Devon Cove Launches New Hazelnut Liqueur

Hazelnuts are associated with Christmas celebrations. Bit now you can boost your Christmas and winter drinks with Devon Cove's brand new Hazelnut Liqueur. 

Made by carefully combining caramelised hazelnuts with their luxuriously smooth Devon potato vodka, Cove Hazelnut Liqueur is an enticing fusion of dark chocolate, hazelnut and cream, followed by fragrant praline and honey, with a rich milk chocolate nutty finish. Gorgeous served simply over ice, layered with single cream and sipped, or mixed with a latte or hot chocolate for a festive winter warmer, Cove Hazelnut Liqueur is the perfect fireside treat.

And Devon Cove have gone one better, well, two better, really, as they have created not one but two stunningly original new cocktail recipes for you to make at home featuring this liqueur, a decadent Cove Nutty Alexander and an invigorating Hazelnut Espresso Martini.

Cove Nutty Alexander

Add 30ml Cognac, 15ml Chocolate Liqueur, 20ml Cove  Hazelnut Liqueur and 25ml cream to a cocktail shaker. Shake over plenty of ice. Strain into a chilled Coupe glass and garnish with grated chocolate.

Hazelnut Espresso Martni

Pour 50ml Cove Vodka, 20ml Cove Coffee Liqueur. 15ml Cove Hazelnut Liqueur and a double espresso into a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Cove Hazelnut Liqueur (25% ABV) is available to buy in three sizes: 50cl £33.00, 20cl £18.00 and 5cl £5.95. All of which are available to buy here: https://www.devoncove.co.uk

Commenting on the latest addition to Devon Cove's family of exceptional liqueurs, Founder Leanne Carr says: "I am thrilled to be adding this new Hazelnut Liqueur to our collection. It's a special treat on those days when you need a little extra something and is absolutely delicious when combined with a velvety hot chocolate."

With free nationwide shipping on orders over £30, Devon Cove's online store is a great place to do your Christmas shopping. Their miniatures make perfect stocking fillers for grown ups and their cocktail kits and gid boxes are brilliant gids for those who have it all. Last order date for Christmas delivery is Friday 17th December (standard) and Monday 20th December (express).

Devon Cove's range of excepMonal vodka and liqueurs are made from King Edward potatoes, lovingly grown on Leanne's family farm which overlooks the seaside village of Hope Cove in South Devon. Lowcarb and gluten free, Cove Vodka is as pure and clean as the sea air and is uniquely smooth to taste.

Obviously, Devon Cove love their products, so they politely remind you to enjoy them responsibly.

Ukrainian families joined Downing Street Christmas switch-on

A number of Ukrainian families joined the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street as he turned on the street’s Christmas tree lights on, recently.

The Prime Minister welcomed Ukrainians to the event, including families from conflict zones in the east and south of Ukraine, who are now being hosted across Greater London through the Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine family schemes.

He was also joined by Points of Light award winners who have been commended for their charitable work, Catterick Garrison soldiers from the Prime Minister’s constituency in Richmond, Yorkshire and the winners of this year’s the Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year Awards who provided Downing Street’s Christmas Tree.

During the event attendees enjoyed a rendition of Silent Night outside Number 10 sung by the Millbank Academy Year 3 student choir and music from the Ensemble of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Guests were then invited to a reception inside Number 10 to enjoy a hot chocolate, together with mince pies and gingerbread.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "At its heart, the Christmas story is one of compassion and hospitality. I’m delighted to welcome our friends from Ukraine, who have chosen to make the UK their home during Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, to join in our Christmas tradition of lighting the Downing Street tree this year.

"Sentiments of hope are never stronger than during the festive season and no one has displayed this more this year than the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom. We continue to stand wholeheartedly behind Ukraine in this fight.

"While Christmas is a time of celebration, I know it can be a difficult time, especially if you are away from your loved ones. Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish you joy and peace, and a very happy New Year.

"The UK has been a leader in humanitarian support for Ukraine, including by supplying generators, fuel trucks and ambulances.  We recently announced a further £10 million for NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package to provide winter clothes and shelters for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to keep them warm this Christmas.

Kateryna Balabanova, PhD, a Ukrainian displaced person living in the UK, said: "My family and I are deeply grateful to the British people on behalf of all the Ukrainians. The help provided by the UK Government and the nation as a whole is an unprecedented sign of brotherhood. Now my children can plan to develop a bright future, and we all can be safe before we are able to go home. This Christmas, we hope Ukraine wins this war soon, liberating itself from the invaders, and that Russia’s barbarity will become history."

The 19ft tree was provided by Bishops Offley Christmas Trees from Staffordshire, who are the winners of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association’s (BCTGA) annual Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year Awards. For over 20 years, BCTGA has provided the tree to stand outside Downing Street.

Bishop Offley Christmas Trees can be found at https://www.boct.co.uk or call 01785 280346.

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

Watch this "heart-warming" Church of England Christmas film and accept the invitation

This year’s Church of England Christmas film follows one person through life’s journey, with a powerful invitation to everyone to come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

After two years in which the festive season was marked for many by loneliness and uncertainty due to Covid-19, churches across England are now fully open and are inviting people to join services and other events throughout Advent and Christmas.

The moving film follows the story of a woman who is supported by her local church through many Christmases throughout her life, from first appearing in a nativity play as a child, to growing up, marrying, seeing her own children grow up, facing bereavement and beyond.

It ends in a simple message: “Wherever you are on life’s journey, you’re invited to church this Christmas.”

The advert, which will feature across the Church of England’s channels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, is part of the Church of England’s Christmas campaign: “Follow the Star – the Great Invitation”.

The campaign is geared towards those people who might not normally, or ever, attend church. 

It includes a plain-English explanation on what to expect at church this Christmas with answers to common questions which people may be too embarrassed to ask such as “How will I know what to do?”, “What should I wear?” and “What if I do not know all the words?”.

The advert also highlights how, alongside the joy and celebration, Christmas can be a very painful time for many people, especially those experiencing bereavement. This year’s campaign includes a special “Blue Christmas” service led by The Archbishop of York on Sunday 18 December, focusing on these themes. 

There will also be prayers, reflections and an event on Christmas Day at 4pm aimed at anyone who is feeling alone as an opportunity to gather online.

A range of resources are also available to help churches invite local communities into their services and events this year - from Christmas cards to social media graphics and carols to download and play.

Amaris Cole, the Church of England’s Head of Digital, said: “Our Advent and Christmas campaign this year has a clear message – you are welcome to celebrate with us and are invited to one of our services. 

“There is no doubt that the last two Christmases have been incredibly difficult, with gatherings and services limited by Covid-19.

“So we've worked on creating special resources to help churches issue the Great Invitation to their communities this December and welcome people back in, or even to attend for the very first time. 

“The Church of England’s social channels will be sharing messages of invitation, helpful posts that explain services and traditions to those considering church for the first time, and a range of famous faces sharing their favourite Christmas memories of church.

"Wherever you are, we hope to celebrate with you this year. Find your local services and events at AChurchNearYou.com.”  

The Bishop of Ripon, Helen-Ann Hartley, said: “The message of this year’s Christmas campaign, couldn’t be simpler: we’re there for you - in every community in England, and in our congregations across Europe and beyond.

“People have found the last few years very difficult and my prayer is that by coming together in worship this Christmas, we can find renewed hope and inspiration.

“Churches and chaplaincies across the country are getting ready to welcome you. From nativities for all the family, to moments of reflection for those finding it difficult. Take a look at A Church Near You to hear again the hope that the birth of Jesus Christ offers to everyone.”

The Revd Steve Short, Rector of St Michael and St Mary's, Melbourne, Derbyshire, which was among the locations where the advert was filmed, said: “It was a great experience and such a privilege to host colleagues from the Church of England and support their making of this film. They had such passion, drive and joy for what they were doing, and it’s such an exciting initiative.

“Follow the Star is fantastic anyway, but tying it in with The Great Invitation is really impactful: it brings together Christmas and back-to-church Sunday. Research shows that people just want to be invited to things, just as we are invited to follow Christ.

“The resources provided are very helpful, and the vision will reach many. It’s been a real privilege to be involved in this. Thank you for giving our churches a platform.”

Official tips for a safer Christmas

These Christmas safety tips are issued by the Home Office:- 

Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.

Never place candles near a Christmas tree or materials that can easily catch light.

Test your smoke alarms at least monthly and only remove batteries when replacing them.

Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving cooking unattended.

Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

Make sure cigarettes are put out properly.

Decorations can burn easily, so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

Store fireworks safely. Never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

Take care around open fireplaces as clothes may catch fire.

Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are at greater risk from fire.

For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check, https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc. 

(Image courtesy of Kramarz and Pixabay) 

That's Christmas acknowledges the assistance of the Home Office in preparing this feature. 

Give a Gift of Hope this Christmas with Pecan and Southwark Foodbank

It's going to be an especially tough Christmas for too many people this year. We're already seeing higher rates of hunger this year.  Help us to bring hope to families this winter. 

In 2022, more families than ever are having to decide whether to heat their home or feed their family. Together we can help Feed a Family this Christmas and continue to support the community into 2023 and beyond. "Heat or eat" is becoming a sad but common saying this year for many people.

But you can offer your support. This year, Pecan are collaborating with Southwark Foodbank for their Christmas campaign ‘Give a Gift of Hope’. Donations will ensure they can provide hundreds of families in Southwark with gift cards and special Christmas parcels with treats and small gifts. This is over and above the regular support we continue to offer at their Foodbank centres.  

Demand for the foodbank has inevitably risen due to the cost-of-living crisis and now that winter has arrived. Your donations will go a long way to helping make Christmas that much more hopeful for people facing crisis and ongoing hardship. Your kind donations and belief in people will also support families and individuals that access our other services.

The cost-of-living crisis will be with us long after Christmas, and Pecan’s community projects work tirelessly to meet the needs of our community with Kindness, Belief and Hope. Each of our projects, from the Southwark Foodbank to Women’s Services, Peckham Pantry, and our new Community Hub, rely on our community to support them. By donating to Pecan and Southwark Foodbank, you support each one of these projects.  

Your donation will go towards impacting the lives of people in Southwark, whether it is:-

Providing food parcels through the Southwark Foodbank. 

Giving women advocacy support to settle back into community or recover from domestic abuse. 

Helping someone who is lonely or isolated make connections through our community activities. 

Providing someone with support and warmth in our Community Hub. 

Providing essential employment and life skills through our community workshops and courses 

Providing affordable, healthy food to local people through the Peckham Pantry. 

Chris Price the CEO at Pecan said: “Over the summer we saw energy and food prices continually rising. The people most affected by this are those of us on the lowest incomes, who were already struggling to get by. With the winter now here, an increasing number of people will find the issue of struggling to heat or eat a reality, potentially for the first time.  

"At Pecan, we know this isn’t merely a financial or physical issue, it will also take a dramatic toll on everyone’s wellbeing and ability to cope with the bleak situation everyone is facing. To help reduce the impact of the crisis, Pecan have been planning how to make better use of our building this winter. Our aim is to provide a dignified response that will provide a welcome that enables wellbeing and helps people to access support.

"If you would like to support us during this winter crisis, then please donate to our Give a Gift of Hope Christmas campaign with Southwark Foodbank.”

pecan.org.uk

Ukrainian Singer Shares Her Powerful Performance of a Christmas Classic

Undoubtedly you've heard carollers sing "Carol Of The Bells" every holiday season. You may also remember this song from the cult classic film "Home Alone", but most won't be aware that this tune is an Americanised re-write of a 100+ year old Ukrainian folk song called "Schedryk." 

Castlehill Entertainment artist Usanova, a young female singer from Ukraine, passionately offers the original version in her native tongue along with a powerful visual performance.

Amidst the ongoing war and devastation in Ukraine, Usanova is one of the lucky ones. In the pursuit of her music career she was in Zurich, Switzerland when the war broke out, making it impossible to return home to her family. Wanting to deliver a message of her and her country's distress to the world, she put a new spin on the Christmas classic. 

Usanova says: "Her reason for creating and sharing this piece is "to put focus on the plight of my people during this holiday season. My intention wasn't to take the joy out of the season, but to remind the world that many are suffering in Ukraine and other parts of the world." 

She will be donating any proceeds from the song and video to UNICEF, an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.

The 25 year-old-singer, who is also a skilled piano player and yoga Gurudevi, has been focused on traveling to new places in order to experience new people and cultures. She speaks several languages including English, Japanese, besides her native Ukrainian. Usanova describes her sound as "world music" bringing together multiple influences with a contemporary twist.  

For "Schedryk" she enlisted the help of Hollywood music producer/composer Fingazz to modernize the holiday classic and deliver her compelling message. Recorded and filmed in Zurich, composed, mixed, and edited in Los Angeles, then managed and released by Toronto's Tom Stephen from Castlehill Entertainment - the end product has truly been an international affair.

Businessman issues warning as scammers target vulnerable online shoppers looking for appliance bargains this Christmas

A businessman who runs one of the UK’s top appliance reuse networks has called for more to be done to protect people buying electrical goods online this Christmas.

James Farmer, who is a director of The Appliance Recycling Group, based in Tipton, in the West Midlands, said vulnerable people looking for low-priced second-hand goods and appliances amid the cost-of-living crisis were being ripped off and left out of pocket by unscrupulous traders.

“Appliance poverty is a real issue, and the cost-of-living crisis means people are often forced to find new ways to save money,” he said. “When their washing machine or fridge breaks, especially at this time of year, they have no choice but to look for a quick and cheap replacement online.

“But they're in a vulnerable position. Scammers posing as individuals may take cash and leave them with a faulty appliance or one that doesn’t work at all, which makes a bad thing worse.

“Scammers are everywhere, especially at this time of year, and people should take extra care when they are looking to buy second-hand goods online. The companies that run these online buying and selling sites should also take more care to protect those involved.”

James said sites like eBay had systems in place to protect buyers, but others weren't so robust.

James points out that Facebook Marketplace in particular is a huge draw for people looking for bargains. It does have measures in place for users to report scammers and fraudulent posts, but people are still falling victims to unscrupulous sellers.

James went on to say: “Some people pose as homeowners saying they need to sell an item due to a house move or redecoration. Some of them actually have dozens of fake profiles that they set up to sell hundreds of items online.

“They sometimes offer to deliver the item and ask for cash so you can be left with an item that doesn’t work, having handed over cash and you don't even have an address to trace it back to.

“You could even then be left with a £25 fee to have the item taken away.”

James added: “Reuse is more important than ever now, and more and more people are looking to buy second-hand appliances. We're seeing an increase in the number of people buying reuse appliances, but if they’re buying from an individual online seller, they should take extra care as there's no right of warranty.”

James added where possible people should buy from authorised reuse facilities, as The Appliance Recycling Group, which is based in George Henry Road, Tipton. 

“We supply items with a 90-day warranty, and we test 55,000 products annually across our network. We comply with the strictest environmental standards, which govern the reuse of electrical goods, so buyers have complete peace of mind,” he added.

“It might be a few pounds more than those so-called online bargain, but it's almost like an insurance policy. It’s worth paying that little extra to know you're getting an item that works and is safe to use.”

James said people should follow the following tips to stay safe when buying online:

Always look for a picture of the item in situ. If it’s a fridge or washing machine it should be pictured in a kitchen or utility room. Pictures of the item outside or in a garage should ring alarm bells as it can be a sign the item hasn't been in use in a home.

Don't buy an appliance based on a photo; ask to see the appliance on a video call. A photo cannot indicate whether that appliance is capable of working.

Don't fall for an offer of free delivery. A buyer could drop it off, take your cash and leave you with a faulty or broken item. Ask to collect the item, even if you are unable to. By engaging the seller, you have an address (you can let them know that a delivery would help after, if you are satisfied). When engaged, scammers will often tell you that the item is sold once you press for more details.

Don’t pay cash. a credit or debit card, bank transfer or PayPal is best. Any legitimate individual or business or seller won’t mind how you pay.

Facebook Marketplace offers shopping safety tips and guidelines to avoid fraudsters on the site and makes it easy to report a suspected scam. In some cases, it can offer a refund for those who have been targeted.

Meta, which owns Facebook, works closely with law enforcement to support investigations, and keep scammers off its platforms. It is also a part of Stop Scams UK, an industry-led group of businesses working together to stop the spread of scams.

To find out more about the Appliance Recycling Group, visit theappliancerecyclinggroup.com.

Get your home Christmas décor ready with VonHaus

It’s that time of year again, the annual jobs of getting all the Christmas decorations out, making sure you have got everything you need and making sure everything looks perfectly and properly festive. 

But sometimes, it’s not just as straightforward as you might hope. For example, if you’re missing a crucial tool or you just can’t reach something, it can be a very frustrating, or even impossible, task.

If you're a Christmas decorator, take the stress out of these tasks with the VonHaus’ range of Christmas décor must-haves. 

There's everything you'll ever need, from tools to electrical essentials, you can get all of these with free UK mainland delivery (3-5 days) or with £2.99 next day delivery for those who feeling the last-minute rush.

(Christmas cut off dates apply – 21st December for standard mainland delivery and 22nd December, 1pm for next day delivery)

Step Steel Ladders

If you’re in need of that extra bit of (safe!) height to get into your loft or cupboard to retrieve your Christmas decorations, there sturdy 4 step steel ladder is a must-have. It has an ultra-durable frame along with rubber caps on its feet, which means you won’t have to worry about safety.

Premium 2 Step Ladder

If you’re opting for an epic-sized tree this year, you might  need a little bit of a helping hand putting the star on the top! This premium 2 step ladder is the ideal size for this type of job. It's not too bulky to put away and will give you the extra boost needed to complete your Christmas décor.

6 Socket Black Extension Lead with USB

There’s nothing worse than not having enough plugs for all the Christmas lights! Make the task of plugging them in easier with a 6-socket extension, which includes 2 USB ports, just in case you need to charge a phone or tablet nearby. It even has inbuilt power surge protection to protect your valuable hardware from damage.

25m Splash-Proof Extension Reel

If a bit more length is needed for Christmas trees further away from plugs or outdoor lights, a longer extension reel will do just the trick. This one is 25M in length and is even splash-proof, which means any damp weather conditions won't affect it.

E-Series 18V Cordless Drill Driver Bundle

You’ve got the tree sorted, but what about the other decorations around the house that might need screwing in or attaching to walls? This easy-to-use cordless drill driver will get the job done in no time at all – there won’t be any need to struggle doing those tasks by hand.

112pc Household Tool Set

If you are prepared to do all the festive prep by hand, this 112pc tool set is a must-have for Christmas and all the other times you might need a helping hand. It features all the hand tools you could ever need, and it even includes picture hooks too – perfect for popping up those smaller Christmas decorations.

visit www.vonhaus.com for a full view of available products.

Shop Independent this Christmas and ‘Be a Star’ with Paper Starlight

Andy Jupp, the owner of Paper Starlights said: "This Christmas more than ever it’s vitally important to support small independent businesses. 

"At Paper Starlights, we’ve teamed up with Independent businesses in our town of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to do just that. 

We're introducing the ‘Be a Star and Support Independents’ campaign.

Andy Jupp added: "We’ve donated 100 of our handmade star lanterns to some 80 businesses across the town centre of Chesterfield, for passers-by to see. It's to help encourage people to shop locally this festive season and put money back into the local economy. Our stars have been kindly distributed with the help of fellow Chesterfield Independent, Shop Indie."

Andy went on to say: "We wanted to say thank you to all the local Derbyshire businesses who have given us so much support over these last 2 years. Now, more than ever, we need to keep shopping local.

"The stars will be on display across Chesterfield until Christmas 2022. We encourage everyone to go out and see how many stars you can spot. As well as to shop independently this festive season."

paperstarlights.com

If you are a local trader in a different town, why not take a leaf out of Andy Jupp's book and organise your own ‘Be a Star and Support Independents’ campaign?

Pet rehoming is easier this Christmas and beyond

The cost-of-living crisis is forcing our nation of animal lovers into impossible situations, and many are forced to make heart-breaking decisions to give up their pets.

But help is at hand, in the form of PetRehomer, a new breed of non-profit adoption platform that makes adoption safer and easier for people who can no longer keep their pets, be the reason financial, medical, or circumstantial. PetRehomer reduces the likelihood of scams and neglected animals and unlike other adoption platforms, its focus is entirely on pet welfare over profit.

Few people in the awful situation of having to give up a pet understand how corrupt the pet adoption industry can be, and how easy it is to be cheated or scammed. 

"People often resort to commercial pet selling websites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree,” explains PetRehomer founder Colleen Long. 

"People looking to re-home their pet on these sites aren't given the resources to know who they're selling to. This can result in horror stories, including pets entering neglectful or abusive homes, or which are then sold on for profit, and some that have even been used for meat, bait or dogfighting.

PetRehomer offers a route to safety, and a way to responsibly take care of finding a new home for the rehomer’s pet, vetting adopters to ensure the pet's wellbeing. Colleen wants to educate people around the importance of using and advocating for the right channels if something does go wrong and someone needs to rehome a pet, and bring awareness to #AdoptDontShop as a sustainable and more ethical way to find the right pet.

It's a desperately needed win-win-win for re-homers, adopters, and pets

PetRehomer’s secure and innovative platform provides a responsible, safe opportunity for people to rehome their pets and makes adoption a simple process. Owners looking to give up their pet can set up a full pet profile and the PetRehomer service will then help to connect them to potential adopters. The chosen prospective adopter pays the adoption fee through the platform, which is safely held until PetRehomer completes its home check process.

If the rehomer chooses to proceed with the adopter, the adopter would then meet the pet and decide if they want to take it home. If they don’t get on with the pet, or the rehomer changes their mind, a full refund is issued, so there’s no financial risk involved.

“We ensure potential adopters are correctly set up to adopt a pet,” added Colleen. “It's very difficult for people to know all the right questions to ask would-be adopters, especially when there are so many scams around. 

"Our platform and in-depth home checks ensure that people understand how to properly care for the pet, will give them the right food, space, exercise, veterinary care, and have someone to look after them when they go on holiday, for example.”

"It’s important to add that the adoption fees are paid to the charity to fund the ongoing costs of the platform, and are also used by the charity to help more animals in need. Rehomers do not receive any payment – it’s how the PetRehomer platform helps reduce people selling pets or scamming, by encouraging adopters to follow its guided process."

Charity Buddy is a registered charity in England, no 1189284. One of its charitable objectives is to implement a national pet adoption platform. PetRehomer is the pet adoption platform brand name and will be governed and run by Charity Buddy. For more information, visit their Facebook page @PetRehomerUK.

If you have any other questions, please contact info@petrehomer.org.

www.petrehomer.org

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Sainsbury’s accelerates value plan, investing £50m in daily essentials and festive favourites

Retailer investing a further £50m in low prices by March 2023; two-year total to now top £550m  

Sainsbury’s is accelerating its value plan, investing a further £50 million by March 2023 to help customers manage the rising cost of living. 

Sainsbury’s understands this Christmas will be difficult for lots of customers and over £15 million has been set aside to specifically ensure people will find even more amazing prices on festive favourites and traditional treats.  

Great value fresh products for the festive season, including an inflation-busting Christmas roast dinner at less than £4 a head, as well as more special offers and low prices on party food and puddings are now available in store and online at Sainsbury’s. 

Through its relentless focus on price, Sainsbury’s has been able to hold the price of a traditional fresh Christmas dinner against last year, so customers can be reassured they won't be paying more for their traditional roast dinner despite current inflation levels.

This bold new step comes after Sainsbury’s also made its biggest ever September value offer, with £65 million being spent across the business to help ease the pressure on households through Autumn. Sainsbury’s is committed to doing everything it can to support customers with the cost of living and by March 2023 the retailer will have invested over £550 million in value, the most Sainsbury’s has ever spent on battling price inflation over a two-year period. This is 10% more than the original £500 million target Sainsbury’s set out in May earlier this year.

Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s said: “We really understand millions of households are having to make really tough decisions this Christmas and our job is to do everything we can to help with the rising costs of living. 

"We're accelerating our commitment to being the best value, investing a further £50 million in lowering prices and doing everything we can to fight inflation and help our customers enjoy celebrating this year. We know everyone wants to enjoy a special Christmas meal together which is why we’re keeping inflation at bay and offering Christmas roast dinner for less than £4 per head, that's even cheaper than it was last year. 

“I'd like to thank every one of my colleagues who are working tirelessly to deliver a brilliant Christmas for our customers. Our entire team at Sainsbury’s are working together to offer the best value, innovative new products and leading customer service. We’re all looking forward to welcoming our customers into stores and online at this special time of year.”

As well as the affordable Christmas dinner, there are lots of other ways to save money with Sainsbury’s throughout the festive season. Sainsbury's Customers will find great offers on party foods and fresh festive products online and also in stores, plus meal deals and fantastic seasonal offers, including save a third on Taste the Difference Party Foods like Mini Crab Thermidor Crumpets and Christmas Tree Vol Au Vents and save a third on Taste the Difference Cheeses. 

A spokesperson added: "Every day value is at the heart of Sainsbury’s plan and more money is also being invested to keep prices low on the items customers buy most often. Our Aldi Price Match still focuses on frequently bought fresh products and Price Lock continues to lock the price of lots of household essentials, including 20% more own-brand products. 

"Meanwhile, Nectar will continue to offer customers rewards and My Nectar Prices is available through SmartShop, helping customers see how much they are spending and offering them personalised price reductions."

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk.

World's top ten most Christmas destinations

Image credited to Pexels.com

Britons seeking a little extra Christmas cheer this year are being encouraged to plan a seasonal getaway and visit the world’s top ten festive destinations.  

Experts at luxury cruise company, Panache Cruises have identified the ten most picture-perfect Christmas destinations where tourists can feel like they’re in a Hallmark holiday film.  

A festive trip abroad is the perfect way to switch up your Christmas traditions, as holidaymakers can see how the jolly season is celebrated in different parts of the world.  

December is a time when cities all over the globe get their festive gear on, but some places really go all out for the Christmas festivities.  

These festive places make tourists feel as if they’re walking in Christmas Wonderland with their magical markets, snowy villages and dazzling Christmas lights.  

Northern Europe is especially popular during Christmas time because it offers snowy landscapes, festive traditions and beautiful architecture.  

James Cole, who is the founder and MD of Panache Cruises said: “While it's said there's no place like home during holidays, seeing these extra-festive locations may convince you otherwise. 

“Holiday spirit is guaranteed in these destinations, as they feature beautiful Christmas markets and offer plenty of winter activities for the entire family. 

“Planning a little festive escape will also allow families to take some time off during the busy holiday season. 

“Northern Europe is known for its snowy white Christmases, so countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia are very sought-after destinations during the holiday season.  

“A great way to explore the hidden gems of Northern Europe is to sail off on a cruise ship and tick off several festive cities from the list all in one trip.” 

Here are Panache Cruises’ top ten most festive destinations: 

1. Lapland, Finland 

The snowy forests in Lapland are considered to be the home to Santa Claus. Tourists can have a true winter experience by lodging in igloos and visiting Father Christmas Village and Santa Park, where they can go on a reindeer safari and sled with huskies. 

2. Copenhagen, Denmark 

Ice skating is a very popular holiday tradition in Denmark, so there are several ice rinks spread out all throughout Copenhagen. Another important Christmas tradition is a trip to the Tivoli Gardens amusement park where visitors can go on rides, meet Santa and see water and light performances.  

3. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Tourists visiting Reykjavik can experience a very special Christmas under the glowing northern lights. There are plenty of winter activities to engage in, such as visiting ice caves, glacier hiking and snowmobiling. Visitors can try traditional Icelandic Christmas food at a Yule Buffet and try Christmas craft beers at markets.  

4. Tallinn, Estonia 

Tallinn’s Old Town becomes truly magical in the winter months. The cosy and authentic Christmas Market held at the Town Hall Square was named Europe’s best in 2019. Its enormous tree and wooden stalls invite people to explore handmade goods and watch festive shows while enjoying a warm cup of glögi and nibbling on gingerbread cookies. 

5. Vienna, Austria 

Vienna has some of the best Christmas markets in the world, with the oldest dating back to the 13th century. The markets have an old-fashioned charm with festive carousels, twinkling holiday decorations, nativity displays and legendary Vienna Boys Choir concerts.  

6. New York City, US 

Many festive films are set in New York and there’s a good reason for it - Christmas time in New York is truly magical. There are many festive sights to enjoy, from the iconic tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Centre to festive window displays on Fifth Avenue.  

7. Strasbourg, France 

Strasbourg is known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’. The villages in Strasbourg come alive during holidays with festive illuminations and the whole city transforms into one big Christmas market spread over ten sites.  

8. Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague’s main Christmas market is set up in the middle of the beautiful, gothic Old Town. Visitors can go ice skating, sing carols, explore the stalls and indulge in local delicacies.  

9. Edinburgh, Scotland 

The streets of Edinburgh are filled with holiday lights, music and markets during Christmas. Tourists should definitely go and watch the Christmas at the Botanics festive light display show at the Royal Botanic Garden.  

10. Nuremberg, Germany 

In Nuremberg visitors can experience the real old-fashioned German Christmas Market. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is crammed with wooden booths where traditional yuletide treats such as gluhwein, bratwurst and gingerbread can be bought.  

To find out more about booking a cruise to visit some of the top festive destinations, visit  https://www.panachecruises.com.

Don’t let callous car thieves steal your Christmas

Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.  

Experts at  Quotezone.co.uk have revealed over one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.  

New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.  

The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they'd experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost one third, 31%, confirming they had.  

Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure that presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles.  

Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.  

Greg Wilson, who is the Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.  

“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car.  Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity. 

“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street.  If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.  

“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount.  If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily.  Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”  

To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.  

Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas. 

If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible. 

www.Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users annually find useful savings on everyday household bills and essentials, such as fully comprehensive car insurance. 

Help for hard of hearing Christmas gift buyers is here

The UKs leading live chat app directory for hard of hearing users has launched a new feature which enables parcel tracking directly from its website.

LiveChatDirectory, a UK-based directory of business live chat apps aimed at hard-of-hearing (HoH) users, has recently implemented a new feature on its website designed to help users track their orders with Evri, Royal Mail, and other major providers. 

The service was launched in an effort to provide HoH internet users with a more functional, intuitive experience when placing online orders. 

The LiveChatDirectory team firmly believes this new feature will make it easier for HoH users to have their orders delivered without mishaps or delays, and coupled with the company's large-scale directory of live business chat apps, it enables more streamlined customer service experiences in case of issues with orders.

The live chat market has rapidly grown in popularity over recent years, with online chat for business becoming a major aspect of web-based customer service across business to customer and business to business markets. 

LiveChatDirectory provides its users with a simple, efficient interface for quickly locating the specific business chat app they require, without having to visit that business’s website and search for its customer services page. 

With the majority of LiveChatDirectory's user base falling within the HoH population, the company leveraged its large-scale database of business chat services to provide users with increased functionality, when a user places an order online, they can view and track its parcel delivery directly on LiveChatDirectory.

The UK is home to over 11 million people who have hearing-related issues. The UK's HoH population utilises live business chat services to resolve customer service matters, preferring this method of communication over time-consuming and often-frustrating customer service telephone calls. 

Adding a parcel tracking feature to its service offering has enabled LiveChatDirectory to provide UK HoH persons with a more enjoyable digital experience when using business services online.

Per market research firm Research and Markets, the live chat software market was valued at just over £629 million in 2020 and is on track to exceed £1.4 billion by the year 2030, marking one of the UK's most explosive customer service technology trends. As internet services continue to grow at a rapid pace, live chat apps will continue to play a major role in customer and client service scenarios for businesses across nearly all industries and sectors.

To learn more visit https://www.livechatdirectory.co.uk.

(Image courtesy of Satheesh Sankaran and Pixabay)

Top nutritionist's tips for healthy eating over Christmas

Qualified nutritional therapist and naturopath Caroline Peyton of Peyton Principles shares her tips and tips for Christmas eating.

Caroline has operated clinics in Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and online for more than a decade. She is a specialist in gut health, digestive issues and menopause

It's all too easy to overlook simple things you can do during the Christmas festivities to help you stay on track with your healthy habits.

There will be days when you could overindulge, but that doesn't mean the whole Christmas period is a healthy eating write off!

I know many people, writes Caroline, who value ideas so that they can still enjoy themselves yet want to avoid unnecessary overindulgence.

Always remember to stay well hydrated. A typical person requires about 2L of fluid daily and hydrating fluids are those to aim for: water, flavoured water (naturally flavoured EG. with lemon or cucumber), fruit and herbal teas or very well diluted cordials. When it's cold it's tempting to drink more tea and coffee but they act as diuretics and a stimulant so include some herbal teas instead.

You should avoid arriving at a drinks party hungry. Not only will any alcohol you drink have a more rapid effect, but you'll also be tempted to reach for too many crisps and peanuts. A small protein smoothie or a couple of oat cakes with peanut or almond butter are good options before you head for the party.

If you are at a drinks party, be careful of all the pastries such as sausage rolls. Pastry is white refined flour and to the body it's just sugar. A piece of cheese is a better option (fats don't make us fat, but sugars do). Look for higher protein foods like (ideally unsalted) nuts; and those with the least amount of pastry.

Start your day (including Christmas Day) with a sustaining breakfast. It must include protein such as cheese, eggs, smoked salmon or a full fat Greek yoghurt. Protein helps you stay fuller for longer and helps prevent overindulgence on snacks that are a guaranteed way to add weight.

If you're going to Christmas dinner parties, try to remember "protein, vegetables, carbs" in that order: do I have enough protein to eat (meat, fish, pulses, lentils, eggs); do I have plenty of vegetables to eat (the more the better); do I really need so many potatoes (pasta, rice)? It's starchy carbohydrates that contain sugars that can lead to weight gain so resist a large portion!

It's still possible to practice mindful eating even on Christmas Day, itself. This means taking a pause before tucking in, taking smaller mouthfuls, really enjoying the tastes and textures as you chew and generally slowing down. Most people eat far too quickly. Not only does this cause digestive difficulties but overconsumption, too. Your stomach doesn't have a chance to recognise when it's full when you're eating at speed. 

Try to intersperse an alcoholic drink with water or flavoured water. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar and is a rapid way to gain weight.

Hungover? A bowl of porridge with 1-2 heaped dessert spoons of seeds and nuts will set you up for the day. Or a couple of eggs on a slice of toast. The seeds, nuts and eggs provide good fats and protein to help stabilise your blood sugar for the day ahead.

Caroline is running an online seven day programme starting Monday 9 January called "Get set and Go - kickstart 2023" for only £10. This programme provides seven days of education, motivation and realistic nutrition and lifestyle advice to help you set healthy habits for the year ahead. To register email Caroline at caroline@peytonprinciples.com

https://www.peytonprinciples.com

Got a Secret Santa to buy for? WonderDays has the perfect gifts

In its latest Christmas gift guide, the UK's most flexible experience day company offers plenty of ideas for alternative office secret Santa gifts

Secret Santa has officially become a firm and favoured tradition in British workplaces and if you need some inspiration for Christmas 2022, WonderDays has released some great office secret Santa gift ideas.

In its latest Christmas gift guide, the UK's most flexible experience day company offers plenty of ideas for alternative office secret Santa gifts.

Top 10 Secret Santa Experience Day Gifts includes classic Christmas gift experiences, like driving days and afternoon tea, alongside more unusual ideas with a wellbeing subscription service, urban beekeeping and axe throwing. 

Customer Service Manager Shaun Howells is the one in charge of the WonderDays office secret Santa Shaun explains: "We always set an upper budget for any secret Santa gifts, which really does encourage some very creative and fun gifts among the team."

He went on to say: "Unusual secret Santa gifts can bring that bit of extra fun to the workplace at Christmas. We've seen some really imaginative Christmas gift ideas from our team over the years, from homemade hampers with the recipient's favourite things to the virtual wellbeing subscription service we now have on offer ourselves."

However, it should be realised that Secret Santa is not just for the workplace.

It can also be a way for families, especially larger ones, to do Christmas gift buying without breaking the bank, according to WonderDays marketing manager, Maria Wilkinson.

"Christmas gift experience ideas can make brilliant secret Santa gifts for families too," said Maria.

"If you have a particularly large family, everyone choosing one person to buy for as their secret Santa means everyone gets a Christmas gift to open, while keeping Christmas budgets down.

"With our experience day gifts starting from just £9, we think giving them something to do as their secret Santa is the perfect Christmas gift."

WonderDays is a UK experience day company launched in 2022 to offer a more flexible and simple buying experience than any other business for those looking for the perfect gift of things to do.

Offering quick and simple online exchanges should customers change their mind after purchase, it’s the only company that also offers fully customisable experiences for any number of people.

For more information, visit the WonderDays website here https://www.wonderdays.co.uk.

NORAD is Ready to Track Santa’s Flight for the 67th Year

FROM PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. Defending North America is the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) #1 priority. NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

But on December 24, NORAD has one additional extra-special  mission: That of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe, delivering presents to children. 

This is NORAD’s 67th year tracking Santa and it’s a tradition the Command is proud to continue every year.

The NORAD Tracks Santa website (www.noradsanta.org) is already live. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, movie theatre, special Christmas-themed music, a webstore, and more besides. 

The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese. 

The official NORAD Tracks Santa app is also in the Apple App and Google Play stores, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa’s journey on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered through social media on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as on partner platforms: Bing, Amazon Alexa and OnStar.

Starting at 4 a.m. EST on December 24, website visitors can see updates as Santa makes preparations for his flight. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can call to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialling the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) where they will either speak with a live phone operator or hear a recorded update.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors. This year’s contributors include:

Space Base Delta 1

Acuity Scheduling

Alaskan NORAD Region

Agingo

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Web Services

Ansys

Avaya

Balsam Hill

Canadian NORAD Region

Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence

CenturyLink

Cesium

Christmas in the Park

Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation

Continental U.S. NORAD Region

CradlePoint

Defense Video & Imagery Distribution Systems

The Elf on the Shelf

Getty Images

Hewlett Packard

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo

IU Globelink

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Meshbox

Microsoft

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Bing

Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific

NASA Space Place

Nashville.Net User Group

Navy Marine Corps Public Health Center

OnStar

Package From Santa

Plantronics

PR Karma

Portable North Pole

Royal Canadian Air Force Band

SciJinks

Shirt Stop

SiriusXM

Six String Soldiers

Snowy the Mouse

Space Foundation

Together We Stand Foundation

U.S. Air Force Band

U.S. Air Force Academy Band

U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band

U.S. Coast Guard Band

U.S. Department of State Family Liaison Office

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Navy Band Northeast

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

Verizon

NORAD is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America. NORAD prevents air attacks against North America, safeguarding the sovereign airspaces of the United States and Canada by responding to unknown, unwanted, and unauthorized air activity approaching and operating within these airspace.

Santa’s Red Letter: What if Santa wrote back?

A special, personalised Letters from Santa so realistic they’ll convince even the most sceptical child.

Don't’ stop believin'! Not only a good tune but the mantra of the folks at Santa’s Red Letter, who’ve created letters from Santa so authentic and believable you might start to wonder yourself!

Press printed on beautiful parchment letterhead, with Santa’s own signature in gold foil, these letters will make even the biggest Santa Doubter think again. Add a certificate of Nice or Naughty, and you have the makings of a marvellous, memorable Christmas gift.

Choose from two categories of letters to match any kind of person. The “Nice” Red Letters are for children (or adults or groups) who have been trying their hardest to be good this year, or have done an act of service that deserves recognition from Santa.

The Black “Naughty” Letters, however, are for children and adults (or brother-in-laws or bosses) needing a reminder that Christmas is around a corner, and lumps of coal are still in fashion.

Letters range from gentle and concerned to funny and caustic. Santasredletter.com is a clever way to spread Christmas cheer and even startle a non-believer. 

All letters deliver with:

a North Pole postmark

a wax seal bearing Santa's emblem

press printed, quality stationery with "From the Desk of Santa" letterhead

individualized message with custom text

quality envelope addressed directly to recipient

a gold embossed Santa signature

 Product Reviews

“Absolutely wonderful letters. My children love them. They look so authentic.” -- Tina.

“Receiving a letter directly from Santa and postmarked North Pole was the highlight for my son! He couldn't tell enough people about it.” -- Rhonda.

“The letters were so authentic and real, even my dubious 8 year old was excited to open his! Another year of Santa magic for us!” -- Brittany.

See the letters: http://santasredletter.com.

Celebrate Christmas with Sangria

The Spanish restaurant, Alioli, in Touchwood, Solihull, has launched a new Sangria menu just in time for National Sangria Day on 20th December.

The exciting Alioli restaurant has proven itself as extremely popular since opening its doors in June, on serving the best Andalucian foods and wines and is now set to expand its offering with a range of tempting Sangrias.

Sangria is the traditional drink of Spain, it's a truly delicious blend of wine and fresh fruits which is celebrated annually every December.  

Guests at Alioli can choose from a delicious selection of red, white and rosé sangrias which have been developed by the specialist inhouse Spanish team led by Chef Alfonso Garcia Sanchez.  Blends include the classic Sangria Tradicional or exciting variations like the Sangria de Cereza y Amaretto with red wine, Amaretto, sour cherries and Cola.

Ricardo Serafin, General Manager of Alioli said: “With the miserable weather we’ve been experiencing lately, Sangria is the perfect drink to transport you to sunny days in Andalucia and National Sangria Day is the perfect excuse to come along and sample the new varieties we have on offer.”

And for guests looking for some authentic food taste experiences to accompany the Sangria, Alioli offers the ultimate ‘Tapas Experience’ for £50 which can be shared among 2-3 people.  The experience includes a set of 10 popular tapas dishes like Croquetas de Jamón, Padrón Peppers, Calamares Fritos and Marinated Olives.

Inspired by the gypsy culture of Andalusia, Alioli serves tapas food that sparks passion and artistic energy in a lively and colourful setting.  

It's the region's first restaurant to honour the culture of flamenco dancers and the largely misunderstood gypsy community and celebrates art, passion and the region of Andalusia.

Alioli is located in Touchwood Shopping Centre Solihull and is open Sunday to Thursday 11:30am to 10pm. Friday, Saturday 11:30am to 10:30pm.

For further information visit www.alioli.co.uk.

Don't get caught out by spoofing this Christmas, warns Which?

Which? The UKs leading consumer champion, has claimed banks are failing to protect their customers and are “leaving customers wide open to spoofing fraud”. Their investigation learned high street banks representing over 60% of the UK consumer banking market have failed to take advantage of the latest technology including Ofcom’s “Do Not Originate” registry which prevents spoofing of important phone numbers.

Only last week the Metropolitan Police announced the closure of iSpoof which was trying to defraud customers by impersonating banks including Barclays, Santander, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, First Direct, Natwest, Nationwide and TSB. The police reported:  “At one stage, almost 20 people every minute of the day were being contacted by scammers hiding behind false identities using the site.”

Pay.UK, who govern the UK’s Faster Payment service, introduced a framework for Request to Pay in 2020. This meant banks don't have to rely on insecure channels such as emails and SMS where customers can’t trust the identity of the originator. Instead communications could be transmitted securely bank app to bank app where participants had been through a “Know Your Customer” process to validate their identity.

Answer Pay were the first certified provider of Request to Pay technology, Mike Chambers Chairman of Answer Pay comments: “We see Request to Pay as a vital tool in helping secure remote payments but we can’t do this alone, the financial services industry must respond to the fraud challenges that face us.”

A spokesman for Which? said: "Given the lack of adoption and eye watering levels of fraud on its network, we call on Pay,UK to take the necessary steps to amend its rules to ensure the benefits of Request to Pay are realised, by compelling users of its faster payment service, such as banks, to deploy the service.

"The fraud problem we have in the UK is so bad UK Finance have described it as a “national security threat” following the 123% increase in impersonation fraud last year. Surely regulatory intervention is needed to ensure the appropriate steps are taken?"

He went on to add: "There's a precedent for regulatory action in other markets with the Monetary Authority of Singapore outright banning banks from sending clickable links in SMS and email instead promoting app to app communication.

"Perhaps all is not lost then, with new regulatory powers expected to be granted by parliament to the Payment Systems Regulator we should hopefully see Faster Payments become a safer way to transact with the effective use of Request to Pay?"

Bank fraud and spoofing is an especial problem in the run up to Christmas, with people making more purchases than normal with buying presents, extra food for Chirstmas, etc. So please do take care when you get a 'phone call or an email that purports to be from your bank or building society.

To learn more visit https://www.which.co.uk.

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For Christmas, they'll pull you a FREE pint AND give you £5,000! Interested? Read on!

With the current interest rate hike reaching 3%, highest level seen since the end of 2008, the cost of living crisis has gone from bad to worse.

Aluna Local independent restaurateurs are on a mission to save Christmas by giving away £5,000 to one lucky guest to help with the cost of living crisis.

The owners of Aluna, Siamais and Lulu Wild in Birmingham cocktail bars and restaurants are planning to give back to the community where they can in a very big way!

With electricity bills rising, the independent restaurant group, Enchanted Ventures have pulled together to ‘Pull you a Pint’ AND Put £5000 in the Bank! Yes, that's £5,000 for one very lucky guest!

What's more, the owners are also offering to give away a free pint when you enter the competition. Naomi Aly said, “It seems like money is escaping our bank accounts at every opportunity.  This £5,000 is to spend on whatever you choose. It could be two years of energy bills, a well deserved holiday or save it to treat your family this Christmas.”

“It’s a real tough time at the moment, and due to a bit left over at the end of the quarter, we thought we’d put it to good use and remind people you can still come out into the city and have some fun. So come into Birmingham, grab a free pint at some of our best cocktail bars in Birmingham City Centre and potentially win £5000 to spend on whatever you need most. What have you got to lose?”

Naomi went on to say: “When we had the opportunity to offer a financial prize, we thought this was something that could help anyone, and we knew we had to help our community if we could. And as we can’t give it to everyone, at least we can offer a free pint to everyone, instead!  We know a long recession is looming and eating and drinking out is normally where people tighten their purse strings. I suppose this is our way to say we are here and we want to help where we can.”

The competition is open to anyone over 18 and can be entered at any of the Enchanted Venues: You can go to Lulu Wild a cool, modern Chinese restaurant, and sit on their bunny chair. Or head to the golden wings at Aluna cocktail Bar in the Mailbox or the beautiful birdcage at Siamais Thai restaurant in Brindleyplace.

The competition runs from 7th November 2022 until 30th November 2022

To be in for a chance of winning this awesome competition and being utility bill free for two years follow these easy steps:

Just head down to any Enchanted Ventures venue in Birmingham: Aluna in Mailbox, Siamais in Brindleyplace or Lulu Wild in Brindleyplace.

Sign up to the competition using the restaurant’s iPad to receive an email with instructions on how to collect your enticingly free pint.

Head over to the restaurant’s iconic instagrammable spots at each of the venues to capture some heart-warming memories, be sure to post them, tag the venue and use the hashtag #TBC.

Enjoy your pint safe in the knowledge you’ve entered this awesome competition

One Winner will be notified in December 2022

For those wanting some quality food, drinks or simply just a refreshing pint this autumn, be sure to check out the restaurants on-line: https://luluwild.co.uk https://aluna.uk.com and https://siamais.co.uk.

ALUNA 128-130, The Mailbox, Wharfside Street, Birmingham B1 1RQ

https://aluna.uk.com

SIAMIAS 6, 7 Brindley Place, Oozells Street, Birmingham B1 2HS

https://siamais.co.uk

LULU WILD Unit 7 & 8, The Waters Edge, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HP

https://luluwild.co.uk

T&Cs:

Open to over 18s only

Pint can only be claimed between Sunday and Thursday during the dates above.

One Winner will be notified by Enchanted Ventures in December 2022

Winner must have valid UK bank account to receive the prize money.

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Sustainable Christmas ideas: 5 ways to make your festivities forest friendly

The Christmas adverts are already here, and Mariah Carey seems to be on repeat in every shop. Although Mariah doesn’t want a lot for Christmas, the season is famously a time of excess and waste. 

Our small choices as consumers can make a big impact on the planet, and with a bit of planning, it is possible to have a more sustainable Christmas. The FSC have put together some tips below on how to make sure your festivities are forest friendly.

1. Use responsibly sourced and recyclable wrapping paper, gift bags and gift tags

That shiny, glittery wrapping paper may look pretty but it’s not environmentally friendly, it can’t be recycled and glitter is a microplastic. Opt for plastic-free gift wraps, bags and tags, which are recycled and recyclable. Just remember to ensure they are FSC-certified so you can spread Christmas cheer with a clear conscience, knowing that the products are made with materials from well-managed forests and/or recycled sources.

2. Send responsible Season’s greetings

It is estimated UK consumers send 1 billion Christmas cards every year. Choose FSC-certified Christmas cards when you shop to ensure that your season’s greetings come from a responsible source and do not contribute to deforestation. 

To help spread even more Christmas cheer, you can buy FSC-certified charity Christmas cards to raise funds for good causes. As with gift wrap, avoid any Christmas cards containing glitter or other unrecyclable decorations. Lots of cards now come without wrapping to help further reduce waste.

3. Give eco-friendly Christmas presents

Every year, UK citizens spend £700 million on unwanted gifts so take some time to think about what your friends and family really want. For a greener Christmas, look for gifts made from sustainable materials with minimal packaging (and make sure any packaging is recyclable – and preferably FSC certified!) and remember that it is ok to re-gift!

For forest-friendly Christmas gifts, keep in mind that it’s not just wood and paper that can be FSC-certified. Viscose textiles, rubber, bamboo, and cork can be certified. You can find the FSC label on books, yoga mats, board games, clothes, wellies, hairbrushes, and bird boxes, to name just a few.

You can also help to support charities whilst Christmas shopping; you can find a range of sustainable Christmas gifts online from the WWF, Woodland Trust, Oxfam and the RSPB, for example.

4. Choose environmentally conscious Christmas Crackers

On Christmas Day, about 40 million Christmas crackers are anticipated to be thrown away. The sparkly crackers, the small gifts, the shiny ribbons and the snap usually can’t be recycled. If you want your Christmas dinner to start with a bang, choose plastic-free crackers that are recycled and/or recyclable.

If you enjoy some Christmas crafting activities, instead of buying Christmas crackers, you could make your own ones using FSC–certified paper and card or using fabric and a loo roll tube! A quick search online will bring up many tutorials to show you how to do this.

5. Reuse and recycle

After the big day is over, remember to reuse and recycle what you can to extend the life of forest resources for as long as possible. When it comes to your gift bags, these can easily be re-used and, if you haven’t enthusiastically torn into your presents and the wrapping paper is still in one piece, you can roll it up to re-use next year.

If you’re not able to re-use your wrapping paper then make sure you remove any Sellotape and ribbons and carry out a ‘scrunch test’ to check if it is recyclable. Scrunch the paper into a ball; if it remains in a ball it can be recycled. However, not all councils accept wrapping paper; whether it passes the scrunch test or not, click here to check your local authorities’ guidelines.

Shockingly, only one out of every four Christmas cards is recycled. When the time comes to take your Christmas decorations down, remember to recycle your cards; just remove any unrecyclable parts/decorations first. If you’re feeling crafty, you could always cut up your Christmas cards to make your own gift tags for next year.

Where to shop? Here are some festive FSC-certified products and where you can find them:

FSC-certified wrapping paper/gift bags

Paperchase – Kraft trees village wrapping paper and Christmas forest wrapping paper

Marks and Spencer – Woodland wrapping paper

WWF – Panda wrapping paper

Hallmark – Red & gold Christmas gift wrap compendium

Oxfam - Kraft Christmas wrapping paper - robin design

FSC-certified Christmas Cards

Woodland Trust – Festive robin Christmas cards

Tache – Christmas card collection

Paperchase – Charity Christmas cards

WWF – UK nature Christmas cards

Oxfam – Premium Woodland Christmas card pack

Hallmark – Colour in Christmas cards for kids

Card Factory – Photo frame Christmas card

FSC-certified Christmas Gifts

Lululemon – The Mat 5mm FSC-certified rubber yoga mat

Tea Pigs – Christmas bundle

Oxfam – Plants for free (book) by Sharon Amos

Hunter – Balmoral classic wellington boots

Clarks – Tor Run shoes

Masai – Along scarf

Toys and Games:

Jojo Maman Bébé – FSC-certified wooden toys

Brio – Toys and games

RSPB – Birds trivia game

Ginger Fox –Taskmaster card game

Orange Tree Toys – Peter Rabbit stacking cubes

Le Toy Van – Sophie’s wooden dolls toy house and Wooden tool bench toy

Big Jigs Toys – 100% FSC-certified kids tepee

Hobbycraft –3D wooden whale puzzle

WWF – The tiger who came to tea gift box

FSC-certified Christmas crackers

Marks and Spencer – Guessing game Christmas crackers and Trivia game Christmas crackers

Sainsburys – Robin dinner crackers

Some other places you can find FSC-certified products

Co-op

Sainsburys

Tesco

John Lewis

Marks and Spencer

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Flying Tiger

WLM launches its Christmas 2022 campaign

We have little control over the hand life deals us, but we believe everyone deserves at least a fair chance in life. And even a second chance, right?

A spokesman for WLM said: "At WLM, we believe nobody should be without a fair chance. The chance to talk; the chance to turn their life around; the chance to contribute to society.

"In the current cost of living crisis we’re all experiencing, the need for fairer chances in a broken system is more important than ever. At WLM, we’ve always provided places of safety and belonging for those who’ve been let down by the system. 

"Over the last year, our community, counselling and criminal justice services have seen many challenges as people in the communities we work in face multiple hurdles to getting the chances they need to achieve their potential.

"Our cost of living workshops at WLM St Luke’s community hub are well attended, as global and economic insecurity, and financial downturn, have a significant impact on people in work, as well as those who are unable to work. Our residential services include those which prevent homelessness, providing quality and supportive spaces for people leaving the armed forces, or those completing prison sentences. Demand for our residential support is high.

"Our low-cost counselling centre has a growing waiting list as the need for mental health support continues to grow significantly. For 136 years, WLM has been a consistent and constant provider of services that attempt to address systemic failures resulting in homelessness, and redress the lack of opportunity people in our communities need to thrive.

The demand for our work, which increased unprecedentedly during the pandemic, is yet to recede during the cost of living crisis. We’ll continue to use our spaces to respond to the current cost of living crisis, and work with people’s strengths towards growing their financial resilience.

This Christmas, with the help of those that support us, we can keep off­ering people the fair chances they need. To improve their prospects. To become valued members of their communities. To make amends. To realise their goals and ambitions for a better life.

#chance2change

Below is an example of an inquiry from a man ready to start therapy with a fee of £22/session, as agreed in his initial assessment appointment by our counselling service, and based on his individual circumstances. David (that’s a pseudonym) needed to delay starting his sessions as he received some concerning news about his health. When David was able to return to WLM Highbury Counselling Centre (HCC) after three months, his circumstances had changed considerably, and he wrote to us with his concerns:

'Unfortunately I’m now in a difficult position financially due to increases in council tax and huge increase in my energy bills which have gone from £61 to £300 a month. My only income is my state pension. I really only feel able to pay £10 a week towards therapy and I really do understand if you cannot help me at this time. Although I still feel I am in need of therapy, I would not like you to think that I am taking advantage of the service.'

Of course, our service is for people like David, and he continued his therapy with us.

Find our #chance2change campaign on our website by visiting https://www.wlm.org.uk/Appeal/chance-2-change." 

https://www.wlm.org.uk

Registered charity number 1133739

WLM has been empowering people to make positive changes in their lives since 1887. They are part of the Methodist Church and proud of their Christian roots and history, offering support to individuals of all faiths and none, inclusively.

In the last 12 months we’ve worked across our community, counselling and criminal justice services to provide support to over 256 people, preventing homelessness and giving them the skills they need to thrive.

7 in 10 are concerned about the cost of Christmas

7 in 10 UK adults are concerned about the cost of Christmas this year, according to a new survey commissioned by social impact company and food waste app, Too Good To Go.

Concerns are so drastic nationally, 62% of those surveyed said they'd be stopping some-kind of Christmas tradition to try and cut costs. Of these 62%, ¼ are not buying luxury advent calendars, 19% won’t send Christmas cards, and 14% won't buy a Christmas tree.

With cost a major factor in people’s minds this Christmas, food waste is a key concern when it comes to money-saving. Not only are we aiming to spend less on food this Christmas, but 46% are concerned about the amount of food they'll waste over the festive period, with a majority (55%) citing it being a waste of money.

An average of 19% more food waste is produced over Christmas than any other time of the year. But this latest survey suggests 2022 may be different, as Brits are rethinking some of their usual festive food traditions in a bid to minimise costs. 

Almost a third of UK adults (31%) are planning on reducing the overall amount of food they would normally buy and consume over the festive period, whether it be purchasing fewer traditional or limited-edition Christmas treats i.e. sandwiches or mince pies, cooking food from scratch as opposed to buying pre-made items, or cooking smaller portions at home. 

A further 12% will change their traditional turkey Christmas Day lunch in favour of a cheaper option. Other food habits Brits are changing in a bid to save money including cutting out meat, buying more local produce and prioritising recipes that repurpose leftovers.

Jamie Crummie, Co-Founder of Too Good To Go, the organisation behind this data, said: "This research sadly shows Christmas may be particularly challenging for many of us amidst the rising cost of living. But we can also see that people in the UK are increasingly finding new ways to help keep costs to a minimum, particularly when it comes to food waste. 

"Tackling food waste, -something which usually increases over the festive period, can't only be helpful for our planet, but it can also be a hugely beneficial and simple way to save money. That’s why at Too Good To Go we’re proud that our food-saving model can help people access quality food for a more affordable price. 

"We’ll also be sharing easy tips and zero-waste recipes on our social media and blog to help minimise food waste at home for a low-cost Christmas.”

Too Good To Go is the free app that lets consumers buy surplus food and drink from retailers, restaurants, cafes, pubs and producers to stop it from going to waste. Businesses simply update the app to show how much surplus food they have to sell. Customers then search the app for local stores, purchase their bag of food for a fraction of its original retail value, and collect at the pre-set time to take home and enjoy.

Find out more at www.toogoodtogo.co.uk or @toogoodtogo.uk on Instagram.