There are few things more special for your little child or baby than having their name right in the heart of a beautiful piece of artwork. At a little website www.alphatastic.com husband and wife team, Matt and Terri Beckenham, create beautiful childrens name pictures that will bring some magical flare to your childs room or nursery. From Noah’s Ark to Fairies and Pirates to Princesses, you can be sure to find an ‘Alphatastic’ theme to suit their personality.
Every one uniquely created each and every time from their exclusive beautiful hand-drawn artworks, ensuring that each is as individual as your special little people. No two pictures ever the same!
Alphatastic.com is a truly unique website that takes personalised art to a whole new level, using fine art reproduction methods and conservation grade mounting and framing – ensuring quality to last a lifetime.
So even when the memories begin to fade, your Alphatastic name picture will still be as vibrant as it is today – the perfect way to capture these early innocent years.
They make great Christmas or Birthday presents and what better gift for a Baptism, Christening or naming Ceremony?!
They also have gift voucher options for those of us who leave things until the last minute… and these make the perfect gift for someone leaving work on maternity leave!
For more information on these exquisite personalised pictures, visit www.alphatastic.com.
Saturday 5 November 2011
Friday 4 November 2011
Christmas at Sainsbury's
This year you must make Sainsbury's a part of your Christmas plans. Whatever you are looking for, from the Turkey to a vegetarian feast, from Mince Pies to a Christmas cake, from pork pies to fresh vegetables, from big presents to stocking fillers with the “ahhh” factor, from real ales to fine wines, from cream cheese to best quality Stilton and more besides, you'll find them all at your nearest Sainsbury's store.
Why is this the case? Because all year round expert buyers from Sainbury's head office are constantly searching the world for the best of the best to ensure that you can provide your family with the best of the best, too!
And you will find that no matter which part of the United Kingdom you are in; England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you will find that the store employs highly trained staff who can offer you advice on the best cuts of meat, depending on several factors, such as what you need it for, what your budget is, and so forth, which wines or beers go best with what foods, and so forth.
You will also find Christmas cards, Christmas crackers, decorations, new kitchenware, new cutlery, new dinner services and more besides.
Pop into your nearest Sainsbury's store to find out how you can have a very Merry Christmas at prices that will be a good deal keener than you might think!
Or visit them at www.sainsburys.co.uk
Get yourself Aloft in London. New Aloft Hotel opens with Aloft London Excel
London – Aloft® Hotels have now launched in the UK with the opening of Aloft London Excel in the heart of London’s Docklands. The new destination sensation brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Aloft is created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector by delivering urban-influenced design and an energetic guest experience at an affordable price point.
In the same year that Starwood Hotels launched its world-renowned W brand in the UK market, the innovative hotel giant has brought a second new brand to London, Aloft. With prices starting at £120 per room per night, Aloft London Excel will feature 252 loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene, a grab-and-go food pantry and industrial design elements throughout.
Situated next to the ExCeL international exhibition and convention centre, Aloft London offers something new to savvy travellers tired of the bland, one-size-fits-all mid-market hotel model. With East London seeing much regeneration ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, the hotel is perfectly situated within easy reach of the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City and The O2.
Aloft London Excel’s key features and guest facilities include:
- Stylish and spacious rooms designed by Rockwell Group featuring Aloft’s signature ceilings of nearly three metres high, oversized windows and platform beds
- Large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and complimentary Bliss Spa products
- 42” LCD TVs and plug ‘n play docking stations, allowing guests to link their computer and tunes straight to the TV
- Fast & free wireless access across the whole hotel, including all guest roomsre:mixSM lounge – an open, atmospheric space where guests can play a game of pool, enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the free WiFi
- wxyzSM bar – the place to meet, mix & mingle, home to signature cocktails and regular DJ nights
- Quick and easy check-in with the touch-n-go kiosk – touch screen technology which allows guests to choose their exact room and floor, confirm rates, pick-up keys and even print boarding passes
- re:fuel by AloftSM – a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and beverages
- re:chargeSM fitness centre – open 24/7 for guests’ gym fix day or night
- splash swimming pool – an oasis of calm where guests can de-stress and re-energise after a hard day’s work
- tactic – a suite of five high-tech meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual, plasma TV and complimentary WiFi
- arfSM – Animals R Fun, an exclusive pet-friendly programme where furry friends can enjoy a stay with an Aloft-branded bed, bowl and complimentary treats and toys
FACTFILE:
Aloft London Excel is the second Aloft property in Europe following the opening of Aloft Brussels Schuman in September 2010. Aloft Hotels represents the fastest brand launch in hospitality industry history with the Aloft portfolio now including over 50 properties spanning six countries: US, China, Canada, India, Belgium and the UAE.
Aloft London Excel is the second Aloft property in Europe following the opening of Aloft Brussels Schuman in September 2010. Aloft Hotels represents the fastest brand launch in hospitality industry history with the Aloft portfolio now including over 50 properties spanning six countries: US, China, Canada, India, Belgium and the UAE.
Aloft London Excel has been developed by ExCeL London’s parent company, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), also owners of Aloft Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s first Aloft hotel, which is located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Situated at ExCeL’s Eastern entrance at the Royal Victoria Dock, Aloft London Excel will have direct covered access to Prince Regent Station on the Docklands Light Railway, less than 30 minutes from the shops Oxford Street and the buzzing nightlife of Shoreditch, so this is an ideal hotel for use as a base for Chirstmas shopping and taking in the West End shows!
For details visit www.alofthotels.com.
From skating and ice sculpting to shopping and Santa Claus, Canary Wharf has Christmas wrapped up
Returning for the 7th year, the spectacular Canary Wharf Ice Rink – London’s longest running ice rink - will welcome skaters from Saturday 12 November 2011 to Sunday 19 February 2012. Launched last year by Olympic medallist and Dancing on Ice contestant Sharron Davies MBE and the The Imperial Ice Stars, the rink offers some of the best facilities in London...and with The Park Pavilion home to Canteen, ROKA, the parlour and Wahaca on its doorstep, those who prefer to wrap-up warm and soak up the ambiance are well catered for too.
For little ones brimming with holiday spirit, Canary Wharf offers an array of magical events and performances to enchant even the most lively and excitable of children. Celebrations kick off with Santa’s Arrival Weekend on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2011, as Santa’s Grotto - a spectacular sleigh pulled by two giant reindeer – arrives in Jubilee Place. With Santa in residence every weekend throughout December and during the final week before Christmas, there is plenty of time to tell him your Christmas wishes and support the Richard House Children’s Hospice, who receive a donation for every child that visits.
On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2011, Santa and his friends will also be busy entertaining in Canary Wharf’s East Wintergarden at Santa’s Showtime, a spectacular free festive show for all the family to enjoy. Elsewhere, those ‘Little Helpers’ looking for a more hands-on activity should visit the shopping malls for free art and craft workshops and face painting, running every weekend throughout December.
With the children busy preparing for the festive season ahead, why not take the opportunity to go Christmas shopping. The annual festive shopping event returns on Thursday 1 December 2011, with fashion shows, on-stage entertainment, demonstrations, tempting in-store discounts and goodie bag giveaways enticing Christmas shoppers to both Cabot Place and Jubilee Place.
With an impressive array of luxury and aspirational brands including Tiffany & Co, Links of London, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Aquascutum, Hackett, Myla and Jaeger London, Canary Wharf has something for everyone, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or that perfect party dress for the celebrations ahead.
Looking to 2012, Canary Wharf will once again host the world-class London Ice Sculpting Festival from Friday 13 - Sunday 15 January 2012, welcoming international artists back to Canary Wharf for a fantastic three days of fast-paced sculpting, chiselling and carving.
Camille Waxer, Chief Administrative Officer at Canary Wharf Group plc comments: “Canary Wharf really comes alive at Christmas. With so many unique festive events, one of the London’s best ice rinks and a first-class retail and restaurant offering, Canary Wharf buzzes from the moment the Christmas lights turn on to when the last skater leaves the ice in February.”
All Canary Wharf Arts & Events are listed at www.canarywharf.com
Make your Christmas a Basingstoke Christmas, this year!
What’s On Guides: Festival Place shopping centre Christmas activity
Hampshire-based shopping centre, Festival Place, is gearing up for the Christmas season this year with a ho ho host of events for all the family!
Christmas Light Switch On 18 November from 5pm Hosted by TV presenter Olly Smith and featuring Hollywood stars Alvin & The Chipmunks and music by Fil Straughton and friends, this star-packed event is a great start to the festive season.
Santa Parade and Fun with Santa 4 December
Santa will be the star of the parade driving the smallest car in the world, accompanied on his journey by music, comedy and Christmas characters.
Santa’s Grotto 8 November - 24 December
Santa will be waiting in his Grotto ready to receive Christmas wishes from local children.
Nativity Petting Farm 10 & 17 December 11am - 3pm
A charming scene including animals from the traditional Nativity Story, all gathered in a special petting farm.
Christmas Storytelling and Nativity Treasure Hunt 22 & 23 December
Live Nativity 24 December midday
After a small parade, local church groups (and live animals!) will hold a live dramatisation of the Christmas story, followed by carol singing.
Further details of all events can be found on Festival Place’s website, as well as information on gift wrapping services, ticket lines and Christmas opening hours.
To find out more just visit www.festivalplace.co.uk
Winter Wonderland celebrates its 5th year with a magical new Ice Rink
The UKs spectacular winter event returns to Hyde Park for the 5th year running with FREE admission and even more entertainment and new attractions. Friday 18th November 2011 to Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 10am to 10pm every day (on 18th November 2011 only - opens at 5pm)
Since its launch in 2007, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has attracted a staggering 8 million visitors, it's firmly becoming the Capital’s most popular and dazzling winter event, offering the best Christmas day out. With beautifully decorated attractions set out across 20 acres of historic parkland, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland provides festive fun over seven whole weeks in the heart of London.
Celebrity fans including Prince Harry, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer & Matthew Vaughn, Chris Martin, Tom Cruise, Liam Gallagher, Louise & Jamie Redknapp, Alexandra Burke, Fearne Cotton and Liz Hurley have all been spotted enjoying Winter Wonderland’s festivities.
At night the ice rink will be transformed, as suspended above the rink will be 108,000 pea-lights illuminating the ice, creating a magical atmosphere for skaters. With 1000 skates available for hire, PWR Events are expecting 120,000 skaters to take to the new ice rink over the seven week run.
Other favourite attractions making a welcome return include the iconic Giant Observation Wheel and the beautiful Angels Christmas Market. The Market will feature over one hundred wooden chalets offering unusual and handmade gifts, including ceramics, candles, glass-work, jewellery, clothing and beauty products.
A number of stalls will also feature traditional Christmas items such as wooden toys, nativity scenes and decorations. Last year Father Christmas handed out over 50,000 presents to well behaved children in Santa Land, and he will make a welcome return this year as an ever popular free attraction.
The UK’s favourite circus, Zippos Circus also returns to Winter Wonderland for a third season, with two completely new shows – a daytime show for all the family, Zippos Christmas Circus and an evening show for older thrill seekers, Zippos Cirque Extreme.
Zippos Christmas Circus explores how Christmas is celebrated around the world, with outstanding circus acts and even Father Christmas! At under an hour in length this bite size show is perfect for family audiences.
For thrill seekers everywhere, Cirque Extreme is a jaw dropping, daredevil show which combines some of the most thrilling and dangerous acts the world of circus has to offer.
Top of the bill is the Motorbike Globe of Death, a beyond-thrilling spectacle starring three extraordinary Brazilians riding together at up to 60mph in an unbelievably small steel globe. Also on show will be death defying antics on the Adrenaline Wheel and Swinging Trapeze, reckless fire juggling and acrobatic Break Dancing.
This year, there will be even more bars, cafes, restaurants and eateries. Highlights include the new Carousel Bar, which rotates gently whilst you sip your mulled wine and the Bavarian Village where you’ll find Bratwurst, bars and live music, which has become a popular hot spot for the after work crowd. In addition, there will also be the authentic Spiegel Saloon situated within a stunning ballroom, with its cosy booths, tables and chairs and cabaret acts you can shut out the crisp winter air whist enjoying a fantastic range of warming meals.
There will also be three new and exhilarating thrill rides in the Alpine Adventure area alongside the ever popular Power Tower, Christmas Coaster, Avalanche and Ski Jump Swing as well as more traditional rides and games throughout Winter Wonderland.
With 500,000 Bratwursts on order and 330,000 cups of mulled wine ready to be served, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is set to be a fantastic day out for everyone, so be sure to book your tickets early and make Winter Wonderland part of your Christmas tradition.
Follow them at:
Listings
Tickets are now on sale for the Ice Rink, Giant Observation Wheel & Live Big Top shows: Cirque Extreme and Zippo’s Christmas Circus.
Dates: Friday 18th November 2011 – Tuesday 3rd January 2012 (closed Christmas day)
Times: 10am – 10pm daily (except 18th November – opens from 5pm)
Entry: Winter Wonderland is FREE to enter, there is no admission fee
Online: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Box office: 0844 858 6755 (See Tickets) / 0844 847 1771 (Ticketmaster)
That's Food and Drink: Taste of nostalgia in a lick - Dandelion & Burdock...
That's Food and Drink: Taste of nostalgia in a lick - Dandelion & Burdock...: A Dandelion & Burdock flavoured ice cream has been launched by artisan ice cream producer Yummy Yorkshire, and what's more, it is available ...
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