The Skulpt Aim (www.skulpt.me) is the first and only personal fitness device that accurately rates the quality of individual muscles and measures their fat percentage, to help users achieve their fitness goals faster, better understand their bodies, and know when they are losing fat and 
gaining muscle. It has also been formally backed by the American celebrity personal trainer, Tony Horton and is set to be one of the hottest Christmas gifts this year following a boom in the personal fitness market!
A few key points about Skulpt below:
· Fast and easy to use – the Skulpt Aim is easy to use. Lightly moisten the skin, hold the device to your muscle and an instant reading will appear on the screen
· Compact but powerful – at about the size of an iPhone, Skulpt Aim is water resistant with 12 sensors on the back. These send a small current through the muscle to analyse its condition
· Smart – it helps users to exercise smarter by seeing the progress of individual muscles and how they are responding to exercise. This is the only product that accurately measures fat percentage instead of just weight, and muscle quality instead of muscle mass
· Personalised – each device supports up to six different users, and each user can sync to their own Skulpt app, and track results on their own app
· Grounded in medical science – the idea came from medical research by co-founder & Harvard Medical School Professor, Seward Rutkove, MD, who was seeking better ways to measure muscle health
· Price – available from Currys, Argos and the Skulpt website for £149.99
Coach’s Eye, an innovative app which encourages sportspeople to hone their technique with their smartphone. It is a great stocking 
filler for rugby mad players who want to improve their on pitch performance. Using nothing more than a smartphone or mobile device, Coach’s Eye enables players to improve their lineouts or scrummaging technique or even boost their match fitness when in the gym. It is suitable for all abilities and ages, from children starting out in rugby to professional players. In fact, Coach’s Eye is already widely used by a number of professional rugby teams looking to give their players the edge.
Please find below a quick list of features:
Coach’s Eye links with the camera of an Android or iOS device to record high-quality video of an athlete’s performance
Videos can then be reviewed in super slow-motion to analysis performance, with drawings, annotations and voice commentary added to show where improvements can be made
The split screen comparison allows two videos to be reviewed side-by-side, so you can review your last performance with your personal best or with a friend or even professional athlete’s
Coach’s Eye features an easy to use user interface that makes it quick and simple to record, store and edit videos
Coach’s Eye + Teams enables players, coaches and teams to follow the actions of an individual’s. Whether that’s perfecting penalty kick taking or set plays, Coach’s Eye + Teams makes it easier for groups of players to train together
Cotswold Outdoor’s great Christmas gift ideas, perfect for Christmas!
With a fantastic range of presents available for him, her, the little one, those seeking luxury and outdoor enthusiasts, there really is something for everyone.
For him
Men’s Greenland No.1 Down Jacket
Men’s Chilkat II Snow Boots
For her
Sorel’s Women’s Caribou Wool Boots
Barts Women’s Sandy Beanie
For the little one
The Extreme Freestyler Snow Scooter
Kids Daysack
For those seeking luxury
Didriksons Women’s Angelina Parka
Suunto Elementum Terra Watch
For those who love the great outdoors
The XEO 19R Headtorch Bundle
Hero4 Session
Fashion and Fitness combine in the iFit Duo smartwatch: Business in the front, fitness in the back– RRP £229.99
The iFit Duo is the first fitness smartwatch of its kind on the market. It features a reversible watch face, with both a traditional analogue timepiece and digital display tracker. Launching early December, retailing at £229.99, the iFit Duo unites style with fitness functionality in one watch. The Duo will be available at nordictrack.co.uk.
The Duo automatically detects and tracks all day activity. The wearable device and the iFIt Active mobile app work together to track your daily activity, sleep and nutrition. It has a 3-axis accelerometer that automatically detects activity type (walking, running, cycling, and swimming). Fashion and function are united in one watch that can take you from boardroom to gym. The Duo comes in four different styles for men and women, all of which are customisable with different straps.
Analogue and Digital Displays
Choose between two displays with a rotating watch face.
All-Day Activity Detection
Automatically tracks all-day activity including steps, distance, and sleep.
Style with Fitness Functionality
Fashion and function united in one watch.
Additional Features
+ Interchangeable style and coloured bands
+ Water resistant
+ Smartphone notifications
iFit Classic – RRP £199.00 (currently on offer for £169.99)
The iFit Classic is an analogue watch with three fitness dials built-in that display your daily activity tracking. The Classic is available to purchase online now at nordictrack.co.uk.
The timeless look will take you from boardroom to gym. The iFit Classic uses sub-dials to show fitness metrics. The Classic automatically detects and tracks all day activity including steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep. As well as fitness tracking, the Classic also offers smartphone notifications and iFit app connectivity.
Classic Style with 3 Fitness Dials
Timeless look with dials displaying your daily activity.
All-Day Activity Detection
Automatically tracks all-day activity including steps, distance, and sleep.
Fitness Functionality
Tracks your steps, distance, and calories.
Additional Features
+ Interchangeable style and coloured bands
+ Water resistant
+ Smartphone notifications
Premium kitchen gadget brand Cuisinart
Brand new, stylish and easy to use, these time-saving gadgets are there to help make life easier in the kitchen this festive season.
Our must have for every table this year is the Seasoning Mill. It is the perfect present for someone who has everything else as well as our go-to gadget for under £50.
Mando Footloose IM
The new Mando Footloose IM, which some are calling the iPhone of bikes. It’s eye turning – an award winning — design features a chainless drive system, a first for an e-bike and a boon for riders plagued by greasy hands and ripped trouser cuffs. The bike features a range of high tech features that have gadget gurus salivating. Developed by automotive technology giant Mando (a supplier to the likes of BMW, Audi and GM) and designed by famed UK designer Mark Sanders, the Footloose elegantly combines form and function and is really like a car on two wheels. Riders can cruise for up to 60km on a single charge of the removable battery and reach speeds of up to 25Km/hr, all without a license or insurance. The Mando Footloose is available at Fully Charged, a leading UK e-bike retailer and Just E-Bikes, Britain’s premiere e-bike specialists at a RRP £1,999 GBP.
The ultimate Christmas present for rugby players and their families! Blackdown Shepherd Huts has some gems to share with you that would most definitely appeal!
It’s the self build Shepherd Hut – http://www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk/self-build-shepherd-huts-flat-pack-shepherd-hut-kit/ by Blackdown Shepherd Huts.
The Self Build Hut has been especially developed for those who wish to indulge their inner craftmsan and hand-build their own hut. The self building of these huts means the owner gains a great deal of pride and satisfaction when utilising the fruits of their labour – perfect for the DIY man or woman!
Types of Self Build
Metal Self Build: Choose a metal chassis, and then decide if you would like our pre-built frame panels, joinery and extra components. Our full kits come with instructions and pre-supplied with all the fixings you could need and some natty little jigs and tools to help you out, as well as our helpful instruction video. If you wish to clad your hut in tin, we put you directly in touch with our supplier, or we can supply you with oak cladding if you require. Available in 12, 14, 16 and 18 foot lengths – and 7 foot 6 inches wide. Price starts at £3,150 inc. VAT
Oak Self Build: The oak chassis is a real trademark of a Blackdown Hut, and as carpenters we have to confess to loving them! Again, available in a choice of lengths with the option to add our pre-built frame and joinery onto your shopping list, this does represent a very cost effective way of combining Blackdown heritage and quality with your own hard work and ideas to create something really special. Again, instructions and extras to make your life easier are supplied as standard – we can’t guarantee that you won’t swear at all – but it will definitely be worth it in the end! Available in 12, 14, 16 and 18 foot lengths – and 7 foot 6 inches wide. Prices start at £4,600 inc. VAT
If DIY is not your thing, then the bespoke Shepherd Huts are for your rugby players and their families! See http://www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk/#sale. These are SHOWSTOPPER Christmas presents!
Lots of our hut customers use the huts for cosy family time, or they decorate the hut for Christmas and put the tree and presents in there, or some even just have mince pies and mulled wine on the stove constantly, with some sheepskins to settle down in for a bit of backyard ‘glamping’. Or….they put the relatives in there! The huts are used as offices, play areas, writing dens, or summer houses. The option is yours as to what you use it for and the Blackdown team can tailor it to meet your needs.
Cooking for Geeks: Putting the Science into Cookbooks
-A Christmas Stocking Filler with a Difference-
‘Cooking for Geeks’ is for anyone who wants to do more than follow a recipe. It’s the perfect book for the curious, smart and hungry geek and those who need the answers to ‘why’ as much as ‘how’.
Different to any other cookbook on the market, ‘Cooking for Geeks’ teaches science using cooking. With more than 400 pages, ‘Cooking for Geeks’ makes an ideal Christmas gift for science-loving food fans and is available via Amazon, priced at £26.50
Cooking for Geeks’ answers questions like ‘how do your sense of taste and smell work?’ and ‘how does heat change our foods?’ plus, it includes the perfect blend of must-try recipes, rib-tickling anecdotes and challenges to put your new-found food science knowledge to the test. You can also discover:
· How to think like a geek and identify what type of cook you are
· The science behind the perfect crispy and chewy cookie
· Lab tests such as how to make ice-cream with salt and ice, genetic taste differences and how to use liquid nitrogen
· Recipes for fish tacos, perfect pan seared steak and 30 second chocolate cake, as well as how to make a 500-pound doughnut
· Interviews with science and food supremoes on subjects as varied as moulds and cheese, molecular gastronomy and taste and pleasure
Already published in six languages and with more than 100,000 copies sold, the second edition of Cooking for Geeks boasts more than 150 pages of completely new content, plus it’s been converted from American measurements into English grams and milliliters.
The author is Jeff Potter, a self-confessed food geek, curious about the science of food and why ingredients and recipes work the way they do. He said: “By bringing science to food-minded people and food to science-minded people, there’s the potential to make us all masters of the kitchen.
“From hot food issues such as what are trans-fats, to understanding the difference between organic, conventional and local foods, I created this new edition to help curious readers navigate their own food choices. There’s lots of fun experiments and challenges so it’s perfect for those cooks that want to know as much about why as how, and who are prepared to have a go for themselves.”
Published by O’Reilly Media, Cooking for Geeks has achieved wide acclaim in the author’s native market of America. The book is available from all online retailers including Amazon, Wordery.com, Bookdepository.com, Hive.co.uk plus major high street retailers including Waterstones, Blackwells and Foyles.
Whiski Rooms bespoke hampers are of interest for Christmas.
Whiski Rooms is a unique venue comprising a dedicated whisky shop with private tasting room, stunning bar & restaurant serving fine Scottish food overlooking the Mound, Edinburgh.
With a range of bespoke gift hampers tailored to your specific requirements, they start at £35. Available to order in the Whiski Shop at Whiski Rooms or online direct through > www.whiskishop.com
Stylish Fashion-Tech Brand, HotSquash Launches the 12 Days of Christmas Shopping Bonanza including the £1 Dress (originally £125)
From 1st December – 12th December 2015, Hotsquash.com will be offering amazing daily deals that will make your head spin…including huge discounts (up to 99% off), prizes, exclusive gifts and not a partridge or pear tree in sight!
Following on from the success of last year, fashion-tech brand, HotSquash.com is hosting the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ shopping extravaganza. With exclusive treats and MASSIVE discounts – It is the go-to site for the ultimate Christmas deals and on the 12th day, Hotsquash.com will sell the £1 DRESS (reduced from £125)
Kicking off on Tuesday 1st December, HotSquash.com will sell their £55 tops for just £5!! On the 2nd December, the signature Horseshoe Dress will also be reduced to just £10 from £95 (saving £85)
If you are well and truly enticed, here are all of the daily treats available for the 12 Days of Christmas period…
On the 1st Day of Christmas HotSquash gave to me…
£50 off their thermal tops reducing them to just £5 (from £55)
On the 2nd Day of Christmas…
Chic party dresses reduced to just £10! A massive 90% off the original RRP
On the 3rd Day of Christmas…
Purchase any item on the site over £25 for your chance to WIN beauty hampers galore
On the 4th Day of Christmas…
Update your work wear wardrobe with £5 skirts! RRP £65
On the 5th Day of Christmas… *
Take your pick from hoodies, cardigans and light jackets for only £10! (down from £65)
On the 6th Day of Christmas…
Your perfect maxi dress for just £10 – RRP £125
On the 7th Day of Christmas…
The chance to win a pair of stylish Merrell boots worth £170
On the 8th Day of Christmas…
92% off the pleat front dress making it £10!!
On the 9th Day of Christmas…
Trousers for just £15!! RRP £65
On the 10th Day of Christmas… *
A £250 voucher to spend online at HotSquash.com – Purchase anything online today for your chance to be entered into a prize draw
On the 11th Day of Christmas…
Crepe tops for £5 today – RRP £55
On the 12th & Final Day of Christmas… *
THE £1 DRESS!!! – down from £125 FOR ONE DAY ONLY
Hotsquash.com’s ruffle front dress will see you through the festive season in style. The perfect LBD for only £1
Cafédirect Handpicked is a subscription is ideal for any food and drink connoisseur or coffee lover. It’s something different that lasts way after the festive period and makes the perfect present for those whose love of luxury makes them hard to buy for!
· Each month, subscribers will receive a different coffee from Cafédirect Handpicked’s Discovery Collection, specially curated by experts who have unearthed hidden gems from the finest farms across the globe – from Tanzania and Vietnam to Brazil.
· It’s the gift that gives back: all Cafédirect beans are bought directly from small farmers and the company invests at least one third of the profits into cooperatives and communities.
· As well as experiencing hidden coffee gems, subscribers will be able to learn about their coffee thanks to the fascinating Tasting Booklet that comes with it. As they explore exciting, new flavours from around the world they will discover their personal taste profile preference – be it bright and aromatic or rich and chocolaty.
· Subscribers will also be able to choose from espresso or filter through to whole beans or pre-ground, depending on how they like to brew. Plus, each bean is locally roasted to order and packaged in the UK, so freshness is guaranteed in each monthly delivery (that will fit straight through their letter box).
· Best of all, subscriptions start at £24 for 3 months, and go up to £85 for 12 months. Plus, it can be bought last minute online, ideal for the last-minute shopper…
Give Christmas gifts a shot of adrenaline with a tandem skydive from GoSkydive
Looking for the ultimate gift for the thrill seeker in your life this Christmas? Make their day with a present that will appeal to their wild side, and one they won’t forget in a hurry, with a tandem skydive.
Specialising in jumps for ‘first-timers’, GoSkydive is the UK’s only specialist tandem skydive centre. Often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a tandem skydive promises a gift of excitement and exhilaration, followed by an amazing sense of achievement and post jump elation that can’t be matched.
GoSkydive offers jumps from altitudes of 10,000ft giving up to 30 seconds of freefall, where jumpers will reach speeds of up to 125mph. Or for an even longer thrill, GoSkydive offers the UK’s highest skydive at 15,000ft giving up to 60 seconds of freefall – that’s one minute they will never forget!
Gordon Blamire, founder and Managing Director for GoSkydive, commented: “Taking on a tandem skydive is a huge challenge and can give a massive sense of achievement afterwards – to be able to give that feeling to a loved one at Christmas would make for an amazing gift.
“Here at GoSkydive we welcome people from many different walks of life who all have their own personal reasons behind their jump, but it’s often those who have been given their skydive as a gift who are really able to enjoy it, as it comes from a loved one who wants to give them an amazing experience. Giving someone the opportunity to make a memory of a lifetime would make for an unforgettable gift this Christmas.”
With a range of packages available, there’s a tandem skydive experience to suit every budget this festive season. ‘Taster Tandem’ gift vouchers, jumping at 7,000ft are available from £199 per person, while jumps from 10,000ft cost £249 per person and 15,000ft cost £308 per person. Alternatively, gift givers can pay the deposit towards a jump for £50.
For more information or to book a tandem skydive, call 01722 568777 or visit www.GoSkydive.com
Henry J Socks Subscription Service – never run out of socks again… EVER
Gifts from under £20
Three month sock subscription, £17.97 from www.henryjsocks.co.uk
Forget the latest gadgets and gizmos – the Sock Subscription Service from stylish men’s sock company Henry J Socks is perfect for the “hard to buy for” on your list.
The three month service from Henry J Socks promises to deliver attractively packaged fresh pairs every month – for just £5.99 a month or £17.97 as one payment.
Offering exclusive designs, featuring bright spots, stripes and bold block colours, there’s a pair for every man wanting to look their best this holiday season.
To send as a gift just sign up for a subscription at www.henryjsocks.co.uk and enter the lucky recipients name and address.
They will receive a three month package – with one gorgeously gift-wrapped pair arriving on their doorstep each month, depending on the purchase.
The socks are available in average (6-10) and Large (11-16). They are made of 80% Cotton, 17% Polyamide and 3% Elastane to ensure optimum comfort.
Visit the Henry J Socks Press Office to view the full collection.
Available in 6 colours, the Goos-e is the perfect IPad and tablet companion
the Goos-e: is an extremely flexible tablet holder designed for the iPad allowing it to be used anywhere and in any position.The Goos-e has been created to give a stylish hands free solution that allows optimal tablet use for every day tasks.
“The tablet has become an essential part of our lives. People use an iPad for various business and entertainment purposes. At work we often use a tablet as an extra screen, while using them at home for relaxation. It is nice to have your hands free and to place your tablet in any position. The Goos-e makes this possible without any of the stress. Offering consumers a solution to enable them to use their tablet in any place and in any position, such as in bed, on the treadmill, cooking, reading or watching a movie, we are offering a modern day solution to a modern day lifestyle, “says Geertjan Vorstenbosch, designer of Goos-e.
The foot is designed for stability and the flexible arm enables the Goos-e is easy to use in any position. The adjustable knob and the arm can rotate the tablet 360 degrees, giving unparalleled flexibility with the Goos-e almost anywhere. The foot can optionally be replaced with the handy 2-way terminal. The tablet can be easily attached to a tabletop and even a round or straight edge.
Goos-e is available in six colours, allowing users to choose the style that best suits themselves and their interior. The compact design of the Goos-e also means that it can be transported anywhere. The Goos-e is suitable for most types of tablets. Different sizes are available.
Pricing and Availability
The Goos-e Complete package is available for £69
A Goos-e Starter Pack with handy two-way terminal is just £39
For more information, please visit www.goos-e.co.uk
HAVE JML CHRISTMAS!
FOR KIDS:
A fun stocking filler for all sport lovers! The Hover Ball from JML (£11.99 £19.99 JMLdirect.com) (watch video here) is the football that floats like magic, gliding over all floors including carpet, wood and tiles. The Hover Ball stays on the ground and bounces off walls without leaving any bumps or scratches; finally a football that is safe to play with inside so perfect for the winter months! The Hover Ball from JML does not require batteries so you can have hours of fun fine-tuning your football skills and practising fancy footwork. Available in hot pink, green or blue, the Hover Ball guarantees fun for the whole family.
FOR HIM:
This handy gadget is the bright light that you don’t need to hold on to, so household jobs in the dark needn’t be such hard work! The Flexi Torch Multilight from JML (£9.99 JMLdirect.com) (watch video here) is equipped with 10 ultra-bright LEDs and its 360 degree hanging hook ensures any job around the house can easily be completed hands-free. The handy magnetic base means that the Flexi Torch Multilight can even be fixed to the car in case of a night time break down, and the 7 point pivoting action ensures that the light can be directed or spread throughout a whole room. The light also comes complete with a separate built-in torch which can be used when walking the dog, and to keep you safe in the dark. The Flexi Torch Multilight is the perfect gift for the gadget lover in your life who needs an extra pair of hands around the house. And for just £9.99 it’s the perfect stocking filler!
FOR HER:
The Footsie Blanket from JML (£14.99 JMLdirect.com) (watch video here) is the ultra-soft, cosy companion for every sofa, and the perfect present for anyone that loves those lazy days or cosy nights in. You can now keep snug and warm without your exposing your toes, thanks to the handy foot pockets in the Footsie Blanket from JML. Perfect for watching television, reading a book or taking a well-deserved nap, the Footsie Blanket JML is a great gift for anyone who enjoys staying toasty during the festive evenings, it is a super snuggly treat for you and your feet!
A great present for a homebody! The Mood Magic 3 piece set (£19.99 JMLdirect.com) of colour changing candles which set the mood at the touch of a button without flame or smoke. Perfect for those with children, the Mood Magic candles are completely safe if knocked over and the 4-8 hour timer setting creates a perfect nightlight in the bedroom that turns off when they go to sleep.The Mood Magic from JML (watch video here) has 12 ambient colour settings to choose from, enhancing the mood of any room. Made with real wax, and a timer and flame flickering function the Mood Magic candles light up family dinners, relaxing evenings on the sofa, and can also make a colourful addition to the Christmas centrepiece!
Great pamper product The Bath Relaxer® for Christmas
There are 22 million households with baths in the UK and our quirky little yellow bath pillow, Bath Relaxer®, has become a real hit with everyone who likes to relax in the bath. It’s already sold in stores such as Fenwicks, Lloyds Pharmacy and regional stores plus on our own transactional website www.bathrelaxer.com
5 Great uses for Bath Relaxer®
1. As a wedge under your bottom to stop you sliding down the bath (most popular with customers)
2. As a foot rest at the end of the bath
3. As a traditional bath pillow for your head
4. As a support pillow for your neck in the bath
5. As a support cushion for your back in the bath
In its launch year of 2014 Bath Relaxer®, priced at just £6.00, became a real hit as a great Christmas gift / stocking filler and Christmas orders for 2015 are already amazing. It would be great if you could feature Bath Relaxer® sometime. I’ve listed the 5 most popular uses for you, above.
A SPARKLING CHRISTMAS – WITH GEMSTONE GIFT FROM JOHN PYE
SHOPPING for a sparkler of a gift for a loved one this Christmas? Look no further than these gorgeous pieces from a luxury online auction featuring hundreds of rare and precious gemstones from the UK’s largest private collection.
John Pye Luxury Assets is selling some of the world’s finest Pink Sapphires, Tanzanites, Sapphires, Aquamarines, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Rubellites and Spinel from the esteemed David Jerome Collection made up of almost 700 stones.
After a successful first auction, the two remaining sales will appear in time for Christmas (4 to 11 Dec) meaning there are plenty of pieces to be snapped up for beautiful gifts.
Almost all pure and untreated, the gemstones have been individually designed and set into one off pieces of jewellery, in white gold or platinum, and encrusted with diamonds. No two pieces are the same.
Those women – or men – who have birthdays in December, may like to be treated this Christmas with Tanzanite, their birth stones. There are a number of highly prized, non-heat-treated stones in the David Jerome Collection.
Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, Tanzanite has rich violet-blue colour for which the gemstone is treasured. Originally Tanzanite was less expensive than sapphire, but now it is increasingly popular and highly valued – with stocks at Tanzanite mines in depletion.
Ian Hall, expert valuer for John Pye Luxury Assets said: “The rising popularity of gemstones to be sold on the international market means that we’re expecting strong interest from bidders across the globe and the UK in this auction which contains some beautiful gemstones that are in their purest form.
“Some of signature pieces include a pure 13.77 carat Emerald and diamond white gold ring and a 12.42 carat natural oval cut Aquamarine and diamond white gold ring.
“A natural 11.23 carat oval cut Rubellite and diamond white gold ring and an untreated 5.77 carat oval cut Ruby and diamond white gold ring are simply stunning – and would be a great Christmas gift for a loved one.”
The auctions feature rare and truly exceptional gemstones and diamonds. A remarkable and extremely rare pair of matching, natural and untreated vivid green, Zambian-mined emerald earrings, have a total carat weight of 35.05 carats – some of the biggest ever to be mined.
“A number of loose Tanzanites, including a breath-taking 133 carat stone will also be sold in auction three. All stones come with full certification of authenticity,” said Ian.
“Our international auctions allow investors from overseas to buy highly-sought after gemstones that are proving to be more popular than Diamonds. We know there is a high demand for coloured stones from the interest we had in our first auction.”
The exceptional David Jerome Collection is made up of Amethysts, Aquamarines, Chrysoberyl, Diamonds, Emeralds, Kunzite, Kyanite, Morganite, Opal, Sapphires, Spinel, Rubellites, Rubies, Spinel Tanzanites, Topaz and Zultanites.
The auction catalogue with full lot details is available to view at www.johnpyeluxury.co.uk.
NEW British online eyewear retailer OCO has huge savings on Ray-Ban glasses and sunglasses
Starting at just £69, there are a whole host of discounted frames available, including iconic Aviators and Wayfarers. The retailer also has huge savings on classic Caravan and Active Lifestyle frames.
Classic black Wayfarers are down to £75.00 (RRP £125.00), with Gold and Silver Aviators discounted to as little as £69.00.
The OCO team are qualified optometrists with over 30 years of experience in the industry.
OCO offers free next working day delivery (DPD) and an online prescription eyewear service. Visit the OCO website to check out their extensive range of branded eyewear.
www.ocoglasses.co.uk
AskHerFriends
We know how hard Christmas shopping can be; finding the time and the right gifts are such chores. So I’d like to offer you an exclusive VIP discount for AskHerFriends, the online department store that helps you find the perfect present for the special women in your life, to make the run up to the festive period just that little bit easier!
Whether you opt for a fabulous hamper, amazing experience day or pretty piece of jewellery, we can guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, for someone special or even yourself! From Miller Harris to Cowshed, Monica Vinader to Rococo Chocolates, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy it all with code VIP30!
The Meat Cookbook – With expert advice from butchers, over 300 recipes and 50 step-by-step techniques The Meat Cookbook is the perfect guide to help you prepare and cook delicious cuts of meat, from top to tail.
The Beer Book – Discover all the best beers of the world, which brands of beer to try and how best to enjoy them, with brews that are anything but ‘a pint of the usual’. With recommended ‘beer tours’ stories behind the greatest breweries, and all the background information you need to become a well-informed beer enthusiast. A perfect gift for beer lovers!
Golf: The Ultimate Guide – This is the perfect guide to playing and watching golf, whether you are a golf pro, a beginner or a keen spectator. Golf: The Ultimate Guide takes you on a journey through golf’s fascinating history, including an exploration of nuances of golf etiquette on the gold course. You’ll also get clear step-by-step instructions on how to play golf, how to choose golf equipment and how to improve your game. This is the perfect gift for golf enthusiasts everywhere!
Ultimate Star Wars – Open this ultimate visual feast and explore the iconic characters and storylines from the Star Wars galaxy. Beautifully illustrated, Ultimate Star Wars is packed with information about every single character from Mace Windu to Darth Maul through detailed analyses of their stories throughout the saga. This is the only guide that explores the entire Star Wars universe in such detail.
Lego Star Wars Small Scenes from Big Galaxy – Painstakingly created by Finnish photographer Vesa Lehtimäki using his son’s favourite toys, this beautiful art book features hilarious new takes on classic Star Wars characters and themes. Breath-taking photography combines quirky LEGO art with the drama of the Star Wars universe, with stunning results. Plus Vesa Lehtimäki shares his secrets in behind-the-scenes insights which will inspire any photographer or LEGO builder.
Blood, Sweat and Bond: Behind the Scenes of Spectre – Renowned photographer Rankin takes us from script to screen, curating an ensemble of exclusive photography and cast and crew interviews. Also features contributions from celebrity photographers including Mary McCartney, Graciela Iturbide, Anderson &Low and Brigitte Lacombe.
CANVAS GOLF BAG IN A VINTAGE 1930’s STYLE.
If you need a lightweight golf bag and want to stand out from the crowd then this traditional looking pencil golf bag is for you. The inspiration 
was taken from designs of the hickory era and has resulted in a “CLASSIC” golf bag, ideal if you only need some of your golf clubs or are just making a trip to the driving range. This authentic canvas golf bag is crafted with high quality leather trimmings and is fitted with a pocket for your golf balls and gloves etc., an adjustable shoulder strap, a strong carry handle, an umbrella holder and a leather tee keeper. The leather base is embossed with our SCHOTTEN logo. Carrying your favourite clubs couldn’t be easier or more stylish.
This is the second run of our popular golf bag with a couple of small improvements. The main difference is that the “Schotten Golf Bag” is now available in three colours, the colours being a traditional Cream, a nice Pale Green and finally Kaki.
The golf bag can be supplied with a metal caddie stand if required and also personalised with your initials.
The golf bag with stand is priced at £165 (inclusive of VAT), to have up to three initials added this is a further £36 (also inclusive of VAT). (http://www.sportantiques.co.uk/items/24246_CANVAS_GOLF_BAG_IN_A_VINTAGE_1930s_STYLE#.VhQT9xNViko)
Alternatively 1920’s golf clubs http://www.sportantiques.co.uk/category/107/Antique+Golf+-+Clubs/#.VhQVohNViko
Clubs are the ideal present for golfers as they often have a name of a famous or favourite golfer or golf course and prices range from £30 for a nice named iron or putter from the 1920’s up to thousands if you like something very special or historic. The clubs are not numbered like modern clubs but have attractive names such as Brassie, Niblick and Mashie. Supplied with a certificate of authenticity.
Top offers on the best artificial trees to get you in the Christmas spirit!
This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Uniquely Christmas Trees have a wealth of offers to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Both the Tuscan Spruce and the Oregon Fir Artificial Christmas Trees, in a range of sizes and complete with LED Lighting, will be on sale for nearly half the usual price.
The Tuscan Spruce trees, available as 6ft, 6.5ft or 7ft trees, will be selling for just £49.99, £59.99 and £69.99 (RRP £89.99, £109.99 and £139.99 respectively).
The 6ft and 7ft Oregon Fir, usually priced at £149.99 and £169.99, will be available for only £69.99 and £79.99.
Each tree comes with a 10 year guarantee, so they are a real investment that you can use time and time again. The trees maintain their shape with the use of PVC soft needle tips and, as a result of the specially-selected materials used in their manufacture, will last the test of time.
The high-quality materials used in the manufacturing process give the trees an authentic and realistic feel.
Paul Myers, spokesman for Uniquely Christmas Trees, said: “There are concerns about the availability of real Christmas trees this winter due to the weather, with some garden centres already facing delays of a couple of weeks. So it’s a perfect time to invest in a fabulous artificial tree that will last you for years to come.”
Visit http://www.uniquelychristmastrees.co.uk/ to place your order.
Seasonal Stocking filler for Snorers
You know the drill and you dread it. You have to spend Christmas with relatives but you know you are not going to sleep well as someone in the house snores. This year fear not. There’s a stocking filler for all snorers in the form of Mute™ www.mutesnoring.com – a product backed by five times Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave CBE which has been designed to give snoring the silent treatment.
Mute™is a unique nasal respiratory technology to help consumers breathe more and snore less. It’s easy to use, drug-free, discreet and comes in three sizes: small, medium and large – each designed to fit the anatomy of your nose and to gently expand nasal airways allowing more air in. Made from ultra-soft medical-grade polymer materials, Mute™ increases the volume of air travelling through the nose during sleep, encouraging nasal breathing which may alleviate congestion – factors critical to a reduction in snoring and a better quality of sleep. The product is based on Rhinomed’s Turbine breathing technology used by top sportspeople including Chris Froome and is proven to increase airflow by an average of 38% by dilating the nasal airways.
Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, who has been affected by others snoring during his competitive career, recently helped launch the product which is exclusively available at Boots stores across the UK. Sir Steve Redgrave, CBE, said: “Securing quality sleep is increasingly recognised as important to performance in the sports world but also to people’s everyday lives. I believe Mute can play a significant role in reducing snoring which is major source of sleep disruption.
Michael Johnson, Chief Executive of Rhinomed, said: “The research data confirms that snoring can have a hugely negative impact on people’s health and intimate relationships. The good news is that by adapting technology from the world of sport we can help snorers improve the quality of their sleep – and, importantly, we can help their long-suffering partners too.”
The recent YouGov survey of 2000 GB adults revealed that 64% of people said living with a snorer is no laughing matter – even if some of us do laugh at people snoring on the tube or train – and 58% of all GB adults believe that when someone snores it can be embarrassing for them.
And it appears the issue of snoring means couples are missing out on the closeness that sharing a bed brings as 38% of married couples, or those living as married, admitting to sleeping apart at times due to snoring and 37% of those claiming they miss sharing a bed with their partner. A further 29% say, as a result, it’s lead to less intimacy in their relationship.
The study also reveals that 40% of people with a partner who snores experiences lack of sleep 2 to 3 times a week or more. If you work and have a partner who snores, you lose out in the workplace too with 36% saying their worklife has been disrupted as a direct result of their partner’s snoring. Our partners’ snoring also has an effect on how we feel, of those with a partner who snores, 29% say it has had a negative effect on their moods.
Sons of London launches the definitive men’s shoe collection
A masterpiece for every opportunity
Luxury men’s shoe brand, Sons of London, has launched with the definitive men’s shoe collection.
Comprised of five distinguished men’s styles, this refined and easy-to-shop collection is sourced straight from the brand’s Italian makers. From Oxfords to Chelsea Boots, each Son combines timeless design, impeccable quality and the finest craftsmanship for a true classic; available to purchase online in the UK at www.sonsoflondon.com.
Sons of London are meticulously handcrafted, down to the very last stitch, and are essential for the modern purist – comfortable, enduring and stylish. Each Son is cut from the finest full-grain Tuscan leather and hand sculpted by artisans in Italy’s Le Marche region. Each pair undergoes 150 expertly crafted steps in its making, under the care of a team of 16 master craftspeople in a second-generation family-owned factory.
The brain child of former City professional Sepand Oboudiyat, Sons of London was born out of a unique vision to create a timeless range of luxury men’s shoes, made from the finest Italian craftsmanship and inspired by modern London style, more affordable.
Sons of London bypasses many of the costs associated with the traditional fashion retail model, stripping out the unnecessary to pass on these savings directly to each discerning customer – delivering more where it truly counts in design, craft and quality.
Sons of London keeps it simple. There are five classic styles to choose from; the Cap Toe Oxford, the Semi Brogue, the Double Monk, the Chelsea boot and the Strap boot. Each style is offered in a range of colours, and priced between £180 and £200.
Stockist Information:
Sons of London are exclusively available from www.sonsoflondon.com.
Blind woodworkers handcraft the perfect gifts for Christmas
A group of blind veterans supported by military charity Blind Veterans UK have turned Santa’s elves to hand craft wooden gifts for this festive season.
Peter Burbery, 79 and Ted Heasman, 90, are among the blind and vision-impaired ex-Service men and women who have turned their hand to making racing cars and bird boxes to raise funds to support the charity’s work.
Peter (pictured) has assembled at least forty bird boxes since he started visiting the arts & crafts workshop at the Blind Veterans UK Brighton Centre. He says, “It was the wood that attracted me. I’ve always played with wood, cutting and shaping walking stick handles from branches. And I was an upholsterer and woodwork came into that.”
Peter became an upholsterer after his National Service with the Royal Sussex Regiment for two years – from 1954 to 1956. He was a ‘batman’: a personal assistant and valet to a General, whose duties included keeping equipment clean and waiting tables.
Peter began to lose his sight due to glaucoma and then, in around 2008, he began to experience macular degeneration too. He says, “Everything is misty – there are no clear outlines to anything. I need someone with me if I go for a walk because I can’t see the footpath”
Despite his sight loss, it takes Peter only a day to put together a robin or blue tit box and treat the pine with waterproof varnish. He explains, “We use a non-smelly varnish so the birds stay happy. And each box has a regulation RSPB-sized hole.”
Peter’s friend Ted (pictured) has made forty-nine wooden racing cars since he joined Blind Veterans UK – half of those for sale this Christmas. The fiftieth, he plans to paint green and number ‘50’. He says, “My sister wants that one.”
Ted always enjoyed woodturning as a hobby but, twelve years ago, he began to lose his sight due to dry age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older people.
Ted says, “When my sight went, I sold my lathe and I had to give up driving too. I used to cycle with my brother-in-law, and then I had to give that up. My wife and I had to travel on buses.”
Ted was a radar operator in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, serving on ships sailing around Asia and to South Africa.
Since he contacted Blind Veterans UK in 2012, he has received help and support including a Merlin Low Vision Magnifier that he uses to view the old photos he collects. But for him, a big part of the support he receives comes from the two days a week he spends at the arts & crafts workshop.
He says, “Just coming here is amazing. The comradeship is like the Navy.”
Handmade wooden birdboxes and racing cars are among the Christmas handicrafts now available to buy on the Blind Veterans UK website. Many of these beautiful gifts are coloured red, white and blue to celebrate the charity’s 100-year anniversary.
Find out more: http://shop.blindveterans.org.uk/english/christmas-2015/made-by-beneficiaries.html
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Light Rabbit Limited (www.lightrabbit.co.uk) which is a supplier of direct replacement LED lighting for homes and businesses.
LED lighting is 90% more efficient to run than conventional lighting. No electrician is required and most of our customers change over the lighting themselves to receive instant savings – thus this is a product that DIY’ers love and a great deal of our customer base are home owners who are conscious of the cost of their electricity bills, as well as technology enthusiasts. Also, LED lighting lasts up to 25x longer than conventional light bulbs which also saves time and cost.
LightRabbit’s LED products line range from garden lights to security lights, kitchen lights, fire-rated downlights. Our LED Strip Lights introduce a bit of colour to your home or work and add the “wow” factor. LED Strip lights can also be installed behind your TV to have a better experience while watching your favourite Rugby team playing. Slim and flexible, these ingenious little strips enable you to illuminate even the narrowest surface areas and bring in shades of Red, Green, Blue and multi-coloured lights.
IT’S TIME: NEW WATCH BRAND ‘TOLD & CO’ HITS UK FASHION SCENE
Stunning luxury watch brand, TOLD & Co, has officially launched in the UK with its debut collection now available online. Founded by rugby star Tomas O’Leary; TOLD & Co’s range of exclusive timepieces for men and women offers a fusion of high-end, classic craftsmanship and simplistic modern design.
The highly-anticipated premium collection teams a minimalist Danish style with an edgy London look. The beautifully refined range has something for everyone, from striking colour-pop casual timepieces to elegant Swiss-made gold encased classic pieces.
TOLD & Co offers customers a wide range of colours and styles to select from. Each watch-face colour can be chosen alongside a variety of contemporary watch straps to ensure that every limited edition design is bespoke.
The brand recognises the importance of aspirational watch aesthetic while offering it at high street cost, with prices ranging from £120 to £180. To browse the range of sophisticated wrist-wear, visit www.toldandco.com
Tomas O’Leary, TOLD & Co founder, said: “Watches have been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember and I am thrilled to launch our online store today.
“We have worked with a Danish designer to create a cool classic range of luxury timepieces, at extremely affordable prices, and we hope you love them as much as we do.
“Shop the collection today and choose your own TOLD & Co masterpiece. After all, when all is told, all that remains is time”.
Fourdot don’t make registration numbers. What they do is tailor your current number plate to beautifully fit the vehicle’s contours, lines and aesthetics, as well as the driver’s personality – perfect for your car loving mum, dad or sibling.
Plus you are able to customise your loved ones number plates to either their individual style (with personal artwork, patterns etc.) or their individuals interests, (for example if the driver is a big fan of dogs, paw prints could outline the plate, or it could feature flowers for keen gardeners. If the driver owns their own business they can have their company logo, or the colours of their favourite sports team for sports fanatics. Even with the added design element, the luxury custom made number plates are 100% road legal.
Whether you are spoiling yourself or a loved one this Xmas, head to https://www.fourdotdesignerplates.co.uk/cars/ to design a bespoke plate (priced from £75 a pair) or purchase a gift card online.
House of Fraser continues to drive innovative digital strategy with Black Friday Shoppable Windows
House of Fraser, the UK’s premium department store, will be offering its customers a unique mobile shopping experience using Augmented Reality (AR) technology from Layar throughout this year’s Black Friday promotions.
Black Friday windows will launch on Wednesday 25th November in stores across the UK and Ireland and will feature instructions for customers to download the House of Fraser app to access the ‘shoppable windows’ journey. A ‘Scan to Explore’ feature on the House of Fraser IOS mobile app is triggered via scanning the window vinyl, which will allow customers to shop the best Black Friday deals in just a few clicks, avoiding the queues inside the store. A ‘Scan to win’ feature will also be available so that customers can be in entered into a competition to win a £250 House of Fraser gift card.
To help guide customers and highlight the new technology Black Friday ‘angels’ will be on hand on Friday 25th November in the top 14 stores across the UK and Ireland including Glasgow, Oxford Street, Manchester, Belfast, Leeds, Metrocentre and Dublin, demonstrating to customers just how easy it is to scan the vinyl and interact with the immersive content on the House of Fraser app.
Hsio Ling Hee, Head of Custom Solutions at Blippar, commented: “The event is a natural next step for HoF on the path of setting trends in digital retail following previous trials of their app’s Augmented Reality features earlier this year. The combination of the offline event usually occupying the physical side of the consumer’s attention, with bringing the feel of the brand and products in their hands through their phones allows for a higher engagement and total immersion into the HoF brand. The new HoF app, powered by the Layar SDK, has a lot more to offer in the future and we are confident they will continue being one of the leaders of innovation for digital and Augmented Reality retail.”
Black Friday is launching at 5pm in store/online on Wednesday 25th November, with up to 50% off selected lines across fashion, beauty and home departments until midnight Sunday 29th November.
The app can be downloaded at: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/house-of-fraser/id505177887?mt=8
The Piper smart home gadget
The Piper smart home gadget, which doubles up as home security system, in the InTouch Rugby’s Christmas gift guide . It lets you control anything that has a plug – from lamps to heaters to kettles – from your phone, with no monthly fees. This is a great gift and is perfect for anyone wanting to turn their house into a smart home.
You can also set those appliances to turn on or off according to various triggers such as the time of day, how hot/cold/humid it is, or when you open the front door. Essentially it lets people have a completely customisable home, whether they want the kettle to automatically turn on when they get up in the morning, their lights to turn on when it gets dark or the heaters to automatically turn on when it gets below a set temperature or when they open the door for the coming winter.
It’s also a smart security device; as well as a camera and alarm, its various sensors can be set up to alert you to anything out of the ordinary via a call, notification or text.
· Piper is the first smart home security system to integrate an immersive video experience, with optional wireless sensors to control electronic appliances like lamps and heaters – all with no required monthly fees
· Unique to the home security market, Piper’s panoramic lens captures a complete, 180-degree view (with night-vision when it gets dark) of any room it’s placed in. Simply pan and tilt your video up, down, left and right to feel like you’re inside the room you’re monitoring through the Piper app, you can view a live HD stream of your home and save clips to download and share.
It includes a clever motion and sound detector so it can alert you when something out of the ordinary happens, a two-way mic and extremely effective 105 dB siren and battery-back
Available with a range of wireless accessories that enable you to control appliances remotely – either scheduling them to go off at a set time or based on environmental factors such as light levels changing, or when you open your front door. These include the newly launched Water Sensor that alerts users to potentially damaging drips and floods
Its sensors measure interior and exterior temperature, sound, light and motion
The Piper experience can easily be extended with up to 5 Pipers for multi-floor or multi-home scenarios
Piper is simple to use, easy to set up and there are no required monthly fees. Available from Amazon for £229.99
the Van Gogh Museum Shop
To mark the 125th anniversary of Van Gogh’s death, the Van Gogh Museum Shop unveiled their new entrance building, and with it their new museum shop. The fully renewed shop has more than 500 products, with the large range being created in cooperation with Dutch designers, and inspired by the artist himself. There are items for the whole family, from children’s toys to leather goods to luxurious silk scarves, and with a wide price range, they serve as great art-related gifts across a range of purposes.
Exclusive Handcrafted Gifts for Christmas
This Christmas, give your loved ones an exclusive and handmade gift from A Handcrafted Marketplace (www.ahandcraftedmarketplace.co.uk) to show how much you care.
Launched in October 2015, the site specialises in selling unique and handcrafted gifts from a range of independent makers and artisans, specialising in areas including jewellery, textiles, toys and ceramics.
All products featured are exclusive to the site and are available in limited numbers for just two weeks at a time.
A key benefit to the site is that visitors can ‘Meet the Makers’ via the online videos, see them interviewed about their inspiration and find out how the products are made.
As the products are only available on the site in limited numbers and for a limited amount of time, buyers can be assured that they will be purchasing unique and exclusive products of the highest quality and because the site is regularly updated with carefully selected products from makers, there will always be something new to discover.
Visit www.ahandcraftedmarketplace.co.uk to find out more about the unique products, makers and artisans available.
Microsoft Lumia 550
Experience the power of Windows 10 at a price that won’t strain your wallet this Christmas. With a super-fast 4G connection, the 550
allows smooth multitasking when using apps such as Facebook and Twitter for those who like to have the latest news and updates as quickly as possible.
The Lumia 550 comes with the latest version of the Office apps; all adapted for mobile use with rich editing tools built in. If you’re
looking to take your office on the go, the new Outlook Mail app makes managing email on the go effortless and with Free OneDrive storage,
you’re able to keep your documents safe in the cloud giving you the freedom to access and edit them on your phone. All this for under £100!
The Lumia 550 can be pre-ordered SIM-free for £99.99 inc. VAT from the Microsoft Store, to arrive in time for Christmas. For more information on the device, and latest offers, visit the product page on the Microsoft website.
Ahead of festive frenzy, Traidcraft’s “Just Friday” offers shopping with a conscience
Pioneering Fair Trade retailer Traidcraft is offering an alternative to the frenzy of Black Friday – as new survey results show that more than half of the UK is negatively affected by shopping fever in the run-up to Christmas.
More than half of people surveyed (54%) said they experience negative emotions when shopping in the run-up to Christmas – feeling stressed, anxious, ill, argumentative and violent.
As major retailers turn their backs on Black Friday, Traidcraft’s ‘Just Friday’ initiative offers shoppers an alternative to the riotous scenes played out in stores in recent years. The campaign encourages people to take a moment to stop, breathe, and buy their gifts mindfully and ethically. By buying from ethical organisations, consumers shopping on Black Friday can use their spending power to help people in developing countries across the world.
The recent survey, conducted on behalf of Traidcraft, also showed how almost half of all consumers (43%) would like to see an end to Black Friday all together, with four in 10 planning to shop online to avoid the chaos.
Larry Bush, Traidcraft’s marketing director, says: “With some of the biggest UK retailers scaling back their involvement in this year’s Black Friday sales, it’s obvious that consumers are growing tired of this materialistic ‘consumption culture’, which is why we’re running our Just Friday campaign again this year.
“Imagine if just 1% of the £1bn that retail analysts predict will be spent on Black Friday was spent with ethical, fair trade organisations like Traidcraft and People Tree? Even this small percentage could help us improve the lives of tens of thousands of people across the developing world and make a huge difference to someone’s life – and you’ll be buying a beautifully handmade, unique gift for family and friends.
“So on Black Friday, one of the most chaotic days on the shopping calendar, we’re offering an alternative with ‘Just Friday’, and asking people to take a few moments and think about their buying choices.”
Safia Minney MBE, Founder & CEO of People Tree says: “Mindless consumption that makes Christmas shoppers feel uncomfortable, especially at the cost of workers and the planet, has to stop. We can create change, a different way of doing business and buy Fair Trade, ethically and sustainably this Just Friday.”
Shoppers can enjoy free shipping on all orders placed on www.traidcraftshop.co.uk this Just Friday, with gifts for everyone handmade by artisans across the globe.
CHRISTMAS MADE EASY
FORGET the stress of Christmas shopping this year – containing everything you need for the perfect gift in one package, a hamper is your secret to hassle-free festivities.
Even the fussiest of family members would be thrilled to receive a hamper full of their favourite Christmas classics and, thanks to First4Hampers, these bundles of delight can be selected and ordered in just a matter of clicks with next day UK delivery available. Many of the products, which are sourced from the UK, Ireland and Europe are Great Taste Award winners, which is the highest accolade afforded to foods in the UK and ROI.
From Christmas puds to chocolate Brazil nuts, wine, marmalade and biscuits, these food-filled hampers make the ideal gift for indulgent enjoyment and will last long after the turkey has been eaten.
The Great Christmas Classic (£79.90)
Delivered in a classic handmade wicker hamper, this festive-themed gift package contains all the Christmas classics sure to evoke fond memories. Perfect for families, it includes favourites such as chocolate Brazils, brandy pudding, Raspberry shortcake and Christmas preserve. The season can
Luxurious (and affordable)
This Thornton & France (established 1717) luxurious gift box creates an opulent present which doesn’t break the bank. Perfect for post (or pre) turkey nibbles, it contains both savoury and sweet treats such as handmade sweet ham and pickle Yorkshire Crisps, caramelised cashews, Ditty’s spiced shortbread and Cole’s figgy Christmas pudding. These goodies can be enjoyed with delicious Lily O’Brien’s chocolates and washed down with Alta Rita Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc (or New English Tea if you prefer). Perfect for sharing after the kids have gone to bed.
£69.90
Festive Fruit Punch Basket
Walker’s Mincemeat tarts, Cole’s brandy Christmas pudding, Belgian chocolates and shortbread Scottie dogs are just some of the delicious classics contained in this stunning handmade wicker hamper. An ideal gift for one or two people, the delicious delights can be washed down with non-alcoholic fruit punch made with real elderberries, blackcurrants and orange, spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to create the perfect festive drink.
£35
For more information on First 4 Hamper’s full range, please visit www.First4Hampers.com.
SANTA BABY, IT’S TIME TO GET PERSONAL THIS CHRISTMAS
Lovetree Design specialises in personalised baby gifts and clothing and has all you need to make your little one’s first christmas extra special.
FOR THE NEW BORNS
Mummies and Daddies looking for quirky Christmas gifts that both they and their new babies can enjoy need look no further.
Lovetree Design offers a range of Christmas-themed baby grows that will get the whole family smiling this Christmas.
Designs can be personalised to say you’re leaving anything for Santa, our favourites include phrases such as: ‘Mummy says she’s leaving Gin & Tonic for Santa!” and “Daddy says he’s leaving Brandy for Santa!” Price: £21.75 including free UK delivery.
FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Looking for the perfect festive family selfie… dress the same of course!
We can all get a little overheated after Christmas dinner, so these festive t-shirts are the perfect fun attire for all the family to wear instead of those itchy Christmas jumpers!
Available in all sizes from new borns to adults, and priced from £15 each dependant on the style and size required.
FOR THE CHEF OF THE HOUSE
Shoppers hoping to show their appreciation to the chef of the house this Christmas can treat their favourite cook to this personalised family apron.
This timeless classic is one to to keep not just for this Christmas but for all the family christmases to come.
With one size to fit all for adults, or 2 junior sizes, this gift can be passed on from one chef to another every year if you like to take turns with the turkey! Price: £15 for Juniors, £17 for adults.
For more information about Love Tree Design or to buy online visit http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lovetreedesign or take a look at the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/lovetreedesign/timeline.
Bring Outdoors, Indoors
The Wicked Indoor Booma is the best indoor boomerang in the world! Made of special “memorang” foam, it is soft and safe, yet durable and versatile! With its special properties, you can tune the wings for different types of flight and the boomerang will stay in shape. When thrown as instructed, we guarantee your boomerang will travel around in a 4-6 metre circle and come right back to you!
Made from soft foam so it won’t smash anything! Watch the video here:
Made in the UK and even sold to Australia.
The Wicked Indoor Booma costs £4.99 from Smyths
We know that Rugby players are always on the go, so finding time to sit down and write their thank you cards can be difficult. However, Postsnap is a free mobile app available on all iOS devices that allows you to create personalised thank you cards with your own photo and message.
In just a few clicks, Postsnap makes sending thank you notes as easy as a text or social media message and is ideal for those who are constantly on the move.
New research suggests that saying thank you by letter or card is a dying art, as digital channels replace the age-old thank you note. Almost a quarter (22 per cent) of Brits opted to thank loved ones for Christmas gifts via social media, email or text message in 2014.
Many people spend time thinking about the gifts they will be buying or receiving this Christmas, but not how they plan to thank others for their generosity. And with one in ten people still appreciating a physical card, it’s important to find a way that brings technology and tradition together.
Have a Green Christmas with Ecotopia
Ecotopia, the online store run by Britain’s leading green energy company Ecotricity, has this year launched a fantastic range of Christmas gift ideas to encourage people to shop more sustainably.
The average Briton will create 650kg of carbon emissions over three days of festivities*, much of which will go on buying presents produced overseas in highly polluting factories, so shopping more ethically could have a huge impact on Britain’s emissions.
Ecotopia aims to harness the power of shopping to change the world, encouraging shoppers to use their purchases to challenge the status quo and support a better way of doing things. All products are either Fairtrade, organic or sustainably sourced and have a social, ethical or environmental benefit.
At Ecotopia, there are gifts for all the family, from bubble bath for mum to sunglasses for dad and den kits for the kids, so visit www.ecotopia.co.uk to browse the fantastic selection.
ESCAPE THE RAIN WITH NEW COLLECTION OF WORLD-FIRST UMBRELLAS
Where I’d Rather Be unveils brand new Destination Collection, transporting Brits across Europe and beyond…
With the rainy UK autumn well and truly upon us, Where I’d Rather Be invites you to escape the drizzle and brighten the miserable morning commute with its latest collection of visually captivating umbrellas.
Adding to the existing portfolio of breathtaking scenic landscapes and crafted using world-first 360° under canopy photography designs, the new Destination Collection features some of the world’s most renowned cities and holiday destinations.
Shelter from the rain immersed in true-to-life wraparound depictions of London, Paris and Portofino, or ‘journey’ further afield to the imposing pyramids of Egypt.
Where I’d Rather Be umbrellas are available in two styles and sizes; classic hook handle and compact folding. Handmade, hand sewn and manufactured using the highest quality materials, the umbrellas boast a water repellent coating to ensure a quick-dry canopy. They are also highly wind resistant and durable thanks to sturdy, yet flexible fibreglass and electroplated steel frames and shafts.
Retailing at £27.99 (classic) and £25.99 (folding), Where I’d Rather Be Destination Collection umbrellas offer a sense of escape without the expense of a city break or winter sun getaway; a practical, original and inspiring Christmas gift or stocking filler for friends or loved ones this year.
For more information or to purchase an umbrella, go to www.whereidratherbe.co.uk and use exclusive code EscapeTheRain for a special 10% launch discount
(Applicable to Destination Collection designs only and available until 31 Dec 2014)
Electric Jukebox is a brand new music streaming product aimed at families that is going to revolutionise the way people listen to music in their homes, perfect in time for Christmas!
Easy to use, it’s a plug-and-play music device that simply slots into the TV. It was launched this month and is backed by celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Sheryl Crow Robbie Williams, Alesha Dixon.
What is it?
Electric Jukebox transforms your TV into the ultimate music machine
Simply plug the Electric Jukebox Stick into any TV, connect to your WiFi and your TV has instantly
You can find your favourite artist, album or track by simply by speaking into the Electric Jukebox wireless microphone
There is no registration required, no credit card details to input, no monthly subscription to agree and no app downloads to undertake
How much?
Electric Jukebox is available to pre-order from www.electricjukebox.com from today UK RRP £179
It’s that time of year again.
The office transforms into a tinsel-laden monstrosity overnight, the Christmas party (and the subsequent hangover) looms, and the phrase “Secret Santa” sweeps through the office.
Some rejoice at the notion of gifting Yuletide goodies to their nominated colleague. For others, it prompts an inward scream of dread at the prospect of scouring the high street over your precious lunch break for a suitable gift for someone you may or may not have snogged under the mistletoe at last year’s Christmas soirée.
Never fear! Prime Burger has you covered. The Secret Santa Gift Card arms its lucky owner with credit to spend on heavenly, melt-in-the-mouth burgers at its restaurants in Euston or King’s Cross.
Treat your co-worker to a glorious juicy burger, such as the über festive “Christmas in a Bun”; a delectable combination of oozing Colston Basset stilton, tangy cranberry compote, garlic mayonnaise and rocket and, of course, the signature patty; premium, melt-in-the-mouth beef sourced ethically in the UK.
Of course, there’s also the most popular burger on the menu – London’s first truffle cheese burger – a succulent beef patty smothered with truffle-infused cheese and truffle aioli. Or the gargantuan Bad Boy burger – a teetering tower of beef patties stacked with smoked bacon, bubbling cheese and crispy onion strings, and their extra spicy chilli sensation, Crazy Larry.
Simply load the Secret Santa Gift Card with however much burger-fuelled bliss you want to spoil your beloved colleague with (starting from just £5).
Party Season Prep
Top Tips on preparing you body and mind for the busy Christmas party season ahead!
No Christmas party is complete without gargantuous amounts of festive food and free flowing alcohol. And with your diary crammed full with office parties, friends & family shindigs and networking events, over-indulging seems pretty impossible to avoid! All this, along with losing sleep due to late nights, can put enormous strain on your body and mind and can leave you feeling partied out by the time Christmas day arrives.
Bed makers Warren Evans and their sleep and naturopathy expert Dave Gibson have some before & after party advice, along with some fantastic food tips, to help you cope with the merriment of Christmas that little bit better this year.
BEFORE THE PARTY
Stock up on sleep
When you’re already tired, your body will find it harder and harder to deal with alcohol, leaving you with an increasingly low tolerance. This is because your liver is less efficient at dealing with alcohol when it has less time to rest and recover. Increase your tolerance by totting up a healthy amount of sleep each night for about two weeks before the parties start, around seven to eight hours a night.
Give your liver a break
Although many of us loathe having to giving up our caffeine, having it after 3pm on the day of a party puts a strain on your liver, an organ that’s going to need all the help it can get before party-time. Lay off the caffeine to help it be in the best shape for later.
Detox
Get your festive glow inside and out, whilst revving up your detox system too, by dry brushing your skin before you wash. Dry brushing is known to stimulate lymph nodes around your body, helping you remove toxins from your body whilst giving your skin a healthy glow.
Real party foods
Eating high protein foods such as salmon, chicken and avocado, with denser foods such as pasta, can help ensure your body absorbs alcohol much more slowly, thereby raising your tolerance. It’s also important to stay hydrated, so aim to drink plenty of water and herbal teas up to and on the day of the party.
AFTER THE PARTY
Curb the cravings
We’ve all experienced the-morning-after-the-party cravings, where all you want is some high-calorie treat food. Being sleep deprived sends a signal to our body that we are in a state of famine, and stimulates the release of a peptide called ghrelin, an appetite stimulant that increases our food cravings. Try to get some extra hours in bed the morning after and eat some protein based foods such as scrambled eggs and smoked salmon which take longer to digest to curb your appetite.
Sleep debt
Catching up with your sleep IS important. Too many parties and late nights, if not accounted for, will leave you feeling exhausted. Try to reclaim the hours you lose either the next night or over the next two to three nights. Giving you enough time to catch-up before the next party arrives!
Supplements
Over indulging will take a toll on your gut, so it’s important to provide extra support to help maintain normal functions. Taking a good quality mixed strain probiotic supplement over the weeks of the party season can help to support regular, healthy bodily functions. Milk Thistle is also considered very good for over indulgence.
REVIVING FOODS
§ Your liver will be put through its paces this season, so be sure to stock up on some foods that support your liver too. Some of the best foods to stock up on to promote your livers functions over the Christmas period are seasonal vegetables; broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussel sprouts as well as asparagus and artichoke hearts.
Mid party season will find many of us rolling out of bed with ever decreasing levels of energy and vitality. Boost your mind with important nutrients like vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids so that you can have a bit of extra help concentrating on the day ahead, even after a less than restorative night’s sleep. Find them in oily fish such as salmon, trout and mackerel.
§ Get the feel good factor from other delicious superfoods. Never underestimate the simple egg yolk, packed with a wide array of important nutrients your body will love. Another great choice is beef liver, which offers a whole host of amino acids, proteins and vitamins that help your body feel great.
§ Add some wholesome flavours to your meals to help them taste great and lift your mood too. Garlic and ginger are great immune boosters, and deliciously warming in many meals, whilst cumin, cinnamon and turmeric can also be valuable additions to help brighten your winter mood.
Throughout November and December Warren Evans will be helping you to Feel Wonderful this Winter; sharing more expert health tips and advice along with fabulous festive interiors inspiration too, go to https://www.warrenevans.com/inspire-me/
