Sleeved Polo Jumper | SuitDirect.co.uk
Limehaus | Men’s Burnt Orange Geo Tie | Suit Direct
Ted Baker Square Contrast Cufflinks (suitdirect.co.uk)
Christmas Just Got Tastier with Cambrook Foods’ Nutty Gift Sets
Great Taste award-winning premium nut brand, Cambrook Foods, launches the perfect gift for every nut-lover this Christmas
JULY 2021 – Whether you’re looking for delicious nibbles on Christmas day, the perfect stocking filler for your partner, or a gift for friends and family, these expertly baked and seasoned nut mixes by Cambrook Foods are the ultimate gift for a very tasty Christmas.
The premium nut brand, Cambrook Foods, has launched two gift sets that are packed with flavour to satisfy even the fussiest nut lover. Available in two sizes, the two jar set makes a perfect stocking filler, and includes the Hickory Smoke Seasoned Almonds & Cashews with a real hickory hit, together with a jar of Baked Truffle Nuts with almonds, cashews, macadamias and pecans, all baked and seasoned with a distinctive aromatic black truffle and sea salt.
For your favourite nut lovers or even as an addition to a Christmas hamper, the set of 3 gift box includes Cocktail Mix No.2 – a jar of expertly baked & salted traditional mix of nuts, (served at some of London’s best known cocktail bars!) and Cocktail Mix No.6, which brings together a unique and fantastic mix of flavours, combining salted cashews and macadamias, chilli battered peanuts, smoke seasoned almonds and caramelised sesame peanuts – a guaranteed taste sensation! The final jar in the set is the Baked Cashews & Peanuts with Chilli & Lime, giving your Christmas a zest and spice to savour.
Baked in small batches for big flavours, these gift sets will excite even the most discerning of taste buds and provide the perfect unwrapping for a foodie-lover this Christmas.
The 3 Jar Gift Set is available via the Cambrook Foods website or in Wholefoods, Chatsworth House, Yumbles, NOTHS, All Things Brighton Beautiful, Borough Box, RRP £18.50.
The 2 Jar Gift Set is available via the Cambrook Foods website, Lakeland, Chatsworth House, Yumbles, NOTHS, All Things Brighton Beautiful, Borough Box, RRP £14.00.
For more information visit https://www.cambrookfoods.co.uk/product-category/gift-sets/
Grey Goose Merry Berry Martini
Ingredients
50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
10 ml Noilly Prat® Dry
Opt. Cranberry Bitters
Method
Stir and strain
Garnish
Red Currant
Grey Goose Gingerbread Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
25 ml dried fig infused Noilly Prat® Dry
60 ml Ginger Ale
Squeeze of Fresh lemon juice
Method
Build
For fig infused Noilly Prat®, infuse 4 halved dried figs into 1 700 ml bottle Noilly Prat® overnight
Garnish
Fresh fig
Grey Goose Rosemerry & Bright
Ingredients
50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
15 ml fresh lemon juice
25 ml Rosemary-infused St. Germain®
60 ml Soda
Method
Build
For Rosemary infused St. Germain®, infuse 4 sprigs of Rosemary into 1 700ml bottle of St Germain® overnight.
Garnish
Fresh Rosemary
Midnight Martini
And one for NYE!
Ingredients
50 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
10 ml Noilly Prat® Dry
Optional – Orange bitters
Method
Stir and strain
FIRE & FROST
BACARDÍ® Spiced is available from Amazon, RRP: £14.50
Delight your tastebuds with the creamy and decadent BACARDÍ Fire & Frost cocktail this Christmas. Expect smoky tasting notes from BACARDÍ® Spiced along with frosty, creamy, vanilla hints, swiftly balanced with a slight zest of lemonade. Cheers!
Ingredients:
• 50ml BACARDÍ® Spiced
• Lemonade, to top
• One scoop of vanilla ice cream
• 1 dash of nutmeg
• 1 cherry
Method:
1. Build BACARDÍ Spiced and vanilla ice cream in a highball glass
2. Top with lemonade
3. Garnish with nutmeg and a cherry
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU COCO
BACARDÍ Coconut is available from Amazon, RRP: £15.00.
Espresso Martini lovers rejoice! We present to you the latest festive twist on this classic cocktail. BACARDÍ Wake Me Up Before You Coco expertly mixes BACARDÍ Coconut, espresso and coffee liqueur in a delicious, rich cocktail to enjoy throughout the festive season.
Ingredients:
• 35ml BACARDÍ Coconut
• 25ml espresso
• 20ml coffee liqueur
• 10ml simple syrup (2 parts sugar, 1 part water)
• 1 dash of cocoa dust
Method
1. Shake all ingredients with ice
2. Strain into a coupette glass
3. Garnish with cocoa dust
GETTING FIGGY WITH IT
BACARDÍ Ocho is available from Amazon, RRP: £32.00.
Elevate your Christmas drink with the BACARDÍ Getting Figgy With It cocktail. Expertly crafted for a multi-sensory tasting experience, this sumptuous serve sees a perfect blend of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho premium rum, fig liqueur, Angostura Bitters and an orange garnish for a fruity yet festive creation.
Ingredients:
· 50ml BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho
· 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
· 10ml fig liqueur
· Clementine or orange peel to garnish
Method:
1. Combine all ingredient in a mixing glass
2. Stir and strain into a rocks glass with a large block of ice
3. Garnish with a twist of orange or clementine peel
THE SPICED BEE’S KNEES
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® is available from Amazon, RRP £22.95
A spiced twist on a classic prohibition-era cocktail. The Spiced Bee’s Knees combines Bombay Sapphire, Benedictine, lemon juice and honey to create a delicious, zesty and sweet cocktail.
Ingredients:
· BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, 35 ml
· Benedictine, 15 ml
· Fresh Lemon Juice, 25 ml
· Honey syrup (1:1 parts honey to warm water), 15 ml
Method:
1. Put all ingredients into a cocktail shaker (or empty jam jar)
2. Add cubed ice to the top, fasten lid and shake hard for 30 seconds
3. Strain into glass
4. Garnish with edible gold spray
THE NUTCRACKER
BOMBAY BRAMBLE is available from Amazon, RRP £26.95.
A fruity twist on a festive favourite, The Nutcracker combines Bombay Bramble, nutty Frangelico, crème de cacao and double cream to create a smooth, creamy, and indulgent Christmas cocktail.
Ingredients:
· BOMBAY BRAMBLE, 35 ml
· Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), 10 ml
· Crème De Cacao, 10 ml
· Double cream, 50 ml
Method:
1. Add ingredients into cocktail shaker or jar with lid
2. Add cubed ice to the top. Secure lid
3. Shake hard for 45 seconds
4. Strain into glass
5. Garnish with a dust of crushed hazelnuts
PANETTONI NEGRONI
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® is available from Amazon, RRP £22.95
MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter is available from Amazon, RRP: £23.99.
MARTINI® Rosso is available from Whisky Exchange, RRP: £11.95
A festive twist on an iconic cocktail, when it comes to aperitifs, you would struggle to better the Panettoni Negroni. The botanicals found in BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® create a complex harmony with the raisins, citrus and almonds found in a Panettone to create the ultimate festive drink. The perfect option for those wanting to use up leftovers from the festive season.
Ingredients:
· BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® (leftover panettone infused), 25 ml
· MARTINI® Rosso, 25 ml
· MARTINI® Bitter, 25 ml
Method:
1. Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass, add ice to the top
2. Stir until the liquid is a centimetre from the rim, add more ice to ensure the glass is full and garnish
3. Garnish with a toasted slice of panettone or an orange slice with a clove stud
Method to Make Panettone Infused BOMBAY SAPPHIRE:
1. Lightly toast the left over 200g Panettoni
2. Place into 500 mls of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and leave for a day to infuse
3. Strain through muslin cloth or a clean tea towel and strain into a bottle for future use
PUMPKIN SPICED VERMOUTH SOUR
MARTINI Fiero is available from Whisky Exchange, RRP: £11.95
The zesty, fruity flavours of MARTINI Fiero meet the flavour of the season in this indulgent Pumpkin Spiced Vermouth Sour cocktail. Blending the bittersweet orange taste of MARTINI Fiero with Aquafaba, lemon juice and pumpkin spiced syrup, this delectable cocktail is the perfect winter aperitif for catching up with friends.
Ingredients:
· MARTINI Fiero, 50 ml
· Aquafaba, 25 ml
· Lemon juice, 25 ml
· Pumpkin spiced syrup, 15 ml
Method:
1. Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker and shake well without ice
2. Add ice and then repeat
3. Strain into a coupette glass
FIG NEGRONI
MARTINI Riserva Speciale Ambrato is available from Whisky Exchange, RRP: £15.45.
MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter is available from Amazon, RRP: £23.99.
A delicately fruity twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, the Fig Negroni blends MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter with fig infused MARTINI Riserva Speciale Ambrato to create a festive Negroni like no other – perfect to enjoy on those cold, winter nights.
Ingredients:
· MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter ,15ml
· MARTINI Riserva speciale Ambrato (fig infused), 30ml
· Oxley Gin, 25ml
· Fresh fig
Method:
1. Infuse MARTINI Riserva Ambrato with dried figs until the preferred taste is achieved
2. Add all ingredients to a glass full of ice
3. Mix well by stirring gently
4. Garnish with a halved fresh fig
This is Not a Christmas Punch
(NON-ALCHOLIC)
MARTINI® Vibrante is available from Whisky Exchange, RRP: £10.95
Finally, for those who want to be more mindful during the holidays, MARTINI® has created a non-alcoholic Christmas punch. Perfect for sipping at festive celebrations when you want a non-alcoholic option without having to sacrifice on flavour, This is Not a Christmas Punch is a perfectly balanced mix of MARTINI® Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo Vibrante, cranberry juice and mandarin soda. Effortless!
Ingredients:
• MARTINI ® Non-alcoholic Aperitivo Vibrante, 45ml
• Cranberry Juice, 70ml
• Mandarin and Ginger soda (to top)
• Fresh red berries
• Icing sugar
• Mint leaves
Method:
1. Mix all ingredients in a large wine glass full of ice
2. Garnish with fresh red berries, mint and a sprinkling of icing sugar
Le Petit Treat
ST-GERMAIN® is available from Amazon, £26.00
BACARDÍ® Ocho is available from Amazon, RRP: £32.00
Cosy up and indulge with a Le Petit Treat. A delectable cocktail that sees ST-GERMAIN®
come together with pumpkin spiced syrup, BACARDÍ® Ocho rum, a dash of orange bitters, and of course, Champagne to top it off. A festive twist on l’Apéritif!
Ingredients:
• ST-GERMAIN®, 10 ml
• Pumpkin Spiced Syrup, 7.5 ml
• BACARDÍ® Ocho, 25 ml
• Orange Bitter, 1 dash
• Champagne to top
Method:
1. Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
2. Strain in a Champagne flute
3. Top with Champagne and garnish with a cocktail cherry
MERRY G&T
ST-GERMAIN® is available from Amazon, £26.00
Drink in style this Christmas with the Merry G&T. A perfectly balanced concoction, this cocktail seamlessly mixes ST-GERMAIN® and Oxley Gin with tangerine syrup and tonic water. The addition of a sprinkling of gold lustre is the perfect way to elevate this celebratory serve.
Ingredients:
· ST GERMAIN®, 15ml
· Oxley Gin, 35ml
· Tangerine Syrup, 10ml
· Tonic Water to top
· Gold Lustre
Method:
1. Add a pinch of gold lustre to all ingredients apart from the tonic water in a highball glass and stir
2. Ice to the top and then top with tonic water
3. Garnish with mint, lime and red currants
FESTIVE ELDERFASHIONED
ST-GERMAIN® is available from Amazon, £26.00
Effortlessly decadent, the Festive Elderfashioned is a new twist on the famous Old Fashioned cocktail. Delight your taste buds with the gingerbread infused elixir combined with ST-GERMAIN, Aberfeldy whisky, and orange bitters that come together to create the ultimate seasonal serve.
Ingredients:
· ST-GERMAIN, 10ml
· Gingerbread syrup, 10ml
· Aberfeldy 12, 50 ml
· Angostoura bitters, 1 dash
· Orange bitters, 1 dash
Method:
1. Stir in a mixing glass with ice
2. Strain over a large block of ice in a rocks glass
3. Garnish with nutmeg and an orange twist
Franci Fiore del Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml
Fiore del Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) is the result of the mariage of Tuscan varieties (Frantoio, Leccino and Olivastra) from Val d’Orcia and Peranzana, Coratina and Ogliarola from Torremaggiore and San Severo in Apulia. Its a mild extra virgin olive oil with a light spiciness at the end. It is ideal for salads, fresh vegetables, bruschetta, fish, stews or frying.
See the full info and buy @ :- www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/products/franci-fiore-del-frantoio-extra-virgin-olive-oil
“With cooking firmly on the agenda to build up strength, immunity and liven up the indoors this winter the Artisan Olive Oil Company have brought us another magnificant Olive Oil….. enjoy!” InTouch Rugby Cooking Editor At Large !
Moleskine Classic Notebook
£18.99
This elegant, well-designed tool is the perfect space to put pen to paper. The Classic Notebook traces its origins to the legendary notebooks used by artists and writers over the centuries – every word and sketch you add to its pages make you part of the story.
See more and buy at :- www.moleskine.com
Jus
THE MUST HAVE SMARTPHONE THAT WILL ACTUALLY REACH YOUR DESTINATION!
‘Smartphones shouldn’t cost more than a holiday’ – IMO
● Leading UK mobile provider, IMO Mobile launches the IMO Q4 Pro 2021.
● Features include a 5.5 HD screen
● Supports the Android 9 operating system and has a 16GB memory with an expandable memory of up to 64GB.
● Includes Wi-Fi, Blue tooth, FM radio and an impressive battery life of 12 hours.
● Costs £64.99 available from Tesco Mobile
Continuously having their customers at the forefront of the brand IMO have created the Q4 Pro with them in mind, with its 5.5″ HD screen and edge to edge display allowing them to watch their favourite movies, play their favourite games and keep updated on all social media apps at all times. It also includes the latest face unlock recognition system ensuring your phone is safe and secure, plus it also comes with dual rear cameras (8MP + 0.3MP) which allows crystal clear images and a super wide camera angle.
Catering to everyone, the IMO Q4 Pro 2021 supports the Android 9 operating system and has a 16GB memory with an expandable memory of up to 64GB. It also supports connectivity to Wi-Fi, Blue tooth, FM radio and an impressive battery life of 12 hours.
With IMO Q4 Pro 2021’s sleek design this midnight blue device has amazing features, customers are encouraged to keep a look out for this new release to avoid missing out.
Product Specifications: IMO Q4 Pro 2021
● Network: Tesco Mobile
● OS: Android 9.0 Go
● Display: 5.5” HD screen
● Camera: 8MP + 0.3MP dual rear camera and 5MP front camera
● Security: IMO Face Unlock
● Memory: 1GB RAM + 16GB ROM, Micro SD card slot expandable to 64GB
● Battery: 12 Hours – 2500mAh
● Other features: MP3, FM Radio, Bluetooth, WI-FI connection
For Customers who want to enjoy life, are savvy spenders yet still want to stay connected – Be IMO – Be Different – IMO Mobile
Customers can buy the IMO Q4 Pro 2021 from Tesco Mobile for £64.99
For more information about IMO Q4 Pro 2021 and other products, please visit https://www.imomobile.co.uk/product/imo-q4-pro-2021/
IMO Launches IMO Dash 4G with Tesco Mobile
– the most affordable 4G feature phone
London, UK 17th August 2021 – IMO has just announced the launch of the IMO Dash 4G, the upgraded version of their very successful IMO Dash (3G), already available from Tesco Mobile. The IMO Dash 4G is the best value feature phone with 4G connectivity on the market and provide a great customer experience at a class-leading price.
The IMO Dash 4G is excellent for making calls and sending messages and handles internet tasks well on its clear 2.4” colour screen thanks to the 4G data connectivity. Its 2MP rear camera allows you to take pictures on the go and share easily on social media or via Bluetooth. The device boasts an incredibly long-life replaceable battery of 1500mAh, so you won’t have to charge every day. With a great battery it means you don’t need to worry about using all its capability and can make as many calls as you like, or listen to its built-in FM radio all morning. This light and stylish phone has sleek design and a comfortable-to-use physical keypad. You also get alarm clock, calculator, calendar, audio video recorder and expandable memory up to 32GB via the MicroSD card slot.
The IMO Dash 4G is a great phone for everyday use. It can be an excellent option if you are off to a music festival, going on a holiday, or just as a spare or secondary handset at work or to leave in the car in case of emergencies. It can also be an ideal easy-to-use phone for those who want simplicity.
Chris Edwards, the Chief Marketing Office at IMO commented: “Our previous IMO Dash is one of the best-selling feature phones on the market. We listened to the different needs of the customers and are launching our 4G version whilst maintaining the best value in the market. We are launching this device with Tesco Mobile, and we at IMO are continuing our commitment to making technology affordable for everyone. “
The IMO Dash 4G black is now available from Tesco Mobile at £19.99 – customers can save an additional £10 when buying the phone with a top-up. The white version will be available from Tesco Mobile around October.
For more information on the IMO Dash 4G, please visit: https://www.imomobile.co.uk/product/imo-dash-4g/
Product Specifications
IMO Dash 4G
Connectivity: 4G
Display: 2.4” colour display
Camera: 2MP rear camera
Security: PIN code
Chipset: SC T107
Memory: 48MB RAM + 128MB ROM, Micro SD card slot, expandable to 32GB
Battery: 1500 mAh
Dimensions: 125.3*52*13.9mm
Weight: 102g
Other features: FM Radio, Bluetooth, Torch, Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, etc
About IMO:
We are a UK-based company that develops and markets a wide range of ‘Connected Everywhere’ products that are available to many countries across Europe. Our business has evolved from designing and manufacturing devices for many major global customers, to building and marketing a range of products under our own IMO brand. Our products span many categories from mobile handsets and wireless routers to fixed routers & multiservice access gateway. While positioning ourselves as an agile innovative challenger brand in the market we pride ourselves on the efforts and resource we invest in quality of delivery, from our manufacturing source to the end consumer. Our leadership team is made up of a group of experienced and successful industry professionals, with a strong business credibility, who have built an organisation that delivers reliability to all our customers & partners.
For more information about IMO, please visit: www.imomobile.co.uk.
“Imagine… you’ve had the busiest day ever and solved myriad opportunities at work and really actually held the entire ship together almost singlehandedly ….. AGAIN! Just imagine then arriving home and melting into an endorphin-releasing evening listening to Mozart… with a glass or two of endorphin-releasing Spirited Euphoria you can ramp up the tremendous feel-good sensation of relaxation and just melt into the night…with no ‘morning after’ feeling! Merci, best wishes…. enjoy!…. its delightful tasting, so lovely to drink; I just relaxed immediately!” The InTouch Rugby Relaxation editor!
See more at :- www.edispirits.com
“Imagine… you’ve had the busiest day ever and solved myriad opportunities at work and really actually held the entire ship together almost singlehandedly ….. AGAIN! Just imagine then arriving home and melting into an endorphin-releasing evening listening to Mozart… with a glass or two of endorphin-releasing Spirited Euphoria you can ramp up the tremendous feel-good sensation of relaxation and just melt into the night…with no ‘morning after’ feeling! Merci, best wishes…. enjoy!…. its delightful tasting, so lovely to drink; I just relaxed immediately!” The InTouch Rugby Relaxation editor!
See more at :- www.edispirits.com
Use up those leftover sprouts this Christmas with these tasty recipes
Fusilli with Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Basil & Parmesan
Medium difficulty
Prep – 15 minutes
Cooking – 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 box Barilla® Fusilli
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
250g Brussels sprouts, shaved
120ml dry White wine
1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced thin
60g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook pasta according to package directions
2. Meanwhile, in a pan sauté garlic with olive oil and just before it turns golden add the brussels sprouts and sauté over high heat for 2-3 minutes
3. Add wine and reduce quickly, season with salt and pepper
4. Drain pasta, reserving around 120ml of pasta-cooking water
5. Add pasta-cooking water to brussels sprouts mixture; toss mixture over high heat
6. Remove from the heat. Toss with cheese and top with basil
Barilla is available on shelf now at most major retailers. RRP £1.29 (excluding lasagne at £1.50).
Spaghetti with Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts, Sage & Romano Cheese
Easy difficulty
Prep – 15 minutes
Cooking – 15 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 box Barilla® Spaghetti
4 tablespoons butter
450g Brussels sprouts
6 sage leaves
170g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Bring two pots of water to a boil
2. In one pot, boil the brussels sprouts for 8 minutes in salted water. Drain and cut in quarters
3. Place the butter in a pan over medium heat and cook until it turns slightly brown, then add sage and the brussels sprouts. Brown over high heat and season with pepper
4. In the second pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Then drain, reserving 120ml of the pasta’s cooking water
5. Toss pasta with the brussels sprouts and cooking water. Finish with parsley and cheese before serving
Barilla is available on shelf now at most major retailers. RRP £1.29 (excluding lasagne at £1.50).
Penne with Basilico, Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms & Romano Cheese
Medium difficulty
Prep – 10 minutes
Cooking – 15 minutes
Serves 7
Ingredients:
1 box Barilla® Penne
1 jar Barilla® Basilico Sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
450g Brussels Sprout, quartered
150g Mushrooms, chopped
170g Romano cheese, grated
1 tablespoon parsley
130ml cup water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil
2. In a large pan, sauté the garlic in olive oil until it is light yellow in colour – about 1 minute
3. Add the quartered brussels sprouts and sear on all sides
4. Add chopped mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper
5. Add the sauce and water, bring to a simmer
6. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and toss with sauce
7. Toss with cheese and parsley to finish
Barilla is available on shelf now at most major retailers. RRP £1.29 (excluding lasagne at £1.50).
Buon Natale from Seggiano… Truly artisanal Italian festive food
The Christmas collection from Seggiano celebrates truly artisanal festive food from producers in Italy who have been perfecting their craft for generations. Top quality ingredients are at the heart of the recipes, with products curated into a bespoke collection perfect for gifting, or simply for enjoying with family and friends at special times.
Whether it’s the evocative flavour of lemons from Sorrento used to make Amalfi Coast limoncello panettone, or the earthy undertones of candied chestnuts from Cuneo, the small team at Seggiano carefully sources every single one of their products from specialist, innovative producers, making for a truly magical and luxury festive range.
SEGGIANO PANETTONE COLLECTION
Chestnut Panettone
This artisan sourdough panettone is naturally leavened with a 40-year-old mother yeast which brings incredible depth of flavour. Master baker, Beniamino’s skill guarantees a deliciously moist cake, made with organic free range eggs, local acacia honey and rich marrons glacés (candied chestnuts).
Price: £15.45 for 500g cake
Chocolate Panettone
The latest addition to the Seggiano panettone collection. This decadent chocolate panettone from the Lombardy region of Italy is made with only the finest organic eggs and butter. The dough is fragrantly light, yet deliciously rich and chocolatey.
Price: £16.45 for 500g cake
Limoncello Panettone
The evocative flavour of Sorrento lemons that are used to produce the Amalfi Coast limoncello liqueur for this panettone sing through in every bite. Baked by Seggiano’s expert baker Beniamino in his Lake Garda bakery, this heavenly panettone is layered with creamy limoncello marmalade.
Price: £16.45 for 500g cake
Classic Panettone
Baked in small batches and hung using the traditional method for the festive season only, Seggiano’s classic panettone is crafted by a master baker in Brescia, who has been making the infamous dolci for over forty years. This artisan panettone is naturally leavened and the recipe includes organic eggs, local acacia honey and candied citrus peel.
Price: £13.95 for 500g cake
Bonci Panbriacone
Sourced from the world renowned Bonci pasticceria, this impressive panettone has been soused in sweet wine to create what translates as a ‘drunk cake’. Unwrapping it evokes a heady aroma which will transport you to the hills of Tuscany.
Price: £25.15 for 750g cake, £18.40 for 450g cake
Vin Santo Individual Panettone – Classic / Chocolate
Individual sized panettoni that have been soaked in sweet DOC Vin Santo del Chianti are a wickedly delicious treat. With or without chocolate chunks, they make for a winning dessert or late afternoon nibble. Do as the Italians do and serve with a thimble of Vin Santo on the side.
Price: £7.65 for 120g cake
FESTIVE PRODUCTS PERFECT FOR GIFTING
Baked Calabrian Fig Ball
A showstopper on a cheese board. Peel back layers of dried fig leaves to discover the sticky slow-baked figs inside. The liquorice caramel flavours pair amazingly with a salty pecorino ewe’s milk cheese. A fabulous stocking filler for a foodie!
Price: £5.40
Panforte – Traditional / Chocolate / Fig & Walnut
A lesser known festive speciality, panforte is popular medieval speciality of Siena. A slice or two of the fig and walnut variety balance perfectly with cheese, or toasted slithers of the traditional panforte made with almonds and candied peel are a great accompaniment with creamy desserts. For those who like to keep it simple a slice of the traditional panforte pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee.
Varieties: Traditional made from candied citrus peel, rich spices and almonds. Chocolate which has a rich covering of dark cocoa powder to cut through the spice of the panforte. Fig & Walnut which has a natural sweetness from the figs, combined with smooth creaminess from the walnuts.
Price: Traditional: £9.95 for 400g, £4.40 for 100g. Chocolate: £9.95 for 400g, £4.40 for 100g. Fig & Walnut: £6.10 for 200g slice
Chocolate Fig Salami
From a Calabrian pasticceria in Cosenza, this delicious ‘salami’ is a heady combination of figs, fruit, nuts and chocolate. Eye-catching on a cheese board, or better still sliced and served alongside a digestif at the end of a festive meal.
Price: £6.00 for 180g salami
Cioccolateria – Chocolate Dipped Figs / Clementines
Lovingly created on the toe of Italy in a tiny family cioccolateria, this dolcetti has now been made for over a century, using speciality fruits and nuts of the region. Indulgent and heavenly figs drenched in rum or cherry liquor feature alongside clementines, all of which are generously dipped in the highest quality dark chocolate.
Price: Chocolate Rum Figs (120g): £7.55. Chocolate Cherry Figs (140g): £7.55. Chocolate Clementines (120g): £7.55
Balsamics for Cooks Set
The beautifully viscous fig balsamic glaze sits alongside a refreshingly crisp organic white balsamic vinegar. These chef grade balsamics add depth of flavour to fine festive dishes.
Includes: 1 x Super Dense Fig Balsamic Glaze 250ml, 1 x Organic White Balsamic Vinegar 250ml
Price: £21.55
Olive Wood Cheese Grater
Great for aged pecorino and parmesan, these box graters made from olive wood are beautiful enough to bring direct to the table. The smaller size can also be used for nutmeg or lemon zest.
Sizes: Small – 7 x 12.5cm. Medium – 8.5 x 16.5cm. Large – 9.5 x 19.5cm
Price: Small: £10.55. Medium: £14.65. Large: £17.85
Olive Wood Chopping / Cheese Boards
Beautiful olive wood boards make a stunning cheese platter, or can even be used for every day chopping. The shapes of these boards are wonderfully random.
Sizes: Small – approx 0.5-1kg. Medium – approx 1kg. Large – approx 1-1.5kg. Extra Large – approx 1.5-2kg
Price: Priced based on the weight of the wood at £18.70 per kilo
Lunaio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This incredible organic olive oil from the ancient groves of Monte Amiata in Tuscany has a distinctive flavour with a creamy texture, nutty taste and a balanced pepperiness. Once you’ve had a taste of this oil made from the new harvest you’ll struggle to look at olive oil in the same way again. Accompanied with a stainless steel and cork pourer. A set of the three sizes makes a truly wonderful gift.
Price: 250ml: £7.65. 500ml: £13.15. 1,000ml: £23.25
Seggiano’s Christmas collection is available direct from Seggiano.com for home delivery in the UK & NI. Many of the products are seasonally produced in line with local tradition so availability dates can vary, what this guarantees is incredible freshness and therefore the very best in flavour and quality.
Last orders for delivery before Christmas Day to be placed on 17th December.
Fall has officially arrived and the temperatures are beginning to drop more and more each day. As readers look for delicious libations to keep them warm, why not suggest the Velvet White Russian by Disaronno Velvet and Russian Standard? A product of the two brands’ collaboration this year, the Velvet White Russian is a unique twist on the iconic White Russian cocktail, combining 1 part Disaronno Velvet, 1 part Russian Standard Original Vodka and 2 parts cream, served in a rocks glass over ice.
The Velvet White Russian blends the creamy hints of toffee and apricot from Disaronno Velvet with the traditional Russian vodka wheat taste and aromas of fresh baked-bread from Russian Standard Original Vodka. A unique variation on the classic recipe, the Velvet White Russian elevates the use of an Italian cream liqueur combined with a classic Russian-style vodka. The Velvet White Russian is a perfect accompaniment to keep warm during the fall and winter months, whether fireside with friends or in the comfort of your own home.
Both Disaronno Velvet and Russian Standard Original Vodka are available nationwide. The suggested retail price for Disaronno Velvet is $29.99 and the suggested retail price of Russian Standard Original Vodka is $17.99.
GIVE THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS THIS CHRISTMAS WITH CHICCO
With Christmas fast approaching, Chicco’s 2021 Gift Guide brings together a range of exciting toys which provide hours of fun for little ones, and encourage physical, intellectual and cognitive growth. Suitable for newborns through to pre-schoolers, here are our top picks for little ones this Christmas.
2 years+: Chicco Goal League Pro, RRP £29.99, available from Very
For mini football fans, the Goal League Pro can be used indoors or out to encourage accuracy, coordination and agility through the fun of movement. This electronic net has interactive sounds, flashing lights and 25 different melodies. You can choose from three modes of play – Penalty Shots where every shot on target is rewarded with a cheering crowd sound; Golden Goal where it’s a race against the clock; and Challenge, which allows children to play with a friend to see who scores five goals first.
2 years+: Chicco Balance Bike, RRP £34.99, available from Amazon
The Chicco Balance Bike is the ideal first bicycle, helping little ones move around with confidence. Children will get to grips with balancing on two wheels, helping them to progress onto a real bike with pedals. The bike also encourages children to explore, allowing them to be free to go where they choose! Available in Red Bullet or Pink Arrow, the height adjustable handlebars and saddle means that it will perfectly suit any child between the ages of 2 to 5 years old.
Newborn +: Rainbow Sky Bed Arch, RRP £24.99, available from Amazon
Dream of a land somewhere over the rainbow with Chicco’s 2-in-1 Rainbow Sky Bed Arch. Combining a magical rainbow archway over the crib and a removable nightlight, you can light up the room with a beautiful pattern and soothing melodies to help little one drift off to sleep. After 6 months, the arch element can be removed, and the star module can be used independently and continue to shine brightly as a portable bedside nightlight. Easily attachable to most wooden beds and cribs.
2 years+: Jump ‘N Fit, RPR £19.99, available from Very
A modern version of the classic children’s game, hopscotch, the Jump ‘N Fit is an electronic mat with lights and sounds that come on as the child plays. It features two game modes; toss the coin to play hopscotch or throw the dice to play in fitness mode. Helping children to develop their motor skills and precision, the fitness mode instructs them to complete a certain exercise depending on which side the dice lands on, whilst hopscotch mode allows them to enjoy a timeless classic.
10 months+: Sense n Focus Sensory Table, RPR £34.99, available from Very
The perfect aid to allow little one to explore their senses and develop the ability to focus! From the soft textured chameleon to music-activated shape sorter, each part of Chicco’s Sensory Table is rich with manual activities and light, musical and physical stimuli to stimulate children’s senses and provide hours of interactive fun. Just remove the table legs to allow easy transportation, and floor play when little one is too young to stand.
MONTEZUMA’S CHOCOLATE IS SLEIGH-IN’ IT WITH ITS EXTRAORDINARY 2021 CHRISTMAS RANGE
The ultimate selection of handcrafted chocolate gifts for the whole family!
Looking for a selection of sustainable, handcrafted, extraordinary gifts this Christmas? Yule love Montezuma’s new 2021 Christmas range.
Spread some festive cheer with a spectacular treat from Britain’s Greatest Little Chocolate Company. Known for creating brilliant and unique flavour combinations, the premium Christmas range is carefully handcrafted in its Chichester-based factory and comes in 100% recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging – what’s not to like?
The brand-new Christmas range includes Montezuma’s popular selection of Advent Calendars, quirky Chocolate Bar Library, mouth-watering Chocolate Snowballs, and chunky Chocolate Snowmen.
ADVENT CALENDARS
Truffle Advent Calendar
There is no better way to begin and end the festive season than with Montezuma’s Truffle Advent Calendar, filled with a deliciously decadent selection of its best-selling truffles.
Consisting of milk chocolate and salted caramel (American Idol), dark chocolate (Eclipse), milk chocolate & hazelnut praline (Secret Squirrel), and white chocolate with raspberry (Sweet summertime), there is nothing richer or creamier than these top tier selections. This is sure to get you out of bed each morning!
£29.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
Absolute Black, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Advent Calendars
Back again to mark another joy-filled festive season, the iconic Absolute Black, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Advent Calendars have landed within this year’s Montezuma’s Christmas range. With three decadent options to choose from and made from the finest quality organic beans, combined with rich organic milk and finished off with 100% recyclable packaging, these advent calendars will certainly do the trick to make someone’s Christmas. Great for kids and big kids alike!
£9.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY
At Montezuma’s – feasting comes first, and this exceptional gift is the perfect taster of some of Montezuma’s much loved bars. Perfect as a stocking filler or a present for your Secret Santa, The Chocolate Library includes three of Montezuma’s best-selling bars and two limited edition Christmas inspired flavours.
£14.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
CHOCOLATE SNOWBALLS
Made for sharing but perhaps one to keep for yourself… Montezuma’s Chocolate Snowball’s have returned. Packaged in nifty bags and filled with festive flavours, the snowballs boast a smooth ganache and creamy white shell. Choose from fragrant peppermint & truffle vanilla, salted caramel & white chocolate and peanut butter white chocolate – certain to tickle your taste buds!
£4.49
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
CHUNKY CHOCOLATE SNOWMEN
Christmas is all about coming together with your loved ones, and these Chunky Chocolate Snowmen are always a hit with the whole family. Coming in a box of 8 and featuring three flavours to pick from, these solid vegan-friendly treats are the perfect stocking filler or gift. Choose from dark chocolate & peppermint, milk chocolate & mandarin and 100% cocoa Absolute Black.
£6.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
Say hello to the world’s kindest advent calendar
The Christmas season is fast approaching and there is nothing quite like a good advent calendar to assist with the count down. As much as we love a chunk of chocolate to start the day, why not change up your tradition this year and join the kindness movement with an ‘Inspire Advent Tree’.
The Inspire Advent Tree is an interactive, freestanding wooden count down calendar with 24 magnetic wooden shapes, one for each day of advent. Each numbered shape has a festive picture or print on one side and an act of kindness to carry out that day on the other. The calendar is aimed at children three and over and includes actions such as ‘Donating a toy to charity’ and ‘Paying someone a compliment’.
Founders Ben and Caroline Floyd set up ‘Inspire’ during the early days of Covid-19 lock down, as a way of teaching their children about the importance of helping people in need and to be able to raise funds for UK charities who were struggling in the pandemic.
Caroline said ‘‘We all crave moments of fun as a family, particularly in December. The Inspire Advent Calendar aims to bring you those moments of joy, while also teaching your kids the impact of kindness – how good it can make them and those around them feel. And we love that the beautiful wooden design can be used year after year to make memories and add to your family Christmas decorations.”
The Inspire Advent Tree is just the beginning of an exciting line of products, which will be available throughout the year to inspire kindness in every season.
Co-Founder Ben said ‘All profits are donated to charity and this initial product will be raising funds for ‘Best Beginnings’, a charity we have been so inspired by, working to give every child the best start in life.’
The Inspire Advent Tree retails for £45 and is available from https://inspire.charity/
Puro Sound Labs volume-limiting headphones a must for your Christmas gift guide – here’s a low-down on what is currently available …
The full range on Amazon.co.uk can be viewed here and the Amazon.com store here. We have also listed some of the best sellers below:
Puro Sound Labs PuroPro volume limiting, active noise cancelling adult headphones – will be available from Amazon.co.uk for £169/$199 and Amazon.com for $199
High res imagery is available HERE.
The PuroPro is the latest addition to the range, with a slick design and studio grade audio quality, providing adults with a listening experience that is both high quality and healthy. In keeping with the Puro Sound Labs mission to protect consumers’ hearing, the headphones are also volume limited to 85 dB for up to 8 hours per day, and 95 dB for up to 50 mins per day, as recommended by the World Health Organization. The headphones are equipped with Puro Balanced Response® Curve technology, engineered to deliver an amazing listening experience with clear, crisp vocals, plus two adjustable ANC levels, ensuring that users can listen to their favourite tracks and podcasts undisturbed, or find their own space in shared environments.
The wireless Bluetooth v.5 headphones are complete with a lightweight, foldable design and matching hard cover carrying case and are ideal for travel, with long lasting batteries that provide up to 28 hours playtime with ANC, 32 hours without and 300 hours of standby time.
The PuroGamer Volume Limiting Gaming Headphones $64.99 on Amazon.com and £64.99 on Amazon.co.uk
High res imagery is available here
The PuroGamer headphones are designed specifically for gaming with a slick design, high quality audio through both sound and an omnidirectional, noise cancelling microphone. They are also volume limited to 85dB to ensure that there is no damage to gamers’ hearing health when there are explosions or other noises in gameplay. Featuring a 7.1 surround sound technology, the headphones allow gamers to immerse themselves into the world of their games and the 50mm graphene driver and response equaliser provides a balanced and safe sound. Additionally, the headphones have 82% ambient noise isolation at 1kHz to shut the rest of the world out. The Puro Balanced Frequency Response Curve also allows the PuroGamer’s to sound great even at lower listening levels and the game dialogue and sound effects to be heard clearly against the full spectrum of audio.
PuroQuiet Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphone – £102.49 on Amazon.co.uk and $99.99 on the Puro Sound Labs website. Available in pink, grey and blue
High res imagery is available here
The PuroQuiet was developed by a father who realised his 10 year old daughter had sustained Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from listening to music too loud, for too long. Finding no one was addressing this issue adequately, the family set about designing and developing the highest-quality, studio-grade, volume limiting to 85 decibels children’s headphone whilst still at an affordable price.
Made from high-quality aluminium, with plush noise-isolating ear-pads, the latest Bluetooth profiles for CD-like quality wireless audio, a highly sensitive microphone for taking calls or gaming with friends and up to 16-hours of active battery life the PuroQuiet headphones certainly deliver on audio quality and style. In addition to the sleek new design, the PuroQuiet headphones have an active noise cancellation feature found on high-end headphones that suppress ambient noise levels and provides a superior listening experience in even the loudest of environments. It blocks out daily noise and background sounds up to 22 dB, complemented by 82% noise isolation.
BT2200 Lightweight on-ear volume limited Bluetooth kid’s headphones – Available for £85.00 from Amazon and $99.00 on Amazon.com. Available in white, blue, grey, pink and purple
High res images are available here
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 come equipped with a volume restrictor of 85 dB to limit output that a child cannot go above. The 40 mm dynamic driver combining with 82% noise isolation renders sounds more clearly, with the dynamic range from 20Hz to 20kHz and less than 1% harmonic distortion. This studio grade audio quality together with the Puro Balanced Response® ensures the headphones deliver an amazing listening experience with clear, crisp vocals and full, dynamic bass all within 85 dB volume limit.
The BT2200 is made with high quality materials to help prevent the possibility of allergies whilst using the headphones in the wireless mode stops the dangers of possible cable entanglement and tripping.
The ultra-lightweight design allows children to enjoy their favourite tunes without pressure to head or ears. An adjustable headband completes the natural, fine-tuned fit whilst the protein leather ear cups offers the optimal in comfort.
Croatian Football Expands Media and Broadcast Rights
ENDORPHIN MAGINE, a leading international media platform and sports rights holder, is to expand its Croatian football portfolio following a ten-year licensing agreement for live media and broadcast rights, across all domestic league and cup competitions, with the Croatian Football Federation.
ENDORPHIN MAGINE’s multi-year agreement with Indonesian broadcaster PT Global Media Visual (Mola TV) will package live and delayed media rights footage across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy commencing from 2022/23 season up until 2025. This is a first step in a wider expansion plan to bring the Croatian Football League to as many fans around the globe as possible.
Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Federation said: “We are pleased to hear about this agreement which confirms the global appeal of our First Division. We are certain that Mola TV audience will enjoy watching Croatian football because our First Division has never been more interesting, competitive, and exciting. This multi-year agreement proves that we selected a great partner in Endorphin Magine who will help us develop and promote Croatian football across the globe.”
David Johnson, CEO at ENDORPHIN MAGINE said: “This is an extremely exciting time for Croatian football, we are breaking into new territories and can now stream and broadcast to over 300 million additional fans internationally, adding to its rapid growth in popularity and Top-20 UEFA ranking. We are delighted to have an ongoing partnership with PT Global Media Visual (Mola TV) a market leader in its territory. It is testament to the recent successes for the international and league teams that Croatian Football is an exciting value proposition. The Croatian Football Federation is thrilled that Croatian football will be broadened into these new territories and wholeheartedly supports the new participants. The growing international exposure of Croatian football will further promote the clubs and players to these markets.”
Mirwan Suwarso at PT Global Media Visual (Mola TV official representative) said: Our company is constantly looking for new and exciting assets to enable us to create the best possible entertainment package for our users. The Croatian Football League has developed into a top tier Football experience. We are thrilled to enable our audience to watch and enjoy this in the best possible way for the first time. Our partnership with Endorphin Magine fits in perfectly with our vision for expanding our sports offering”.
ENDORPHIN MAGINE manages sports rights, content and media IP portfolios across the globe.
PT Global Media Visual (Mola TV) is a multi-platform service for cable television, PTV, live and on-demand video, and over-the-top video in Indonesia and Timor- Leste. Mola.tv offers premium channels, sports content and thousands of on-demand titles. In addition, Mola.tv also presents film content and special programs for children from various genres in Indonesia and abroad. To learn more, visit https://mola.tv and follow on LinkedIn and Facebook.
New: Owners Manual for Parents
New parents often complain that their baby doesn’t come with an owner’s manual . . . but there is one now!
The recently released book Raising 4 Dimensional Children in a 2 Dimensional World guides parents on what to do and when to do it, to help children of any age – newborns to teens – reach new developmental milestones.
This new book is unique in several ways:
First, it addresses the needs of children in the 4 dimensions of human experience: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. No other book I am aware of takes this approach.
Second, it is based on the l atest research in developmental child psychology, with hundreds of references to papers by experts.
Third, it provides over 400 age-appropriate activities parents can enjoy with their children, based on the child’s capabilities at each stage of development.
Fourth, it addresses the common issue that kids are spending too much time on their phones and computers, and not enough time in the real world.
Finally, it makes the information affordable to everyone, as parents can buy the chapter appropriate for their child’s age for less than a dollar.
The author, Tim McCarthy, has a Master’s Degree in Education and a Grandmaster rank in the martial arts. His unique perspective combining Eastern and Western educational principles provides new and interesting insights.
You can learn more about the book at https://4d-2d.com. Of course we will send you a paperback or an e-copy to review if you are interested
Pets Christmas gift guide – present shopping can be a walk in the park!
It’s officially less than 100 days until Christmas and for many families across the country, they now have an extra four legged friend joining them around the Christmas tree.
If you’re pulling any pet-specific gift guides, I have a few clients who might be of interest. I’ve listed the details below and can arrange samples of each if you require as well as images (both cut out and lifestyle) if needed so just let me know.
Snuggy
With so many fans taking pictures of their dogs cuddled up to them in their Snuggy, the founders created a hooded blanket for pooches, too. And what better gift than a matching Snuggy? Available in navy, grey and pink this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to match with their canine friend.
Kath and Kin
Give that personal touch this year with Kath & Kin’s gorgeous personalised dog bowls, labelled storage jars for treats and personalised storage boxes and caddies to keep leads and toys neat and tidy. What better way to organise your dog in time for the new year?
Pines and Needles
For those who are planning their first year managing a Christmas tree and a puppy, it can be daunting. We’ve got plenty of tips on how to puppy proof your tree and keep both your new pooch and your house safe from accidents, all from Christmas tree experts Pines and Needles.
Willie Harcourt-Cooze Celebrates One Year of making ‘The
Chocolates of his Dreams
Travel Inspired. Something Desired.
Editable Stories by Willie, Images, Videos and Editable Press Release are available to
download via this link. https://spaces.hightail.com/space/RikzQdR6BL
One year ago, in October 2020, the pioneering cacao farmer, global adventurer and
world-leading chocolatier found the solution to a problem that had been with him from the start
of his cacao adventures in 2008. He had never been able to make his ‘Magnificent Creations’,
which are, in his own words ‘the chocolates of his dreams’. The unusual ingredients needed
were either too expensive, too hard to get hold or, or the chocolates would need to be
completely handmade.
Inspired by meetings with remarkable artisan producers all over the world and a desire to
evoke and share the food memories of places special to him, Willie had dreamt up countless
‘Magnificent Creation’ Chocolates. Some had lived only in his mind, others he shared just with
friends and family.
The frustration was the same as for any artist unable to share their ideas and creations with the world.
Then, during lockdown 2020, he had a brainwave that allowed him to unleash the wildest corners of his
imagination into his ‘Magnificent Creations’.
Willie’s Chocolate Tasting Club gives him the artistic freedom to produce a new set of his
limited-edition, bean to bar chocolates every month at his Chocolate Factory in Devon. It also gives his
fans the opportunity to sample his special chocolates and get a chocolate tasting experience every
month at a connoisseurs’ level. No other chocolate subscription is able to offer this. Once the
Magnificent Creation chocolates are gone, they’re gone!
● Magnificent Creations are the Chocolates of Willie’s Dreams, limited edition chocolates only
available to members of his Chocolate Tasting Club or in his Chocolate Tasting Boxes through his
online shop.
● With each Magnificent Creation comes a special food story, tales of inspiration from his
travels and the epic labours of love producing them – candying orange peel from scratch, days spent
caramelizing, months of macerating.
● This October marks the anniversary of the first ever Creations so we have 12 months of
these tales. Videos links and Transcripts of some of these stories are attached.
● Popular Magnificent Creations so far have included Papelon con limon, the Super Oishi
Black Garlic and Miso, Blueberry & Thyme, Hojicha (Toasted Sencha Tea) and Yuzu.
● Willie is a cacao farmer which gives him the knowledge to craft make his chocolate from
bean to bar. He uses 100% natural ingredients and the finest single estate cacaos, all with wildly
varying flavour profiles. Willie treats chocolate with the same deference as wine, pairing his cacaos
with other ingredients with flair and precision. Most other chocolate makers simply melt and remould
industrially made chocolate made from standard beans, using vanilla in the background to create a
generic chocolate taste.
Willie’s Cacao Press Release – 15th September 2021 (PDF)
Further information www.williescacao.com
Willie Harcourt-Cooze is a chocolate pioneer, something of a celebrity in the chocolate world and a
few years ago was a familiar face on our televisions. His dream of making the world’s best chocolate
was born on his Hacienda El Tesoro, high in the Cloud Forest in Venezuela, where he farmed cacao for
over a decade.
His often dramatic journey from his farm to setting up the UK’s first ‘bean to bar’ chocolate factory for
hundreds of years, was followed in two Channel 4 television documentaries that have since shown
around the world. These have been followed up with 2 recipe books, full of chocolate adventures and
recipes. He spends 3-4 months every year travelling the world seeking out exciting new beans in
remote jungles, or doing talks on chocolate.
● Willies Chocolate Tasting Club Info
Subscribers receive a Chocolate Tasting Box through their letterbox exploring a
certain theme each month. Past examples are Discover the Flavours of Japan,
Exploring Citrus, Nuts for Nuts and Summer Berries. August Box is Tropical.
● 10 ‘Bean to Bar’ chocolates in each box
● Including 2 Magnificent Creations made especially for the box.
● Choose All Dark (vegan) or Mixed, which include dark, milk and white bean to
bar chocolates.
● Willie’s Tasting Guide and Flavour Map included with every box
● Occasional free Live Online ‘Taste Along’ events hosted by Willie
● Free postage
● Best value – most economical way to discover bean to bar chocolate and single
estate cacao.
● Flexible – 3,6 or 12 month options, cancel anytime.
Unistellar and Nikon Redefine Consumer Astronomy with eVscope 2:
Jaw-dropping imagery and thrilling scientific discovery at the touch of a finger
LONDON, 14th SEPTEMBER, 2021: The New Astronomy pioneers at Unistellar are ushering in a new era of space exploration with the launch of the eVscope 2, the world’s most powerful digital telescope for consumers.
Unistellar’s eVscope 2 integrates newly developed, cutting-edge technology to its legendary eVscope and features Nikon’s Electronic Eyepiece technology. eVscope 2 users experience the beauty and secrets of deep space, faster and clearer than ever before; they can also challenge the frontiers of our knowledge in partnership with scientists, through daily user-friendly observation campaigns.
“The eVscope 2 is a leap forward for New Astronomy and is helping fuel a significant cultural and scientific shift,” said Laurent Marfisi, Unistellar’s chief executive officer. “Through Unistellar’s digital telescope leadership, combined with Nikon’s optical expertise, space-lovers can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Universe – no rocket required. While enjoying the colors and details of nebulae and galaxies, they can also contribute to increasing our knowledge in Space through citizen science.”
A visually stunning, out-of-this world observing experience in partnership with Nikon
A defining feature of the eVscope 2 is its visually spectacular eyepiece, developed by Nikon. A sophisticated array of lenses, sourced from Nikon’s world-class optical labs, provide a level of visual definition and clarity that is unsurpassed in a consumer digital telescope. This significant improvement in optical quality delivers better observing comfort and eye-relief, the perfect complement to Unistellar’s Enhanced Vision technology. The result: A captivating, immersive observation with rich contrast, perfectly black images, and unparalleled deep space views.
The cutting-edge eVscope 2 also features a new light sensor, offering higher-resolution, pin-sharp image definition and Unistellar’s newly-developed Super Resolution technology. The eVscope 2 reaches a resolution of 7.7 megapixels, the highest resolution of any digital telescope, ensuring a high degree of detail and zoom-ability. Meanwhile, a wider field of view allows observers to enjoy colossal space objects like the majestic Orion nebula.
All while staying true to Unistellar’s signature smart telescope design, enabling stargazers without prior experience to observe deep-sky objects from their backyards, even in light-polluted skies.
Powerful scientific device with unprecedented simplicity and speed
The eVscope 2’s extreme versatility attracts a wide range of Space-curious audiences, who each appreciate the telescope’s unprecedented combination of speed, convenience and power. New hobbyists can grow their skill with an outstanding yet user-friendly device. Advanced astronomers benefit from a portable device that can quickly collect valuable scientific data from remote locations. Outreach professionals and educators can delight audiences with fast, sharp, colorful views of the Universe.
Although it’s a dynamic scientific instrument, the eVscope 2 is fast and easy to use and set up, even for novices, ensuring more time for observation. The portable, automated, all-in-one telescope allows any user to explore space on “Night 1,” and quickly get started hunting asteroids, hopping across galaxies, and gazing at the beauty of nebulae.
The accompanying Unistellar app contains educational information and offers viewing recommendations for galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and more, based on your geography and time of day. Users can save or browse images, live-stream observations, and connect up to 10 nearby observers to the telescope.
“Amateur astronomy typically requires a dark sky location, complex gear assembly, time-consuming setup, often hours of image processing – plus the knowledge to bring it all together,” said Marfisi. “With the eVscope 2, anyone can join a quick half-hour observation session and enjoy numerous colorful deep space objects, even from a down-town balcony. Our technology is helping astronomy to finally play a role in people’s daily lives.”
Space science success connects a global community of observers
The eVscope 2 is the latest addition to Unistellar’s family of powerful, simple-to-operate digital telescopes that allow scientists, astro-enthusiasts and novices alike to discover the universe in a way that’s fun and meaningful.
The Unistellar community—now with more than 5,000 users across the globe—has already experienced breathtaking outer space observations while decisively contributing to space science, from identifying and modeling a near-Earth asteroid to detecting an exoplanet orbiting near a distant star.
Without advanced training, the eVscope 2 can be used to detect asteroids, exoplanets, comets, supernovae and more, helping expand our knowledge of the universe, or providing invaluable data to support space agency missions. Professional astronomers around the globe, including those at the world-renowned SETI Institute, have hailed the scientific value of Unistellar’s telescopes.
“With Unistellar’s eVscope 2, you no longer need a rocket ship to explore the Universe and make your dream of space discovery come true,” Marfisi said. “The new era of technology that gave rise to Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX is paralleled by a similar, and far more democratic era of New Astronomy for telescopes, that empowers wider audiences to pioneer space exploration.”
Learn more about the Unistellar eVscope 2 at unistellaroptics.com/evscope2. The Universe Awaits.
See the eVscope 2 and Unistellar community in action throughout October
Throughout October, Unistellar is hosting in numerous free global events for anyone interested in joining the Unistellar community, experiencing the eVscope 2 or participating in citizen science:
Hunt for asteroids in support of NASA’s Lucy Mission (Oct. 1, 20 + 23). Lucy will be the first space mission to study the Trojan asteroids. Participate in citizen science using your scope, or tune in as the Unistellar community shares its journey to detect, observe and expand our knowledge of asteroids. Watch the eVscope 2 in action, and see how valuable data is collected by citizen scientists and analyzed by Unistellar’s professional astronomers.
Nurture the next generation of space explorers during World Space Week 2021: Celebrating Women in Space (Oct. 4-10). Join Unistellar’s mission to get 1 million girls around the world to discover space during World Space Week. Tune in to live space observations, hear from fascinating space scientists, and get fun space discovery activities. Learn how the eVscope is helping transform consumer space discovery. Open to all ages and genders.
Tune in to NASA’s Lucy Launch (Oct. 16). Unistellar astronomers and citizen scientists who contributed data to NASA’s Lucy Mission will attend the launch and share the experience via Unistellar’s Twitter account (@unistellar). Lucy’s 21-day launch window opens on Oct 16, 2021, and there will be about a 1-hour opportunity to launch every morning during that period. Lucy’s launch is planned for the first opportunity, at 5:34 am on Oct 16.
Open your eyes to Orion (Oct. 21). One of the world’s most famous constellations, Orion, returns to view this season, along with a host of famous deep sky objects that are embedded within it. Observe iconic nebulae, star clusters and more through the lens of eVscope 2 and the perspective of Unistellar users around the globe. While you’re at it, take a moment to enjoy the Orionid Meteor Shower, which peaks on Oct. 21.
Events are free and appropriate for all ages and scientific backgrounds. Find virtual events and archived videos at Unistellar’s YouTube channel. Stay tuned to Unistellar on Facebook for the latest updates and activities, or visit unistellar.com.
Unistellar eVscope 2 Specifications:
• Price: $4,199 USD, 3,799 €, £3,399.
• Pre-order today at unistellar.com
• Affilliate link: https://www.365astronomy.com/unistellar-evscope-equinox-smart-telescope-with-enhanced-vision,-autonomous-field-detection-smart-light-pollution-reduction
OBSERVATIONS
• High-Resolution Images: 3200 x 2400 pixels (7.7M pixels)
• Wider Field of View: 34 arcminutes x 47 arcminutes
• Separating power: 1.5 arcsecond
• Max Magnitude: <16 in medium quality night sky in under a minute, up to 18 in excellent conditions in a few minutes
• Digital Magnification: up to 400x (150x recommended maximum)
HARDWARE
• Best-in-class Nikon electronic eyepiece
• Optical Magnification: 50x
• Mirror Diameter: 4.5 in.
• Focal: 450 mm
• Motorized Alt-Az Mount with extreme tracking accuracy thanks to Automated Celestial Tracking with Feedback
• Weight: 19.8 lbs. (9kg) including tripod
• 10h of battery autonomy
• Premium, padded backpack for storage and comfortable carrying
ELECTRONICS
• New Sensor Model: IMX 347
• More Powerful Calculator
• Storage capacity: 64 GB
OTHER KEY FEATURES
• Citizen science missions supplied by Unistellar, SETI Institute, and other scientific institutions.
• Up to 10 devices can connect at once, or live-stream your observations through social media.
• Easy operation using a smartphone or a tablet.
• Autonomous Field Detection for a fully automated star alignment procedure in 10 seconds.
• Smart light pollution reduction.
• Catalog of 5,400 objects to choose from. List of recommended objects based on the time, date, and location of the controlling smartphone.
• Enhanced Vision: Integrated intelligent image processing.
About Unistellar:
Unistellar is the start-up behind the eVscope 2 and the eVscope eQuinox, the world’s most powerful and simple-to-operate digital telescopes that bring the wonders of the universe to life in seconds—even in light-polluted urban settings. Thanks to a partnership with the SETI Institute, these game-changing consumer telescopes allow users to become citizen scientists and contribute to cutting-edge research on exoplanet transits, asteroid occultations, comets, and much more.
Unistellar’s previous flagship telescope, named eVscope, received a CES Innovation Award in 2018 in the Tech for a Better World category and was nominated for a SXSW 2019 Innovation Award. More than 5,000 Unistellar digital telescopes are now operating in Europe, Japan, and North America, and their users are participating in an unprecedented observing experience.
About Nikon
Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, utilizing advanced technologies, Nikon offers a wide range of products and solutions from digital cameras and binoculars to industrial precision equipment such as FPD and semiconductor lithography systems, microscopes, and measuring instruments, as well as for the healthcare field. In the future, Nikon will take advantage of Nikon’s core technologies to generate new core pillars of profit including the material processing business. Nikon strives to sustainably grow its enterprise value in the medium- to long-term.
KitchenAid offer a wide range of table-top appliances that make fabulous festive gifts for foodies.
NEW Limited Edition Light and Shadow Stand Mixer, RPP £699
The exceptional styling of this ultra-chic model contrasts the smooth sun-soaked sand tone of the stand mixer with the dark, studded, shadow-casting three-dimensional studs of the ceramic bowl.
NEW Bread Bowl with Baking Lid, RRP £149
Pairs with both the 4.3L and 4.8L iconic Tilt-Head Stand Mixer and easily mixes, kneads and proofs the bread and then you just pop it into the oven to bake. The lid traps the steam, while the durable ceramic bowl retains and delivers even heat throughout the baking process, giving the bread a crispy crust and thorough bake.
Cordless Collection
Gift your loved one the freedom to create anywhere, a clutter-free countertop and no tangled cords with the KitchenAid Cordless Collection, which includes:
Cordless 5-Cup Chopper, RRP £129
Cordless 7-Speed Hand Mixer, RRP £149
Cordless Hand Blender, RRP £129
All available from kitchenaid.co.uk
myFirst Headphones. Allow Children To Stay Aware of their Surroundings
Unlike traditional headphones, myFirst headphones use bone conduction technology to transmit sounds via the cheekbones. The technology leaves ears open to the surrounding sounds, meaning parents can get their child’s attention and most importantly, allowing children to listen to music and still be alert to their surroundings.
The headphones are wireless and can be connected via Bluetooth smartphones, tablets, or even watches to play music or audio from 15meteres away. They are unbreakable and featherlight weighing just 26 grams. Once fully charged they can be on standby for 480 hours and playback for 5 hours. They are water-resistant to IP66 meaning they can survive whatever a child does to them.
The audio is set to an appropriate volume, ensuring safe levels of listening to the child, not harming their ears, whilst being loud enough for them to enjoy their sounds without being closed off from the outside world. Designed with parents in mind, the headphones mean that parents can effectively communicate with children, whilst allowing a child to enjoy their own space in a safe environment.
The myFirst Headphones BC Wireless cost £74.50 from myFirst.Tech
Special Merrythought Teddy Bear Unveiled for
the Royal British Legion’s Centenary Poppy Appeal
Embargo – Thursday, September 9 – National Teddy Bear Day
Merrythought, Britain’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, has launched a new teddy bear to mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Handmade in Merrythought’s historic British factory, The Royal British Legion Poppy Bear will help to raise vital funds for serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, as well as their families and dependents.
Fourth-generation managing director Sarah Holmes said she is delighted to unveil this unique teddy bear.
“Myself and the team here at Merrythought are honoured to partner with the Royal British Legion during such a milestone year. The Poppy Appeal is supported up and down the country and is hugely important to the British public, so we’re immensely proud to be a part of it.”
The Poppy Bear is crafted from the finest, soft mohair plush in a rich, antique gold colour, and features chestnut brown pure wool felt paws. He is finished with a premium red satin bow, upon which two iconic poppies have been embroidered as symbols of remembrance and hope.
Sarah added that everyone has their own personal links to the forces and reasons to support the charity.
“For me, my grandfather Trayton Holmes proudly served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War before going on to become the Merrythought managing director in 1949,” she explained.
“Whether a gift for someone special, or a memento to remember a loved one by, this bear not only celebrates the huge milestone in the charity’s history, but I hope that it will be a much-loved member of people’s families for generations to come.”
Earlier this year Merrythought launched ‘The Royal British Legion Centenary Bear’, which is fully dressed in a detailed WW1 veteran’s outift, complete with replica medals and poppy pin badge.
The new Poppy Bear, which is filled with 100 per cent recycled fibre, has been made to a limited edition of 1921 pcs to mark the year the Royal British Legion was founded.
Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Royal British Legion, commented:
“We are pleased to be working with Merrythought on their Royal British Legion Poppy Bear, which makes a great keepsake for those wishing to mark our 100th birthday. For every bear sold, Merrythought will make a generous donation to the Royal British Legion to help continue our nation’s legacy of gratitude and support for our Armed Forces community.”
Merrythought teddy bears are world-renowned, each one handmade in a delicate, 15-stage process which uses the finest skills and natural materials.
The Royal British Legion Poppy Bear is priced at £145, with a minimum donation of £15 going to the charity. Each bear will be presented in an exclusive Royal British Legion x Merrythought 100 per cent cotton dust bag. Available from merrythought.com and other selected retailers on National Teddy Bear Day, 9 September 2021.
Finally… the announcement you’ve all been waiting for…
M&S FOOD BRINGS THE MAGIC & SPARKLE AND UNVEILS THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS MUST-HAVES
From STUNNING light-up gifts to premium pre-mixed cocktails from its brand new ‘The Marksologist’ range and luxurious golden blond chocolate treats (the chocolate EVERYONE is talking about!) Christmas truly starts here as M&S Food launches its festive ranges
The countdown to Christmas has begun as shoppers gear up for the biggest Christmas ever! Home of the hottest Christmas gifts, M&S Food announces THE Christmas must-haves this year, launching in stores up and down the country from tomorrow. So sharpen those elbows and get to your nearest store for NEW light-up snow globe liqueurs – yup, last year’s sell-out superstar gift gets even sparklier and more stylish. Plus, we reveal the FIRST EVER light-up chocolate box.
And it’s clear that Brits are ready to start the celebrations early this year. Last week alone, there were 500,000 searches for Christmas on the M&S website and already M&S has sold nearly 1,000 frozen turkeys as shoppers start prepping for the festive season.
So what will customers be going WILD for this year? Drumroll… the M&S Food Christmas gifts MUST-HAVES are announced:
1. IT’S BE-GIN-ING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS…
. *BREAKING GIN NEWS!*: Introducing this year’s hotly anticipated, MUST HAVE Christmas showstopper – our Light-Up Snow Globe Liqueurs! Our sell-out Snow Globe Liqueurs are back with two INCREDIBLE new flavours, brand new bottle designs, and silver leaf for the very first time! We give you NEW Spiced Sugar Plum Gin Liqueur complete with shimmery edible silver snowflakes; last year’s SELL-OUT favourite, the Clementine Gin Liqueur; and for the FIRST TIME, rum joins the line up with NEW Madagascan Vanilla Spiced Rum Liqueur. With gorgeous light-up bottles inspired by The Nutcracker ballet, these truly are the star of the show!
Available in ALL stores from tomorrow and online today – get yours now before the queues reach around the block!!
Clementine Light-Up Snow Globe Gin Liqueur, 70cl – £20
Spiced Sugar Plum Light-Up Snow Globe Gin Liqueur, 70cl – £20
Madagascan Vanilla Light-Up Snow Globe Rum Liqueur, 70cl – £20
2. LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW
Including the first ever light up chocolates!
Collection Magic & Sparkle Light-Up Chocolate Box, 345g – £20
Light-up snow globe liqueurs aren’t our only glittering news! Say hello to our UTTERLY gorgeous Collection Magic & Sparkle Chocolates – the FIRST EVER light-up chocolate box and the perfect way to ensure everyone’s Christmases are #lit this year.
Lift the lid on these delicious mini snow-dusted milk, dark, white and golden blond chocolate houses and watch the stars inside the box twinkle in a dazzling festive scene. It’s so pretty we guarantee you’ll be opening and closing it on repeat (any excuse to enjoy the next chocolate!).
And if our light-up liqueurs and chocolates weren’t enough, feast your eyes on our SUPER festive Shortbread Light-Up Houses! These totally terrific tins come in three colours and are filled with our signature all-butter Scottish shortbread, making them the perfect gifts for just a fiver each! And when the shortbread is all gone, they make ideal ornaments for the mantelpiece or dining table. Collect all three and create your own mini light-up village! And what goes best with shortbread… a decent cuppa of course! Look out for our stunning Luxury Tea Light-up Houses too.
Shortbread Light-Up Houses, 230g – £5 each
3. SHAKE UP YOUR DRINKS MENU THIS CHRISTMAS
Presenting: ‘The Marksologist’
Festive happy hour just stepped up a gear with ‘The Marksologist’: a collection of six premium, ready-to-drink cocktails created to the highest standard and designed to replicate the experience of a 5-star cocktail bar in your own home.
Tapping into the trend of ‘cocktail hour’ at home, our M&S expert mixologists have done ALL the hard work so you don’t have to, ensuring the cocktails are mixed to perfection and you can serve great tasting drinks every time – no cocktail knowledge or experience required!
Choose from classic favourites such as Espresso Martini (complete with REAL foamy head!), everyone’s favourite Passion Star Martini and the most incredible Margarita with a twist; the Verdita Margarita. Cheers!
The Marksologist Verdita Margarita, 50cl – £18
The Marksologist Espresso Martini, 50cl – £18
The Marksologist Passion Star Martini, 50cl – £18
Look out in store for other delicious cocktail favourites in the range – Clover Club, Golden Negroni, and Aged Rum & Cacao Old Fashioned (all 50cl / £18).
4. I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE GOLDEN BLOND CHRISTMAS…
Say hello to your new chocolate obsession: golden blond! A recent addition to the chocolate family, golden blond chocolate is THE flavour this Christmas and is made by slowly caramelising white chocolate over several hours.
It runs through many of our festive sweet treats this year, from our delicious Collection Golden Blond Chocolate Florentines and moreish Collection Golden Blond Chocolate & Nut Selection, to our utterly indulgent Triple Chocolate Panettone. We’re also launching a beautifully smooth Golden Blond Chocolate Cream Liqueur – cheers to that!
Golden Blond Chocolate Cream Liqueur, 70cl – £12
Collection Swiss Golden Blond Chocolate Florentines, 170g – £4
Collection Milk & Blond Chocolate Nut Selection, 150g – £3
Triple Chocolate Panettone, 750g – £10
Golden Blond Chocolate Spread, 400g – £3
5. CHOC-ING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE…
Add some Magical Mushrooms to the festivities
Collection Magical Mushrooms, 100g – £5
Chocolate fans rejoice! Who wouldn’t want to receive a stunning box of Magical Mushrooms at Christmas 😉 These beautiful hand-decorated Belgian milk and golden blond chocolates are filled with a rich Piedmont hazelnut praline centre. Incredibly delicious and totally stunning!
Christmas pudding flavour truffles – yes please! All the wonderfully rich flavours of a traditional Christmas pud are, for the first time ever, available in a mouth-watering chocolate truffle. Each bite brings all the wonderful layers of flavour you’d find in a Christmas pudding – fruity, warming and (most importantly) a little boozy.
Collection Christmas Pudding Truffles, 125g – £6
Collection Belgian Chocolate Luxury Biscuits, 380g, £8
Is this not the prettiest biscuit tin you’ve ever seen?! This stunning tin is filled with beautiful biscuits with hazelnut praline and salted caramel, smothered with indulgent Belgian chocolate. Better still, the tin can be kept and reused for gifts or as a stylish ornament.
A word from the creator of the ranges:
April Preston, Director of Product Development, said: “I can’t wait for customers to see the ULTIMATE collection of gifts we’ve created this year, bursting with that signature M&S magic you know and love! Our iconic light-up snow globe liqueurs have been given a new look and we have introduced a gorgeous spiced sugar plum flavour, along with our first ever rum liqueur – a must try!
“And it’s not just the globes that will be illuminated this year, with the world’s first light-up chocolate boxes as well as shortbread and tea tins that shine brightly. The chocolate everyone is talking about, golden blond, can be found in many of our sweet treats including our Magical Mushrooms – I’ll leave you to discover those! And how could we forget ‘The Marksologist’: our new range of premium pre-mixed cocktails that Tom Cruise would be proud of. There’s so MUCH more to come throughout the season, so keep your eyes peeled!”
Beloved Author Brings Romance Magic to the Big Screen
“Aloha with Love” by Lindy Miller to become film
The stunning success of Bridgerton on Netflix proved to entertainment executives that there is a huge audience hungering for the hope and solace offered by romance novels. And who better to satisfy that craving in the contemporary space than author Lindy Miller, whose delightful island romance, Aloha with Love, co-written with Terrence Brody, is on its way to becoming a film starring Trevor Donovan and Tiffany Smith, produced by Fade to Black Films, Branscombe Richmond, and Brian Bird of When Calls the Heart (Hallmark).
And now, Oren Kamara and the producers of Aloha with Love have optioned Miller’s book, The Magic Ingredient, as well.
Miller’s collaboration with screenwriter Brody sounds like something out of a romantic comedy—an award-winning author and analytics professor teams up with a New York Fire Department captain and screenwriter to bring a heartfelt story of love and Aloha spirit to the screen. In this case, it’s a professional collaboration that takes romance fans into the heart of ohana, or family, in Hawaii.
Miller is known for her feel-good romances featuring women who are charting their own destinies by taking charge of the decisions that affect their lives and careers. In Miller’s world, love doesn’t just happen—it’s a product of knowing yourself and learning your own worth. Her characters reflect the rich diversity of modern America and the obstacles that real women face.
NEW RELEASE COMING IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Her highly anticipated upcoming release, Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain, will be just in time for Christmas. Fashion editor Roxanne Hudson decides to head up to her family’s Vermont cabin for the holidays, which might be her beloved grandmother’s last Christmas. Too used to life in New York, Roxanne fails to heed weather warnings on her drive to the cabin. When she hears sleigh bells and something streaks across the snow-covered backroad, Roxanne hits the brakes and spins out. She wakes up in the arms of Mark Foster. The handsome park ranger not only helps Roxanne forget her ex-boyfriend and flailing design career, but his generosity playing Santa to impoverished mountain families helps her remember why she got into fashion: to be a voice for body positivity so everyone can feel beautiful in their own skin. Mark is the opposite of what Roxanne thinks she wants, but will her grandmother’s wisdom and her unexpected connection with Mark be enough to change the course of her future?
In Aloha with Love, Jenna Burke is having a terrible week. It was bad enough she lost a big job opportunity and was breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, but now her beloved Aunt May has passed. She heads home to Hawaii for the reading of the will, only to find out that she and her sisters have inherited Aunt May’s big Victorian with one provision—they must hire local contractor and personal annoyance Ben Fletcher to renovate it. As they work to put the old house back together, Jenna must decide between the life in the city she left behind and the new one she and Ben are building at home.
The beautiful shores of Bar Harbor, Maine is the setting for The Magic Ingredient. As summer tourist season winds down, Eve Silver is struggling to find something to keep her family’s tea shop afloat. She decides to bid on a catering contract for the upcoming Harvest Happening Festival. As she prepares for the festival, she meets widower Jeff Parrish, newly relocated from Manhattan with his 12-year-old daughter, Candy. Their contact sparks between them, but is it enough to inspire Eve to save the tea shop and open her heart to a little romantic magic?
The author is available for interviews to discuss a variety of topics related to her work, such as:
1) Having books adapted to film
2) Diversity/inclusivity in romance
3) Leading ladies who take their destinies into their own hands and find love along the way – rather than romance being the cornerstone of their story.
LINDY MILLER RYAN is an entrepreneur, award-winning analytics professor, and publishing professional. In 2011, Ryan became the co-founder of Radiant Advisors, a business intelligence research and advisory firm, where, as Research Director then Chief Operations Officer, she led the company’s editorial and research divisions, and its data enablement practice, for clients that have included 21st Century Fox Films, Warner Bros., and Disney. In 2017, Ryan founded Black Spot Books, an independent small press focused in speculative fiction, which was acquired by Vesuvian Media Group in 2019. Now an accomplished publishing professional, Ryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and was named as one of Publishers Weekly’s 2020 Star Watch Honorees. Ryan is a multi-genre award-winning and bestselling editor and author who writes clean, seasonal romance under the name Lindy Miller, where her books have received numerous awards and been adapted for screen. When she’s not immersed in books, Ryan is an avid historical researcher, with specific interest in nautical and maritime history, cryptozoology, and ancient civilizations. She is represented by Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management, supported by Meryl Moss Media, and is a member of numerous literary organizations, including the Horror Writers Association and the Romance Writers of America.
ALOHA WITH LOVE
By Lindy Miller with Terrence Brody
Rosewind Books; July 13, 2021
$14.95; 216 pages
ISBN: 1645480372
THE MAGIC INGREDIENT
By Lindy Miller
Rosewind Books; October 2020
$14.95; 288 pages
ISBN: 1645480399
SLEIGH BELLS ON BREADLOAF MOUNTAIN
By Lindy Miller
Rosewind Books; Decemeber 2021
$14.95
ASIN: B09C2RMGL8
JESSICA RICH COLLECTION
COLLABORATES
WITH SUPERSTAR SERAYAH
[ Los Angeles, CA ] Jessica Rich is excited to announce her collaboration with the star-studded, actress and singer Serayah. Dropping today, shoe-lovers will be able to shop from Serayah’s hand-picked shoe selection from the Jessica Rich brand.
Jessica Rich’s fearless footwear sets the tone for any occasion. The luxurious, high quality heels can be seen on runways and at Sunday Brunch. Known for her signature, clear PVC heels, shoe lovers can’t get enough! In addition, Jessica Rich has been seen on many A-list celebrities including Kylie Jenner, Cardi B, Normani, Saweetie, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Hedi Klum, Rita Ora and more.
The Starz drama series, “Black Mafia Family” actress Serayah says, “I absolutely love Jessica Rich Collection, and what better way to show that than a collaboration. Each piece I chose is a personal favorite and all-year-round must have.”
Shoe designer, Jessica Rich, is the first Black woman to ever have her shoes sold in Nordstrom, and has a store in the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, California. No doubt, Jessica is making a lasting impression in high-fashion.
As she continues to raise the high fashion bar, Jessica aspires to inspire other Black girls by reminding them to “Continue to work hard to make your dreams a reality”.
Jack Murphy Jewellers wins coveted UK Jewellery Award.
The winners of the nationally recognised UK Jewellery Awards 2021 were revealed on 1 September at The Brewery in London.
The UK Jewellery Awards, organised by leading jewellery and watch industry title Retail Jeweller, is this country’s longest-running and most prestigious trade awards event, established in 1993 to recognise the achievements of those working in the jewellery and watch sectors.
Jack Murphy Jewellers has won in the Store Design of the Year category and was praised by the UK Jewellery Awards’ expert judging panel for providing an elegant shopping experience in its redesigned store.
With 21 targeted categories, the awards cover every aspect of the industry, from jewellery design and ethical business practice through to customer service and successful retailing.
The UK Jewellery Awards is the most admired and relevant awards event in the jewellery and watch industry and provide trade recognition and unrivalled networking opportunities.
Ruth Faulkner, Editor, Retail Jeweller, said: “This year’s UK Jewellery Awards represented one of the first opportunities in almost 18 months for the industry to get together and celebrate the achievement of colleagues.
“Covid-19 has been challenging for so many businesses, especially those with a high street presence and so it was heartening to be able to award the efforts of so many companies which have not only survived the pandemic but thrived and emerged stronger as a result.
“The companies we celebrated at this year’s UK Jewellery Awards from across all areas of the industry and the supply chain must be applauded as the leading lights in our sector. So, to all our finalists and winners. Congratulations, they really are the very best in the business.”
For more information on the Retail Jeweller Awards 2021 go to
awards.retail-jeweller.com/winners-2021
Notes to Editors
About Retail Jeweller
Retail Jeweller is the UK’s leading provider of industry news, trend analysis and business advice for those working in the retail jewellery. Available online and in print, Retail Jeweller will ensure you always have access to the content you need.
About EMAP
EMAP is a content, subscription & networking business. We connect influential people & organisations to a high-value network of decision-makers, data and ideas through our industry-leading portfolio of brands including Drapers, Nursing Times and Architects’ Journal.
www.emap.com
How People Become Famous: Geniuses of Self-Marketing from Albert Einstein to Kim Kardashian by Rainer Zitelmann.(Management Books 2000 Ltd., ISBN: 9781852527891, November 24, 2021,$20.99,208 pages) The publisher is based in England and is a traditional publisher. The book is NOT SELF-PUBLISHED.
Here’s a summary of the book. The press release is copied and pasted below my signature and shows the shortcuts to fame. if you would like a review copy, please let me know where to send it.
The art of self-marketing has never been more important. Best-selling author Rainer Zitelmann shows how 12 of the most successful self-promoters of all time achieved their extraordinary fame. The celebrities featured come from a variety of backgrounds from politics to sport, fashion, show business and science. Each has their own technique and their own lessons to offer – essential reading for anyone wanting to create their own successful personal brand.
The book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble:
BARNES AND NOBLE
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-people-become-famous-rainer-zitelmann/1140045732
AMAZON
www.amazon.com/People-Become-Famous-Rainer-Zitelmann/dp/1852527897
Rainer includes a chapter about fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian , and other celebrities he considers geniuses of self-marketing, including Albert Einstein, Andy Warhol, Stephen Hawking, Muhammad Ali, Donald Trump, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Jobs.
Adults (singles parents), teens and even young kids are trying to become famous on tik-tok- and their social media platforms. Rainer’s book shows how 12 celebrities who are geniuses of self marketing effectively promoted themselves to success.
Pursuing fame is a difficult task, and those who succeed at it according to Rainer Zitelmann, a historian, sociologist, and author of 25 books, are masters of self-marketing, showcasing themselves effectively and attracting media attention.
He delves into this topic in newest book How People Become Famous: Geniuses of Self-Marketing from Albert Einstein to Kim Kardashian, which explores how the 12 celebrities profiled in the book have propelled themselves to fame through self-marketing rather than focusing on financial success.
Zitelmann shows the importance of understanding the art of self-promotion to achieve maximum exposure. He showcases celebrities from politics, sport, fashion, show business, finance and science. The chosen profession doesn’t matter. What binds these diverse and talented individuals together is their ability to understand the importance of self-marketing and to use it effectively.
Harness the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity through play
The Mechanics Gravity Magnetic Track harnesses the invisible forces of magnetism and gravity through original and surprising means. The spheres inside the circuit are set in motion by an innovative magnetic cannon that uses the force of attraction of the accelerating magnet. Gravity is the innovative evolution of the Geomag Mechanics line. Developed with expert players in mind, the new construction system is based on an innovative “gravity motor”: this uses the weight of the Geomag spheres to kickstart the mechanisms and movements of the Geomag Mechanics structures. The motion is provided by the invisible forces of Gravity and Magnetism, without using electricity or batteries. The play experience is based on these fundamental principles of physics.
Mechanics Gravity is a STEM product that can truly stimulate curiosity and inspire to learn more about science.
Key Features:
• A mechanical and magnetic construction system
• A STEM product that can stimulate scientific learning
• Winners of numerous awards.
• Suitable for children aged 8 + to develop their imagination and curiosity through the science of magnetic construction
• The 130 plastic mechanical elements are at the heart of the Gravity system
• Made using recycled plastic
The Geomag Mechanics Loops And Turns Construction Set – 130pc costs £34.99 from The Entertainer
Foodie Delight
Unique gifts for foodies. 11 different presents which will delight even the toughest critics.
The Turtle Tofu Press £28.95 from DownYourHighStreet.co.uk Remove water from tofu with this turtle shaped tofu press! Made from bamboo which is naturally antibacterial, with a silicone band it will look lovely on display after use.
The Sunday Brunch Personalised Cookbook from £18.99 from sundaybrunch4u.mybespokegift.com
For fans of Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer you can now create your very own personalised cookbook. With interchangeable chapters and recipes, you can personalise the covers and add a personal message.
The DIY Beeswax Wraps cost £14.40 from FredAldous.co.uk
Go eco by making your own sustainable bees wax wrapper with this DIY kit. It includes 5 pieces of cotton, parchment paper, wax and brush to make your own beeswax wraps for your lunch and snacks.#
The Soirée Gin Station £39.99 from UrbanGifts.com Turn your kitchen counter or garden table into the best bar in town. This portable cocktail kit has all the essentials for making the perfect drinks. It’s always cocktail o’clock when the Gin station’s around.
The Garlic Fish Press costs £15.99 from Trouva Thanks to this garlic press, you can easily and cleanly crush the garlic without any mess! Take the pod and apply pressure back and forth to crush it. The pieces of garlic can then be spooned or scraped directly into the mould.
Mr Potato Head Mug £17.99 from Prezzybox.com Celebrate the icon that is Mr Potato Head with our 3D Mr Potato Head mug. Sure to take pride of place in any cupboard, he comes complete with interchangeable pieces like the versatile carbohydrate he is!
The Delicious Personalised Cookbook from £21.99 from delicious.mybespokegift.com All of your favourite recipes in one book, personalise the book and chapters and include and message. Replace the recipes you dislike with the ones you love, and this cookbook will be full of recipes you will use time after time. At last, a cookbook that will be 100% used.
The Thumbs Up Recipe Cocktail Shaker £23 from Amazon Turn any kitchen into a cocktail lounge with this Recipe Cocktail Shaker. Get beverage-inspired thanks to the shaker’s integrated collection of eight recipes. Simply rotate the shaker’s shell and reveal eight ravishing recipes. The shaker holds up to 750ml and can be bunged in the dishwasher after use.
The Morph Heart Mug costs £7 from Amazon Just add your favourite hot beverage and watch these mugs morph right before your eyes. Made of thermographic inks, these mugs react to heat.
The Fetch Bottle Opener £17.95 from Graham & Green Fetch loves bottle tops. Pop open a bottle and turn the top into a frisbee. A bottle opener that looks the part.
The Cheese Board with 3 Mice costs £20 from Amazon Cheese lovers unite with the wonderful mouse cheese board. It comes with 3 cute mouse cheese knives. The ideal board for cheese lovers.
The direct to consumer, 100% natural skincare brand – Go All Natural is one week away from launching its Organic Lotion Bars helping customers around the world to hydrate their skin with a natural glow.
Go All Natural has created a unique 100% natural, cruelty-free recipe that calls on the gentle touch of natural ingredients to hydrate and moisturises the skin, leaving it with a natural glow.
Formulated with a nourishing buttery blend of Organic Cocoa and Shea Butters, scented with alluring Mandarin Essential Oils. The super nourishing formula will protect your skin from dryness and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, leaving you with healthy, moisturised and silky soft skin after each application.
The heart-shaped lotion bar makes it even easier to apply all over the body even around those tricky areas. After a shower or a bath, gently warm the heart between your hands until you feel it glides. Massage all over your body especially around dry areas.
Working towards reducing plastic in skincare, the brand has opted for plastic-free, zero-waste packaging to minimize its carbon footprint. Also, the eco-friendly, plastic-free Organic Solid Lotion Bars are made in small batches with natural products that restore your skin. No nasties here, please find a list of product facts below.
The Organic Lotion Bars will launch on goallnatural.co.uk on Thursday 30th September at 10 AM with an RRP of £7.95
Earlier this year, Go All Natural launched a lineup of five natural deodorant balms. The formula is enriched with nourishing Organic Coconut Oil and Shea Butter to hydrate your underarms, while Beeswax creates a soft and warm scent to help form a protective layer on the skin.
The bars and natural deodorant balms can also be purchased together, making it the perfect Christmas gift for someone who wants a more natural approach to their skincare routine.
GRANTS TO PLANT
Landowners encouraged to plant trees for climate and nature
Landowners are being asked to consider planting trees to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies. The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a series of woodland clinics at the Balmoral Show from 22 – 25 September where landowners can find out more about different grants available to help farmers create woodland on their land. Grants to plant include the conservation charity’s flagship woodland creation scheme MOREwoods, and DAERA grants Forest Expansion Scheme and the Small Woodlands Grant.
The Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme is open to anyone wanting to plant woodland of at least 500 trees on at least half a hectare of land. The charity can visit your site with you to help design the woodland, create a bespoke species mix, help with form filling, supply the agreed trees and protection and cover up to 75% of costs as well as arrange for contractors to plant the trees. The Forest Expansion Scheme and Small Woodland Grant offer 100% funding to Northern Ireland landowners wishing to establish woodlands of 0.2 Ha (0.5 acres) or more.
All trees and shrubs the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland supply are native broadleaved species that are UK & Irish sourced and grown which will help local landscapes become more diverse and therefore more resilient to future threats, such as pest and diseases.
Gregor Fulton, Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, said: “If you’re thinking of planting trees on your land, we have the trees, grants and funding schemes to help. Come and visit us at Balmoral from 22 to 25 September to find out where to start, what funding is available and the benefits tree-planting can bring to your farm or business in the Faughan Valley.
“There are so many reasons to plant trees. They provide shade and shelter for livestock, transform unproductive land, extend the grazing season, enrich soils, offer a solution for biosecurity, in addition to all the environmental benefits.”
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland will be at the Balmoral show from 22 – 25 September at Stand H4 in Section H of the showground.
To find out more about Woodland Trust Northern Ireland visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
CONSCIOUS LIFE EXPO ARRIVIES IN LONDON
COMING TO LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THIS SEPTEMBER
The annual Conscious Life Expo is coming to London for the very first time. As the event, which is the biggest of its kind in America, celebrates its 19th successful year in Los Angeles, it will also arrive at the London Olympia Hilton from 17th-19th September.
The well-being Conference brings Luminaries and International best-selling authors together over three fun-packed days of speaker workshops, lectures, and panels. Looking into the transformative practices that are re-shaping our world, this ground-breaking Conference is both Live In-House at the Olympia Hilton, as well as Livestreamed to communities globally.
The 3-day conference will explore questions we all have deep down about bridging science and spirituality. It brings together some of the most respected leading, scientific researchers, futurists, oracle channelers, mystics and well-being multidimensional healers around today.
Attendees will learn how to navigate the new now and unfold their innate subtle body and intuitive abilities to deepen the inter-connection between their soul, the universe, planet earth and the inner and outer dimensional realms of human potential.
Featured speakers and subjects at the event include:
Parapsychology and Human Potential
With Dr Callum Cooper, Dr Chris Roe and Dr David Vernon.
Manifest Your Soul Purpose
With Fab Giovanetti, Anne Jirsch and Tracey Ash.
Awaken to Your Angels
With Rosalind Moody (Moderator), Katy Sloane, Claire Stone and Daisy Foss.
Slay Your Dragons with Compassion
With Malcolm Stern
Unfolding Your Own Myth
With Wendy Treynor
The Planet is Conscious, Are You? Simulcast from LA
With Michael Bernard Beckwith
Manifest Your Positively Wealth Life
With Emma Mumford
Ignite Your Angelic Radiance
With Stewart Pearce
Unlocking Your Quantum Potential
With Theresa Bullard
Healed in an Instant with the Power of Eight
With Lynne McTaggart
How to Catch Your Dreams
With Theresa Cheung
MOONOLOGY: Make Wishes That Work
With Yasmin Boland
Multidimensional Healing with the Ancestors
With Lorraine Flaherty and Alexandra Wenman
Emcee for the event will be Marilyn Devonish
The Conscious Life Expo Conference participates in the conscious co-creation of a new world, a world based on new paradigms in science, in spirituality, in longevity, in local and global community, in relationship, in health and well-being.
Find out more at www.consciouslifeexpo.com/september-in-london Ticket prices start from £95 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conscious-life-expo-uk-tickets-167382229755
If you are unable to make the physical event, you will be able to purchase tickets to the Livestreamed simultaneously broadcast London and Los Angeles Conscious Life Expo Event. To include a total of nearly 70 presenters. Find your Livestream tickets at https://consciouslifeexpo.com/livestream-landing-page/
Embrace Playtime with Plum Play
The Plum® Freebound Trampoline XL – £1500 Designed and tested to be the most thrill-seeking trampoline experience. We’ve created a unique freebound environment… The BOWL is the safest way to bounce. Introducing the first generation of Freebound Trampolines, which revolutionise the traditional flat bed, transforming the jumping mat into a new curvilinear form with cutting-edge features.
The Plum® Wooden Playhouse – Teal £649.99 Host picnics, parties, and outdoor playtime in the perfect location with the Colours by Plum® Boathouse Wooden Playhouse! Have your little ones sail away to their dream island with a creative role play setting. The Boathouse playhouse will add a splash of colour to your garden, coming in a lively teal colour with a harmonising whitewash trim finish! A raised platform allows your children to freely climb the three-step ladder to their adventure on deck and use the 1.2m slide to return to land. An apex roof adds a traditional feel to the Boathouse, encouraging your child’s imagination and a chance to unwind in their own hideaway. Air holes ventilate the playhouse making it suitable for play all year round. This playhouse will shelter the memories that your little ones will create throughout their early years.
The Plum® 4.5 Junior Ocean Trampoline and Enclosure with Sounds £164.99 is specifically designed for young children. Bouncing on the Ocean printed safety pad and mat activates four ocean sounds. The battery-powered soundbox is hidden away from jumpers. The mat and safety pad are made from durable weatherproof materials. Providing fun and burning plenty of energy.
The Plum® My First Playcentre £289 will encourage healthy, active play, aid the development of gross and fine motor skills, and unleash imaginations Children can ascend the colourful rock wall to make them feel on top of the world before taking the cargo net down to the ground and starting the adventure all over again. Take two, and it’s up the built-in wooden ladder to a raised platform where they can take in the views before sliding down the blue 4ft slide. It even has its own den with access through a colourful fabric door at the side of the climbing frame. Watch as children engage in imaginative storytelling; play hide and seek and take on their own amazing adventures.
The Globber Junior Foldable Lights £64.99. The 3-wheel scooter comes with battery-free LED front lights, which flash in green, red, and blue. Thanks to the dynamo lighting, the faster you go, the brighter the LED lights appear. With its patented steering lock button fixes the steering system of the two front wheels, allowing it to only move backwards and forwards. The Junior Foldable Lights is easy to store and transport with its trolley mode. The patented folding system has a safe side push button. The super-low metal-reinforced structure with an anti-slip composite deck that can support up to 50kg. Adapt the scooter as your child grows with the adjustable 3-height T-bar. The ergonomic TPR grips are both comfortable and durable. Available in a choice of colours.
With the Plum® Create and Paint Easel £219.99 Little ones can discover crafts and express themselves. Let’s go outside and get messy! Your child can learn and play free with the unique Discovery range by Plum®. Children will be inspired by nature as they play together, create and paint in the garden and engage with the outdoors. Get your hands dirty and craft a masterpiece. The painting screen is easy to clean so children can paint away and wash off for another day. The easel includes storage holders for brushes, paints, and garden trinkets.
The Deimos Metal Dome £109 is a vibrant climbing that looks great in any garden. Designed with children in mind it allows them to user their balance and reach the top. The geometric frame is ideal for developing motor skills and encouraging active play. The Plum Climbing Dome helps children problem solve and allows their imagination to embrace adventures with friends and siblings to reach the summit.
The Plum® Springsafe 10ft Gold Trampoline Edition £299.99 If you’re looking for a trampoline that gives a timeless, classic look, then we give you the limited-edition addition to the Colours by Plum® range! The Gold has a unique entry and exit system with no zips that can fail. This, along with our patented Springsafe® 2G enclosure separating the jumper from the springs, you can rest assured that everyone bouncing will be safe and secure. Only the best, high-quality, weatherproof materials make up our safety pad and enclosure foam, guaranteeing that you have long-lasting, durable components. The steel frame and gold powder coated legs are galvanised inside and out, giving you a beautiful pop of stylish, on-trend colour and providing added protection against rust.
The Plum® Discovery Mud Pie Kitchen £269.99 is a great way for your child to get stuck in at playtime and explore existing hobbies and curiosities. The kitchen combines hands-on play and learning. Bring school home! Children can discover living things, tinker, and experiment as they mush, mix and mould a mud pie. What’s hiding in the garden? Identify the wildlife and forage for inspiration. Cut and trim the buds and shrubs, add a pinch of sludge, or pick a pot of pinecones.
The Plum® Mandrill Wooden Climbing Frame £499.99 provides little ones with hours of fun in the outdoors! The metal swing attachments encircle the pole, so no drilling is required, maintaining strength and making your life easier when assembling. With a two-seat glider, two single swings, and a slide, the Mandrill Climbing Frame is the perfect space for essential play; entertaining your child and their friends all year round. For when little ones’ legs grow, the height-adjustable rope allows the swings to be easily changed for comfortable active play.
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH MAGICAL, IMAGINATION SPARKING ADVENT CALENDARS
With Christmas slowly approaching, the UK’s leading family-friendly retailer, The Works, has a range of in demand and must-have advent calendars not to be missed.
If like every other kid on the planet, yours complains that December is the longest month in the world, you may need some help from The Works! From singing every festive song possible to binge watching every Christmas movie – nothing seems to make the days go any quicker! So, why not indulge them with a Christmas advent calendar that’s sure to satisfy their craving for toys and surprises until Santa pays a visit!
Back by popular demand, little ones can now countdown to Christmas with a book. Give them the fun of opening ‘just a little something’ each day with these exciting and stimulating calendars, full of amusing tales and delightful surprises, all available from The Works.
From Disney classics and fidget popping delights – the question is, which one do you chose?
The Gruffalo and Friends Storybook Advent Calendar
£12.00
Counting down to Christmas has never been more fun! Containing 24 mini activity, song and rhyme books, little imaginations will run wild as fantastic festive tales are told each day. Based on the family-favourite picture books, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale and more, this is the ultimate advent calendar for all the family to enjoy.
Available from the end of August.
Disney Princess Storybook Advent Calendar
£12.00
The Disney Princess Storybook Collection Calendar is the perfect calendar this Christmas for the mini princesses in your life. Featuring much-loved Disney Princesses, from Cinderella to Moana, and complete with 24 different mini books to unwrap, little ones can enjoy a magical fairy tale each day.
Available online now.
Marvel Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
£12.00
Including 24 of the most popular Marvel stories, children will experience action packed adventures this Christmas from their favourite Disney and Pixar characters. Join Earth’s mightiest heroes – from fan favourites, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow and many more – as they protect the world from Earth’s most dangerous villains. Watch your little one’s dive into a new mission every day!
Available online now.
Mr Men and Little Miss Storybook Advent Calendar
£12.00
Storytime has never been more fun with Mr Men and Little Miss characters! Complete with 24 mini editions of your kids’ favourite stories – including Little Miss Magic to the Rescue, Mr Tickle Saves the Day, and Little Miss Sunshine Cheers Everyone Up, plus many more – it’s the perfect advent calendar to be loved this Christmas by you and your little one!
Available from mid-September.
Shoot – Days of Football – Advent Calendar
£12.00
Let your mini football fans enjoy the run up to Christmas this year with this Shoot Advent Calendar! Watch them discover new football facts and activities every day as they delve into 24 different fun-filled advent windows. One to be appreciated by both you and your little one, it’s time to have some fun together with player profiles, games, puzzles, quizzes, and more!
Available from the end of August.
Disney Storybook Advent Calendar
£12.00
Settle down for bedtime in the run to Christmas day and let your little one unwrap a special Disney book and embark on a festive adventure together. Including 24 different windows with new and exciting stories each day, every mini book is individually packaged in a festive envelope, making every day feel like Christmas came early.
Available online now.
The Christmas Advent Collection: 24 Picture Books Bundle
£24.00
Snuggle up and open a new beautifully illustrated Christmas-themed book each day! This magical calendar lets your family enjoy handpicked festive favourites and embark on a new quest each day. Each book is individually wrapped giving you that magical Christmas day feeling!
Available from the end of August.
Fidget – Christmas Pops – Advent Calendar
£12.00
Following huge popularity this year, it’s time to keep fingers moving and minds occupied with this one and only festive Fidget Christmas Pops advent calendar. Full of stimulating and fun items, and a range of satisfying gifts to keep kids entertained in the run up to the big day, it’s a must-have for all fidgety fingers! Expected to be a festive favourite this year, so get in quick!
Available from the beginning of October.
Disney Festive Felts Advent Calendar
£12.00
Fancy one of the storybook advent calendars but looking for something with a creative twist? Check out the Disney Festive Felts Advent Calendar, filled with both Christmas-themed books and creative activities! Sure to stimulate your little one’s mind, this special calendar brings the magic of Disney to life thanks to its interactive craft activities and unwrapping favourite familiar faces. It’s the perfect choice to be enjoyed by both children and parents together.
Available from the beginning of September.
A NEW Tomato Chutney for
Rosebud Preserves’ Christmas Range 2021
NEW from Rosebud Preserves for this Christmas is an appetising Tomato Chutney that goes perfectly with artisan cheese and cold meats.
There are also a range of delicious gift packs packed with Rosebud’s tempting products, they make the perfect foodie gift, as well as a range of delectable products to accompany festive fare over the Christmas season.
NEW Tomato Chutney (£4.75/198g)
A vibrant mix of succulent tomatoes, Bramley apples, garlic, rosemary, fennel seeds and smoked paprika. Enjoy with Mature Cheddar and Cured Meats.
Fresh tomatoes 29%, plum tomatoes 20%, unrefined cane sugar, apples, onions, tomato puree 7%, fresh cherry tomatoes 6%, malt vinegar (barley), lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, lemon zest, rosemary 0.3%, cinnamon, fennel seeds 0.1%, smoked paprika 0.1%.
Elspeth Biltoft, owner of Rosebud Preserves, says: “2021 has been a challenging year for everyone, so we are hoping that this Christmas can wipe away some of the gloom and doom and be a joyous time for family and friends.
“We’ve created what I would call this classic Tomato Chutney full of flavoursome tomatoes, Bramley apples, herbs and a little heat from some smoked paprika to create an accompaniment to your festive cheeseboard or your Boxing Day ham.”
The company has been making its jams, marmalades, chutneys and jellies at Masham, North Yorkshire, since 1989. The company was started by Elspeth Biltoft and her founding principles, to source local produce whenever possible; to cook traditional recipes; and practice time honoured techniques, without the use of additives, preservatives or pectin; remain the same today.
All the products are available from www.rosebudpreserves.co.uk.
The gift range includes:
• The Marmalade Lovers Gift Box (£13.95) – This pack is perfect for lovers of marmalade and is made up of the company’s award-winning Seville Orange Marmalade and its Seville Orange Marmalade Gin Liqueur.
It contains: 1 x Seville Orange Marmalade (113g) and 1 x Marmalade Gin Liqueur (5cl)
• Miniature Classics Gift Box (£8.95) – A classic selection of four sweet preserves to enjoy at breakfast, or afternoon tea over the festive period. It contains: 1 x Strawberry Jam (28g), 1 x Blackcurrant Jam (28g), 1 x Apricot Jam (28g) and 1 x Seville Orange Marmalade (28g).
• Savoury Favourites Gift Box (£12.95) – Three appetising products that work perfectly with a Christmas cheeseboard, cold cuts and charcuterie. It contains: 1 x Spiced Plum Chutney (105g), 1 x Red Onion Marmalade (113g) and 1 x Fig Chutney (105g).
• Breakfast Classics Gift Box (£12.95) – A set of three delicious preserves for use at a breakfast or afternoon tea. It contains: 1 x Seville Orange Marmalade (113g), 1 x Strawberry Jam (113g) and 1 x Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam.
• Fruits for Cheese Gift Box (£15.95) – Three unique products to pair perfectly with the all-important Christmas Cheeseboard. It contains: 1 x Apple Butter (113g), 1 x Damson Cheese (113g) and 1 x Pear and Brandy Conserve (113g).
• Kilner Jars (Old Yorkshire Chutney, Seville Orange Marmalade, Traditional Piccalilli £8.95, Almond & Orange Mincemeat £11.95) – These original ‘Le Parfait’ glass jars contain four of the company’s most popular products. Great as a gift or to use on a festive table packed with seasonal fayre. Available in the following flavours: Old Yorkshire Chutney (375g), Traditional Piccalilli (375g), Seville Orange Marmalade (410g) and Almond & Orange Mincemeat (450g).
• The Rosebud Preserves Gift Box: This stylish gift box makes a special present at Christmas for the food lover in your life. Made in England this beautiful mottled grey box, embossed in matte black foil, perfectly complements the branded preserves. Simply choose any three products from the range and they will be sent to the address of your choice. (Price starts at £16.50 for three jars and the box).
An Award-winning Christmas tipple:
• Seville Orange Marmalade Distilled Gin Liqueur (£29.95/35cl/20% ABV) Rosebud Preserves has captured the spirit of its Seville Orange Marmalade in this uniquely distilled Gin Liqueur. It is made in a traditional copper still to create a deep, dark and warming blend of bitter orange, molassed sugar and botanically rich hand crafted gin, with a truly distinctive flavour. It’s perfect drunk neat, over ice or simply with some tonic added for a longer drink. This liqueur has been made in partnership with the Spirit of Masham Distillery, a small, craft batch distillery based in the North Yorkshire town of Masham, just a short distance from the home of Rosebud Preserves in Healey. Great Taste Awards Two Star Winner 2019.
For your Christmas dinner:
Cranberry & Orange Sauce with Port (£4.75/227g)
A popular twist on a classic. Traditionally prepared with fresh citrus and a measure of port. Perfect with Roast Turkey, Game or Ham.
Cranberries 72%, unrefined sugar, oranges 18%, port 3%, fresh ginger, ground cloves, ground cinnamon.
Red Onion & Port Marmalade (£5.50/227g)
Piquant, full-bodied and richly savoury with red onions, mollased sugar and ruby port. Perfect with Blue Stilton and Cold Meats.
Red onions 62%, unrefined sugar, white wine vinegar, redcurrant juice, ruby port 5%, herbs, spices.
For Boxing Day:
Boxing Day Chutney (£4.75/198g)
Fresh, fruity and subtly spiced cranberries, Bramley apples and plump raisins.
Perfect for your Yuletide festivities.
Cranberries 37%, Bramley apples, unrefined sugar, raisins, cider vinegar, pickling spice including mustard seed, sea salt, mixed spice.
Cumberland Sauce with Port (£4.75/277g)
A traditional blend of naturally set redcurrants, piquant with mustard, orange and ginger. Enjoy with Roast Pork and Chicken Liver Pate.
Redcurrants 112%, unrefined sugar, water, fresh orange juice and zest 4%, port 2%, fresh lemon juice and zest 1.5%, ground ginger, mustard powder.
Pear, Orange & Ginger Chutney (£4.75/198g)
Bright and vibrant with fresh Conference pears, plump sultanas, sweet citrus and warm stem ginger. Enjoy with cold Roast Pork and Wensleydale Cheese.
Conference pears 37%, onions, unrefined cane sugar, Bramley apples, fresh orange juice 7%, sultanas, preserved ginger 5%, cider vinegar, orange zest, ground ginger and ground cloves.
Traditional Piccalilli (£4.75/170g)
Fresh, piquant and mouth-watering. A unique pantry classic bursting with savoury character. Perfect with Camembert and Cold Roast Ham.
Vegetables in varying proportions 88% (tomatoes, onions, cucumbers,
red peppers, cauliflower, courgettes, green peppers), cider vinegar, unrefined sugar, malt vinegar (barley), wholemeal flour (wheat), mustard seed, fresh garlic, turmeric, celery seed.
For the festive cheeseboard:
Damson Fruit Paste for Cheese (£5.50/125g)
A sweet/sharp and vibrant fruit preserve, naturally set with unrefined sugar.
Damsons 120%, unrefined cane sugar and fresh lemon juice.
Smoked Apple Butter for Cheese (£4.75/125g)
Sweet, smoky and piquant with Bramley apples, cider vinegar, Madagascan vanilla and whisky.
Apples 131%, fresh lemon juice, cider vinegar, vanilla pods, unrefined cane sugar and whisky 5%.
Yorkshire Wensleydale Chutney (£4.75/198g)
A classic combination of fresh Bramley apples, plump sultanas and traditional spices. Perfect with Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese.
Bramley apples 50%, onions, sultanas, unrefined sugar, malt vinegar (barley), spices, sea salt.
Fig Chutney (£4.75/198g)
A rich and piquant mix of juicy figs, molassed sugar, warm cinnamon and sweet fresh orange. Perfect with Cold Roast Ham and Farmhouse Cheddar.
Figs 34%, Bramley apples, onions, sultanas, malt vinegar (barley), unrefined sugar, fresh orange juice, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, sea salt, mixed spice, cinnamon.
Christmas baking – a tempting filling for homemade mince pies:
Almond & Orange Mincemeat (£6.95/340g)
A great twist on a British classic. Simply prepared with fresh Bramley apples, plump vine fruits, lively citrus and a measure of brandy. This mincemeat does not contain any suet so it is suitable for vegetarians.
Raisins, apples, currants, unrefined sugar, sultanas, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest 8%, candied peel, almonds 5%, brandy 1.5%.
Some sweet treats to add flavour to festive breakfasts:
Somerset Cider Brandy & Pear Jam (£4.75/227g)
All the freshness of English Pears, enriched with Somerset Cider Brandy. Naturally set with unrefined sugar.
Fresh pears 92%, unrefined sugar, water, Bramley apples, fresh lemon juice, Somerset Cider Brandy 2%, Cider 1.5%. Prepared with 110g of fruit per 100g. Total sugar content 60g per 100g.
Paxton’s Christmas Cheese Recommendations 2021
Image: The British artisan cheese selection
NOTE: Images of all the cheeses are available
Paxton & Whitfield sources, matures and sells the finest artisan cheese from the UK and across the European continent. Its team works closely with cheesemakers to define the flavour profiles and ensure the optimal maturity of each cheese. The long-standing relationships between the Paxton & Whitfield team and its cheesemakers are evident in the exceptional quality of the cheese.
Dan Bliss, Paxton’s cheese buyer has hand-picked two selections of cheeses to enjoy this Christmas. Independent, British cheesemakers play the starring role in the first, delicious cheeseboard, and continental cheeses not readily available in the UK make up the second, decadent selection.
For the British Artisan Treats cheeseboard selection, Dan says: “With the pandemic it’s been a challenging year and we’ve worked closely with the artisan British cheesemakers who supply us in terms of advice, promoting them and selling their amazing products. We’re thrilled to highlight these three exceptional cheeses for this Christmas. We worked closely with Chris Hayes the maker of Blue Cloud to develop this cheese for the festive season. The Westcombe Reserve is going to be an amazing Cheddar, I’m so looking forward to seeing that on the counter in the run up to 25th December. As far as the Mini Maida Vale goes, well this is a great example of the next generation of British cheesemakers developing the finest artisan cheese of the future that we’ve helped support.”
On the Continental Delicacies cheeseboard selection Dan comments: “For our festive continental cheese selection we’ve looked far and wide for more unusual cheeses that aren’t well known here in the UK but that are simply showstopping cheeses in terms of flavour and how they look on the cheeseboard. The master cheesemakers who produce these cheeses have decades of experience in creating an exceptional product and we’re looking forward to offering this superb selection to our customers.”
All the cheeses are available from paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk
Board One – British Artisan Cheese:
Mini Maida Vale (£9.95/180g) (Thermised cows’ milk, vegetarian rennet)
Village Maid Dairy has been a pioneer in the British cheese industry for decades and was founded by Anne (a former dairy scientist) and Andy Wigmore in the 1980s. The dairy is based on the outskirts of the village of Riseley, Berkshire. In 2017 their son Jake and his partner Kayleigh joined the business and set about creating a new cheese – Maida Vale. This soft, washed rind cheese is produced using Guernsey cows’ milk from the biodynamic Heckfield Park Farm, located less than two miles away from the dairy in Hampshire, and then washed in a craft IPA from a Windsor based brewery. Over lockdown, Paxtons commissioned Jake and his team to create a ‘mini’ version of this delicious cheese exclusively for its monthly Cheese Club. It is very buttery in texture with a hoppiness from the IPA that it is washed in.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because… It’s a delicious little dumpling of a cheese with a great breakdown. It was so popular with members of Paxton’s Cheese Club that the company couldn’t resist including it in its Christmas selection.
Blue Cloud (£37.00/kg) (Pasteurised cows’ milk, vegetarian rennet)
Inspired by soft Gorgonzola style blues, Blue Cloud is made on the beautiful Balcombe Estate in Sussex. Highly experienced cheesemaker Chris Hayes struck out on his own and started making Blue Cloud at the end of 2019, using milk from a single herd of Norwegian Red Holstein cows. Repurposing four old shipping containers as a dairy, the milk travels less than 10 yards from the milking parlour. The cheese is soft and creamy, with a heady, doughy scent reminiscent of freshly baked bread. The operation at Balcombe Dairy is small, so the supply of this delicious new British cheese is limited.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because…A British Gorgonzola style cheese that will transform your festive board. It’s also a vegetarian alternative to blue cheeses.
Westcombe Reserve (£35.00/kg) (Unpasteurised cows’ milk, traditional rennet)
Cheddar is undoubtedly the UK’s most popular cheese, outselling British and Continental counterparts, yet so often it is thought of as a cooking or an everyday cheese. Similar European hard cheeses, like Comte, are regularly selected for cheeseboards and special occasions. Over the last few years, Tom Calver and his team at the award-winning Westcombe Dairy, Somerset, have made several big decisions to improve the quality of their cheese. Lots of these decisions have been in the field, rather than the dairy, one of them being to farm in a more sustainable, regenerative way. These decisions have resulted in some of their best ever batches of cheeses. The team at Paxtons has selected a single day’s make of cheese, from the 12th of March 2020 – 450kg of Cheddar, to age further and create a special profile especially for its customers this Christmas. With a full body and notes of warm toasted nuts, this promises to be a very special batch of cheese indeed.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because…. This cheese has been made with
fresh spring milk and will taste amazing on your Christmas cheeseboard.
Board Two – Continental Artisan Cheese:
Cremoso (£14.95/250g) (Unpasteurised ewes’ milk, vegetarian rennet)
Spain is famous for ewes’ milk cheeses, with a climate and landscape more suited to the farming of sheep than cattle. Whilst most of us have enjoyed a good piece of Manchego, there is a rich history of soft cheese making in Spain and Portugal, the styles of which are not commonly found in the UK. Cheeses across Europe, especially the famous PDO* cheeses like Gruyere and Parmigiano Reggiano, are produced using animal rennets. However, ‘torta’ style cheeses from Spain and Portugal traditionally use an unusual alternative – a cardoon thistle rennet. Torta styles tend to have pleasant, leafy bitter notes and can be an acquired taste. However, this Cremoso is a cross between traditional tortas and bloomy rinded cheeses such as a Camembert; making it a real crowd-pleaser. It is made by a dedicated cheesemaker located near to the city of Valladolid, North-West Spain. It is a sweet, milky, creamy cheese with some delicious ooziness.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because… it’s a little bit of theatre on the cheeseboard. To best enjoy it, slice the top off when ripe and scoop out this delectable, scoopable cheese.
Georgelet Buchette (£9.95/200g) (Unpasteurised goats’ milk, traditional rennet)
Paxton & Whitfield has a long-standing relationship with master cheese maker Paul Georgelet who is based Poitou Charentes, South-West France. His Mothais sur Feuille and Chabichou de Poitou have been stalwarts of Paxton’s cheese counter in Jermyn Street for many years. Many French goats’ milk cheeses found in the UK today have been produced on a large scale to satisfy supermarket demand and Paxtons feels passionate about supporting a producer that is committed to artisan cheesemaking. Paul produces all the feed for his 500 strong herd of very pampered goats on his own farm and ensures that every step of the process in the cheesemaking is done by hand. Paul learnt his cheese making skills from watching the older women in his village make cheese when he was younger and is proud of the fact he has learnt nothing from theory, all in practice. It has a lactic and moussey flavour with fresh hazelnut notes.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because… This Buchette or ‘little log’ is a beautiful addition to any Christmas cheese board, with its delicate white rind like freshly fallen snow.
Schnebelhorn (£45.00/kg) (Unpasteurised cows’ milk, traditional rennet)
This fantastically named cheese is so called thanks to the highest peak in the region from which it hails, Saint Gallen, near to Zurich, Switzerland. The Guentensperger family have been making cheese for three generations, traditionally focussing on the classic cheese Appenzeller. Due to the quirk of the Appenzeller PDO*, only a limited amount of cheese is allowed to be produced each year and so the cheesemakers have focussed their attentions on making interesting and unusual cheeses that still have that Alpine quality that is so loved. The cheese is made with added cream, creating an intensely rich and toothsome texture with a fantastic full flavour. Made with milk exclusively from cattle that have been grazing on high altitude pastures, the wheels of cheese weigh around 6kg each. This means that unlike its much larger Alpine cousin Gruyere, Schnebelhorn is best enjoyed at an eight-month age profile, meaning that the batches we have for Christmas will have been made with incredible spring milk.
Perfect on your Christmas cheese board because…If you love Comte and Gruyere and want something a little bit extra, then Schebelhorn is for you. The added cream takes this cheese to another level.
* PDO – Protected Designation of Origin, for products that are produced, processed and prepared within a particular geographical area, and with features and characteristics that must be due to that area.
CLOUD NINE – Evergreen Collection
Available at cloudninehair.com from 20th September 2021 – From £149
FOR THE LUXE BEAUTY LOVER/ HAIR OBSESSEE/ SUSTAINABLE SIBLING
The Evergreen Collection is not just kind to your hair, but kind to the environment too. Giving back to our planet by allowing us to plant nine trees for every product sold. Championing the natural side of Christmas and bringing fiercely festive style to your celebrations.
Introducing The Evergreen Collection from CLOUD NINE – the fiercest gift this Christmas, as an exclusive limited edition of CLOUD NINE’s award-winning hair styling tools in a luxurious forest green finish with rose gold detailing. The Evergreen collection has been inspired by our planet. Choose from The Original Iron, The Wide Iron, The Touch Iron, The Curling Wand or The Airshot (or all!) – every purchase is ready to go straight under the tree with free gifts! Including The Luxury Texture Comb, which will be perfect for dressing out all your favorite Christmas party styles, a beautiful silken scrunchie and a faux-leather matching green makeup case, you’ll have everything you need for a Christmas full of style!
Marie Reynolds London – MRL Minis
Available now (Sep 21 Launch) from mariereynoldslondon.com – £52
FOR THE SKINCARE OBSESSED/ SOMEONE IN NEED OF A TREAT
Introducing MRL Minis, the perfect gift or stocking filler sampling the best of global skin & wellness expert Marie Reynolds London award-winning skincare line – for the skincare lover in your life, or someone in need of an at home spa treat. If you haven’t tried an award-winning facial from Marie – this is the next best thing!
MRL Mini’s features handbag sized versions of Marie’s best-sellers including:
• Goji Mallow Cleanser: A hydrating and nourishing facial wash with a light, marshmallow texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Acai Berries and Oat Silk to cleanse and lock in moisture.
• Hydr8 Misting Veil: Hydrating spritz with a beautifully simple composition that leaves the skin quenched and silky. With just three key ingredients of Oat Silk, Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera to protect, calm and soothe.
• Elixir (Stage 1 Hydration): A stunning antioxidant rich facial oil blend of Apricot & Marula Oil (with 4 x the vitamin c of an orange), omega 9 fatty acids and Vitamin E.
• Reson8 (Stage 2 Hydration): A wonderful hydro-gel that calms & stabilises an impaired lipid barrier as well as healing and penetrating hydration to the skin. When used with stage 1, the ingredients mimick the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) protecting, nourishing and rejuvenating skin’s delicate balance.
SMALL GIFTS/ STOCKING FILLERS
CLOUD NINE, Magical Potion Bauble
Available from 1st November 2021 at cloudninehair.com, £7.50
FOR THE BEAUTY & HAIR OBSESSED
Get your beauty lover in the mood for Christmas with CLOUD NINE’s iconic Magical Potion – now in bauble form! Perfectly sized for the Christmas Tree or festive decorations, the Magical Potion is encased in a beautiful emerald green tree, to complement the Evergreen Collection, ready to hang.
CLOUD NINE, ON CLOUD NINE Subscription
Available now at cloudninehair.com, from £14.99
FOR YOUR SUSTAINABLE SIBLING/FRIEND/RELATIVE
Want to treat someone this Christmas but without the big commitment? Why not treat them to the world’s first hair rental scheme, at £14.99 per month you can cancel any time making it the perfect gift for the festive season, with no strings attached! Perfect for your sustainable sibling or hair obsessed pals who want to try the pro hair experience without the cost.
Joe Marler joins The Only Camps’ notorious ‘Superstar Masterclass’ line up this summer
Joe Marler, Rugby Superstar Masterclass
Lindsay Keable, Netball Superstar Masterclass
Matt Prior, Cricket Superstar Masterclass
Tess Howard, Hockey Superstar Masterclass
The Only Camps, leaders in offering expert-led sports camp coaching for 4-18-year-olds in Sussex, have today announced their full line-up of sporting legends who will be hosting their rugby, cricket, hockey and netball Superstar Masterclasses during the summer holidays. The camps will all be held at the first-class facilities at Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex, with the exception of the Rugby Superstar Masterclass which will be held again at Worthing Rugby Club.
Launched in December 2020, the Superstar Masterclasses deliver both a professional and enjoyable approach to development and a mixture of adaptive and closed-skill practice. The inaugural Rugby Masterclass, run by England rugby legend Chris Robshaw, was sold out and saw 130 young athletes personally coached by the star at Worthing Rugby Club. Danny Care hosted the Easter Masterclass and on 5 June 2021, The Only Camps welcomed a record number of young athletes to their most recent Rugby Superstar Masterclass, where 142 rugby players joined the Masterclass run by England and Harlequins stars Marcus Smith (who recently made his debut for the British and Irish Lions squad) and Alex Dombrandt.
The Only Camps director, ex-England and Harlequins rugby player, Jordan Turner-Hall, said: “We are excited to announce such a phenomenal line up of Superstars for our Masterclass schedule this summer holidays. Fresh from winning his second Premiership title, we are delighted to welcome Joe Marler back to host his first Superstar Masterclass with us and to welcome Matt, Lindsay and Tess to The Only Camps family. Our goal is always to ensure children continue to Learn From The Best, which they will certainly do this summer thanks to our fierce line-up of sporting legends.”
Joe Marler, Rugby Masterclass
Saturday, 7 August 2021 at Worthing Rugby Club, West Sussex
Joe made his debut for England in 2012 and for the British and Irish Lions in 2017. He has over 72 caps for England and in 2021, he won his second Premiership title for Harlequins. During the Mini Superstar Masterclass, children in Year 3 – Year 6 will spend time with their rugby hero in a two-hour session that will consist of fun games, as well as some tactical and technical guidance to help them on their rugby journey. Designed for athletes aged 12-18, the Rugby Superstar Masterclass is four-hours in duration and will deliver a variety of stations, specific to different aspects of the game and all led by expert coaches, and a mixture of adaptive games and closed-skill practice. Mini Masterclass costs £35 per child and the Rugby Superstar Masterclass costs £50 per child.
Book here: www.theonlycamps.com/rugby-masterclasses
Lindsay Keable, Netball Masterclass
Wednesday, 4th August 2021 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex
Designed for children aged 12-18, this four-hour workshop will guide netballers through specialised coaching with England and London Pulse netballer Lindsay Keable. Lindsay made her debut representing England at the World Netball Series in Liverpool in 2010. This first-class session will be the most all-encompassing, compact netball development platform and will see Lindsay share her expertise through a carousel of skill and game stations. Cost is £50 per child.
Book here: www.theonlycamps.com/netball-masterclasses
Matt Prior, Cricket Masterclass
Thursday, 22 July 2021 (1 p.m. – 5p.m.) at Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex
Former England and Sussex County Cricket Club legend will be hosting the Cricket Superstar Masterclass for children in Year 4 – Year 12 this July. The four-hour workshop will take the children through batting, bowling and fielding stations, with quality coaching from our dynamic Superstar coach throughout. Cost is £50 per child.
Book here: www.theonlycamps.com/specialise-pursue-cricket
Tess Howard, Hockey Masterclass
Sunday, 8th August 2021 (10.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m.) at Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex
Since earning a first senior call up for the 2018 Champions Trophy, Tess has not only gone on to establish herself as a regular for the England and GB teams but also as one of the most exciting young talents in world hockey. The Superstar Hockey Masterclass is designed for boys and girls in Year 4 – Year 12 and the compact development platform led by the expert coach, will include a meticulously planned cycle of closed-skill practices from each area of the game. Cost is £50 per child.
Book here: www.theonlycamps.com/hockey-masterclasses
For further information on all the camps and to book, visit www.theonlycamps.com.
Silly Sentiments is all online – their products cater to all light-hearted gift and Secret Santa needs – often with a huge injection of cheeky humour. Their prices range from £2.99 – £19.99 so are really accessible for all budgets, along with having free shipping and being produced in the UK (saving those air miles).
From personalised wall calendars and wrapping paper to porcelain mugs, pens and notepads with cheeky messages, they’re the go-to online destination for all novelty gifts this year.
Hero products for small gifts include the Christmas Photo Mug (£9.99), Secret Santa Bauble (£5.99), Personalised Silly 2022 Wall Calendar (£12.99), List of People Notebook (£6.99), Your Secret Santa Thinks You’re an Idiot Wrapping Paper (£3.99) and Silly Santa Pack of Pens (£8.99).
The full Silly Sentiments range is available at www.sillysentiments.com
Eflorist.co.uk offer a beautiful range of bouquets to suit all budgets and we are still operating contactless delivery on all of our orders to keep our customers safe. During the previous lockdowns, our bouquets have been a very popular gift option for people to enjoy whilst spending more time at home.
We offer a variety of stunning Christmas bouquets which we think would be a great feature in your gift guide I have attached pictures of some of our previous Christmas bouquets.
Eflorist delivered their first bouquet in 1947 and haven’t slowed down since! Each bouquet has been carefully designed with the lucky recipient in mind. We’re committed to supporting our growers, dedicating resources to farming communities across the world and choosing British growers where possible. We have an extensive range of courier flowers, which are carefully packaged and sent via tracked delivery. We’re also super proud to support our local high streets, working closely with over 1,500 florist members who craft and hand-deliver our bouquets each day.
TeamSport Christmas Vouchers
TeamSport gift vouchers range from £20 e-gift vouchers which offers money off the next time you go karting, race experience vouchers for £53 includes a gift box full of racing goodies such as a balaclava and race wallet. TeamSport also offers a race experience for two, available by e-voucher and gift box, with double the goodies. Christmas offerings are as follows:
Race Experience For One vouchers
• E-Gift option (voucher code is emailed) from £45
• Gift Box including the voucher for one person to come and race on our Ultimate Race Experience product, at any track in the country at any time within the validity period, packaged beautifully in a box that includes a balaclava, gift wallet and lanyard with pass a fixed. £53 inc. postage and packing
Race Experience For Two vouchers
• E-Gift option (voucher code is emailed) from £90
• Gift Box including the voucher for two people to come and race on our Ultimate Race Experience product, at any track in the country at any time within the validity period, packaged beautifully in a box that includes two balaclava’s, gift wallet and two lanyard’s with pass a fixed. £100.00 inc. postage and packing
Don’t let the toy shortage leave you scrabble-ing around this Christmas! OnBuy announces its bestselling toys and tech for 2021- and they’re all in stock!
United Kingdom: With less than 100 days until Christmas amongst rumours of a potential national toy shortage, UK online marketplace, OnBuy, has compiled a list of the top selling toys and tech on their marketplace for 2021 to give inspiration ahead of the festive season. All items are in stock and ready to buy now, so act quickly to avoid any disappointment this Christmas.
1. PlayStation™ 5 DualSense Wireless Controller, £52.95
As revolutionary for gaming as the PS5 console itself, the new PlayStation DuelSense controller is the must-have accessory for anyone lucky enough to already be a PS5 owner or PC gamer. Compatible with both PlayStation™ 5 and PCs, the all-new haptic feedback systems go beyond the old DualShock rumble to immerse gamers like never before, while enhanced joysticks give you even more control over the characters in your favourite games.
www.onbuy.com/gb/playstation-5-dualsense-wireless-controller-ps5-controller~c21239~p27576725/?sid=4387
2. Jumbo Popit Bubble, £6.78
It’s fair to say that these fidget toys have surged in pop-ularity in recent weeks and are taking the UK by storm – and OnBuy’s Jumbo Bubble model is certainly no exception. Bright and boredom-busting, it’s a great gift that helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Crafted from durable silicone in a variety of vibrant hues, it will stand up to even the most destructive young hands and keep them engaged. After all, everyone loves the inexplicably satisfying pop of bubble wrap – now there’s a never-ending version that you can pop away to your heart’s content!
www.onbuy.com/gb/jumbo-popit-bubble-toy~c11303~p40543514/
3. Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case, £164.78
Apple AirPods Pro are the pinnacle of on-the-go audio. They take the lightweight and flawless wireless connectivity of regular Apple AirPods and supercharge them with top-of-the-range noise cancelling technology that blocks out any unwanted background sound. The perfect gift for a teenager wanting to immerse themself in their playlist.
www.onbuy.com/gb/apple-airpods-pro-with-wireless-charging-case-mwp22zma~c20165~p16426275/
4. PLAYMOBIL City Life Playground, £37.31
Let your little one’s imagination run wild with the City Life Playground from PLAYMOBIL. Perfect for budding builders and minifigure fans alike, it makes a wonderful starter set or booster pack for all their existing collections. Showcasing large attractions and colourful characters that are sure to bring joy to your brood, the fully articulated features are simply made for engaging play. Explore the plethora of mini accessories together and spark their creativity in seconds!
www.onbuy.com/gb/playmobil-city-life-playground-5024~c2297~p24715503/?lid=58610145
5. HOMCOM Folding Kids Electric Scooter, £74.99
Move over hoverboards, electric scooters are the new trend in town! They’re undoubtedly set to be one of the must-haves this Christmas, but you’ll have to snap them up early to avoid disappointment! This Folding Electric Scooter from HOMCOM is one of the better products on the market that sits at the more affordable end of the price range. It has a durable and adjustable steel frame that ensures a smooth ride every time and can withstand bumps and scrapes. It’s also lightweight and the foldable frame helps with easy storage when not in use.
www.onbuy.com/gb/homcom-folding-kids-electric-scooter-7-14-adjustable-battery-power-pu-wheels~c2338~p6937918/
6. CoComelon Musical Tractor, £22.71
Keep hold of your toddler’s attention with this free-wheeling musical tractor from beloved children’s educational YouTube channel, CoComelon! Bursting with tractor and animal sounds, as well as the CoComelon intro music and Old MacDonald nursery rhyme, this colourful creation is a stimulating addition to any tot’s toybox!
www.onbuy.com/gb/cocomelon-musical-tractor~c5373~p35689927/
7. Apple iPad 10.2″ 32GB, £284.81
Level up your collection of Apple products with this powerful 2020 iPad 10.2”. The perfect multi-purpose gadget to keep the little ones entertained. From creative activities, games, films, educational aps and much more. It’s the perfect gift that just keeps giving.
www.onbuy.com/gb/2020-apple-ipad-102-32gb-wi-fi-grey~c3333~p25595577/
8. Harry Potter Forbidden Forest LEGO, £24.95
Magically transform rainy days into an exciting afternoon with this Harry Potter LEGO kit! Ideal for little wizards and witches above five years old, this Forbidden Forest set comes with Grawp the loveable giant, the cruel Dolores Umbridge, a couple of centaurs, and more iconic Harry Potter characters to bring this enchanting LEGO playset to life.
www.onbuy.com/gb/lego-harry-potter-forbidden-forest-umbridges-act-set-75967-age-5-253pcs~c2297~p22064734/?lid=47057188
9. PLAYMOBIL Family Fun Aquarium, £53.51
Encourage imagination in your little one like never before with this feature-packed Family Fun Aquarium from PLAYMOBIL. Boasting a fillable water enclosure, rotating viewing platform, and a range of exciting sea creatures, this playset is packed with accessories to ensure hours of underwater entertainment from dry land.
www.onbuy.com/gb/playmobil-9060-family-fun-aquarium-with-fillable-water-enclosure~c11157~p6636094/
10. Lifelike Baby Doll, £31.99
The perfect gift for children who love imaginative play, this Lifelike Handmade Baby Doll is unique, incredibly realistic, and, well, adorable! It will become your youngster’s new best friend as they enjoy hours of creative fun. Complete with an accompanying dummy, birth certificate, and luxury outfit, this premium doll showcases a range of baby features for a truly lifelike look. Thanks to its cutely charming appearance, realistic frame, and delicately embellished accessories, your child can enjoy the full experience of dolly play with a representative, true-to-life model. It’s even weighted to feel authentic in their arms!
www.onbuy.com/gb/boy-the-magic-toy-shop-20-lifelike-reborn-baby-doll-handmade-sleeping-baby-doll~c11315~p6900538/
Christmas Gift Guide 2021: gift your loved ones their most treasured life memories
Create the perfect festive photo book in seconds with PastBook – or gift someone their very own life story with StoryTerrace
Bespoke gifts lead the way this Christmas after 19 months of social restrictions
With the festive season fast approaching, many of us will start searching for the perfect gift for those closest to us in our lives. Although the classic presents that resurface year on year are always appreciated – such as socks and novelty mugs – finding a personal and bespoke gift has never felt more fitting after a period of isolation. But what if the perfect gift can’t be found on the shop shelf?
PastBook
PastBook – a unique instant photo book service – preserves our favourite memories in a beautifully printed, high-quality photo book. PastBook creates a physical photo book almost instantly, saving thousands of hours in photo organisation. Now, Brits can create a high-quality photo book thick with our friends and families best memories, in under 60 seconds.
PastBook is different from regular photo book companies. We automatically select your best Facebook or Instagram pictures and make a photo book out of them. All done in 60 seconds. It’s quick, easy and intuitive. Our customers love PastBook because they didn’t have enough time to do it themselves, or they just want their best memories in a physical book to enjoy with their friends and family.
Pricing
At PastBook everything is free, except for the printing – printing prices start at £14.
Book creation – let the magic happen!
Start creating a book by using this link for Instagram or this link for Facebook.
If you are interested in creating your own PastBook or have any questions, please do let me know.
StoryTerrace
StoryTerrace is the nation’s leading biography writing service, which matches clients with ghostwriters to turn their life story into a book.
How does StoryTerrace work?
Clients are matched with a ghostwriter based on personality, and after a number of one-to-one sessions, your life story – or the life story of a loved one – is turned into a beautiful book, embellished with your own images.
You will have regular opportunities to review and comment on your book as it progresses, as well as to upload photos and customise the appearance of the book. Your beautifully bound, hardcover book will then be printed and delivered to your home once it has been signed off. From beginning to end, the process normally takes eight to twelve weeks, depending on the length of your book.
Pricing
Prices start from £1,600 and you can choose between a Junior, Senior or Premium ghostwriter.
Please do let me know if you would like any further information, or if you have any questions.
Zara Billings
Senior Communications Executive
42 Bruton
0207 183 3189
Christmas decorations from Shakespeare’s Globe, to be included in any Christmas gift guides or product round-ups you may be planning. Please feel free to pass onto the relevant team.
This will all be available from the Globe shop on bankside or our online shop: shop.shakespearesglobe.com/
The William Shakespeare, Penguin, Owl, Reindeer and Robin decorations (below) are hand-printed by London-based designer Rowan Tree Print. She is a printer who uses lino blocks to create images. Each decoration is 70mm diameter and cost £6.00 each.
The Golden William Shakespeare, Hamlet Skull and double sided Globe Theatre decorations are created by design-maker WotMaLike and are printed and then hand painted. Each decoration is 70mm diameter and cost £8.00 each.
Pigs in Cheesy blankets
Now, pigs in blankets are good. But pigs in CHEESY blankets reach another level! Primula Cheese ‘n’ Ham is the key ingredient in these bite-sized beauties. Perfect served as an accompaniment to your Christmas lunch or as a traditional treat on your buffet table. Your guests are in for a real feast!
Makes: 12
Ingredients:
• 320g ready shortcrust pastry
• 140g tube Primula Cheese ‘n’ Ham
• 12 chipolatas, cooked per packet instructions.
• 1 egg, beaten
• 40g poppy seeds (optional)
• 40g linseed (optional)
Method:
1. Unroll the puff pastry and cut 3 lines lengthways to make 4 even strips of pastry. Divide each strip into 3 even pieces.
2. Squeeze Primula Cheese ‘n’ Ham along the pastry, leavening a little space at each end for delicious oozing cheese. Place the chipolata on top of the cheese and roll the pastry so that each side meets. Trim off any excess pastry (keep these aside for optional decorations).
3. Place the seam of each pig in blanket on a lined baking tray. Add pastry decorations and brush with egg. Sprinkle over the seeds.
4. Bake at 200°C for 30-35 minutes until golden and the pastry is cooked through.
5. Delicious served with cranberry sauce or chutney.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Cheesy. Crispy. Delicious. Our Mini Hasselback Potatoes topped with Primula Original and pickled onion certainly look fancy, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make (Sssh, don’t tell anyone). Crispy on the outside and soft and velvety on the inside, these beauties are the perfect appetiser for your festive gathering.
Ingredients:
• 5kg new potatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Dill, to garnish
• 1 tube Primula Original Cheese
Super quick pickled onion:
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 100ml white vinegar
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 garlic clove (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Slice the potatoes at regular intervals without cutting all the way through.
3. Put the potatoes in a large baking tray and coat with the garlic and oil. Season to taste.
4. Place in the preheated oven for 1 hour – 1hr 20min. Toss occasionally to ensure an even golden colour.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the super quick pickled onion:
• Add the vinegar, icing sugar and salt to a bowl and mix well.
• Add the red onion mix.
• Set aside until ready to serve.
6. To serve, top the potatoes with Primula Original Cheese, pickled onion, and garnish with dill.
Savoury Christmas puddings
Ingredients:
• 500g lamb mince
• 70g panko breadcrumbs
• 150g Primula Original Cheese
• Handful of parsley, chopped
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• Cocktail sticks
Method:
1. Braise the onion with olive oil until golden then add the garlic, cooking for a further minute.
2. Remove from the heat and add chopped parsley and lemon zest. Allow to cool.
3. Add the lamb mince and half of the breadcrumbs. Season.
4. Add the beaten egg, water and mix well.
5. Roll into small meatballs.
6. Sprinkle the baking tray with the remaining breadcrumbs so the meatballs don’t stick together.
7. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C and cook for 15-20 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a minute before squeezing over the Primula Cheese topping and placing a piece of parsley on top.
9. Serve.
Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese
Delight your guests with our Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese, made oh so creamy with Primula Original. If you’re pushed for time, our quick and easy cheese sauce recipe will save the day!
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
• 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets, leaves reserved
• 1 knob of butter
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 leek, sliced
• 2 tubes Primula Original Cheese
• ½ tbsp mustard (optional)
• 60ml milk
• Nutmeg (optional)
Method:
1. Firstly, prepare the cauliflower by washing it. Cut it into individual florets and steam until almost tender.
2. In a separate pan, add the leek, garlic and butter and cook until the leek is tender. Add the Primula Original Cheese, milk, mustard, and cauliflower leaves. To remove any lumps, use the back of a wooden spoon on the edge of the pan. Cook gently to create a delicious cheesy sauce that should coat the back of a spoon.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the cheese sauce and place in a baking dish. Top with grated nutmeg. Grill for 8-10 minutes until golden a bubbling.
Store cupboard risotto
When everyone’s had their fill of turkey over the festive season, let Primula Cheese ‘n’ Prawns take the lead with our delicious Store Cupboard Risotto. Our oozy cheese combined with roasted courgette, rocket and pine nuts makes for a delicious dinner during the festive season and beyond.
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 1L vegetable stock
• 400g risotto rice
• 140g tube Primula Cheese ‘n’ Prawns
• 1 courgette
• Add cooked prawns for an extra twist – optional
Method:
1. Bring the stock to the boil and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
2. In a separate large pan, add the olive oil, onion and garlic. Gently fry for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
3. Add the risotto rice to the onions and cook for 1 minute. Stir continuously to stop the rice from sticking to the pan.
4. Add a ladle of the simmering stock and gently simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Repeat 15-20 times until the rice is cooked. (You may not need to use all the stock.)
5. Meanwhile, slice a courgette length ways – the slices should be approximately 5mm thick. Lightly brush them with oil olive and a sprinkling of salt. Place a griddle pan over a high heat sear the courgette for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Add the Primula Cheese ‘n’ Prawns and stir through to make a beautifully creamy coating.
7. Place a lid over the pan and allow to sit for 2 minutes.
8. Gently stir the risotto and serve.
For more information, recipes or samples please visit https://primula.co.uk/
Brain health hacks for every age
The past year has been a challenge for millions of people all over the world, with many people using this time to focus on their health, headspace and diet. There has never been a better time to focus on your brain health.
As the children return to school and autumn gets underway, this is the perfect opportunity to look after the brain health of all the family. Our brains are mostly made up of fat, with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) being the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid, making up to 70% of the fatty acids found within the brain structure. DHA is present in the outer structure of our cells and has consistently been found to play a unique role in normal brain development of children* and normal brain function throughout life. Yet despite the importance of DHA, dietary intakes are below current recommendations for most of the population .
Efamol® has created five hacks to look after your brain whatever your age:
1. Keep active
After the summer holidays it’s important to get the kids back to being active and in a good routine. The Government recommends that children and young adults aged 5 to 18 should do 60 minutes of exercise per day, so ditch those devices and get active!
For busy parents, don’t let exercise go to the bottom of the priority list; finding something you enjoy doing will make exercise a joy and will ensure you’re likely to continue. Try exercising with friends as this makes it sociable and more fun. Jogging, dancing, cycling and yoga are all easily accessible.
2. Get organised
Family life can be hectic, but don’t let that descend into chaotic! Keeping the family and the house organised is therapeutic and will help to keep anxiety at bay. Use a family calendar to track everyone’s schedule and plan your meals for the week ahead so you know that everyone is on track to eat delicious, healthy food. In time, these good intentions will hopefully become habits.
3. Eat well
Whether it’s for school or work, plan a healthy lunch or lunch box for all the family. The UK Government recommends that we eat one portion of oily fish per week so try incorporating this with smoked salmon sandwiches or mackerel paté.
For evening meals try oily fish such as mackerel, salmon or fresh tuna (remember that tinned tuna doesn’t count as a portion of oily fish), as oily fish is the main dietary sources of omega 3 DHA. Eating oily fish a few times a week is a great insurance policy for your brain health. If you don’t like fish then a high-quality omega 3 supplement would be a good choice.
Eating foods rich in anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C and E will help to protect the body from the stress of oxidation.
4. Learning something new
There are many actors, scientists, authors and academics, practising still into their 80’s and 90’s. One thing they have in common is they are constantly learning. Keeping your brain active has been shown to delay memory decline. Try family games that everyone can enjoy but which stimulate the little grey brain cells. Challenging your brain is hugely beneficial and one study suggests doing crossword puzzles delayed onset of memory decline by 2.54 years .
5. Stay social
It’s important for all the family to have their fair share of social time both together as a family and with friends. Encourage your children to meet their friends outdoors as 20% of the fresh air you breathe in is used by your brain to function .
Having an active social life, volunteering for a local charity or being part of something away from work can help stave off loneliness and depression which can occur at any time of life. Combining learning something new with socialising with friends is an amazing brain tonic.
Efamol® has a product range to provide the required daily intake of Omega 3 DHA for all the family:
For 6 months plus – Formulated with little ones in mind, Efamol® Kids Omega 3 DHA Drops are a simple and effective way to top up your child’s omega 3 levels. Suitable for babies and children as they progress through school. Each tiny 1ml daily dose contains 400mg of DHA, well above the 250mg required to support normal brain function and vision. What’s more they have a natural lemon flavour and no fishy taste.
For 5 years plus – Efamol® Efalex Brain Formula, these tiny capsules are easy for children to swallow as they are only 15mm x 10mm. They are high in the omega 3 fat DHA which helps support normal brain function and vision, uniquely they also contain AA, the second most abundant fat in the brain and the omega 6 fat GLA from Evening Primrose Oil.
For adults – Efamol® Efamax™ High Strength Pure Fish Oil, this ultra-strength formula is one of the strongest on the UK market containing 800mg of DHA and EPA. DHA supports normal brain performance and vision, and DHA and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
contribute to the normal function of the heart. This product is also suitable during pregnancy.
For older adults – Efamol Active Memory contains a high strength omega 3 DHA fish oil, to support normal brain function* plus Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid which support normal psychological function and Ginkgo Biloba, which helps to maintain memory with age decline and preserve cognitive function.
Miserable Holiday Stories Offers Tongue-in-Cheek Escape from Seasonal Stress
Newark, NJ, August 30, 2021 — What do Jewish Elvis impersonators, a kidnapped Santa Claus, confused parents, horrific holiday traffic, unbreakable toys and the ever-heroic Bicycle Boys have in common? They all provide fuel for the Yuletide fire in humorist Alex Bernstein’s “miserable” collection of short stories centered on Christmas, Hanukkah and the overall malaise that descends on those in winter climates.
Miserable Holiday Stories (20 Festive Failures That Are Worse Than Yours) is the yin to the Hallmark Channel’s yang, with hefty doses of seasonal satire presented in the form of 20 short stories you can read while the babka is baking or anytime you need a respite from manufactured holiday merriment.
Tales include:
• “Blue Christmas”
• “Coloring Books”
• “The Unbreakable Toy”
• “The Smoking Lounge”
• “Brownie Mix” (A Glimmer Train Very Short Fiction Award finalist)
• “The #$@!# Bicycle Boys Save Christmas, Again!” (Also released as a single on Amazon)
• And many more!
Sure, Christmas and Hanukkah are supposed to be full of laughter, generosity and quality time with friends and family. But everyone knows the truth: the holidays are stressful at best and downright depressing at worst. Miserable Holiday Stories offers tongue-in-cheek escapism in the form of quirky, thought-provoking tales, that just might prompt you to appreciate something about your own holiday experiences.
About the Author
Alex Bernstein is the award-winning author of the Miserable series of books (Miserable Adventure Stories, Miserable Holiday Stories, Miserable Love Stories) and Plrknib. His work has appeared at McSweeney’s, NewPopLit, The Big Jewel, The American Bystander, Yankee Pot Roast, Swink, Litro, Back Hair Advocate, Corvus, BluePrintReview, Hobo Pancakes, Gi60, The Rumpus, The Legendary, MonkeyBicycle and PopImage, among numerous others.
He is a staff writer on the new Discovery Kids cartoon The Dog & Pony Show. An occasional stand-up comic, Bernstein performed extensively in his youth and frequently over the past several years. His book Plrknib is a memoir about being the youngest comedian in Cincinnati in 1980.
For more information, please visit http://www.alexbernstein.net, or follow the author on Facebook (AlexBernstein_author), Twitter alexbernstein_author) or Instagram (alexbernstein_author).
Miserable Holiday Stories (20 Festive Failures That Are Worse Than Yours)
Publisher: Racehorse (a division of Skyhorse Publishing)
ISBN-10: 1631585819
ISBN-13: 978-1631585814
Available from Amazon.com, BN.com and numerous other online retailers
Nourish Your Soul and Your Life with Daily, Prayerful Reflections
CLEVELAND, OH, September 22, 2021 — If you could do one thing each day that would enrich every moment and bring your life more meaning and clarity, would you do it?
An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word from Father Dr. Maurice Emelu is a new, seven-volume series filled with rich, faith-based passages that can profoundly impact the way you interact with the people and the world around you. Meditative, educational and didactic, Fr. Emelu’s narrative aims to inspire readers to deepen their spiritual journeys by spending just a few moments each day in prayerful repose.
“I wrote most of these reflections before the blessed Sacrament. In the presence of the Lord, I found the serenity and peace of soul that inspired more profound, prayerful sentiments within me,” Fr. Emelu said. “I then began to dialogue with God’s words.”
Drawing upon his West African roots, Catholic spirituality as well as his many years of pastoral ministry, Fr. Emelu combines the story-telling culture of Africa with a Western worldview to offer a unique perspective on faith-life and what it means to grow closer to the Lord. He communicates his sentiments and ideas in compelling, relatable ways and applies them to today’s realities. Each passage aims to heal, inspire, teach and encourage through the power of God’s Word.
In Volume One, Fr. Emelu offers insights and Bible verses to accompany the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The next two volumes focus on messages for the seasons of Lent and Easter. The topics of future volumes will be announced soon.
An Encounter is suitable for both personal and group faith sharing — for anyone seeking a daily walk with God. It would be the perfect gift for your pastor or loved one.
“Alone with God, the soul hears words that the noisy world often silences,” he said. “Call them a boost for the day or a spiritual companion for everyday life. They are empowering words meant to accompany readers on their own journey of life as they continue to discover the gentle Word of God.”
About the Author
Father Maurice Nkem Emelu, Ph.D., is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria, and the founder of Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc., a global ministry for cross-cultural Catholic evangelization and works of charity. He is an Assistant Professor of digital media and Communication at John Carroll University in the United States. The author of seven books, and over 700 blogs and professional articles, he provides robust cross-cultural educational programs through digital media. He is the host of EWTN’s The Faith with Father Maurice and the host/executive producer of Word for a Wounded World teaching series, plus numerous other television and radio works in the global Catholic network. He holds a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University, UK, focusing on digital storytelling, media aesthetics and theology, among other academic degrees. An encounter with the Lord when he was 14 changed him in fundamental ways, and today he describes himself as “passionately in love with God and His body, the Church.”
For more information, please visit www.revemelu.com, or follow the author on Instagram (@mauriceemelu), Twitter (@revemelu), YouTube (Fr. Maurice Emelu) or Facebook (Fr. Maurice Emelu).
An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume One: Advent and Christmas
Release Date: September 10, 2021
Publisher: Bien LLC
ISBN-10: 0960109706
ISBN-13: 978-0960109708
Available from Amazon.com, BN.com, Revemelu.com and wherever books are sold
An Ancient + Brave Christmas Gift for
The Coffee Connoisseur,
The Collagen Connoisseur
The Cacao Connoisseur
Not only are Ancient + Brave’s award-winning products delicious and packed full of healthy botanicals and nutraceuticals to evolve your brain, body and beauty and support ketogenic and intermittent fasting strategies, they are organic, sustainable and stunning to look at!
It’s no surprise that since launching at Selfridges in 2020 they have become the no.1 best-selling brand in the wellbeing department.
New for Christmas 2021 Ancient + Brave are launching a luxurious new gift box and a beautiful, biophotonic glass storage jar to put pride of place in your kitchen and keep your Ancient + Brave powders fresher for longer.
Ancient + Brave is certified organic by The Soil Association and for every purchase you make, Ancient + Brave donate 1% for the Planet and an additional 1% to designated community charities.
Top Picks for Christmas…
Ancient + Brave Cacao + Collagen
£24 for 250g (25 servings)
Turn your love of hot chocolate into a delicious daily wellbeing and skin loving ritual. This smooth chocolate powder is a blend of luxury organic Peruvian raw cacao combined with generous amounts of grass-fed, highly absorbable, bovine hydrolysed collagen peptides to help nourish skin from within. Also blended with organic ashwagandha, baobab, beetroot, carob, cinnamon and a pinch of Himalayan salt. Each serving provides a rich source of fibre to support digestive function and gut microbiome and an excellent source of protein.
Ancient + Brave Coffee + Collagen
£24 for 250g (25 servings)
Energise your morning and focus on your day ahead with a wellbeing ritual of freshly brewed, skin loving coffee. This finely ground deliciously indulgent organic Brazilian Santos coffee is blended with generous amounts of grass-fed, highly absorbable, bovine hydrolysed collagen peptides to help nourish your skin from within. Also blended with organic ashwagandha, baobab, raw cacao and chicory root. Each serving also provides a good source of fibre to support gut microbiome and an excellent source of protein.
Radiant Vegan Collagyn for Beauty
£37 for 250g (25 servings)
An innovative and delicious vegan collagyn, berry flavoured, beauty brew formulated with collagen specific amino acids, plant proteins, botanical extracts and buffered vitamin C to support normal collagen formation and nourish your skin from within. Also blended with key essential nutrients including choline, iodine and vitamin D for optimal daily wellbeing. It is also rich in prebiotic fibre to support digestive function and gut microbiome and an excellent source of protein.
Ancient + Brave Ritual Jar
£32
This beautiful, biophotonic glass storage jar has been designed to store your Ancient + Brave powders in style, helping to keep them fresher for longer. The Ritual Jar acts as a barrier to prevent the loss of the bioenergetic value of the product being stored, meaning that a product’s nutritional values, taste, colour and aroma are preserved to the max. The Ritual Jar has unique properties to cleverly protect natural products from the harmful, degrading effects of sunlight, filtering out the damaging UV and Infrared rays. It can be used to house absolutely anything that would benefit from its high-tech protective glass and of course it works particularly well with all the Ancient + Brave products, the Coffee + Collagen, Cacao + Collagen, True Collagen and Vegan Collagyn powders, making a great addition to any kitchen countertop.
Available from Planet Organic, Selfridges and independent health food stores and online at
https://ancientandbrave.earth/
Ancient + Brave Coffee + Collagen £24
Ancient + Brave Cacao + Collagen £24
Ancient + Brave Radiant Collagyn £37
Ancient + Brave Ritual Jar £32
Airo – The Smart Balance Bike
The lightweight AIRO balance bike is fast, agile and sleek, whether you’re going to school or shooting to the park. It is strong, sturdy and made from ultra-tough magnesium alloy which weighs just 2.95kg, it is almost light enough to float away. Light enough to not injure a child when they fall and a welcome relief to parents who sometimes must carry bikes when young ones down tools.
The AIRO’s incredibly lightweight frame allows children to propel themselves along and learn to balance effortlessly. The AIRO features footrests that has been stylishly contoured into the frame and the air-filled rubber tires on aluminum rims make for a smooth free-wheeling experience. The neoprene padded stem provides additional safety, while the fully adjustable seat makes it perfect for ages 18mths – 5years.
In addition, sealed bearings mean that the wheels are better protected against road debris and the elements. Zero-maintenance and available with a lifetime warranty.
Lighter than all 23 comparable competitors, Airo is the smart choice for smart kids and parents.
The Hornit Airo is available in a range of colours and costs just £129 from Hornit.com
With many holidays approaching, your viewers will be looking for the perfect gifts to find their loved ones this season.
John’s Crazy Socks and their wide variety of socks would be a great addition to be featured on your 2021 holiday gift guide list for InTouch Rugby.
They offer the perfect product where the gifts give back as they donate 5% of their earnings to the Special Olympics and other charitable foundations. John’s Crazy Socks is the largest online sock retailer and has the most variety of socks in the United States.
Here are the links to some of John’s Crazy Socks’ holiday gift offerings:
White Christmas Sock: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/white-christmas-socks-for-women?variant=32710016106577
Bah Humbug Crew Sock: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/bah-humbug-mens-crew-socks?variant=32709974884433
Thanksgiving Family Gift Pack: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/thanksgiving-family-gift-pack?variant=32725120221265
Let is Snow Men’s Crew Sock: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/let-it-snow-blue-mens-crew-socks?variant=32709974917201
Santa Fuzzy Women’s Sock: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/christmas-santa-fuzzy-womens-sock?variant=39406094811217
Hannukah Bag of Socks: https://johnscrazysocks.com/products/hanukkah-bag-of-socks-for-women?variant=32710047531089
To see John’s Crazy Socks’ many gift offerings, please visit www.johnscrazysocks.com.
4G LTE Smartwatch For Next-Gen Kids
Introducing myFirst Fone R1, the first round shape 4G LTE Music Smartwatch Phone specially designed for Next-gen Kids. Discover the amazing all-in-one device, a combination of phone, music player, camera, clock, GPS tracker, and fitness tracker. One of the coolest on-the-move entertainment that the kids ever had.
• Precise Location – Getting lost is a thing of the past. The R1 uses advanced GPS, WiFi and GSM to help parents accurately and quikcly track their kids.
• Geo-Fencing – Keep your child within 200m from the boundaries of your holiday home or any location. Preset safety zones by highlighting geo-locations in the iOS or Android app.
• Real-Time Communication – Get live updates from those closest to you. Using cellular networks, both the R1 and smartphone can converse in real-time through either voice or video calls.
• One-Touch SOS – Send distress signals through an integrated SOS button. Once activated, parents will receive an emergency location alert with a 30s live recording of surrounding sounds.
• 2-Way Voice and Video Calls – Stay connected with children at every moment. Both parents and children can initiate video calls at any time, anywhere. Using cellular networks, both the R1 kids smartwatch and smartphone can communicate through voice or video calls just like a regular phone.
• 4GE LTE – It’s the best time for all the kids to enter the 4G world. With 4G LTE, myFirst Fone R1 empowers your kids with the freedom of cellular. Experience faster and smoother performance for all of their favourite fitness, health, and productivity features on this smartwatch for kids.
• 500 Songs – R1 watch phone for kids comes with an MP3 player and built-in loudspeaker that provides up to 10 hours playback time which is great for music or listening to audiobooks. Feel the joy of having 500 songs on their wrist. Ideal for traveling and the walk to school.
• Elevated Edge – R1 is a classic round shape smart watch phone that comes with an elevated edge. The elevated edge screen design is to protect the watch’s screen on impact.
• 2mp Camera – R1 comes equipped with a 2-megapixel camera. Unleash their wildest creativity by capturing their favourite moments. Snap amazing pictures on the go.
• School Mode – With flexible customization on class mode, R1 can be silenced at a specified day or time to minimise distractions. All calls and message alerts will be silent upon activation and only SOS function can be used. A great feature to ensure children stay focused at school or study time.
• iOS & Android Compatible – myFirst Fone mobile application is compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices.
Tech Details:
• 1.3” TFT Round Screen with Capacitive Touch
• 2MP Front Camera
• Splash proof
• Battery Capability: 580 mAh
• Standby Time: Up to 2 days
• Phone Call: Up to 6 hours
• Music Playback: Up to 10 hours
• USB Charging: 5V, 1A
• Storage: 4GB
• Product Weight: 53g
• NANO SIM Card
• Positioning: Wi-Fi, GPS, A-GPS
• Connectivity: LTE, GSM, WCDMA, WiFi, GPS
The myFirst Fone R1 costs £145.50 from myFirst.Tech
MONTEZUMA’S CHOCOLATE IS SLEIGH-IN’ IT WITH ITS EXTRAORDINARY 2021 CHRISTMAS RANGE
The ultimate selection of handcrafted chocolate gifts for the whole family!
Looking for a selection of sustainable, handcrafted, extraordinary gifts this Christmas? Yule love Montezuma’s new 2021 Christmas range.
Spread some festive cheer with a spectacular treat from Britain’s Greatest Little Chocolate Company. Known for creating brilliant and unique flavour combinations, the premium Christmas range is carefully handcrafted in its Chichester-based factory and comes in 100% recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging – what’s not to like?
The brand-new Christmas range includes Montezuma’s popular selection of Advent Calendars, quirky Chocolate Bar Library, mouth-watering Chocolate Snowballs, and chunky Chocolate Snowmen.
ADVENT CALENDARS
Truffle Advent Calendar
There is no better way to begin and end the festive season than with Montezuma’s Truffle Advent Calendar, filled with a deliciously decadent selection of its best-selling truffles.
Consisting of milk chocolate and salted caramel (American Idol), dark chocolate (Eclipse), milk chocolate & hazelnut praline (Secret Squirrel), and white chocolate with raspberry (Sweet summertime), there is nothing richer or creamier than these top tier selections. This is sure to get you out of bed each morning!
£29.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
Absolute Black, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Advent Calendars
Back again to mark another joy-filled festive season, the iconic Absolute Black, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Advent Calendars have landed within this year’s Montezuma’s Christmas range. With three decadent options to choose from and made from the finest quality organic beans, combined with rich organic milk and finished off with 100% recyclable packaging, these advent calendars will certainly do the trick to make someone’s Christmas. Great for kids and big kids alike!
£9.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
THE CHOCOLATE LIBRARY
At Montezuma’s – feasting comes first, and this exceptional gift is the perfect taster of some of Montezuma’s much loved bars. Perfect as a stocking filler or a present for your Secret Santa, The Chocolate Library includes three of Montezuma’s best-selling bars and two limited edition Christmas inspired flavours.
£14.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
CHOCOLATE SNOWBALLS
Made for sharing but perhaps one to keep for yourself… Montezuma’s Chocolate Snowball’s have returned. Packaged in nifty bags and filled with festive flavours, the snowballs boast a smooth ganache and creamy white shell. Choose from fragrant peppermint & truffle vanilla, salted caramel & white chocolate and peanut butter white chocolate – certain to tickle your taste buds!
£4.49
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
CHUNKY CHOCOLATE SNOWMEN
Christmas is all about coming together with your loved ones, and these Chunky Chocolate Snowmen are always a hit with the whole family. Coming in a box of 8 and featuring three flavours to pick from, these solid vegan-friendly treats are the perfect stocking filler or gift. Choose from dark chocolate & peppermint, milk chocolate & mandarin and 100% cocoa Absolute Black.
£6.99
To purchase please visit montezumas.co.uk
It’s that time of year again, the summer is coming to an end (although did it ever really get started?!) and autumn trends are next on the agenda. We have put together a helpful list of the top must haves this year and how to style them, after two years of lockdown it’s only right that we go all out for these autumn trends! At Hidden Fashion you can stay on trend but for low prices – so you can feel good, confident and stylish and your bank won’t hate you for it!
Here are Hidden Fashion’s top five autumn trends this year:
1. Brown
Brown is the new black and this autumnal hue is this year’s must have. Chocolate shades are ideal to warm up a simple silhouette. With many different shades and styles, brown is the must have colour this autumn.
2. Cut outs
Cut outs are making a comeback. Embrace the cold by showing some skin this autumn but it will be worth it as you offer an effortlessly stylish outfit. Cut out styles come in many different styles: jumpers, dresses, tops and skirts so there is something for everyone!
3. Layering
Layering is a must this autumn- whether it’s a double coat for those chilly nights, a long sleeved under that cute summer dress you aren’t ready to let go of, or your jumper draped over your outfit just in case, Hidden Fashion have got you covered.
4. Be Bold this autumn
Bold colours aren’t just for summer. Bright, bold, block colours are what you need this year – we’ve spent nearly two years in lockdown, express yourself through colour no matter what time of year it is.
5. Shirt dresses
Shirt dresses will never go out of style, this classic piece can be worn for every autumnal occasion. Need to dress it down? Just add trainers. Want to dress it up? Add some boots. This simple, stylish and elegant piece will always be a top favourite for Hidden Fashion!
About Hidden Fashion
Founded in Birmingham (UK) in 2012 and rebranded in 2017; Hidden Fashion began its journey. Kiran Rall (the founder) has worked in the fashion industry since the young age of thirteen where she worked on her family’s stall in the infamous Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. Kiran was inspired by her mother as she would always ensure that her children looked fashionable by designing and sewing clothes – despite having a low budget. This is where the brand’s motto started, ‘do it with love’.
Since then, the brand has grown from strength to strength, with 325K followers on Instagram! Hidden Fashion endeavours to create a community of their own whilst allowing customers to champion their own individual styles remaining fun, sassy and young.
Sharing Organix’s Advent Calendar for little ones for inclusion.
Behind the doors of the advent calendars are:
• Organix Jammie Monsters Biscuits – deliciously tasty biscuits made with 100% fruit filling
• Organix Mini Oaty Bites Raspberry & Apple – soft, scrummy and deliciously fruity, they are packed full of juicy raisins and wholegrain oats
• Organix Mini Oaty Bites Apple & Orange – soft, scrummy and deliciously fruity, they are packed full of juicy raisins and wholegrain oats
RRP: £8.99
Stockists: Organix Online Shop, Boots, and Tesco from September
The advent calendar is suitable for little ones aged 18 months+.
It’s nearly Christmas! (Kind of)
Whether you’re shopping for your mother, brother, sister, mister, friend or father I have some great suggestions that will make this year’s present purchasing feel like a piece of cake!
Nuture
We often see the beauty in our loved ones that they struggle to see. Nuture products are designed to help build confidence and remind them to be proud of the skin they are in. So give the gift of self care this Christmas with a range of products designed to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin.
• Nuture Nourishing Skin Treatment Oil, RRP 50ml £8.99 and 150ml £17.99
• Nuture Facial Treatment Serum, RRP £15.99
Buon Natale from Carluccio’s
With Christmas looking like it’s back on track after last year’s washout, there’s a lot of celebrating that needs to be made up for. Carluccio’s has never been more ready to spread the festive joy with its wonderful range of new Christmas treats and signature all-time favourites, all lovingly made in Italy with recipes passed down through the generations. Buon Natale!
This year, Carluccio’s is introducing new members to its famous and award-winning panettone family including the glorious Maraschino Cherry Panettone, in collaboration with Hotel Starlino, either in a beautiful limited-edition cake tin, or in a mini version for the perfect stocking filler! Also, debuting this year is Carluccio’s Vegan Panettone, a plant-based take on the Italian classic that doesn’t skimp on flavour, as well as a new and improved gluten-free version.
Carluccio’s Christmas collection is available in-store from 1st October and online at www.carluccios.com.
Panettone
Fresh from Italy, you can’t get more festive than authenic Carluccio’s panettone. Made from September through to December by specialist producers, these treats are only found in-store at Christmas. Just like in Italia.
PANETTONE MARASCHINO, 950g, £24.95 (NEW)
A delicious new take on the classical panettone, this unique Christmas treat, created in collaboration with Hotel Starlino, is filled with luxury maraschino cherries, delicious pieces of dark chocolate, and sprinkled with a cheeky spike of Maraschino liqueur. Presented in an eye-catching bright red limited-edition cake tin, this makes a beautiful gift. Also available in a piccolo version perfect for filling stockings.
VEGAN PANETTONE, 750g, £18.95 (NEW)
Carluccio’s vegan panettone is created with the same dedication as the classics and follows the very same Italian artisanal traditions. The plant-based version is a great option to make sure no one misses out on the Christmas goodies.
PANETTONE CLEMENTINE, 1kg, £19.95 (NEW)
A delightfully citrus-based panettone, complete with clementine pieces and dark chocolate glaze, a perfect pairing with your post-dinner coffee.
Joyeux Noël from Mariage Frères
It’s been a year like no other and after a Christmas spent by many in tier four lockdown, we have never been more ready to embrace the comfort and joy of the festive season. With this in mind, luxury French tea emporium and purveyor, Mariage Frères, is bringing festive cheer straight into your home with its tea-inspired 2021 Christmas collection.
With one of the most extensive tea assortments in the world, alongside an unrivalled offer of beautiful teapots and bowls, you’ll be sure to find something special for your loved ones this Christmas. All gifts are beautifully packaged in an array of vibrant colours and feature the highest quality teas, tea-infused jellies, limited-edition holiday teas, and distinctive tea paraphernalia.
Peruse the collection in Mariage Frères’ flagship store on Covent Garden’s King Street and in Selfridges London, or order online for nationwide delivery at www.mariagefreres.com.
Christmas Calendar
CHRISTMAS CALENDAR: ‘NOËL HAUTE COUTURE’®
£45
Leave the chocolate to the kids this Christmas and count down to the big day in style with Mariage Frères’
luxury Christmas calendar featuring 25 unique premium teas from France’s trendiest teahouse, handsomely tied together with satin ribbon. Brighten up every morning leading up to the big day with a cup of one of the finest teas in the world.
Christmas Teas Collection
CHRISTMAS SONG TEA®
£26
A velvety black tea with festive notes of almond and zesty accents of bergamot for perfect harmony.
CHRISTMAS PARTY TEA®
£26
A gourmet black tea with notes of almonds, candied fruit, chocolate and hazelnuts infuse this velvety black tea.
CHRISTMAS PUDDING TEA®
£26
The taste of Christmas pudding in a tea, notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, flavoured with raisins, candied orange, cherry, almond, apple and vanilla.
CHRISTMAS STRAWBERRY®
£26
In Japan, the best time for strawberries is in December, which is the inspiration behind this rich black tea with beautiful morsels of tender strawberry and a hint of vanilla.
Liberate Yourself this Christmas with Liberation Cocktails
Celebrate Christmas in style this year with Liberation Cocktails’ curated collection of giftsets, pre-mixed bottled cocktails and party paraphernalia. Carefully crafted by Liberation Cocktails’ expert mixologists, all blended cocktails are made using the highest-grade spirits as well as the finest, fresh and quality ingredients. So, whether you’re in need of the perfect gift for friends and loved ones or looking to host the ultimate Christmas get-together, Liberation Cocktails has you covered this festive season.
All hires imagery available here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VXJg5rQu2RqHQL6H6
The Liberation Cocktails Christmas collection is available now and can be ordered online at
https://liberationcocktails.com
Espresso Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker £37.50 (NEW)
Free from additives and artificial ingredients, Liberation’s delicious, new and expertly blended Espresso Martini bottle is made with overproof craft distillery vodka, Rainforest Alliance single estate coffee, silky hazelnut liqueur, Madagascan vanilla, and cane sugar. The pre-mixed bottle is priced at £22.50 but is now also available in a premium giftset, complete with a cocktail shaker and classic martini glass for the perfect serve this Christmas at £37.50.
Pornstar Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker £37.50 (NEW)
To tantalize the tastebuds, pop open a bottle of Pornstar Martini, made from the finest ingredients and ready to drink when you are. Carefully blended with overproof craft distillery vodka, Brazilian lime juice, Madagascan bourbon vanilla, Ecuadorian passionfruit and sugar cane, this showstopper is bound to impress at any Christmas gathering. Priced at £22.50 for a 75cl bottle or £37.50 within a striking giftset alongside an accompanying cocktail shaker and martini glass – the new launch is the perfect present for cocktail lovers!
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION OF FINE CANE SPIRITS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE
From Christmas Eggnog to hot buttered rum, the spirit of the sugarcane is the perfect tipple to embody Christmas. Exuding warming spices and tasting notes such as citrus orange and dark chocolate, a bottle of rum is ideal for cosying up with this Christmas.
Whether giving as a gift, taking to a celebratory meal, or simply getting in the festive spirit at home, each rum mentioned below is bursting with its own complex flavours. With ethical and good-for-the-planet choices, new launches and an entire Rum Discovery Box Advent Calendar there’s a rum tipple for everyone’s Christmas list:
Festive flavours from Compañero:
The Spanish word for companion, Compañero offers three fantastic rums in their range, each with their own complex tastes, qualities and characteristics. Our highlight for this Christmas is the Extra Añejo which has a unique ageing processes that involves injecting the rum barrels with cacao paste to give the drink a deep, dark chocolate aroma and flavour. All three of the rums in Compañero’s collection are housed in striking dark glass bottles, making this an impressive collection of yuletide tipples to savour.
So upgrade your coffee cream liqueur this Christmas, discover a Extra Añejo over ice, or try a Pan-amargo, a cocktail that features Extra Añejo, Campari, Sweet Vermouth for a festive twist on the beloved Negroni. (Full recipe in ends.)
Waitrose, RRP £44.99.
The sustainable choice, Montanya:
Producing, quite possibly, the most sustainable craft rum in the world at their B-Corp certified rum distillery in the Rocky Mountains, Montanya shows what it is to be a company that lives and breathes sustainability, from the exemplary sourcing of their ingredients, to wind powered production and through to bottling in certified glass.
Their Exclusiva is finished in a Cabernet Sauvignon and Port barrel, resulting in an extremely complex flavoured rum, where cinnamon meets red wine and honey meets vanilla – it’s perfect for twist on festive Port, served neat or as part of a cocktail. Or alternatively, gift Montanya’s Valentia, distilled by women and bottled by a female-led bottling crew, this vegan-friendly rum is a true celebration of women in distilling.
Harvey Nichols and on Master of Malt. RRP: £44.99.
Rum Clairin Saint Benevolence:
Founded by a father-son team, this is Haitian Rum Clairin sends 100% of its profits to its longstanding non-profit partners in Haiti. Dedicated to improving the quality of life with critical medical services, educational programmes and economic developments. Saint Benevolence is a rustic, terroir-driven sugar cane spirit, with hints of hot wasabi, touches of green banana, briny green olive and spicy white pepper.
The Whisky Exchange and Drink Supermarket. RRP: £44.99.
24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar:
A collection of fantastic rums hidden behind 24 doorways for the ultimate countdown to Christmas. Featuring 24 x 20ml glass bottles of premium rum, this advent calendar is great for rum lovers or inquisitives who will enjoy experiencing different rums from around the world. To set you up for a month of tantalising tipples, also included in the box is two tasting glasses and notes to guide you through each day of rum! By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll be a connoisseur, especially with the help of the interactive global micro-site with additional background on the producers, where you can also rate each rum and take part in interactive discussions and Q&As. The rums featured in the advent calendar have been carefully hand selected with vast history and variety, including Pasador De Oro from Guatemala, Naga from Indonesia and Arcanne from Mauritius.
Amazon, and Harvey Nichols, late September, RRP £79.99
As we cross our fingers and hope for a Christmas with family and friends this year, why not make it extra special by sharing a bottle of fantastic rum with good company or treating a loved one to an extra special advent calendar? With bottles for the purists as well as the cocktail enthusiasts, you can’t beat a bottle of fine rum for showcasing the best ingredients and artisanal distilling processes this festive season.
Pan-amargo Recipe
Ingredients
40ml Compañero Extra Añejo
20ml Campari
20ml Sweet Vermouth
10ml Falernum
10ml Ancho Reyes
1 dash Chocolate Bitters
Orange Peel
Method
Stir all with ice
Strain in tumbler over fresh cubes
Express and garnish with orange peel
Fruit Bowl’s snack range includes Peelers, School Bars, Fruit Flakes and Unicorn Fruit Flakes, which all count towards your child’s five a day, helping parents to feel reassured their children will get their five-a-day even over the Christmas period. Fruit Bowl’s treat range includes Yogurt Flakes, Yogurt Coated Raisins and Dino Yogurt Eggs, a great alternative to chocolatey snacks this Christmas.
Fruit Bowl’s products are available to purchase in Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Coop, Tesco, Waitrose and on Ocado and Fruit Bowl’s website.
Christmas Gift Guide
Queens of the Bone Age is an artisan pet ba(r)kery, specialising in organic, personalised wheat-free treats for dogs.
From jazzy doggy doughnuts to personalised bone biscuits, the Queens team firmly believe everything tastes best when fresh, which is why all treats are baked-to-order using premium, human-grade ingredients that are safe for dogs to consume.
🎗10% of sales donated to animal charities, including the RSPCA and Dog’s Trust
♻️ All orders are gift-wrapped as standard, using plastic-free packaging
📦 Pre-order available for December delivery dates, delivery UK nationwide
Website: www.QueensOfTheBoneAge.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/QueensBarkery
All gift guide product images, including white background, can be accessed and downloaded here (Google Drive folder – the link won’t expire)
1. Woof doggy doughnuts
The lowdown: A firm favourite amongst the Queens’ doggy fans, these woof doughnuts are made using premium organic buckwheat flour, peanut butter containing zero palm oil or xylitol, free-range eggs and a touch of honey – and decorated with a buckwheat glaze and peanut butter woof doggy biscuit. All freshly hand-made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £15 for 4
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/christmas-delivery-woof-doggy-doughnuts-x4-pack
2. Festive doggy doughnuts
The lowdown: A festive spin on the ever-popular Queens of the Bone Age doggy doughnuts, the Christmas versions contain a touch of cinnamon and are made using premium organic buckwheat flour, peanut butter containing zero palm oil or xylitol and free-range eggs – and decorated with a buckwheat glaze and a peanut and spirulina doggy biscuit. All freshly hand-made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £15 for 4
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/christmas-doggy-doughnuts-x4-pack
3. Personalised bone biscuits
The lowdown: Roll up, roll up, get your personalised bone biscuits here! Whether it’s carob (totally safe for dogs to eat), beetroot, spirulina or the classic peanut flavour, these treats have proven a firm favourite amongst Queens of the Bone Age’s pooch panel of tasters. Hand-made using premium organic buckwheat flour, peanut butter containing zero palm oil or xylitol and free-range eggs – and hand-stamped with your doggo’s name. All freshly hand-made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £13 for 10
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/personalised-bone-biscuits-x10
4. Christmas tree cinnamon dog biscuits
The lowdown: Share the festive joy with your pup with these cinnamon christmas tree dog biscuits! Hand-made using premium organic buckwheat flour, peanut butter containing zero palm oil or xylitol and free-range eggs, and flavoured with cinnamon and spirulina. All freshly made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £15 for 10
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/christmas-tree-dog-biscuits-x10-biscuits
5. Pink dream doughnuts
The lowdown: These pink dream doughnuts look so good it’s tempting to just save them for yourself! The delicious doggy treats are made using premium organic buckwheat flour, peanut butter containing zero palm oil or xylitol and free-range eggs – and decorated with a beetroot buckwheat glaze and freeze-dried raspberry sprinkles. All freshly hand-made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £15 for 4
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/pre-order-december-delivery-raspberry-doggy-doughnuts-x4-pack
6. Christmas pudding biscuits
The lowdown: We all know dogs can’t eat raisins so a Christmas pudding is definitely off the table for our pooches, but why not treat them to a Queens of the Bone Age pudding biscuit instead? Hand-made carob peanut butter biscuits are decorated with an organic buckwheat glaze and little peanut spirulina holly biscuit. All freshly made to order and posted in plastic-free packaging
Vendor: Queens of the Bone Age
Price: £15 for 10 (4 pudding biscuits, 6 personalised bone biscuits)
Where to buy: https://queensoftheboneage.co.uk/products/christmas-pudding-and-personalised-cracker-treats-x10-biscuits
YOU CAN NOW BUY AN EMPTY CARDBOARD BOX FOR YOUR KIDS THIS CHRISTMAS
• Sick of kids spending more time with the cardboard box than the present itself?
• Toy retailer BargainMax.co.uk now offering empty cardboard boxes for just 1p
• Pick up a Box Clever today and get Christmas boxed off early
As any parent will tell you, the box a present arrives in is often far more interesting than the present itself, with kids spending more time sat in cardboard boxes on Christmas day than they do playing with their new toys.
At BargainMax.co.uk, the home of branded toys, games and collectibles, we want to make Christmas 2021 as low stress as possible, so to save parents the hassle of picking a top gift only for it to be trumped by an empty piece of cardboard, we’re selling you the cardboard box direct.
Forget fancy electronics and pricey play sets – the new Box Clever from BargainMax.co.uk is a 49 x 41 x30 cm cardboard box that allows kids to let their imagination run wild.
Priced at just 1p, with free postage and packaging, Box Clever will provide hours of fun for your child and with an added bonus of saving you a small fortune in the run up to Christmas.
Made of the highest quality cardboard, the multifunctional Box Clever comes with several different configurations for your little one’s enjoyment, such as open, closed, and flat packed.
With endless imaginative ways to play, Box Clever can become a fort, a car, house and much more – providing hours of fun.
The sought after Box Clever, is arguably also the most understated yet stylish present on the market this Christmas. Its distinctive brown colour will stand out from its more garish and flashier rivals, and what’s more, it can be fully customised by your kids using crayons, markers, stickers, and glue (sold separately) to make it a totally unique product.
Daniel McKay, Marketing & eCommerce Director at BargainMax.co.uk, said: “Picking out Christmas presents, particularly for kids, can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of options on the market. However, if you speak to parents, they’ll tell you that most kids think the box a present comes in is just as much fun as the present itself.
“This Christmas, save yourself the hassle and pick up a Box Clever for your little one. It’s so reasonably priced that you can get them for all of your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews without breaking the bank.”
Launching exclusively on BargainMax.co.uk, pick up a box clever here. Hurry, only available while stocks last!
SUSTAINABLE GIFTING
tado° V3+ Wireless Smart Thermostat Starter Kit and Hot Water Control with Care and Protect feature – Available for £159.99 from Amazon UK
The tado° Smart Thermostat is easy to install. It connects to the internet and is ready to control your heating smartly in just a few minutes. Compatible with 95% of all heating systems, the expanded Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ Starter Kits offer unmatched integration and control of all kinds of boilers from any manufacturer.
The new Wireless Temperature Sensors are equipped with temperature and humidity detectors and support the convenient, central control of multiple Smart Radiator Thermostats in one or multiple rooms. More than just a sensor, the in-built user interface also allows residents to manually adjust the settings on the device itself.
The tado° Smart Thermostat comes with the Care & Protect Skill which keeps customers home heating systems running smoothly and offers tangible step-by-step solutions when issues arise. With 24/7 monitoring of home heating systems, Care & Protect detects boiler faults, informs users on how to fix them or who to call, and helps to minimise the outage time of heating systems to guarantee a warm and comfortable home. Care & Protect is available in the tado° Auto-Assist Skill but a simplified version is also available for non Auto-Assist users. The Auto-Assist feature includes Geofencing, Open Window Detection, and Care & Protect. It takes care of the user’s home climate by fully automating the Geofencing and Open Window Detection Skills for even more savings and comfort. Auto-Assist is bookable in the tado° app with a monthly subscription of £2.99 per month or £24.99 a year and can be cancelled at any time.
Airthings Wave Mini Air Quality Monitor – available for £60.52 from Amazon
The Airthings Wave Mini is an easy setup, wirelessly connected and battery-operated device that effectively monitors indoor air quality, with no installation required. Built in TVOC sensors successfully measure toxins and chemicals in the air that can negatively impact your health, in addition to the room temperature and humidity. As conditions can vary drastically from room to room, the Wave Mini is the perfect device to reach optimum comfort and health in every space in your home in the most cost effective way. Users can easily access and understand the dashboard’s visual indicator with traffic light colour coding, or can alternatively view the insights over time on the free Wave Mini mobile app.
Airthings View Plus smart air monitor – available for pre-order beginning today on Airthings.com , the product will start shipping to customers in September for £259 / €299/ $299 USD [incl VAT]
Battery-operated and Wi-Fi-enabled, View Plus includes sensors for particulate matter (PM), radon, carbon dioxide (CO2) and much more, along with a customisable display for easy visualisation. View Plus brings a new level of peace of mind, allowing users to rest assured that their homes are healthy. By monitoring for PM, radon, CO2, humidity, airborne chemicals (VOC), temperature, air pressure, and even outdoor air quality, View Plus displays a comprehensive spectrum of insights and provides a glance into air quality in a way that is easy for anyone to understand.
PM detection is a new addition to Airthings’ range of product capabilities and will provide a level of insight into air quality at home. The product features a built-in particle sensor that can detect PM2.5 and PM1, and provide users with continuous access to data, as well as notifications to alert about changes in the air. With a sleek and minimalistic design interface that will fit seamlessly in any home, View Plus adapts to the surroundings, showing the most relevant data based on the location. It also allows for customisation options for users who want to prioritise the air quality data that matters most to them – whether it be PM, radon, CO2, humidity, or something else. Gaining an understanding of the air with View Plus is as easy as waving a hand in front of the device for a colour-coded air quality check. Users can log into the Airthings Dashboard for in-depth insights into the air or open the Airthings app for a quick and easy view of the air quality levels.
View Plus is wireless and WiFi-enabled, offering access to data anytime, and anywhere, with a battery life of more than two years. It can also be easily integrated into a smart home system using IFTTT, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. In addition, View Plus has a built-in Hub functionality, so users can expand their system and bring other Airthings devices online. View Plus can be placed in any home, making for a convenient way to transform indoor air quality from an invisible threat to a visible, understandable, and controllable aspect of life.
FOR THE SAFETY CONSCIOUS
Nexar Beam GPS Full HD 1080P Dash Cam – available from Amazon for an RRP of $119.95 and the Nexar website, currently on offer for only $119.95/£99.95
Nexar Beam GPS is a sleek and compact plug and play dash cam that can easily be concealed behind the rear-view mirror. Recording crisp and clear 1080p full HD video, the dash cam also has a super wide lens with a 135-degree field of view. The parking mode feature offers 24/7 security and can sense even the slightest impact to a vehicle and starts recording immediately, even when the car is parked. Footage can be downloaded to the user’s phone as soon as it connects to the dash cam so can be viewed immediately; offering true peace of mind. With a built-in G-sensor supporting variable sensitivity, the dash cam can auto-detect any sudden knock or collision and lock the crucial footage and the built-in GPS module can link the location of the vehicle to the footage. This can then be used as vital evidence for claims or insurance purposes with users being able to access the required footage easily and quickly.
Nexar has developed its own proprietary software and the companion app allows for live streaming of all video footage directly to your phone and uses AI to detect important moments and save them as easy to find clips. Incidents can be reported and files shared and viewed immediately with an insurance company or the police through the app. The footage is backed up to the cloud without any limits, and all of it is incredibly easy to use and navigate around.
The Nexar Beam GPS comes with a free 32GB microSD card already installed but users can opt to upgrade to a bigger capacity with up to 256GB. Best of all, though, Nexar offers completely unlimited cloud backups without a subscription, so drivers can avoid the extra cost and have the same ability to save any video to the cloud. Ideal if the dash cam is ever stolen or damaged, as footage can still be viewed and accessed from anywhere. The video clips can be wrapped together with important data into a report and uploaded immediately using a one-click report function. Additionally, Siri voice command may be used to send messages to others whilst on the road in the Nexar Groups app which will show the location if the driver is delayed.
GADGETS FOR CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY
Xplora XGO2 Android children’s smart watch available from Amazon for an RRP of £99.99
The Xplora XGO2 is an affordable and GDPR compliant ideal first phone for children aged 5-12. Running on Android 4.4 with a 1.4” capacitive touch colour LCD screen, it is easy to use and is incredibly responsive. When wearing and using the device, children can make and receive voice calls from pre-saved numbers only, so they can communicate with friends or family without the risk of receiving any unsolicited calls. These contacts can be managed on the parent’s app. The watch does not feature social media, making the safety of children using it a priority. The device can also receive and reply to text messages including text, emojis, images and voice messages. With a 0.3-megapixel camera and 4GB storage, there is also plenty of room to store photos.
Including a 700mAh battery providing 72 hours of standby battery and working with Wi-Fi as well as 4G, 3G and 2G connectivity, the watch ensures reliable connectivity and is also IP67 water resistant so can survive a rainy day or messy play session outdoors! One of the most exciting features on the XGO2 watch is the step counter which encourages children to stay active and to be rewarded for this! With in-built G Sensors, the XGO2 accurately tracks kid’s steps which earn them Xplora Coins to be used in the ground breaking and award winning Xplora Goplay Platform. This aims to motivate children to spend more time taking part in physical activities offline in exchange for virtual rewards that can later be redeemed online via a gaming platform.
Including many features that are designed to keep kids safe whilst being online, the emergency SOS button can be pressed by the child if needed and will notify their emergency contacts of their location. The XGO2 also uses multiple services to show the devices location (GPS + Wi-Fi + LBS) to ensure it is accurate. School Mode can also be activated so that there are no distractions in class with just the watch clock displaying but all calls and messages disabled. Whilst School Mode is on however, parents are still able to track the watch location and the SOS function is still active.
Xplora X5 Play children’s smart watch available from Xplora and Amazon for an RRP of £159.99 – now with free SIM card
The new X5 Play is a children’s smart watch which not only provides reassurance to parents always knowing the location of their child but is great fun for kids too! They can make and take calls, text and send emoji’s, take photos, and get active with their favourite characters like Peter Rabbit 2 and Doctor Who, earning rewards as they go. Featuring a Qualcomm chipset for a fast and reliable user experience the X5 Play is also waterproof (IP68) and features a 1.4’ TFT display and 2 Mega Pixel camera for taking great selfie’s. With in-built G Sensors and advanced step tracking capabilities, X5 Play links seamlessly to Xplora’s unique Goplay platform
LOCATE: Locate your child with the X5 Play and create Safe Zones which will alert you whenever your child leaves or enters the zone.
COMMUNICATE: The watch is also a phone! Easy communication with the child and up to 50 approved contacts, answer and make calls with swipe motions and send text messages and emojis!
TAKE PICTURES: The 2MP camera means they can share the pictures with you throughout their day, keeping you up to date on what they are doing. Store over 1000 pictures in the gallery and set a custom background.
GOPLAY: The world’s first Goplay activity platform combining physical activity with entertainment.
New XMOVE Bluetooth family activity tracker – available in black, petrol, grey and pink from Currys and the Xplora website for an incredibly affordable £49.99
Using the XMOVE tracker, families can track the number of steps each person is taking and even get competitive amongst family members to encourage all to be as active as possible! It also has a built-in sensor to monitor inactivity and reminds a user to get moving to help maintain a healthier lifestyle. Its Multi-Sports Mode function monitors an individual’s activity when running, walking or cycling whilst the Heart Rate Monitoring helps a user to exercise at the right intensity. No need to worry about getting caught in the rain on a walk or run or children jumping in puddles either as the XMOVE is certified as IP68 and can be immersed in water up to 1.5m deep. All for an incredibly affordable £49.99.
The XMOVE monitors activity even when sleeping by measuring the duration and quality of sleep which can then be assessed on the app.
The XMOVE has an ultra slim body and is just 10mm thick so ideal and comfortable for all sizes of wrists and has an easy to read 1.3-inch TFT 240 x 240-pixel clear display. Its 160mAh battery will last up to 10 days on standby or 5 days of normal use so wearers can carry on enjoying it day after day before charging.
Main Functions:
• IP68 Waterproof – Waterproof up to 1.5m deep
• 160mAh Battery – With up to 10 days standby or 5 days of normal use
• Multi Sports Modes – Various modes monitor Running, Walking, Cycling and more
• Heart Rate Monitoring – Helps you exercise at the right intensity
• Ultra Slim Body – Just 10mm thick
• 1.3 inch TFT Display – Clear 240 x 240 pixel display
BuddyPhones® Cosmos+ wireless ANC kid-proof, kid-safe headphones to protect little ears from increasing tech exposure – available in Cool Blue, Rose Pink, Sun Yellow, Grey Matter, Deep Blue and Snow White from buddyphones.com, onanoff.com and Amazon.co.uk for $99.99/ £99.90/ €85.11. Amazon.com is expected to be in stock in September
The new Cosmos+ wireless active noise cancelling headphones are great for kids to use from remote learning and in-school computer lessons to gaming, listening to music and watching videos. With children now using technology for education as well as entertainment the Cosmos+ provide a new level of protection for children’s hearing. Although noise induced hearing loss cannot be reversed, it can be prevented by ensuring young ears are suitably protected. The best way to protect children from progressive hearing loss is to equip them with a pair of headphones that limits how loud the volume can go. Using a built-in, always on, sound control circuit to cap the volume at levels recommended for children by the World Health Organization, BuddyPhones® are tailor-made for kids to be the toughest, safest sound solutions available.
With a slew of new audio features, fun designs, a range of colours; Cool Blue, Rose Pink, Sun Yellow, Grey Matter, Deep Blue and Snow White and volume limiting capability the BuddyPhones® Cosmos+ are ideal for use when studying, when watching films or listening to music whilst still ensuring hearing health is protected.
The BuddyPhones Cosmos+ brings an upgrade to ONANOFF’s flagship wireless kid’s headphone with a high quality detachable boom mic and 3 SafeAudio® settings to choose from. With these 3 different listening modes of 94dB TravelMode, 85dB KidsMode and 75dB ToddlerMode, the headphones can be tailored to the child’s needs and environment. ONANOFF‘s patented StudyMode® helps isolate voices from other sounds, producing crisper, clearer vocals that will help young scholars to focus when studying or watching lessons. These different audio settings can be tailored to the child’s educational needs, at home or in school. The foldable headphones with soft protein PU leather ear pads also include a BuddyLink for sharing so siblings and friends can easily watch and play together.
The BuddyPhones® Cosmos+ boast a 24-hour battery life for wireless use or a wired connection option, making them ideal for keeping children entertained whilst travelling or on long car trips. The Cosmos+ now features new, more durable designs, a travel case for easy transport, and a fun and eye-catching design using a process called “In Mold Design” to produce intricate artwork on the ear cups with a premium finish that is fully scratch resistant.
The PuroQuiet Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphone – Available from Amazon for 102.88 and Amazon.com for $119
Made from high-quality aluminium, with plush noise-isolating ear-pads, the latest Bluetooth profiles for CD-like quality wireless audio, a highly sensitive microphone for taking calls or gaming with friends and up to 16-hours of active battery life the PuroQuiet headphones certainly deliver on audio quality and style. In addition to the sleek new design, the PuroQuiet headphones have an active noise cancellation feature found on high-end headphones that suppress ambient noise levels and provides a superior listening experience in even the loudest of environments. It blocks out daily noise and background sounds up to 22 dB, complemented by 82% noise isolation.
BT2200 Lightweight on-ear volume limited Bluetooth kid’s headphones – available for £85 from Amazon in white, blue, grey pink and purple and Amazon.com for $99
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 come equipped with a volume restrictor of 85 dB to limit output that a child cannot go above. The 40 mm dynamic driver combining with 82% noise isolation renders sounds more clearly, with the dynamic range from 20Hz to 20kHz and less than 1% harmonic distortion. This studio grade audio quality together with the Puro Balanced Response® ensures the headphones deliver an amazing listening experience with clear, crisp vocals and full, dynamic bass all within 85 dB volume limit.
The BT2200 is made with high quality materials to help prevent the possibility of allergies whilst using the headphones in the wireless mode stops the dangers of possible cable entanglement and tripping.
The ultra-lightweight design allows children to enjoy their favourite tunes without pressure to head or ears. An adjustable headband completes the natural, fine-tuned fit whilst the protein leather ear cups offers the optimal in comfort.
Puro Sound Labs PuroPro volume limiting, active noise cancelling adult headphones –available from Amazon for £169 and Amazon.com for $199.99
The PuroPro is the latest addition to the range, with a slick design and studio grade audio quality, providing adults with a listening experience that is both high quality and healthy. In keeping with the Puro Sound Labs mission to protect consumers’ hearing, the headphones are also volume limited to 85 dB for up to 8 hours per day, and 95 dB for up to 50 mins per day, as recommended by the World Health Organization. The headphones are equipped with Puro Balanced Response® Curve technology, engineered to deliver an amazing listening experience with clear, crisp vocals, plus two adjustable ANC levels, ensuring that users can listen to their favourite tracks and podcasts undisturbed, or find their own space in shared environments.
The wireless Bluetooth v.5 headphones are complete with a lightweight, foldable design and matching hard cover carrying case and are ideal for travel, with long lasting batteries that provide up to 28 hours playtime with ANC, 32 hours without and 300 hours of standby time.
FOR FAMILY FUN
The Crystal Maze Board Game – Available for £25.99 from Amazon.
Hello adventurers and welcome to The Crystal Maze, where a labyrinth of perplexing puzzles and tricky challenges lie in wait for you and your friends and family. Teamwork is paramount as you voyage through the four themed time zones, packed with a medley of mental, mystery, skill and physical games. Success is rewarded in the shape of precious time crystals and the more crystals you win, the more time you’ll get to spend scrambling for gold tokens in the game’s furious finale. Who will pit their wits against the mind-bending mental puzzles and who is plucky enough to tackle the fiendish physical trials? Let the games begin!
(For ages 10 to adult)
(For 2 or more players)
The Crystal Maze Eastern Zone Mini Game – Available for £12.99 from John Lewis and Amazon.
This special themed edition coincides with the unveiling of the all new zone: The Eastern Zone on the hit Channel 4 show, inspired by the historic art, architecture and monuments of East Asia. Players pit their wits against friends and family with this all-new set of skill, physical, mystery and mental challenges designed with replayability in mind, so they can be enjoyed again and again.
The Eastern Zone mini game can be played independently or used as a booster pack of contents for The Crystal Maze Board Game (sold separately) adding the new zone to the big adventure.
Suitable for ages 10 to adult and for 2 to 6 players, The Crystal Maze Eastern Zone Mini Game is sure to challenge and excite even the bravest of adventurers with success being rewarded in the shape of precious time crystals just like in the TV show. Whether a player is challenging themselves with mind-bending mental puzzles or a physical trial, the game has something for everyone.
The Very Merry Christmas Game – Available for £20 from Amazon
The Very Merry Christmas Game is the Family Game of Presents, Crackers, Christmas Songs… and Sprouts!
Move around the board collecting presents (present cards) to put in your stocking. Presents have a value depending on whether they’re nice… or naff.
Presents can also be given to other players – particularly the bad ones! You can take other players’ gifts off them and this is decided on the pull of a cracker.
All players’ presents are placed face down in the stocking so nobody knows what they’ve got but there are opportunities to take a sneaky look to find out which ones to get rid of and which ones to keep. Land on the singing space and you have to sing a verse from a Christmas song or carol to avoid losing one of your gifts!
Watch out for the two dreaded sprout cards as they could have a bad effect and make you lose out… The player with the best presents at the end of the game is the winner. All the joys of Christmas in this one box!
For 2 to 4 Players or Teams, Ages 8 to Adult
Mr & Mrs Family Edition / Pocket Edition – Available for £13.30 from Amazon/ £10 from Next and John Lewis
Mr & Mrs is based on the hugely popular All Star Mr & Mrs hit ITV show hosted by Phillip Schofield, where players are challenged to answer in-depth and entertaining questions about their partner, friends or family members. The new Pocket Edition is suitable for age 10+ and allows fans to play whilst on the move. It has over 300 questions and is guaranteed to cause laughter, blushes, blank looks and a whole lot more!
The Really Nasty Horse Racing Game – Available for £19.99 from Amazon
Families can enjoy a ‘day at the races’ when playing this devious family board game. Just as in a real race meeting, players race their horses around the board to win at all costs. Be devious, bet your own horse or someone else’s but don’t tell anyone who you’ve bet on. For 2 to 6 players or teams and ages 12 to adult.
The object of the Really Nasty Horse Racing Game is to win the most money at the race meeting by getting your horse placed first, second or third in a race or by placing bets on winning horses. There is also a set of mischief cards to help you create havoc with the other horses and riders in the race.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Audio Sunglasses and Glasses for men and women from Fauna – RRP $299 – Now $199.99 on Amazon and also available for RRP £249 – Now £199.99 in the UK from Maplin
Fauna are designer glasses with open ear sound technology inside. Supporting you in the most pleasant way possible in your everyday life: By providing you with additional acoustic content. They are comfortable to wear thanks to high-quality acetat and bluelight filter. Top notch USound Mems technology makes the design discrete and the user interface easy to handle.
Whether you are walking, riding a bike or driving by car, you can listen to audio safely while doing so. These high-end, water-resistant audio glasses are made of high-quality materials with a 2-way sound system for crystal clear sound. The first audio glasses without chunky temples that actually look like glasses, the revolutionary product protects a wearer’s eyes from sun or blue light whilst providing a vivid sound when listening to music, audiobooks or watching a movie with integrated microphones for voice assistants and making phone calls.
The tiny lightweight micro speakers and microphones are integrated into the frames of Fauna glasses, giving hours of great audio without compromising on comfort. The audio module in each temple and each module includes a patented MEMS microspeaker, an electrodynamic speaker, a touch-pad, associated electronics and a battery. Two microphones are also integrated into the right temple with beam-forming and echo cancelling. The temples remain slim and lightweight despite all the electronics inside with both glasses weighing just 50g.
The range have high-quality Italian acetate frames with adjustable temple lengths, a standard in the eyewear industry and optimal for fit and wearing comfort. Fauna Audio Glasses come with a charging case that allows re-charging of the glasses on the go up to 5 times and connects via Bluetooth with a smartphone or PC; a specific app is not required. The glasses are controlled by touching and swiping on the temples.
Bijoya with Friends – celebrate at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, 19th October
Join The Cinnamon Collection’s Executive Chef Vivek Singh and four of his longstanding chefs – Rakesh Nair, Rajeev Kumar, Hari Nagaraj and Sankar Chandrasekharan – at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea on 19th October for a very special ‘Bijoya with Friends’ feast.
The Indian celebration of Bijoya takes place on the last day of the Navratri Festival, and is a day traditionally spent with friends and family, where lavish dinners are thrown with gifts and sweets exchanged to count one’s blessings.
As part of the ‘A Life in Spice’ series celebrating The Cinnamon Club’s 20th Anniversary, these five chefs will come together to share their memories of more than two decades of cooking together whilst taking diners on 12-course culinary journey showcasing the talent that has shaped the Cinnamon Collection over the last two decades.
Dishes, never seen before on a Cinnamon menu, include Hyderabadi lamb marag soup with vegetable lukhmi; double-cooked lamb chops with Malabar garam masala, Bengali style fish curry and prawn malai curry with coconut and cardamom, and Lucknowi chicken biryani with burhani raita and an aubergine & fenugreek stir-fry.
Tickets are £65pp and includes a cocktail on arrival. To book, visit the link here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-life-in-spice-bijoya-with-friends-tickets-170497113456
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S BRAVADO DIVISION
ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SPICE GIRLS
Bravado will represent rights for the band across merchandising, direct-to-consumer products, touring, brand and retail licensing and distribution, ahead of the 25th Anniversary of their debut album ‘Spice’.
The Spice Girls and Bravado will work together to deliver new products and capsule collections via DTC and retail partners around the world.
London, 06 October 2021 – Global pop and style icons the Spice Girls, the biggest selling girl-group in history and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world-leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a new exclusive worldwide partnership through UMG’s Bravado division, the leading provider of consumer, lifestyle and branding services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world.
The expansive multi-year deal will see Bravado represent for the band across merchandising, direct-to-consumer products and campaigns, touring, brand and retail licensing and distribution, ahead of the 25th Anniversary of their revolutionary debut album ‘Spice’ in October.
Having exploded into the global consciousness together in 1996, the Spice Girls created an internationally recognized movement and brand, characterized by a unique blend of style and strength that is as popular, reverential, and empowering today as ever before, having inspired and influenced multiple generations of fans, musicians and peers alike to be emboldened with girl and people power!
The deal marks the first time in two decades that licensing rights across all channels have been assigned to a partner, and together the Spice Girls and Bravado will work hand-in-hand to deliver new products and capsule collections to retail partners around the world, to satisfy their millions of fans globally.
Spice Girls said:
“We are so excited to be working with Bravado again, especially in this our 25th anniversary year and are looking forward to collaborating with the team”
Richelle Parham, President of Global E-Commerce and Business Development, Universal Music Group said, “We are thrilled to partner with The Spice Girls, to create new and exciting product lines and to expand the bands connection directly with their loyal Superfans. We will also engage with our global retail partners to bring their iconic brand, style and empowering message to fans and stores internationally. Bravado will work closely with UMG operations around the world on the launch of Spice 25 and beyond, to expand their legacy and cultural impact for years to come.”
Rachel Redfearn, VP A&R and Brand Management, Bravado said, “The Spice Girls’ impact on popular culture cannot be over-estimated. They stand for positivity, inclusion, bravery and diversity. All delivered in a bold, fun and energetic package. This message is as relevant today as it was in 1996…maybe more so. Bravado’s alliance with this most iconic of bands will allow both existing and new fans the long-awaited opportunity to be a part of the legacy. The breadth of rights granted for the first time in 2 decades gives us the vehicle to truly celebrate their legendary status.”
HERE’S THE STORY FROM A-Z…After their iconic 1996 debut single “Wannabe” topped the charts in 37 countries, Spice Girls’ debut album ‘Spice’, went on to sell more than 31 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling album of all time by a female group. The girls have gone on to sell more than 90 million records around the globe, releasing three studio albums and 11 singles and winning a host of awards including a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.
The Spice Girls and Universal Music Group are releasing an expanded anniversary ‘SPICE 25’ album, featuring previously unreleased songs, demos and mixes on October 29, 2021, almost exactly 25 years after the release of their debut album on November 4, 1996 on Virgin Records.
The first Spice Girls ‘Wannabe 25’ Merch capsule collection is available now HERE.
This Year’s Must Have Delicious Cookbook
The Delicious Personalised Cookbook is this year’s must-have cookbook for foodies. All of your favourite recipes in one book, personalise the book and chapters, and include and message.
Replace the recipes you dislike with the ones you love, and this cookbook will be full of recipes you will use time after time. At last, a cookbook that will be 100% used with only recipes you love!
Put a name on the front and back covers, a message inside, and choose paperback or hardback and you are ready to go.
The Delicious Personalised Cookbook from £21.99 from delicious.mybespokegift.com
The Plum Bowl Trampoline Offers Thrill-Seeking Fun
Created for adrenaline-seekers the Plum® Bowl Trampoline is designed and tested to be the most thrill-seeking trampoline.
Simply a must-have for adrenaline-seekers, the Plum Bowl Trampoline offers a unique active environment. With an innovative revolutionary twist on the traditional flat-bed trampolines, the Bowl is an amazing piece of technology. The jumping mat takes on a new curvilinear form, with three key cutting-edge features.
The CURV creates a new contour play pattern. The super-soft FLX bungees are ultra-quiet, held by a secure clip. Finally, the unique shape experience inspires freestyle play in the ultimate safe space for kids and adults alike. The larger-than-life trampoline is the centre of attention to any garden, drawing children and parents in to experience the unparalleled jumping experience.
The thick PVC padding is divided into 8 separate sections for easy installation; each section meets to unite the protective pad. What’s more, the high-visibility reflective entrance seamlessly combines safety with a sporty design.
The perfect trampoline for parkour, gymnasts, snowboarders, skateboarders, martial arts, fitness fanatics, or those who just love to jump, flip, and bound in a stunning 14m curved trampoline. Jumping won’t be the same again.
The Plum Bowl Trampoline costs £1499.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk
The Perfect Bikes and Accessories from Kids to Adults.
Hornit Airo Balance Bike £139 from Hornit The AIRO is fast, agile, and sleek, ideal for kids to breeze to school or casually meeting up with friends in the park. It is made from an ultra-tough magnesium alloy which is so game-changingly light (2.95kg), you almost have to hold onto it to stop it floating away. With the grip-taped footrests seamlessly sculpted into the frame, freewheeling is a breeze. With a free lifetime warranty on the AIRO’s frame and fork. Available in 6 stunning colours.
Hornit Kids Helmet £22-34.99 from Hornit With 13 amazing, these helmets are a bit, no a LOT, cooler than most kids’ bike helmets! Painstakingly designed to look stylish & fun (or quietly understated in the case of Stealth!), they are fully adjustable, comfortable, lightweight and actually, something children will want to wear. They will also love the integrated LED which is an added safety feature, useful for riding home after school in winter. Hornit ensures no arguments as kids will love to put it on. Leaving you safe in the knowledge that little ones’ heads are protected against any bumps and knocks they might have along the way.
Hornit Mini Lights & Sounds £14.99 from Hornit The Mini is the ultimate lights and sound effects horn for children’s bikes and scooters. Loaded with 25 sounds including a fire engine, police siren, motorbike, bike bell, and wolf, your child’s imagination will run wild. It also has 6 light settings including white, green, and flashing lights. With 4 designs to choose from it is ideal to compliment children’s bikes.
Clug Vacuum Mount £27.99 from Hornit Mount bikes anywhere with the CLUG vacuum mount. Innovatively versatile, it mounts to any shiny smooth surface, allowing you to CLUG bikes vertically or horizontally without using screws. It attaches to cars, vans, campers, or caravans for pre-ride adjustments or post-ride wash downs. Around the home, it attaches to patio windows, tiled wet rooms, and glossy painted or laminated surfaces. Compatible with all official Hornit CLUGs so is suitable for road, hybrid, and mountain bikes.
The db140 the World’s Loudest Bike Horn £19.99 from Hornit – for adults, The patented dB140 is the loudest cycle horn on the market and puts the cyclist in control of their own safety. It’s small, sleek, and enables cyclists to alert distracted drivers and pedestrians to their presence.
Hot off the press, the highly anticipated Fidget Christmas Pops advent calendar (only £12.00) is now available at the UK’s leading family-friendly retailer, The Works. One of the most in-demand this year that’s sure to satisfy kids’ craving for toys and surprises until Santa pays a visit. But parents must act fast as there is only a total of 3000 available to purchase!
Following huge popularity this year – and possibly one of the most talked about toys from 2021 – little fingers and minds are sure to be kept occupied in the run-up to the big day! Full of stimulating and fun items, and a range of satisfying gifts to keep kids entertained, it’s a must-have for all fidgety fingers! Available to purchase now at The Works, but hurry it is set to be a festive favourite this year!
The King’s Ginger has announced its collaboration with Pophams, which will see the London bakery produce a beautiful and artisanal mince pie made with the historic liqueur and available throughout the month of December.
The King’s Ginger is the original winter warmer, a feature of home and professional bars the world over and a key ingredient in many classic and contemporary cocktails. And in its latest partnership, it will become an integral part of a limited-edition mince pie created by cult favourite Pophams, and available to buy at both its Hackney and Islington locations from December.
Pophams mince pies with The King’s Ginger are available from November until the end of December from Pophams Hackney and Pophams Islington.
The Incomplete Framley Examiner
The parody of a newspaper in a provincial English town it’s a funny read to keep the whole family amused over the festive period.
Packed with humdrum and preposterous news stories, classified ads, local business features and headlines that seem to have been typed whilst half asleep, it skewers the banal madness of small-town existence, perfectly encapsulating the British national character (with great affection might I add!).
Robin Halstead, Jason Hazeley, Alex Morris and Joel Morris created The Framley Examiner as an online newspaper in 2001 and would, between them, later go on to write the bestselling Bollocks to Alton Towers books, contribute to Viz, work on the hit Paddington films and create the immensely popular Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups. They met at school and divide their time between London and the pub.
The Deveron Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has launched exclusively at Tesco in stores nationwide and online at a limited price for a certain amount of time with a clubcard.
Terrific Tins
Bike Repair Kit Tin, £20 from Kikkerland
Toss this handsome tin in your backpack whenever you head out on your bike and you’ll be prepared for anything. Includes: 6 headed allen set, patch repair kit, two metal tire levelers, glue, buffer, and bone tool.
Anytime Cocktail kit, £15 from Selfridges
Everything you need to craft a classic cocktail on the go in a portable tin.
Includes a recipe booklet for 12 classic cocktails, 2 spirit bottles, double-sided bar spoon and muddler, 2 garnish bottles, and a funnel.
Gentleman’s Beard Tin, £9.20 from Amazon
Keep those good looks going anytime, anywhere – with Gentleman’s Beard Tin. You’re on the go, whether it’s work or play and Gentleman’s Beard Tin has all you need to keep you looking dapper 24/7. With its stainless steel trimming scissors, 10 ml of beard oil, and double-sided pear wood comb, you’ll have all you need for grooming in a reusable tin.
Sneaker Cleaning Kit, £10 from Kikkerland
Keep your kicks looking fresh!
Kit includes 1 beechwood handle bristle brush, 1 easy erase sponge, 1 microfiber cloth and 10ml cleaning solution.
Emergency Tech Kit, £9.50 from Kikkerland
Clean and organize your tech supplies while on the go! This handy kit includes: 1 Microfiber cloth, 1 2-in-1 USB Cable (3 ft), 1 red cable tie, and 1 bottle 5 ml bottle of spray cleaner.
Earbud Cleaning Kit, £10 from Urban Outfitters
Keep your earbuds clean with this handy lil kit by Kikkerland. Comes in a tin & is complete with everything you need to keep your earbuds clean, even on-the-go!
Content + Care
Travel Nail Kit, £9.90 from Amazon
This handy tin kit features everything you need to trim, shape and buff your nails. Contents include: 2 nail clippers (large & small), 4 acetone wipes and 1 nail file/cuticle pusher.
Sports Trivia Game, £6 from Olivia Bonas
The perfect gift for sports enthusiasts, 50 questions about sports in one handy tin.
Pop Culture Trivia Game, £6 from Kikkerland
Great conversation starter. These questions will trigger movie memories!
50 Pop Culture trivia question in a tin.
Travel Trivia Game, £6 from Kikkerland
Where have you been lately? Remember where you have been and think about where you want to go next.
50 questions about world travel.
Do I Know You? Trivia Game, £6 from Kikkerland
Get to know your friends even better! This is a great conversation starter game.
50 questions to learn more about your friends and family.
Movies Trivia Game, £6 from Kikkerland
What do you know about the big screen? These questions will trigger some movie memories.
50 trivia questions about movies.
Portable Gratitude Kit, £10 from Landmarkstores
Show your gratitude in a personal way with this portable thank you note kit. Includes 10 cards, 10 envelopes, a ballpoint pen and “Note Writer’s Guidebook”.
Book Club Kit, £10 from Selfridges
A great way to share your love of books! The tin includes, Conversation Prompt Cards, Hourglass Timer, Die, Book Chart & Literary Cocktail Recipes.
Dog Birthday Kit, £10 from Kikkerland
Celebrate the birthday of your best friend in style and make him feel special. Bake a cookie, put on the party head and decorate the room!
Swing into the The Great Outdoors
A fun garden swing set perfect for exciting outdoor play and exercise. The Plum® Wooden Swing Set with Nest is ideal for sociable play, featuring a giant circular swing seat that is big enough for two children to play on at once. Children and their friends can sit, kneel or lay on the strong fabric nest, which has soft feel ropes for comfort and durability.
The sustainable dimensional timber is FSC® certified. The sturdy frame also has wooden cross braces giving the swing extra stability. Parents can have peace of mind their children are riding a high-quality swing set, with safety standards at the centre of its design.
Features a circular nest swing seat, suitable for children to sit, kneel or lay on as they swing.
• Made from sustainable FSC® certified
• The swing set frame has cross braces for extra stability
• Supplied flat packed with easy assembly instructions
• All hardware supplied for installation including ground anchors for concreting into the ground
• Suitable for ages 3+
The Plum Wooden Swing Set with Nest costs £179.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk
LUSSO STONE ON THE FAST TRACK
STOCKTON-ON-TEES COMPANY SECURES TITLE AS THE FASTEST GROWING MEDIUM BUSINESS IN THE NORTH-EAST
One of the UK’s leading suppliers of luxury home products, Lusso Stone, has been ranked as the fastest growing medium business in the North-East.
Founded in 2014, Lusso Stone has supplied its signature stone baths, basins and hardware to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts including Claridge’s in London, Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia, and the Equinox Hotel in New York.
The company has now won official recognition for its speed of growth in the highly regarded Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards for 2021.
Ward Hadaway has been recognising outstanding business achievements since the launch of the awards in 1998, showcasing business talent across the North East, Yorkshire and the North West.
Every year, it announces a compilation of 50 private-owned, profitable businesses that have experienced the largest annual growth rate in their turnover per each region, with three annual awards for small, medium and large companies.
Lusso Stone has won top spot this year for the medium business category with an average turnover growth exceeding 69%, coming third overall out of 50 businesses recognised. The luxury bathroom retailer has now maintained its place in the Fast Track 100 league for three consecutive years.
Despite a challenging year, the company saw sales grow during the pandemic, reaching £16.5m in the year to September, up an average of 57% a year over the past two years, securing their place on the list.
Wayne Spriggs, CEO and Founder of Lusso Stone, said: “It feels amazing to be recognised for the hard work myself and the Lusso team have put into growing the company.
“Winning the Fastest 50 Awards for the fastest growing medium business is hugely inspiring for everyone here. I aim to build Lusso into an internationally recognised luxury brand and will not stop pushing until I achieve that goal.”
Lusso Stone aspires to be the market leader in luxury homeware, with plans to become the ultimate online department store. The brand is soon to launch Lusso House – a 12,000 square feet headquarters building, spread across three floors – to help it to continue accelerating its exponential growth.
Being ranked as the fastest growing medium-sized business – and the third fastest growing business in the North East across all categories – is the latest accolade for Lusso Stone, which was also recently placed in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK.
Snow Globe Gin Liqueur is now available at Very and Harvey Nichols
Snow Globe Light up Bottle Orange & Gingerbread Gin Liqueur 70cl | very.co.uk
Snow Globe Gin Snow Globe Orange & Gingerbread Gin Liqueur 2021 – Harvey Nichols
Last Christmas, Snow Globe Gin’s Orange and Gingerbread Gin Liqueur was a sensation that shook up the festive period! The new designed bottle for 2021 features a magical winter woodland illustration by artist Edwina Buckley. Peer inside the bottle to reveal a cosy holiday season scene with a flickering fireplace. The gin liqueur – made with Seville oranges, cinnamon, cloves and warming gingerbread spices – also has a sprinkle of 23 carat edible gold leaf, which creates a shimmering snowfall when gently shaken. And to really make those golden snowflakes shine, there’s a lamp at the base what will illuminate the bottle for around 10 hours. Sip Snow Globe Gin Liqueur neat with a mince pie or mix into a Christmas cocktail, prosecco, or a premium tonic.
Rugby stars support simple heart test that can help save lives
A number of rugby stars have thrown their support behind a simple heart test that can help to save lives.
Venturi Cardiology in Warrington provides routine diagnostic cardiology services as well as CT calcium score heart tests, which take just minutes to do, and can reveal a person’s risk of heart disease.
Rugby stars including Martin Johnson and Anne Parsons have had CT calcium score heart checks recently at the clinic.
Women’s rugby legend Anne Parsons, 55, played in two Rugby World Cups (1994 and 1998) and was a prop for Ireland from 1993 to 1999, winning 26 caps. She also played Rugby for Imperial College (1984-1987) and then Wasps (1987-2000).
Despite her sporting success, she wanted to be sure that her heart was still in good health and booked in for a CT calcium score test. This non-invasive, painless test takes around 15 minutes and allows Venturi’s cardiologists to see the arteries around the heart.
Consultant preventative cardiologist Dr Scott Murray, one of the founders of Venturi Cardiology, said: “The CT calcium score test takes just minutes to do and is a really good way to look for any signs of plaque in the arteries which may lead to blockages.
“The results are available immediately after the test and the best score is zero. If people come out with a higher than expected score there are lots of things that can be done to reduce their risk of heart disease.
“So much of our heart health is driven by what we eat, how we move and through lifestyle choices, all factors that are within our control.”
Anne, who has lived in London for 35 years but is looking to move back to the North West, got a result of zero and was able to walk out of the clinic with the peace of mind that her heart is in great shape.
She said: “I juggled playing professional rugby with a full-time career in airline IT. I trained four to five evenings a week then played rugby at the weekends.
“In those days you could combine a career with playing sport at the highest level, which you can’t do today.
“It was a great period and I love the camaraderie, team spirit and the friends I made for life.
“I played at a time when rugby was moving from amateur to professional status and our health and fitness was monitored, but nowhere near the level of elite sport today. We had fitness, strength and speed tests but no health checks. You’d get some dietary advice but it wasn’t prescriptive or managed in any way.
“As a former sports person, it’s easy to think that you remain fit and healthy however, as you get older, I think it is important to validate this and seek an expert opinion on your health.
“My health is good but it was great to get my heart tested at Venturi. It was the first time I’ve done something like this and the Calcium Score Test was very quick, efficient and well explained.
“It provides an excellent means of either validating that you remain fit and healthy or can highlight issues easily so that they can be addressed.”
Martin Johnson, regarded as one of England’s greatest rugby players, said: “I’m in my fifties so I’m in the male heart attack age risk category and it was great to come into Venturi Cardiology to get the heads up on how I am doing. The procedure was incredibly straightforward, simple and very easy to do.
“Taking care of yourself, and knowing how healthy your heart is, is massively important. That knowledge could help you prevent major issues in the future and possibly save your life – it’s that simple.”
* If you have any concerns about your heart health contact https://www.venturicardiology.com/contact/
Collection of Offbeat Holiday Stories Perfect for Gifting
NEWARK, NJ, September 29, 2021 — Whether your family’s favorite holiday dish is a brisket, glazed ham or Cajun catfish, it’s virtually a given that it will be seasoned with the universal flavor of December: misery.
From the sharply satirical mind of award-winning author and humorist Alex Bernstein comes Miserable Holiday Stories (20 Festive Failures That Are Worse Than Yours), a collection of quirky tales that feature Jewish Elvis impersonators, a kidnapped Santa Claus, confused parents, horrific holiday traffic, unbreakable toys and the ever-heroic Bicycle Boys.
Providing the yin to the Hallmark Channel’s yang, Miserable Holiday Stories delivers hefty doses of seasonal satire presented in the form of 20 short stories you can read while the babka is baking or anytime you need a respite from manufactured holiday merriment.
Tales include:
• “Blue Christmas”
• “Coloring Books”
• “The Unbreakable Toy”
• “The Smoking Lounge”
• “Brownie Mix” (A Glimmer Train Very Short Fiction Award finalist)
• “The #$@!# Bicycle Boys Save Christmas, Again!” (Also released as a single on Amazon)
• And many more!
Sure, Christmas and Hanukkah are supposed to be full of laughter, generosity and quality time with friends and family. But everyone knows the truth: the holidays are stressful at best and downright depressing at worst. Miserable Holiday Stories offers tongue-in-cheek escapism in the form of offbeat, thought-provoking tales, that just might prompt you to appreciate something about your own holiday experiences.
About the Author
Alex Bernstein is the award-winning author of the Miserable series of books (Miserable Adventure Stories, Miserable Holiday Stories, Miserable Love Stories) and Plrknib. His work has appeared at McSweeney’s, NewPopLit, The Big Jewel, The American Bystander, Yankee Pot Roast, Swink, Litro, Back Hair Advocate, Corvus, BluePrintReview, Hobo Pancakes, Gi60, The Rumpus, The Legendary, MonkeyBicycle and PopImage, among numerous others.
He is a staff writer on the new Discovery Kids cartoon The Dog & Pony Show. An occasional stand-up comic, Bernstein performed extensively in his youth and frequently over the past several years. His book Plrknib is a memoir about being the youngest comedian in Cincinnati in 1980.
For more information, please visit http://www.alexbernstein.net, or follow the author on Facebook (AlexBernstein_author), Twitter alexbernstein_author) or Instagram (alexbernstein_author).
Miserable Holiday Stories (20 Festive Failures That Are Worse Than Yours)
Publisher: Racehorse (a division of Skyhorse Publishing)
ISBN-10: 1631585819
ISBN-13: 978-1631585814
Available from Amazon.com, BN.com and numerous other online retailers
Prepare Your Heart for the Joys of the Season With Daily Advent and Christmas Devotions
Cleveland, OH, October 12, 2021 — As one of our holiest, and busiest, times of year fast approaches, it’s natural to get caught up in the tasks of the season — shopping, crafting, baking, decorating and perhaps traveling. You can bring more meaning and clarity to all of your holiday experiences by spending just a few minutes each day in peaceful reflection.
Father Dr. Maurice Emelu offers readers a daily, prayerful walk with God’s Word in his new, seven-volume series, An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word. In Volume One, Fr. Emelu offers insights and Bible verses to accompany the seasons of Advent and Christmas.
“I wrote most of these reflections before the blessed Sacrament. In the presence of the Lord, I found the serenity and peace of soul that inspired more profound, prayerful sentiments within me,” Fr. Emelu said. “I then began to dialogue with God’s words.”
Drawing upon his West African roots, Catholic spirituality as well as his many years of pastoral ministry, Fr. Emelu combines the story-telling culture of Africa with a Western worldview to offer a unique perspective on faith-life and what it means to grow closer to the Lord. He communicates his sentiments and ideas in compelling, relatable ways and applies them to today’s realities. Each passage aims to heal, inspire, teach and encourage through the power of God’s Word.
The next two volumes in Fr. Emelu’s An Encounter series focus on messages for the seasons of Lent and Easter. The topics of future volumes will be announced soon.
An Encounter is suitable for both personal and group faith sharing — for anyone seeking a daily walk with God. It would be the perfect gift for your pastor or loved one.
“Alone with God, the soul hears words that the noisy world often silences,” he said. “Call them a boost for the day or a spiritual companion for everyday life. They are empowering words meant to accompany readers on their own journey of life as they continue to discover the gentle Word of God.”
About the Author
Father Maurice Nkem Emelu, Ph.D., is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria, and the founder of Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc., a global ministry for cross-cultural Catholic evangelization and works of charity. He is an Assistant Professor of digital media and Communication at John Carroll University in the United States. The author of seven books, and over 700 blogs and professional articles, he provides robust cross-cultural educational programs through digital media. He is the host of EWTN’s The Faith with Father Maurice and the host/executive producer of Word for a Wounded World teaching series, plus numerous other television and radio works in the global Catholic network. He holds a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University, UK, focusing on digital storytelling, media aesthetics and theology, among other academic degrees. An encounter with the Lord when he was 14 changed him in fundamental ways, and today he describes himself as “passionately in love with God and His body, the Church.”
For more information, please visit www.revemelu.com, or follow the author on Instagram (@mauriceemelu), Twitter (@revemelu), YouTube (Fr. Maurice Emelu) or Facebook (Fr. Maurice Emelu).
An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume One: Advent and Christmas
Publisher: Bien LLC
ISBN-10: 0960109706
ISBN-13: 978-0960109708
Available from Amazon.com, BN.com, Revemelu.com and wherever books are sold
