As the festive season approaches, Halfords is warning drivers to be wary of the alcohol levels contained in some Christmas puds.
Research from the car accessories retailer shows that motorists could inadvertently go over the drink drive limit if they consume too many of the celebrity desserts that will be gracing our tables this Christmas.
Ex model turned chef Lorraine Pascal, whose new cookbook is predicted to top the non-fiction charts, shares her recipe for Winter Swiss Roll Bake, which includes 150ml of alcohol such as rum or sherry. Serving 8-10, one portion would contain at least half a unit.
If this is combined with an alcohol based sauce such as Marco Pierre White's Lemon Syallabub (serves 6), concocted with 15mls white wine and 50ml limoncello liqueur, the alchohol content would be even greater.
Jamie Oliver’s Hot Rummy Lemonade, which he promises will “get your jingle bells ringing” packs an alcoholic punch, with one serving contributing one unit to a driver’s alcohol intake.
With the drink drive limit 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, Halfords warns motorists to be careful of slipping over the drink drive limit this Christmas.
Paul Fensome, Halfords Travel Solutions Product Manager said: “Experts recommend no more than 4 units for men and 3 for women if you’re driving, but our advice is always not to drink. A 3 course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings may contain alcohol in many of the dishes. So much, in fact, that it may only take a small glass of wine before drivers can no longer drive safely or legally.
For those driving the next day Halfords is advising motorists to use the AlcoSense Lite Breathalyser, which means they can check if their body has metabolised any alcohol before they set out.
If you’re feasting on Heston Blumentol’s Cherry and Chocolate Pudding, beware of the alcohol contained in this tasty treat. 100ml of amaretto liqueur is added to the dessert, which serves 8, potenitally adding up to half a unit of booze.
Nigella’s Boozy British Trifle, which serves 20, contains 500mls of sherry, the equivalent of 10 units of alcohol, with one portion containing half a unit of booze.
An alternative to the traditional trifle, but no less alcoholic, is Delia Smith’s Caramelised Orange Trifle, which includes 150ml of madeira and a tablespoon of cognac.
When foods are cooked in the oven, anything from 5% to 85% of alcohol can burn off – so these figures are approximations.
The online source for all things Christmas
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
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Odd Bins says recycle your bottles. With a difference!
Recycling their empty bottles has proved very productive for these lucky people, echoing the New Year saying ‘out with the old and in with the new.’
They were caught by surprise in Central London and were handed a full bottle of Oddbins Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon in return for their empties.
The high street off licence plans to place the bins around the country later in the year to encourage people to recycle their unwanted bottles.
Oddbins relaunched across the country two months ago with a diverse range of wines and a closer connection to the customer.
Simon Mason, Head of Commercial at Oddbins, said: “These are the odd bins that just keep on giving! We wanted to bring in a bit of Christmas cheer and try to find a fun way to encourage people to recycle - and you can tell by the reaction of the people in the video that it worked.
"I have to say that if you pop into one of our stores across the country the only surprise you will get is the wide range of wines we have and the great prices. I promise no one will jump out at you. If only the banks worked this way."
They were caught by surprise in Central London and were handed a full bottle of Oddbins Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon in return for their empties.
The high street off licence plans to place the bins around the country later in the year to encourage people to recycle their unwanted bottles.
Oddbins relaunched across the country two months ago with a diverse range of wines and a closer connection to the customer.
Simon Mason, Head of Commercial at Oddbins, said: “These are the odd bins that just keep on giving! We wanted to bring in a bit of Christmas cheer and try to find a fun way to encourage people to recycle - and you can tell by the reaction of the people in the video that it worked.
"I have to say that if you pop into one of our stores across the country the only surprise you will get is the wide range of wines we have and the great prices. I promise no one will jump out at you. If only the banks worked this way."
Watch out bosses - workers set to lose all inhibitions at work Christmas parties
- Almost a quarter of Brits have kissed a colleague at the work Christmas party
- Teachers are most likely to call in sick the following day
- Bankers are the most likely to make a fool of themselves
Almost a quarter of all workers (23 per cent) have had a cheeky snog with a colleague at their work Christmas party, and a further one in ten (10 per cent) have ended up in bed with them, according to new research from American Restaurant T.G.I. Friday’s. Over a third (34 per cent) of work party-goers confess to really letting their hair down at their Christmas party, so bosses should get ready to see a different side to their staff as companies across the UK celebrate at their Christmas parties.
In the spirit of Christmas, 17 per cent of workers have showed their embarrassing moves on the dance floor, 19 per cent have made a fool of themselves, and one in ten (10 per cent) have shared secrets they later wish they hadn’t. In a show of honesty, two per cent of workers have declared love for a colleague at the Christmas bash, and nine per cent have told co-workers what they really think of them.
The top ten Christmas party confessions:
Activity Percentage
1 Snogged a colleague 23%
2 Made a fool of themselves 19%
3 Showed their embarrassing dance moves 17%
4 Revealed they know all the words to a cheesy pop song 14%
5 Had sex with a colleague 10%
6 Shared a personal secret they wished they hadn’t 10%
7 Told a colleague what they really thought of them 9%
8 Played a prank on a colleague 7%
9 Called in sick the next day 5%
10 Stripped or flashed 3%
Un-professional behaviour
When it comes to really going for it at the work Christmas party, there are differences in how professions behave:
• Over half of HR workers (55 per cent) have locked lips with a colleague at their work Christmas party
• Media workers are taking things a step further – a third (33 per cent) have gone all the way and had sex with a colleague after the Christmas bash
• Bankers are most likely to make fools of themselves – 33 per cent admit that they have done so
• Tradesmen are least likely to mince their words, with 15 per cent of them admitting that they have told a colleague ‘what they really thought of them’ at a work party
• One in ten teachers has called in sick the day after a work Christmas bash
Christmas party confessions (by profession):
Activity Most likely profession Percentage
1 Kiss a colleague HR 55%
2 Have sex with a colleague Media 33%
3 Make a fool of themselves Bankers 31%
4 Know all the words to a cheesy pop song Bankers 27%
5 Tell a colleague what they really think of them Tradesmen 15%
6 Shared a personal secret they wished they never told Finance 21%
7 Strip or flash Leisure & travel 9%
8 Played a prank on a colleague Leisure & travel 15%
9 Call in sick Teachers 10%
Despite many companies raising an eyebrow to inter-office relationships, 66 per cent of workers think that locking lips with a co-worker at the Christmas bash is fine. And one in ten men thinks that a cheeky snog with a colleague is ok even if they are in a relationship.
Darrell Wade, T.G.I. Friday’s UK commercial director commented: “We see guests having fun everyday at T.G.I. Friday’s but it really does ramp up as we hit the work Christmas party season. It’s been a tough year for lots of companies across the UK, so we’re predicting that workers this year will really be letting their hair down and going for it, bosses should be prepared!
“We’ve got 51 restaurants across the UK and it’s interesting to see how different groups behave differently. We see all sorts at our restaurants, but ultimately everyone has fun. The work Christmas party is all about relaxing and letting your hair down with your work mates and it always provides some chatter around the water cooler the next day!”
For more information on Christmas parties at T.G.I. Friday’s visit www.tgifridays.co.uk
- Teachers are most likely to call in sick the following day
- Bankers are the most likely to make a fool of themselves
Almost a quarter of all workers (23 per cent) have had a cheeky snog with a colleague at their work Christmas party, and a further one in ten (10 per cent) have ended up in bed with them, according to new research from American Restaurant T.G.I. Friday’s. Over a third (34 per cent) of work party-goers confess to really letting their hair down at their Christmas party, so bosses should get ready to see a different side to their staff as companies across the UK celebrate at their Christmas parties.
In the spirit of Christmas, 17 per cent of workers have showed their embarrassing moves on the dance floor, 19 per cent have made a fool of themselves, and one in ten (10 per cent) have shared secrets they later wish they hadn’t. In a show of honesty, two per cent of workers have declared love for a colleague at the Christmas bash, and nine per cent have told co-workers what they really think of them.
The top ten Christmas party confessions:
Activity Percentage
1 Snogged a colleague 23%
2 Made a fool of themselves 19%
3 Showed their embarrassing dance moves 17%
4 Revealed they know all the words to a cheesy pop song 14%
5 Had sex with a colleague 10%
6 Shared a personal secret they wished they hadn’t 10%
7 Told a colleague what they really thought of them 9%
8 Played a prank on a colleague 7%
9 Called in sick the next day 5%
10 Stripped or flashed 3%
Un-professional behaviour
When it comes to really going for it at the work Christmas party, there are differences in how professions behave:
• Over half of HR workers (55 per cent) have locked lips with a colleague at their work Christmas party
• Media workers are taking things a step further – a third (33 per cent) have gone all the way and had sex with a colleague after the Christmas bash
• Bankers are most likely to make fools of themselves – 33 per cent admit that they have done so
• Tradesmen are least likely to mince their words, with 15 per cent of them admitting that they have told a colleague ‘what they really thought of them’ at a work party
• One in ten teachers has called in sick the day after a work Christmas bash
Christmas party confessions (by profession):
Activity Most likely profession Percentage
1 Kiss a colleague HR 55%
2 Have sex with a colleague Media 33%
3 Make a fool of themselves Bankers 31%
4 Know all the words to a cheesy pop song Bankers 27%
5 Tell a colleague what they really think of them Tradesmen 15%
6 Shared a personal secret they wished they never told Finance 21%
7 Strip or flash Leisure & travel 9%
8 Played a prank on a colleague Leisure & travel 15%
9 Call in sick Teachers 10%
Despite many companies raising an eyebrow to inter-office relationships, 66 per cent of workers think that locking lips with a co-worker at the Christmas bash is fine. And one in ten men thinks that a cheeky snog with a colleague is ok even if they are in a relationship.
Darrell Wade, T.G.I. Friday’s UK commercial director commented: “We see guests having fun everyday at T.G.I. Friday’s but it really does ramp up as we hit the work Christmas party season. It’s been a tough year for lots of companies across the UK, so we’re predicting that workers this year will really be letting their hair down and going for it, bosses should be prepared!
“We’ve got 51 restaurants across the UK and it’s interesting to see how different groups behave differently. We see all sorts at our restaurants, but ultimately everyone has fun. The work Christmas party is all about relaxing and letting your hair down with your work mates and it always provides some chatter around the water cooler the next day!”
For more information on Christmas parties at T.G.I. Friday’s visit www.tgifridays.co.uk
mulled wine cupcakes, with Irish Whiskey and chestnut frosting
MAKES 8-10
Cupcakes
300g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
175g Kerrygold block butter
150g light soft brown sugar
Finely grated rind of 1 orange
2 eggs
150ml soured cream
150ml mulled wine, room temperature
Irish whiskey and chestnut frosting
200g Kerrygold block butter
100g chestnut puree
450g golden icing sugar
2-3 tbsp Irish whiskey
1. Preheat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease and base line a shallow rectangular baking tin approximately 35 cm x 25cm. Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon together into a bowl.
2. Using an electric whisk beat the butter, sugar and orange rind together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and soured cream.
3. Alternatively fold in the flour mixture and mulled wine in three additions. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool for 5 minutes in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. To make the frosting, Beat the butter and chestnut puree together in a bowl using an electric whisk. Gradually beat in the sugar then the whiskey.
5. Using a plain pastry cutter slightly smaller than the top of the jars, cut out circles from the cooled cake. Carefully fit a layer of cake in the base of each jar. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small star nozzle with the frosting and pipe a layer over the cake. Top with another circle of cake, pushing down to fit snugly. Pipe a rosette of frosting on top of each cake and secure the lid to the jar. Tie each with a ribbon before serving.
This recipe was made using Kerrygold butter, for more information on Kerrygold and some delicious recipe ideas, visit www.facebook.com/KerrygoldUK
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Surviving Santa
A guide to sleep survival over the Santa Season has been published by The Sleep Council.
As the UK’s number one source of everday sleep tips, the consumer advice arm of the National Bed Federation has published its ‘Surviving Santa’ guide on www.sleepcouncil.org.uk
Said spokeswoman Jessica Alexander: “Christmas is the one time of the year when the sleep routine of just about everyone in Britain goes off the rails.
“Adults and children alike tend to go to bed quite a bit later than usual over the festive period. That along with all the preparations and partying can play havoc with sleep patterns.”
To help people survive the seasonal sleep disruption The Sleep Council suggests:
Try as much as possible to keep regular hours – we know it can be hard when you’re staying up late for Santa! Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time, all the time, will programme your body to sleep better.
Create a restful sleeping environment. Keep the Christmas decorations to the other parts of your home! Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep and it should be neither too hot, nor too cold; and as quiet and dark as possible.
Make sure your bed is comfortable. It’s difficult to get deep, restful sleep on one that’s too soft, too hard, too small or too old. It should also be as big as possible so your partner rarely disturbs you. Perhaps a new bed should be on your Christmas present list!
Take more exercise. Regular, moderate exercise such as swimming or walking can help relieve the day’s stresses and strains. But not too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. A good brisk walk is ideal to stop you feeling sluggish after a hefty Christmas dinner!
Don’t end up compensating for lack of sleep by going too heavy on stimulants such as caffeine in tea, coffee or cola - especially in the evening. They interfere with falling asleep and prevent deep sleep. Have a hot milky drink or herbal tea instead.
Don’t over-indulge on turkey, mince pies and mulled wine! Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, can play havoc with sleep patterns. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but will interrupt your sleep later on in the night. It is hard in the party period but try to swap to water a couple of hours before bedtime.
Keep some ear plugs handy to block out the sound of your partner’s alcohol or feast-induced snoring.
Try to relax and insist on some ‘me time’ before going to bed. Have a warm bath, listen to some quiet music, do some yoga - all help to relax both the mind and body. Your doctor may be able to recommend a helpful relaxation tape, too.
Resolve arguments before bed. Ongoing conflicts are not conducive to putting you in the right frame of mind for sleep!
If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again - then go back to bed.
www.sleepcouncil.com
As the UK’s number one source of everday sleep tips, the consumer advice arm of the National Bed Federation has published its ‘Surviving Santa’ guide on www.sleepcouncil.org.uk
Said spokeswoman Jessica Alexander: “Christmas is the one time of the year when the sleep routine of just about everyone in Britain goes off the rails.
“Adults and children alike tend to go to bed quite a bit later than usual over the festive period. That along with all the preparations and partying can play havoc with sleep patterns.”
To help people survive the seasonal sleep disruption The Sleep Council suggests:
Try as much as possible to keep regular hours – we know it can be hard when you’re staying up late for Santa! Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time, all the time, will programme your body to sleep better.
Create a restful sleeping environment. Keep the Christmas decorations to the other parts of your home! Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep and it should be neither too hot, nor too cold; and as quiet and dark as possible.
Make sure your bed is comfortable. It’s difficult to get deep, restful sleep on one that’s too soft, too hard, too small or too old. It should also be as big as possible so your partner rarely disturbs you. Perhaps a new bed should be on your Christmas present list!
Take more exercise. Regular, moderate exercise such as swimming or walking can help relieve the day’s stresses and strains. But not too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. A good brisk walk is ideal to stop you feeling sluggish after a hefty Christmas dinner!
Don’t end up compensating for lack of sleep by going too heavy on stimulants such as caffeine in tea, coffee or cola - especially in the evening. They interfere with falling asleep and prevent deep sleep. Have a hot milky drink or herbal tea instead.
Don’t over-indulge on turkey, mince pies and mulled wine! Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, can play havoc with sleep patterns. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but will interrupt your sleep later on in the night. It is hard in the party period but try to swap to water a couple of hours before bedtime.
Keep some ear plugs handy to block out the sound of your partner’s alcohol or feast-induced snoring.
Try to relax and insist on some ‘me time’ before going to bed. Have a warm bath, listen to some quiet music, do some yoga - all help to relax both the mind and body. Your doctor may be able to recommend a helpful relaxation tape, too.
Resolve arguments before bed. Ongoing conflicts are not conducive to putting you in the right frame of mind for sleep!
If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again - then go back to bed.
www.sleepcouncil.com
Spurs Bath & Body Range, available from www.shop.tottenhamhotspur.com
Spurs Bath & Body Range, available from www.shop.tottenhamhotspur.com
An ideal stocking filler for the Spurs fanatic, the new collection features a relaxing Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and luxurious Hair & Body Wash. The range combines a spicy, fresh, citrus scent and boasts an empowering manly aroma. The sleek packaging features the iconic Spurs logo and founding year of 1882.
· Spurs Bubble Bath - £5
· Spurs Shower Gel - £5
· Spurs Hair & Body Wash - £5
Order by 22nd December Express Delivery in time for Christmas.
An ideal stocking filler for the Spurs fanatic, the new collection features a relaxing Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and luxurious Hair & Body Wash. The range combines a spicy, fresh, citrus scent and boasts an empowering manly aroma. The sleek packaging features the iconic Spurs logo and founding year of 1882.
· Spurs Bubble Bath - £5
· Spurs Shower Gel - £5
· Spurs Hair & Body Wash - £5
Order by 22nd December Express Delivery in time for Christmas.
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Beat the Christmas Shopping Rush With Christmas Hamper
With Christmas just days away, and with more shoppers than expected heading to the high street, Christmas Hamper advise consumers on how to make Christmas a lot less stressful.While this is great news for retailers after a rather difficult year, it isn't great news for customers, as more sales means more crowds and also longer waiting times. However, shoppers who still have presents to buy needn't worry because Christmas Hamper have a solution.
A spokesperson for Christmas Hamper explains: “December has been a much more profitable period for retailers than previously expected, as more consumers than expected have returned to the high street. However, the increase in sales has led to issues for customers, as the surge in people visiting shops, supermarkets and other retail centres had meant that their shopping experience might not have been as enjoyable. At Christmas Hamper, we know how stressful Christmas shopping can be, and so we've taken a lot of time and care to that our customers can order our hampers in the comfort of their own home, and with no stress.
While the retail figures from last weekend before Christmas have revealed that shoppers in the UK spent an impressive £1.5 million every minute last Saturday, the high street is obviously a very busy place to be this Christmas. But at Christmas Hamper, they have some advice for any shopper that has to do last minute chopping during the festive season, including the final day to order gifts to ensure they arrive before Christmas day.
The spokesperson for Christmas Hamper continues: “Christmas time is obviously the busiest time of year to go shopping, with so much to buy, such as cards, wrapping paper, gifts, toys and hampers but we realise that there are certain times when a consumer has to go to the high street or their supermarket to get some last minute presents and other essentials for the festive season.
"So our advice to customers is that if they are worrying about going shopping during this time, then they should be organised, they need to have a plan before they leave the house: such as writing a list of what they need, how much it costs, and where they have to buy it, and they should leave the house early in order to beat the crowds. If they are ordering presents online, then it's vital that they are aware of the final day to order gifts to ensure Christmas delivery.
At Christmas Hamper, our final order date before Christmas is the 21st of December (EDITOR: That's today!) which means that anyone who orders on this date will receive their hamper before the 25th. Once all the shopping is done, it's time to relax and enjoy Christmas, and so we want to wish all our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.”
FACTFILE:
ChristmasHamper.com owned and managed by Highland Fayre Ltd. have been supplying Luxury Christmas Hampers, since 1985, to thousands of corporate and private customers throughout the UK and Europe, becoming Scotland’s premier hamper company.
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