Unique and magical Christmas markets to explore

Christmas lovers searching for that wonderful festive magic and beautiful markets this winter are being given hints about where to find it.

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the world’s weird, wonderful, traditional, and themed Christmas markets.  

Why not celebrate this year in Dresden, the world’s oldest Christmas market?

From the ‘Grinchmas’ wonderland in Orlando to the tradition of ‘Los Reyes Magos’ in Tenerife and Europe’s biggest underground market in the Netherlands, these Christmas events and celebrations are must-visits this season.  

One of the best ways to celebrate at this time of year is to browse the Christmas markets and join in with the festive traditions different countries have to offer during the festivities.   

Whether it’s in the sun or snow, on top of a mountain or even underground, Christmas markets come in all different sizes and traditions. But they all give those magical festive feelings to those who visit, wherever they happen to be in the world.  

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “For many of us, exploring a Christmas market is one of the best winter activities for getting us into the festive spirit. But instead of visiting your local market this year, why not check out some of the most decadent and unusual Christmas markets that countries all over the world have to offer? 

“Whether you want to embrace Christmas by heading over to Orlando’s The Grinch-themed winter wonderland, or stay more traditional with Tenerife’s Three Kings Parade and the Santa Claus Village in Finland, there are so many different markets to wander around."  

StressFreeCarRental.com rated these Christmas markets as the most magical spots to celebrate the festive season this year: 

1. Orlando, Florida 

Fans of the classic Christmas film, The Grinch need to travel to Universal Studios in Orlando this year to experience the magic of the ‘Grinchmas’ wonderland.  

The life-size characters and extravagant displays transform the ‘Suss Landing’ Universal Park into the ultimate Grinchmas experience, topped off with a live stage show, Christmas lights, and food stalls. 

2. Dresden, Germany  

Dresden’s ‘Striezelmarkt’ is the longest-running Christmas market in the world and one of the largest, attracting millions of visitors each year - a definite trip for all Christmas lovers.  

With over 200 stands Striezelmarkt features traditional foods, drinks and lots of handmade crafts, this famous Christmas market also hosts fairground rides and a giant wooden Advent calendar in the heart of the festive city.  

3. Union Square, New York  

Christmastime in New York is a guaranteed exciting and beautifully festive trip. And no visit to the Big Apple in December is complete without heading over to the Christmas market in Union Square.  

The market has an abundance of food stalls, plus stalls offering souvenirs and gifts to get in the festive spirit. And for the true New York fans, a trip to see the massive Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree is just a short distance away, and visitors can ice skate on the rink below, after warming up with a hot chocolate from the market.  

4. The Three Kings Parade (Los Reyes Magos), Tenerife  

On the 5th of January every year, Tenerife celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The tradition goes that Los Reyes Magos bring sweets and small gifts for Spanish children overnight, and during the day families enjoy a festive feast together.  

The parade is a wonderful festive tradition to enjoy in Tenerife over Christmastime with camels, floats, dancers and local bands and market stalls. 

5. Santa Claus Village, Finland  

One of the most famous Christmas destinations is the Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland, the home of Santa. The Village draws in thousands of visitors every Christmas, who can meet Santa, his elves, and his reindeer.  

Santa Claus Village is also home to a large Christmas market featuring lots of traditional Finnish foods and crafts, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a reindeer ride or dog sledding. The classic Christmas village is also a great place to try and see the Northern Lights, which really adds to the festive magic.  

6. Valkenburg, Netherlands  

Valkenburg is home to the biggest underground Christmas market in Europe. This unique festive experience is in the heart of the city’s famous caves and turns into an extraordinary underground winter wonderland during Christmas time.  

The caves are filled with glittering and captivating lights and decorations, market stalls from local vendors, life-size nativity sculptures and decadent Christmas trees hidden away in the caves settled under the Valkenburg castle ruins.  

7. Mount Pilatus, Switzerland  

The Christmas market on top of Mount Pilatus is officially the highest in Europe. At over 2000 metres visitors must ride up on the world’s steepest cogway railway to experience the Swiss Christmas magic.  

The mountaintop Christmas market is set amongst the beautiful panoramic views and sells traditional gifts, handmade presents and tasty treats and is decked out in festive ornaments and lights.  

For cheap, hassle-free car hire to travel to festive Christmas markets and celebrations all over the world, visit www.StressFreeCarRental.com. 

(Image is courtesy of Tonda Tran and Pixabay)

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Fun Customised personal gifts

You can customise your own book cover art prints, for a personal and fun way to gift this Christmas!

Personalised gifting that's made simple and fun!

Just pick a Book Cover colour, write your own text and author's name, and then choose from three icons to fully personalise your unique Book Cover Art Print poster. 

https://www.beachhouseart.co.uk/collections/personalised-book-cover-posters

A spokesman said: "How to customise and some examples our team thought up... 

The nostalgic illustrated Book Cover icons are; 

- A Stork - great for new babies, or kids’ bedrooms. 

- Joined Rings - for love, engagements and weddings.

- A Dolphin - their original icon, it’s good for anything!

- Customisable Book Covers are available in 10 beautiful and modern interior colours

- Prices start from just £24 for archival paper prints (no frame), or £49 for hand-framed which is ready to hang

- Fast turnaround time; from order to shipping in just 2-3 days. 

- Eco-friendly inks, paper and wooden frames

"Personalised gifts are increasing in popularity as consumers seek out unique and meaningful products which will last, as opposed to tons of plastic goods and fast fashion destined for landfill.

"Our print-to-order art gifts are eco-friendly and sustainable and will give the recipient many years of smiles. 

"Personalising an art print for someone is a very thoughtful idea, and is not limited to just Christmas, think about; special birthdays, weddings or engagements, a newborn, a mother’s or father’s day gift and many more!"

Help save the world one Christmas present at a time!

Eco-friendly gift wrap from Wrapuccino returns with a new dazzling collection: festive designs printed on recycled plastic fabric!

Would you believe this furoshiki used to be a plastic bottle?

Wrapuccino, the green, female-led brand revolutionising the gift-giving industry, has released its new festive collection of rPET furoshiki giftwrap made from recycled plastic bottles. 

This year's stylistic inspirations are a blend of traditional splendour and modern chic, all on beautiful, slightly glimmery fabrics that will make any gift look extra luxurious.

Not only have these wraps been made from recycled plastic bottles, but are also reusable for many years to come and are extremely versatile and waste-free.

With fabric gift wrap, no scissors, sticky tape or ribbons are needed and it only takes a few seconds to make any gift look extra-unique. With their eco wraps, Wrapuccino put a modern twist on the ancient Japanese art of furoshiki which dates back to 7th century AD. 

Now their sustainable furoshiki gift wraps are available on the High Street, in independent shops all over the UK, but also in global departments stores such as Liberty London, Urban Outfitters or Selfridges, to name only a few.

Their success goes to show there's a growing customer demand for a greener, more sustainable alternative to wrapping paper.

www.wrapuccino.com

A spokesman explained: "We offer unique eco-friendly, reusable and multi-purpose Furoshiki fabric gift wraps. With Wrapuccino, we show the world sustainable gift-wrapping is not only possible but also that it doesn’t have to be grey and boring. Quite the contrary; though the fabrics are beautiful on their own, every time you wrap a gift you create a little piece of art that’s one-of-a-kind, without the need for any ribbons or tape.

"Handing a gift wrapped in fabric is extra special, you show you care on so many levels: about the person, the environment, but also about beauty, style and presentation. Effectively, you’re giving the lucky recipient two gifts. Each fabric is carefully handmade and finished by our talented artisans, which guarantees you will re-use it (or repurpose it) time and time again. 

"You see, our wraps are for life, not just for Christmas! Each wrap comes with a recycled name tag with this information so that the recipient can feel extra special. We love creating the warm buzz inside.

"We’re also the only reusable gift wrap that helps save the Oceans, as part of our profits goes to a UK-based charity protecting marine life."

A Meaningful Christmas Present For Less from Olive & Pip

Personalise Pre Loved Presents!

Olive & Pips Love Note Patches are a huge hit. They are the perfect way to show someone you are thinking of them, making them feel good all day long!

Did you know you can personalise Christmas gifts with them?

Their patches offer the perfect way to personalise a gift that's on a budget (£7.99-£9.99 for one patch or less in a pack). They can even be added onto something you or they already own or a charity shop purchase, making them also sustainable which is a perfect win win!

What could be sweeter for the children's grandparents than a present made extra, extra special with a personalised handwritten love note from them?

Why is it so awesome that you can add personalised patches to your gifts?

1. They can be popped on so many different things, so you can choose a gift you know they will really love

2. Handwriting is so personal, and these are guaranteed to make them smile whenever they use/wear their gift.

3. Your kids can get involved in making the presents so they will be even more excited to gift them

4. But, they are not just for children's handwriting. They can also make patches from your own handwriting, or the handwriting of a loved one who is no longer with you.

Eleanor wrote this beautiful note (shown) for her Grandma and decided to add it onto a lovely scarf for her. 

Eleanor used the Large Personalised Patch shown (which are better for longer messages like these), but they also have a range of other options including their smaller original patches and glow in the dark patches too!

The possibilities are endless, some of their favourite Christmas present ideas include being added to a snuggly blanket, the inside of a jacket, a picnic blanket, the inside of a bag, on their favourite jeans and of course Eleanor's lovey scarf idea. 

Iron-on Love Note Patches are available to purchase now on their website www.oliveandpip.co.uk in time for Christmas.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is in full swing

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is once again in full swing and is open daily from 10am to 9pm, except Remembrance Sunday (13th November) when the market will be open from 1pm to 9pm.

It will run right through until Friday 23rd December.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a much loved firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from across the UK and also Europe. 

Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign Christmas is just round the corner. The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street truly offer something for everyone.

It's actually the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a massive range of traditional good and gifts and a selection of tempting traditional food and drink. 

Try pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds which will tempt your nose and your tastebuds. And don't forget that you can enjoy these with gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or maybe a tasty hot chocolate? And now non-alcoholic versions of these traditional drinks are also available, too!

It's a fantastic place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square. 

And of course, whilst you’re there why not pick up some Christmas gifts for your family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to crystal lamps, music CDs, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery and much more besides!

https://www.thebfcm.co.uk/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market.

(Image courtesy Birmingham City Council) 

Great Christmas gifts from the Natural History Museum

Are you sorting out your Christmas plans and also want to make feel-good choices that support the protection of our planet? 

Then you'll find everything you could possibly need at the Natural History Museum Shop, with Christmas essentials and unique gifts to suit everyone, both family members and friends.

And items bought from the Natural History Museum Shop helps support the Museum’s 350 scientists and their vital, pioneering work, including finding solutions to biodiversity loss and the climate emergency.

This winter the Natural History Museum shop is stocking an exciting range of exclusive Christmas tree decorations suited to animal lovers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

The collection, which includes a dodo, diplodocus and a gorgeous stegosaurus, is the perfect addition for a truly roar-some Christmas tree, including the ultimate angelic T-rex tree topper. Sustainability is at the heart of the collection, and they're all glitter-free. (Which should please the vacuum cleaner!)

Dinosaur fans everywhere will also want to kick off the festive season in style, and the Museum will be back with another ROARsome new Christmas jumper design for 2022.  

Made in England, this year’s dino themed, traditional Christmas jumper is crafted using 100% recycled yarn, using post-consumer waste cotton to avoid water intensive conventional cotton farming, and polyester from locally recycled plastic bottles. 

The Christmas jumpers are manufactured by ethical knitwear producer Jack Master, a UK based and family-owned concern.

Available in unisex adult and child sizes, the jumper is a must-have for the whole family. A matching hat and scarf are also available to complete the look!

Call the shop on 020 7942 5494 or visit them, at www.nhmshop.co.uk.

Older generation says ‘stuff the stuff’ this Christmas

Over 65s will reject unwanted Christmas gifts this year according to a new survey undertaken by meal delivery company, Parsley Box.

So get it right or your presents risking being dumped!

Around 30% of the older generation either don’t want most of the presents they receive or won’t use them, while one in ten say unwanted gifts just take up valuable space in their homes.

And according to the research undertaken with1,000 people aged over 65, around half (44% women and 51% men) would prefer food and drink, adding ‘stuff’ such as make-up or craft kits being among the last things they want to see in their Christmas stocking.

A vast majority (70%) believe buying generic gifts is a waste of money while over half (57%) say spending money on ‘stuff’ is bad for the environment.

‘Stuff’ presents include those given for birthdays and other special occasions as well as Christmas and many end up in drawers and then being ‘recycled’ by being re-gifted to others, or given away.

Of those receiving gifts over the last year, nearly half of the over 65s admitted they hadn’t used at least some of those received last Christmas.

So, it’s no surprise that 30% have given unwanted gifts to charity and a further 13% have re-wrapped the present to pass on to someone else.

But some of those surveyed say they're just as guilty of making the same gifting mistakes, with 19% admitting they know some of the gifts they give will be unwanted. So what's the solution?

Parsley Box has investigated what the Over 65s really want,  and don’t want, this year.

How to Get it Wrong

If you want to be crossed off next year’s Christmas card list then buy your older friends and family cosmetics or craft sets, these combine to make-up around half of the least desired presents among the Over 65s.

How to Get it Right

If you don’t want to be met with a ‘stuff the stuff’ response when buying gifts for older friends and family, take heed of the Parsley Box research which shows:

The Top 5 most wanted presents including shopping vouchers (22%), Books (21%), Wine (20%), Chocolate or Sweet Treats (19%) or good old fashioned money (18%)

Around half those aged over 65 (44% women and 51% men) would prefer food and drink.

The dilemma of avoiding unwanted ‘stuff’ is easily resolved with a purchase from www.parsleybox.com which provides a full range of delicious delivered meals which can give the gift of more time to do the things you love. but also a wide choice of consumable gifts, wine, treats and more.

Choose from a wide range of food, drink and more – in the knowledge you will be making exactly the right choice for your family and friends in the over 65s age bracket.

Incidentally, Parsley Box off a range of nifty gifts that are ideal for Christmas.

parsleybox.com or call 0131 326 0131.

Have a tree-mendous Christmas

Did you know in the wild a Norwegian Spruce can live up to 300 years? 

A spokesman for Beards & Daisies said: "Yet each year, we invite one into our homes for up to just 6 weeks, before throwing it back out into the cold. 

"This year at Beards & Daisies said: "We’re encouraging you to go potted. Invite one of our trees into your home, dress him up for Christmas, and then keep him happy in your garden until it's his time to shine again!

"We want to help bring back a little of that childhood magic, with our Christmas trees delivered straight to your door, just like it's delivered by the big man himself! 

"No more bickering over which tree looks fuller. Forget that precarious drive home with your boot open and half a tree hanging out. No need to worry about hoovering out your car!

"At Beards & Daisies our team of experienced elves will pick you the bushiest, most gorgeous green potted Christmas tree and deliver it straight to your door. Leaving you plenty of time to get on with all of the festivities!

"Whether you’re looking for a mini tree to brighten up a sideboard or a tall 4 or 6 footer, ready to steal the show - with plenty of space for Santa to leave your presents."

To order your Christmas tress visit them at https://www.beardsanddaisies.co.uk.

Christmas Pudding: More Important Than Mince Pies?

This Christmas it’s all about the Christmas traditions as 92% of people are taking the decision to reject  the new fads and fashions for a traditional Christmastime. 

They want to enjoy the ritual of bringing out the same decorations each year and perhaps adding a few new pieces to add some extra sparkle. In fact, 67% of respondents use the same decorations with a couple of new bits each year, and creating a traditional Christmas feast with the usual favourites of meat, potatoes, stuffing and of course Christmas crackers, too!

With tradition being so important to us Brits, a recent survey (commissioned by LillyPuds), saw the Christmas Pudding ranked more important than mince pies for appearance on the Christmas table.

The same report saw 60% of respondents will have both a Christmas Pudding AND another sweet treat on their Christmas dinner table, 37% of people believe tradition is important when it comes to Christmas desserts and opt for an unadulterated indulgence; shunning “pimped up” puds for the fruity, boozy favourite.

A "must have" for every elegantly dressed dining table and the fantastic finale to a fabulous festive meal this year, has to be an award winning LillyPuds Christmas Pudding.

Made exclusively using only high quality ingredients and produced in England, LillyPuds produce scrumptiously light, fruit-filled puddings suitable for traditionalists and modernists alike.  

With a range of puddings suitable for those looking for a free-from offering too, LillyPuds produce Vegan, Gluten Free and Without Nuts options all which pack a punch in the taste department and their speciality Plum Pudding is orange free after orange allergy sufferers requested a pud they could enjoy too.

All of the ingredients used within a LillyPuds pudding are premium and also sourced responsibly, the packaging can be recycled and is beautiful enough to be given as a present too. So it's Christmas gifting perfection for those foodie members of the family or for a lovely festive hostess or host gift.

The puddings range in price and size, starting at £8.50 for two individual portions ending up going £21.00 for the gigantic 908g. That's almost a kilogram of pudding; so... yes please!  (That's just over two pounds in weight!) The smallest pudding is perfect for one person with the largest serving an entire family. 

Stocked at independent retailers, farm shops and delicatessens UK-wide, and online at the lillypuds.co.uk website.  They can also be found in Ocado, Liberty’s and Selfridges throughout the festive season.

So now the question of which dessert will sparkle on your Christmas dinner table has been answered, now you just need to decide if you’ll enjoy it with cream, custard, ice cream or brandy butter; sprinkled with icing sugar, doused in brandy and flamed, or covered in sparklers!

Christmas 2022 Essentials Sorted With Young Living

This Christmas, you should treat your loved ones, or even yourself (nothing wrong with self-gifting!) with these essential picks from the world leader in essential oils, Young Living. For the person that has it all, your gifts are now covered this holiday season with these fab finds below.  

2022 Countdown Calendar 

24 astonishing treats are now available with the 2022 Countdown Calendar. From fabulously festive oils to make-up favourites from the Savvy Minerals® line, this calendar offers you a chance to sample many of Young Living’s most popular products, with a fantastic overall saving compared to purchasing each item separately! The 2022 Countdown Calendar also features a selection of exclusive products that cannot be shopped anywhere else.

Very Merry VanillaMint Collection 

Whether you experience dry skin or simply want to enjoy some at-home pampering, Young Living’s Very Merry Vanillamint Collection offers pure luxury. Scrub away roughness and reconnect with yourself with the help of the sea salt scrub, which combines a pink Himalayan sea salt base with an invigorating bouquet of essential oils, aloe vera, and green tea extract. Put the finishing touch on your delightful moisturising meditation with the body butter, which uses mango seed butter, jojoba oil, and cupuacu butter for moisturised, soft, and touchable skin. The exclusive Young Living Vanillamint aroma uplifts and relaxes.

-Moisturising ingredients like mango seed and cupuacu seed butters deliver deep, long-lasting moisture for soft, silky skin 

-Exfoliates for healthier-looking and -feeling skin 

Includes:

-Vanilla Mint Body Butter 62 g 

-Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Scrub 97 g

Sweet Maple Bath Bombs 

Take a break from hectic holiday decorating and shopping and create a homey hideaway with a luxurious, Sweet Maple Bath Bomb-infused bath. Sure, it might be cold outside, but you can baby your skin indoors with Sweet Maple Bath Bombs’ naturally derived ingredients, including moisturising coconut and almond oil, magnesium-rich Epsom salt, and a complex, spicy-sweet scent to invigorate chilly nights and help you take a moment away from the cold and chaos. 

-Formulated with naturally derived ingredients to soothe and moisturise skin

-Formulated with Epsom salt, which is rich in minerals to help soothe and soften skin

-Features pure essential oils and a unique combination of moisturising tamanu oil, virgin plum oil extract, and Vanilla oleoresin

-3 per pack

How to Use: Fill tub with warm water. Drop 1 bath bomb in warm water and enjoy the relaxing fizzy and sweet aroma.

Winter Nights Essential Oil 5ml 

Cosy up your home as the nights grow short and the air grows cold with Young Living’s exclusive Winter Nights essential oil blend. This Young Living signature scent combines the cool, inviting fragrances of Northern Lights Black Spruce, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Orange essential oils for a blend that’s simply stunning ahead of the frosty winter season. 

Provides an uplifting, relaxing and serene aroma 

The scent invites the peaceful feeling of a cosy winter night into your home

Can be used during a massage for an invigorating, spa-like experience.

How to Use: Apply to desired area. In case of sensitivity, dilute 5 drops in 10 ml of Young Living V-6®. 

Winter Nights Hand Lotion

With Young Living’s new Winter Nights Hand Lotion, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the crisp, sweet, evergreen scents of Northern Lights Black Spruce, Peppermint, Cedarwood, and Orange as they come together in a delightful holiday combination, bringing to mind the magic of softly falling snow, the peace of crisp midnight air in winter, and the warmth of cosy spaces. Made with naturally derived ingredients, this lotion lifts spirits and moisturises hands, helping you to focus on all the best that the winter season has to offer.

Leaves no greasy residue.

Specifically designed to pamper dry skin, including problem areas such as elbows, hands, and heels

Protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth

How to Use: Pump on to hands and massage into skin. 

Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap

Young Living’s new Winter Nights Foaming Hand Soap combines the woody, cooling fragrances of Northern Lights Black Spruce, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Orange essential oils for a stunning aroma that’ll bring the scents of the season to your home. While both cleansing and invigorating, this soap is also intended to moisturise, helping to prevent over-drying all the way through to spring. 

-Lathers instantly for quick washing 

-Leaves skin soft and clean, with a sweet, woody scent 

-Contains naturally derived, plant-based ingredients

How to Use: Pump foam onto hands, lather, and rinse thoroughly. 

Puppy Ultrasonic Diffuser

Meet the newest Young Living diffuser, Sprout the Puppy. So adorable, Sprout will delight younger members of the family who already love the previous cute diffusers: Feather, Snowy and Happy. 

Sprout comes in a specially-designed packaging, making this gift perfect for the festive season. Featured is a nightlight and white noise function, separate to the diffuser mode. There is a built-in speaker with five different sounds, depending on what atmosphere is desired: rain, birds ocean waves, fan and lullaby. Make friends this Christmas with Sprout, an ideal addition to the family!

Includes: 

-Puppy Ultrasonic Diffuser

The Spirit of the Season Set 

In this magical kit, Young Living included both the stunningly festive Christmas Spirit essential oil, and the Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap, helping you to fill your home with warm and spicy scents that’ll make this a Christmas to remember! 

Includes:

-Christmas Spirit 15 ml 

-Christmas Spirit Foaming Hand Soap (236 ml)

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh (Commipihora myrrha) offers a rich, smoky, balsamic aroma that is purifying, restorative, revitalising, and uplifting. It acts well when use during meditation and includes one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes available.

Myrrh is referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Arabian people believed it helped improve the appearance of skin. Today, myrrh is widely used in oral hygiene products.

3 Wise Men Essential Oil 

Enhance your spiritual connection with this earthy and evocative aroma. Enjoy a sense of balance and bliss by dabbing on your pulse points during morning meditation. Revealing rich Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood*, moisturising Sweet Almond and grounding Myrrh. Or for a decadent treat, add a few drops into a hot bath, slipping into a pool of serenity.

*Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood is a trademark of Jawmin, LLC

The Gift Essential Oil

Capturing Sacred Frankincense, Myrrh and Jasmine for a rich, spicy and sweet day-to-night fragrance. Combining seven ancient oils that have been sought after for centuries for their soothing and calming scents. Try applying a few drops to your beautifying body oil for a sublimely nourishing and luxurious addition. This revitalising blend was inspired by the fictional character Shutran from The One Gift, a novel by Young Living founder D. Gary Young.

Christmas Spirit Essential Oil

This inviting aroma is a Wintery blend of Orange, Cinnamon Bark and Spruce. Cosy up with this warming aroma applying to neckline, enjoying the revitalising and rebalancing notes. Use as an easy touch-up to get you in the spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. Or you may like to add a few drops to your body butter for a rich and decadently spicy scent, for nourished, cared-for skin.

-Warm and spicy festive scent.

-Supports a feeling of happiness, joy and comfort.

-Add to body butter for nourished skin.

Young Living, also has an extensive range of essential oils that can be added to your favourite holiday recipes for a delicious kick of concentrated flavour.

With flavours ranging from Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, to Nutmeg, there’s something for every palette. Experience healthy cooking for the body, mind and soul - ideal for all dishes, hot and cold and both sweet and savoury.

Nutmeg+

What’s Christmas without Nutmeg! Whether it’s baked into spice cake or blended into tea, this pungent spice offers a warm, nostalgic taste and aroma.

Steam distilled from the fruit and seeds of the tree, Nutmeg+ essential oil food supplement has a sweet and distinctly spicy taste, making it a versatile essential oil.

Peppermint+ 

This delicious and versatile oil promises a bright, cool flavour and can be easily stored in your pantry at home. Thanks to this well-rounded product, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with your baking or elevating your favourite Christmas treats with this beloved and flavourful oil.

Orange+

Embrace the versatility of Orange Plus essential oil as a culinary tool by using it in your cooking to brighten up or complement dishes with its citrus flavour. Use it in baked goods for an acidic contrast to the sweetness of your favourite Christmas desserts.

For more information, please visit the Young Living website: youngliving.co.uk.

Asda launches fantastic Christmas sandwich range

From festive favourites to special new launches for this season, Asda’s range of  seven Christmas sandwiches and wraps is sure to get shoppers well into the Christmas spirit!

Asda has announced the launch of seven Christmas sandwiches and wraps, including a Vegan ‘No Turkey’ Feast Wrap and new Smoked Salmon and Soft Cheese Sandwich.  

Asda shoppers will be able to enjoy festive flavours like roast turkey, sage and onion stuffing and cranberry and port sauce, plus a very tempting gravy mayonnaise. (YUM!)

The range is a key part of Asda’s largest Christmas range to date, with 723 new items across the store.  

The full range is already available in-store and select products are available now.

An Asda spokesman said: "Christmas officially kicks off when the festive sandwiches hit the Asda shelves. And with the launch of Asda’s 2022 Christmas sandwich range, we’re on the Ho-ho-home stretch to the big day."

From festive favourites to all-new launches, with the Festive Seven sandwiches and wraps to choose from, Asda’s new range is sure to get Asda shoppers in the Holiday spirit.

New for 2022, Asda’s Salmon and Soft Cheese Sandwich (£2.50) is a must-try. Atlantic Farmed salmon is perfectly paired with delicious creamy soft cheese, cut through with a hint of lemon for freshness and layered between slices of oatmeal bread. A very sophisticated sandwich, indeed.

For those eagerly awaiting the Main Event, Asda’s Festive Feast Sandwich (£3) is an utterly perfect choice. Turkey breast, Cumberland sausage and beechwood-smoked bacon are paired with sage and onion stuffing, gravy mayo and cranberry and port sauce. It's a Christmas dinner in a bite!

Looking for something a bit different? Then why not try a twist on a classic? Give the Festive Feast Triple Wrap (£3.30) a try. Turkey and all the trimmings are encased in a delicious tortilla wrap, with the addition of spinach for a touch of freshness. (Wow! Sounds ideal!)

Asda are determined to ensure that no vegan is left behind, so Asda’s range also includes a Vegan ‘No Turkey’ Feast Wrap. A bar-marked wrap complete with succulent soya protein pieces, sage and onion stuffing, braised red cabbage, vegan sage and onion mayonnaise, cranberry and port sauce and fresh spinach. There will be no compromising this Christmas as far as Asda's vegan customers are concerned!

Nothing beats a Christmas leftovers sandwich, but why wait for Boxing Day to tuck into this iconic festive delicacy? With Asda’s Boxing Day Sandwich (£2.50), there’s no need. Smoked turkey breast and oak-smoked ham are paired with cheesy coleslaw and balsamic onion chutney to create the perfect Boxing Day bite, even before the big day!

Looking beyond the Christmas classics, the range also includes a Pork, Apple & Stuffing Sandwich (£2.50) reminiscent of a Christmas Market treat, and Brie and Cranberry Sandwich (£2.50) perfect for lovers of a Christmas cheese board.

The full range is available to buy in-store now, with select products also available to buy online at https://groceries.asda.com/cat/christmas/1215684243334.

Poinsettia season under way for Christmas 2022

They only really became really popular in the UK in the 1980s but now poinsettias are as much a symbol of the beginning of Christmas as mince pies and Christmas crackers.

And that’s good news for British growers who are taking over from the Dutch as the main supplier of the beautiful and vibrant scarlet house plants. 

One of the UK’s biggest poinsettia growers is Bridge Farm Group, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, who supply Tesco and who now grow more than a million a year. 

In fact in the last five years alone they have increased their supply to the supermarket by nearly 800 per cent. 

Tesco plant buyer Vicky l’Anson said: “When poinsettias first became popular as a houseplant in the late 20th Century we used to import them all from Holland, but now most of our stock is grown in the UK, with Bridge Farm Group our main supplier.  

“The British variety are more acclimatised to the UK climate, so not only do they involve fewer road miles by being grown closer to home, but they are also hardier too.” 

The poinsettia season is one of the shortest and they remain in stores for roughly eight weeks – from the end of October till the end of December.  

Bridge Farm Group Managing Director Louise Motala added: “Growing poinsettia at this time of year requires heat and we know Dutch growers have cut back on production this year due to rising gas prices.

“We have been able to manage our energy costs through the use of sustainable biomass heating, enabling us to continue to produce over one million UK grown poinsettias again this year and ensuring that consumers will still be able to buy this much-loved festive plant this Christmas.”

Poinsettias originated in Mexico where they originally grew much like a straggly weed. They got the name “Poinsettia” after Joel Roberts Poinsett who was a representative of the United States to Mexico as well as being a keen botanist. 

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Asda announces new range of speciality Christmas cheeses, starting at just £1

Perfect for hosting over the Christmas season, Asda’s new selection of a baker's dozen (13!) of speciality cheeses has everything from cheeseboard classics to innovative flavour pairings, ideal for spicing up your festive feasts. And they start from just £1!

Alongside standard and delicious Christmas classics, like brie and smoked cheddar, Asda customers will be able to discover new and exciting flavour combinations which include a show-stopping Double Gloucester Cheese Pâté with Sweet Chilli Jam.

The new range is available as part of the store’s largest Christmas range to date. 

Whether it’s for Christmas party nibbles or a Boxing Day spread, the cheeseboard is a pillar of the festive season. 

This Christmas, Asda has launched a new range of 13 speciality cheeses, including fruity fusions and flavour combinations sure to thrill any turophile.

Looking to impress? Asda’s Queso de Oveja con Aio Negro (Sheep’s Cheese with Black Garlic - £4) will wow any dinner guest with its distinctive veined appearance. A product of the La Mancha region where sheep have grazed for centuries, the Spanish cheese is blended with black garlic from a dairy in Albacete, then sealed and aged. The sweet and nutty cheese pairs perfectly with the balanced, tangy black garlic, which also gives the cheese its stunning marbled appearance.

For a show-stopping centrepiece, take a look at the Extra Special Belton Farm Double Gloucester Cheese Pâté with Sweet Chilli Jam (£5). This rich and creamy Double Gloucester cheese terrine is topped with a sweet and spicy sweet-chilli jam layer and set in a striking star shape, very much the star of the show.

A twist on a classic, Asda’s Extra Special Aged Red Leicester with Geeta’s Mango Chutney makes a sweet and aromatic addition to a cheeseboard, whilst the Extra Special Wensleydale with Fruit Infused with Cognac (£2) adds a tasty and zappy little kick due to the cranberries and raisins soaked in cognac that have been carefully blended with some tasty award-winning Wensleydale.

For those who enjoy fruitier flavours, there's Asda’s Extra Special Tuxford and Tebbut Potted Blue Stilton with Spiced Apple & Port Compote (£4.50)? 

Produced in one of Britain’s oldest creameries, hand-crafted Blue Stilton® is perfectly paired with a fruity compôte of Golden Delicious apples from Spain and Calem Velhotes Tawny Port, sure to get tastebuds tingling.

Shoppers can also find Christmas classics like a creamy Brie de Meaux (£3) and a rich and luxurious Smoked Cheddar with Wax Truckle (£1) as part of the range, meaning from the traditional to adventurous palates, Asda has it all fully covered.

The new range is available to buy online and in-store from 17th November.

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Thousands of local community groups could unlock further funding through Co-op and Crowdfunder tie-up

Co-op and Crowdfunder have joined together to offer thousands of local causes the chance to unlock additional funding to maintain and enhance vital community projects.

The initiative is open to local charities and grass-roots community organisations benefitting from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with the money raised when Co-op member’s buy own-brand products and services now able to count on Crowdfunder’s funding website towards match funding.

Since 2016, Co-op members have raised £117 million for local communities, including funding for over 30,000 local community projects supporting an estimated 7M people across the UK through the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

The money works to build stronger and more resilient communities by tackling key issues such as access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people, and includes 4,500 community groups who are celebrating after receiving funding support through Co-op's Local Community Fund during the latest round of funding taking place this month.

Through the new partnership, causes who benefit from Co-op’s Local Community Fund can now go on and apply for additional support through the +Extra Funding page on Crowdfunder, with over £10 million in match funding available from Crowdfunder’s national and regional partners.

David Luckin, Co-op’s Head of Community Funding & Impact, said: “We know that costs are rising for local charities and community organisations across the country, while demand for the support they provide is increasing. Now more than ever, causes need access to funding to maintain, build and enhance their projects. 

"I'm delighted to see the incredible amounts raised by our Members, simply by choosing Co-op - the Local Community Fund can be a real life-line, promoring the development of stronger, more resilient and fairer communities. That is why we are excited to be launching our partnership with Crowdfunder, a move which gives these local projects the opportunity to unlock further funding and make even more difference to their communities.”

Rob Love, Founder and CEO at Crowdfunder, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Co-op on this new initiative. UK charities and community causes are calling for support and this partnership will help give these projects access to a range of funds meaning they can top up their fundraising efforts with match funding from a variety of partners we work with at Crowdfunder.”

Further information is available by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/co-op-community-fund

(Image courtesy Mary Pahlke from Pixabay)

‘They’re coming, be ready’: Argos celebrates the return of the big Christmas get together in its 2022 advert

Immersing viewers in the loving chaos of a busy Christmas day, this year’s story is centred around a young couple who expect a small and quiet dinner, but are surprised when friends and family descend en masse.

From the party-goers to the football fans and excited kids, Argos shows this year’s Christmas celebrations are for everyone

Set to premier across ITV and Sky channels from 5:30pm on 9th November, the full advert can be viewed here:

Celebrating the welcomed return of fun-loving, chaotic Christmas get-togethers, Argos’s Christmas advert will air for the first time from 5:30pm across ITV and Sky channels on 9th November.

Through the story of a small family meal that becomes a very lively party, this year’s advert marks the return of Christmas as we know it, with family, friends and neighbours all showing up to celebrate together.

The advert opens on a home decked out with Christmas decorations, where a couple is quietly preparing for the big day. Questioning “so how many are coming”, as he places a bowl of crisps on the table, the wife responds, “hmm just a few”, completely oblivious to the number of people about to descend on their home.

The scene cuts to a crowd of excitable neighbours wearing their festive glad rags and holding presents and champagne flutes chanting “party”. The scene then switches to a group of enthusiastic bakers wearing colourful aprons, running with trifles in hand, before focusing on some children joining the crowd too.

The wine glasses, Christmas tree and bowl of crisps all start to shake as the soundtrack builds in volume, revealing an orchestral version of Opus’ Live is Life, now synonymous with Argos, as the advert focuses on the multitude of people heading towards the house. As the huge crowd approaches the couple look at each other wide-eyed in panic.

As the crowd begins to multiply, the advert then cuts to a couple frantically running with their babies, before following a pair laughing in hysterics with the joke from their already opened Christmas cracker. The scene zooms out to a wide shot of the crowd – charging down the street and including anyone and everyone, from football fans to family and friends with their suitcases and pillows, anticipating a long stay.

The couple, now more aware of the chaos about to greet them, are taking deep breaths and the wife reassures her husband that “It’s going to be okay” before the champagne from the crowd is popped.

The crowd is finally joined by spirited children firing nerf guns, cutting to an aerial shot of the cul-de-sac filled with all of the different groups of people. A message appears on screen: “They’re coming”, “Be ready”.

The couple look at the nibbles and the husband takes out the Argos app, with the Habitat Dipped Speckle Stoneware Serve Bowl on his screen, stating “We’re gonna need a bigger bowl”, showing that Argos has everything you need to make this Christmas extra special. The doorbell then rings, and the Argos logo appears.

Rob Quartermain, who is the Head of Marketing Campaigns, at Argos has said: “We know how difficult the last few years have been for everyone, so we really wanted to bring a smile to viewers faces by highlighting the fun and comedic moments of Christmas get-togethers, along with the unique experience of being able to bring everyone, from all ages and backgrounds, to share a wonderful Christmas together at home. This year’s advert really aims to celebrate that moment, and how Argos has everything you need to make this Christmas truly special.”

This year’s advert was created by The&Partnership. The 30” advert launches for the first time on Wednesday 9th November across TV and on social. Four different 10” edits are also expected to land across TV and on social towards the end of November.

Pud You Dare? Café Dedicated SOLELY to the Mighty Christmas Pudding Is Coming This Month!

Sainsbury’s are will opening a special café dedicated to the festive icon as it launches new Caramelised Biscuit variation of the classic

One in five Brits and almost a third of Gen Z (31%) believe the traditional Christmas Pudding is on track for extinction.

To get the pud back on the table, the Sainsbury's Pud you Dare Café invites guests to try out a classic Christmas Pudding along with the brand-new Caramelised Biscuit Pudding on 24th & 25th November.

The café is completely FREE and, for every attendee at the café, Sainsbury’s will donate £3 to Comic Relief

The UK’s first ever café dedicated entirely to the Christmas pudding is set to open its doors later this month.

Sainsbury’s is launching the Pud You Dare Café in a bid to get the classic ‘pud’ back on dining tables this festive season. It comes as research reveals that one in five Brits – and almost a third of Gen Z (31%) – believe the traditional Christmas Pudding is on track for extinction, with the average prediction being that it will disappear within three years.

Open in Holborn, London, on 24th and 25th November, the first of its kind café will give pud lovers, sceptics and haters the chance to enjoy several Christmas pudding options that are available at Sainsbury’s.

All generations are invited to embrace the taste of Christmas and open their hearts (and their palates) to the festive icon FOR FREE. Customers can tuck into the classic Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 18 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, alongside the brand-new Taste the Difference Caramelised Biscuit Pudding – as seen in the Sainsbury’s 2022 Christmas advert – with a range of delicious toppings to choose from.

The festive desserts will be complemented by a choice of seasonal tipples, including Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Spiced Ginger Biscuit Irish Cream Liqueur, Taste the Difference Chocolate Mulled Wine and Taste the Difference Cranberry and Orange Presse.

Featuring a fruity sponge to please a range of tastes, the supermarket’s new twist on the traditional Christmas pudding is packed with flavours to appeal to the modern generation. With salted caramel being one of the nation’s favourite dessert flavours (coming second only to chocolate) the new pud on the block will set tastebuds racing. Vine fruits laced with a hint of brandy for a boozy hit are combined with a generous drizzle of spiced caramel sauce and caramelised biscuit crumbs to create a delicious fusion of traditional and modern tastes.

The café follows the recent launch of Sainsbury’s 2022 Christmas advert, which immerses viewers in a medieval fairy tale and depicts a young chef’s quest to reimagine and breathe new life into the traditional Christmas pudding. Starring Alison Hammond and featuring a voiceover from Stephen Fry, the advert celebrates the innovation and creativity of Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Christmas range and showcases the Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding.

Claire Hughes, Director of Product and Innovation at Sainsbury’s commented: “The once loved Christmas pudding is at risk of being wiped out across the nation, and we’re making it our mission to ensure it firmly has its place at the dinner table this Christmas Day. That’s why we’re encouraging all generations to try the Christmas classic and save it from extinction. For both long-standing and younger pud sceptics, we’ve also launched a new caramelised biscuit pud this year, giving it a modern twist with salted caramel and biscuit crumbs. We’re sure it will be a hit with everyone at the table – even the pud purists!"

Any surplus food will be provided to Sainsbury’s long-term redistribution partner, FareShare, through their London delivery partner The Felix Project. Sainsbury’s and FareShare continue to work together as part of their shared mission to support communities with access to food.

Pud You Dare Café Details:

Opening Days: Thursday 24th & Friday 25th November 2022

Address: HELLO LOVE, 62–64 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR

Opening Times: 12pm – 7pm on Thursday 24th November, and 11am – 7pm on Friday 25th November

Cost: FREE

Booking: Via www.opentable.co.uk/r/sainsburys-pud-you-dare-cafe-london 

Those already a fan of Christmas pudding, or any new converts following a visit to the Pud You Dare café, can purchase the brand-new Taste the Difference Caramelised Biscuit Pudding, in store and online at Sainsbury’s. A wide range of Christmas puddings are available from Sainsbury’s, with prices starting from £1.

It’s Marg O’Clock! Neurita Tequila launches fruit-infused Tequilas to take Margaritas - the UK’s favourite cocktail - to the next level this Christmas

Become a master Margarita mixologist this Christmas with the Insta must-have accessory, made deliciously and simply at home, using Neurita Tequila’s tangy citrus and sweet berry craft spirits

Margaritas are officially the world’s favourite cocktail, and according to Google Trends, have recently become the UK’s as well.

Neurita Tequila, a very special craft tequila brand, today launches its debut range of two sophisticated yet fun fruit-infused tequilas. Neurita is the only Tequila brand in the UK crafted to make Margarita cocktails delicious and simple for at-home mixology. 

Because they’re naturally sweetened with real fruit, there is no need to add triple sec, reducing the classic Margarita recipe to three simple steps and ingredients. More taste, less sugar.

When tequila is this versatile and tasty, it’s always Marg o’ Clock somewhere.

Neurita Tequila is produced authentically in a family-run distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. But unlike other brands that are often overtly traditional, Neurita celebrates its craft credentials with the joy of light and uplifting drinking occasions. 

Neurita is changing the status quo by challenging what it means to be a serious Tequila player, providing women and men with a brand that is both sophisticated and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Margarita winter warmer cocktails

The Neurita Citrus Tequila is tangy and bitter-sweet, featuring Sicilian orange and tangerine. It is perfect for the classic Margarita recipe in three simple steps, adding just lime and a dash of agave syrup. But this time of year, try the Spicy Picante, or the seasonal favourite Pumpkin Spice Margarita.

The Neurita Rosa Tequila has sweeter raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate notes. This one is ideal for the brand’s signature Margarita Spritz (see recipe below), or the zesty Paloma.

Changing the perspective on Tequila

A survey carried out by Neurita Tequila shows nearly a third of G&T drinkers admit to disliking the taste of gin, and nearly half of them dislike the tonic. Neurita wants to introduce new flavours to those who want a drink they find truly tasty and enjoyable by showing the versatility of tequila.

The survey shows Tequila is a misunderstood spirit. One in four (39%) do not know how to drink it and over a quarter (28%) thought it would be too much effort to make a Tequila-based drink.

Unsurprisingly, the top spontaneous association with Tequila is shots. Neurita aims to demystify these perceptions by championing the spirit’s spectrum of flavour, quality, and diversity for the longer serve.

Lucy Smith, founder of Neurita Tequila, says: “I've always enjoyed making Margaritas at home with friends, but have never found a Tequila brand that represented the spirit the way I saw it. Most Tequila brands are very serious and I wanted something uplifting, playful, yet credible to change the status quo. Neurita was crafted with women in mind, but we certainly aren’t exclusively for the ladies, from what I have seen the men of the UK are also fans of Marg O’Clock.”

Neurita Margarita Spritz – the brand’s signature serve

Research shows women prefer long serve, refreshing cocktails. When mixing their own drinks at home, they look for ingredients with ‘lower sugar’ and ‘nothing artificial’. With this in mind, the brand created the ‘Neurita Margarita Spritz’, its signature serve. Into a glass filled with ice, add a double shot of any Neurita flavoured Tequila, juice of half a lime, and top with citrus soda. Option: Garnish with lime or berries to serve. 

Neurita Citrus Tequila and Neurita Rosa Tequila (both 70cl) sell online for £31.99 from the Neurita Tequila website, Master of Malt, and Amazon. The Neurita Blanco Tequila, with 100% agave and natural citrus notes, will launch in 2023.

Check out this video to learn more

For more information visit www.neurita-tequila.com or go to Instagram on @neuritatequila

This Christmas Enjoy Soko Patisserie's Spectacular Festive Hamper, Brimming With Artisanal Delights

All the Hampers festive treats are made exclusively by Soko's talented team of chefs. 

The luxury hamper can be upgraded to include a selection of festive tipples, too.​​​​​​​​

The Bon Bons

The Soko hamper features the newly launched Christmas artisanal bonbon selection, featuring six contemporary flavours to indulge and enjoy: Black Forest Gateau, Mince Pie, Mandarin Caramel, Almond & Hazelnut Praline, Chestnut & Meringue and Spiced caramel.

Customers will also be utterly delighted with a box of 12 Baileys bon bons featuring a smooth comforting, silky ganache that is simple but big on Bailey's flavour. Ideal with hot chocolate or of course, a glass of Baileys.

A bag of Golden Hazelnut Rochers

The hamper also includes a bag of 10 Golden Hazelnut Rocher's. These delectable handmade treats are Soko's version of a Ferrero Rocher; a smooth rich chocolate ganache with a whole hazelnut in the centre coated in a gold edible dust. 

There's only a limited number, so customers do need to make sure to email to pre-order as soon as you can.

Info@sokopatisserie.co.uk​​​​​​​​ 

www.sokopatisserie.co.uk 

@sokopatisserie

​​​​Hamper Contents:​​​​​​​​

1 x 12 box Christmas selection Bon Bons​​​​​​​​

1 X 10 bag Golden Rocher's​​​​​​​​

1 X 12 box SOKO enrobed chocolate selection (Vanilla & Milk chocolate, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake, Crispy Praline)​​​​​​​​

1 x Christmas chocolate tablet (Pistachio & Cranberry)​​​​​​​​

1 x 12 Baileys Bon Bons​​​​​​​​

1 Deluxe Panettone​​​​​​​​

1 x Festive chocolate and orange cake​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Choose From:​​​​​​​​

- Hamper Only £90.00​​​​​​​​

- Hamper and 1 bottle of Ferrari Sparkling Rose wine £120.00​​​​​​​​

- Hamper and 1 bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne £150.00​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​Nationwide Courier Delivery​​​​​​​​

Choose from two dates, Tuesday 13th December or Tuesday 20th December​​​​​​​​.

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Christmas Gifts for the Cheese Lovers in Your Life

Devon's Sharpham Dairy offers gifts for cheese lovers this Christmas.

Cheese throughout the Christmas season is a long and cherished part of our heritage and the perfect festive gift for any foodie this Christmas. Or a fine example of self-gifting if you feel you deserve a little Christmas treat yourself this yuletide season?

Exactly what is available?

Sharpham Devon Cheese & Wine Christmas Feast - £90

A real Devon treat, this hamper comes jam-packed with everything you need for your home festivities. It includes delicious handmade, artisan cheese, a 300g Sharpham Brie, 450g Ticklemore goats' truckle, 450g Rustic Chive & Garlic truckle, 150g Elmhirst and 210g Quicke's Vintage Cheddar alongside a bottle of each of best-selling Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve and Sharpham Pinot Rosé. 

For accompaniments there are Sharpham Sourdough Crackers, Original & Rosemary with Sea Salt, Caramelised Fig & Sharpham Pinot Noir Chutney, plus Bramley Apple & Hunts Wobbler Cider Chutney and Ploughman's Hunters Elmhirst Ale Chutneys, both newly developed in partnership with Sharpham's local Devon friends.

Family & Friends Cheese and Wine Tasting Event - £80

Join Greg Parsons, whom is the owner of Sharpham Cheese and Tom Wedgery, winemaker and expert from Sandridge Barton (Sharpham Wine) for their first online tasting event of 2023, taking place at 7pm on Friday 3rd February. A tasting box will be delivered to your door before the event and will include enough for at least six people. 

The tasting box includes: Sharpham cheeses; Sharpham Brie, Ticklemore Goats, Rustic Chive & Garlic, the brand new Rushmore cheese, plus Vintage Cheddar from Quicke's. For drinks; Sharpham Estate Selection and Pinot Rose, Elmhirst Ale from Hunters Brewery and Wobbler Cider from Hunts. A Sharpham chutney and a couple of packets of new Sharpham Sourdough Crackers will also be included. 

*As a Christmas gift, Sharpham will send the lucky recipients a 'letter box gift” with their voucher, details of the event and a little gift!

The Essential Devon Cheese Board - £25

Features five artisanal cheeses, each made with milk from cows and goats that graze Devon's luscious pastures, crafted with over 100 years of skills and nurtured with love until ready for your cheese board. Includes the Devon classics; Sharpham Brie, Quicke's Mature Cheddar and Ticklemore Devon Blue, plus a 'Grader's Choice' from both Sharpham and Quicke's. 

Customers will receive five pieces (circa 300g each) of artisan cheese individually wrapped along with tasting notes for each, all boxed up and ready to go.

Sharpham Celebration Cheese Cake - from £2.20pp

This tower of cheeses is perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events or any reunion. With ten multi-award winning cheeses to choose from, plus crackers and brand new chutneys to complete the centrepiece. Choose from a simple three-tier creation to an extravagant six tier tower crowned with a heart-shaped cheese on top.

The Dart Valley Cheese & Wine Selection - £40

Enjoy Sharpham Cheese's original and most popular selection mix. Rich and buttery Sharpham Brie, delicate Ticklemore, and velvety Sharpham Rustic. Complete with a bottle of Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve 2018 and Peters Yard sourdough crispbreads.

Sharpham Cheese Subscription Service - £30

Each box brings a new discovery, as a curated selection of outstanding cheeses, crackers and condiments is delivered quarterly to your door. Each beautifully and sustainably packaged box will feature three of Sharpham's multi-award winning varieties, a local guest cheese, Peter's Yard sourdough crackers, a Sharpham chutney and tasting notes.

All cheeses are available for home delivery from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk.

Indulgence Without the Guilt! Enjoy the Mavrik Virgin Cocktail Experience

Are you looking for a festive tipple that won't lead to the dreaded morning after the night before feeling?

Or perhaps you have been nominated as the responsible driver but sick of sipping water or drinking overly sweet diet drinks?

Worried that the festive merriment may wreak havoc on your healthy eating plans? 

Pregnant party animal looking for an alcohol free drink to kickstart the celebrations?

Or perhaps you are tee-total? Or are you looking to lay in some non-alcoholic drinks for friends or family members who don't drink alcohol?

Then we've got some really great news for you! Prepare to switch to Mavrik, an exciting new range of cocktail drinks that are specially created for those choosing to abstain from alcohol or simply moderate their alcohol intake. 

Mavrik has launched four non-alcoholic, low calorie cocktails that look good and taste great, setting the brand up as the go-to for free-spirited adults who are happy to avoid alcohol and its after effects.

The story of Mavrik drinks started as a casual conversation about the total lack of desirable non-alcoholic drinks and ended up as an obsession to create a range of great tasting, low calorie and alcohol-free cocktails with a clear WOW factor. 

Eighteen months in the making, Mavrik has now hit the shelves, making it possible to enjoy the cocktail experience with none of the negatives associated with drinking alcohol.

These expertly-crafted, all-natural drinks are not just cocktail substitutes, they are something to look forward to and to savour. Mavrik's virgin cocktails are made from the best-quality ingredients, with zero compromise on taste or enjoyment.

Enjoy Mavrik as delicious, long drinks that will leave you feeling fresh, alert and free of that cloying sugary after-taste. Best of all there's a fabulous flavour combination to suit everyone. 

AROMATIC G&T: a delicious and refined low calorie pink G&T, without the naughty ingredients. 

CUBAN MOJITO: a totally gorgeous, low calorie, indulgent alcohol-free Mojito cocktail inspired by the renowned Cuban highball.

VENETIAN SPRITZ: a refreshing, spirit lifting, low calorie Spritz that takes its cues from the classic Venetian cocktail. 

STORM & SPICE: a fiery, tongue tickling, low calorie Dark & Stormy type drink; the alcohol-free version of the classic and spicy Bermudan rum cocktail. 

Whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol, go teetotal or simply want to give your body a break, reach for Mavrik. With under 50 calories per a can, they can even fuel your fitness goals and keep you on track, whilst still allowing you to let your hair down and have fun with family and friends. 

And with the cost of living crisis hitting the household budget, the handy (recyclable) can format ensures minimal wastage and a real value for money treat.

Mavrik drinks are available to buy online from https://www.mavrik-drinks.com/shop, RRP £9.75 for a tasting pack of all four flavours or create your own mixed case of 12 for £23.80.

And they are guarenteed to be gluten free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, too.

Love Tyrells Crisp? Then you'll really love them over Christmas!

Because what’s a festive spread without a Christmas Crisp?

You can have a Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty Christmas with Tyrrells Crisps! They are utterly perfect for festive soirees or cosying down with your favourite tipple in front of a much-loved Christmas film, Tyrrells Crisps are made with only the finest British spuds to create the most delicious crisps with its signature curl and crunch.

Tyrrells’ iconic flavours of Lightly Sea Salted (150g), Mature Cheddar & Chive (150g), Veg Crisps (125g), Sweet Chilli and Red Pepper (150g) and Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar (150g) have had a lovely festive makeover to get you in the Christmas spirit ready for this year’s festivities. 

A beloved crisp to share with friends and family this Christmas, the new festive packaging is available now in all major retailers, RRP £2.30.

Our favourite Festive Tyrrell's Crisp movie is the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol. What's yours?

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Deer Park Country House Host The Great South West Scone-Off Gift Drive in Aid of Operation Rudolph

Nobody should go without the magic of Christmas, which is the motivation behind project Operation Rudolph. Supporting the project, Deer Park Country House in Honiton are hosting The Great South West Scone-Off Gift Drive on Thursday 24 November. 

The entry price is one gift per person, which will be donated to someone who could do with a pick-me-up this Christmas. 

350 tickets are available for guests to enjoy a South West cream tea, consisting of homemade scones prepared by some of the South West's top patisserie chefs. In return, guests are required to donate an unwrapped brand new gift - perhaps a toy for a child, or something to lift an adult's spirits (worth at least £10), which will then be wrapped-up by a team of volunteer elves and distributed to young children who will benefit most from them this Christmas. 

This event is organised in partnership with community interest group, Inspiring Connections. Last year, Inspiring Connections organised over 100 hot meals on Christmas day, supported 120 families with gifts and provided 78 meat boxes. Operation Rudolph is a global project, which started in 2020 and aims to support families during what is often a difficult period. Through donations and fundraising, individuals and families are provided with Christmas hampers and presents. 

Mark Godfrey, who is the MD at Deer Park Country House says: “All children deserve the magic of Christmas and something special to unwrap under the tree. As we head into a hard winter, we wanted to support our local community and help ease the pressure on those who might need it this festive season.”

Sharon Thorne, the founder and director of Inspiring Connection says: “Honiton Foodsave has indicated that demand has increased 50% compared with this time last year. There is real concern about how families will manage and the decision of 'heat or eat' is a real everyday issue for many. 

“With Operation Rudolph, there are no complicated forms or means testing, just a simple sign-up for applicants to indicate what support is needed. It's all free of charge and we know that once our customers are in a stronger position, they will give back when they can.

“We are always looking for volunteers to support Operation Rudolph within roles before the 25th December. Even a few hours will make a huge difference to our communities. We urge people to consider their neighbours over the festive period - perhaps invite them over for Christmas dinner, share company and spread the good community vibes for all.”

Dozens of volunteers and numerous supporting businesses will play an essential role in bringing the event together. Trewithen Dairy are donating 24kg of their award-winning Cornish clotted cream to complete the cream tea, and Waterhouse Fayre are providing strawberry jam.

Trewithen Dairy director, Francis Clarke commented: “As a family-run dairy, this project is close to our hearts. Making a child smile this Christmas is something you can't put a price on. We're keen to support Operation Rudolph and help spread the wonder and magic of the festive season.

Two sessions are available for The Great Scone-Off Gift Drive at Deer Park Country House; 2:30-3:30pm or 4:00-5:00pm. Booking is essential via info@inspiring-connections.org or 0300 365 4545.

Mustard x Wordbits Introduce Number Magnets Mustard in time for Christmas

Are you seeking out a gift that is playful and practical for someone you love this Christmas? Good news! Your favourite magnets are now available in numbers!

Wordbits Numbers are small but they are mighty! Each lightweight number has a rare earth magnet that’s strong enough to hold a greeting card. The perfect accessory to your locker, fridge and makes a great stocking filler!

Mustard is so proud to collaborate with the amazing Wordbits team to bring you two exclusive colourways, Blush and Mustard. 

“When it comes to dream collaborations, this is exactly the kind of thing we were always hoping for,” said Becca Stern, who is Co-Founder and Creative Director at Mustard Made.

She went on to say: “We're so proud to have partnered with female-founded, magnet lovers Wordbits to bring you our oh-so-exclusive collaboration in the new Numbers range.”

Mustard and Wordbits have teamed up to give the signature Wordbits Number magnets a Mustard glow-up in Blush and Mustard (of course)! Wordbits Number Magnets are also available in Bone and Black. Find Wordbits and Wordbits Numbers at www.mustardmade.com 

Product Details:

30 numbers in each set (3 x numbers 0–9)

Each number is 3cm tall

Designer typeface

Quality magnets

BPA and phthalate free

Post-consumer recycled plastic

Available in the following colours: Mustard, Blush, Bone and Black.

Boxlist. A new way to sort out your TV viewing over Christmas and beyond

Imagine it's Christmas week and you are trying to work out what TV shows, films, movies, etc you might enjoy watching. 

But how do you sort out the wheat from the chaff, to coin an ancient expression? 

Well, fret no more! Because Boxlist is here. And what's Boxlist? It's Social Entertainment Discovery.

Boxlist takes into account our individual tastes, likes and preferences to connect us with TV and films that directly match our individual or joint tastes.

What ticks your boxes?

Ever been irritated or frustrated at not knowing what TV or films you'll like? Maybe you've spent half an hour browsing Netflix, given up, and ended up watching a rerun of Friends?

Or perhaps you've tried to contact friends over social media to ask for recommendations, only to be met with a list of 25 ideas, and yet you still don't know what of those (if any) you might enjoy?

Well, your precious downtime deserves better, and there is a new solution in the form of Boxlist.

What is it Boxlist? Boxlist is an AI powered social network for entertainment discovery and your new go-to place for discovering TV and film recommendations across all streaming services, and sharing these with friends, too. 

With Boxlist, you take a fun five min ‘taste test' to find out your film and TV preferences to discover your ‘viewing personality type’. You can then connect with people and content uniquely matched with that type.

Founder Greg Vartoukian is very excited to launch Boxlist after months of careful work and development.

Greg explains the concept behind Boxlist: “We're not all the same, but we're all fed entertainment content in exactly the same way. 

"This subjectivity is what makes us all wonderfully unique, but can also be frustrating when trying to find something that a group of friends or a whole family will enjoy watching together.

"Boxlist takes into account our individual tastes, likes and preferences to connect us with TV and films that directly match our individual or joint tastes. We’ve worked hard and agonised over perfecting our algorithms, so you can make the most of those precious spare minutes of downtime in today’s increasingly cluttered world."

Boxlist is the perfect place for any film or television fanatic, who is seeking a one stop shop for all their entertainment tastes. The basic platform is completely free to use, and you can join a growing community of already 4,000 members from over 80 countries.

And remember! Boxlist's not just for Christmas! It's designed to help us sort our viewing out for the rest of the year, too!

https://www.boxlist.com/

Enjoy a genuinely alternative family Christmas event at Butser Ancient Farm!

Visitors to Butser's Farm in Hampshire can expect a hint of magic, a taste of the old, enjoy some make and take crafts, a magical trail, mulled drinks, and sweet treats.

Butser’s magical experimental archaeology site is opening to the public this winter, honouring nature and introducing a festive twist in their new family trail

Butser Ancient Farm is opening to the public over this Christmas season and it's opening a warm invitation to families to slow down, reconnect with nature and explore the ancient folklore of winter.

As an exciting alternative to the traditional Father Christmas experience, Butser’s Ancient Winter Magical Adventure is honouring the balance of the masculine and feminine energies as the season turns. 

They are inviting The Deer Queen and Holly King into their magical, ancient houses to greet families and help them celebrate the turning of the year. 

The Deer Queen will be summoning back the light in The Horton House, Butser’s reconstruction of an excavated Neolithic building dating to 3800-3600 BC. The addition of a feminine character to the festivities is a nod to the idea of the rebirth of the sun at midwinter. 

Science tells us that our beloved Rudolph is actually female, as in fact all of Santa’s antler-laden reindeers are. Males drop their antlers in November, leaving them without antlers until the following spring, while females keep their antlers through the winter ready to protect their calves in the spring. 

Since the Stone Age the deer has been honoured. Her image was painted on cave walls, antlers adorned shrines and were buried in ceremonial graves. Deer were etched in stone, turned into head-dresses, and even tattooed onto skin. In ancient and modern folklore her antlers were frequently depicted as the tree of life, carrying animals, the sun, moon, and the stars. Butser’s Winter Adventurers will be able to meet the Deer Queen and make a special gift to bring back the light.

The Holly King is the personification of winter in various folklore and mythological traditions. He battles endlessly with The Oak King of Summer, reflecting the seasonal cycles of solar light and dark, crop renewal and growth. 

The Holly King regains power at the Autumn equinox, peaking during Midwinter. Our trail goers can meet him in the Saxon House. 

Their second Anglo Saxon building was finished earlier this year and is based on the foundations uncovered during excavations close to the neighbouring village of Chalton. It's believed the house originally stood somewhere around 700AD.

Despite its humble beginnings as a research site some five decades back, Butser Ancient Farm has become one of the South East’s top visitor attractions welcoming over 50,000 visitors a year including over 30,000 schoolchildren who learn about the lives of our ancient ancestors from the Stone Age through to the Anglo-Saxon periods. 

As a not-for-profit, independently operated Community Interest Company they rely entirely on the support of many organisations and individuals, plus their own fundraising efforts, to make their research and education work possible.

Therese Kearns, Experimental Archaeologist at Butser Ancient Farm explains: “The importance of the winter sun is a recurring theme in British prehistory, manifested in the many sites with clear evidence of celebration at this time of year. 

"The erection of massive monuments like Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge in Britain demonstrates the importance of marking this time of year which would have been crucial for early farmers.”

Kristin Devey, Events coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm added: “We're thrilled to be able to open the farm to the public this Christmas, so more people can experience the wonder of Butser at this special time of year. Families will be able to take away knowledge of the folklore of Winter, plus some lovely crafts and magical memories.

“The addition of a Deer Queen to our activities this year is an important balance to the Holly King tradition. Although it's not possible to know exactly how ancients celebrated the feminine as Winter reached its peak, we know the Venerable Bede wrote in 725 AD about ‘Modraniht’, or the Night of the Mothers.

"Some scholars believe it was an Anglo-Saxon festival that took place on the eve of Winter Solstice, or Christmas Eve. Representing the balance between the feminine and masculine, with our powerful Deer Queen and Holly King, is an exciting twist. They will enthral children and adults alike!”

The trail is running from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December 2022, then again on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December 2022.

https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk.

Butser Ancient Farm

Chalton Lane

Chalton

Hampshire

PO8 0BG

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