Friday, 3 November 2023

Heartfelt and Inspiring Amazon Bestselling Memoir Madame of Music Row Chronicles the Triumph of Musician Gina Jones

Madame of Music Row, a compelling new memoir, takes readers on a poignant journey through the remarkable life of musician Gina Jones.

Madame of Music Row, a compelling new memoir, takes readers on a poignant journey through the remarkable life of musician Gina Jones. This gripping narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a story of triumph over adversity, redemption, and the enduring power of hope.

Gina Jones' life has been a rollercoaster of experiences, from her early days as a child entertainer to her rise as a singer-songwriter in the heart of Nashville. However, beneath the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, Gina faced a hidden struggle with drug addiction and hardship that belied the glamorous exterior.

This is not, however, a tale of darkness, but rather a story of transformation and redemption. After a profound spiritual awakening, Gina embarks on a courageous journey to reclaim her life from the depths of despair. Her path toward self-forgiveness, compassion, and grace resonates deeply with readers, leaving them inspired and moved.

Madame of Music Row is an honest and unfiltered exploration of the depths of human resilience, filled with humour, heartbreak, and, ultimately, hope. For those in search of a story that celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit, this book is a must-read.

Gina Jones' early musical career began at the tender age of 9, when she sang and played bass in her family's band, the Ozark Rhythm Aires. Her natural talent quickly emerged, and by the age of 15, she had already toured the Ozarks in Missouri, including Branson, and even cut her first record with the Ozark Rhythm Aires.

Madame of Music Row is a deeply personal account of her journey, showcasing her evolution from disgrace to becoming a woman defined by love, compassion, grace, and wisdom.

For those eager to be inspired by a story of redemption and the enduring power of the human heart, Madame of Music Row is a must-read. This heartfelt memoir is now available and can be purchased through major book retailers and online platforms and will make an ideal Christmas gift for Gina's many fans.

Gina Jones' life has been anything but easy, but one thing remains constant: her love for writing, singing, and performing music. Her musical journey began at the age of 9, and she quickly made her mark in the industry. Today, Gina's story serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding us of the potential for redemption and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

For more information about Gina and the book, please visit: https://musiccitycartel.com

Thursday, 2 November 2023

Worried about prices this year? Have no fear! Aldi's Christmas Price Lock is Here!

New research from Aldi has learned that some 40% of us plan to ‘spend less on Christmas food’ compared to last year, because of the cost-of-living crisis.

With 35% saying they plan to scale back on Christmas celebrations in general.

In response, Aldi has announced a special ‘Christmas Price Lock,’ with dinner staples including Christmas pudding and pigs in blankets locked at 2022 prices.

This means a family of four can eat for under £15 – the cheapest of all the major supermarkets.

Aldi are also committing even further by going lower on fresh whole turkey prices compared to last year.

With Christmas next month, the research from Aldi has revealed over1 in 3 (35%) Brits are worried about the cost of Christmas, and are planning to scale back celebrations this year due to rising costs. 

The supermarket has found 40% of us are planning to spend less on Christmas food compared to last year, while nearly 1 in 5 are planning to invite fewer people to their Christmas meal, with aunties and uncles topping the list of those most likely to be uninvited (15%), closely followed by mothers-in-law (12%) and fathers-in-law (11%). The selfless among us (16%) said they were even considering uninviting themselves from Christmas, to save costs for friends and family.

In response to this and to ensure as many people as possible can celebrate Christmas to the fullest this year, Aldi has announced a ‘Christmas Price Lock’, which will see prices of key food staples including a range of whole turkey crowns, pigs in blankets, Christmas puddings, and festive vegetables remain the same as they were in 2022. 

The Aldi Price Lock, which will be available in stores all over the country, could see a family of four enjoying their Christmas meal for under £15. What’s more, three of Aldi’s fresh turkey lines will be even cheaper than 2022 at just £3.75 per kg this Christmas.

The Price Lock comes as 2 in 5 Brits admitted they were planning on curbing the amount they spend on the Christmas meal due to rising food costs, with roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and even the turkey all in the running to be cut back or removed from this year’s spread, despite being among the most popular elements of the entire meal.

Aldi has announced the Price Lock ahead of November, when over a quarter of Brits (26%) start buying food for the Christmas day meal. However almost 1 in 5 (17%) of those surveyed admit they’re spreading the cost of the big day, starting to stock up on items in the sales, with chocolate, wine, and Christmas pudding topping the list of items already stashed away.

A breakdown of the Aldi Christmas Price Lock items can be seen above.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK commented: “At Aldi we believe everyone should get to enjoy an amazing Christmas, which is why we’re introducing the Aldi Christmas Price Lock. Our research proves cost is a major factor when it comes to choosing food options and by locking the prices of key staples at the level they were in 2022, it will help our customers up and down the country enjoy the Christmas dinner they deserve with the ones they love.”

Thanks to Aldi’s Christmas Price Lock, Brits can now enjoy the Christmas dinner they deserve, for the same price as last year, with the nation’s favourite Christmas dinner items, turkey and pigs in blankets making the list. This comes in just as Aldi has been named the cheapest supermarket for the 16th consecutive month, by Consumer group Which?.

Now that Aldi shoppers can invite the same amount of people as last year, who would be the dream person at the table? The research found Sir David Attenborough voted as the most desired person to share a meal with (25%), followed by Stephen Fry (16%) and David Beckham (12%). What’s more, 6% said they’d invite Tyson Fury, beating Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears.  

Products which form the Aldi Price Lock are available across the following dates this festive period:

Turkey available from 19th December

Holly Lane Christmas Pudding 400g available in stores now

Butcher’s Select Pigs in Blankets available from 24th November

Super Six Festive Vegetables available from 18th December

www.aldi.co.uk

Jingles the Christmas Elf and Midnight the Kitten. A Christmas story

Once upon a time, in the enchanting North Pole village, there lived a little Christmas Elf named Jingles. Jingles was a particularly small and adorable elf, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a heart full of Christmas cheer. 

He was known for his nimble fingers and his incredible talent for creating the most intricate and beautiful Christmas ornaments in the whole village.

One chilly December morning, as Jingles was busy crafting delicate glass baubles for Santa's tree, he heard a soft, mewling sound coming from behind his workbench. Curiosity piqued, he peeked around the corner and discovered a tiny, black kitten shivering in the snow. It had big, round, expressive eyes that seemed to sparkle with the same mischievous twinkle as Jingles.

"Oh my goodness, you poor thing," Jingles exclaimed. He carefully scooped up the little kitten and cradled it in his arms. "I'll call you Midnight," he said, as he stroked the kitten's velvety fur.

Jingles decided to take Midnight inside and offer him some warm milk and a cozy blanket. Midnight, grateful for the kindness, purred contentedly and snuggled close to Jingles. The two of them quickly became the best of friends.

As the days passed, Jingles and Midnight were inseparable. They went on all sorts of holiday adventures together. They built miniature snowmen and created a tiny elf-sized sleigh for Midnight to ride in. They danced around the Christmas tree as Jingles hung up his exquisite ornaments, their laughter filling the air with joy.

One evening, as Jingles was placing the finishing touches on a sparkling star ornament, he noticed Midnight's eyes fixed on the beautiful bauble, filled with wonder and curiosity.

"You like it, don't you, Midnight?" Jingles asked. Midnight responded with an enthusiastic purr.

With a mischievous grin, Jingles decided to let Midnight help with the final ornament. He handed Midnight a tiny silver bell and showed him how to attach it to the ornament's ribbon. Together, they worked on it, with Jingles guiding Midnight's tiny paws. The end result was a masterpiece, a beautiful ornament that shimmered and tinkled with the magical touch of a Christmas Elf and the love of a little black kitten.

Christmas Eve arrived, and the North Pole was buzzing with excitement. Santa and his reindeer were preparing for their journey around the world to deliver gifts. Jingles and Midnight joined the other elves in the village square, singing Christmas carols and sipping hot cocoa.

As the time neared for Santa's departure, Jingles hung the ornament they had created together on the tree. The whole village gathered around to admire its beauty. Midnight, now a cherished member of the North Pole family, sat proudly on Jingles' shoulder.

The moment Santa's sleigh took off, the tree and all the ornaments began to glow with an enchanting light. It was a sight to behold, and the magic of Christmas filled the air. Midnight's eyes sparkled even brighter as he gazed at the shimmering tree.

In that magical moment, Jingles and Midnight felt the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of giving, the warmth of friendship, and the wonder of the holiday season. It was a Christmas they would never forget, and they knew that they would be friends for many more magical Christmases to come.

And so, in the heart of the North Pole village, a little Christmas Elf and a black kitten found the most extraordinary gift of all – the gift of each other's love and the enchantment of a forever friendship, shining as brightly as the stars on a snowy Christmas night.

(Image courtesy of Andreas Lischka from Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Good news! Aldi's beer and cider ranges are now pl...

That's Food and Drink: Good news! Aldi's beer and cider ranges are now pl...: Aldi has removed all plastic packaging from its own-label four-pack beers and ciders to further slash plastic waste. The UK’s fourth-largest...

Pop the Bublé, it's official: Michael Bublé to star in Asda's Christmas AD

Seasonal speculation has been rife, but Asda has confirmed popular singer Michael Bublé as the star of its Christmas show in a new 60-second teaser.

The rumours are true! Multi-platinum-selling global superstar Michael Bublé has been confirmed as the star of Asda’s 2023 Christmas campaign – well and truly kicking off the countdown to the festive season.

Giving fans a sneak peek of its much-anticipated Christmas advert, and a taste of what’s to come, Asda has released a 60-second teaser, created by Havas London, that finally puts seasonal speculation to rest as Michael makes his merry debut as the retailer's latest seasonal recruit.

The teaser, which premieres this morning, 1 November, during ITV’s Good Morning Britain sees Asda colleagues relaxing in a break room mid-shift until they’re disturbed by an unusual ‘gurgling’ sound as the clock ticks to midnight. Journeying through a fantastical festive warehouse to find its source, they eventually reach a door marked ‘MB inside. Do not open ‘til 1.11.23’. As the door swings open, a lone figure is revealed, silhouetted in the spotlight: it’s Bublé, who turns to the camera and breaks into the classic ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’. “Shall we?”, he implores with a smile.

But what festive fun does Asda have in store for the charming Canadian this Christmas?

Fans won’t be left wondering for long, as the best is yet to come. Stay tuned for Asda’s 90-second show-stopping Christmas ad due to air on 4 November.

David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer says: “At Asda, we absolutely love Christmas and this year we’re once again on a mission to bring that warm, festive feeling to households across the UK. Today, we’re putting the speculation to rest and confirming that the legend that is Michael Bublé is partnering with us this Christmas to put on a showstopping performance. With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas.”

To watch the first instalment, visit: https://youtu.be/uaQ3GxLpLZI Or check out the above video.

Exciting news for Meal Deal lovers! Tesco spreads Christmas cheer with Mini Mince Pies

As Christmas approaches, shoppers can get themselves into the Christmas spirit by adding a festive treat to their Meal Deal. 

For the first time ever, customers can pick up a two pack of Tesco Mini Mince Pies as a snack with their lunchtime Meal Deal in stores now. 

Tesco’s popular Christmas sandwiches get an extra boost with the option to select a limited-edition snack to take festive feasting at lunchtime to the next level with Mini Pork & Cranberry Pies and Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls alongside the Mini Mince Pies.

With millions of combinations available, the Tesco lunchtime Meal Deal is unrivalled for choice and value. Clubcard members pay just £3.40 for a main, snack and drink (£3.90 without a Clubcard).There is also an exciting new festive sandwich this year - the Tesco Festive Duo - a delicious combination of one Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich and one Chicken, Bacon & Stuffing Sandwich.

For some added luxury, customers can select a Premium Meal Deal which includes premium mains such as the limited-edition Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney Wrap or Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich with a snack and drink from the wider Meal Deal range for only £5.00 for Clubcard holders (£5.50 without a Clubcard).

Tesco Brand Manager, Violaine Barthe, said: “We know how much people enjoy adding a festive item to their Meal Deal in the run up to Christmas, it really symbolises the start of the festive season. This year the new range of festive Meal Deal snacks, including two Mini Mince Pies for the very first time, make great additions if you want to feel Christmassy or just love traditional Christmas flavours.”

Limited Edition Christmas snacks and mains will be available as part of the lunchtime meal deal until 8th January 2024.

Festive Meal Deal Mains:

Tesco Festive Duo Sandwich (NEW)

Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich

Tesco Brie & Cranberry Sandwich

Tesco Smoked Ham & Wensleydale Sandwich

Tesco Gluten Free Chicken, Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce

Tesco Yule Hog Wrap

Tesco Plant Chef Bright Spiced Butternut Squash & Chestnut

Tesco Chicken Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce Sub

Festive Meal Deal Snacks:

Tesco 2 Mini Mince Pies (NEW)

Tesco Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls (NEW)

Tesco 2 Tesco Pork & Cranberry Pork Pies  

Fridge Raiders Chicken & Stuffing Bites 

Stock up for Christmas wines with Aldi's amazing deals

Shoppers can stock up for Christmas with bottles of red, white and rosé for as little as £3.49. the promotions run right up until New Year’s Eve  

To celebrate the countdown to Christmas, Aldi is reducing the prices across its best-selling AND award-winning wine range in the lead-up to Christmas.  

Shoppers stocking up can save up to 65% on some classic winter wines, meaning they can pick up a £10 bottle for under £3.50!

Nineteen bottles will be on offer across eleven weeks; but shoppers will have to be quick, the price drop is limited to just one week for each bottle! 

6th November – 12th November

Specially Selected Gavi (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

Moving into November, shoppers can enjoy an incredible 38% off Aldi’s Specially Selected Gavi. A deliciously fresh white wine with blossom, banana and apricot kernel aromas. A breath of summer in the depth of winter.

13th November – 19th November

Pierre Jaurant French Fitou (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

This hearty autumnal red boasts flavours of plum, blackberry and spice with aromas of bramble fruits and blueberry for a full-bodied and well-structured finish.

20th November – 26th November

The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc (WAS £7.99, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 56%, 75cl)

For those who’d rather something fresh and grassy, The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc can deliver (and at amazing value too), with notes of asparagus, green pepper and gooseberry.

27th November – 3rd December

Estevez Chilean Malbec (WAS £5.79, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 40%, 75cl)

Smooth and juicy, the red offers ripe black fruit flavours with a slight herbal freshness on the finish – a bargain buy for under £4!

Savvy shoppers can expect to start making savings every week. We’ll raise a glass to that!

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Asda customers can pick up Christmas dinner for a family of six, for just £4.17 per head

This year, Asda customers can purchase a frozen Christmas dinner for six for just £25, working out at only £4.17 per head.

Including a turkey crown and seven sides, the same products are cheaper this year, than they were in 2022.

This offering will support families looking to cut the cost of Christmas this year, after Asda’s Income Tracker reveals disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households.

As Christmas gets ever nearer and households look for ways to start spreading the cost, Asda customers can stock up on frozen Christmas dinner essentials in advance, packing the freezer to feed a family of six for a mere £4.17 per head.

Now available to purchase in-store and online, the same products would have cost a total of £27.29 last Christmas in 2022, meaning this year, Asda customers can pick up a Christmas dinner for even cheaper, saving £2.29.

Plus, customers don’t have to buy all of the products to get the best value, as every product has reduced in price since Christmas 2022.

The list of frozen Christmas dinner products, that will feed a family of six for just £25 are:

Asda Frozen Medium British Turkey Crown (2.2kg) – now £16, was £16.50 in 2022  

Asda Frozen Maple Pigs in Blankets (232g) – now £2.25, was £2.50 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Yorkshire Puddings (220g) – now 98p, was 99p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls (400g) – now £1.80, was £2.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Parsnips (680g) – now £1.25, was £1.80 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Brussels Sprouts (1kg) – now £1, was £1.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Crispy Roast Potatoes (800g) – now 75p, was 80p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Sliced Carrots (1kg) – now 97p, was £1.09 in 2022 

This announcement follows Asda’s latest round of price cuts on 232 branded and own-label products, as part of its continued support for families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Insight from Asda’s latest income tracker also reveals that despite improvements in inflation figures, disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households, compared to the same time last year, with the lowest earning households having a deficit of £72 in disposable income per week.

According to research commissioned by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), 38% of people are buying more frozen food than last year, further showing the impact inflation is having on consumer spending.

Smart Asda customers are already saving up for Christmas using the Christmas Saver Cashpot in the Asda Rewards app, after its launch in August. The feature enables customers to transfer savings from their Cashpot into their Christmas Saver Cashpot as many times as they’d like, up to a maximum amount of £300 in total.

For customers planning ahead, Christmas grocery delivery and click and collect slots are already available to book online at Asda.com or via the Asda app. With over one million slots available in Christmas week, shoppers can get ahead of the festive season by adding their frozen dinner to their baskets early.

In time for Christmas, Paperchase launches in Tesco stores

Tesco is excited to announce the relaunch of the popular Paperchase brand in its stores and online, bringing a range of cards and stationary products to existing Paperchase fans, and to new customers.

The products, including greetings cards and gift-wrapping materials; party decorations and accessories; notebooks, calendars and diaries; and home accessories, will be landing in over 250 Tesco stores from today, as well as being available online in selected areas.

In addition, a selection of Christmas products will also be landing in stores this week, including greeting cards, gift wrap, decorations and crackers.

The launch of Paperchase in Tesco stores is part of its ambition to make shopping at Tesco Easily the Most Convenient, making it quick and easy for customers to pick up stationary items for work and school, or grab a last-minute greeting card, as part of the weekly shop. 

The introduction of Paperchase in stores will offer customers an even wider range of cards, gifting and stationery, to complement Tesco’s existing range.

The news comes following the announcement earlier this year that Tesco had bought the Paperchase brand and related IP.

Speaking about the relaunch, Jan Marchant, Managing Director of Home and Clothing at Tesco said:

“Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK. We know many customers will be excited to see Paperchase products returning to stores, and we also hope to introduce the brand to many new customers. We look forward to exciting and delighting stationary fans with new products and some old favourites – look out for them in your local store”.

Customers can check if their local store stocks Paperchase using the store locator function on Tesco.com

Feliz Navi-dog: Morrisons unveils biggest supermarket festive pet range

With over half (57%) of British households owning a pet, animal companions are an integral part of Christmas festivities for much of us. Morrisons is making sure Christmas 2023 is the ulti-mutt celebration for pets as it unveils its biggest festive pet range to date.

Comprising almost 30 products, pet owners can pick up advent calendars, Christmas dinners, jumpers and more so our furry friends don’t miss out on the festive fun. With prices starting from only £1.49, there’s a pocket-friendly treat for every pet owner to purchase.

For those looking to share the Christmas countdown with their pets, shoppers can grab the Morrisons Pawsome Meaty Christmas Dog Treat Advent Calendar and Morrisons Purrfect Meaty Christmas Cat Treat Advent Calendar, both £3.99, filled with tasty treats for pets to enjoy on each day.

Customers can also kit their pets out in the finest festive wear with the Gifts for Pets Dog Festive Jumper (£4.99) and Gifts For Pets Reindeer Headband for Dogs & Cats (£2.99).

For a delicious Christmas Eve treat, pups can chow down on Morrisons Rudi Reindeer Iced Dog Cookies (£3.99), adorably shaped like a festive reindeer. 10% of sales from the Rudi range go to charity partner Together for Short Lives, giving shoppers even more reasons to pick up the tasty treats.

Pets don’t need to miss out on the big day itself either, as the range boasts all of the ingredients needed for a paw-sitively delicious pooch-friendly Christmas dinner. Customers can choose from Morrisons Turkey and Bacon Hot Dogs for Dogs (£1.99), Morrisons Sausages in either Christmas Dinner or Pork & Apple Stuffing Flavour for Dogs (£1.99), Morrison Pigs in Blankets for Dogs (£2.99), and of course Morrisons Mince Pies for Dogs (£2.99) to top it all off.

The range also includes plenty of treats purr-fect for stocking fillers, like the Morrisons Merry Poochmas Rawhide alternative Chew sticks (£1.99), available in the shape of Christmas trees, or Gingerbread people. 

Cats can tuck into the Morrisons Tasty Tuna Meowy Christmas Cat Sticks or Morrisons Delicious Duck Christmas Quackers Cat Treats, just £1.49 each, and there are pet safe crackers for both cats and dogs (£2.49) to enjoy.

Andy Whiteman, Product Developer at Morrisons, said: “Santa Paws is certainly coming to Morrisons this year as we introduce our biggest and best Christmas pet range. We know pets are an important part of so many families, so now shoppers can pick up everything they need to share the celebrations with their cuddly companions, without breaking the bank.”

Click here to view the full Morrisons Christmas pet range available in-store and online https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/christmas-189206/gift-shop-189357/gifts-for-pets-189356

For more information on the wider Morrisons Christmas range, visit our website here https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/christmas-189206