Pud a smile on the face of your family and guests with Aldi's award-garnering Christmas pudding range

Nothing says tradition quite like a glorious Christmas pudding, which is why Aldi has unveiled a new range of super indulgent delights to help Christmas shoppers celebrate in style this festive season.

Along with some returning favourites, including the award-winning Damson Gin Christmas Pudding, Aldi shoppers can expect to find a charming Champagne Pudding, a fabulously chocolatey Firecracker Pudding, and Aldi’s most exquisite Christmas pudding  ever, in the delectable Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximénez Christmas Pudding. 

The range will be available in-store from now until Christmas Eve, or as long as stocks last.

A brand-new addition to the range is the luxurious Specially Selected Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximénez Christmas Pudding (£12.99, 907g), a gloriously decadent Christmas pudding crammed with the finest of vine fruits, plums and glacé cherries steeped in brandy. With almonds, walnuts, citrus peel, and spices laced with cider, brandy, and Pedro Ximénez sherry, this boozy dessert is truly bursting with festive flavour. On sale 11th December onward.

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Aldi’s brand NEW Specially Selected Firecracker Pudding (£7.99, 400g) is sure to fire up shoppers’ taste buds. Made with vine fruits, cider, Amontillado sherry and luxurious chunks oif delicious chocolate and delicately infused with an orange and chilli flavour sauce. What’s more, it includes a delicious, salted chocolate sauce and a sachet of coated popping candy. Also on sale from 11th December.

Fizz the season to be jolly! Back by popular demand, last year’s Quality Food Award Winner Specially Selected Champagne Pudding (£4.99, 400g) celebrates the festive season with plump juicy vine fruits, glacé cherries, cranberries, and nuts blended with cider, brandy, and Champagne. Topped with whole glacé red and black cherries and almonds and finished with a splash of Marc de Champagne brandy, this pudding is the perfect centrepiece for the Christmas table.  

The Specially Selected Bucks Fizz Christmas Pudding (£4.99, 400g) is made with light moist sponge, Turkish vine fruits, cider and candied citrus peel, a splash of prosecco and orange juice, and hand topped with glacé cherries and crunchy almonds. Both are already on sale.

A returning favourite and winner of the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute Food Awards 2021, shoppers can tantalise their yearning tastebuds with Aldi’s Specially Selected Damson Gin Christmas Pudding (£8.99, 800g). An elegant Christmas dessert, this pudding is packed with juicy vine fruits, diced plum pieces, purple glacé cherries, and almonds. Infused with two types of gin and a hidden Victoria plum gin sauce centre, the flavours are endless. On sale now.

The Specially Selected Millionaire’s Pudding (£6.49, 450g) is back, making a delightful centrepiece for Aldi shoppers this Christmas. Made with a decadent chocolate sponge, luxurious chocolate chunks, mini fudge cubes, and drizzled with a sticky salted caramel sauce and coated in edible glitter, this is sure to fly off the shelves.

Also back by popular demand is Aldi’s Specially Selected Gingerbread and Butterscotch Christmas Pudding (£6.49, 450g) made with a moist butter sponge that’s lightly spiced with ginger and cinnamon and enriched with treacle for extra flavour. Finished with a silky butterscotch sauce and a topping of fudge, biscuit pieces, and chocolate chips. On sale now.

Specially Selected Gingerbread and Butterscotch Christmas Pudding

For those looking for something a little sweeter, the Specially Selected Sticky Toffee Pudding (£8.99, 800g) is equally sure to shine. This fruited Christmas pudding is made with a dash of white rum, candied citrus peel and gooey toffee sauce. On sale now.

For more information including details of your nearest Aldi store please visit www.aldi.co.uk.

Make your Christmas greener this year with the National Trust

The take up of recycling by many households throughout the UK show that most of us are keen to do our bit to be "greener." 

And the National Trust has pointed out a variety of steps that the average family can take to have a greener Christmas this year.

"If you're dreaming of a more sustainable, greener Christmas, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to achieve with the help of our top tips and ideas. From making your own decorations to giving nature a helpful hand, learn how you could make a real difference to the environment over the festive period with just a few simple changes.

Use less, recycle more

Make your own decorations

Why not try decorating your home for Christmas without a trip to the shops? Try making your own paper chains with used wrapping paper, or pick up a handful of pine cones from your local woodland. 

For a fragrant addition to your decorations, bake slices of oranges studded with cloves and fasten to your tree with red ribbon. What's more, if you store your decorations carefully at the end of the Christmas season, you can reuse them for many years to come.

Lessen the impact of lights

If you're thinking of buying a new set of Christmas lights, use consider choose solar powered lights for outside and use LED Christmas lights indoors to minimise the energy needed to keep them burning. Better for the environment and better for your wallet, too!

Plan seasonal meals

Spark joy this Christmas with warming dishes packed full of goodness and seasonal, low-carbon ingredients. Sprouts, cabbages, leeks, pears and cranberries are some of the tasty fruit and veg you can harvest yourself or buy locally in December.

Minimise your food waste

With some quite simple steps, you can help reduce food waste this Christmas. Buy only what you need, compost or make stock with your vegetable peelings, be creative with leftovers and, if you’ve bought too much, give what’s spare to a food bank.

Shop greener

Save paper and plastic

If you’re throwing a party, resist using disposable plates and cutlery, if you can. Maybe ask guests to bring crockery with them? and take turns doing the washing up. When it comes to wrapping paper, go for recycled brands, or simply wrap your presents in brown paper and a reusable ribbon. Your gifts will look festive and authentic and you’ll save money too.

Steer clear of glitter

Although it can look pretty, glitter is difficult to recycle and may escape into the environment. Even biodegradable glitter needs special treatment to break it down. Try to avoid buying anything that's decorated with glitter, including some kinds of wrapping paper and Christmas cards.

Buy local

We love sustainably produced, local food and gifts because they're better for the places we look after and the planet as a whole. If you'd like to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas, try buying from local craft makers or stopping by one of our farm shops or a nearby farmer’s market. You’ll find small-scale producers selling some of the best food your region has to offer.

Buy British Christmas trees

If you choose to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure it's grown in Britain, ideally as close to where you live as possible. Look out for the British Christmas Tree Growers Association mark. If you buy a potted tree, look for one that's been grown in peat-free compost. If you look after it well, you can reuse your potted tree for years to come.

Give back to nature

Care for wildlife

Would you like to give the birds in your neighbourhood a helping hand this winter? Easy-to-make, natural bird feeders such as fat cakes are a great way to keep your feathered friends happy and full over the winter and early spring.

Go on a winter walk

Whether you’re celebrating with family or looking to meet new people, there are plenty of fun things to do at National Trust places over Christmas that have a minimal cost to you and the environment. What's more, the time you spend with us during winter helps us look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy."

(Image used courtesy of the National Trust. It shows Christmas gifts wrapped in brown paper underneath the tree at Polesden Lacey. © National Trust Images/John Millar)

Incidentally you can find some nice Christmas gifts at all National Trust properties which have shops attached. Learn where your nearest suitable National Trust property is at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Also, if you are looking for greener, more eco-friendly Christmas presents if you look back through the posts on That's Christmas you will find a range of businesses and retailers who are offering greener options for this Christmas, so please check them out. 

Christmas Fair at The Argory

The Christmas period cannot be considered to be complete without making a visit to the annual Christmas Fair at The Argory on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide and eclectic variety of local craft, food and drink stalls, plus stunningly good traditional festive entertainment.

Soak up the amazing and wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. 

Families will also have the fantastic chance to meet Santa and his elves in Santa's very own, special grotto.

Available dates and times Third and Fourth of December, 11am to 5pm on both days. 

There is no extra fee for this event, but the usual admission charges apply for the venue.

Other Christmas events are being staged throughout the month of December including Christmas Cupcake Decorating and a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop.

The Argory is at Dungannon, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-argory.

(Image courtesy the National Trust)

Asda, quality wines for Christmas at affordable prices!

There's now less than a month to go until Christmas and Asda has revealed an unmissable offer across one of the most important categories of the festive ‘big shop’ - wine!

Asda's offering customers a startling 25% off when they purchase six or more bottles of wine. The offer is available on selected wines which are priced at £4.75 or over, including wines already offered at a reduce price, so this means Asda customers can make massive savings just in time for Christmas.

Shoppers will receive 25% off the total cost of all six bottles (or more) and the offer can be used to ‘mix and match’ or buy six or more of the same variety. It really is your choice!

Whether Asda customers are in the market for a family-favourite wine, the perfect tipple for those cosy winter weekends, or they’re looking to stock up on extra special bottles that’ll make Christmas dinner that little bit more magical, there is something for everyone with Asda’s current offer.

Best-sellers available in the offer include:

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Red Wine, was £9.50, now £8.50 – just £6.39 in the Buy 6 deal

Jam Shed Shiraz, was £7, now £5.50 – just £4.12 in the Buy 6 deal

Barefoot Pinot Grigio, was £6.75, now £5.99 – just £4.49 in the Buy 6 deal

Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C., was £12, now £10 – just £7.50 in the Buy 6 deal

Premium wines available in the offer include:

Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape, was £18, now £16 – just £12 in the Buy 6 deal

Ferrari Trento Rosé, was £22, now £21 – just £15.75 in the Buy 6 deal

Extra Special Chablis Domaine La Levee, was £15, now £14 – just £10.50 in the Buy 6 deal

Asquith Gardens Traditional English Sparkling Wine, was £16.50, now £16.00 – just £12 in the Buy 6 deal.

For shoppers in Scotland, the Buy 6 deal does not apply, but Asda shoppers can make huge savings across premium and own brand wines until 11th December. Available on selected bottles including:

Montagne Saint Emilion, was £8.50 - now £7.50

Extra Special Chateauneuf-du-Pape, was £18 - now £16

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, was £10.25 - now £8.50

Louis Jadot Les Petites Pierres, was £11 now £9 (Scotland only price)

There's some very good quality wines available in this offer. I especially love Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C., which I think goes with pretty much anything, including the traditional Christmas dinner. 

Need new Christmas decorations?

It's happened to many of us over the years. We think we know where the Christmas decorations are but, somehow, they're not in that box we thought they were in in the attic.

Or someone accidentally put a heavy box on them and most of them are crushed and broken so will never see another Chirstmas tree again.

Or perhaps you are starting out in your first flat, apartment or house of you own and want to buy Christmas decorations to start your own Christmas story and Christmas memories?   

So, what to do? Go over to the online shopping website of Melody Maison https://www.melodymaison.co.uk and check out their wide range of high quality Christmas decorations. 

They have a new festive collection, and their Christmas decorations span a wide array of colours, styles and designs.

The new collection includes baubles, plaques, tree toppers, tree skirts, wreaths, garlands and much more, besides.

Also Melody Maison has a wide range of scented candles, home décor and other fantastic items, including some new ranges for you.

Experts promote drinking more water over Christmas

Leading hydration experts, Vidrate are urging us Brits to look out for less common signs of dehydration and drink more water over this Christmas period.

This comes after the disturbing and shocking news that only 6% of our nation is hydrating properly and consuming the correct amount of water.

And further, a recent study conducted by Vidrate found out of 30,000 people surveyed, under 1% drink the recommended 8 glasses of water per day. 

Why is this so important now?

Nick Hird, Co-Founder of Vidrate says, “Winter hydration is just as important as staying hydrated during the summer. In fact, a study from the University of New Hampshire found that your chance of dehydration actually increases during the colder months. Since people don't feel as thirsty when the temperature drops and many forget to drink enough water.”

“Not only this but over the Christmas period, people's alcohol intake tends to increase which can also lead to severe dehydration. Other factors that could lead to dehydration may include indoor heating and dry air, and layers of clothing can cause excess sweating.” 

Common signs of dehydration

Thirst is a common indicator we need to refill with fluids, but often dehydration can occur before we even begin to feel thirsty. This means we can be experiencing negative side effects of dehydration without even being aware that we’re dehydrated.

Other symptoms of dehydration include dark-coloured urine, fatigue, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and peeing very little throughout the day.

If dehydration is not dealt with, it can potentially lead to more severe side effects such as heat stroke, brain swelling, seizures, kidney failure, coma, and even death. These side effects are rare and only occur in very extreme cases of dehydration. 

However, if your dehydration symptoms persist even after rest and drinking plenty of water you should seek medical attention.

Nick Hird, Co-Founder of Vidrate says, “The best way to avoid getting dehydrated is to, well, stay hydrated. This means making a point to drink more fluids throughout the day and increase your intake of electrolyte-rich fruits and vegetables. If you have trouble remembering to drink water, set a timer on your phone for at least once every hour as a reminder to hydrate.”

“You may even want to consider buying a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day so that you will always have water nearby. If you’re planning on doing a workout or engaging in any kind of vigorous activity, prepare ahead of time by drinking plenty of water. 

"Be sure to bring some with you to consume during and after your workout as well, and don’t forget to bring an electrolyte sachet with you if you are going to be active for more than an hour. It's recommended to drink electrolyte-enhanced beverages after about an hour of vigorous exercise for best health practices.”

“And remember, even if you are not thirsty you may still be at risk for dehydration. Don't wait until your mouth is dry before you reach for your water bottle. Stay vigilant about your hydration and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy functioning body. Do yourself a favour and drink up.” 

To learn more about how Vidate can help you with your hydration please visit https://www.vidrate.com.

Actually, these look like some nifty Christmas presents for those in your life who are into exercise.

You, cleaning, Christmas and ROIDMI

Christmas is a truly magical time of year meant for family, homemade food and presents, but according to a ROIDMI UK poll we average Brit spends between four and five hours cleaning our homes preparing for Christmas Day, and the national press suggested some homeowners go so far as cleaning their homes for an hour or even more on Christmas day. 

Geoff Johnson is a cleaning expert and Director at cordless vacuum cleaner brand ROIDMI UK, and he reveals his top tips to help you get your home prepped for a stress-free Christmas season so that your home can stay cleaner and fabulously festive for even longer.  

Geoff says: “Christmas should be spent enjoying time with friends and family, not fretting and worrying about mopping and vacuuming. Spending a bit of time prepping your home for the big day in advance will give you more time to take part in all of the festive fun.”

Pesky pine needles 

"Vacuuming keeps your home looking and feeling fresh but fallen pine needles are a daily battle over the Christmas season. When vacuuming, ensure to never use the brush head, especially on hard floors, as this can send those pesky pine needles flying across the room. Only vacuum small sections at a time and remember to empty the bag regularly to avoid blockages. Top tip: Try using a lint roller or Sellotape, this also works on soft furnishings!"

Deep clean your kitchen

“Christmas is a time of year we tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s a very good idea to prep your kitchen for all the heavy-duty Christmas cooking. A week before the big day you should clean out the fridge and cupboards and throw out any old products.”

Clean your decorations 

“Christmas decorations spend most of their time hidden away in dusty attics or cupboards waiting for their time to shine. I recommend that you give them all a good cleaning before you hang them up, so they look good as new and impress your guests on Christmas Day." 

Invest in cordless 

"A cordless vacuum cleaner like the ROIDMI X30 Pro makes cleaning up Christmas day mess more convenient than ever before and will make light work of pet hair, pine needles, and spillages. They are light and easy to use and will mean you can spend more time with your feet up watching Christmas movies and less time cleaning.”

ROIDMI, which is the UK’s fastest-growing cordless vacuum cleaner brand, has launched its latest range of cleaners from £99 to £599 in the UK through Euronics local High-Street stores, their online shops, and the Euronics website https://www.euronics.co.uk.

https://roidmi.com/en-gb.

Some houseproud people will be very thrilled to receive a vacuum cleaner as a Christmas present. Trust me on that!

Shaffay luxury slippers make the perfect gift for the Lady in your life this Christmas

Shaffay makes luxury slippers for women that bridge the gap between elegance and comfort. Designed in Britain and made to last, these fabulous slippers are created using only the highest quality materials.

They use the finest Nappa leather, a soft cosy pile lining and a robust non-slip rubber sole. For extra comfort there's even a small hidden wedge in the heel and a memory foam inner sole, too.

The colours and stylish clean lines of the Signature Collection effortlessly complement daywear, leisurewear, loungewear and sleepwear, too.

Shaffay slippers are easy to slip-on but their clever design ensures that they simply won't fall off. Which is very important for safety.

As the lucky recipient of your gift wears them, they will mould and adapt to their feet, whilst not losing their shape and will become an essential component of their homewear wardrobe.

Each pair is £95 of the best, most luxurious slippers they'll ever wear.

www.shaffay.com

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