Ragdale Hall's Christmas Gift Guide

With Christmas approaching, it's time to start thinking about present buying (if you haven't already). With a wide range of gifts for everyone from girlfriends to husbands to mothers, they are yere to do what they do best and take the stress out of your Christmas shopping.

What better way to spoil the one you love than giving them some time to themselves?

Treat that someone special to a truly relaxing and pampering experience at Leicestershire multi-award winning luxury spa, Ragdale Hall.

With vouchers starting from £25, you can purchase a spa day, spa break or monetary amount - the choice is yours. But the pleasure will be all theirs!

Most of the gifts listed in their Christmas Gift Guide are available to purchase from their online shop and therefore only a few clicks away for you!

Or call their Voucher Sales Hotline on 01664 433030

Top Ten Foods to Help You Get In Shape For Christmas

It’s the time of year when thoughts start to turn towards Christmas and planning those all-important party outfits.

So here’s the Ripped To Shreds top ten list of foods you should be looking to include in your diet if you’re looking to boost fat-burning and show off a leaner profile.

Ripped To Shreds is a groundbreaking report co-authored by Shaun Petafi and Dean Connor, a respected pair of personal trainers. It dispels some of the established myths around eating habits and is a must-read for anyone serious about shedding fat and improving their body shape.

Combined with the regular exercise Shaun and Dean endorse in the report, and sensible eating habits, you could be in great shape come Christmas.

The R2S Top 10 Best Fat-Burning Foods

1. Walnuts
All nuts do contain some amount of the Omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid, but most only contain trace amounts. The real fat hero in most nuts is mono-unsaturated fats. Walnuts are actually a rich source of omega-3s. One ounce provides almost 3g of alpha-linolenic acid.

2. Gluten free oatmeal
This very slow-digesting carb keeps blood sugar and insulin levels low, so fat burning can stay high. In fact, research has shown that athletes who consume slow-digesting carbs in the morning burn more fat throughout the entire day and during workouts than those consuming fast-digesting carbs.

3. Avocado
The mono-unsaturated fats found in avocados are burned readily for fuel during exercise and encourage fat burning. Avocados also contain a very interesting carb called mannoheptulose, a sugar that actually blunts insulin release and enhances calcium absorption, both of which are critical for encouraging fat loss. (EDITOR: Do NOT parrots to share avocado, as it is TOXIC to them)

4. Salmon
This fish is one of the richest sources of the Omega-3 essential fats EPA and DHA. Unlike flaxseeds, which provide a type of Omega-3 that has to be converted into EPA and DHA, salmon provides your body a direct supply of them with no conversion required. This way you know you’re getting a direct supply of the fats that turn on fat burning and block fat storage.

5. Grapefruit
A study from the Scripps Clinic (San Diego, California) reported that subjects eating half a grapefruit while maintaining their normal diet lost an average of 4 pounds over 12 weeks – and some lost more than 10 pounds without even dieting! Results were likely due to grapefruit’s ability to reduce insulin levels and to a chemical in grapefruit known as naringin, which prevents fat from being stored in the body. (EDITOR: If you are on heart, blood pressure or Statin medications, DO NOT EAT ANY GRAPEFRUIT until you have consulted with your doctor.)

6. Honey
Yes, it’s a sugar, but it’s fairly low on the glycemic index. Keeping insulin levels low and steady is critical for maintaining a fat-burning environment in your body. Honey is also a rich source of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites; ultimately, that means it actually encourages fat release from the body’s fat cells. (EDITOR: This is NOT something diabetics should do without checking with their doctor)

7. Peanut Butter
A source of helpful mono-unsaturated fat that can actually aid fat loss. What’s funny is that many food manufacturers make low-fat peanut butters!
Of course, they replace these healthy mono-unsaturated fats with carbs, namely sugar. Avoid these and stick with natural peanut butters that don’t add the type of fat you surely want to avoid – trans fats.

8. Chili Pepper Flakes
Hot peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, a chemical that can enhance calorie burning at rest as well as reduce hunger and food intake.
The boost in calorie burn is particularly enhanced when capsaicin is used with caffeine.

9. Broccoli
This fibrous vegetable doesn’t provide many net carbs or calories, but it can make you feel full – one reason why it’s a great food for getting lean. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that can help enhance fat loss.

10. Extra virgin olive oil
Like avocados, olive oil is a great source of mono-unsaturated fats. Not only do they lower levels of the “bad” type of cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, but they’re also more likely to be burned as fuel, which means they’re less likely to be sticking around your midsection.

Ripped To Shreds is available to download from: www.rippedtoshreds.co.uk, iTunes, Waterstones, Probook, and other online outlets.

Give a gift that’s out-of-the-ordinary this Christmas with Adopt a Word

 

Friends and family won’t be lost for words when they unwrap a unique gift from Adopt A Word this Christmas. A thoughtful gift that’s perfect for all ages, any special word, real or made-up, can be wrapped up and given to a loved one this Christmas for just £15.

Ideal for those avoiding the High Street this December, this truly personal gift is just a mouse-click away. Simply choose the word that fits your loved-one the best – perhaps you’ll pick a word they use in every other sentence, a slogan that best sums them up, or something unusual for them to slip into conversation. You can even create your own words, meaning that you can now adopt nicknames and miss-sayings which might mean something special. You can also adopt multiple words to create a special phrase.

As well as receiving an adoption pack in the post (or via email if it’s a last minute gift), there’s the added option of having the adopted word proudly emblazoned on a variety of merchandise, such as mugs, t-shirts, fridge magnets and keyrings. New merchandise for 2012 includes cotton bags, aprons and umbrellas and prices range from £5 to £18.

The best thing about this ethical Christmas gift, is that all the money raised goes to I CAN, the children’s communication charity. 1.2 million children in the UK have long term speech, language and communication needs and will struggle to express themselves this Christmas – or any other time of year. I CAN work to ensure these children get the help and support they need so they can live happy and successful lives.

Word adoptees will join other high-profile supporters who love words and want to help children communicate. These include Stephen “wordy” Fry, Henry “tenacious” Winkler, Miranda “clutch” Hart, Sara “blossom” Cox and many more.

To browse words from the Collins English Dictionary or create your own word for adoption, whilst helping children in the UK who’ll find it difficult to say ‘Merry Christmas’ this year, visit www.adoptaword.com today.

Fantastic family fun with Imagination Games

The whole family, from the littlest to the biggest will be in for some fantastic Chirstmas fun with some really neat games from Imagination!

There's Burping Bert.
Hear Burt burb, parp, sneeze, snore and belch his way through the game!

What do players have to do? Press his belly button to hear a truly gross sound. Then get rid of one of the cards in your pile by being able to match it to the sound that Burt has just emitted.

But be careful! Because if Burt snores, then that's your turn to pick up another card!

The first player who gets rid of all of their cards is the winner!

The second game from Imagination that Burt is looking at is The Hungry Frogs, a 'magic sound' board game. 

It's aimed at children who are 4 and older, and can be played by two children or more at a time.

They'll take turns to spin the special spinner, and hop around the board.

If they land on a lilly pad, they will turn over a token. If there is a fly on the token, you keep it. The first player who earns three tokens is the winner.

But just to add to the fun, any player who is sitting on a log when the magic sound button is pressed must return to their home space!

Spot to the Rescue is the third game we are looking at. Which is also from age four and with two players or more.

Oh, no! There's a poor kitten, stuck up a tree! But don't worry! Spot the Dalmatian puppy will rush to his rescue, with a little help from the human players!

Players must spin the special device. This tells you how many moves you can make or of you have to press make a sound.

Players progress round the board and the first person to find three kitten tokens is the winner of the game!

You can find details of these games from www.imaginationgames.co.uk

Santa Claus to Run 4 Cancer!

Santa Claus Run 4 Cancer

Run 4 Cancer, the cancer charity for runners, is pleased to announce that it has secured a further 50 places for this year’s Santa Run London. This year's Santa Run will take place in Greenwich Park on Sunday the 9th of December 2012.

Run 4 Cancer, pronounced run for cancer, was set up by a group of running enthusiasts who have all lost a close friend or relative to cancer. Run entirely on a voluntary basis, the team at Run 4 Cancer raise funds by taking part in running challenges all over the world. The funds raised are used to provide days out / short-breaks for families living with cancer and to make grants to palliative care centres. The running charity also funds research into the positive effects of exercise and how it can help both prevent cancer and assist in recovery post diagnosis.

The Santa Run London 2012 attracts over 2,000 Santas every year and thousands more spectators. Open to all runners from the age of eight upwards, the course is also suitable for disabled people in wheelchairs.

For the £20 entry fee, Run 4 Cancer supporters receive a complimentary Santa Suit comprising hat, jacket, trousers, belt and beard. Runners are able to keep the Santa Suits after the race.

For 2012, two distances are available – either 5Km or 10Km. The 5Km circuit takes in the sights of Greenwich Park and the recent Olympic show jumping arena. To take part, runners are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship fund of £100. In addition to receiving a Santa Suit, each participant will be given a secure online fundraising page on Run 4 Cancer's website to collect both donations and words of encouragement.

Commenting on the event, Run 4 Cancer Chairman Stu Bowker said “I’ve run in previous Santa runs in Brighton and they are great fun. In fact, it’s rather difficult to concentrate on running when you’re laughing so much. Seeing 2,000 Santas run in a massive group is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of both runners and spectators alike.”

Stu concluded “This year, I’ll be running for my girlfriend’s uncle who recently lost his battle with cancer. Running 10K in a Santa Suit is actually quite a challenge but I am really looking forward to it. It’s a great event and loads of fun. If anyone else would like to get involved in the charity, please get in touch”

For more information, call 0845 408 1849 or visit http://www.run4cancer.org

Tea Party for your unique Christmas Do!

Absolutely perfect for a team party, a small business or even just as a treat with friends

Special Offer - £24 per person

Tea Party in North London is special! Now in its 3rd year, it’s time to announce it’s Christmas tea parties, absolutely perfect for a small Christmas do.

This totally unique private venue holds up to 20 guests in its gorgeous pink surroundings.

It was featured recently on ITV's Lorraine and has been used for lots of photo shoots appearing in both national newspapers & magazines.

Absolutely perfect for a team party, a small business or even just as a treat with friends

The gorgeous gem situated on a high street with its pink candy stripped walls, floral background and big pink chandelier just looks so cute set for Christmas.

. The Christmas Menu consists of:

• Unlimited tea
• Ice cool lemonade
• Festive finger sandwiches
• Scrummy scones, jam & lashings of clotted cream
• Christmas decorated cupcakes
• Chocolate dipped cookies
• Table flowers & Christmas tree!
• Christmas crackers
• Pretty napkins
• Served on vintage china

• Extra items available to add to your fantastic Christmas tea party include: Chocolate Yule log, mince pies, cake pops, cookies, mini xmas fruit cakes etc

You can even bring your own bubbly too!

The special offer of £24 per person is available for weekdays & weekday evenings.

Check out our website page for more info on booking a Christmas Tea Party: http://www.teaparty.uk.com

We find the top games for Christmas!

Giant Pass The Pigs

Lord of the Rings Top Trumps

Top Trumps

Winning Moves, the innovative games company behind many classic family favourites including Top Trumps and Pass The Pigs, today reveals the coolest must-have games for Christmas 2012.

Whether you’re buying for your own family, friends, colleagues or neighbours, you’ll find there’s a game to suit every taste in the Winning Moves range:

The Eye of Sauron – Lord of the Rings Top Trumps Collectors’ Tin (RRP £12.99 ages 5+, 2+ players):
Relive the greatest adventure of our time with the Lord of the Rings Top Trumps Collectors’ Tin. The stunningly detailed Eye of Sauron tin houses two exclusive Top Trumps packs: 30 Heroes of Middle-Earth and 30 of Sauron’s Forces. Lord of the Rings fans will particularly love hearing the Black Speech of Mordor when they open the tin on Christmas morning!

GIANT Pass The Pigs (RRP £14.99, ages 8+, 2+ players):
The classic party game Pass The Pigs gets a SUPER-SIZE twist this Christmas! Perfect for parties all year-round, these giant inflatable pigs can bounce around the living room, garden or beach. It’s Pass The Pigs like you’ve never passed them before! Inflate your pair of porkers, throw them and see how they land. Will you get a Leaning Jowler, a Mixed Combo or will you Pig Out?

Top Trumps (RRP from £2.99, ages 5+, 2+ players):
No Christmas stocking is complete without a pack of Top Trumps. With a theme to suit everyone – from classics such as Dinosaurs and Baby Animals, to hot licensed packs including Lord of The Rings, Moshi Monsters, Spider-Man and James Bond – Top Trumps is the ultimate stocking filler or Secret Santa treat for kids and adults alike. The perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for friend or relative in your life!

Bananagrams (RRP £14.99, age 7+, 2-16 players):
The fast and fun anagram game that drives players bananas! Requiring no pencil, paper or board, Bananagrams comes in a small portable banana-shaped pouch and is perfect fun for kids from 7 – 107 years-old, at home or on the go.

All games are available to buy now on the High Street from a wide range of retailers, or online at http://www.winningmoves.co.uk/shop.