Travelling tips for Christmas

It has been said that it is only when we are lost that we begin to understand ourselves (Henry David Thoreu, it was, who said this) and sometimes we need a little time alone in a new setting to allow ourselves to be captivated by history, culture, fine cuisine or shopping.

Novelist Thérèse, was so enlightened by time spent in Paris one Christmas that she was inspired to write her latest novel, Letter from Paris, a witty and glamorous account of a trip to the city of light and romance.

“Travelling alone can be daunting, especially during the holidays - the idea of stepping off the plane into the unknown without a companion can seem alien– but believe me it can be one of the most liberating things you’ll do. Sitting in a café with a crisp glass of wine, a good book to read  and the delights of watching the world go by- is bliss and something you don’t appreciate until you try – after all, there’s always the possibility of  a handsome stranger or old friend to entertain you if you’re desperate for a little conversation.”

Thérèse has compiled 5 essential tips for travelling alone this Christmas:

1.       Look up old friends and business contacts through online channels and let them know of your impending arrival.  Don’t be too rigid with your plans as it could impinge on exciting opportunities to meet new people (perhaps even  under the mistletoe)
2.       Enjoy a glass of Sancerre before you set out for the evening, it will relax and reinvigorate you.
3.       Stay in a boutique hotel, the setting is almost guaranteed to be unique and charming, as well as elegantly festive. Often, boutique hotel bars are exclusive and intimate allowing you to meet like-minded guests travelling alone
4.        Buy a beautiful journal and note down your thoughts and musings; this will allow you to reflect on your time when and more importantly ‘if’ you decide to head home…
5.       Follow the footsteps of your favorite author / character from a book set in the city you are visiting, as well as providing inspiration for the book in you, you see the city in a different light. I followed Ines de la Fressange’s guide book Parisian Chic and every day felt like an adventure.
Read more about Thérèse’s adventures at www.thereseblogs and pick up her latest novel ‘Letter from Paris’, published by The Story Plant and available from Amazon $11.71, as well as on Kindle.

Heartsease Farm drink You'll need to remember the name

You will need to remember the name of Heartsease Farm, as you will need to order some of their sparkling fruit drinks for this Christmas and New Year.

The Blackcurrant drink is  sold as "Carbonated spring water with British blackcurrant juice."

And whilst that's certainly true as far as descriptions go, it certainly doesn't tell the whole story or show you the big picture.

It's a little bit like describing The QE2 as "quite a big ship, really" or a Rolls Royce as: "a nice ride."

When you open the bottle there's a pungent yet welcoming smell of real blackcurrants, so you know that real fruit is within the bottle.

It is not overly carbonated, the level of carbonation is just right, and it is obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into the correct level of carbonation for this drink. And I like that, because if the people who make a drink clearly care so much about it, then that makes it easier for me to care about it, too.

The flavour is another area where the Watkins family (who have farmed at Heartsease Farm since 1903, that's 111 years) show an extraordinary attention to detail.

The favour is just right, not too strong, not too weak, not too tart. not too sweet, but perfect.

They also use their own spring water to make the juice drinks, from Radnor in Powys, Wales, where their family farm is.

As well as blackcurrant they have Traditional Lemonade, Elderflower Presse, Raspberry Lemonade, St Clements Presse and Fiery Ginger Beer.

To learn more please visit  http://radnorhills.co.uk.

They are also looking for retailers so if you have a shop or run an online food and drink retailer, they'll be pleased to hear from you. Please tell them That's Christmas sent you along!)

Need provender for Christmas? The English Provender Company has it covered

Yes, the English Provender Company has Christmas covered for you.

The cook and then sell a wide range of very special condiments, chutneys, curds and salad dressings and they have now launched a very special range of festive gift packs.

They have eight gift packs now available. They make ideal gifts for the foodie in your life, or they'd make a spiffy Secret Santa Gift for a special friend or workmate. And what about an awesome self gift for you? Well, why not? You deserve a treat, too, you know!

They have the English Provender Co Hamper Selection, at a remarkably modest £28.00, this one consists of Caramelised Red Onion Chutney, Sweet tomato and Chilli Chutney, Sea Salt & Rosemary Biscuits, English Mint Sause with Balsamic Vinegar, Grated Horseradish and a Luxury Leon Curd, for good measure.

Then there's the English Provender Salad Bowl, £26.00 for a lovely wooden salad bowl, some servers and some light balsamic dressing.

The English Provender Slate Cheese Board which costs £25.00 and has some Caramelise Red Onion Chutney and some Sea Salt & Rosemary Biscuits.

There's their Cheese dome, this costs £22.00 and which comes complete with Sea Salt &Rosemary Biscuits, plus some delightful Plum and Apple Bramley Chutney.

There's also the Sunday Roast Condiments Selection, £12.50, an ideal adornment for the dining table, with Mint Sauce with Balsamic vinegar, Bramley Apple Sauce with Calvados, Grated Hot Horseraddish and wild Cranberry Sauce.

The Classic Chutney Trio at £12.00 is ideal for the chutney folk in your life. Apple Pear & Fig Chutney, Plum Bramley & Apple Chutney and another opportunity to purchase their Caramelised Red Onion Chutney.

What about the spicy one? The Chilli Duo at £8.00, Sweet Tomato and Chilli Chutney and the hot Chilli and Red Pepper Chutney.

To buy online visit http://www.englishprovender.com/natural-foods
To find a retailer visit http://www.englishprovender.com/wherecanibuy

Vaseline an ideal present this Christmas

Although at first blush, the name Vaseline might not be a name that one might consider to be synonymous with ideal presents at Christmas time, as Christmastime in many parts of the world falls during the time of year when the weather is cold and damp, it actually is a very good gift idea.

Vaseline acknowledges this and it has a range of gift sets that show off their highly useful products at their best light.

For example there is the Vaseline Lips Lip Therapy set with a handy compact complete with an integral mirror and a tin of Vaseline Lip Therapy that's sure to help stop the people you care about getting chapped lips.

And the attractive case it comes in, with its handy magnetic clip, is sure to wow even the most hard core fashionista!

There are also a wide range of Vaseline gift sets that are available form a wide range of retailers both in the High Street and online. Boots, Asda, Tesco and more plus, the like and Amazon and other online retailers.

Give the love of your life a Vaseline gift set and your kind and thoughtful Christmas gift will last them well beyond the New Year.

Give the gift of beauty this Christmas

You can give the people you care about the gift of beauty from within this Christmas with the science of Alimetics.

How does it work? The theory is that what we consume makes us stronger and better. If that wasn't so, would vitamin C prevent scurvy? Of course not! But it does.

So beauty 'in has taken this basic scientific concept and developed it into a whole range of beauty products that work from within.

There's teas that can be drunk either hot or cold, drinks that you Blast, Shake and Drink, beauty candies and beauty bars to be eaten.

The range of products contains a wide range of minerals and vitamins, oils and hydrolysed collagen to help you maintain a good healthy and glowing skin.

They not only taste remarkably good they are also remarkably good for you, too.

The range has been developed by Cristiana Arcangeli, one of Brazil's foremost beauty experts.

They are available in the UK, to learn more visit www.beautyin.com.

Kirsty thinks about the foods you eat, so you do not have to

The problem is with people who are on restricted diets (gluten free, for one) is that their allergies or food intolerances do not, magically, switch themselves off for the Christmas period.

Those who are on diets to reduce their weight can laugh off the extra pounds that they put on over Christmas and address the problem in the New Year,  but for people who can't eat gluten or wheat eating delicious foods over Christmas can't be  compensation for the terrible pains that can, literally, have them rolling on the floor in agony.

So what can you do for your guests or family members (or even yourself) if they or you have such irksome food allergies or intolerances?

You don't need to do a thing, you don't need to think, puzzle, or worry, all you have to do is to let Kirsty do all the work for you.

Who is Kirsty? Kirsty is a young, professional chef who produces a range of foods that are designed to taste excellent yet to have no gluten and to have no dairy products in them, making them not only good to eat but safer to eat, too.

Kirsty states: "I don't think our products need dairy or wheat to taste delicious... so we avoid putting them in our recipes. That way everyone can enjoy them, including people with these allergies."

People like my wife, who has, usually, to be very careful about what she eats.

My wife said: "What I love about Kirtsty's meals is that I know the hard work about what allergens might be in them has already been done by Kirsty before I eat them. There are none!

"And I also love the fact that they taste so good! The sausages in the Sausage with Sweet Potato Mash were really tasty, the best sausages I'd tasted in a while and the sweet potato mash was really very good, too.

"I'm not normally a fan of gravy, but I ate all of the gravy as it was very good!"

To learn more visit www.kirstys.co.uk.

Currently the range consists of: Moroccan Vegetables with Quinoa, Sausage with Sweet Potato Mash, Beef Lasagne with a Rich Bolognese Sauce Thai Chilli Chicken with Rice Noodles, Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Mash, Chicken Tikka Masala with Brown Basmati Rice and Spanish Chicken with Brown Rice.

It's a gift, Jim! But not as we know it!

LivingSocial has unveiled a very interesting selection of free gifts to spread Christmas goodwill.

Special ‘deals’ include promises to do the dishes on Christmas day, share the remote control and even entertain the in-laws!

Local discovery engine LivingSocial has unveiled six alternative Christmas deals to spread Christmas goodwill over this festive season.

In a bid to capture to true spirit of Christmas, the six deals will show that the best presents don’t have to cost you a penny.

LivingSocial’s six goodwill gifts:

1.      Do the dishes on Christmas day https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/554-dishes-xmas-uk

Once every last bit of turkey is eaten (and every last sprout brushed aside), there’s the inevitable pile of washing up. Only the chef is exempt so if you need to do your bit, don your favourite pair of rubber gloves and promise to do the dishes after Christmas dinner!

2.      Share the remote control https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/556-remote-xmas-uk

Christmas TV is hardly the best, but at the very least it should be democratic. Are you guilty of hogging the remote control? Can you not live without every second of Eastenders or the Downton Abbey Christmas Special? If you’re ready to relinquish control, then share this free gift and promise to let someone else choose for a change!

3.      Entertain the in-laws https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/562-inlaws-xmas-uk

Some say Santa Claus has the right idea…only visit once a year. And if that’s all it is, it ain’t too bad! Is it your turn to entertain the in-laws or chat to that wacky aunt this year? Share this free gift and promise to put the effort in this Christmas.

4.      Designated driver https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/566-driver-xmas-uk

A festive cocktail or two is a nice treat, but getting stuck in town without a taxi home is no fun on cold winter nights. Do a nice thing and designate yourself as a responsible chauffeur one evening this Christmas by sending this free gift to your friends.

5.      Take your pick from my wardrobe https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/570-wardrobe-xmas-uk

Christmas is a time to scrub up and don your glad rags but don’t forget – sharing is caring! Has your friend been dropping hints about your designer shoes, sparkly top or little black dress? Sate her green eyes this Christmas and promise she can take her pick from your closet.

6.      Free pass from the sales https://www.livingsocial.com/content/offers/574-salespass-xmas-uk

The pre-Christmas shopping frenzy is never quite enough, as we all know the best bargains are to be had on Boxing Day and beyond. Remember though, crushing through shopping centre doors isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Send this promise to your long-suffering bag carrier and let them put their feet up for a change.

Steven Marritt, the ebullient CEO of LivingSocial UK told That's Christmas: "Christmas is all about giving a little back to friends, family and the people who have supported us throughout the year. This is why we've launched our free goodwill deals - to spread a little joy this festive season.

"Lost for ideas? Need a stocking-filler or two? These alternative Christmas gift vouchers are fun, free and exciting presents to share with friends, family and loved ones at Christmas."

The gift vouchers are available to download now from the LivingSocial website and from the links above.


For more information and for your downloads please visit: https://www.livingsocial.com/gb/

The Christmas time pilgrimage to Whittard

Every Christmas my wife and I make our regular pilgrimage to Whittard.

We both buy some of the delicious coffees (which we grind in the coffee grinder we bought from Whittard in our first visit more years ago than we care to remember!)  some teas (the instant teas and the loose leaf teas) and some of the drinking chocolates for me (White Winter is my favourite)  as my wife doesn't like chocolate.

We also like to buy some of the other items that one finds on a visit to Whittard. 

Tea and cup trays sets, biscuits and the like and every tray that we own came from Whittard. This includes a pretty yet very functional Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter's Tea Party tray that has done sterling service with numerous servings of tea, biscuits, scones, teacakes and the like down through the years.

This year Whittard have an expanded range of Alice in Wonderland items including a delightfully quirky bone china mug a tea pot and more, besides.

To learn more about what is available, how to buy online or the location of your nearest branch, please visit http://www.whittard.co.uk.

I had hoped to show you a photograph of the Almond Praline gift set, but the taste team forgot to save any for the photoshoot!

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Teapot £35

Alice in Wonderland Alice Mug £10

Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Mug with Key Handle £15

From the Gallo Family to your family this Christmas

Several years ago I made a mistake that could have, if not actually ruining Christmas dinner, would certainly not have been quite so good as it should have been.

Just before it was time to start serving Christmas dinner my wife said: "OK, where is the wine to accompany the meal?"

She looked at the expression on my face and said: "Please don't tell me you forgot to buy any?"

Of course, I had forgotten! In my defence I have to say that the life of a journalist can be a bit weird as you are never actually off duty, as such.

"Don't worry!" I said, sounding more confident than I felt. "I'll go to the 24/7 petrol station. They'll be open and I am sure I'll find something there!"

My wife sneered (well, you would, wouldn't you?) and off I set.

When I arrived at the petrol station the expression on my face must have been rather like that of Scrooge in the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol when he was met by the massive feast laid out by the Ghost of Christmas Present in Scrooge's own chamber.

For I saw a chiller cabinet and a large ambient temperature display stand filled with wines and there was a whole range of Gallo Family wines!

An assistant who was busy stocking shelves (he was, of course, wearing a rather fetching elf jumper!) said: "Yeah, the boss always keeps a good selection of wines in. And some bottled real ales, too!"

I made a selection of two suitable bottles of Gallo Family wines (one for the main course, one for desert) and returned home, triumphantly.

So the 24/7 Petrol Station and the Gallo Family helped save our Christmas that year and made me look something of a hero, rather than a forgetful twit!

For this article I am going to look at two wines from the Gallo Family.

The first is an Autumn Red. I am not normally a fan of red wines, but I speak as I find and I find this read wine as being absolutely delicious.

It has a warming, pleasing flavour, which tastes fruity and which reminds me of an Autumn (sorry, Fall!) trip I made to California several years ago, seemingly impossibly warm and sunny, yet still with touches of Autumn to the air.

It's silky smooth, buttery and, as I say, utterly delicious.

The second wine to be tested is a Gallo Family Pink Moscato, also from California.

It's fresh tasting and it is deliciously, wonderfully sweet, yet not overly so.

It is a delightful take on the rose type of wine. The scent is of Californian sunny summer days. Can you hear the buzzing of the bees of California when you open the bottle? Well, no, but you can almost hear them as you take your first sip of this delicious wine.

I have a friend from California (actually from Wine Country, as it happens) who assures me that Californian wines are the best in the world and bearing Gallo Family Pink Mocato wine in mind, I do think that she makes a fair point!

These wines are available from all good wine merchants, the major supermarket chains and at least our 24/7 Petrol Station, too!

Spice Kitchen Mulled Wine

All you need for an excellent mulled wine for your Christmas guests is a couple of bottles of decent bottle of wine (red, usually, but why not be adventurous?) and a packet of Spice Kitchen Mulled Wine.

What you do is follow the instructions that come on the card and the flavour-packed hers and spices in the packet (dried mixed peel, cardamom, cinnamon, black peppercorns, nutmeg, cloves, star anise and ginger) and you will be able to share with your guests one of the best mulled wines you will have tried in ages, perhaps ever, as it really is that good.

In fact, our advice is: Buy the spice in bulk and the wine by the case, because when you share this Spice Kitchen Mulled Wine with your friends and family, you'll be asked to make it time and again!

You do intend to share it? Don't you? Of course you do! After all, sharing is a big part of what Christmas is all about, isn't it?

To learn more about their stunning range of spices, please visit http://www.spicekitchenuk.com/.

Christmas at Wetherspoons

To find out about Christmas dining at Wetherspoons, please click on this link:-
http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/christmas.

The perfect Christmas present for the car owner in your life

Turtle Wax have been producing the ideal car preparation and detailing products for several generations of careful drivers.

Now they have two new products that are sure to suit the car enthusiasts in your life.

There's the excellent Refine and Shine Clay Bar Kit at £16.99.

It provides the ultimate in vehicle surface preparation. Simply use the non-abrasive clay bar to safely shift hard to remove contaminants to rub over the surface of a newly washed car. There's even a special spray bottle of Clay Bar Lubricant, too. Use it with any Turtle Wax protective waxing product and the difference will be outstanding.

However, as comedian Jimmy Cricket would say: "But there's more!" and there is, in the form of the Turtle Wax Black Box Detailing Kit at £24.99.

Black is again becoming the number 1 colour amongst many car fans most who work hard to keep their black beauty of a motor car in tip top showroom shape.

This is now easier, with the help of yet another fantastic Turtle Wax product, the Black Box Detailing Kit.

What's in it?

Black pre-wax cleaner, special black caranuba blend wax, a black spray detailer, an applicator cloth, a sponge applicator and a microfibre cloth.

Just add some elbow grease and your pride and joy is back with its showroom shine.

Two great Christmas gifts for the driver in your life.

Don't forget the Perrier Water this Christmas!

Please don't forget the Perrier Water this Christmas.

Whilst there are those people who say: Drinking bottled water is ridiculous! You should only ever drink tap water!" I say: "To heck with that!"

Perrier Water is a gorgeous, clean tasting water that tastes the same no matter where you are, at home, in a pub, a bar, a restaurant or in a foreign country.

Tap water, however, can taste like old iron, like chemicals or as if it has been filtered through old socks.

Perrier Water, however, is different. It is a pure. natural spring water that is carbonated at source with naturally occurring carbon dioxide.

So, what does this mean? From the bottle or the can, you get  Perrier Water which can be drunk neat, used as a mixer for both alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. 

Should you attempt to use ordinary tap water for such a procedure you could end up with something that has the slight whiff of the swimming baths about it.

So, leave the tap water where it belongs, in the tap, and treat your guests as if you actually like them and treat them... to Perrier Water!

Buy some Blossom Hill Sparkling Moscato for Christmas

Almost everyone loves to have a bottle of sparkling wine in the house for Christmas and for New Year.

One of the recommendations that the That's Christmas Taste Team can make this year is a nice bottle of Blossom Hill Winemaker's Reserve Sparkling Moscato.

It is a high quality aromatic sweet sparkling wine, which is produced in Italy.

It is a clean and fresh tasting wine. There is a predominantly grape flavour which is also suffused with the tang of citrus fruits, but with a softer taste underlying it that reminds one of melon juice.

It is ideal for sharing with friends, perhaps with finger foods and snacks, or good for drinking with Christmas dinner or for seeing the New Year in.

It should be widely available from wine merchants and some supermarkets.

Visit www.blossomhill.com for details.

Dom't forget Pukka herbal teas over Christmas!

It really is all too easy to forget about the important things in life, the vital things, at Christmas time.

Like what, for example?

Like yourself. We run around sorting out Christmas presents, finishing off the important projects that must be finished before we break up for Christmas.

Inviting people to Christmas dinner, writing out the Christmas cards. (EDITOR: Oh! I forgot some cards that I really must... See? I just did it again!)

And there's the food and drink that we will consume in abundance.

So, how on earth do we get something back for our own selves? Meditation? Well, yes, there's meditation. Good luck with that! "Ohmmmm..." BING! BONG! "Hello! I have a parcel for you to sign for!"

So, if not meditation, what, then?

A Pukka Herbal Collection box! That's what!

Although Pukka Herbs would be far, far too modest to say this, my wife and I like to call Pukka teas "a miracle in a box!"

In this particular box of herbal miracles you'll find elderberry and echinacea, lemon, ginger and manuka honey, night time, three mint and detox.

As they are from Pukka, you know you can rely on them to be organic, carefully selected, carefully blended and carefully packed to ensure they reach you in top condition. All you need do to enjoy them is to carefully prepare them in accordance with the instructions and there you have it, a cup of perfect herbal tea.

They smell and taste absolutely gorgeous. Will you find them as miraculous as my wife and I do? Well, we like to speak as we find and we have found Pukka Teas to be wonderful for more years than we care to remember!

Why not buy several packs? Some for you and some as great, authentic Christmas gifts that really will spread the true meaning of Christmas cheer this year?

Available from all good herbalists or visit www.pukkaherbs.com for more details or to buy from their online shop at £2.39 a box.

How to beat the temptation to present pinch!

30% of us admit (rather guiltily!) that we keep Christmas presents that we bought with the intention of giving it to someone else, because we fall in love with it ourselves!

This information has come out after eBay conducted a survey.

Figures show that Londoners (35%) are the worst for this, whilst those in the North-West only come in at 25%.

Women are worse than men, (34% vs 26%), those aged 16-24 (37%) are even worse!

But it’s not just nicking presents that should have been destined for others, 50% of us actually indulge in a little self-gifting whilst we are out Christmas shopping for presents. 64% of West Midlanders admit to doing this. (EDITOR: Maybe it's a reward for buying such nice gifts for other people?)

Sometimes we have problems sourcing suitable gifts for members of our family members.

The research shows we have problems with partners (26%) and brothers and sisters (15%).

eBay spokesperson, Julia Hutton-Potts adds: “We all know Christmas is a time for giving to our loved ones – and it appears it is also a time for giving to ourselves as well. With gift inspiration all around us, it’s not surprising we also want to treat ourselves.”

(EDITOR: That's Christmas has an idea that we feel eBay may approve of. When you find a suitable present on eBay that you might be tempted to nick for yourself, buy at least two of them, instead! www.ebay.co.uk)

Big Cup, Little Cup's Reindeer Rocket coffee

Big Cup, Little Cup's Reindeer Rocket coffee is the perfect coffee for Christmas. Actually, it's the perfect coffee for any time of the year, in our opinion as coffee drinkers of some years standing.

It's compatible with your Nespresso machine and it has been declared as "The best coffee I have tasted in years!" by my wife and also myself.

It's a limited edition coffee (Note to Big Cup, Little Cup please change your minds and add this to your regular range, OK?) that is a combination of coffees from Brazil, Peru, El Salvador and Southern India,

I was not aware that they grew coffee in Southern India and mentioned this to my wife whose family originated in Southern India. She gave me one of 'those' looks and said: "Yes, of course they do!"

What does Reindeer Rocket taste like? If Santa needed a drink of coffee to help him get round all of the Billions of children in the world, then surely he would choose Reindeer Rocket coffee for the job!

It tastes like coffee. Like a good, honest to goodness coffee that has been lovingly created by people who know and care about coffee.

It has a full, robust taste (but using robust in the genuine sense of the word) that is full-bodied, with hints of warm summer suns, slightly nutty but not overly so and there's something about it's pleasing finish on the palette that just calls out to be the perfect accompaniment for mince pies or for a pleasing after Christmas Dinner cup (or three!) of coffee.

The coffee beans used are Arabicas and Southern Indian Robusta and is a Strength 9.

We at That's Christmas can heartily recommend this coffee.

To buy it visit www.bigcuplittlecup.com or email them at hello@bigcuplittlecup.com.

Do you really need to use a coffee machine to make it? Well, in truth, no, you don't. We found that our trusty over the jug filter worked equally well! (There are some bits left in the cup, but sacrifices have to be made for great tasting coffee, we feel.)

(Editor: That's Christmas acknowledges that Nespresso is a registered trademark Nestle.)

Magners Light all the taste, 30% less calories

Yes, it's true. Magners Light does truly have all the taste, yet  30% less calories.

Magners Orchard Berries Light is a premium fruit-flavoured cider with a big difference.

Although it is made from highest quality Irish pears and then has blackcurrants, strawberries and raspberries added, the experts at Magners have been able to keep all of the taste of Magners Orchard Berries pear cider, yet make sure that there is 30% less calories than then original variety.

The flavour is good and refreshing, yet it reminds me of the novelty vinyl LPs that were produced back in the day.

The record producers would have two sound grooves cut on each side of the LP and it was a matter of luck which one the needle fell in when you started the record player.

And I feel the same way about the flavour of Magners Orchard Berries Light. Sometimes the raspberries predominate, sometimes the pear, sometimes the strawberries, sometimes the blackcurrants.

This is an ideal party drink and even those who are on a diet will be able to indulge themselves!

Even though it is low in calories, it's still got 4% alcohol, so could be treated with caution.

It;'s available in packs of four.

Top tips to boost young children’s Christmas excitement

It’s getting closer to Christmas Day, so postbags across the country are stuffed full of hopeful letters to Santa.

Mark O’Donnell, the new headmaster of St Martin’s Ampleforth, the prep school at Ampleforth College, has over 200 excited children eagerly awaiting a fun-filled festive season and has provided some tips on how to manage children’s excitement in a way which puts the true meaning back into the holiday season.

Mark says: “For parents, channeling young children’s Christmas excitement can be both fun and challenging. Finding a balance between the ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ messages are key to a fulfilling festive season.”

1.      Outside and Festive – Playing in the great outdoors is a fantastic way to wear out excited kids. Ampleforth is set in two thousand acres of scenic Yorkshire countryside so whether it’s building a snowman, sledging or an old fashioned country ramble, busy days mean children sleep well.

2.      Nativity – Popular film “Love, Actually” showed there’s great diversity in nativity plays and this is true across the country. Helping build excitement for your child’s school nativity is a great way to encourage creativity and confidence and their first experience on stage is memorable for both the parent and child.

3.      Church Service – Being a Benedictine school, we have lots of traditional church services around the festive season, but also a big focus on working the earth and being part of nature which is reflected in our Gardening Club where the children are able to collect holly and pine cones to make Christmas wreaths.

4.      School-made creations – Here at St. Martin’s we have a 20ft Christmas tree with all the decorations made by the children at the school. It’s a great way to keep the children entertained and get them involved in some creative Christmas crafting.

5.      Story Time – Reading an extract from a child’s favourite book can be one way to keep a youngster’s attention, as can reading a child’s version of Luke chapter 2, the nativity story. Also, older children can keep younger children occupied by playing board games or other activities.

KEY FACTS:
St Martin’s Ampleforth is the Preparatory School for Ampleforth College and welcomes boys and girls as day or full-boarding students from the ages of seven to 13, with a nursery and pre-prep for children aged three to six.  http://www.stmartins.ampleforth.org.uk)

The school is located in a Grade I listed castle within the 2,000-acre estate of Ampleforth Abbey.

Set in one of North Yorkshire’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ampleforth is the UK’s largest and most forward-looking Benedictine community.

Steered by a moral ‘Compass for Life’ nurtured by the Benedictine ethos, children are taught at co-educational Prep school St Martin’s Ampleforth (3-13) and Ampleforth College (13-18). Ampleforth also runs a permanent private hall at Oxford University, St Benet's Hall.

Ampleforth Abbey visitor centre welcomed its 10,000 visitor in June 2012 and the Benedictine monastery at Ampleforth is a centre for spirituality, education, pastoral work and evangelisation.

Ampleforth was established in 1802 when the monks returned to England following a 200-year exile in France following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. The famous Abbey orchard now has some 2,000 trees and more than 40 varieties of apples, some of which are used to make the famous Ampleforth Abbey Cider and Cider Brandy.

The Abbey also started selling Ampleforth Abbey Beer in 2012. Derived from a 17th century recipe in the Belgian Trappist style, the beer is brewed in partnership with local brewery Little Valley Brewery.

Buckfast Tonic Wine for Christmas

Buckfast Tonic Wine... for Christmas?

But why not? Those clever Benedictine Monks from Buckfast Abbey know a thing or two about the production of wine, and their Buckfast Tonic Wine is a full-bodied red wine with a subtle hint of something a little bit different about the taste.

It's chock full of caffeine, so obviously it's not an ideal bedtime drink, but for a mid-morning pick-me-up (ideal if you have been hit by those irksome little bugs that seem to love to attack us at Christmas time) for example, it is ideal.

Yes, we are fully aware that Buckfast Tonic Wine is no longer able to claim any medicinal benefits from people drinking it, but my wife was introduced to it by an elderly gentleman who had been drinking it for many years.

She hadn't been feeling well and he gave her a bottle to try. Try it she did, and she tells me  she's not looked back, since!

Serve it to your guests with mince pies or Stollen or secrete the bottle in a safe hiding place and bring it out when the last guests have gone. either way, it's all good!

http://www.buckfast.org.uk

POM Wonderful is wonderful for Christmas, too

There's sometimes a temptation to forget the important things in life over the mad and exciting rush of the Christmas and New Year period.

Whilst we make sure there's plenty of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks available for your guests it's vital not to forget about you and your needs during this fraught, yet fun, period of the year.

One thin that you must not forget is stuff that does you good yet also tastes good, too. In fact why not source some for you and your guests?

You need a super fruit super drink that not only has the potential to do you good, yet also tastes good too.

What are we talking about? POM Wonderful.

POM Wonderful is made from 100% California pomegranates, which are grown in  the orchards owned by Wonderful, so they know exactly where the fruits came from.

You should refrigerate POM Wonderful, before shaking it and sharing it amongst your guests who want something uniquely tasty. 

You and your guests will find it just as drinkable as our taste team did!

There's an advisory notification on the bottle warning you to drink it within five days of opening, well, good luck with that, because if it last longer than five seconds before the bottle is empty, you'll be lucky!

It comes in three varieties, Pomegranate, Blueberry or Cranberry flavours, all equally delicious.  

It also makes some super cocktails, too! All of which you can find, here: http://www.pomwonderful.co.uk/pomegranate-cocktails/

Serve baby's Christmas dinner in style with Placematic

Mealtimes with toddlers can be tricky at any time but Christmas Dinner is a whole different and potentially even more stessful ball game!

Trying to keep little ones still at the table when they are so excited by Christmas is no mean feat so treat them to the Placematix range of children's tableware.

The high-quality unique interlocking tableware is designed for both function and fun. Not only does it feature a large non-slip placemat, plate, bowl, spoon and fork, the Placematix Gift Set is all about fun.

It's ideal for fussy eaters, the range features brightly coloured, highly durable, food safe tableware that makes mealtimes more enjoyable for children (and mums!).

And here is what is even more amazing, each piece is compatible with Duplo, Megabloks and other brick construction sets!

So if you like to linger at the table long after the Christmas Pudding has been devoured, the Placematix tableware will keep your toddler entertained and inspire them to eat all their sprouts!

Priced in the region of £24.99, the Placematix Tableware set is available from Jo Jo Maman Bebe and www.goldbug.co.uk.

Lots of fantastic Christmas games from SAMBRO

Top of its game (if you'll pardon that expression!) UK toy firm SAMBRO has a wide variety of games to entertain the whole family this Christmas.

Get toddlers in a spin with the brand new Spin Off Mickey Mouse and Spin Off Minnie Mouse games. As Mickey spins, hang various items on him such as keys, an umbrella, a watch and a mobile phone...but do it quickly before the timer runs out and all the items pop off. Whoever hangs the most on Mickey wins.

Little girls will love Spin Off Minnie...watch how she spins in her pretty pink polka dot dress and hand as many co-ordinating items onto her before the timer runs out. Place cool shades, a pink handbag, a lollipop and much more. Priced at around £25 and available from ToysRUs.

For spooktacular fun, the Zed the Zombie Unrest in Pieces game is a sure-fire hit. Activate the timer on the base unit and then race against the clock to put Zed's body parts and accessories back together.

Hit the stop button before the time runs out - fail and Zombie parts will fly everywhere! Yuck! Priced at around £25 from ARGOS & ToysRUS.

Poochie Bag will make it a great Christmas

The US mini celeb sensation has reached our shores just in time for Christmas!

Poochie&Co is a collection of the cutest handbags that will certainly make it onto your little fashionista's wish list.

These aren't just any old handbag - the Poochie&Co Handbags feature the cutest dogs covered in sequins. Choose from loveable Yorkie with her pretty pink bow and pink sequin body and co-ordinating strap or why not carry your goodies in the super-strokable Golden Labrador bag who has a sparkly gold sequin body.  From pugs and poodles to terriers and spaniels. Whatever breed of dog you love, there is a Poochie&Co handbag just for you.

Seen on some of the most high-profile young celebrities in Hollywood, including 9 year old Oscar nominated start Quvenzhané Wallis, the Poochie&Co range of handbags are the must-have bag for girls and dog-lovers in 2015.

Priced at around £14.99 each, the Poochie&Co Handbags are available from Amazon.

Make Christmas come to light this year with Cool Circuits

Everyone is always on the lookout for the perfect game to play on Christmas Day (and beyond, too!)

Enter Cool Circuits(tm) from Maps Toys. – It’s an award-winning puzzle that will challenge every member of the family and is guaranteed to light up your Christmas...quite literally!

Cool Circuits(tm) features a chunky white circuit board and eight fluorescent 3D puzzle pieces.

All you have to do is solve the 40 different challenges! You can begin with an easy challenge then when you think you are a Cool Circuits(tm) whiz move on to practically impossible!

Choose a puzzle card and create the circuit loop shown and watch the board flash and illuminate with lights and music if you join each circuit correctly.

Cool Circuits(tm) emphasises abstract thinking and spatial reasoning and we defy you not to get hooked by Boxing Day. It should cost £24.99 and it is available from Prezzybox.

Let your kids celebrate Christmas with the world’s most famous caterpillar!

Every child knows and loves the Hungry Caterpillar. And in this, his anniversary year, the famous caterpillar is more popular than ever.

This Christmas treat the smallest member of your family to some of the cutest Hungry Caterpillar products around.

Goldbug launch the stunning Hungry Caterpillar Neck Support. The vibrant, soft and cuddly character caterpillar not only looks cute and loveable but also provides a brilliant support for your child's neck when travelling - perfect for all those long Christmas journeys to see the family. Priced at around £9.99.

The range also includes a cool window shade that will help protect your child from the Sun's rays all year. It will also make mum's car look pretty special too! RRP £14.99.

And for an extra cuddlesome Christmas journey, treat toddlers to the Hungry Caterpillar Seat Belt Covers. Soft and snuggly, the covers make travelling more comfortable and children will love having their favourite companion along for the ride! Priced at around £6.99.

The Hungry Caterpillar range brought to you by Goldbug is available from Amazon or www.goldbug.eu.

The ultimate action toy for Christmas!

Seeking out what’s got to be the ultimate action toy for this Christmas?

Looking for a present that Mums, Dads and Grandparents will love to play just as much as the kids?

Well you need look no further, because That’s Christmas has found that ideal toy for you!

It’s the brand new Hover Shot from Maps Toys. This amazing game will test your shooting skills with pinpoint accuracy and bring out the competitor in everyone. Challenge yourself or another player but most of all have tons of fun!

The Hover Shot includes a battery-operated base which features five stands on which you place balls. Turn on the airflow and watch as they bob up and down in the air ready for you to fire at. You can control the airflow of the base to challenge players even further.

But what makes this game really fun is that when you turn the lights out and turn the game on to night mode, the balls appear like glowing stars in the air – awesome! Each gun can hold 3 foam darts and you just pullback, shoot and reload. The game is perfect for 2 players so pit your wits against every member of your family.

Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £24.99. Available from Amazon.