Wednesday 25 September 2024
That's Food and Drink: Get truffling with your favourite meals!
That's Food and Drink: Get truffling with your favourite meals!: Truffles are a sought-after ingredient amongst chefs and the foodie elite, but their cost is usually prohibitive for the average food budget...
That's Food and Drink: Catering for a Vegan Christmas: Starters, Main Cou...
That's Food and Drink: Catering for a Vegan Christmas: Starters, Main Cou...: Christmas is a time for family, friends, celebration, and, of course, indulgent feasting. With more people embracing plant-based lifestyles...
That's Food and Drink: Why You Should Cover Your Christmas Turkey with Ba...
That's Food and Drink: Why You Should Cover Your Christmas Turkey with Ba...: As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to the most iconic meal of the year – Christmas dinner. A beautifully roasted tur...
Next time you go Christmas shopping show the staff some love
Millions of UK workers who feel undervalued by their bosses are on the brink of quitting their jobs, according to a major annual study of employee happiness in the workplace.
Around 6.5 million Brits who feel underappreciated by their bosses are actively looking to leave – up a million on 2023.
And the picture does not look good for the retail sector, with in excess of 8 in 10 (85%) workers revealing they feel undervalued in the workplace.
The third annual Love2shop Employee Value Report learned 82% of all UK workers who claim to feel undervalued were already preparing to leave their current employers.
Love2shop’s Employee Value Report asked workers all over the UK how feeling valued affects their work and whether rewards and recognition have a positive impact on them.
And as the cost of living remains a real concern for workers, with 71% stating that if they received a gift card or bonus from work they would spend it on the weekly shop, clothes or back-to-school essentials.
Lunchtime yoga, dogs in the office, pizza parties and work nights out are ineffective and viewed as being reflexive gimmicks to solve issues around employee appreciation and value, according to the findings.
Instead, beyond a salary rise, workers actually want more flexible working (20%) and days off (20%), and gift cards or shopping vouchers (18%) to spend on essentials - unchanged from the last three years.
Love2shop's Frank Creighton told us “Retail workers were just behind employees in finance in terms of the most unhappy workers in the UK. Not being acknowledged for their contribution to the business is the top reason for feeling under-appreciated, followed by feeling underpaid (33%).
He added: "But thinking about this solely as a wage issue would be mistaken. We found 29% of people feel undervalued because ‘loyalty is a one-way street’ – meaning they feel employers demand their loyalty but will axe their jobs without even a second thought. A quarter of people also cited the lack of a simple ‘thank you’ as a significant problem."
As well as the increase in unhappy workers generally this year, the survey also discovered the looming employment crisis in education and health refuses to go away despite recent pay settlements.
It revealed 74% of education workers and 71% of healthcare professionals are considering leaving their professions due to feeling undervalued. It is also reflected in the private sector where 89% of finance workers and 85% of retail workers are also seeking ways to leave.
This year the survey found that Northern Ireland has the happiest workers in the UK, with Belfast the happiest city.
While unhappiness grew in last year’s worst performing city – Liverpool – it was eclipsed by Plymouth, where over a third – 36% of workers – said they felt underappreciated at work.
Frank Creighton went on to say: “We have been doing the report for a number of years now and the data clearly shows loyalty, productivity and happiness increase with employers who put the right reward strategies in place. Those businesses grow and thrive more readily than businesses that do not show employees they are valued.
“Employee expectations have changed. If businesses do not change with them, they may very soon find themselves falling behind."
Love2shop’s expert team has helped more than 150,000 businesses create effective reward and engagement strategies for more than 50 years.
Choose Environmentally friendly, innovative PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR Advent Calendars
This innovative solution wipes away single-use plastic from PLAYMOBIL’s toddler Advent calendars, marking a significant step towards genuine, comprehensive sustainability.
Tahsin Dag, Founder & CEO of PAPACKS®, says: “Our collaboration with PLAYMOBIL is a bold statement for a sustainable future. Our fibre-based trays, made using only renewable resources, offers a cutting-edge, eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. This doesn't only ensures a sustainable Christmas season but also, we hope, inspires other firms and companies to embrace the move toward a plastic-free economy.”
Since the start of 2024, in excess of 90% of materials used in all PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR sets have been made using special new biobased plastics.
These plastics follow a circular economy approach, using byproducts from food or paper production. The new materials in the product line for children aged 1 to 4 maintain PLAYMOBIL’s trusted quality, safe for children, durable, and easy to clean. The packaging also features recycled cardboard, and the new moulded fibre inlays, crafted from renewable raw materials, are food-safe and child-friendly, too.
With this sustainable packaging solution for the Advent calendar trays, PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR and PAPACKS® are ensuring the Christmas season can be enjoyed in an eco-conscious way—while toddlers explore a world of fun.
The new PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR Advent Calendar Snowy Christmas (Item No.: 70297) is available wherever good toys are sold.
Product Highlights Include:
Reindeer plane with three attachable and combinable elements
Six stackable footstep stones with control images on the underside
Nine woodland animals
Christmas tree with hidden compartments
Spinning star
Two angels and Santa Claus
Dimensions of reindeer plane (without figures): approx. 23.5 x 12 x 5.5 cm
Christmas tree: approx. 10 x 5.5 x 13.5 cm
FACTFILE:
The Horst Brandstätter Group is a global player known for its renowned brands PLAYMOBIL and LECHUZA, delivering quality, innovation, and genuine value to consumers. PLAYMOBIL's imaginative role-playing toy, featuring its 7.5 cm figures, animals, and extensive accessories, has fascinated children for 50 years. With over 3.8 billion figures produced since 1974, PLAYMOBIL’s award-winning play worlds are available in around 100 countries worldwide.
PAPACKS® leads the charge in developing and manufacturing sustainable, plastic-free packaging solutions. Specializing in moulded fibre packaging made primarily from tree and hemp fibres, PAPACKS® creates food-safe packaging through advanced technology and environmental commitment. Dedicated to a circular economy, PAPACKS® is reducing plastic pollution and invites businesses worldwide to join the movement toward a sustainable future.
You can learn more at https://www.playmobil.com/en-gb
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Ideal Home Christmas Show 2024
Taking place from 27 November to 1 December 2024, this iconic event offers an unbeatable blend of festive shopping, décor inspiration, and seasonal entertainment. Whether you’re planning the perfect Christmas dinner or looking for gift ideas, the Ideal Home Christmas Show is a must-visit this winter. Here’s why you should add it to your festive calendar:
1. Get Christmas Inspiration for Your Home
The Ideal Home Christmas Show is famous for its stylish room sets, giving you a firsthand look at how to transform your home into a winter wonderland. From cosy living rooms adorned with twinkling lights to lavish dining tables dressed for a feast, you’ll find plenty of design inspiration. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or something more modern, you’ll leave brimming with ideas on how to make your home feel extra special this Christmas.
2. Shop the Best Festive Gifts and Treats
One of the most exciting aspects of the show is the vast array of vendors offering unique gifts, decorations, and festive foods. Avoid the high street frenzy and instead browse through carefully curated stalls featuring handmade crafts, luxurious beauty products, artisan foods, and even quirky stocking fillers. You’ll also discover the finest festive tipples to stock up for Christmas parties, as well as gourmet treats to add something extra to your Christmas Day feast.
3. Live Entertainment and Celebrity Appearances
The show isn’t just about shopping; it’s also packed with entertainment to keep the whole family enthralled. Throughout the event, you can enjoy festive performances from live bands, carollers, and special Christmas-themed shows. Not to mention, you’ll also have the chance to catch celebrity chefs in action, who will be giving live demonstrations on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll walk away with plenty of culinary tips and tricks.
4. Workshops and Hands-On Activities
Want to get creative? The show offers interactive workshops where you can learn how to make your own Christmas wreath, bake delicious festive treats, or even create your own personalised decorations. These hands-on experiences are perfect for getting into the festive spirit and are great fun for families and friends alike.
5. A Festive Day Out for Everyone
The Ideal Home Christmas Show isn’t just for adults – it’s a wonderful day out for the entire family. Santa’s Grotto is a magical experience for children, and they’ll love the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person. There are also plenty of festive snacks and drinks to enjoy while you wander through the Christmas markets, including mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive hot chocolates.
6. Exclusive Show Deals
For those looking for a bargain, the show is the perfect place to pick up exclusive deals and discounts on everything from homewares to beauty products. Many vendors offer special prices available only to attendees, so it’s a great opportunity to snap up something special for yourself or someone on your Christmas list.
7. Christmas Décor Trends for 2024
Are you looking to update your home’s festive décor? The show will feature the latest trends in Christmas decorations for 2024, giving you a sneak peek at what’s hot this season. Whether it’s sustainable, eco-friendly options or glamorous, maximalist displays, you’ll find the perfect decorations to suit your style. Plus, you can chat with experts who can give you advice on how to recreate the looks in your own home.
Final Thoughts
The Ideal Home Christmas Show is a festive extravaganza that promises to be full of fun, inspiration, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking to tick off your Christmas shopping list, explore the latest festive décor trends, or simply get into the Christmas spirit, this event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. With so much to see, do, and experience, it’s a truly magical day out that will leave you feeling excited for the most wonderful time of the year.
So, mark your calendars for 27 November to 1 December 2024 and make sure you don’t miss this unforgettable festive event!
https://ihschristmas.seetickets.com/tour/ideal-home-show-christmas
Sweet Cherry Acquires Brand-New Diverse Christmas Book by Sital Gorasia Chapman
This year, Sweet Cherry Publishing is set to add a special touch to the literary offerings of the season with the acquisition of A Time to Celebrate by Sital Gorasia Chapman, a delightful new children's book that stands out for its diverse and inclusive narrative.
A Fresh Perspective on Christmas
Christmas stories are often filled with traditional themes of snow, Santa, and presents. However, in A Time to Celebrate, Sital Gorasia Chapman brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the table.
The book explores the Christmas season through the lens of a British-Indian family, offering readers an opportunity to experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays through a more culturally diverse backdrop.
The story centres on a young protagonist who navigates the joyous chaos of Christmas preparations while celebrating their dual heritage. From cooking festive treats to decorating the house and embracing both Christmas and Indian traditions, A Time to Celebrate provides a beautiful and relatable portrayal of the blending of cultures during the festive period.
The Importance of Diverse Representation
Sweet Cherry’s acquisition of this book is a noteworthy step in promoting diversity and inclusion in children's literature. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for stories that reflect the experiences of children from various cultural backgrounds, and A Time to Celebrate is perfectly positioned to fill this need.
Christmas, while a universally loved holiday, can be celebrated differently by families across the world. Children reading this book will have the chance to see themselves represented in its pages, and for those unfamiliar with these traditions, it offers a window into a new world, fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures.
This story is not only a celebration of Christmas but also of identity, belonging, and the beauty of diversity. It highlights how families can honour their heritage while embracing the festive joy that comes with Christmas celebrations.
The Author’s Vision
Sital Gorasia Chapman is no stranger to weaving culturally rich narratives into her works. Her ability to create heartwarming stories that resonate with children of all backgrounds makes her a perfect fit for Sweet Cherry’s mission to bring inclusive literature to young readers.
In A Time to Celebrate, Chapman draws from her own experiences and heritage, giving the story an authentic touch that will undoubtedly appeal to readers from various walks of life. Her focus on family, tradition, and joy ensures that the book will not only entertain but also educate young minds about the richness of cultural diversity during the festive season.
Why This Book Matters
Children’s literature plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and their understanding of the world. Books like A Time to Celebrate help break down cultural barriers and build empathy by showing children that while we may all celebrate holidays differently, the essence of love, family, and joy remains universal.
Sweet Cherry’s decision to acquire this book reflects a broader movement within publishing to provide more diverse voices and stories for young readers. By highlighting the experiences of a British-Indian family during Christmas, A Time to Celebrate is a step towards a more inclusive literary landscape.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, A Time to Celebrate by Sital Gorasia Chapman is set to become a must-read for families looking for stories that reflect the rich tapestry of multicultural Britain. Sweet Cherry Publishing’s commitment to diversity shines through with this acquisition, offering children a Christmas story that is as heartwarming as it is inclusive.
With its engaging narrative, vibrant illustrations, and focus on cultural heritage, A Time to Celebrate is a perfect gift for young readers eager to explore the many ways families come together during the festive period.
As we look forward to the magic of Christmas, this book reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in embracing and celebrating our differences, making A Time to Celebrate a timely and necessary addition to our festive reading lists.
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