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DIY Bath and Body Products: Homemade Treats for Self-Care and Gifting

In today's modern, fast-paced world, taking a moment for self-care is essential. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, indulging in a luxurious bath or pampering oneself with nourishing body products can provide a much-needed respite. 

What if I told you that you can create your own spa-like experience right in the comfort of your home? 

Yes, you read that right! With DIY bath and body products, you can treat yourself to indulgent self-care rituals without breaking the bank. Not only are these homemade treats good for you, but they also make delightful gifts for your loved ones. Let's get into the world of DIY bath and body products and explore the wonders they hold.

Why DIY?

The beauty of DIY bath and body products lies in their simplicity and customisability. By making your own products, you have full control over the ingredients you use, ensuring that they are natural, organic, and tailored to your preferences. 

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, with DIY, you can create products that are gentle on your skin and kind to the environment. Additionally, crafting your own bath and body treats can be a therapeutic and fulfilling experience, allowing you to unleash your creativity and express yourself through scent, texture, and colour.

Homemade Treats for Self-Care

Imagine soaking in a fragrant bath infused with botanical oils and luxurious salts, or indulging in a creamy body butter that melts into your skin, leaving it soft and nourished. With DIY bath and body products, these experiences are within reach. Here are a few recipes to inspire your self-care rituals:

Soothing Lavender Bath Salts: Combine Epsom salt, dried lavender buds, and a few drops of lavender essential oil for a calming and relaxing bath experience.

Citrus Sugar Scrub: Mix granulated sugar with coconut oil and zest of citrus fruits (such as lemon or orange) for an invigorating exfoliating scrub that leaves your skin glowing.

Whipped Shea Butter: Whip together shea butter, coconut oil, and a splash of vitamin E oil until light and fluffy. This decadent body butter deeply moisturises and rejuvenates dry skin.

Gifts From the Heart

Looking for the perfect gift to show someone you care? DIY bath and body products make thoughtful and personalised presents for any occasion. Whether it's Christmas, a birthday, anniversary, or simply a gesture of appreciation, handmade treats add a special touch that store-bought gifts can't match. Consider packaging your creations in reusable jars or eco-friendly packaging for an added sustainable twist. Here are some DIY gift ideas to get you started:

Pampering Gift Set: Put together a curated selection of homemade bath bombs, bath salts, and body scrubs for the ultimate self-care package.

Customised Bath Bombs: Create bath bombs in various shapes and scents to suit the recipient's preferences. Add dried flowers or herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Luxurious Body Oil: Infuse carrier oils with herbs or flowers and add a few drops of essential oils for a bespoke body oil that nourishes the skin and tantalises the senses.

In Conclusion

DIY bath and body products offer a world of possibilities for indulgent self-care and heartfelt gifting. Whether you're treating yourself to a spa day at home or sharing the gift of relaxation with others, crafting your own products adds a personal and meaningful touch to the experience. 

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and embark on a journey of wellness and self-discovery through the art of homemade treats. Your body and soul will thank you for it!

Easy Polymer Clay Crafts for Beginners: Tips and Ideas for Christmas gifts they'll adore

Are you looking to dip your toes into the wonderful world of crafting? Polymer clay might just be the perfect medium for you! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, polymer clay offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. 

In this guide, we'll explore some easy polymer clay crafts that are perfect for beginners, along with some tips to help you get started.

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a versatile modelling material that is pliable and easy to work with. Unlike traditional clay, polymer clay does not dry out when exposed to air, making it ideal for crafting projects. Once baked in a standard home oven, polymer clay hardens into a durable and long-lasting finished product.

Tips for Working with Polymer Clay

Before diving into your first polymer clay project, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

Condition Your Clay: Polymer clay can be quite firm straight out of the packet. To make it easier to work with, knead and manipulate the clay in your hands until it becomes soft and pliable.

Use Clean Hands and Surfaces: Any dirt or debris on your hands or work surface can transfer onto the clay, leaving unwanted marks. Always start with clean hands and a clean work area.

Experiment with Techniques: Don't be afraid to try out different techniques and experiment with textures, shapes, and colours. Polymer clay is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to let your creativity run wild!

Bake According to Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for baking your polymer clay creations. Baking times and temperatures can vary depending on the brand of clay you're using, so be sure to check the packaging for guidance.

Easy Polymer Clay Crafts for Beginners

Now that you're armed with some basic tips, let's explore a few simple polymer clay crafts to get you started:

Earrings: Create your own unique earrings by shaping small pieces of polymer clay into your desired designs. From simple studs to intricate dangles, the possibilities are endless.

Keychains: Personalise your keys with handmade polymer clay keychains. Mold the clay into fun shapes like animals, fruits, or geometric patterns, then attach a keyring for a practical and stylish accessory.

Miniature Figures: Sculpt miniature figures such as animals, flowers, or mythical creatures using polymer clay. These adorable creations make great gifts or decorations for your home.

Pendants: Design your own one-of-a-kind pendants by moulding polymer clay into intricate patterns or abstract shapes. Add a hole for stringing onto a necklace chain, and you'll have a wearable work of art.

Coasters: Protect your tabletops in style with DIY polymer clay coasters. Roll out the clay, cut into shapes, and bake to create custom coasters that reflect your personal aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Polymer clay crafting is a fun and rewarding hobby that offers endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you're making jewellery, home decor, or gifts for loved ones, working with polymer clay allows you to bring your imagination to life. So grab some clay, unleash your inner artist, and let the crafting begin!

We hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your polymer clay journey. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own two hands. Come next Christmas you'll become a dab hand and creating fantastic gifts for people in your life. So happy crafting!

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Start Planning Ahead for Christmas Now: Why Early Preparation Leads to a Merrier, happier Christmas

Later on in the year as the Christmas season draws nearer, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and put off thinking about Christmas until it's just around the corner. 

However, taking the time to plan ahead for Christmas even as early as now now can save you stress, time, and even money in the long run. 

By starting your preparations early, you can ensure that you have a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season filled with cherished memories. Here are some compelling reasons why it's worth getting a head start on your Christmas planning.

Beat the Rush:

One of the most significant advantages of planning ahead for Christmas is that you can avoid the last-minute rush. By starting now, you'll have ample time to organise everything from decorations to gifts without feeling overwhelmed. No more scrambling to find the perfect present or fighting crowds at the store. Instead, you can leisurely browse online or in-person, knowing that you have plenty of time to make thoughtful choices.

Spread Out Costs:

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but by planning ahead, you can spread out the costs throughout the previous year. Start budgeting now for gifts, food, decorations, and any other expenses you anticipate. 

By setting aside a little money each month, you'll be able to manage your finances more effectively and avoid the stress of a large, last-minute outlay. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to take advantage of early sales and discounts, saving even more money in the process.

Personalise Your Celebrations:

Planning ahead allows you to personalise your Christmas celebrations in meaningful ways. Whether you want to handcraft decorations, bake special treats, or create custom gifts, starting early gives you the time and space to bring your creative ideas to life. You can involve your family and friends in the process, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. By infusing your celebrations with personal touches, you'll create cherished traditions that will last for years to come.

Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Season:

Perhaps the most significant benefit of planning ahead for Christmas is that it helps reduce stress and allows you to truly enjoy the Christmas season. Instead of feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that everything is under control. 

You can focus on spending quality time with loved ones, participating in festive activities, and savoring the magic of the season without the constant worry of unfinished tasks looming over you. By taking a proactive approach to your Christmas preparations, you'll create a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere for yourself and those around you.

While it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas now, the benefits of planning ahead are undeniable. By beating the rush, spreading out costs, personalizing your celebrations, and reducing stress, you can make this holiday season truly special. So why wait? Start making your Christmas plans today and enjoy a merrier and more memorable holiday season ahead.

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Water Charity Releases Chinese New Year 2024 Greeting Cards

Hope Spring, a Herefordshire-based water poverty alleviation charity, has launched their Chinese New Year 2024 ecards on their website as part of their fundraising efforts. 

The organisation announced the launch in a blogpost on their website.

Hope Spring started its tradition of adding Chinese New Year to their charity ecard platform three years ago. 

Since then, every year, a new set of Chinese New Year ecards is designed in partnership with charity eCards UK and added to their offerings just before the start of the lunar new year.

The Chinese new year is based on the lunar calendar, and this year is on the 10th of February. As with the Chinese tradition of giving each new year the name of an animal, real or mythical, 2024 is the year of the dragon.

The Chinese New Year ecards from Hope Spring feature traditional and modern designs that are certain to appeal to people of all ages. They are perfect for sending heartfelt wishes to your loved ones and work colleagues while also making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

"Chinese New Year is an important holiday for many people around the world. We saw this as an opportunity to reach out as well as highlight what a small donation made from sending one of our 'year of the dragon' eCards can achieve,” said Seun Olonade, the platform manager of Hope Spring eCards.

This initiative not only aims to celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of China during this festive season but also highlights the importance of safe and accessible water resources for all individuals, regardless of their background or location.

Hope Spring's supporters and new people who wish to support them can find out more information about the Chinese New Year ecards on their website, social media pages, or by reaching out to them via email.

hello@hopespring.org.uk

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

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Next plc has announced a Q4 trading statement and issued guidance for the year ahead:

Full price sales were up 5.7% in the 9 weeks to 30 December, ahead of previous guidance of a +2% rise

Next has increased its guidance for Profit before tax for the year by £20 million to £905 million, up 4.0%

Next has issued full year guidance for the FY25 financial year. It expects total sales to rise by 6% and profit before tax to be up 5%

Charlie Huggins, manager of the ‘Quality Shares Portfolio’ at Wealth Club, who owns shares in Next, commented: "Next has pulled yet another rabbit out of the hat, leading to a further upgrade to its full year sales and profit guidance. It has demonstrated once again why it's considered one of the best run retailers around.

"UK consumer spending appears to have defied gravity. A strong employment market and rising wages have helped cushion inflationary cost pressures, meaning consumers have continued to fill their Christmas stockings with Next's wares, despite the gloomy economic headlines. 

"Next's online sales were particularly strong reflecting better stock availability and excellent operational execution. This stands in stark contrast to other retailers like Superdry which have struggled in the prevailing economic environment. 

"The future for Next looks bright and is reflected in the group's guidance to grow sales and profits again in the year ahead. 

"Next's core proposition is clearly resonating with the UK consumer and is being augmented by intelligent acquisitions of brands like Fat Face. With inflation falling and wages rising, the economic picture also looks a lot less bleak than at the start of last year."  

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Post-Christmas returns fall slightly, but £1.4bn worth of items are still winging back to retailers

‘Takeback Tuesday’ returns decreased by around 6% yesterday compared to last year, says ParcelHero. Despite the fall, around £1.41bn worth of items are now heading back to retailers, which could prove the final straw for some hard-pressed retailers.

Post-Christmas returns for the first working day of the year were down by around 6% on the same day last year, says ParcelHero. Despite this dip, it says around £1.41bn worth of items are now winging their way back to retailers. The home delivery expert cautions that the fall in returns is likely due to lower Christmas spending rather than a change in customer habits.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘We’ve looked at our own returns volumes and spoken to people in the courier and retail industries and it looks like there was a small but distinct drop in the volume and value of returns on “Takeback Tuesday” yesterday, compared to record returns last year.

‘Last year, around £1.5bn of unwanted gifts and goods were returned in the first week after the Christmas and New Year break. This year, we’ve seen a slight dip in returns volumes and, looking at the types of items being returned, we’re estimating around £1.41bn of clothing, electrical goods and toys are now winging their way back to retailers. The number of courier bookings for returned items peaked at 10am yesterday as people returned to the post-Christmas daily grind. The Royal Mail says Takeback Tuesday returns were up around 52% on a typical day last month and that certainly chimes with our own figures.  

‘We’d love to say the slight drop in the number of Takeback Tuesday returns is because shoppers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of returns and the financial strains they place on many much-loved, smaller, specialist retailers.

"But it’s more likely the slight fall reflects what we suspect was a relatively lacklustre Christmas period for retailers, with online and in-store sales looking relatively flat. Fewer gifts equals fewer returns. Barclays says card transaction volumes on Black Friday 2023 were down -0.6% compared with 2022 and The Guardian reports that pre-Christmas “super weekend” sales fell by up to -32% online and -4.5% overall."

He added: "Our recent industry report shows that returns are costing UK sellers around £60bn a year. The study reveals a large chunk of these returns happen in the post-Christmas period. Around 47% of all ParcelHero shipments were marked as “returns” in the first week of last year.

"Online businesses face a no-win choice between reluctantly swallowing returns costs or risking negative online reviews from those customers with returns issues. 81% of stores say they are very concerned by increasing levels of customer returns. Smaller, specialist online retailers who thought they had enjoyed healthy Christmas sales are now facing plunging margins and warehouses filling with unsaleable stock as January returns come rolling back in.

"Customer expectations and the financial realities for smaller e-commerce sites are increasingly at odds. Some online retailers have told us that they deal with return rates as high as 60% after Christmas, with most being accepted unconditionally in order to maintain their all-important five-star ratings. These returns are being accepted despite the fact that online orders cost retailers £3 more to process than physical sales.

For more information on the full impact of returns on retailers large and small, don’t miss ParcelHero’s report,“ Retailers Reach the Point of No Returns” at https://www.parcelhero.com/content/downloads/pdfs/returns/returnwhitepaper.pdf

(Image courtesy of Mohammed Salem from Pixabay)

 

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Happy New Year from That's Christmas and That's Food and Drink

The husband and wife team who responsible for running That's Christmas and That's Food and Drink (that's us!) would like to wish everyone a happy and joyous New Year.

We would like to thank our friends in the public relations industry and food and drink companies and gift companies and other designers and creators of fine gifts from diaries and calendars, to jewelry to toasters and air fryers and from games to electronic equipment and food and drink makers and providers for their fantastic help in writing the posts on our sites.

And we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers no matter where you are.

That's Christmas will continue publishing news and features throughout the coming year when these are relevant but it will largely be resting until the next pre-Christmas season starts up again.

However, That's Food and Drink will be continuing to publish news and features about the food and drink industry over the coming year.

We will also take a look at tweaking our blog designs to make them more user friendly.

If you would like to be featured on any of our sites please email afj_uk@yahoo.com.

(Image courtesy of Tham Nguyen from Pixabay)