Lift yourself this Christmas with LIFT

The countdown to Christmas is on the way, and we all know what that can mean! 

There aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, lacking in energy from the shorter days and the colder winter nights and then of course, the parties! 

Also, late nights and hangovers can be part and parcel of the festive party season. So how on earth will we survive all this? With LIFT, that’s how!

Lift contains a fast-acting, measured dose of glucose, which is easily and rapidly absorbed into the body to give you that additional level of energy and putting you in control when you need it the most.

The range includes:

Shots – these fast-acting glucose shots are available in Very Berry or Zesty Lemon & Lime Flavours, £1.60

Chews – just as fast-acting as the shots, the chews come in four delicious flavours including Very Berry, Zesty Lemon & Lime, Juicy Raspberry and Tangy Orange. They are available in 10s, £1.25 and 50s £3.80

Lift Glucose shots and chews are available from Amazon, Asda, Boots, Lloyds Chemist, Superdrug, Tesco.

Get ready to party like a pro with Lift Glucose this festive season.

You can learn more, here https://www.liftglucose.com.

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The ultimate gift for Christmas is Relaxation with Spabreaks.com

From the ultimate relaxation gift vouchers to at-home-spa gift sets, Spabreaks.com has the perfect present for everyone on your Christmas list

Spabreaks.com gives the options of two types of gift: gift packages or monetary vouchers.

With all gifts, Spabreaks.com offers a range of optional gift sets to accompany the voucher, from aromatic candles to skincare sets.

With the continued stresses and distractions that 2022 has engendered in us, many of us are looking for ways in which to unwind & relax as we get closer to the festive period. With Spabreaks.com’s range of gift ideas, it's definitely the perfect time to treat someone you love with the relaxation and wellbeing benefits of spa.

Be it an overnight spa break, a spa day or a gift voucher that allows your loved ones the flexibility of choosing where and when to make their get away, there's definitely something for everyone and for all budgets with Spabreaks.com’s wonderful gift options.

Spabreaks.com offers two types of gift voucher, which can be redeemed at over 450 spas across the UK:

GIFT PACKAGES

These packages give you the chance to tailor your gift to include all the specifics: the spa, the treatments, and whether you have lunch, afternoon tea or stay for dinner. You choose the spa and experience; they choose when they'll get to use it.

MONETARY VOUCHERS

A sum of money, selected by you, which can be used towards any of Spabreaks.com’s experiences, offering total flexibility and give your recipient the freedom to choose how they spend it. Monetary vouchers are available from £30.

Vouchers are easily bookable online and offer 12-month validity, so voucher holders can choose when they want to enjoy their gift. And this ensures they get to indulge in their spa experience at a time which suits them. 

In a bid to help spread the cost of Christmas for customers this year, all vouchers bought from the 24th October will have an extended validity period that will run through until the 24th December 2023.

Looking to tailor the spa experience perfectly to each person on your list? Spabreaks.com has a range of gift packages at incredible venues across the country like:

Doubletree by Hilton Chester Hotel

Enjoy a one-night bed and breakfast stay at this manor house hotel set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds. With abundant space, groups will love the fine chances for dining and social time, but don’t forget to factor in time at the luxury Club and Spa!

Its 14 treatment rooms mean it has ample space for larger groups, plus a pool, steam room and rasul, which are fun to enjoy with family and friends. 

After a restorative massage or facial, make the most of the poolside loungers before planning how to enjoy yourself next. Offer includes a three-course dinner in the Garden Room & Terrace from a Table D’hôte Menu and 4 hours use of the spa facilities. From £88.50pp. More information here https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/doubletree-by-hilton-chester-hotel.

Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel

With Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on your own doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you busy with sightseeing, but when you’re ready to indulge in some serious relaxation time, Rena Spa is an oasis of calm. Elegant facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, next to which you’ll find a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna to spend time relaxing in. The spa is all about pampering, so you can expect to find an indulgent treatment menu to choose a range of beauty and holistic therapies from. Offer includes one-night bed and breakfast stay, a choice of 1 x 25-minute treatment, a bottle of Prosecco on arrival and 2 hours use of the facilities. From £103.50pp. More details here https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/rena-spa-at-leonardo-royal-tower-bridge-hotel?package_id=20893#offers.

Shangri-La, The Shard

Dip your toes into Europe's highest sky pool with a mid-week staycation in the city and the sky. This  provides you with an unparalleled view of the city from a Deluxe City View Room, your day starts with a buffet breakfast for two in TĪNG restaurant. 

Make the most of your getaway with access to the hotel’s legendary infinity sky pool, as well as relaxing in the sauna or working out in the gym, all located on the hotel’s 52nd floor and open until 6pm. 

Treat yourself by adding a treatment to your stay, either in the spa or in your room for extra comfort. You can also add dinner and drinks to your stay at one of the hotel’s array of restaurants and bars. 

Whether you fancy a tipple in Europe’s highest hotel bar, GŎNG, tucking into Asian cuisine with classic British gastronomy at TĪNG, or enjoying a local craft beer or Aperol Spritz at Bar 31, there’s something for every palate. From £465pp. More information here https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/shangri-la-the-shard-london.

If you’re unsure of the recipient's favourite spa, or what they might enjoy, book safely in the knowledge that the equivalent monetary value of the voucher can be used towards an alternative experience of their choice.

With all gifts, Spabreaks.com offers a range of optional gift sets to accompany the voucher, from aromatic candles to skincare sets – all of which will allow recipients to enjoy a spot of at home relaxation as they eagerly await their upcoming spa experience.

With a range of gifting options and an array of wonderful spas across the UK, giving the relaxing gift of spa is easy this Christmas with Spabreaks.com.

For more information or to book visit www.spabreaks.com or call 0800 043 6600.   

A Head Full of Magic

A Head Full of Magic is a book by Sarah Morrell which will make an ideal Christmas gift for the young people in your life.

What happens when you discover that you can talk to animals? That would really change your life, wouldn't it?

This is what happens to Fleur, who already has to balance between her two vastly different cultures. Her mum's English culture and her nan's West Indian culture.

Her nan reveals that Fleur is a hexter, someone who can perform magic. Which is why she can talk to animals.

Fleur's life has been thrown into turmoil, as her two best friends Ruby and Anais don't seem to have any time for her, they no longer come round to her house for teatime, thus they no longer save Fleur from her mum's dreadful cooking!

Why did this happen? Because new girl at school, Celeste, decided that Fleur, with her love of playing chess and reading books, is 'boring' and she has convinced Ruby and Anais that Fleur is boring and they avoid her at school and no longer come round to her house, which has really hurt Fleur. 

Fleur hears Celeste badmouthing her at school calling her "Borer Snorer" and her two former best friends began laughing at her and making snoring noises.

But what can she do to deal with Celeste? And why are birds mobbing Celeste, including pecking her ear to the extent that it started to bleed?

And how can a parrot called Sir Barclay help Fleur to deal with her problems?

And how can she take hockey star Celeste down?

It's a book that is amusing and a real fun read.

It's published by Hashtag at £6.99.

https://www.hashtagpress.co.uk.

Announcing For Christmas 2022, a New Recording, Rorate Cœli: Marian Sounds of Advent.

Featuring Classic and Never-Before-Recorded Chant Alongside Glorious Polyphony from the Monks of Clear Creek.

De Montfort Music, under its new home at Sophia Music Group, is celebrating the release of Rorate Cœli: Marian Sounds of Advent by The Monks of Clear Creek.  

This will be the first global release from the label signing with The Monks of Clear Creek.  Established out of France's venerable Notre-Dame de Fontgombault Abbey, of the Solesmes Congregation, this growing U.S. monastic community is based in the U.S. Ozarks. 

The Monks of Clear Creek is made up of in excess of 60 men, representing a variety of cultural backgrounds. Both Benedictine tradition and the Clear Creek community's heritage as part of the Solesmes Congregation entail a great appreciation for the ancient, sacred music of Gregorian chant - the plainchant that started developing as long ago as the ninth century, enduring across many centuries to the present day.  

About the music-making at Clear Creek Abbey, Abbot Philip Anderson says: "The power of music is that it does amazing things in one's soul, something even Plato recognized. 

"This chant is a vehicle allowing us to express the faith and prayer of praise that's so characteristic of the Benedictine way of life. Marrying sacred texts to music, to singing, can result in a beautiful experience."

Click below to watch the cinematic EPK for Rorate Cœli: Marian Sounds of Advent 

The album was produced and engineered by the multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Brad Michel, who describes The Monks' music as "not performed, but rather lived and believed... When an artist is living every word like that, it's impossible not to get caught up in the experience."

'Rorate Cœli' follows other successful recordings from De Montfort Music/AimHigher, who accounted for many of Billboard's #1 Classical Traditional Album Imprints of the past decade. Recorded in surround sound for release with Apple Music's Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, 'Rorate Cœli' features music from a Mass of Our Lady in Advent and a Mass for the Vigil of Christmas, which were recorded at Clear Creek Abbey. Some pieces on the album are sung by the entire group, some by smaller ensembles of monks and others by soloists, lending a vast range of sound and color to this classic new recording.

www.DeMontfortMusic.com       

www.SophiaMusicGroup.com

www.ClearCreekMonks.org

US Postal Service launches Christmas Stamps

The U.S. Postal Service has launched this year's special Christmas stamps.

Its Holidays Elves Forever stamps were officially launched at Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska.

The stamps are se-tenant, which means they work together as either a single scene or as individual images. Santa’s happy helpers are tireless in their chores preparing treats and toys for Christmas gift-giving. 

Just like flying reindeers, the North Pole and Santa himself, elves are woven into the fabric of the season’s traditions.

Artist Don Clark first sketched his design and then created the final illustration digitally. Antonio Alcalá was the art director.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps , by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

Other national postal carriers will be launching their own special Christmas postal stamps. Keep an eye open for those.

Affordability crunch as four in ten Brits say not being able to afford Christmas most likely to ruin festive season

Affordability is a top concern for shoppers this Christmas, says according to Sitecore’s Holiday Shopping Trends 2022 report, a survey of over 2,000 UK consumers. 

With 41% saying not being able to afford Christmas would ruin the festive season, and 33% confirming they'll be spending less this Christmas, so retailers must expertly price their goods and deliver the digital moments, content and experiences that matter to perfection in order to stand a chance of turning a profit this year.

Brits have already started thinking about how to face the affordability crunch:

42% are cutting back on personal expenditures such as eating out or going out with friends, something that 47% of Millennials will do.

42% of parents say they’re likely to only buy gifts for their kids this year.

37% are using points or rewards they’ve accumulated with brands over the year.

24% are selling some of their personal possessions on online marketplaces (35% Gen Z; 34% Millennials).

18% are taking a side job or working more hours (34% Gen Z; 23% Millennials).

17% are cutting subscription-based services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The majority of UK shoppers (75%) will be looking to purchase cheaper gifts this year, and are willing to “put in the work” while at work to find the best deals. Half admit to holiday shopping during their workday and over a third (37%) have used a secret internet browsers to avoid being detected.

Paige O'Neill, Chief Marketing Officer with Sitecore said: "As we continue to face turbulent economic times, our findings serve as a wake-up call for marketers and brands that are launching and optimising their festive campaigns."

"If brands are to keen on attracting shoppers and ensure a successful retail quarter, it’s vital they respond to customer concerns about affordability. Retailers must put measures in place to help ease the pressure on shoppers so they can really make this Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. 

"Brands can use our data, plus their own insights, to create personalised content, offers and experiences that will impress customers, earn their trust and ensure they remain loyal during this current financial crisis."

UK spending on non-essential items is expected to plummet by £12bn this Christmas. And while reducing prices is an option much valued by shoppers, the negative effect on profit margins is marked. 

Instead, retailers can use alternative ways to meet customer expectations and secure sales. Leaning into convenience is one such approach. One in four respondents said they'd appreciate extended opening hours to dodge the crowds and making more online delivery slots available would also be of benefit.

Christmas must haves

While it is likely 2022 will be the year of fewer, cheaper gifts, there are some Christmas traditions that consumers won’t scrimp on. These so called “must-haves” include:

Gifts for people’s own children (58%)

Gifts for others’ kids (50%)

Alcohol (47%)

A turkey (44%)

Spending time with family (44%)

UK consumers stated they would spend half their Christmas budget on gifts, just over a third (36%) on food and the remainder on entertainment. This heavy weighting on food and drink should be good news for Britain’s supermarkets and other food and drink retailers such as garden centres, farm shops, delicatessens, etc. 

Despite eased restrictions on in-person shopping, online commerce continues to dominate in most categories except food & drink and beauty. In fact, half of Gen Z and Millennials say that all or most of their shopping will be done online. Online shopping is preferred because it's:

Quick and easy (61%)

More convenient (58%)

Avoids the crowds (51%)

Saves on costs driving to the shops (e.g. petrol and parking) (24%)

People spend more when shopping in-person (24%)

While sales and buy-one-get-one free are seen as great incentives to drive online shopping, almost one in four UK consumers say free shipping is likely to prompt them to purchase an item. In fact, over two thirds (70%) won’t purchase an item if it doesn’t offer free shipping, while the majority (78%) will add more items to their shopping basket to meet the minimum required for free shipping.

Sitecore commissioned this research for the second year running to provide insight to brands and retailers looking to understand consumer attitudes ahead of the festive season and prepare for the Golden Quarter. This will help them to better tailor content and create personalised digital experiences to win customers over.

Sitecore commissioned Advanis to conduct a survey among consumers, reflecting the attitudes and priorities for this year’s Christmas season, particularly around how the rising cost of living. The study polled 2,156 UK consumers in August 2022. The full report also explores what marketers and brands can do to support customers so they can enjoy what could well be a difficult festive season. 

https://www.sitecore.com.