Hangover? Ice, ice baby!

It's true! Having an ice facial could get rid of Christmas hangovers!

We are being advised to dunk our faces in ice to get over a hangover so we can enjoy Christmas parties without worrying about the painful day after.

Experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have researched eight tips to help get rid of a painful hangover which include submerging your face in a bowl of ice in the morning.

With holiday parties taking place across the entire month, the joys of the festivities can result in many dealing with sore heads and stomach pains the next day.

Many of us try to fight a hangover in our own way but research by the experts shows which tips actually make a difference.

Taking a mixture of home remedies and following simple morning routines like having a shower and a homemade ice facial can help make the day more tolerable.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “While many partygoers love to enjoy the glitz and glam of Christmas parties, facing the consequences the day after is a struggle for most.

“The advice on tips on how to cure a hangover can range from genuinely beneficial tips to those which have little or no impact at all.

“This is why we wanted to narrow down which tips can help to get rid of the sore head and nausea, even if it means getting out of bed early to shower and having an iced facial first thing.

“Having plenty to eat after a boozy night can also help ease the symptoms as well as meals full of protein and vitamins the day after can help to ease the side effects.

“Feeling positive and full of energy is not a term we use to describe those suffering from a hangover - but using these tips can ease the unpleasant feelings that come after a night of partying.”

Here are eight tips from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk on how to get rid of a Christmas party hangover:

Shower in the morning

While it’s important to get plenty of rest, it doesn’t help to stay in bed all day and wait for the pain to fade. Taking a shower first thing can help you feel fresh and ready for the day ahead. Sticking to a normal routine can also help take your mind off the underlying hangover pain.

Ice facial 

It’s a trick commonly used to reduce facial puffiness, but the emerging TikTok trend has been used among many partygoers to aid the pain after a heavy night out. The cold feeling from the issue will take pressure off the sore head - repeat the dunking for 10 seconds and repeat this two to three times.

Have a full breakfast

A full breakfast can aid a hangover as the carbs and sugar will help replace the loss caused by drinking alcohol. Eggs in particular are the main ingredient to aiding the pain, as they’re full of protein and vitamins B and D which help deal with nausea.

Hot bath

Having a hot bath in the late afternoon or evening can increase your blood flow and help take your mind off the headache. You can take this further by slicing cucumbers and lemons to go for the maximum relaxation experience.

Swimming

It’s a challenge getting the motivation to exercise while experiencing a hangover, but taking a quick swim to relax your muscles can take your mind off the pain.

Fizzy drinks

Drinking lots of alcohol can result in blood thinning and then causes a pounding headache. While dehydrated, it’s important to have plenty of fluids including fizzy drinks, as the sugar can make you feel more energised. However, only rely on these drinks as those containing caffeine can result in further dehydration. (EDITOR: do not make the mistake of interspersing alcoholic drinks with fizzy, soft drinks because that can speed up the rate in which alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream. Still water can be a help, however, but not fizzy water.) 

Food before bed

Whether it’s cheesy chips or a quick slice of toast before bed, eating before hitting the pillow can help aid the pending sore head. This is because it’ll line your stomach before getting some sleep and can make you feel less dehydrated once you wake up.

Eat carbs

Increasing the amount of carbohydrates that you have can help. Even if it’s an extra slice of toast, or a filling dish such as pasta - each can help to build up your energy and defeat the sluggish feelings.

Actually, if you are suffering from any of the various lurgies that can afflict us throughout the wintertime, the above hangover remedies can also help you feel better with those nasty infections. For example an icy face bath can help to clear blocked sinuses. 

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

Smart Christmas Shopping Tips

How to get it right first time (and what to do should something goes wrong).

‘Tis the season and with Christmas shopping at the forefront of our minds, Black Friday sales behind us and the traditional January bargain-hunt on the horizon; many of us are looking to find a good deal in-store or online whilst spreading some cheer. But what should you be looking out for when making Christmas purchases or do if things should go wrong?

Festive Shopping Tips

Whatever goods and services shoppers are looking to grab this (most wonderful time of the) year, the following should be at the forefront of their minds.

Will it be delivered on time?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods should be delivered within 30 days of the order being placed, unless agreed otherwise. This can sometimes be in the terms and conditions or specified on the order documentation itself. 

Often with large items of furniture otherwise known as ‘big ticket’ items, there can be a longer lead-time because the item is being specially made to fulfil an order, or parts may need to be shipped in from abroad. Particularly at the moment, it’s very important for consumers to check these lead-times and ask the retailer for details of anything that might cause a delay.

When buying in a shop, customers should clarify that items being purchased are covered by any Christmas delivery guarantees and keep a record of the answer.

Further, under consumer law, customers can specify delivery by a certain date is vital. If the retailer fails to meet such a date, the consumer can treat that as a cancellation of the contract. If an essential date is specified (or apparent from the circumstances), it’s really vital to make sure that date is recorded by both sides.

Is it really a bargain?

There are strict rules retailers must adhere to when advertising reductions in a sale. This is to ensure you can be confident the reduction is a genuine one. You would not be entitled to the difference if items are further reduced after you have made your purchase, so make sure you are happy with the current price you are committing to pay and don’t feel pressurised by slogan like “only two left” or “three other customers are looking at this item”.

What are my rights when goods are reduced in a sale?

Where goods are bought in a sale at a reduced price, consumers still have access to their consumer rights. If you bought the goods in a shop and they're faulty, they can be returned for a full refund (within the first 30 days). After that, if goods cannot, after one attempt, be successfully repaired or replaced, a price reduction or final right to reject would be the legal remedy. This means you might get a sum of money to keep them as they are, or you could return them and get your money back (this might be a full or a part refund depending how long you have had them for before you noticed the issue).

The amount of the refund would be calculated by reference to the price paid, not the original non-reduced price of the goods.

It’s also worth noting if you were told the reason for the price reduction, (such as damage), you cannot return them based solely on that issue.

What about damaged goods?

Consumer remedies do cover goods which are damaged. In a shop you might be able to negotiate a price reduction for these, but ultimately it's up to a consumer whether to buy them or not.

Where goods are  as damaged on delivery, consumers have remedies. However, where these have been opened by the original recipient, re-wrapped and potentially moved to a different location, it will be hard to prove the goods were damaged upon delivery or when purchased so when giving gifts this Christmas, it is important you check them over before you wrap them, so you can deal with any issues direct with the retailer to avoid disappointment on the big day.

Can I return personalised goods?

Where goods are personalised, for example made using photographs which are supplied to the retailer or by adding your name or some specific text, these are non-returnable (unless they are faulty, not as described or not fit for the purpose). This is regardless of whether the products were bought in store or ordered online. This is because they are made specifically for you and cannot reasonably be re-sold.

What if I can’t find the receipt and need to return something?

You will need proof of purchase in order to return goods; without this your refund could be refused or might be based on the current selling price, which could be substantially less in the January sales. You may be offered store credit, which might be a reasonable alternative if the goods are simply unwanted.

Judith Turner, Deputy Chief Ombudsman, Dispute Resolution Ombudsman said, “We’re in the midst of the busy holiday period, however consumers can rest assured that if they check before shopping that a retailer is a member of an alternative dispute resolution body such as a government approved Ombudsman, they will have an added layer of protection when making purchases.

“If things should go wrong, and they can’t get any joy out of the retailer, businesses that subscribe to the Ombudsman follow a code of practice which means that they are committed to being responsible retailers and looking after your consumer rights, ultimately leading to more confident shopping when making those festive purchases.”

For more information, visit www.disputeresolutionombudsman.org.

(Image courtesy Steve Buissinne and Pixabay)

That's Food and Drink: Brownie Che. Homemade, delicious

That's Food and Drink: Brownie Che. Homemade, delicious: The brownies from Brownie Che are homemade and utterly delicious.  They are made with love and with great attention to detail. They carefull...

Enjoy Christmas at Selfridges stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester

Enjoy Christmas at Selfridges stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester and on selfridges.com with a theme of Season’s Feastings: a celebration of the power of food to bring us together.

Season’s Feastings invites customers to celebrate the power of food to bring us together this festive season. Launching across Selfridges’ four stores and on selfridges.com, Selfridges will offer customers serving suggestions for setting up, dressing up, gift giving and merrymaking, as we all look forward to coming together with friends and family to enjoy cherished Christmas rituals.

A Festive Day Out 

The Christmas windows are a must-see as part of a festive day out in London, bringing us together at this time of year. There are 15 windows to explore in total, taking inspiration from the theme with surreal and spectacular interpretations of festive ‘foodie’ moments. Customers can also visit Selfridges’ biggest Christmas Shop to date, open on the fourth floor of the Oxford Street store, reimagined as a magical and immersive place where visitors are invited to spend time savouring the festive experience and choose ornaments that are special to them. Christmas Shops in the Birmingham and Manchester stores are also open, along with window displays to delight and amuse.

Moments of Magic

This festive season, Selfridges is set to bring loved ones together with high energy shared experiences that are a fantastical feast for the eyes. From 25 November, Santa and his squad of Christmas pudding disco balls will be making daily visits to the Christmas Shop and festive destinations at all stores to greet customers and spread joy as the countdown to Christmas begins. Santa will host events such as the iconic Breakfasts with Santa across London, Birmingham and Manchester, giving customers plenty of chances to make their Christmas wishes.

Reimagined Destinations

Selfridges invites customers to think, feel and experience Christmas with joy and delight in reimagined destinations. From 31 October, Dolly’s café in London will be transformed into the ultimate feasting destination abundant with Christmas décor. From 25 November, the party energy will be brought by a cast of Christmas characters and musical entertainment including a Christmas choir, and in the evenings the countdown clock will strike to signal a theatrical festive performance. Rottingdean Bazaar have been commissioned to design the Selfridges Christmas tree this year, located at the Duke Street entrance of the London store.

In Manchester Exchange, a new confetti cannon experience will wow customers. In Trafford, from 1 November local Instagram favourite Gooey bring their sweet treats to a new Christmas Café pop up serving cookies, brioche donuts and hot drinks, and the Birmingham store will also open a Christmas Café as a destination for customers to socialise and be inspired.

Gifts for All

Selfridges is the home of expertly curated Christmas gifts, helping customers to celebrate with gestures big and small. This year, a Season’s Feastings printed guide cooks up the ultimate Christmas at Selfridges with a host of ‘recipes’ from friends and contributors. Customers can discover DeadHungry’s ultimate festive dessert and the Black Power Waffle by Ghetto Gastro, tips on how to have a more sustainable Christmas from Stella McCartney, as well as how to create DIY decorations with Max Allen and Laila Gohar’s recipe for an unconventional Christmas.

Customers will be inspired through curated advice and a personalised approach. A Hampers Concierge can create bespoke gifts tailored to any recipient and through Selfridges’ Experience Concierge customers can gift unique-to-Selfridges experiences such as Cinema membership, lessons in the skate bowl and pampering sessions.

Earth-conscious shopping is easier than ever with Project Earth labelled edits that are better for people and the planet and a host of Reselfridges services such as rental for partywear, beauty refill gifting and pre-loved presents.

Celebrating Community 

Selfridges is proud to partner with Centrepoint this Christmas to fund housing and support for young people across the UK.  Over the festive period initiatives such as proceeds from a giant 8kg panettone in the Foodhall and a ‘donate as you dine’ scheme giving customers the option to add £1 to their restaurant bill will raise money for the cause.

Meave Wall, Selfridges’ Stores Director, says: “This Christmas is all about coming together with loved ones to enjoy cherished rituals. We’re inspired by the power of food in bringing people together and through our theme, Season’s Feastings, are celebrating what this means to us at Selfridges. With our iconic Christmas windows on Oxford Street, Christmas Shops in every store and a line up of fantastic entertainment, we’re ready and excited to welcome customers in to make their festive season brighter.”

selfridges.com

Want to attend a Carol Service or Midnight Mass? Ask Google!

Are you thinking about attending a Carol Service or Midnight Mass this Christmas? 

Then you can take a look on Google (or Bing, etc) to check out what is available in your area. Just use search times like "Christmas Midnight Mass near me" "Carol Service near me" or "Christmas church service near me." 

Baptist, Methodist, Church of England, Church of Wales, Church of Scotland, Pentecostal Churches, Catholic Churches, Salvation Army Citadels, etc, etc, many of them are holding Carol Services and Midnight Masses throughout the Christmas season.

An opportunity to sing carols, wear your Chirstmas jumper and meet up with people! 

(Image courtesy of Niek Verlaan and Pixabay)

TfL is reminding customers to take advantage of the great value Hopper fare this Christmas

Thanks to the Mayor's Hopper fare, customers can make unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of touching in. This means customers could potentially get the majority of their Christmas shopping done at some of London's best shopping locations for just £1.65, the price of a single journey.  

Some of London's most famous shopping destinations can be visited within the hour of all thanks to London's iconic buses. For a single bus fare, shoppers could: 

visit One New Change, the premier retail centre in the heart of the City, then hop on the route 8 to get to the famous Spitalfields Market for one-off vintage items, and board the route 26 to visit independent boutiques at Columbia Road 

hop from Covent Garden, to Oxford Street via the route 98, followed by a ride on the route 94 to get to the Notting Hill boutiques, with the added bonus of antique shops on Portobello Road Market only a short walk away 

jump on board the route 73 from Upper Street, Angel, and head towards Coal Drops Yard, before boarding the route 214 to visit Camden Market for a mix of gifts to suit everyone 

Five buses wrapped with a festive twist are now in operation across the capital and will hopefully bring a smile to Londoners and visitors during winter. The eye-catching white buses are covered with snowflakes, stars and TfL's iconic station roundels - almost like gift wrap - with the names replaced with some of the fun activities people can see and do this festive season including London lights and last minute shopping. 

A further 13 buses have had a roundels panel installed at the back to spread some extra festive cheer. The buses are in service on selected routes around the capital passing through Wood Green, Camberwell, Putney and more, and some even have LED lights, providing an extra twinkle as they take passengers from A-Z.

TfL has also put together a list of the best bus routes to enjoy London's most spectacular Christmas lights displays, and a Christmas lights Tube map. Both are available on the TfL blog by visiting londonblog.tfl.gov.uk/festive-bus-routes/. The free TfL Go app also features seasonal things to do. Throughout December customers can discover festive activities and events all across London when planning a journey by tapping "Where to?" within the app.

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport said: "As we are in the busy festive period Londoners can enjoy the Mayor's Hopper fare which allows passengers to take unlimited bus or tram journeys for just £1.65 within one hour of touching in. Passengers may even find themselves on a specially wrapped festive bus, which are now in operation across the capital  as they visit the many amazing places London has to offer this Christmas.

"Buses are London's most affordable and accessible transport option - it's why the Mayor stepped in to save the vast majority of routes proposed to be cut due to the Government's funding conditions. I'd encourage everyone to hop on our bus network which has a central role to play in building a better, greener and fairer city for all Londoners."

Julie Dixon, TfL's Customer Director, said: "We hope that our eye-catching festive buses bring some extra cheer to Londoners and visitors in the run up to Christmas. The cost-of-living crisis means every penny matters more than ever, so we hope that customers will take advantage of the great value Hopper fare this winter." 

The Hopper fare gives passengers unlimited journeys on buses and trams for £1.65 made within one hour of touching in and also applies to discounted rate travel. Passengers must touch in using the same card or device on all journeys to automatically get the Hopper fare.

25 Years of The Lights of Christmas

Every year is magical at The Lights of Christmas, but this is the 25th year of the event which brings another level of significance. This year is about more than dazzling lights, breathtaking displays, and the yummy comfort food. 

For the 25th anniversary, we want to honour and remember all those who helped make the event so memorable for countless families across the Pacific Northwest.

“The 25th Anniversary of The Lights of Christmas is a special time because we get to look back and celebrate what God has done through this event. We cherish the memories and traditions created over the years and look forward to making more in the future years," said Kayla Castiglione, The Lights of Christmas Director.

Once again, this year The Lights of Christmas will present... A Drive-Thru Christmas. The drive-thru format will lavishly celebrate the meaning of Christmas through new and classic displays while striving to be as accessible as possible. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your car to enjoy this festive spectacle!

This year will also feature an expansion to Santa’s Village allowing people to park, stretch their legs, have some silly fun, and purchase merchandise!

The Lights of Christmas opened this year on November 25th and run through select nights through December 31st.

Tickets must be purchased online before arrival. More information can be found at

www.TheLightsofChristmas.com, or by phone at 800-228-6724.