Why Pasture Fed Dairy Is the Choice of Cheese Connoisseurs and Eco Conscious Shoppers This Christmas

Hollis Mead is one of the few dairy farms in the UK that is 100% pasture fed and certified as such by Pasture for Life. 

But what is it that makes Pasture Fed Dairy so special? Especially at Christmas when the conscientious shoppers are looking for gifts with a sustainable difference?

Pasture fed dairy is nutritionally superior.

According to Angus Birditt food writer and Pasture for Life Marketing Manager “It’s clear pasture fed dairy is superior nutritionally. This is based on the premise that whatever we feed our animals will eventually impact the nutritional quality of meat and milk. Pasture-fed produce is much higher in omega-3 fats, and is particularly rich in vitamins A and E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.”

So, for people who are looking to feed their health as well as their tastebuds this Christmas, pasture-fed cream, butter, and cheese is the better choice.

Feeding cows on natural, organic pasture is better for the environment.

Organic, Pasture for Life farms like Hollis Mead, use no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertiliser and no grains, soya, concentrates, or industrial feeds are used in the cows’ diets.

Pasture fed dairy farms are more naturally ‘regenerative’, meaning they put nutrients back into the soil and enhance biodiversity in their local ecosystem. Native pasture grass and wildflowers naturally capture and store more carbon than land used to grow grain and cereals. This in addition to cows’ dung, removes the need for chemical fertilisers (that degrade soil health and negatively impact biodiversity).

So not only is pasture fed dairy better for human health, but better for the health of the environment and biodiversity too.

Natural Pasture Fed Dairy tastes better!

At Hollis Mead we produce a wide range of pasture-fed, organic dairy products from our high-quality milk. Some of the most popular products we produce are our premium cheeses such as the Benville Brie, winner of 3 Stars at the Great Taste Awards 2022 and our Truffled Benville, winner of 3 Stars at the 2023 Great Taste Awards.

Founder Oliver Hemsley, launched Hollis Mead to demonstrate we can farm in a way that enhances nature, produces delicious, healthy products, and demonstrate that it is possible to build a profitable UK natural dairy business whilst at the same time protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

“At Hollis Mead, the quality and richness of our pasture fed, organic milk is the key to everything we produce. Our cows are milked only once a day compared to an intensive, industrial dairy farm and as a result are happier, our milk richer in nutrients and you can taste the wildflowers in our award winning cheeses”.

Why not try some of the award winning, pasture-fed, organic Hollis Mead products and see for yourself?

All Hollis Mead Pasture Fed dairy products are available from https://hollismead.com.

Ideal Christmas gift for the fans of clean in your life? SonicScrubber™ Builds On Social Media Success With Rebrand & Range Expansion

SonicScrubber™, the social media cleaning sensation- loved by leading cleaning influencers Lynsey Queen of Clean, Anna Louisa and Mrs Hinch- is expanding its product range and has launched a stylish new brand identity, along with new, eco-friendly packaging.

“SonicScrubber has become a huge social media success story,” enthused CEO, Craig Huth. “Its growing popularity is thanks to the thousands of SonicScrubber™ fans who’ve taken the time to post on social media how effectively it’s cleaned the nooks and crannies of their homes.”

Huth went on to say: “Now we’re announcing the next chapter in the SonicScrubber story. A new, expanded SonicScrubber™ range goes on sale from today, featuring our updated brand identity along with more environmentally friendly plastic-free packaging.”

SonicScrubber powers a range of brush heads for different cleaning jobs and tasks. Oscillating 10,000 times per minute, the brushes clean up to 25 times faster than manual scrubbing. This has earned the product over 30,000 positive online reviews, including glowing endorsements from cleaning experts and influencers.

Cleaning influencer Anna-Louisa recently told her 3.6 million Instagram followers, “SonicScrubber has been a staple gadget in my cupboard for years. With its multiple attachments, I can use it for so many cleaning jobs including grout, taps, the washing machine drawer, dishwasher filter and more. I wouldn’t be without mine!”

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch swears by her SonicScrubber too, regularly sharing with her 5 million followers how she uses it to keep her beautiful home sparklingly clean.

The new SonicScrubber range features four new cleaning systems, developed with feedback from its two million existing users, to build on the brand’s social media success:

SonicScrubber™ Household System is the latest version of the classic SonicScrubber tool, designed to clean hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in every room: Behind bathroom taps, along window frames, between kitchen tiles or wherever annoying grime gathers.

SonicScrubber™ Footwear System is powered to give footwear an ultra-clean brush up. From outdoor pursuits to muddy walks, the oscillating cleaning brush heads will scrub treads, revive tired upper soles, spruce-up sneakers and ensure your boots are match ready.

SonicScrubber™ Vehicle System is an electric detailing tool, designed to clean tight spaces, gaps and grooves on all kinds of vehicles. From alloy wheels to bike gears and car interiors, the vehicle brush heads will achieve the perfect showroom finish in next to no time.

SonicScrubber™ Washing-Up System is an entirely new product, developed through customer feedback, to remove stubborn food and drink stains from cookware, glassware, worktops and crockery. Featuring oscillating brush heads, a bottle brush and a special set of SonicScrubbies™ pads, it makes washing-up almost as enjoyable as eating your dinner.

All of the products in the new range have been designed to effectively clean without using harmful cleaning chemicals, feature replaceable heads and are backed by an improved 5-year warranty. Their new plastic-free packaging, proudly bears the new SonicScrubber™ brand identity.

The SonicScrubber™ range is sold through leading retailers such as Lakeland, Amazon and eBay. It can also be purchased directly from the brand store at SonicScrubber.com.

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The perfect Christmas gift for the artists in your life: The Artists' Brush

This is the first ever definitive book dedicated to the history and development of the Artists’ Brush is available to order from Amazon and makes an ideal Christmas present for any art enthusiast.

Described as a book “that deserves to be in every school, university and bookcase of any serious artist”, The Artists' Brush  – World History, Theory & Practice by Dr. Philip Bayliss Brown, is aimed at artists, calligraphers, archaeologists, historians, educators, teachers and students of arts and history.

In his foreword, Angel of the North sculptor Sir Antony Gormley RA enthuses: “This impressive study of the brush in all its multiple forms is exhaustively examined in this extraordinary piece of scholarship which, in its diversity, becomes a celebration of human creativity…a panoply of human inventiveness as interesting to anthropologists as to art historians and to artists themselves."

The author examines the evolution and importance of the artists’ brush over history and geography. Extensively researched and referenced, it details the development and use of the brush from deep history to modern times, placing the brush in the context of the cultures in which it was used. 

Richly illustrated, it describes works on rock, walls (murals and frescoes), ceramics, textiles, panels (stone, wood), codices, calligraphic manuscripts and other peinture d'objets [painted objects]. Its chapters on brush anatomy, physics and mark making are essential reading for any artist or historian.

The history of art is re-told placing the brush at its centre: a tool, which in the hand of an artist, is responsible for some of the greatest and defining insignia of mankind. Indeed, the brush is emblematic of Homo sapiens’ ability to have wisdom and symbolic thought, and to create representational art, write and communicate. This book sheds light on historic artistic practices in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas that are frequently overlooked and under-reported in academic literature.

Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Fine Art, Arts at University Plymouth, adds: “This book opens our eyes, bringing to light arguably one of the most important instruments in creative expression - the artists’ brush. This fascinating book provides valuable scholarship in the history, manufacture, and physics of the humble brush, and interrogates the elegance of this tool.”

Published by The Cloister House Press ISBN-10 1913460738, the book is available in paperback and hardback, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon from 30th November for delivery by 12th December 2023.

website: www.theartistsbrush.org

FACTFILE: Philip Bayliss Brown studied medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. He pursued a career in General Practice coupled with a series of Medical Informatic academic appointments specialising in the development of computerised health care ontologies for use in electronic medical records. He is a lifetime scholar of historical art techniques and, following retirement from clinical practice, obtained an MA in Fine Art and trained in portraiture in London, Salisbury and Florence. 

He has had several solo shows in the UK and Italy and also joint exhibitions elsewhere in Europe, the USA and China. He has been shortlisted for a number of awards including the Signature Art Prize (2015), Deutsche Bank Award (2017) and the Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize (2019). 

His painting of the Last Supper, ‘The Weight of Blood’ was long-listed for the National Portrait Gallery BP award and formed the focus of a solo exhibition in Westminster Cathedral, London. His passion for the subject matter, experience as an academic writer and a practising painter, has serendipitously placed him in the fortuitous position to author this definitive account of The Artist’s Brush. Philip lives with his wife and dog in Norfolk, England and Umbria, Italy.

www.baylissbrown.com

Unconventional Christmas: A Guide to Creating Fun, Memorable Celebrations

Christmas is a time for tradition, but that doesn't mean you have to follow the same old routine year after year. In fact, some of the most memorable holiday celebrations are those that break away from the conventional. 

So, why not spice up your Christmas this year with an unconventional celebration that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come? In this blog post, we'll explore some creative and fun ways to celebrate Christmas differently and make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Themed Christmas

One way to add a fun twist to your Christmas celebration is by choosing a unique theme. Whether it's a winter wonderland, a tropical paradise, or even a favourite movie or TV show, a themed Christmas can make your celebration feel exciting and fresh. Decorate your home, plan your meals, and choose gifts that fit the theme. For example, if you go for a "Harry Potter" theme, you can sort your guests into Hogwarts houses, have a magical-themed dinner, and even create a game of Quidditch in your backyard.

DIY Decorations

Getting creative with your Christmas decorations can be a fun and fulfilling way to celebrate the holiday season. Gather your family and friends for a crafting day, making ornaments, wreaths, and unique holiday décor. Using recycled materials and personal touches, you'll not only save money but also create one-of-a-kind items that reflect your style and personality.

Outdoor Adventure

If you're looking to escape the traditional holiday hustle and bustle, consider taking your celebration outdoors. Depending on your location, you could go hiking, sledding, skiing, or even have a beach bonfire. Outdoor adventures can be a refreshing way to celebrate Christmas and encourage everyone to be active and enjoy nature.

International Flavours

Instead of the typical Christmas turkey consider having a Christmas dinner inspired by the cuisine of a different country. Each guest could bring a dish from a different part of the world, creating a diverse and delicious feast. Not only does this add a unique twist to your Christmas celebration, but it also encourages cultural exchange and learning.

Charitable Christmas

Christmas is a season of giving, so why not focus on helping those in need? Instead of traditional gift exchanges, consider donating to a charity or organising a volunteer day with your loved ones. This approach to Christmas will fill your heart with joy and the true spirit of the season.

Film Marathon

Host a Christmas film marathon with your friends and family. Pick your favourite Christmastime films, set up a cosy cinema area, and prepare loads of tasty of snacks. You can even turn it into a competition with Christmas-themed trivia or games during the breaks. This is a great way to relax and enjoy quality time together.

Escape Room Christmas

Turn your home into an escape room and challenge your guests to solve holiday-themed puzzles, riddles, and mysteries. This unconventional Christmas celebration idea is perfect for those who love a good mental challenge. You can also create a story that ties all the puzzles together and adds a sense of adventure to your holiday gathering.

Christmas is a time for joy, love, and creativity. By thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional ideas, you can create a memorable holiday celebration that's unique to you and your loved ones. 

Whether you choose a themed Christmas, DIY decorations, outdoor adventures, international flavours, a charitable approach, a festive film marathon, or an escape room Christmas, the key is to make the day special and meaningful for everyone involved. So, this year, break free from tradition and let your imagination run wild as you celebrate an unconventional Christmas that will be cherished for years to come.

A Timeless Tradition: Unwrapping the History of Christmas Cards

As the Christmas season approaches, we prepare to exchange festive greetings and heartfelt wishes with our loved ones through the age-old tradition of Christmas cards. 

These beautifully decorated pieces of paper or card have become synonymous with the yuletide season, but have you ever wondered about the history behind this tradition? In this blog post, we'll unwrap the fascinating history of Christmas cards, from their humble beginnings to the creative and meaningful expressions of love and joy that they represent today.

The Birth of Christmas Cards

The custom of sending holiday greetings in written form can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Chinese are believed to have exchanged New Year's cards as early as the 9th century, and the Egyptians sent papyrus scrolls with seasonal greetings. However, it was in 1843 that the modern Christmas card was born in England, thanks to Sir Henry Cole.

Sir Henry Cole was a very busy man with a lot of correspondence to attend to. He found himself overwhelmed by the task of responding to all his Christmas well-wishers. Seeking a solution, he commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to create a card that could be easily personalised and sent to multiple recipients. 

The result was the first commercially produced Christmas card, which depicted a family enjoying a Christmas feast and included the message, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

Early Christmas Cards: Victorian Elegance

These early Christmas cards were a far cry from the intricate and creative designs we see today. They featured simple, hand-painted illustrations and often carried religious messages, reflecting the predominant themes of the time. The cards were seen as a way to remind recipients of the true meaning of Christmas.

The tradition of sending Christmas cards quickly caught on in Victorian England and soon spread to the United States. People would exchange these cards with family and friends, often attaching sentimental notes and good wishes. The cards were treasured keepsakes, and some survive to this day, offering glimpses into the past.

The Rise of Commercial Christmas Cards

As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, advances in printing technology and mass production techniques led to the rise of commercial Christmas cards. Companies began producing a wide variety of designs, making it easier for people to find cards that suited their tastes and sentiments. These cards were no longer exclusive to the wealthy; they became accessible to the masses, too.

During this time, a new range of artistic styles emerged, from Art Nouveau to the Arts and Crafts movement, each leaving its unique imprint on Christmas card design. While some cards still featured religious themes, others embraced the secular aspects of the holiday, with Santa Claus, reindeer, and winter scenes becoming popular motifs.

A Timeless Tradition: Modern Christmas Cards

In the 21st century, Christmas cards have continued to evolve. The digital age has brought e-cards and digital greetings, allowing for quick and easy exchanges across the globe. However, traditional paper Christmas cards remain beloved by many. They have evolved into a canvas for personal expression, with handmade and custom-designed cards becoming increasingly popular, once again.

Today, Christmas cards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be humorous, heart-warming, or artistic, and they often feature family photos, personalised messages, and even in support of charitable causes. Many people still cherish the act of sending and receiving physical cards, as they represent a tangible connection to loved ones during the Christmas season.

The history of Christmas cards is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. What started as a simple idea in 1843 has blossomed into a diverse and cherished tradition that transcends time and borders. Whether you opt for a vintage Victorian design, a modern masterpiece, or a personalised photo card, remember that each Christmas card you send or receive is a piece of history, a token of love, and a reminder of the enduring joy of the Christmas season.

(Image courtesy Oberholster Venita from Pixabay)

Introducing Everlasting Wreath Kits for Christmas from Everbloom

Are you seeking out a neat creative activity to share with family and friends this Christmas? Then Everbloom's 'build your own' wreath kits are going to be absolutely ideal!

They'll arrive at your door with everything you need to design your own luxury faux wreath that will last for years to come. 

Embrace your inner creative with an Everlasting Wreath Kit

Nothing says Christmas like a luxurious wreath on your front door to welcome your guests over the festive period!

The Everlasting Wreath Kits consist of an absolute abundance of rich festive greens, muted eucalyptus and delicate berries to decorate your own luxury faux Christmas wreath.

By following the simple instructions and perhaps by watching Everbloom's engaging online tutorials, the wreath kits will quickly transform into a meaningful and sustainable decoration for your home or the home of a crafting loved one.

Visiting London this Christmas? Attend an Everlasting Wreath Making Workshop!

Join Everbloom for the perfect festive activity, where you'll learn first-hand how to design your own everlasting wreath. Led by the Everbloom florists, guests are taught step-by-step how to design a unique wreath using a wide range of luxury faux foliage, berries and flowers. 

The perfect setting to socialise, embrace your creativity and enjoy a glass of fizz, guests will leave with an abundance of festive cheer and a wreath to enjoy from one season to the next. More information, dates and tickets can be found on the Everbloom website www.everbloomlondon.co.uk.