Luxury Hamper Company Re-launch Website in Time for Busy Christmas Period

The recent launch of luxury hamper company Highland Fayre’s revamped website, www.highlandfayre.co.uk has come at a very opportune time as hamper companies start to gear up for the Christmas season.

Whilst retail stores still face an uncertain future, the online shopping market is forecast to continue to grow at a rate of 14% – 16%. This strong growth curve has been a major factor in the increase of multi channel retailers and, as a result, the consumer can find himself in a position where there are plenty of discounts and offers to consider.

There is no doubt that online gift buying will go from strength to strength; the luxury hamper market is a prime example of this. The increased competition within the hamper market has led to a need for specialist companies to engage and entice the consumer with more than just the traditional Christmas hamper.

In the last few years, popularity within the online personalised card market has experienced considerable growth. Hamper companies have taken note, and have themselves begun to introduce a personalised gift hamper service, allowing consumers to easily create gifts online for any occasion, including Christmas, Anniversary, Corporate, or Birthday hampers. This new diversity is just the beginning in what is going to become a very exciting and interesting e-commerce market.

Although some speculate that the continued growth of the online retailer could have serious consequences for our favourite high street stores, it is not necessarily the case that brick and mortar businesses will disappear as a result. It is true, however, that in order for traditional retail stores to survive, the way in which they do business and engage with customers will need to evolve.

For more information on Highland Fayre, view their website at: www.highlandfayre.co.uk/
With prices starting from as little as £17.95, they stock ranges of gift hampers to suit all budgets.

Highland Fayre ltd. have been supplying luxury hampers, since 1985, to thousands of corporate and private customers throughout the UK and Europe, becoming Scotland’s premier hamper company.

Highland Fayre are also a family owned company who take pride in the personal service offered.

Arklu Launches New British Fashion Doll “Lottie”™

Autumn Leaves Lottie Doll

English Country Garden Lottie Doll

Lottieville Festival Lottie Doll

Pony Flag Race Lottie Doll

Snow Queen Lottie Doll

Spring Celebration Ballet Lottie Doll

Autumn Leaves themed packaging

English Country Garden themed packaging

Lottieville Festival themed packaging

Pony Flag Race themed packaging

Snow Queen themed packaging

Spring Celebration Ballet packaging

Innovative British Toy Company Arklu launches new fashion doll in a David V Goliath battle against the might of Barbie, Monster High and Bratz.

London Toy Company Arklu is launching an exciting new fashion doll, Lottie™, pitting British design and commonsense values in a market dominated by US brands Barbie, Monster High and Bratz.

Arklu’s bestselling Royal Wedding Dolls garnered global press coverage and sales, specifically in the USA. The company has spent the past year on research and development to create a refreshingly different and innovative fashion doll. Their designs previewed at the London Toy Fair to overwhelmingly positive retailer feedback and the company are now bringing their new creation to market in time for Christmas 2012. Taking their learnings from this, Arklu has applied their quintessentially British approach in to a new doll brand.

Designed for girls aged 3 - 8, Lottie™ has been developed with scientific expertise from leading British academics, alongside consumer research, to address parental concerns about other fashion dolls including negative body image, an increased perception of premature sexualisation as well as a desire for a return to good old-fashioned creative and imaginative play.

Unlike other fashion dolls, there is no pushing the envelope with adult agendas such as scanty clothes, high heels, jewellery, tattoos or makeup; these are girl dolls intended for girls. Most of all, Lottie is super cute and rather lovely.

Lottie’s body is ‘childlike’ – as you might expect as she is aged nine; her dimensions (with the exception of her head) are based upon those devised by leading British academics, Professor David McCarthy (Professor of Nutrition and Health at the Institute for Health Research & Policy, London Metropolitan University) and Dr Margaret Ashwell OBE (formerly Science Director of the British Nutrition Foundation).

Her distinctive height of 7” (18cm) sets her apart from other fashion dolls; she’s super cute and easy to pack and carry around.

Lottie™ is designed for maximum creative play value. She has high-quality, strokable hair that doesn’t tangle easily and her premium quality clothes and accessories are detailed and lifelike, with lots of tactile elements. Super cute, fun details such as detachable velcro patches on the clothing make for added appeal and “swapability”. Accessory packs include a picnic set, dressable Biscuit the Beagle dog as well as detachable velcro pony race winner rosettes. A background story is included on each doll box to encourage imaginative roleplay.

Lottie™ has a quintessentially British feel to her, with an emphasis on seasonality, quirky attention to detail as well as ‘Back to Basics’ play values. Lottie™ is about celebrating childhood in all its many facets; imagination, creativity and pretty clothes, as well as being bold, brave and active in the Great Outdoors. She is flexible, poseable and can stand on her own two feet….a life-skill that is important for girls both big and small. The brand’s (and Lottie’s) approach to life is summed up in the tagline: “Be bold, be brave, be you”.

The bright and colourful packaging has been specifically designed with an eye to lessening use of excessive plastic blister packaging. Each doll box is themed and designed with a cute handle to encourage reuse and doll portability.

The complete range of Lottie™ dolls and accessories are available now at leading retailers and specialty stores, and online at www.lottie.com and Amazon. Like Lottie Dolls on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/lottiedolls
and on Twitter @Lottie_dolls
Dolls retail at £16.99 ($19.99 in USA); accessory packs at £7.99 ($12.99 in USA).

DOLLS
Pony Flag Race (£16.99 /$19.99)
Lottie loves to be out in the countryside riding her pony, Black Beauty. Lottie enjoys taking part in gymkhana competitions and games on horseback. It’s fun to take part and try your best. The Pony Flag Race is Lottie’s favourite; she loves the challenge of trying to pick up, carry and put down a flag while riding Black Beauty. Who will win the race?

Spring Celebration Ballet (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie loves to dance and is really excited to be performing in the Spring Celebration Ballet at Lottieville Theatre. Lottie works hard to prepare and practices for hours on end to perfect her dance steps, including pirouettes and arabesques. Will the performance be a success? Will Lottie remember all her dance steps?

English Country Garden (£16.99 / $19.99)
Spring has sprung and Lottieville is full of bright, colourful flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass, the distant hum of bees buzzing and the gentle flitter of butterflies across the meadows. Lottie loves to be outside and to enjoy a picnic in the garden, especially with her favourite strawberry fairy cakes.

Lottieville Festival (£16.99 / $19.99)
Summer has arrived at last! The sun is shining and the sky is blue as Lottieville prepares for its annual Festival. Lottie is excited and is looking forward to live music, face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Will the good weather continue or will the celebrations be spoiled by rain?

Autumn Leaves (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie loves Autumn and especially the changing colours of the leaves on the trees. Wrapped up warm in her coat, hat, scarf and boots, Lottie explores Lottieville Forest with her dog, Biscuit the Beagle, kicking her way through all the crisp, colourful leaves. Getting muddy, kicking leaves and building dens is just so much fun!

Snow Queen (£16.99 / $19.99)
Lottie is thrilled to receive a party invitation to the Lottieville Masked Ball. Inspired by one of her favourite stories, Lottie decides to dress as a Snow Queen. Wearing a silver, sparkly mask and a magnificent ice blue and frosty white gown studded with silver snowflakes – will any of her friends recognise her?

ACCESSORY PACKS
Pony Flag Race Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Fleece jumper, riding hat cover, trophy and 3 velcro rosettes.

Biscuit the Beagle Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Biscuit the Beagle dog figure, dog coat, leash, dog bed, bone and drinking bowl.

English Country Garden Accessory Pack (£7.99 / $12.99)
Picnic rug, picnic basket, 2 cups, 2 plates, 2 strawberry fairy cakes.

FACTFILE:
Arklu is a toy development company based in London, UK. Creators of the best selling Royal Wedding Dolls.
For more information please visit: www.lottie.com

Stone Rose Jewellery for unique Christmas presents

Stone Rose Jewellery sells stunning hand-crafted jewellery; with dazzling and sparkling designs, they are best described as an Aladdin's cave of treasures. They have a variety of incredible collections to suit different tastes and their gorgeous bespoke jewellery is perfect for your Christmas gift guide.

If you are searching for bold, statement jewellery, look no further than Stone Rose's 'Stardust' collection. Using rich, vibrant colours and crystals, these eye-catching designs twinkle like the lights on the Christmas tree.

Alternatively, their 'Elegance' collection has striking, yet understated, jewellery. Made with Swarovski crystals, pearls, silver and gold these designs are opulent and suited to those with sophisticated tastes.

Stone Rose Jewellery is fantastic. Sparkly and glamorous, their designs are perfect for this magical time of year. You can view these tantalising pieces at www.stonerosejewellery.com.

Harveys Bristol Cream and Christmas

Heralding the festive season as loudly as Christmas jumpers and carol singers, this seasonal favourite is loved by family and friends alike.

Whether you sneak a sip whilst basting the turkey, mix it in a fashionable cocktail or toast the Queen’s speech with an annual tipple, one taste of Harveys Bristol Cream will put everyone in an unfailingly jolly mood.  

Its  distinctive nutty, dried fruit flavours and softly spicy aromas make Harveys the perfect accompaniment to some of the season’s best-loved foods; buttery mince pies and indulgent luxury Christmas puddings. 

(EDITOR: Every year, my wife and I like to watch the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol whilst eating mince pies and sipping Harveys Bristol Cream!)

Harveys Bristol Cream (75cl RRP £9.22) is widely available in supermarkets across the UK.

Harveys over ice with a slice of orange

The simplest of serves, Harveys over ice with a slice of orange brings out the taste of candied orange and perfectly complements the dried fruit and toasted almond flavours of this delicious sherry.

Recipe:

•             Place two or three cubes of ice in a tumbler

•             Pour over 50ml Harveys Bristol Cream

•             Garnish with a slice of orange

Harveys mulled apple and winter spice

Recipe (serves six):

•             Slowly warm 200ml Harveys Bristol Cream with 500ml premium pressed apple juice, six cloves and 50g vanilla sugar in a pan for 10-15 minutes to release the incredible flavours

•             Strain the liquid into a warmed 2 pint/ 1 litre punch bowl

•             Garnish with apple slices and serve in glass mugs decorated with star anise

NOTANOTHERBILL is the great new gift that keeps on giving!

In this modern day and age no one receives anything good in the post, just bills and the odd pizza menu...

NOTANOTHERBILL is here to revitalise your letterbox. It’s a new subscription service where you receive a beautifully wrapped and carefully curated surprise present in the post every month - something that is not another bill.

Presents are sourced from far and wide with the aim of introducing subscribers to great artists, designers and brands.

Presents to date have ranged from limited edition art prints, collaborations with up and coming designers, exclusive leather products, jewellery, and even a ‘Take over the world kit’.

Each beautifully packaged surprise comes with a personalised letter explaining more about the present, where it was sourced and why NOTANOTHERBILL think you’ll like it.

It costs £15 per month and you can subscribe for yourself (or as a gift) from 1 month to a whole year – to find out more visit www.notanotherbill.com “BILLS ARE BORING, GET COOL SURPRISE PRESENTS INSTEAD”

Give them a gift of love. Give them Single Malts for Christmas!

Don’t let choosing whisky be a daunting task this Christmas, check out our handpicked selection of award winning single malts guaranteed to impress your loved ones this festive season...

The foodie in your family, will love nosing Highland Park 12 Year Old and discovering the characteristic honey sweetness followed by fruit.  On the palate it is drying with a hint of gentle smoke and a flavour that just keeps on going. (RRP £31.65) Highland Park’s full portfolio of single malts is available at www.highlandpark.co.uk. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Co-op and Somerfield.

The gift of Ardmore is perfect for the person eager to discover a new dram this holiday season.  With an unshakable belief in traditional distilling methods, Ardmore Traditional Cask delivers a sweet ripe fruit start followed by the tang of peat. (RRP £30.93) The full Ardmore portfolio is available from www.ardmorewhisky.com. Ardmore Traditional Cask is available in selected major multiples and all good whisky shops.

Presented in its iconic bottle, The Glenrothes Select Reserve is the very essence of The Glenrothes range.  Perfect for the most stylist gent on your Christmas list, Select Reserve is produced in The Glenrothes ‘House Style’ laden with ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice.  (RRP £36.18) The Glenrothes full portfolio of single malts is available at www.theglenrothes.com. The Glenrothes Select Reserve is available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda and whisky specialists.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an ideal dram for the adventurer amongst your friends.  The vibrant single malt shows soft sweetness and a velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig comes bursting through. (RRP £35.99) Laphroaig’s full portfolio is available at www.laphroaig.com and Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt is available in all major multiples.

For the whisky aficionado, Highland Park 18 Year Old is an ideal gift this Christmas.  Twice named, "Best Spirit in the World" by US spirits writer F. Paul Pacult, this single malt displays characteristic toffee sweetness and leaves you with a full, smokey finish.  (RRP £68.48) Highland Park’s full portfolio of single malts is available at www.highlandpark.co.uk. Highland Park 18 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Co-op, Somerfield and whisky specialists.

For the lady or gent that enjoys the classic things in life, the gift of The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old will not disappoint.  This signature style Macallan is wonderfully rich in colour with hints of dried fruits, spice and chocolate orange. (RRP £76) The Macallan’s full portfolio is available at www.themacallan.com. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Year Old is in specialist whisky retailers.

For the single malt fan, spoil them with the Laphroaig 18 Year Old.  Made in limited quantities each year and savoured by a fortunate few, the immediate taste is an oak sweetness, from 18 years in the cask. A faint hint of the sea can be detected, testimony to its time maturing on the sea-sprayed island of Islay. (RRP: £77.17) Laphroaig’s full portfolio is available at www.laphroaig.com and Laphroaig 18 Year Old is available in specialist whisky retailers.

Get them a special personalised mug for Christmas!

Everyone needs mugs. And mugs make excellent Christmas presents. Especially the supremely elegeant and rather fetching personalised mugs carefully crafted by Mclaggan Smith Mugs.

Mclaggan Smith Mugs have a special and incredibly funky knit pattern. Each mug costs £8.00 and for an additional £5.00 you can have the handle personalised (uo to 30 characters.) for the ideal gift for that extra-special person in your life!

To learn more please visit Mclaggan Smith Mugs at www.msmugs.com or call them on 01389 755 655

Red, white or rosé? Give the gift of home-made wine this Christmas

If your friends and family enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine, why not treat them to the new ibrew Wine Starter Kit? The ibrew Wine Starter Kit is a complete micro winery perfect for people who love wine and love having fun.

The ibrew micro winery is completely reusable and can be used time and time again to make 30 bottles of quality wine. Making your own wine is fun and the ibrew system makes it so simple. It takes just 21 days to make your own wine. Imagine the enjoyment of serving your very own wine, hand-made by you!

Whatever your taste in wine there’s a variety to suit you. If you enjoy a rich, full bodied red, try the Cabernet Sauvignon variety or for soft, ruby red the Merlot is ideal. There are also two choices of white, including a light, delicate and floral Pinot Grigio and a golden, fresh, zingy Soave. For lovers of rosé there is a medium bodied Shiraz Blush with floral overtones.

The equipment is reusable and has been built to last. After you have made your wine, simply clean and rinse the equipment and you are ready for your next brew.

The complete ibrew micro winery is available from www.ibrew.co.uk and www.wilkinsonplus.com and each kit costs from £70.00 per variety for two batches of 15 bottles. Refill kits cost from £24.99 to make a further 15 bottles of wine – less than £1.70 per bottle!

So, if you know someone who loves a tipple, the complete ibrew micro winery makes the perfect Christmas gift.

Christmastime at John Crane Ltd!

What better tradition to begin in the home than each Christmas telling the story of the Nativity.  Each day a new character is placed upon the growing scene, until finally the story is told and the Baby Jesus is placed in his manger.

John Crane Ltd boasts a number of Nativity Scenes, each offering a different look and feel.  There’s one to fit with any décor!         

Take a look at the Sevi Large Nativity Scene, Lilliputiens Nativity Set, Tidlo Nativity Set, Sevi Nativity Scene.

Of course Christmas is also about fun, laughter and music too so the Snowman Music Box and Santa Claus Music Box from Sevi are both sure to be festive hits.  Santa plays ‘We with you a Merry Christmas’ and the Snowman plays ‘White Christmas’ both while turning around.

Finally, a Dog with Reindeer Hat by Trudi completes the festive ensemble.

John Crane Ltd Nativity Scenes can be found in John Lewis stores or call 01604 774949 for a local stockist.

To take a look for yourself, visit www.john-crane.co.uk

Hickory Dickory Clock - nursery rhyme inspired clock from Folly

The stylish internet boutique Folly has added this nursery rhyme inspired clock to their collection of design-led gifts, home wares and vintage finds.

Super stylish and made using powder coated mild steel with a gloss white finish and bespoke black metal hands, the Hickory Dickory Clock has a laser cut mouse on the hour hand, which appears to run down when the clock strikes one, staying true to the original nursery rhyme

The clock is lovingly hand assembled and measures 270mm diameter, and a battery is included.

Hickory Dickory Clock £34.95 from Folly, www.follyhome.co.uk telephone 01455 631984 

The must-have gadget for clean fiends this Christmas

Stylish, compact and incredibly useful, the brand new Kobold VC100 handheld vacuum cleaner by Vorwerk makes the perfect gift for neat gadget-lovers this Christmas.

Everyone from house-proud mums to technology-obsessed dads will be impressed by its slick look and powerful suction capacity. In gloss white with a dash of festive green and silver detailing, the VC100 is exceptionally stylish and will take pride of place among other appliances in the home.

Ideal for vacuuming up crumbs from the Christmas dinner table or pine needles from under the tree, this device can also be used to keep home-offices spick and span and will be appreciated by car enthusiasts who want to keep their pride and joy clean and tidy.

Despite weighing in at just 750g and compact in length at under 42cm, the VC100 certainly packs a punch in terms of supreme cleaning ability. With 2 power level settings, an LED battery indicator and a quick-charge lithium-ion battery, this handheld vacuum has a life of 20 minutes – far longer than other handheld models.

See the VC100 in action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqW9-d4e3kg

The Vorwerk VC100 is available from £149 exclusively through VK Direct on 0844 8000123 or visit www.vkdirect.co.uk

Spread a Little Christmas Cheer With gorgeous gifts from Arbonne

 We all love to see the smile on our loved ones faces on Christmas day so why not let them unwrap Arbonne’s beautiful range of gift sets, designed exclusively to appeal to the whole family.  Providing everything you need to spread some joy this Christmas, from cosmetics to fragrance, skin care to home scents and stocking fillers to gift wrap, you’ll want it all! The full list of Arbonne product lines can be viewed at www.arbonneinternational.co.uk.

I want it all….

Mandarin Pomegranate Spa Set RRP: £98.00

This lightly floral, fruity fragrance allows you to immerse yourself in exotic Mandarin Pomegranate.  This luxurious set includes cleansing and hydrating Shower Gel (355ml), dreamy Bubble Bath (355ml), soft and silky Body Lotion (163 ml) and soothing Bath Salts (198g) in a beautifully designed keepsake chest.

Mandarin Pomegranate Hair Care RRP: £28.00

Indulge your hair with a luxurious scent that strengthens and cleanses using a sulfate cleansing system.  They condition the hair with beneficial soy proteins and amino acids as well as including grapefruit, orange peel and pomegranate extract.  The set includes Mandarin Pomegranate Shampoo (355ml) and Conditioner (355ml). 

Ginger Citrus Luxury Gift Set RRP: £57.00

A Christmas gift that indulges the body with Ginger Citrus! Everything you need to feel refreshed and luxurious through cleansing, polishing and moisturising the skin. The set includes Ginger Citrus zesty Body Wash (354 ml), gently exfoliating Sugar Scrub (453g) and luscious Body Butter (340g).

Ginger Citrus Hair Care RRP: £20.00

Complete your gift indulgence with Ginger Citrus Shampoo (236 ml) and Conditioner (236 ml).  This sulfate free cleansing system leaves hair soft, manageable and lightly fragrant and is safe for colour treated hair and includes grapefruit extract, ginger root extract and orange peel extract.

Nourishing Shea Butter Blends Hand Cream Duo RRP: £23.00

Come in from the cold this winter with Arbonne’s exclusive Shea Butter gift set, designed to add a softer touch to dry hands with cocoa seed butter, sweet almond oil and Vitamin A.  Your loved one will adore this hand cream trio gift set that comes complete with Original, romantic English Garden and Lavender scented Meadow Flower. 3 tubes, 60ml each.

Signature Scent Candles RRP: £37.00

Let the light and floral fragrance of Mandarin Pomegranate and the zesty scent of Ginger Citrus warm you on cold winter days.  The soy based candles feature a 100% cotton wick for a longer lasting burn.

Pampermint Body Care Set RRP: £20.00

Get ready for a festive, all-over tingle with new Pampermint Body Wash (236ml) and Body lotion (236ml) including apple fruit extract, grape seed oil and peppermint oil.

Pampermint Foot Care Gift Set RRP: £36.00

Let your feet sparkle and shine this Christmas with the joyful tingle of peppermint and oh so comfy festive socks. This festive set includes FootWork Foot Scrub (340g), SoleMate Foot Cream (255g) and Signature Socks in a beautifully designed gift box.

Vanilla Amber Gift Set RRP: £57.00

A gift to pamper your loved ones, the Vanilla Amber gift set from Arbonne will immerse the body in a blissful blend of warm vanilla and romantic amber with cleansing and nourishing Body Wash (340ml), smooth Body Lotion (340ml) and softening Sugar Scrub (453g) for top to toe indulgence this Christmas. 

Comet Cosmetics Collection RRP: £67.00

Become a vision of glamour this Christmas with the beautiful Comet Cosmetics Collection.  The stunning set includes a sparkling Comet  Clutch, Cosmic Kiss lipstick  and Starry, Starry night Eye Shadow Palette that comes complete with the festive colours; Nightscape, Solar, Stardust and Meteorite festive colours.  A beautiful lipstick finishes the set perfectly with wild mango butter and pomegranate extract.

Woolenstocks, the ideal and ethical Christmas gift from the Himalayas

Woolenstocks’ range of indoor slippers and boots is directed towards everyone! Men, women and children who value comfort and luxury. Woolenstocks’ original line is handmade in the Himalayas from 100% felt wool and faux fur by a dedicated team of local artisans who for generations have perfected the art of footwear design.

As feet bear the burden of body and soul, Woolenstocks believe they should only be touched by the most pure and comforting apparel. Each slipper and boot is individually crafted over the course of 40 hours meaning that no one product is the same.  Every design is characterised by colour and the utmost comfort immediately putting the consumer at ease within their environment.

Woolenstocks is confident that once in one of their creations; you will succumb to the fun and freedom that is the essence of the brand.

With increasing popularity in the USA and Europe and a celebrity fans of the brand including Sienna Miller, Lauren Goodger, Camilla Dallerup and Gail Porter, Woolenstocks Linen Boots are sure to be the next big thing!

• Woolenstocks is an ethical brand that strives to create truly original and unique footwear. The original range is handmade in the Himalayas by a team of local artisans, with each product taking 40 hours to make.
• Woolenstocks can be bought in boutiques across the UK and online at www.woolenstocks.com.

• Please follow Woolenstocks on Twitter @Woolenstocks or “Like” them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/woolenstocks.

(EDITOR: It is our opinion that these products will make admirable Christmas presents for the more ethically minded and also for those who just love to own and wear exquisite hand-crafted items)
 

(Note: Picture taken by Anni)

Ramp Up Christmas With an XtraVert Skate Ramp

XtraVert Mini Quarter Ramp

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the skater boy or girl in your life? Then look no further. Social enterprise XtraVert has launched a range of skate ramps handmade in the UK, by skaters for skaters.

A bestseller that’s received a bit of a facelift recently (jet black paint with fire engine red rails) is the Mini Quarter Ramp, (£260 inc. delivery) perfect for practicing the basics, building confidence and mastering tricks on a skateboard, BMX or scooter. With a bespoke personalisation service offered exclusively for Christmas orders, each ramp comes with the name of its recipient emblazoned on the side.

 Designed, developed and tested by XtraVert’s team of skaters and carpenters, the Mini Quarter Ramp is just one product in a large range of ramps hand built to the highest standard and for optimum riding pleasure.

XtraVert Manager Jenna Grassick, commented: “We’re skaters born and bred, so we understand what it takes to make a great ramp and we have the skills, experience and craftsmanship to really deliver. If you’re looking to earn brownie points with any skater this Christmas the Mini Quarter Ramp from XtraVert is a surefire hit.”

Purchase details: http://xtravert.bigcartel.com or call 0845 862 1288

Perfect Christmas Gifts from Neptune

Neptune’s beautiful new collection of accessories not only provide a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere to your home all year round, but can also work as a luxurious gift for your loved ones this Christmas.


The new collection of elegant Porter silver plated photo frames (displayed right) are finished with soft edges which offers a more classical style. The Newton frame (displayed left), has a more contemporary, angular design with a mount for your choice of display. Both designs, range from £15 to £35 and come in four different sizes from 4x6” to 8x10”. Paired together the two frames create an interesting mix of styles and allow you to decorate dressers and mantelpieces with fun, family memories.

The striking Hurricane Lantern Vase from Neptune’s new Kennington collection would be lovely as a table centerpiece or simply to create a subtle and relaxing ambience in your home. Offered in two sizes from 260mm to 380mm and priced at £19.50 and £35.00, complimented with a variety of different coloured and sized candles from the new Blyton range (shown above). Included in the new collections are Bronte and Christie, delightfully fragranced scented candles in varying sizes and scents. All these accessories are perfect gifts to add a seasonal touch.

Another new edition is the wonderful Charlton Vase, a modern interpretation of a classic style. Shown here sized at W39cm, D39cm, H34cm and priced at £79.00, two additional sizes and styles are also offered. Perfect for showcasing a Christmassy floral display for the festive season.

Whether you are looking for a stylish gift for a loved one to enjoy whatever the occasion, or an accessory to enhance your home, Neptune has the perfect variety of innovative and distinctive designs to suit all tastes.

Visit www.neptune.com

Christmas is on the way!

Yes, strange as it might seem, Christmas is on the way! It's now August and Chirstmas is just four months away!

Between now and Christmas 2012, That's Christmas will seek out festive food and drink and some fantastic presents and gifts that you will be able to buy.

If you have something you want to promote please email to afj_uk@yahoo.com and we'll be in touch as soon as we can!