Thursday, 7 September 2023

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner

That's Food and Drink: The Complete Airfryer by Sam & Dom Milner: Once or twice a month I visit the offices of my main employer in Liverpool. In the staff kitchen there is an airfryer. I have never used it ...

Wednesday, 6 September 2023

Tuesday, 5 September 2023

Hippychick for perfect Christmas gifting for mums and dads

Any babies or toddlers in your life now? Any expected in the very near future? If so, you really do need to check out the Hippychick website.

Because at https://www.hippychick.com you will find an absolutely wonderful range of all good things for the babies and toddlers in your life, or the lives of other people you know.

There are ride on toys, baby shower gift items and gift sets, bedding, sleep aids, waterproof clothing (well, this is Britain, right?!) weaning aids, toys and loads and loads of top branded items.

Everything you could think of and even some items that you might not have thought of but seriously you do need.

Potties, disposable travel potties, toilet trainers, bikes, trikes, buggy covers, indoor and outdoor toys, bibs, dummies, toys including a classic golf set for the budding Gary Player or Arnold Palmer in your life (it's OK. Just ask your granddad who they are!) play balls, soft toys, back seat organisers, car seat protection mats (now that's a great invention!) a super safe stroller fan to keep your little one cool on a hot walk, stroller parasols, travel cots, breast milk pumps and accessories, tableware, baby carriers and much, much more besides.

Brands stocked include Bumbo, Bumkins, Blinky Crocodile Creek, Classic World, Dooky, Fraupow, HappyHopperz, Hippychick, Moby, Moover, My Buggy Buddy, myHummy, Nattou, Tron, TryBike, Tum Tum, Vilac, Wallaboo and Wheelybug.

Those looking to live a greener lifestyle will be pleased to learn that some pre-loved items are also available.

Mandira's Kitchen will bring something special to your family's Christmas feasting

Mandira’s kitchen are an award-winning producer of delicious and authentic Indian food. Their all woman team, which based from a converted 400 year old cowshed, overlooking the magical Silent Pool in the Surrey Hills, create delicious freezer meals, and accompaniments like authentic chutneys and ice creams and also  provide bespoke catering and food experiences like cookery lessons and spice tours. 

All the food is made using fresh produce, contains no gluten or unpronounceable bits and there are vegan and dairy free options. Delivered to any address, the food can be heated within four minutes to give you a wholesome homemade meal.

People who want to enjoy authentic Indian meals over Christmas will be pleased to know that Mandira's Kitchen has all their needs and requirements catered for.

They are, once again, ready to make this Christmas utterly unforgettable with a delightful and stunning array of gifts and celebrations.

This year they have curated their best dishes to ensure that your Christmas party is a real breeze, with the host spending the minimal time in their kitchen.

Or if you like, they can even arrange an exciting new pop-up restaurant, or their wn special catered events?

Looking for gifts for the foodies in your life, then they also have you covered!

All their Christmas offers are detailed here: https://www.mandiraskitchen.com/pages/festive-2023

For delivery UK wide they even have a range of some special new limited edition products for the festive season!

This year, Mandira's Kitchen is thrilled to introduce two exciting new festive additions to their freezer meals menu. Turkey Samosas, a perfect fusion of traditional holiday flavours that are a perfect canape for guests at a party.

To complement the festive spirit, Mandira's Kitchen presents a tantalising Cranberry & Spiced Rum Chutney. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and infused with the warmth of locally sourced spiced rum, this chutney is the really ideal accompaniment to the Turkey Samosas.  Both of which will be available from November 2023.

FabFunky launch 2023 Christmas Cushion collection

A design house which is famed and renowned for its quirky animal-related homewares has unveiled a fantastic new collection of Festive Christmas Cushions for 2023.

FabFunky, an interiors brand specialising in cushions, lampshades and art prints, has released a range of festive cushions which are absolutely jam-packed packed with personality.

They feature FabFunky’s signature anthropomorphic animals getting into spots of mischief, this time with a festive take, obviously!

From dogs destroying the Christmas tree and owls sledging to cats in Christmas hats and penguins hiding in snow globes, these cushions will add plenty of cheer to Christmas décor for your home or the homes of those you choose to gift them to.

Kelly Stevens-McLaughlan, who is the founder of FabFunky, said: “Whether you're looking to add a little Christmas magic to sofas or festive-up a guest room with some new scatter cushions, these Christmas cushions will add plenty of character.

“They are fun and quirky and they can't be accused of taking themselves too seriously! But they do have a real festive charm that adds a sprinkle of Christmas magic wherever they're placed.”

The Christmas cushion collection is available online now from fabfunky.co.uk with prices starting from £62.

Bin looking for quirky Christmas presents? Must Have Bins have you covered!

Looking for a Christmas gift that not only looks gorgeous but also serves a very useful, practical purpose? 

Then you really should take a look into independent home accessories brand Must Have Bins!

They specialise in beautiful-handcrafted wastepaper bins, tissue boxes, drinks trays and umbrella stands. And Must Have Bins offer statement homewares to complete the most stunning of interior schemes.

Whether you are looking for a present for your partner, a gift for a loved one or maybe a little treat for yourself, here is Must Have Bins’ ultimate Christmas gift guide.

Available now from musthavebins.co.uk

Get Crafty this Christmas with Thorndown's Christmas craft packs

Learn why Thorndown’s Christmas craft packs are the ultimate in bespoke Christmas décor for 2023.

Arty homeowners who want to create their own bespoke window decorations this Christmas need look no further than Thorndown Paints’ Christmas craft pack.

The pack, available now for just £20, contains four tins of Thorndown’s special Peelable Glass Paint, plus six nifty festive stencils and an art brush.

Together, the pieces can be employed to create some truly stunning festive window scenes, personalised presents and one-of-a-kind decorations.

Caroline Thornborough, who is Thornborough's Design Director, said: “Christmas is a fantastic time to get stuck into crafting. It’s something the whole family can do together to create something really personal to them and the family. Plus, it’s a great way of making sure your festive window displays are really, genuinely and truly unique.”

The craft packs are also fantastic and ideal for those who are looking to create their own Christmas presents and decorations. 

From tealight holders to sweet jars, they'll all add a personal touch wherever they are used.

The Christmas Craft Packs are available now from thorndown.co.uk priced at £20 each.

For ideas and inspiration, visit: https://thorndown.co.uk/project-category/arts-crafts

Jan Constantine launches new cushions for Christmas 2023

Highly-skilled artisanal textile designer Jan Constantine has revealed her Christmas Cushion Collection for Christmas 2023.

Inspired by Alpine dreams, snowy mountains and edelweiss flowers, the collection is made from felt wool, before being appliqued and then hand-embroidered.

The collection features vibrant and stunning shades of crimson, duck egg and classic white and is adorned with robins, doves and wreaths. All exude that signature Jan Constantine charm for which she is justifiably renowned.

Jan Constantine, who is the founder of the eponymous textile brand, said: “I love creating new designs for the festive period and this year’s cushion collection is really special.

“It brings together traditional festive colours with a smattering of duck egg blue to add a contemporary feel, while florals, birds and other woodland creatures all add character, too.

“Cushions are a great way to add festive feels throughout the home, including the bedroom and living areas. You can also use them to style occasional seating and office furniture to give the entire home a subtle Christmas update.”

Shop the collection now at janconstantine.com

Prices start at £132.


Handmade in Britain for ideal Christmas gifts

Everyone wants to be able to gift their loved ones something interesting, something different, quirky, homemade and of high quality, especially at Christmas time.

One such supplier of these type of special gifts is Handmade in Britain. Which retails a wide range of eclectic and very special gifts that are, as they state, handmade in Britain.

Why was Handmade in Britain launched? A spokesperson explained: "Handmade in Britain was established to challenge today’s throwaway culture and encourages slow living and quiet luxury through its curated range of unique products."

Established by skilled textile designer Piyush Suri back in 2007, Handmade in Britain showcases the work of independent British artists and creators, plus emerging artists and creators, who specialise in handmade homewares, jewellery and gifts. 

Clearly fiercely passionate about British artistry, every piece within the Handmade in Britain’s eclectic range is handpicked and selected to ensure each piece is of the highest quality and also principled. 

And equally all its designers, creators and producers boast a genuine and heartfelt commitment to using only sustainable practices and offering support to British industry.

Apart from retailing products online, Handmade in Britain operates two crafts fairs during the year: Handmade Chelsea and Handmade Oxford.

To join in the pleasure of purchasing gifts that really are Handmade in Britain please visit https://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk