New skincare products that are dreamy and ethical and just right for Christmas

These products are handmade in Oxford, the world-famous City of Dreaming Spires.

Sitaarah’s products are created and formulated employing only high quality sustainably-sourced organic and natural ingredients.

All are vegan, cruelty-free and contain no artificial colours or fragrances. So will make ideal Christmas gifts for the person in your life who loves skincare products.

Atiqa Rana, Sitaarah’s co-founder, said: “We’re all about making you feel good,  physically and mentally, which is why we choose the ingredients that go into our products so very carefully.

“Our products are effective and uncomplicated. The oils we use in each one balance each other perfectly and work in harmony with each other to produce maximum results for your skin and for your wellbeing.

“The aim with all our products is that they will lift your mood as well as leaving your skin feeling healthy, nourished and glowing.”

Sitaarah’s seven products are:

Radiance Face Oil

Golden Argan oil, with wholesome Rosehip Seed oil, packed full of vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants to rejuvenate your skin, combined with an uplifting essential oil blend of Juniper Berry, Rose Geranium and Lavender to produce a lightly reviving aroma. These essential oils have purifying, cleansing and invigorating properties. Easing tension and lifting your mood while leaving your skin radiant, vibrant and supple.

Vitality Body Oil

Golden Argan oil and indulgent Sweet Almond oil, rich in vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids to nourish and soften your skin, combined with an uplifting essential oil blend of Lemongrass, Juniper Berry, Patchouli and Rose Damascena to produce a wonderfully fresh citrus fragrance. These essential oils have invigorating, rejuvenating and stimulating properties. Cleansing, detoxifying and tightening the skin, leaving it feeling supple, glowing and healthy.

Vitality Body Scrub

Made from an exfoliating base of finely ground pink Himalayan salt crystals, containing over 80 minerals and trace elements vital to the health of your skin. The salt crystals are drenched in a blend of golden Argan oil and indulgent Sweet Almond oil, rich in vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids to nourish and soften your skin. Then uplifting Lemongrass, Juniper Berry, Patchouli and Rose Damascena essential oils to produce a wonderfully fresh citrus fragrance. This combination of salt and oils with invigorating, rejuvenating and detoxifying properties will soften, nourish and polish your skin. Leaving it feeling supple and glowing, while encouraging good circulation.

Tranquility Body Oil

Golden Argan oil and silky Coconut oil, full of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to soothe and enrich your skin, combined with a calming essential oil blend of Lavender, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood to produce a gently warm and heady aroma. These essential oils have relaxing, balancing and harmonising properties. Nourishing, regenerating and toning your skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and radiant.

Tranquility Body Scrub

Made from an exfoliating base of finely ground pink Himalayan salt crystals, containing over 80 minerals and trace elements vital to the health of your skin. The salt crystals are lightly moistened with a blend of golden Argan oil and silky Coconut oil, full of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to soothe and enrich your skin. Then calming Lavender, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood essential oils produce a gently warm and heady aroma. This combination of salt and oils with relaxing, balancing and harmonising properties will soften, nourish and polish your skin. Leaving it smooth and radiant, while encouraging good circulation.

Uplifting Bath Salts

Restorative pink Himalayan salt crystals, containing over 80 minerals and trace elements vital to the health of your skin, including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium, infused with an energising essential oil blend of Rose Geranium, Juniper Berry and Lavender to produce a fresh, floral, reviving aroma. This combination of salt and oils with cleansing and invigorating properties will give you a gently uplifting and aromatic bath. Energising your body and reviving your senses while nourishing, softening and regenerating your skin.

Soothing Bath Salts

Restorative pink Himalayan salt crystals, containing over 80 minerals and trace elements vital to the health of your skin, including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium, infused with a relaxing essential oil blend of Patchouli, Lavender, Palmarosa and Sandalwood to produce a warm, earthy, sweet-scented fragrance. This combination of salt and oils with grounding and harmonising properties will give you a wonderfully soothing and aromatic bath. Easing your body and calming your senses while nourishing, softening and regenerating your skin.

Sitaarah was set up by Atiqa and Justin. Atiqa has decades of experience working in the spa and skincare industry, of running a company and formulating gorgeous products and treatments. Justin’s background is in documentary film making, with a particular emphasis on human rights.

The name Sitaarah means ‘star’ or ‘destiny’ in the ancient languages of southern and western Asia.

In order to maintain the highest standards of quality Sitaarah makes all of its products in-house with no outsourcing of manufacturing. This ensures that we control exactly what goes into our products and how they are made.

Sitaarah also provides a bespoke product development service for customers who wish to offer products and spa treatments under their own brand. We are currently developing a range of bespoke skincare products for a menopause clinic in London’s Harley Street.

You can check them out here https://sitaarah.com.

The Unexpected. An ideal Christmas present for the believers in your life

It's always nice to be able to seek out a perfect Christmas present for the believing Christians in your life.

Now you don't have to continue your the search because The Unexpected is here.

It's a new book by former top sports champion Iona Rossely and it draws on forty real-life experiences to empower and strengthen faith.

The Unexpected: A 40-day devotional for living with unexpected times is a practical guide on how to live in unexpected and changing, challenging times, written by former international sporting champion, Iona Rossely.  

This new publication is a continuation of her compelling story from artist, to speed skier, to endurance horse racer to author, as outlined in her previous autobiographical book, Racing on Empty (2020).

Walking us through a series of her personal experiences as Covid-19 hit worldwide, Iona’s devotional offers a roadmap for how to live with uncertainty by handing our tomorrows to God. 

Finding herself separated from her husband by lockdown regulations for the best part of a year, Iona remained living on their farm in Northern New South Wales, Australia, an experience that inspired her to write The Unexpected. 

Their home is also host to a unique gathering called Prayer, Praise and Pecan, a one-of-a-kind outdoor farm church, where she has witnessed many incredible stories which she weaves into The Unexpected.

In Racing on Empty, Iona shares her story which began in the high-octane world of competitive skiing. Iona excelled first as a ski instructor and then as a representative for Great Britain in speed skiing, securing the titles of 1986 Ladies British Overseas Champion and New Zealand Ladies Champion. 

A remarkable recovery from a life-threatening fall at 160kmph while speed skiing led Iona into a brief encounter with Jesus, but it was only when she hit rock bottom some years later as a member of the Irish equestrian team that she truly surrendered her life to God. 

Reflecting on her new devotional, Iona says, “My aim with this devotional guide is to help readers know that whatever the world throws at them, God has them firmly under His protection. Walking a supernatural life during turmoil is possible, when we trust in God, a path I am always learning. 

"When you hand Him control of your life, your journey takes on a new and exciting turn – don’t miss out on what God has planned for you. I hope this book will relate to many who may be asking the same questions.”

The Unexpected is available now in the UK to order from all good bookshops and online stores including Amazon UK, Eden, Waterstones, WH Smith and Blackwell’s.

To find out more about The Unexpected and Prayer, Praise and Pecan outdoor farm church go to http://www.ionarossely.com.

Happy Hour Without the Hangover Mocktails and Must-Try Cocktails With Boo Chi Kombucha

Kombucha is the beverage of choice for the health-conscious amongst us, but did you know, it also tastes great with alcohol, or jazzed up to create a delicious mocktail? It's great with booze, and it's great without booze, too!

A healthy cocktail is something we can all get behind and enjoy, so we can ditch the higher-calorie drinks and use kombucha to mix your cocktails and your mocktails. 

This superb modern mixer that's slightly effervescent, low in sugar and naturally contains probiotics and healthy organic acids is full of goodness and low in calories, too.

What is it? Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that may have many health benefits, from fighting winter colds to helping maintain a healthy digestive tract.

As kombucha is the star of the show, it's worth sourcing the very best and Boo Chi kombucha is Soil Association certified and brewed in small batches in the heart of the Devon countryside.  Order online at www.boochi.co.uk.

There's nothing difficult or complicated about making Boo Chi kombucha cocktails and mocktails. If you just follow these instructions using Boo Chi kombucha and you'll have a tipple worth raising a glass to!

How to make a Boo Chi kombucha cocktails and mocktails

Boojito – Low and No

Ingredients

300ml Boo Chi – Fresh Mint to Revive 

60ml white rum (any brand)

Juice of 1 lime

Small handful mint leaves, plus extra sprig to serve

Method

Muddle the lime juice, and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of ice.

Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with Boo Chi fresh mint to revive garnish with mint and serve.

The Original - Go For It" – Low and No 

Ingredients 

300ml Boo Chi – Original to Balance 

50ml Vodka (any brand)

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Selection of Fresh Berries (recommend blueberries, strawberries and pomegranate)

Method 

Fill a highball glass or other large cocktail glass with crushed ice 

Pour in vodka and a squeeze of lemon juice and stir

Pour the original kombucha over the top and garnish with a selection of fresh berries

Ginger Thistle – Low and No

Ingredients

200ml Boo Chi - Fresh Ginger to Reignite

50ml vodka (any brand)

Squeeze of fresh orange

Handful of crushed ice

Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger

Method

Mix together the ginger kombucha, vodka, orange juice, and crushed ice. 

Add all ingredients to a tall glass (high ball) and garnish with a slice of fresh ginger and glass straw to serve.

Strawberry Negroni – Low and No

Ingredients

125ml Boo Chi – Fresh Strawberry to Revive

50ml Gin (any brand)

25ml Campari

10ml lemon juice

Strawberry/Lemon Wedge to garnish

Method

In a large glass mix together the gin, Campari and lemon juice, add ice cubes and pour fresh strawberry kombucha over the top gently stirring as you go.  Garnish with a lemon slice/wedge and one fresh strawberry.

Ginsing Mezcal – Low and No

Ingredients

150ml Boo Chi – Korean Ginseng to Boost

50ml Mezcal (any brand)

1 grapefruit and lime juice

½ tsp honey or agave (any brand)

Coarse Salt

Lime to garnish

Method

First squeeze both the grapefruit and lime juice into a shaker and mix together, then add the mezcal and honey or agave, add one ice cube and shake until cold. 

Rim the glass with salt and add one ice cube to the glass (this isn't necessary if you don't want to pour over ice)

Pour in the mescal and top up with Korean ginseng kombucha

Garnish with any herbs and a lime slice

Original spice – Low and No

Ingredients

300ml Boo Chi – Original to Balance

50ml Vodka (any brand)

Squeeze fresh orange 

2-4 drops orange bitters

Orange slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

Fill a highball glass or other large cocktail glass with crushed ice

Pour in freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka and stir

Top off with the original kombucha, a few drops of the bitters, and garnish the glass with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

 

Turmeric Fizz – Low and No

Ingredients

300ml Boo Chi – Turmeric to Brighten

50ml Gin (we would recommend spiced Ophir)

Slice of orange and ginger to garnish

Method

Fill a highball glass or other large cocktail glass with crushed ice

Pour the spiced gin and also the kombucha directly into the glass and stir

Garnish with orange

Boo Chi Kombucha's Mixed Pack (12 bottles £38)

Boo Chi Kombucha's mixed pack contains 12 bottles of delicious and refreshing organic drinks, each made with Soil Association certified products.

Boo Chi Kombucha is a premium organic product brewed in small batches in the heart of the West Country of England, rural Devon to be precise. 

It's a tonic filled with goodness delivering good bacteria, vitamins and enzymes for a happy, healthy gut. It tastes delicious, has incredible health benefits and is certain to spread feelings of wellness and vitality, so it's an ideal drink for the Christmas and New Year party season.

Boo Chi Kombucha is naturally low in sugar with organic herbs and spices adding flavour, and it's patiently brewed to reach perfect pH levels for optimum taste and health balance.

After drinking it helps give a feeling of energy, lightness and brightness and is renowned as a natural elixir.

Boo Chi Kombucha is the perfect non-alcoholic alternative offering that is low in sugar and calories but has a wonderful taste.

The Boo Chi Kombucha range offers six different brews, each slightly different depending on the music that has been played.

Order online at www.boochi.co.uk

Luxury Dog Collars And Dog and Cat Beds For Christmas from SNUGBUMS

These are premium quality leather and jet black hair on hide dog collars. They are beautifully finished with solid brass hardware with their signature Logo on the pebbled leather keeper and foil gold embossed logo on the inside. 

These soft leather collars really do make a huge statement and come in a variety of sizes:

 XS - 28cm - 35cm £35

S - 35cm - 42cm £40

M - 39cm - 48cm £45

L - 48cm - 57cm £50

Their luxury leather dog collars are hand made in the UK using the finest leather crafting materials. The collars have a soft Nubuck leather lining with their logo gold embossed into the hide. 

The hair on hide is extremely durable and easy to keep clean. The brass hardware can be polished up for a high shine whenever you feel it need a little extra sparkle.

Also available from SNUGBUMS are Posh Pets at CHRISTMAS;

Luxury faux fur pet beds with removable covers and waterproof inners entirely made in the UK.

Give your furry friend the very best SNUGBUMS  has to offer with one of the finest dog beds available today. The classic donut pet bed has had a serious upgrade.

Representing the height of style and comfort, see them relax into a sumptuous and dreamy nights sleep in this deep filled premium pet bed. The extra padded sides make this the best pet bed for anxiety, so your dogs and cats can snooze peacefully.

For sustainable luxury, the Black Beauty is entirely sourced and produced in the UK. The luxury brown faux fur pet bed has removable covers and wipeable waterproof inners for fresh, clean easy maintenance, so that every nap is as special as the first. 

Your pets will thank you later!

SIZES

Small 43cm x 15cm (24cm inner cushion) £95 Tea Cup Yorkies, Chihuahuas and small cats

Medium 65cm x 25cm (35cm inner cushion) £135 Larger cats, Terriers, Pugs, Frenchies, Cavapoos

Large 85cm x 35cm (50cm inner cushion) £195 Spaniels, Labs, Dalmatians, English Buldogs

For stockist details call 07854383489 or visit www.snugbums.co.uk.

Maldon Salt Sloe Gin Pomegranate Fizz

Serves: 2 people 

Ingredients:

• 100ml sloe gin

• 75ml pomegranate juice

• 25ml lemon juice

• 40ml sugar syrup

• 2 egg whites

• 50ml champagne 

Method:

1. Place the sloe gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white in a shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Then add ice to the shaker and shake again for 30 seconds until it feels cold. 

2. Strain into the coupe glass and then top with champagne. The egg white fill form on top. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and some pomegranate seeds. 

We believe that this is an absolutely deal Christmas period Fizz drink. And if need to make it for more than two people, That's Christmas suggests increasing the stated ingredients to provide more fizz for your guests. It might make a lovely cocktail jug, perhaps? 

New Christmas Crackers with candles are here

Launched just this week, these crackers have been flying off the shelves, even in October!

The launch collection contains 4 designs, which are all intended to make your Christmas table look fabulous.⁠

Eco and vegan friendly, recyclable, and with plastic free gifts, sure, but the even best bit? ⁠Inside each one is a luxury scented candle, a different candle for each guest. Candles in a Cracker? Yes. Dreams DO come true!

There are four stunning designs in the first collection. 

The Butterfly Christmas Crackers, The Christmas Wreath Crackers, The Christmas Lady Crackers and The Christmas Jewels- each illustrated by Chase and Wonder Founders, David & Faye Aspinall, with the aim of creating a elegant element to your place setting

£55 for a box of six.

Contains Luxury Scented Candles

https://www.chaseandwonder.com/collections/christmas-crackers.

Affiliate networking, available please ask!

Chase and Wonder have been making delightful luxury gifts since 2010. All of their products are proudly Made in Great Britain, and all illustrations are created by the Founders, David & Faye Aspinall.

They're a small, vibrant company that values the quality of their products and customer service above al else.

They were at the forefront of creating decorative ceramic candles (since 2016), and were the first company in the world to introduce refills for their candles.

They're based in a converted cowshed in Rural England, Cheshire to be exact, where they design and create, as well as distribute their own fantastic products.

01829 732913 | www.chaseandwonder.com.

Send your loved ones the gift of a Penguin this Christmas

Say it with a penguin this Christmas, courtesy of  Lizbet Felt Creations

Lizbet says: "They are now available in my Crafter's Market UK shop. It's a gorgeous needle felted penguin, which is totally handmade in Shropshire with a lots of love."

Lizbet went on to explain: "Penguins are my bestsellers, so I just had to make a festive edition of them! 

"And I hope you think the Santa hat is a cute addition.

"The colour of the heart can be changed. I can also add an initial to the heart, if required.

"If you want me to add some twine to make this into a hanging decoration, just ask.

​"I must stress that no two penguins are the same, making them a truly unique gift."

https://www.crafters.market/shop/lizbetfeltcreations.

New Styles for the Christmas Season

New for the Festive season, M.M Linen have launched a stunning collection of art-inspired mugs, placemats and coasters, to complement their beautiful kitchen textiles range.

Curated from some of the brand's most loved floral designs, they're certain to add an instant touch of colour and joyful cheer this Christmas.

The coaster and placemat sets feature an all over bold print, while the set of two mugs have been cleverly created to carry a continuous print design when nestled together; so whether in use or sat on the kitchen side, these cups will always look stylish!

Placemats are £30 for a set of four, Coasters are £15 for a set of four and the twin mug sets are priced at £18.

Floral Fusions

Across the collection, you'll find a wonderful choice of colour and design, that works so well with so many modern and traditional home décor schemes.

Ideal Stocking Filler

Great as a stocking filler, table gift or a self-indulgent treat... the new range of individual fine bone china mugs come in a wonderful choice of colourful patterns, depicting intricate hand-paint original art pieces, which look great as matching sets or when mixing and matching across the collection.  Priced at £15 each

Mix and Match Gift Ideas

Take note of these fabulous stocking filler ideas.

M.M Linen’s notebooks make for a perfect small gift or thank you token.

Look to combine a notebook and matching fine bone china mug together, and create a pretty themed floral inspired present that's an ideal treat for those who love to take the time to plan out the year ahead, make a note of their resolutions or just sit back with a cuppa and jot down a 'to do' list.

Each notebook is priced at £10.

M.M Linen is a carbon neutral company, offsetting all emissions created from seed to store by investing into clean energy. All their homeware products come beautifully and thoughtfully packaged in sustainable packaging.

To see the full collection visit www.mmlinen.com.

Stockist details:

01858 810 023 | uk.mmlinen.com/

Christmas Gift Ideas from Mustard Made

Christmas Gift Ideas for the kids from Mustard Made

The Lowdown locker

Toy storage, bookcase, shoe cupboard, The Lowdown is the perfect place to pack away all your kid's bits and bobs. 

The can’t promise you’ll never step on a Lego piece again, but they we can provide a stylish way to store them!

The Baskets

Just what you need to fit all your kid’s bits and pieces! The Baskets fit neatly inside, on top or underneath your locker and come in a handy set of three. Perfect for packing things away or for creative play!

Mustard Made also have Gifts for Grown-Ups, too. 

The Midi 

The Midi was designed with a drinks cabinet in mind! She’s perfectly proportioned to make the most of her storage potential. Whether it’s cocktails, kitchen utensils or kid’s toys, The Midi will surprise you with how much can be hidden inside! 

https://uk.mustardmade.com.

Christmas Made Perfect with a LillyPuds Pud

With the Christmas season rapidly nearing us, what essentials are on your yuletide shopping list?

A must have for every properly appointed Christmas dining table and the fantastic finale to a fabulous festive meal has to be a LillyPuds Christmas Pudding.

LillyPuds was developed by founder Ali Lilly, who wanted to create a Christmas Pudding that was light, tasty and packed full of quality ingredients.  Not stodgy, dark and treacly!  

After plying her friends with tasters, the Traditional LillyPuds Christmas Pudding was born and off to the festive markets she went to see what the general public thought of it, too.

Soon it was clear that not only were the puddings a real winner but also there was a group of people still missing out on the true taste of Christmas and so the Vegan and Gluten Free puds recipe was created, shortly followed by the Without Nuts option too!

 After experimenting with damson gin, the speciality Plum Pudding was lovingly crafted and then a range of sauces designed to compliment the puddings, followed by a few saucy sponge puddings to complete the entire range.

After the public declared the puddings a winner. it went on to win a number of food awards, and Ali is rightly very proud of the accolades, especially the Great Taste Gold Stars for her Free From puds which are as moist and scrumptious as the Traditionally made versions. But available for coeliacs (such as my wife.) 

All of the ingredients used in a LillyPuds pudding are premium and responsibly sourced, the packaging can be recycled and is beautiful enough to be given as a present too, perfect for those foodie members of the family or a lovely festive hostess gift.

The puddings range in price and size, starting at £8.50 for two individual portions going up to £21.00 for the massive 908g- almost a kilogram of pudding. Yummy! The smallest pudding is perfect for one person with the largest serving an entire family. 

Stocked at independent retailers, farm shops and various delicatessens all over the UK and online at their website, https://www.lillypuds.co.uk.  They can also be found on Ocado, in Liberty’s and Selfridges throughout the festive season.

Luxury handbags for this Christmas from Sarah Haran Accessories

A spokeswoman for Sarah Haran Accessories said: "We create luxury handbags that fill you with joy! Our unique design allows our customers to buy a base bag, and then restyle it a thousand different ways with our endless range of accessories.

Therefore, this makes us a sustainable choice of handbag brand, complete with lifetime guarantee.

"Our small business has grown rapidly through our mission to bring joy to thousands of women during the Covid-19 pandemic on our Bags of Joy Facebook page. 

"We know most of our customers personally. And that's something many online businesses miss out on. 

We've just celebrated our 5th birthday, and we've recently moved into amazing new loft style office accommodation. After working from Sarah's home, we no longer had any space left for all of our handbags and our rapidly growing team!

For details visit https://sarahharan.com.

Top Five Candles to get cosy with this winter

My wife and I absolutely adore scented candles, especially over the Christmas period. 

So we were pleased to find out about options for some very fine sounding scented candles from Chase and Wonder.

Scented candles to help you cosy up to the colder nights, filled with essential oils designed to help us relax, unwind and get settle in to winter.

Here are the Top Five picks to help you get the most out of winter evenings.

1. The Library

Evoking mahogany shelves filled with shelf after shelf leather bound books and reading under the flicker of warming candlelight.

Aromas of rich wood, amber, pink pepper and pomegranate.

2. The Alpine Lodge

Evoking crisp snow topped slopes, a welcoming ski lodge, the sound of a crackling log fire and a cosy chair in which to relax.

Aromas of fir trees, pine needles, lavender, cinnamon, moss and clove

3. The Enchanted Forest

Evoking the scents of an ancient woodland, dappled sunlight, wild fauna and the rich scent of oak filling the air.

Aromas of cedarwood, smoked oak, birch and moss.

4. The Butterfly Lady

Evoking a sultry and elegant grace. Enticing you in with her seductive fragrance, and the mysteries hidden behind her eyes.

Aromas of aromatics, neroli, orange, lavender, ylang and cedarwood.

5. The Jungle

Evoking a wild and tropical land. Exotic flowers, foliage and birdsong fill the warm air, which rises to the towering canopy above.

Aromas of Eucalyptus, lush greens, Citrus, cedar wood

The candles are from £55-58 each and have a 90 hour burn time and they come in a reusable, Fine China vessel and are made with pride in Great Britain. And refills for the candles are available.

Stockist details call 01829 732913 or visit www.chaseandwonder.com.

So who is Chase and Wonder? It's an independent British Home fragrance brand which is focused on creating items that look as good as they smell. 

A spokesperson said: "We're based in a converted cowshed in the heart of Cheshire, where we design and illustrate all of the images that adorn the fine China vessels we use. 

"All of the items we create are made in Britain, and have been since our inception in 2010.

"We were also the first company to introduce refills for candles, and because our products are made from fine China (made in Stoke on-Trent) they are designed to last a lifetime.

"We're passionate about our craft, and believe we make the best candles and room diffusers in the world. If you have any questions, or would like more information, we'd love to hear from you."

New Affordable Poster Designs in Time for Christmas from Neonimo

Driven by popular demand for the designs and cost-effective options, Neonimo has just released their Luxury Large Giclee Framed Print designs in the more affordable Poster format!

These days, folks are pending more time at home indoors than ever before and discovering that our homes are four walls of endless possibility. 

With the cost of living crisis upon us, locating cost-effective ways to freshen up our spaces is a popular topic. An easy way to achieve this is to switch out the prints in existing art frames to create a new vibe instantly without breaking the bank! 

Top tip: keep old prints crinkle-free by storing them in the same frame, behind the new print.

There are 

12 new Poster designs (36 designs in total)

Sassy, motivational, funny and highly quotable typographic posters

Great for neon-aesthetic enthusiasts

Sustainably made only when ordered, printed on FSC 160 gsm paper

Fade-resistant water-based inks in bright colours

Proudly UK designed and made

– Comes in 2 sizes: A4 (£14) and A3 (£15)

– Free UK delivery for orders over £30

– 10% off storewide with newsletter subscription

* Frame not included.

Neonimo's Sustainability Focus

Founder of  Neonimo, Namalee said "We have a vision to reduce landfill through responsible end-to-end production using sustainable practices and materials to make eco-friendly products.

"We operate a made to order (MTO) model: MTO means we only start making item(s) once an order is placed with us. As a result, we hold no stock, nor do we produce products beyond what's needed, thus helping to fight against creating unnecessary waste on our planet."

She went on to say: "We use very little water in our manufacturing process⁠. Plus we keep our shipping costs and carbon emissions as low as possible, as everything is made in one facility here in the UK.

"We use FSC certified materials⁠ and our Eco Wear Collection is made from 100% recycled fabrics. 

"And we cut waste even further by offering fabric remnants free of charge to local crafters and DIYers.  And you'll be able to learn more about our sustainability focus on our website.

"We are a small independent brand, where all our products are proudly designed by Namalee in her London Studio, and made in the UK by expert craftspeople."

https://neonimo.co.uk.

Namalee explained: "Hi, I'm Namalee, designer, creator and owner of Neonimo. I live in London with my partner and accident-prone rescue cat, PoPo, who looks a bit like a panda. PoPo is also my studio hand at Neonimo.

Neonimo is inspired by neon lights and my aim is to inject sass and colour into every day life with my prints, gifts and décor. I’ve lived in 3 of the 7 continents (Sri Lanka, NZ & Australia and now the UK) and was born in another (Nigeria), so it's safe to say that I also get inspiration from the world in general! 

"Especially, I love local sayings and phraseology, and idioms fascinate me. I like incorporating these in my designs and having fun with them. The neon-inspiration really brings them to life and gives them that wow factor.

"Our company's vision is to reduce landfill through responsible end-to-end production using sustainability-conscious materials and practices to give customers eco-friendly products to make purchase decisions that are better for the planet. 

"Come and check out Neonimo's collections and find out more about us and our sustainability-focused practices at neonimo.co.uk."

The company offers newly subscribed newsletter members a 10% discount off their first Neonimo order.

Celestial Christmas Jewellery Molly Brown London

You can add a little sparkle under your Christmas tree with this celestial jewellery collection. 

Delightfully inspired by enchanted starry Christmas nights, this wonderful jewellery collection will add a sparkle to any girls Christmas morning.

They have added Birthstone Pendants to their offering just in time for this Christmas, the perfect introduction to gemstones for girls.

Who is Molly Brown London?

Molly Brown London is a British brand that creates classic keepsake girls jewellery. Discover a definitive range of Christening gifts, new baby gifts, bridesmaid gifts as well as birthday gifts and Holy Communion gifts.

Molly Brown London is Keepsake jewellery at its very finest.

Molly Brown London was established in the UK in 2006 by Erica Illingworth in 2006. When it was launched it was declared to be ‘Tiffany for girls’ by VOGUE Magazine. 

Erica's vision? To create a brand that was based on the belief that a piece of jewellery presented to a girl at any age should represent good quality British luxury.

The collections are designed in London and attention to detail is central to Molly Brown London. 

The vital essence behind the collections is that the designs are simple and yet sophisticated and as all pieces are adjustable, they can be loved and worn forever. 

Only sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil are used, with diamonds, freshwater pearls, coloured gemstones and birthstones adding precious detail.

A spokeswoman said: "This design excellence underpins Molly Brown London’s international success. 

"At our debut at the International Jewellery London show in 2007, the Jelly Bean design won the coveted Best New Product Award. At the UK Jewellery Awards 2009, Molly Brown London’s luxury gift wrap was described as “Some of the best in the industry” when the brand was finalist Jewellery Brand of the Year in 2008 and also in 2009."

Also, Molly Brown London offers a free Engraving Service for you to add that extra special personal touch yourself. "Jewellery is like no other gift, it holds our memories, a piece of Molly Brown jewellery is the perfect gift for a girl. A love of jewellery can be inspired at any age and hopefully indulged for a lifetime."

For stockist details visit https://www.mollybrownlondon.com.

Perfect Christmas gifts from Perfino

Are you seeking out the perfect Christmas gift? Can’t decide between perfume or jewellery? Then Perfino is the answer you're looking for, as it's both!

Perfino is an innovative natural scent jewellery brand with perfume and jewellery in perfect balanced harmony. 

Perfino combines expertly blended, 100% natural, pure essential oils with exquisite jewellery so the recipient can wear scent all day long without any nasty chemicals touching their skin. 

The solid recycled silver and 18ct gold vermeil, artisan designed pendant comes with six lava stones and 10ml of carefully blended natural essential oils, all of which are sourced from sustainable growers. One drop of oil on the stone in the pendant will give the wearer a delicate fragrance that can last for days. 

Each piece of Perfino jewellery is elegantly presented in its own luxurious gift box with a range of blends so you can easily find your favourite.

Perfino evolved from a deep respect for our world and a passion for natural scents. Everyone wants to smell great, but in a way that does right by our environment and the world, whilst also helping to sustain local artisans and farmers, and is clean and safe for us to use.

Perfino’s skilled artisan jewellery designers crafted a natural scent pendant made from 100% solid recycled silver. Inside the pendant sits a lava stone. 

The team behind Perfino has expertly, and exquisitely, blended pure essential oils to drop onto the stone so you can enjoy the scent all day long, creating your own personal wellbeing bubble. 

All Perfino’s oils are ethically and sustainably sourced from farms, fields and forests, by trusted farmers. 

Perfino believes that "less is more", that subtlety rules, that scent is for the benefit of the wearer not the room. 

Perfino is natural scent jewellery that is beautiful, functional and kinder.

Perfino is available from https://www.perfino.co.uk and prices start from £100 for a jewellery and scent set.

Perfino was founded by Kim Brookes. 

Enjoy a sustainable Christmas with Ivyline

You can purchase beautiful gift and home décor solutions created from eco-friendly materials from Ivyline.

Christmas shopping season is now coming up on us and many of us are keener than ever to source greener, eco-friendly sustainable gifts that can be treasured for many years to come by their recipients.

British supplier Ivyline has focused strongly on creating sustainable gift options in its new season's collections and offers many beautiful gift and home décor solutions created from eco-friendly materials like recycled glass, zinc, rattan, jute and seagrass. 

Ivyline products are widely stocked in home, gift and garden retail outlets around the UK and can also be purchased from the Ivyline website. And they make excellent Christmas gifts for the environmentally aware people in your life.

Stockist details: 024 7633 9180 https://ivylinegb.co.uk.

A doggone good Christmas gift for your dog from Ruff and Tumble

Introducing the very newest Limited Edition Drying Coat from Ruff and Tumble in dark Ebony with a lavish velvet trim in warm Chestnut. 

It'll make a luxurious winter style statement without the cliché of Christmas!

Dry wet dogs in understated elegance and for minimum effort. Natural cotton towelling in two layers wicks wet from fur faster than you can say 'Best Present Ever'.  

You can personalise it with your dog's name for an extra special Christmassy twist. Ruff and Tumble Drying Coats for dogs who love being dogs!

Sizes: XS-German Shepherd Dog for dogs weighing 5-50 kg. From £46.95 plus P&P. Use with matching Drying Mitts for legs and paws, £21.95 per pair. 

Double layered and nearly up to the elbow, Mitts used with a Drying Coat are the ultimate drying machine for your dog in this wettest and coldest of seasons. Their products are available online only.

A spokesperson said "At Ruff and Tumble we're very proud to be the market leaders in Dog Drying Coats. 

"Our high-quality, super-absorbent, double thickness soft cotton towelling doggy dressing gowns, with their unique, practical yet eminently stylish design, is what sets us apart from other brands.

"Everything we make at Ruff and Tumble is designed with dogs and their owners in mind. Our Dog Drying Coats, Drying Mitts, Bed Covers, Sofa Throws and Leads are the ultimate solution for managing wet dogs. 

"Our products are designed with care, and made from top quality cotton towelling, the Ruff and Tumble range is simply essential for dog owners everywhere.

For stockist details call 03332079960 or visit www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com.

Get the party going with this gorgeous glassware from Naken.co.uk

Are you planning an intimate Christmas lunch, a joyous Boxing Day bash or a wonderful New Year's eve party? If so, online retailer Naken.co.uk has got you covered.

The luxury retailer’s collection of glassware and carafes will be absolutely ideal for festive entertaining. And will make nifty Christmas gifts, too.

The collection brings together champagne flutes, wine glasses and cocktail vessels, plus a selection of nifty carafes that not only serve a very important practical purpose but also look fantastic too!

Brendon Haxby, who is the co-founder of Naken.co.uk, said: “Christmas is synonymous with entertaining and after the last two years of Covid restrictions, it’s time for us to go all out and really put on a soiree.

“This collection of glasses and carafes are all handpicked to bring some serious style to your festive gatherings.”

Prices start at £18 and are available now from Naken.co.uk

Launched back in 2011, Naken.co.uk combines luxury homewares with top rate customer service to offer an online shopping experience like nothing else.

https://www.naken.co.uk

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide from Spode

Give them a gift they will truly love and will treasure. For a Christmas gift for her and him, whether it be your partner, sibling, or friend, explore their wild side with our maximalist collections, Creatures of Curiosity and Zoological Gardens. Both featuring a blend of archive designs with a modern twist that are sure to send their heart fluttering.

With a choice of white and dark floral, snake, or leopard print, gift her a Creatures of Curiosity Teacup & Saucer, allowing her a much-deserved moment of bliss every day. Pair with the matching teapot and cream jug for the ultimate set-up. And for him, opt for a set of 4 Black Italian Espresso Cups to bring timeless style to their afternoon pick-me-ups.

Creatures of Curiosity Dark Teacup & Saucer – currently £28

Black Italian 4 Espresso Cups & Saucers – currently £83.50

Gifts for the host

With joyous celebrations nearing us, Spode have lots of treats for friends who love to gather loved ones around the dinner table. Find a cake stand and matching cake plates to elevate their afternoon tea game, including this mix and match 3-Tier Cake Stand from Morris & Co., or spoil them with new glassware. Our Christmas Tree Champagne Flutes are perfect for toasting the year gone by and for bringing in the new one, too.

Blue Italian 2-Tier Cake Stand – currently £41.65

Gifts for the home

Find gifts to suit trending interior styles:

Maximalism trend: Add a touch of colour to any occasion with the Zoological Gardens collection. Choose from a 12-piece dinner set, mix and match mugs in pink, green, and monochrome, or a stylish tea for one, and instantly elevate their space.

Zoological Gardens Tea For One – currently £60

New traditionalist trend: Give the ultimate gift with Blue Italian. Whether you’re adding to their existing collection with egg cups, a mug, or coffee cup, or starting a new love with a statement piece, as an icon of British pottery, any homeware enthusiast will be thrilled to pull some Spode blue and white china from their stocking.

Transitional trend: For those who love heritage design with a modern twist, a little something from Spode’s Morris & Co. collection will put you at the top of their gift list for years to come. A must-have for Morris & Co. fans, this set of 4 dessert plates come in mix and match heritage prints ready for the most delectable of tea parties.

Morris & Co. Set of 4 Dessert Plates – currently £35.24

Gifts for under £20

We all know a stationery-obsessed friend. Treat them to a Creatures of Curiosity notebook where they can note down dreams, gather memories, and everything in between. Pair with the matching laptop sleeve and travel mug and help them to create the dreamiest work-from-anywhere set-up.

Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug – currently £15

https://www.spode.co.uk.

A beautiful Florence lamp is the ideal Christmas gift

This Christmas, the beautiful Florence lamp will make the ideal Christmas gift for the eco conscious homeworker to brighten up their desks.

The Florence table lamp is a totally new lamp designed and made exclusively by Irish family lighting brand, Copperfish.  

The lamp is a small, elegant table perfect for an office desk, a side table or even bedside locker. 

Made using salvaged, storm-fallen wood, in this case Irish Yew, the timber in the lamp is estimated to be a few hundred years old. 

The lamp is named after the original, mother of all Irish yew trees which is found in Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh.   

The copper tones and aged brass fittings in the lamp echo the warm tones in the solid wood base. The bulb is amber tinted with a hammered outline emitting a wonderful, atmospheric glow that's gentle on the eye.  The bulb is an energy efficient, eco-friendly LED with a projected lifespan of a decade.

Each lamp is unique, hand-made and the colour, grain and finish of the wood will, obviously, vary from lamp to lamp. 

All Copperfish lamps are made using time honoured skills and the finest materials in their own workshop in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.   

This lamp is available to purchase online at www.copperfish.ie or can be seen in Copperfish’s showroom in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. 

Not only are they crafted from salvaged or storm-fallen timber and packaged in sustainable cardboard packaging, this is obviously the perfect, unique, and practical gift for the environmentally conscious consumer.

 

The Christmas present that will really make a difference

Do you want a small stocking filler that really makes a massive difference?

How many times have you taken your drinks bottle with you either in a bulky bag and it's leaked or, carried it in your hand with your keys/phone/wallet put it down and then left it somewhere? (It's easily done!)

With the latest stretchy bottle bag from Bottlesoc, you can easily take your drink on the go. With a fully adjustable strap, you can wear it over your shoulder, arm or across your body. No more putting it down and forgetting about it, just refill and go.

*Fits bottles up to 500ml

*Helps stop the spread of surface contamination

*Fully adjustable cross-body strap

*Washable

*Made from recycled polyester

Exclusively created by leading British designer Clare Davis, Bottlesoc was initially created back in 2019 to keep track of the school water bottles. 

The company has since grown from making a few of these Bottlesocs for family members and friends to sourcing overseas and taking on fulfilment back in the UK. 

Clare, whose background is in design and illustration says, "The response has been amazing! So many people tell me what a good idea this is and how it has helped them to drink more water on the go. I now have to stop myself running up to people I see holding a water bottle to tell them about it too."

For stockist details call 0796936958 or visit www.bottlesoc.com.

Clare Davis is the founder of Bottlesoc, a reusable, stretchable bottle sleeve designed to protect drinks bottles from damage. The Bottlesoc fits most 500ml bottles and has an adjustable shoulder strap to let you carry your bottle on the go.

Step over to the National Trust for your Christmas decorations

You will be able to make your home nice and sparkly this Christmas with the National Trust's unique festive decorations.

There's everything you could possibly want from a Christmas wreath for your front door, to table toppers, LED Glass Bauble Decorations, a cute woollen Mouse Nativity Set, an LED Lights Robin Decoration, a Set of 3 Hanging Woodland Characters, a variety of folding paper Christmas trees of a different sizes, fill your own reusable Christmas crackers.

There's a cute Santa Bee Felt Christmas Decoration, a wonderfully funky Hanging Angel Mouse Tree Decoration, scented Christmas candles, a Wool Mix Mouse Top Tree Star and more besides.

There's also a range of fantastic Christmas gifts including foodie gifts, drinks and much more besides.

You'll be able to find out more at your nearest National Trust property shop (subject to local availability)  or via their online shop here https://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Maldon Salt Preserved Lemon, Honey, and Ginger Bundt Cake

An ideal festive treat brought to you by Maldon Salt. The Preserved Lemon, Honey, and Ginger Bundt Cake. Sounds absolutely delicious, doesn't it?

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes, plus cooling | Serves: 8 people 

Ingredients:

• 375g plain flour 

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground ginger 

• 1 tsp cinnamon 

• Pinch of Maldon salt

• 100g unsalted butter, room temp

• 300g caster sugar

• 100g Odysea honey 

• 100ml olive oil

• 4 eggs 

• 2 small Odysea preserved lemons, flesh & pips removed and roughly chopped 

• 50g stem ginger, drained 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Thoroughly grease a Bundt tin and tap out with caster sugar. Set aside. 

2. In a large bowl mix together the plain flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and Maldon salt. 

3. In a food processor, add the preserved lemon and stem ginger and blitz together until it forms a nearly smooth paste. 

4. In a stand mixer, add the softened butter and sugar and beat together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Then add the honey, olive oil and preserved lemon ginger puree and beat again. Finally add the dry mix and fold through until fully incorporated and smooth. 

5. Spoon into the prepared loaf tin and smooth over the top. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until well risen, golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. 

6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Garnish with lemon slices and a drizzle of lemon icing.

If you don't have a bundt cake tin you should be able to easily purchase one from the homeware section of your large supermarket, cookware shops, or Amazon.

Festive period jobs: Tesco is hiring. All are welcome

That's Christmas has recently covered temporary employment opportunities over the Christmas period. 

And we are pleased to be able to share this job opportunity news from Tesco with our readers.

There's good news for job-hunting students and families looking to offset increasing bills and wanting to return to the workforce. Tesco wants to hear from you.  

This year Tesco is recruiting 15,000 temporary Colleagues all over the UK to help customers for coverage over the busy Christmas period.    

In the main, the jobs will involve working in Tesco’s Superstores and Extra stores for either early morning, day or evening time shifts, so prospective applicants will be able to find an opportunity that fits around their lives.

Rachel Bushby, Tesco People Director said: “We know times are tougher out there at the moment, so this is a good opportunity for anyone looking to boost their income over the festive period or who needs to find a stepping stone back into the world of work. 

“These Christmas period jobs have traditionally been popular with students looking to earn some extra money during the holidays, plus people who simply want to help their local community to enjoy a great Christmas. 

“The kinds of people we're looking for are those who work well in teams, are flexible and also love helping others and are prepared to make a special effort to achieve that.” 

The new colleagues will help Tesco meet high demand as customers look to make Christmas savings. Especially seeing that Tesco has just locked low prices on over 1,000 products until 2023, plus helping shoppers get exclusive deals on Clubcard Prices at the checkouts.

Once the seasonal period comes to an end, there could well be opportunities for colleagues taken on over the season to apply for any permanent roles that are available in Tesco stores.    

One person, who did that last year, is customer assistant Mehboob Ismail from Manchester, who works at his local Cheetham Hill Superstore. 

Mehboob, 50, was a machine operator for many years for another company but lost his job when the pandemic struck. 

Last November, a few days after losing his job, he applied for a temporary festive Colleague job and the great news is that he's still there, working in the store’s Produce department after nearly a year.  

Mehboob said: “I love being part of a bigger team and all the colleagues and managers are friendly and supportive. A highlight for me is being given the responsibility to look after the big seasonal events aisles during Christmas.  

“My advice to anyone considering taking up a Festive Colleague job? "Just give it a go, you have nothing to lose." 

“I found myself out of work at a very tough time but Tesco gave me a chance, at my age with no qualifications, and I am still here now as a permanent colleague, with job security and I love working here.”  

Anyone interested in a festive job at Tesco should apply to: www.tesco-careers.com/festive.

Be careful this Christmas! Experts release major fraud warning

According to UK Finance’s most recent ‘Fraud the Facts’ update, £730.4 million was lost to unauthorised financial fraud last year, in 2021. 

A further £583.2 million was lost in the same year to Authorised Push Payment (APP). APP scams involve the victim making an authorised bank transfer to a scammer’s account.

Scams are a huge problem in the UK, and across the world. Scammers are continuously developing their methods and techniques in order to bypass any interventions or growing consumer awareness.

This time of year is always more of an issue due to higher levels of spending. But this year, the cost of living crisis and the energy crisis are both giving scammers even more opportunity to con people out of their hard earned money.

This guide from KIS Finance goes through some of the biggest scams that you need to be aware of right now and over the next couple of months.

Cost of living

Scammers have been continuously exploiting the cost of living crisis by targeting consumers with fake discounts, refunds/rebates, grants, and free vouchers.

They are doing this to take advantage of those that are struggling with every day living expenses and looking for ways to earn more, receive loans and grants, or get discounts on anything from energy bills to grocery shopping.

Scammers have also been focusing on pensions, loans, and savings as people struggle to get to grips with their finances.

£400 energy discount scams

Scammers have been particularly taking advantage of the energy crisis as households across the UK struggle with rising energy bills.

From this month, all UK households should be receiving a £400 discount on energy bills over the course of the next six months. For the majority of households, the monthly discounts of £66 or £67 will be applied directly to the energy account or deducted from the bill.

Scammers have already been using this as a subject for scams in efforts to steal people’s personal data and bank details. They have been sending messages out to people, posing as energy providers, and asking people to fill in their personal details and the bank account that they want the money paid into. This can come as a text, an email, or a phone call.

Once the scammers have your details then they can use these to access your bank account.

It’s important to remember that you do not need to give your energy provider any details in order to receive this discount. The discount is applied automatically and your energy provider already has all of your information.

Any request for bank details in relation to the energy bill discount is a scam.

Shopping vouchers and discounts

Bogus shopping vouchers and discounts are a well-known trick and a countless number of this type of scam go out every year. However the cost of living crisis has seen people even more desperate to save money wherever they can, so this is making them more vulnerable to fall for scams like this.

Over the last couple of months there have been several scams involving fake supermarket vouchers and discount codes. Scammers have been posing as supermarkets such as Tesco and Lidl and sending out phishing emails to thousands and thousands of people. The email urges you to follow a link which will take you to a website that asks for all of your personal information and sometimes even your bank details, claiming that they need this information to send you the vouchers and/or codes.

In some cases the scammers will ask you to take part in a survey in order to win guaranteed vouchers instead. These have even been circulated on social media via fake pages that have been set up by scammers to look like an ‘offers’ page for well-known retailers.

It’s important to remember that you must never click on links or attachments that have been sent to you via an unsolicited email or text message. Also, if you see an offer like this then go to the supermarket’s website directly. If they are running a promotion or offering vouchers then they will have all of the details.

Pension Scams

According to UK Finance, the number of pension pots accessed for the first time jumped by 18% this year compared to last year. The overall value of the money being withdrawn from pension pots rose to over £45 billion (up from £37 billion YOY) and the number of drawdowns rose by 24%.

Pensions are being exploited by scammers as they prey on those of an older generation that are worried about the cost of living.

Scammers usually trick their victims first and try to gain their trust by offering to do a pension review.

Worryingly, a survey conducted by the FCA found that 44% of just over 1,000 people (aged over 40) would happily take someone up on an offer of a pension review. Almost half of these people said that positive reviews of the person or company would be enough to reassure them.

Scammers exploit the fact that a lot of people aren’t 100% confident in how pensions really work and how they can boost their savings. So the scammers try to gain their trust by explaining all of the ways that they can manage and boost their pension pot before asking for access or for any money to be withdrawn or transferred.

Some of the most common tactics that scammers use to try and get access to people’s pensions pots include:

- The offer of a ‘free’ pension review. This is how a lot of pension scams begin and they will usually contact you out of the blue and offer to review your pension to make sure that you’re getting maximum benefits out of it.

- How to access your pension pot early – this is targeted towards those under the age of 55 and the scammers pretend that they can help you to access your pension savings before you are usually allowed to.

The promise or guarantee of high returns for investing your pension pot. These tend to be unusual, unregulated, and high risk products which are usually overseas based.

- You must never take unsolicited advice regarding your pension pot and you must certainly never withdraw money at the request of somebody else.

Scams are always particularly rife during this time of year as we head towards Autumn/Winter and the festive season.

Scammers like to exploit the heavy shopping season over Black Friday and Christmas, so it’s more important than ever to be vigilant towards scams.

Black Friday

Although Black Friday isn’t until the end of November, deals offered by retailers are getting earlier and earlier each year so it’s important to start looking out for the different ways that you can be targeted.

One of the most common tactics that scammers use is phishing emails. They send out thousands, if not millions, of emails at a time with fake Black Friday promotions and discounts of well sought after products. They will usually make their emails look like they have come from large, well-known retailers like Amazon or Argos – retailers that they know will be offering genuine Black Friday discounts.

The links included in the emails will take you to bogus retail sites which have been designed solely to capture any details that you enter. The items that you think you ordered will either never arrive, or you will be sent something entirely different. The scammers will then disappear with the information you gave them to access your bank account or make purchases using your card details.

When it comes to Black Friday, make sure that you only shop through well-known, reputable retailers.

Christmas

Christmas related shopping scams are similar to those that we see going around for Black Friday. Because of the current cost of living crisis, we are expecting to see a lot of scams heavily focused on discounts and promotions this year.

It’s important to remain very vigilant towards phishing emails promoting Christmas discounts and also towards adverts and posts on social media. Scammers will often set up pages on sites like Facebook and Instagram to promote Christmas sales. They will use images of sought after Christmas gifts, like iPhones and Nike trainers, and promote massive discounts.

It’s very important to apply a common sense approach to Christmas shopping – if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. However, if you are interested in a deal that you’ve seen advertised, then go to the retailer directly through your search engine rather than clicking on an advert or a link sent to you via an unsolicited email.

https://www.kisbridgingloans.co.uk

(Image courtesy Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Maldon Salt Beetroot Cured Salmon

That's Food and Drink: Maldon Salt Beetroot Cured Salmon: Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: no cook, 3 days curing time | Serves: 6 people  Ingredients: • 1x side of Salmon (approximately 800g) •...

Looking for Christmas gifts for the gardener in your life? You need Simpson's Seeds

Simpson's Seeds is publishing the second book written by gardening expert Matt Simpson. It is called The Chilli Book, Lessons learnt from 25 years of playing with fire and it's jam-packed with all the information the aspiring grower of chilli plants could ever need. And we at That's Christmas believe it will make a perfect Christmas gift for the gardener in your life.

Readers will learn about the interesting history of chilli plants, how they can be grown in a variety of different locations, soil types and the like.

Readers will also learn how to construct and operate their own homemade hydroponic systems, how to process your chillies once you have nurtured them and grown them to fruition.

Learn how to run your own chilli cook offs, how to host your own chilli festivals, how to become a chilli farmer and how to make your own chilli sauces. The chapter in question even includes some award winning sauce recipes, too.

Read up on the development of new varieties of chillies and learn about the science behind these remarkable plants and on their heat and flavours. 

The book is priced at a very reasonable £12.50.

Whilst you are at it, why not order some chillies from Simpson's Seeds? they have a wide variety from milder types right up to super hot varieties including the famous (or infamous?) Carolina Reaper, the Black Naga and the Habanero: Trinidad Scorpion.

But Simpson's does offer words of advice and caution on handling these super hot peppers, let alone eating them!

Simpson's also has a stunning range of seeds and plants including their latest blight resistant tomatoes, vegetable plants, plants designed for gardeners to produce their own green manure and some delightful flowers, too.

Simpson's Seeds are based at The Walled Garden Nursery in Wiltshire. You can visit their website at www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk or you can call them on 01985 845004 during office hours.

Some new tasty Christmas gifting ideas from Asda

Asda has revealed a range of perfect Christmas gifts that'll help customers fill their loved one’s stockings this Christmas, without breaking the bank.

Ideal for family members, friends or work colleagues (thinking secret Santa gifts, here) or for a bit of indulgent self-gifting this Christmas, Asda’s range of innovative gift ideas include sweet treats such as Extra Special Belgian Chocolate Peppermint Fudge, and the delightfully moreish Extra Special Almond & Hazelnut Nougat, handmade with lots of amore in Italy.

Perfect for those, “what do I get the Mum who already has everything?” moments, Asda has unveiled an exclusive gin range, The Distiller. The range boasts delicious, creamy flavoured liqueurs, flavoured gins and a gorgeous Extra Special Botanical London Dry Gin, housed in a beautiful bottle and put a smile on anyone’s face.

Extra Special Belgian Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Indulgent, creamy fudge created in small batches, with peppermint, Belgian chocolate and a swirl of mallow for added sweetness.

Available in stores now.

Price: £2.00

Extra Special Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Nougat & Extra Special Almond and Hazelnut Nougat

Extra Special Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Nougat, hand decorated with freeze-dried raspberries and a drizzle of Italian dark chocolate, blended with whipped egg white, sugar and honey. Based on an original family recipe dating back to 1924, the deliciously decadent nougat has been carefully made in Caravaggio, Northern Italy.

Available in stores now

Price: £2.00

Lovingly made by a third generation, family-owned business, this award-winning Extra Special Almond & Hazelnut Nougat boasts the finest quality roasted almonds and hazelnuts, blended with whipped egg white, sugar and honey. A rich, nutty and maddeningly moreish festive treat.

Available in stores now.

Price: £2.00

Extra Special Free From Chocolate Truffle Selection

An indulgent selection of truffles, wonderfully flavoured for an extra special treat.

Available in stores now.

Price: £4.50

Extra Special Panettone

Extra Special Botanical London Dry Gin

Made in Yorkshire, Asda's small batch, hand crafted Extra Special Gin is made with nine botanicals, including locally foraged crab apple and gorse. Serve with your favourite tonic, ice and a slice of fresh lemon.

Available in stores now.

Price: £15.00

The Distiller range

Get into the Christmas spirit with Asda's new, exclusive and exciting range of flavoured gin liqueurs from The Distiller: Pink Grapefruit & Orange Blossom, Rhubarb & Ginger and Cherry & Vanilla and Passionfruit & Pineapple gin liqueur.

The Distiller also introduces new Raspberry Lemonade and Elderflower flavoured gins. Simply serve with ice, tonic and your favourite garnish for a delicious, fruity tipple.

Available in stores now.

Price: £8.00 Gin Liqueurs, £14 flavoured gins

Extra Special Blonde Cream Liqueur

A blissful blend of double cream and Caribbean rum with real Madagascan vanilla, white chocolate and caramel flavours. Rich, decadent and utterly luxurious.

Available in stores now.

Price: £8.00

Extra Special Chocolate Orange Cream Liqueur

A velvety-smooth blend of double cream and triple distilled vodka, with zesty Seville orange and mellow chocolate notes. Simply serve with ice in your prettiest glassware.

Available in stores now.

Price: £8.00

You can order your Christmas goodies from Asda at www.asda.com.

I rather fancy some of the Panettone and the truffles. I'm sensing a trip to our nearest Asda branch soon! 

What are the top Christmas toys for Christmas 2022? Amazon has the answers

Amazon UK has revealed the toys that are predicted to top Christmas wish lists at Amazon’s Joy of Toys tent, at Bernie Spain Gardens in London.

From Mermaid Friends: Hair Braiding Salon by CRAYOLA and Squishmallows’ Tally the Grey Cat, to Pictionary Air Star Wars and MathLink Cubes Numberblocks, Amazon’s list includes toys under £20, customer favourites, and tech-led educational toys.

And what's more, Amazon UK is generously donating toys on behalf of customers at the circus-inspired event to vulnerable children across the UK with charity Barnardo’s.

Ocean predators, airborne avocados and dentist kits: just some of the toys to make Amazon UK’s list of Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2022, made up of predictions by Amazon experts. This year’s top ten list captures the latest in toy trends including pretend play, top franchises like Star Wars, tech-led educational toys, and toys under £20 for both great value and fun.

Customers can learn more and shop Amazon’s must-have list at amazon.co.uk/toptentoys2022.

This year, hundreds of toys from Amazon’s Top Ten Toys list will be donated and delivered by Amazon UK and long-time partner Barnardo’s to vulnerable children across the entire UK, to help spread a little more joy and happiness this Christmas.

Stated Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry MBE: "At Barnardo's, we work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children. 

"Each and every day, Barnardo’s workers support children, young people and families who often are having to choose between eating or paying the bills. 

"For many children, Christmas can be a time of feeling cold, hungry and left out and it’s through working with partners like Amazon that we can continue to support families who are struggling, maybe now more than ever. Through Amazon’s welcome donation, our services will be able to distribute this year’s most popular toys to some of the most disadvantaged children this Christmas.”

Top Ten in the Big Top Tent: Joy of Toys Event in London

Girls Aloud star, Kimberley Walsh opened the Joy of Toys experience which will welcome visitors from 9am until 4pm, Thursday, 20th October. The circus-style event at London’s Bernie Spain Gardens on the South Bank, was open to the public offering free toys, free hair-braiding, face-painting, and more.

The one-day only Big Top Tent invited attendees to share a message or answer questions about their favourite toys. Attendees who share a message will also walk away with one of this year’s most in-demand Top Ten Toys (while supplies last), no acrobatics required.

The Greatest Show: Amazon’s Top Ten Toys for 2022

This year’s Top Ten Toys list from Amazon was created by toy experts based on the latest trends and fan favourites. In addition to the Top Ten Toy list, Amazon will have tens of thousands of toys available for under £20, because Christmas should be affordable and fun.

“At Amazon, our team truly live for the joy that toys bring to children, whether that’s delivered by the adorable Squishmallow Tally The Grey Cat plushie or through family fun in the form of Pictionary Air Star Wars,” said Matthew Redfearn, Toys Category Leader at Amazon UK.

“In a year where less is more for many families, we are offering options for all tastes and budgets this season, including tens of thousands of toys under £20 across Amazon, so our customers can find that perfect gift this Christmas."

He went on to say: "We want everyone to have the chance to experience the happiness that playtime brings, so hundreds of this year’s top 10 toys will also be donated and delivered by Amazon UK and Barnardo’s to vulnerable children across the UK.”

The Super Smile Dentist Kit is sure to make children beam as they try their hand at being a dentist in this realistic pretend play set from Melissa & Doug. With toys that inspire imaginative play trending for this year, Mermaid Friends: Hair Braiding Salon from CRAYOLA and the LEGO Friends Horse Show Trailer playset, an Amazon exclusive product, could also top Amazon wish lists.

The PLAYMOBIL City Life Recycling Truck brings fun to the fore with its flashing lights, removable roof and tilting bed for emptying the truck and a lever for lifting and emptying bins. Jurassic World’s Mosasaurus Dinosaur will bring movie magic to life and this massive prehistoric predator is also made from one pound of recycled plastic. 

Another franchise favourite also features as children can draw from the force and show off their Jedi drawing skills with Pictionary Air Star Wars, which features content from Star Wars, The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian.

Showing it’s not just films that inspire play, STEM and tech-led educational toys that facilitate at-home learning will be popular. MathLink Cubes Numberblocks from Learning Resources and Osmo - Little Genius Starter Kit, which combines digital and IRL play, feature in this year’s top ten.

The of-the-moment collectible which continues to inspire a TikTok craze will delight everyone from toddlers to teens as Squishmallows Tally the Grey Cat is soft, cuddly and cute. And for those who prefer family fun, Throw Throw Avocado by Exploding Kittens will lead to hours of games this Christmas.

The full list of Amazon’s Top Ten toys can be found at this link amazon.co.uk/toptentoys2022.