Monday 24 October 2011
That's Home and Household: Log fires. For Christmas and beyond
That's Home and Household: Log fires. For Christmas and beyond: Carefully placed mistletoe and oversized stockings surrounding a roaring fireplace is a quintessential Christmas image. However, given th...
Wednesday 19 October 2011
That's Books: A Prayer for the Wild at Heart
That's Books: A Prayer for the Wild at Heart: A Prayer for the Wild at Heart is an absolutely delightful book that will make an ideal present for the person who loves cats. It is a col...
Monday 17 October 2011
Jellyfingers Great Free Toy Giveaway
Flash Sale Website ‘Jellyfingers’ Great Free Infant & Pre-School Toy Giveaway
Jellyfingers, a flash sale site dedicated to the infant and pre-school market is the first of its kind in the UK, and as a special pre-Christmas promotion they are giving away over 500 FREE toys, one each to the first 500 who visit the website www.jellyfingers.co.uk when the offer goes live on Tuesday 18th October 2011. All visitors have to do is choose their favourite toy from all those included in the free giveaway and add it to their basket and the chosen toy will be delivered free of charge.
Jellyfingers have 25 different toys from the gorgeous infant and pre-school (0 – 4) www.kidstoyworld.co.uk range to give away, which will be listed by age suitability, and include puzzles, rattles, squeakaboos, games and pull alongs; with rrp’s up to £7.99. Once all 500 free toys have been claimed, the range will be available to buy from Jellyfingers at half the rrp.
Flash Sales, already very successful in the USA, offer parents the opportunity to buy sought-after branded goods at large discounts within a limited time span. Working with nursery and toy suppliers, the experienced Jellyfingers team help design that week’s offers, which are open to shoppers for a maximum of two weeks, and when the deal closes Jellyfingers confirm to their suppliers the numbers to be shipped to the Jellyfingers warehouse for delivery.
Jellyfingers, a flash sale site dedicated to the infant and pre-school market is the first of its kind in the UK, and as a special pre-Christmas promotion they are giving away over 500 FREE toys, one each to the first 500 who visit the website www.jellyfingers.co.uk when the offer goes live on Tuesday 18th October 2011. All visitors have to do is choose their favourite toy from all those included in the free giveaway and add it to their basket and the chosen toy will be delivered free of charge.
Jellyfingers have 25 different toys from the gorgeous infant and pre-school (0 – 4) www.kidstoyworld.co.uk range to give away, which will be listed by age suitability, and include puzzles, rattles, squeakaboos, games and pull alongs; with rrp’s up to £7.99. Once all 500 free toys have been claimed, the range will be available to buy from Jellyfingers at half the rrp.
Flash Sales, already very successful in the USA, offer parents the opportunity to buy sought-after branded goods at large discounts within a limited time span. Working with nursery and toy suppliers, the experienced Jellyfingers team help design that week’s offers, which are open to shoppers for a maximum of two weeks, and when the deal closes Jellyfingers confirm to their suppliers the numbers to be shipped to the Jellyfingers warehouse for delivery.
New Christmas Market at Clifton Nurseries
Christmas at Clifton Nurseries is an enchanting time, when this exquisite, central London plant nursery gets dressed up in all its sparkling finery – from the outdoor Christmas lights, to the fragrant Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes, to the most inspiring and beautiful plants of the season.
Adding to the enjoyment this year is a new Christmas market at Clifton, which will be held in the outdoor seating area of the cafe and comprises seven, independent and very stylish companies that will offer Christmas shoppers brilliant gift ideas and inspiration, in addition to those found at the nursery. These companies include (in alphabetical order):
Baruzzo Fine Italian Chocolates,
Emily Readett-Bayley: homes and gifts,
Prometheus Bound Books: hand bound books, and stationery products,
R & S Currie Toys: traditional toy shop and children’s party venue,
Runaway Coast: homes and gifts,
Tamara Fogle: bags and accessories and
Tom’s Deli: providing an old fashioned sweet stall.
The dates for the Christmas market are the first three weekends in December: 2nd, 3rd and 4th of December, 9th, 10th and 11th December and 16th, 17th and 18th December. The timings will be 12midday-5.30pm on a Friday, Saturday 10am-5.30, Sunday 11am-5pm. Entry is free of charge.
About their stall holders:
Clifton Nurseries, together with the leading online sourcebook for decoration, TheHouseDirectory.com, has invited seven dazzling, fun and highly original companies as part of the first ever Christmas market to be held here. Each will bring something new and stylish to the nursery and add to the very special atmosphere that pervades Clifton at Christmas time. They are:
Baruzzo Fine Italian Chocolates http://www.baruzzo.co.uk/,
Baruzzo was founded by experienced artisan chocolate specialist Raffaella Baruzzo, to bring to the UK an exclusive selection of the finest, exquisite Italian chocolates available. She uses only the purest high-quality ingredients including regional Italian food influences. The Christmas collection is an experience for any real chocolate enthusiast, full of tempting and magnificent edible gifts which will delight anyone fortunate enough to receive a gift of Baruzzo.
Emily Readett-Bayley: handmade wooden alphabets, furniture and gifts www.poshgraffiti.com
Emily’s ‘Eco-Luxe’ design combines her British heritage with the excellence of Asian craftsmanship. Collections include the original ‘POSH Graffiti’, hand carved wooden alphabets, numbers and symbols: some ‘POSH Decorations’ and some unusual ‘POSH Salvage’, wonderfully festive white-washed driftwood furniture. Everything is handmade, each piece is an original.
Prometheus Bound Books: hand bound books and stationery products www.prometheusboundbooks.com,
At Prometheus Bound Books they have brought the traditional craft of bookbinding into the 21st century. Contemporary, affordable and stylish, their hand made products and books are made in England and make the perfect gift for any person, event or occasion.
Their master craftsmen can bind any book in our vast range of colours and bindings, including leather, patent leather and other traditional binding materials.
A Prometheus Bound Book is a future heirloom.
Enquiries to info@prometheusboundbooks.com or telephone 0207 351 3070.
R S Currie & Co.: traditional toy shop and birthday party venue www.rscurrie.com.
Whether you are shopping for the latest craze or a classic gift R.S.Currie & Co holds a wide selection of traditional and modern toys in the heart of Notting Hill. Look a little further beyond the giant giraffe and shelves stacked with toys and you will find the secret house of R.S.Currie & Co. A magical land hidden behind a secret door where you can find a life sized house and enchanting garden perfect for hosting a marvellous children's party.
Runaway Coast: homes and gifts http://runawaycoast.com/,
Runaway to Clifton Nurseries this Christmas!
For exciting starry and stripy gifts all beautifully wrapped, Runaway Coast is coming to London. Launched in May 2009, this fresh lifestyle brand will pack up its trunks from its Suffolk headquarters, and a bring a selection of goodies you can’t resist from bed linen to smart shoppers, amongst others, plus their signature Union Jack giant cushions and cashmere blanket, which are fast becoming a ‘must-have’ accessory for every home.
This Year, Runaway Coast is delighted to be supporting Starlight Foundation’s “Christmas of Happiness”, donating 5% on every purchase made from their New England Star collection this Christmas.
Tamara Fogle: bags and accessories http://www.tamarafogle.com/
Inspired by heritage and quality, Tamara Fogle bags never shout but are always noticed.
Signature vintage and antique textiles provide a contemporary ethical twist to classic, functional bags, all trimmed with Italian leather, and all made in a small UK workshop.
In addition, Tamara has created the full leather range. Structured but slouchy, and always functional and desirable.
and
Tom’s Deli: sweets http://www.tomsdeli.co.uk/.
"Tom's Deli, the cornerstone of the community on Westbourne Grove for over 20 years is delighted to be participating in the first ever Clifton Christmas Market. We will be bringing oodles of Christmas treats (sweet and savoury), gift ideas for all ages, hampers and our selection of our favourite, unique confectionery available today. Do come and visit us!"
www.clifton.co.uk
Adding to the enjoyment this year is a new Christmas market at Clifton, which will be held in the outdoor seating area of the cafe and comprises seven, independent and very stylish companies that will offer Christmas shoppers brilliant gift ideas and inspiration, in addition to those found at the nursery. These companies include (in alphabetical order):
Baruzzo Fine Italian Chocolates,
Emily Readett-Bayley: homes and gifts,
Prometheus Bound Books: hand bound books, and stationery products,
R & S Currie Toys: traditional toy shop and children’s party venue,
Runaway Coast: homes and gifts,
Tamara Fogle: bags and accessories and
Tom’s Deli: providing an old fashioned sweet stall.
The dates for the Christmas market are the first three weekends in December: 2nd, 3rd and 4th of December, 9th, 10th and 11th December and 16th, 17th and 18th December. The timings will be 12midday-5.30pm on a Friday, Saturday 10am-5.30, Sunday 11am-5pm. Entry is free of charge.
About their stall holders:
Clifton Nurseries, together with the leading online sourcebook for decoration, TheHouseDirectory.com, has invited seven dazzling, fun and highly original companies as part of the first ever Christmas market to be held here. Each will bring something new and stylish to the nursery and add to the very special atmosphere that pervades Clifton at Christmas time. They are:
Baruzzo Fine Italian Chocolates http://www.baruzzo.co.uk/,
Baruzzo was founded by experienced artisan chocolate specialist Raffaella Baruzzo, to bring to the UK an exclusive selection of the finest, exquisite Italian chocolates available. She uses only the purest high-quality ingredients including regional Italian food influences. The Christmas collection is an experience for any real chocolate enthusiast, full of tempting and magnificent edible gifts which will delight anyone fortunate enough to receive a gift of Baruzzo.
Emily Readett-Bayley: handmade wooden alphabets, furniture and gifts www.poshgraffiti.com
Emily’s ‘Eco-Luxe’ design combines her British heritage with the excellence of Asian craftsmanship. Collections include the original ‘POSH Graffiti’, hand carved wooden alphabets, numbers and symbols: some ‘POSH Decorations’ and some unusual ‘POSH Salvage’, wonderfully festive white-washed driftwood furniture. Everything is handmade, each piece is an original.
Prometheus Bound Books: hand bound books and stationery products www.prometheusboundbooks.com,
At Prometheus Bound Books they have brought the traditional craft of bookbinding into the 21st century. Contemporary, affordable and stylish, their hand made products and books are made in England and make the perfect gift for any person, event or occasion.
Their master craftsmen can bind any book in our vast range of colours and bindings, including leather, patent leather and other traditional binding materials.
A Prometheus Bound Book is a future heirloom.
Enquiries to info@prometheusboundbooks.com or telephone 0207 351 3070.
R S Currie & Co.: traditional toy shop and birthday party venue www.rscurrie.com.
Whether you are shopping for the latest craze or a classic gift R.S.Currie & Co holds a wide selection of traditional and modern toys in the heart of Notting Hill. Look a little further beyond the giant giraffe and shelves stacked with toys and you will find the secret house of R.S.Currie & Co. A magical land hidden behind a secret door where you can find a life sized house and enchanting garden perfect for hosting a marvellous children's party.
Runaway Coast: homes and gifts http://runawaycoast.com/,
Runaway to Clifton Nurseries this Christmas!
For exciting starry and stripy gifts all beautifully wrapped, Runaway Coast is coming to London. Launched in May 2009, this fresh lifestyle brand will pack up its trunks from its Suffolk headquarters, and a bring a selection of goodies you can’t resist from bed linen to smart shoppers, amongst others, plus their signature Union Jack giant cushions and cashmere blanket, which are fast becoming a ‘must-have’ accessory for every home.
This Year, Runaway Coast is delighted to be supporting Starlight Foundation’s “Christmas of Happiness”, donating 5% on every purchase made from their New England Star collection this Christmas.
Tamara Fogle: bags and accessories http://www.tamarafogle.com/
Inspired by heritage and quality, Tamara Fogle bags never shout but are always noticed.
Signature vintage and antique textiles provide a contemporary ethical twist to classic, functional bags, all trimmed with Italian leather, and all made in a small UK workshop.
In addition, Tamara has created the full leather range. Structured but slouchy, and always functional and desirable.
and
Tom’s Deli: sweets http://www.tomsdeli.co.uk/.
"Tom's Deli, the cornerstone of the community on Westbourne Grove for over 20 years is delighted to be participating in the first ever Clifton Christmas Market. We will be bringing oodles of Christmas treats (sweet and savoury), gift ideas for all ages, hampers and our selection of our favourite, unique confectionery available today. Do come and visit us!"
www.clifton.co.uk
Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game
The fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game is a game that will be a sure hit with all fans of the hero of the Welsh Fire Service, Fireman Sam.
Sam and his fellow fire officers are responsible for fire and rescue services in the fictional Welsh coastal town of Pontypandy, where there is always plenty of action for Fireman Sam and his colleagues.
The Fireman Sam Game consists of a Fireman Sam figure, the special electronic spinner the spinner base (actually, a sort of spinning arena) 20 Rescue Cards (broken down into 5 Fireman Sam cards, 5 Tom cards, 5 penny cards and 5 Elvis cards. There are also the hero markers, too.
The object of the game is deceptively simple. You must be the first player to collect all five rescue cards that belong to your hero.
Before the game play can commence, an adult should unscrew the lid on the top of the spinner and put in two AAA batteries (these are sometimes called LR03 batteries) in the battery compartment, ensuring they are the right way round. Close the lid, tighten the screw and place the Fireman Sam figure on the top of it.
Position the spinner base on a flat surface (a table is perfect) then turn the electronic spinner on with the switch on the side and you are ready for action!
The rules are that the youngest player will start the game by taking a hero marker, the player to their left does the same. You can chose any hero you like. You must then slide your marker into one of the slots on the spinner base in front of you.
The game is simple but exciting. The youngest player gives Fireman Sam as powerful a spin as they can. A fire station bell rings! Players must wait until Sam finishes spinning and watch carefully to see who Sam is pointing at. If he stops by your marker, you need to pay particular attention to what he says to you.
He will say one of several phrases which will tell you what you need to do. Can you collect all five hero cards? Go on! It's fun to find out!
The game is loud and exciting and will surely be a hit with confirmed and new Fireman Sam fans! It can be played with 2 to 3 players or with 2 to 4 players.
It will make An ideal Christmas present for fans of a variety of ages!
The Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game is available from Argos, Tesco, Toys R Us, The Entertainer, Amazon, Play.com priced at £9.99 RRP.
Sam and his fellow fire officers are responsible for fire and rescue services in the fictional Welsh coastal town of Pontypandy, where there is always plenty of action for Fireman Sam and his colleagues.
The Fireman Sam Game consists of a Fireman Sam figure, the special electronic spinner the spinner base (actually, a sort of spinning arena) 20 Rescue Cards (broken down into 5 Fireman Sam cards, 5 Tom cards, 5 penny cards and 5 Elvis cards. There are also the hero markers, too.
The object of the game is deceptively simple. You must be the first player to collect all five rescue cards that belong to your hero.
Before the game play can commence, an adult should unscrew the lid on the top of the spinner and put in two AAA batteries (these are sometimes called LR03 batteries) in the battery compartment, ensuring they are the right way round. Close the lid, tighten the screw and place the Fireman Sam figure on the top of it.
Position the spinner base on a flat surface (a table is perfect) then turn the electronic spinner on with the switch on the side and you are ready for action!
The rules are that the youngest player will start the game by taking a hero marker, the player to their left does the same. You can chose any hero you like. You must then slide your marker into one of the slots on the spinner base in front of you.
The game is simple but exciting. The youngest player gives Fireman Sam as powerful a spin as they can. A fire station bell rings! Players must wait until Sam finishes spinning and watch carefully to see who Sam is pointing at. If he stops by your marker, you need to pay particular attention to what he says to you.
He will say one of several phrases which will tell you what you need to do. Can you collect all five hero cards? Go on! It's fun to find out!
The game is loud and exciting and will surely be a hit with confirmed and new Fireman Sam fans! It can be played with 2 to 3 players or with 2 to 4 players.
It will make An ideal Christmas present for fans of a variety of ages!
The Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game is available from Argos, Tesco, Toys R Us, The Entertainer, Amazon, Play.com priced at £9.99 RRP.
Friday 14 October 2011
Say it With Art this Christmas. A specially commissioned painting makes the perfect gift
A specially commissioned painting makes a genuinely unique and unforgettable gift …for Christmas, Weddings and all special occasions. And it’s more accessible and achievable than you might think.
Who hasn’t wracked their brains or exhausted their imaginations over that very important gift for someone very special? How many wedding lists or retirement/anniversary gifts offer the chance to contribute to something truly lasting and meaningful? What would a specially commissioned painting full of personal resonance mean to the one you love?
www.gofigurative.com is an art business with a difference, one which makes buying or commissioning art accessible, enjoyable and satisfying. With a diverse community of talented and skilled figurative artists to call upon, GoFigurative.com can match each client to the right artist and oversee the process from start to finish.
Creating a real partnership between painter and portrait subject (or a beloved landscape, or a still life of treasured objects) GoFigurative.com can enable the acquisition of a unique, bespoke and precious possession that is destined for heirloom status.
A picture’s worth a thousand gifts… so put your ‘art-list’ online
…And if this seems like a fantasy of unaffordable luxury, think again – because of their innovative and flexible online business model, GoFigurative costs, and therefore prices are lower than conventional galleries. The website also makes it possible to share and spread the cost – by setting up a ‘gift list’ online through which friends, family members and colleagues can make payments to contribute toward the special commission.
A hub for skill and talent – a brief outline of artists and case studies
GoFigurative is both an innovative online gallery and a vibrant community for figurative artists, including sculptors, portrait, landscape and still life painters. When commissioning a special piece of art, clients can select from the rich portfolio of renowned artists.
Recent special commissions included the ‘Portrait of Steph’ by Hyenk Martinec, arranged as a 40th birthday present by her partner. Martinec, who loves to mix photorealism with abstraction, is the winner of the BP Young Artist Award in 2007 and 2008 and his work is part of private collections in London, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Miami and New York.
The master of closely observed interior scenes, Andrew McNeile Jones is also among the GoFigurative artists who take special commissions. He specialises in creating a ‘still life’ of the subject’s favourite objects and mementoes. Recently McNeile Jones created a painting of the bride’s wedding dress and groom’s outfit for the marriage of a couple who had no need of the usual ‘wedding list’ suspects and wanted something very different to mark the occasion and treasure instead. GoFigurative set up a ‘gift list’ for this special commission at: www.gofigurative.com/jasonharshika
Mayor Boris Johnson and Dr. Diana Walford, former Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford University were recent portrait subjects of Helen Masacz. Her work was shown at the Royal Society Portrait Painters Exhibition 2011, winning the Art's Club Award. In 2005 along with other noted artists such as Frank Auerbach, Tracey Emin and Marc Quinn, Masacz was asked by the National Portrait Gallery to contribute work for their 150th anniversary.
BP Portrait Award 2011 nominees Alan Coulson and David Eichenberg are also among the renowned names who undertake special portrait commissions through GoFigurative.com
GoFigurative artist Melissa Scott-Miller specialises in portraits with interesting background detail - for instance, a family group with their house in the background, or perhaps the sitter in his or her favourite room, or in a corner of the garden. Melissa also welcomes commissions for houses, gardens or a favourite view.
Price guide:
Special commissions start from £500 – rising to £10,000 for a large oil on canvas portrait.
FACTFILE:
Go Figurative – The Real Art People
GoFigurative is a unique art company providing bespoke art consulting, sourcing and installation services. An easily navigable website makes art easy to find, buy and even try-out for all kinds of collectors - and a wide range of budgets. Go Figurative was founded by Sally Perry and Janine Collins, a pair of professional high-flyers who have now turned their passion for art into a full-time, thriving venture with a distinctive business model.
GoFigurative
1 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7QD
Tel: +44 (0) 207 956 2819
www.gofigurative.com
Who hasn’t wracked their brains or exhausted their imaginations over that very important gift for someone very special? How many wedding lists or retirement/anniversary gifts offer the chance to contribute to something truly lasting and meaningful? What would a specially commissioned painting full of personal resonance mean to the one you love?
www.gofigurative.com is an art business with a difference, one which makes buying or commissioning art accessible, enjoyable and satisfying. With a diverse community of talented and skilled figurative artists to call upon, GoFigurative.com can match each client to the right artist and oversee the process from start to finish.
Creating a real partnership between painter and portrait subject (or a beloved landscape, or a still life of treasured objects) GoFigurative.com can enable the acquisition of a unique, bespoke and precious possession that is destined for heirloom status.
A picture’s worth a thousand gifts… so put your ‘art-list’ online
…And if this seems like a fantasy of unaffordable luxury, think again – because of their innovative and flexible online business model, GoFigurative costs, and therefore prices are lower than conventional galleries. The website also makes it possible to share and spread the cost – by setting up a ‘gift list’ online through which friends, family members and colleagues can make payments to contribute toward the special commission.
A hub for skill and talent – a brief outline of artists and case studies
GoFigurative is both an innovative online gallery and a vibrant community for figurative artists, including sculptors, portrait, landscape and still life painters. When commissioning a special piece of art, clients can select from the rich portfolio of renowned artists.
Recent special commissions included the ‘Portrait of Steph’ by Hyenk Martinec, arranged as a 40th birthday present by her partner. Martinec, who loves to mix photorealism with abstraction, is the winner of the BP Young Artist Award in 2007 and 2008 and his work is part of private collections in London, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Miami and New York.
The master of closely observed interior scenes, Andrew McNeile Jones is also among the GoFigurative artists who take special commissions. He specialises in creating a ‘still life’ of the subject’s favourite objects and mementoes. Recently McNeile Jones created a painting of the bride’s wedding dress and groom’s outfit for the marriage of a couple who had no need of the usual ‘wedding list’ suspects and wanted something very different to mark the occasion and treasure instead. GoFigurative set up a ‘gift list’ for this special commission at: www.gofigurative.com/jasonharshika
Mayor Boris Johnson and Dr. Diana Walford, former Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford University were recent portrait subjects of Helen Masacz. Her work was shown at the Royal Society Portrait Painters Exhibition 2011, winning the Art's Club Award. In 2005 along with other noted artists such as Frank Auerbach, Tracey Emin and Marc Quinn, Masacz was asked by the National Portrait Gallery to contribute work for their 150th anniversary.
BP Portrait Award 2011 nominees Alan Coulson and David Eichenberg are also among the renowned names who undertake special portrait commissions through GoFigurative.com
GoFigurative artist Melissa Scott-Miller specialises in portraits with interesting background detail - for instance, a family group with their house in the background, or perhaps the sitter in his or her favourite room, or in a corner of the garden. Melissa also welcomes commissions for houses, gardens or a favourite view.
Price guide:
Special commissions start from £500 – rising to £10,000 for a large oil on canvas portrait.
FACTFILE:
Go Figurative – The Real Art People
GoFigurative is a unique art company providing bespoke art consulting, sourcing and installation services. An easily navigable website makes art easy to find, buy and even try-out for all kinds of collectors - and a wide range of budgets. Go Figurative was founded by Sally Perry and Janine Collins, a pair of professional high-flyers who have now turned their passion for art into a full-time, thriving venture with a distinctive business model.
GoFigurative
1 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 7QD
Tel: +44 (0) 207 956 2819
www.gofigurative.com
Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery Thea
These hand-painted ceramic Christmas decorations from Gallery Thea can be personalised with a name, theme or message of your choice. They make for a truly individual, thoughtfully chosen and inspired gift.
For example, what about Napkin ties £8? Or a 36cm platter £110?
And for your Christmas table this year, order some napkin ties or place settings, personalised with the name of each guest.
They are available mail-order and via www.gallerythea.co.uk items can be sent nationwide. Phone 01502 722 433 to discuss your commission.
But do please make a note that the last order date for Christmas delivery is 10th December 2011.
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