Saturday, 17 December 2011
That's Food and Drink: Tesco Real Food sets SOS helpline to save Christma...
That's Food and Drink: Tesco Real Food sets SOS helpline to save Christma...: Tesco Real Food has set up a unique Christmas dinner SOS helpline to rescue Britons from k...
Festive chores dominate Christmas family time
toptable research reveals Brits spend over 2 working days planning and delivering their perfect Christmas celebration.
British families are spending less time with each other and more in the kitchen and supermarket, according to a Christmas survey by the leading online consumer destination for restaurant bookings in the UK, toptable.com
Despite Christmas being traditionally earmarked as a time to spend with the family, more hours are being spent planning festive celebrations and doing the chores. Over half (51%) of respondents admitted spending up to five hours planning the Christmas dinner, with a further 42% saying they will commit to three or four hours preparing and cooking the meal for the family, rather than spending time with them. In fact, nearly one in two (46%) also owned up to doing the cleaning for two hours instead of sitting down with their loved ones.
Supermarkets are also popular attractions for families as over a third of respondents (36%) confessed to trawling the shops for approximately four hours to make sure they have planned every mealtime. What’s more, one in five (19%) even tend to miss their family arriving for Christmas altogether, as they are too busy with festive chores.
The number of people catered for over the holidays can also have a big effect on the amount of work required. The study revealed that over a third (35%) of hosts tend to cater for an average of eight different people over the Christmas period, with a further one in three (33%) families arguing about a lack of helpers with the festive preparations!
Head of restaurant relations at toptable, Lucy Taylor says: “We know that Christmas can be an extremely busy time for families and sometimes you forget what the holiday is all about – spending time with them. Families can save hours of stress by taking time out and booking a local restaurant over the festive period.”
To book your Christmas fun for all the family, go to toptable.com
British families are spending less time with each other and more in the kitchen and supermarket, according to a Christmas survey by the leading online consumer destination for restaurant bookings in the UK, toptable.com
Despite Christmas being traditionally earmarked as a time to spend with the family, more hours are being spent planning festive celebrations and doing the chores. Over half (51%) of respondents admitted spending up to five hours planning the Christmas dinner, with a further 42% saying they will commit to three or four hours preparing and cooking the meal for the family, rather than spending time with them. In fact, nearly one in two (46%) also owned up to doing the cleaning for two hours instead of sitting down with their loved ones.
Supermarkets are also popular attractions for families as over a third of respondents (36%) confessed to trawling the shops for approximately four hours to make sure they have planned every mealtime. What’s more, one in five (19%) even tend to miss their family arriving for Christmas altogether, as they are too busy with festive chores.
The number of people catered for over the holidays can also have a big effect on the amount of work required. The study revealed that over a third (35%) of hosts tend to cater for an average of eight different people over the Christmas period, with a further one in three (33%) families arguing about a lack of helpers with the festive preparations!
Head of restaurant relations at toptable, Lucy Taylor says: “We know that Christmas can be an extremely busy time for families and sometimes you forget what the holiday is all about – spending time with them. Families can save hours of stress by taking time out and booking a local restaurant over the festive period.”
To book your Christmas fun for all the family, go to toptable.com
“This year I will ... get fit, learn a language, take up a hobby.” Sound familiar?
If you start each January 1st with a list of New Year’s Resolutions, then www.tasterlab.com is a must-visit website which could help you fulfil your wishes – without burning a hole in your pocket.
Featuring 100s of activities in and around London, www.tasterlab.com gives you the chance to try something new with completely free or heavily discounted trial sessions. You can even create your own ‘wish list’ on the site and be sent news about the experiences that you have chosen.
Main categories include: adventure sports, alternative therapy, art, crafts and textiles, dance, film, food and wine, health and fitness, languages, lifestyle, martial arts, music, photography, sports, theatre, and writing.
Free Tasters
There are a range of free taster sessions on the site, including:
• a great opportunity to start the year on a positive note with a free, 30-minute life coaching session;
• discover whether you could cut it on ‘Strictly’ with a free introduction to Tango; or
• bang out your frustrations with a free 30-minute drum session.
Discounted Tasters
As well as the free tasters, everything else on the site is discounted:
• unleash your inner Masterchef with three-hours coaching from a professional chef, in your own home, for £22.50, saving 50%;
• get ‘street’ with a £5.00 introduction to Parkour (street running), or a £5.00 Street Dance class – both half price; or
• improve your Franglais with 50% off an hour’s private French class for £17.50.
Unlike other discount sites, there is no minimum number of participants needed. You can buy vouchers for specific activities, or a general www.tasterlab.com gift card which can be used for any activity on the site.
For further information and to sign up for free visit:
http://www.tasterlab.com
http://www.facebook.com/tasterlab
http://twitter.com/tasterlab
Featuring 100s of activities in and around London, www.tasterlab.com gives you the chance to try something new with completely free or heavily discounted trial sessions. You can even create your own ‘wish list’ on the site and be sent news about the experiences that you have chosen.
Main categories include: adventure sports, alternative therapy, art, crafts and textiles, dance, film, food and wine, health and fitness, languages, lifestyle, martial arts, music, photography, sports, theatre, and writing.
Free Tasters
There are a range of free taster sessions on the site, including:
• a great opportunity to start the year on a positive note with a free, 30-minute life coaching session;
• discover whether you could cut it on ‘Strictly’ with a free introduction to Tango; or
• bang out your frustrations with a free 30-minute drum session.
Discounted Tasters
As well as the free tasters, everything else on the site is discounted:
• unleash your inner Masterchef with three-hours coaching from a professional chef, in your own home, for £22.50, saving 50%;
• get ‘street’ with a £5.00 introduction to Parkour (street running), or a £5.00 Street Dance class – both half price; or
• improve your Franglais with 50% off an hour’s private French class for £17.50.
Unlike other discount sites, there is no minimum number of participants needed. You can buy vouchers for specific activities, or a general www.tasterlab.com gift card which can be used for any activity on the site.
For further information and to sign up for free visit:
http://www.tasterlab.com
http://www.facebook.com/tasterlab
http://twitter.com/tasterlab
That's Beauty and Living: Get 75% off selected brands with MeeMee.me
That's Beauty and Living: Get 75% off selected brands with MeeMee.me: Edited online fashion store, www.MeeMee.me is offering customers a massive 75 per c...
White Christmas?
Could Britain have a White Christmas again, this year?
The Met Office has issued the following warning for the next several days:
"Wintry showers will affect parts of the UK at times over the weekend, notably the north and west, although a few parts of the east may miss the showers altogether. The public should be aware of the risk of ice on roads and pavements, particularly each night and morning."
The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html
Will these snowy conditions develop and last until Christmas Day? The Bookmakers have reduced the odds for a White Christmas for Christmas 2011.
The Met Office has issued the following warning for the next several days:
"Wintry showers will affect parts of the UK at times over the weekend, notably the north and west, although a few parts of the east may miss the showers altogether. The public should be aware of the risk of ice on roads and pavements, particularly each night and morning."
The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html
Will these snowy conditions develop and last until Christmas Day? The Bookmakers have reduced the odds for a White Christmas for Christmas 2011.
Terry’s Fabric’s Reduce Items by as Much as 80% in Time for Christmas
Customers looking to find a bargain in the run up to Christmas should look to Terry’s Fabrics this month as the site has just announced a sale that will see them drop their prices by as much as 80% on selected items. Amongst the range of products on offer are items that Terry’s Fabrics sees as being perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family members keen on interior design and homemaking.
The items on offer include everything from rugs and curtains to bedding and table cloths. In fact, there are items from pretty much every section of the sites overall range all reduced to prices that make them even more affordable. Customers who would like to see the range of reduced products on offer at the site can head to Terry’s Fabrics homepage by clicking here. There they will also find information regarding the latest products and designs that the site has recently unveiled for their winter range for 2011/12.
The winter range has seen the sites team of designers create a selection of products aimed at creating a warm and cosy home space for their customers. This has seen the designers focus on a number of things including the use of luxuriant materials such as silk and wool and the use of rich, dark colours which customers can see on products such as the Comet Cushion Chocolate.
The site recently announced that will also extend its price match guarantee in order that customers receive the cheapest price possible. This states that if customers can find their products cheaper elsewhere online then they will be more than happy to refund the difference in price accordingly.
The items on offer include everything from rugs and curtains to bedding and table cloths. In fact, there are items from pretty much every section of the sites overall range all reduced to prices that make them even more affordable. Customers who would like to see the range of reduced products on offer at the site can head to Terry’s Fabrics homepage by clicking here. There they will also find information regarding the latest products and designs that the site has recently unveiled for their winter range for 2011/12.
The winter range has seen the sites team of designers create a selection of products aimed at creating a warm and cosy home space for their customers. This has seen the designers focus on a number of things including the use of luxuriant materials such as silk and wool and the use of rich, dark colours which customers can see on products such as the Comet Cushion Chocolate.
The site recently announced that will also extend its price match guarantee in order that customers receive the cheapest price possible. This states that if customers can find their products cheaper elsewhere online then they will be more than happy to refund the difference in price accordingly.
AllSaints Christmas sale!
AllSaints launches a 25% off promotion, exclusively online, for one day only. Plus, purchase gift cards in store and online; the ultimate Christmas treat for your loved ones.
Struggling with those last minute gift ideas? AllSaints have launched an exclusive online promotion just in time! For one day only receive 25% off EVERYTHING at AllSaints.com, when using the promotional code, CHRISTMAS, at the online basket page.
This promotion ends at 23:59 GMT on Friday 16th December; which is also the last day for guaranteed Christmas Delivery to UK addresses.
For some festive inspiration we recommend shopping for her from the Knitwear and Embellishment ranges, where you will find delicate, but densely hand-embellished pieces like the Orna Devo Dress and Erodes Skirt. The Cashmere jumpers and cardigans, inspired by traditional Pearly Kings and Queens, feature mother of pearl components and metal beads; adding a quirky take on a Pearly Queen graphic.
Meanwhile, for Him, we’re looking towards the Sterling Silver collection; exclusively available online only. The Encrypt Ring is a classic style and comes with a suede leather pouch. Or for the Technology-minded loved ones, the Hoist iPhone and iPad cases are essential gifts!
Still not sure what to purchase ahead of the big day? An AllSaints Gift Card is the ultimate last minute gift, perfect for all your loved ones. AllSaints Gift Cards come in the signature distressed style; allowing the recipient to choose their most coveted pieces from the Winter 2011 collection. The AllSaints Gift Card is redeemable both in standalone UK stores and European stores and online with a purchase value of up to £1000/€1000.
Gift Cards can only be spent in the currency of which they were purchased. GBP Gifts Cards can only be redeemed against UK Sterling (£) purchases. EUR Gift Cards can only be redeemed against EUR purchases.
Please also note that online Top-Up for existing Gift Cards is currently unavailable.
Gift Cards are not included in the one day Christmas online promotion.
Shop online at www.AllSaints.com
Struggling with those last minute gift ideas? AllSaints have launched an exclusive online promotion just in time! For one day only receive 25% off EVERYTHING at AllSaints.com, when using the promotional code, CHRISTMAS, at the online basket page.
This promotion ends at 23:59 GMT on Friday 16th December; which is also the last day for guaranteed Christmas Delivery to UK addresses.
For some festive inspiration we recommend shopping for her from the Knitwear and Embellishment ranges, where you will find delicate, but densely hand-embellished pieces like the Orna Devo Dress and Erodes Skirt. The Cashmere jumpers and cardigans, inspired by traditional Pearly Kings and Queens, feature mother of pearl components and metal beads; adding a quirky take on a Pearly Queen graphic.
Meanwhile, for Him, we’re looking towards the Sterling Silver collection; exclusively available online only. The Encrypt Ring is a classic style and comes with a suede leather pouch. Or for the Technology-minded loved ones, the Hoist iPhone and iPad cases are essential gifts!
Still not sure what to purchase ahead of the big day? An AllSaints Gift Card is the ultimate last minute gift, perfect for all your loved ones. AllSaints Gift Cards come in the signature distressed style; allowing the recipient to choose their most coveted pieces from the Winter 2011 collection. The AllSaints Gift Card is redeemable both in standalone UK stores and European stores and online with a purchase value of up to £1000/€1000.
Gift Cards can only be spent in the currency of which they were purchased. GBP Gifts Cards can only be redeemed against UK Sterling (£) purchases. EUR Gift Cards can only be redeemed against EUR purchases.
Please also note that online Top-Up for existing Gift Cards is currently unavailable.
Gift Cards are not included in the one day Christmas online promotion.
Shop online at www.AllSaints.com
New Santa and reindeer app launched by Rantmedia donates 15% proceeds to Action Duchenne
Rantmedia has launched a Christmas iPhone & iPad app, Santa’s Sleigh Ride, with 15% of proceeds from sales donated to the charity Action Duchenne. The app costs just 69p to download from the iTunes store, http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/santas-sleigh-ride/id47766816...
Action Duchenne is the only charity that campaigns for research and treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
The disease affects one in 3,500 male births in the UK, and is the most common and severe type of muscular dystrophy – sufferers are diagnosed as children usually by the age of five and rarely live past their twenties.
The app is ideal for gamers of all levels – easy to play yet highly addictive. Santa and his reindeer are in training for their annual Christmas Eve dash - travelling as far as possible through the ultra-festive surroundings. The duo travel past Christmassy villages, up and over snow topped hills, while avoiding the many seasonal objects that block their way.
Anton Faulconbridge, Director at Rantmedia said; “We wanted to use our expertise and skills to really make a difference to those who need it most. Our Santa app is a great way to have fun at Christmas yet also remember the true spirit of giving and charity. Our hope is that this app might go viral and raise thousands to support such a deserving cause as Action Duchenne’s.”
Young Saul Catlin, aged 11, who has Duchenne said; “Santa’s Sleigh Ride is a really cool app and makes you feel like it is Christmas already.”
Saul’s Dad, Nick Catlin, who is CEO of Action Duchenne commented, “We are delighted to continue to work with Rantmedia who has supported the Charity with their development of our Patient Registry and our website.
“For many families living with Duchenne, Christmas can mark a difficult time as another year passes with a decline in health. Our cause is striving to raise funds to find treatments and a cure for this devastating disease. Successful iPhone/iPad apps like Santa’s Sleigh Ride could generate lots of much needed funds, so we are calling on as many people as possible to download and enjoy the game and support our cause at the same time. ”
Free Festive Kids Game and Free Gift At Westfield Stratford City
The game is downloadable from http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/christmas/2011/christm... challenges kids to see how many festive-themed items they can spot at the centre, from Christmas trees to mince pies. Children are then invited to exchange their completed game sheet atone of the concierge desksfor a surprise gift! To help families navigate around the centre (and for extra game clues), there is also a Christmas-inspired map, allowing families to detour straight to the real-ice rink for some outdoor ice skating, or 5D Santa’s Grotto.
The outdoor ice rink sits against a stunningback drop of the East London skyline and the Olympic Stadium and is open every day up until 8th January*. With over 100,000 skaters expected to take to the ice shoppers are urged to purchase tickets now to avoid missing out!
Visitors to Santa's Grotto will be immersed in an amazing visual experience because Westfield's FREE** Santa's Grotto is the UK's first to have a fully interactive 5D film! Children have the opportunity to personally feature in the Pixar-quality film which includes wind, lights and elf dust to help Elbow the Elf on his journey to save Santa's presents.
During the festive shopping period record numbers are expected to visit Westfield Stratford City – many with children in tow. With over four million people living within a 45-minute drive time of the centre, which spans 1.9 million square feet, it’s the ideal one-stop-Christmas-shop. For children however, being taken on a lengthy trek around the shops isn’t exactly a fun filled day out. So with their interests in mind, the centre has ensured there is plenty on offer for the little ones – which will help make the Christmas shopping less stressful too!
TheChristmas Alphabet Hunt is available for parents, children, carers and guardians to download,print off and use on their shopping trip from today. To download the game and map please visit: http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/christmas/2011/christm...
That's Food and Drink: Laverstoke Park beers for Christmas and the New Ye...
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