Thursday, 5 March 2015
That's Books and Entertainment: Dickens Study Guide
That's Books and Entertainment: Dickens Study Guide: Author Lee Fisher Gray has produced a labour of love with his book Dickens Study Guide. He presents a complete catalogue of all the char...
Thursday, 19 February 2015
That's Beauty and Living: The Mother of Gift Shops at Aldi
That's Beauty and Living: The Mother of Gift Shops at Aldi: There is something so very special about making your mum smile. Especially on that very special day, Mothering Sunday! (It's March 15t...
Sunday, 15 February 2015
That's Books and Entertainment: The Boy Who Cried Wolf
That's Books and Entertainment: The Boy Who Cried Wolf: This is a masterful retelling of one of Aesop's Fables. It is retold by Mahni Tazhibi. Originally written in Persian it has been ski...
Thursday, 5 February 2015
That's Home and Household: Aldi launches new Specialbuys Workshop range
That's Home and Household: Aldi launches new Specialbuys Workshop range: Tackle jobs around the house or even on the building site with the fantastic quality Aldi Specialbuys Workshop range. Featuring a great ...
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
That's Food and Drink: Romance will bloom with Bloom Gin
That's Food and Drink: Romance will bloom with Bloom Gin: My wife and I recently enjoyed some of the finest gin that we have ever tasted. I have to confess, I am not know for my affinity to gin....
That's Food and Drink: Romance will bloom with Bloom Gin
That's Food and Drink: Romance will bloom with Bloom Gin: My wife and I recently enjoyed some of the finest gin that we have ever tasted. I have to confess, I am not know for my affinity to gin....
Sunday, 1 February 2015
That's Food and Drink: Lollipop the question on Valentine's Day
That's Food and Drink: Lollipop the question on Valentine's Day: You'll buy a card, true. And a nice Valentine's gift? Undoubtedly! But what about something else? What about a special gift for...
Saturday, 31 January 2015
That's Books and Entertainment: Wildfire, an entertaining book for children of all...
That's Books and Entertainment: Wildfire, an entertaining book for children of all...: Lemuel Squirrel lives the life of a hermit in his home deep within the Oregon Forest. He has a reputation as being a harmless, lovable e...
Sunday, 18 January 2015
That's Beauty and Living: Dress your men with style and class for less at Al...
That's Beauty and Living: Dress your men with style and class for less at Al...: Pick up a selection of key, classic menswear items in store at Aldi on 22nd January. Comfortable, stylish and affordable, men about town c...
That's Food and Drink: The perfect romantic curry with the spice Kitchen
That's Food and Drink: The perfect romantic curry with the spice Kitchen: Although it is true that curried dishes are more of a British invention than anything other than a passing nod to the wonderful foods of t...
That's Food and Drink: Romance is not dead with Abra-ca-Debora pancakes
That's Food and Drink: Romance is not dead with Abra-ca-Debora pancakes: Never thought of Dutch pancakes as being romantic? Picture the scene. You and your honey, with a 200g bag of Abra-ca-Debora "diddy sw...
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Got SAD? Banish it with an Aldi post-Christmas Winter Sale bargain!
There are absolutely huge savings on DIY tools, technological gadgets and toys for grown ups and even a range of clothing, too!
So there's no need to allow SAD to make mum and Dad sad! Because when your purse strings are tight in the post-Christmas period, all families across the UK can "save more, taste more and live more" by shopping at Aldi.
To learn more about the the Aldi Challenge and to give it a go, just visit the dedicated website at www.aldichallenge.co.uk or use the hashtag #aldichallenge on Twitter.
Aldi’s Specialbuys Winter Sale ranges go into stores nationwide today, 8th January but do remember, when they're gone, they're really gone!
On sale on 08.01.15 and available while stocks last. Visit https://www.aldi.co.uk for more details and for the locations of your nearest Aldi store.
- Scratch & Sniff Books was £1.99 now £0.99
- Car Windscreen Cover was £1.99 now £0.99
- Children’s Slipper Socks was £2.29 now £0.99
- Ladies Fleece Slipper Socks was £2.49 now £1.49
- Boys and Girls T-shirt was £2.49 now £1.49
- Ladies Soft Lounge Socks was £2.99 now £1.49
- Ladies Slumber Socks was £2.99 now £1.49
- Heat For Your Feet Socks was £3.29 now £1.99
- Ladies Welly Socks 2 Pack was £3.49 now £1.99
- Men’s Scarf was £3.49 now £1.99
- Thermal Underwear was £3.99 now £2.49
- Children’s Fleece Underwear was £3.99 now £1.99
- Small Professional Pans was £3.99 now £2.99
- Ladies Thermal Underwear was £4.29 now £2.49
- Ladies Chunky Scarf/Snood was £4.99 now £2.99
- Men’s Leather/Suede Gloves was £4.99 now £2.99
- Mini Colour Watch was £4.99 now £2.99
- Ladies Winter Boot Socks was £4.99 now £2.99
- Boys/Girls Coloured Jeans was £5.99 now £3.99
- Men’s Soft Touch Shirt was £6.99 now £3.99
- Large Professional Pans was £6.99 now £4.99
- Children’s Quilted Jacket was £8.99 now £4.99
- Cordless 60 Led Workshop lamp was £9.99 now £6.99
- Rugged Cases was £9.99 now £4.99
- Girls Multipurpose Boots was £9.99 now £6.99
- Butchers Block Chop Board was £9.99 now £6.99
- Trio Concertina Indoor Airer was £12.99 now £6.99
- Santoku Knife Set was £12.99 now £7.99
- Camera Tripod was £12.99 now £6.99
- Electric Knife Grinder was £12.99 now £6.99
- Handheld Steam Cleaner was £15.99 now £9.99
- Men's Cotton/Cashmere Jumper was £16.99 now £9.99
- Colour Surveillance Camera £19.99 now £9.99
- Industrial Hand Truck £19.99 now £9.99
- Extending Kitchen Mixer was £24.99 now £14.99
- Pasting Table was £24.99 now £12.99
- Men’s Premium Shaver was £24.99 now £14.99
- Sunrise Alarm Clock was £24.99 £12.99
- Men’s Wool Blend Jacket was £24.99 now £14.99
- Wallpaper Stripper was £24.99 now £14.99
- Turntable/MP3 Converter was £29.99 now £19.99
- 8.8L Cast Alu Roaster was £29.99 now £19.99
- Deckless Bluetooth Car Stereo was £34.99 now £19.99
- Digital Door Viewer was £39.99 now £19.99
- 4-Step Safety Ladder was £39.99 now £24.99
- Square Design Taps was £49.99 now £24.99
- Sat Nav Garmin Nuvi was £89.99 now £59.99
- Bridge Camera SZ350 was £99.99 now £64.99
Monday, 29 December 2014
Resolve to say "No" to New Year Resolutions!
In fact, Round Table is offering a place of sanctuary to men who don’t want to make a pledge to go on a diet, swear off alcohol or to join a gym.
Round Table, which has a staggering 400 clubs across the United Kingdom and Ireland for men who range in ages from aged 18-45, is promising to remain a resolution free zone and it's actively encouraging men to seek refuge in their local club.
The ringing in of the ‘New Year’ provides a chance to look at life and make changes.
But with nearly 80% of men and women failing to stick to their resolutions, Round Table is throwing open its doors to men who want to do more, but who do not want to risk stigmatising themselves as failures.
Steve Glaister, the president of Round Table Britain & Ireland, told That's Christmas: “New Year is about celebration and making the most of life…not a punishment pledge to radically alter our lifestyle.
“The high failure rates show resolutions are futile. This is why we believe they should be abolished. Why feel a failure for not keeping to a resolution?
“As a result, Round Table pledges to remain a New Year Resolution free zone, offering a safe haven for those wanting to celebrate life, to do more and feel a success.
“This is a chance for men from all walks of life to try something new. There are no strings attached. I urge men to discover a world of new activities and new skills.”
Round Table is offering men in the 18-45 age bracket a free night out with their nearest club in January 2015, with no resolution needed.
To learn more text JOIN and your postcode to 60066 to receive your invitation!
Sunday, 28 December 2014
That's Books: You can buy the books we review and many other boo...
That's Books: You can buy the books we review and many other boo...: Yes, you can buy the books we review and many other books, too, at That's books! Where? At the special Amazon-powered bookshop whic...
Friday, 26 December 2014
A White Christmas in Plymouth!
Drake Circus, in the Christmas spirit, brought real snow to their shoppers this year. Festive snow fell at Drake Circus Shopping Centre this Christmas Eve.
Shoppers embraced the snow with many taking #snowselfie pictures with loved ones. The snow machines being used at Drake Circus were used as the official snow machines of the Sotchi 2014 Winter Olympics.
Happy St. Stephen's Day, everyone!
This day, 26th December, is also known as Boxing Day in the UK and some Commonwealth nations.
Christmas misery for thousands as City Link Parcels goes into administration
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It is rumoured that some staff are owed wages. Staff members were only told that they had lost their jobs on Christmas Eve.
It is understood that some undelivered parcels that are in the City Link system will be returned to the sender. Or that people expecting parcels might be able to collect them from a City Link depot.
The story is covered by the BBC at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30602326
and by the Financial Times at http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/572c548e-8c7c-11e4-ad27-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3MxcgPzJK
The City Link website is at http://www.city-link.co.uk.
Thursday, 25 December 2014
There are many film/movie versions of a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens here are some for you to enjoy
There are many film/movie versions of a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens here are some for you to enjoy. (c) is acknowledged where appropriate.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Give back some Heart this Christmas with your unwanted Christmas gifts
Up to n64% of people said they receive two unwanted Christmas presents every year.
With the average price per Christmas gift at £21.75 (2), over £2.7 billion pounds worth of unwanted presents could be donated to charity this year.
BHF shops accept all of your unwanted gifts, everything from candles, Christmas jumpers, socks, games, handbags, books, DVDs and other items you no longer want.
BHF Deputy Retail Director, Diane Locke, told That's Christmas: "It’s incredible there’s £2.7 billion worth of unwanted Christmas gifts in the UK this year. Every year people receive presents that are just not to their taste, are the wrong size, or even two of the same gift.
“These unwanted presents can make an extraordinary difference to BHF shops. We’re encouraging people to donate their unwanted gifts and help raise vital funds in the fight against heart disease.”
For more information on BHF shops and to locate your nearest shop visit: www.bhf.org.uk or call 0844 412 5000.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year
Joyeux Noël et une bonne et heureuse nouvelle année
Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo e prospero
メリークリスマスとハッピーで豊かな新年
Glædelig jul og et godt og lykkebringende nytår
Feliĉan Kristnaskon kaj feliĉan kaj prosperan Novan Jaron
Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku i dostatniej
Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches und erfolgreiches neues Jahr
Feliz Navidad y un feliz y próspero año nuevo
Nadolig Llawen a Hapus a ffyniannus Blwyddyn Newydd
Nollaig Shona agus Shona agus níos rathúla Athbhliain
Et bene ac feliciter anni Christmas
圣诞快乐和新年
Prettige kerstdagen en een gelukkig en voorspoedig Nieuwjaar.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers
Now you can read That's Christmas in your own language!
So when we say Merry Christmas, you will be able to read it as Merry Christmas in your own language.
This is just one of the ways that we at That's Christmas (basically my wife and myself) are working to provide our readers with an enhanced and improved service.
Looking for something different in the Twixtmas and New Year period?
A former milking parlour sleeping four near the Somerset village of Wookey and the famous caves at Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge is available for New Year week from Monday, 29th December.
When the children aren't busy exploring the caverns underground they can play table tennis in the games room alongside the cottage. The cathedral city of Wells and Glastonbury with its tor are also within easy reach for days out.
Newly converted using sympathetic local materials and preserving many original features, the smartly furnished cottage has oak beams and high vaulted ceilings. It’s priced at £584 for each week through West Country Cottages, to book call 01803 814000 or visit www.westcountrycottages.co.uk.
The Milking Parlour sleeps 4 for year 2014 | Helpful Holidaysphoto of Holiday cottages in Wookey, Somerset | The Milking Parlour sleeps 4 for year 2014 | Helpful Holidays
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A stylish barn conversion for four at Kentisbury Ford on the edge of Exmoor National Park, North Devon is available for Christmas and New Year weeks from Saturday 20th and 27th December.
Inside Pipistrelle Cottage is fresh and bright with an open plan living area, striking blue and white seating and beamed ceilings throughout making a welcome return after a day out. The coast is around five miles at Combe Martin. It’s priced at £497 per week (£124 pppw) during the festive season; to book call 01803 814000 or visit www.westcountrycottages.co.uk.
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Shop While You Pit-Stop This Christmas! Welcome Break Is 2014’s Go-To Destination For Last Minute Gifts
The volume of drivers stopping at a Welcome Break service station over Christmas has increased year-on-year over the past four years, and last year an incredible 43,000 cars used Welcome Break on Christmas Day, alone.
All 27 Welcome Break sites will be open for the full 24 hours of Christmas Day, so this means they are a remarkable and highly valuable resource for those travelling between their families and friends on the big day, or even those who have to work on Christmas Day.
Keeping this in mind,Welcome Break has put together a list of the Top 10 gifts that can be bought now at its sites nationwide, from a range of popular and high end brands like Starbucks, Baylis & Harding, Burt’s Bees and Hope & Greenwood.
There’s sure to be the perfect gift for everyone you can think of, be they a beauty mad teen or the foodie who appreciates the finer things in life:
1. For the coffee addict: Starbucks red Rudolph mug (£12.95) with Christmas coffee (£5.95 for 250g)
2. For the niece and nephews: Top Trumps sets (two for £10 at WH Smith)
3. For the beauty addict: Baylis & Harding Beauticology Gingerbread foot set (£8 at WH Smith)
4. For those with a sweet tooth: Krispy Kreme festive dozen (£10.95 for 12)
5. For the foodie: Heston from Waitrose Chocolate Christmas Cake (£16)
6. For the worn-out parent: Hope & Greenwood cuddle up Christmas set (£12 from Waitrose)
7. For the kids: Wallace Christmas Bear (£10 from Waitrose)
8. For the gardener: Royal Horticultural Society Wax Lyrical candle and diffuser gift set (£11.25 from Waitrose)
9. For the little princess: Tangled DVD (£9.99) and Brave DVD (£9.99, both from WH Smith)
10. For the host: Christmas rose gift (£6 from Waitrose)
Rod McKie, who is the CEO of Welcome Break told That's Christmas: “With more and more people travelling between friends and relatives on December 25th, we've seen visitor numbers increasing to the tune of around 12% year on year. When you throw increasingly busy lifestyles into the mix, then it’s understandable that Welcome Break is becoming a top destination for last minute shoppers who want to find high quality gifts on the last leg of their Christmas journeys.
“Fortunately the increasingly wide range of premium brands we have on site at Welcome Break, like Starbucks, Waitrose, and WH Smith, all offer a vast range of gift options so our customers are sure to find something for everyone.”
EDITOR: WH Smith, forecourt and toilet facilities will be open at every Welcome Break on Christmas Day for the full 24 hour period. Starbucks and Waitrose will be open, but please be aware that times will vary from site-to-site, but the core hours will be 8am – 10pm. But all sites will have hot drink facilities available whatever the individual store opening times.
Items mentioned above will, of course, be subject to availability. Stock and pricing may vary from store to store
Welcome Break has recently announced a new partnership with the Subway, and branches have opened at ten Welcome Break locations to date. It has also partnered with salad bar brand Tossed and has two units now open at Birchanger Green and South Mimms. Welcome Break also operates 29 Days Inn and Ramada hotels across the UK motorway network.To find out where the stores and hotels are located, please visit http://www.welcomebreak.co.uk.
That's Christmas has a sneaky idea. If you suddenly realise that you are short of a present, perhaps something is broken, or you find out at the last minute that your family's version of Uncle or Aunt Scrooge, after years of declining invitations to spend Christmas with you has, with the assistance of some Christmas Spirits (Scotch or Gin, perhaps?) why not get in your car, go to the nearest Welcome Break facility, buy a suitable replacement or emergency Chirstmas present and you'll be the family Christmas hero for years to come!
And all with the help of those unsung heroes and heroines, the Welcome Break staff who will be sacrificing some of their Christmas Day to make sure that your Christmas Day goes well.
Germany tops the league for Christmas markets and delicacies
A survey for Europe’s top ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, shows that we Britons think Germany has the best Christmas markets, with Munich and Cologne topping the city leader board as first and second respectively.37% of those polled rated German Christmas markets as the best, which was head and shoulders above the UK with 8% of the vote. Belgium came third with 6% of the vote and France only received 3%.
Bruges came third overall as being the city with the best Christmas markets with just over 6% of the vote. This wasn't true for all ages, however, as Paris came top of the list with younger people aged 16-24 years old, with a fifth of respondents citing the French capital as the best festive city, compared to just 1% of older people aged 55 years old and over.
Why visit?
When asked what would motivate people to visit a European Christmas market, going away as part of a mini break came out as the most popular choice (48%), followed by the desire to experience local traditions (37%) and a quarter (24%) cited indulging in European delicacies, that are not widely available in the UK, as a key motivator. Interestingly, one of the most popular reasons given by the younger generation (16-24 year olds) to visit was to have a ‘magical experience’, with 41% giving that as a key motivation, compared to just 29% of those aged 55 years old and over. Over a quarter (28%) of those surveyed also said that buying presents was a key reason for visiting the markets.
UK knowledge of European delicacies
Most people were able to identify where traditional European delicacies originated from, with German Stollen being the most recognisable with 83% of the vote, followed by France’s Pain D’épices (82%) and Dutch Advocaat had 51% recognition. Generally, people over 34 years old had a greater recognition of the traditional foods from other European countries than their younger counterparts. For example, 83% of the older generation of 55 years and older had heard of Advocaat, compared to only a quarter (27%) of 16-24 year olds. Similarly, more than two-third of the over 45s were familiar with Panettone, compared to just a quarter of 16-24 year olds. Denmark’s Ris a l’amande was the least known treat with only 6% of respondents having even heard of it.
Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, says: “Over the last few years we have noticed a greater interest in European Christmas markets and I was not surprised that nearly three quarters of those asked would like to visit one. One of the great things about travelling by car and ferry is that there are no luggage restrictions, so picking up special presents and delicious Christmas food and drink is easy. With our ferry routes into Holland and northern France, travelling to the European Christmas markets is also easier and more affordable than you might think, and we have some great Christmas market short breaks available on our Newcastle to Amsterdam service.”
DFDS Seaways operates 50 sailings a day between the UK and France, as well as daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam, providing flexible crossing times and convenient travel options. All DFDS Seaways ferries are equipped with a range of high quality onboard facilities so your holiday starts as soon as you board the ferry.
www.dfds.co.uk.
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