Amidst the mad dash of Christmas preparations (the presents, the tinsel, the wrapping paper, the food, the drink) it can be all too easy to forget those people who are vegetarian or on special or restricted diets due to health issues. (Gluten allergy, diabetic, lactose intolerant, etc.)
Hopefully in the run-up to Christmas That's Christmas will be looking at vegetarian roasts to serve in place of the traditional turkey, duck or beef at Christmas dinner.
And we will also be looking at gluten free alternatives to Christmas mince pies and Christmas puddings that are aimed at those of us who really are trying to look after our health. Even at Christmas time!
And we will also look at conscience friendly products that are produced for those of us who care not only about what we put into our bodies, but also care very deeply about the people who grow and process the foods that we eat.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Monday 10 December 2012
BAD APPLE have the pulse on the finger!
Meet something that is absolutely new
to the UK beauty scene, BAD APPLE COSMETICS.
BAD APPLE will shake the nail colour
world to its core! It could, dare we say, give rivals the pip?
BAD APPLE has never-seen-before nail
lacquer shades you can style it with bright, block colours in the
Core range. Choose from true scarlet Red Delicious, bubble gum Gala
Pink and Green Bramley and wave goodbye to boring, dull colours!
In the Shimmer range the colours take
on a whole new personality.
The reflective 3D shades are iridescent
and shimmer with an intense, wet-look colour that complements the
shape and shine of your nails. The intense, hard-wearing formulation
is high gloss and chip-resistant (hurrah!) and gives just the right
level of bling without being over the top.
If you want more contrast in your
nail-wear, BAD APPLE will get some style to hand, as it were!
BAD APPLE introduces 8 different nail
wrap designs that go from pink, girly
flowers and butterflies, to tiger-print
and neon pink swirls. They are easy to apply. Just peel the wrap,
stick it to the nail and then carefully shape it your own nail’s
contours.
Just in time for Christmas, too! Makes great pressies or a treat for yourself!
Guaranteed to put a sparkle in your Christmas! Terlingham sparkling Rose!
If you want a bottle of sparkling wine
made to the old traditional method, do you have to use the same old
wines? No, you don't! Now you can try something which has the right level of dry, crispy snap, the same effervescent zing, yet does not
have to cost the Earth!
And which, believe it or not, actually
comes from the Garden of England, beautiful Kent! The Terlingham Vineyard & Winery of
Terlingham Lane, Hawkinge, Kent, CT18 7AE produce a whole range of
very interesting and very palatable and very pleasing wines.
But their particular wine that we are
interested in for this review is their sparkling rose wine.
Their sparkling rose wine is a very
worthy holder of the term rose. It is made from
a Champagne blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot noir (40%) and Pinot
meunier (20%).
It is a delicate shade of pink and
although bubbly it is not too gassy.
Is there a hint of Kentish orchards and
soft fruits? The slight sensation of a hot summer's day? Yes, there is. Although it is described as a dry wine,
it does have a delicate sweet undertone to it.
It makes an ideal drink with Christmas
dinner or to welcome in the New Year or just to celebrate the arrival of
friends and family for the Christmas festivities!
Visit www.terlinghamvineyard.co.uk
or call +44 1303 892452 .
It is priced at £16.65 a bottle (box
of six bottles a very reasonable £83.90.
Their equally delightful sparkling
white wine costs exactly the same.
Adopt a Pony for Christmas
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
performs a valuable, indeed vital, role in preserving Dartmoor Ponies
on Dartmoor.
Their work is important but it costs
money for them to operate. This is where you can help. The Trust is offering a
special “A Dartmoor Pony Adoption Gift Pack”.
It is perfect for anyone, no matter
what their age, who loves horses and ponies, but for whom owning one
of their own is just not a realistic proposition.
And at this time of year it makes an ideal Christmas gift, too! You can adopt a pony and follow its progress all the year round.
And at this time of year it makes an ideal Christmas gift, too! You can adopt a pony and follow its progress all the year round.
The cost is just £20 per year for UK residents: £25 for those who live abroad. The Adoption Pack includes a beautiful line drawing and an adoption certificate and you’ll also receive updates on the development and progress of the pony you have chosen over the following year.
The pony you adopt, whether male or female, will be one of a small traditional herd cared for at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Centre, at Parke. These ponies are for everyone to enjoy and here you will be able to visit them all year, find out all about them, follow their interesting lives, discover their true value and how important they are to the Dartmoor landscape.
If you are interested in adopting a Dartmoor Heritage Pony please visit www.dpht.co.uk or phone 01626 833234.
Oon, Two Three... Go! Your child can be a Unique Christmas Superhero!
Want a really neat idea for a good
Christmas gift for your kids? They can now create their ‘Oon’
secret identity with the stylish silver SwooperCape!
Unleash your kid’s inner super powers at Christmas with the matching mask and SwooperSonic wristbands on www.miioon.com, creators of the innovative Ruckjack.
Unleash your kid’s inner super powers at Christmas with the matching mask and SwooperSonic wristbands on www.miioon.com, creators of the innovative Ruckjack.
The safe, online experience enables
kids, encouraging them to use their own imagination and
inspiration, but with a little assistance from the loveable, and
sometimes rascally Oons, who will act as their guides on the
Miioon.com website.
The kids can customise their SwooperCape by guiding a mouse over the Oons so they can personally brand them with their own initials and emblems. Eyes pop open and reveal a choice of colour palettes and letters!
Miioon.com aims to please children, parents and grandparents with a product and customer experience that pleases everyone.
The kids can customise their SwooperCape by guiding a mouse over the Oons so they can personally brand them with their own initials and emblems. Eyes pop open and reveal a choice of colour palettes and letters!
Miioon.com aims to please children, parents and grandparents with a product and customer experience that pleases everyone.
They have created a safe, controlled
environment where kids enjoy creative freedom and can express their
individuality. But in a safe way. Priced at £15.99, SwooperCape
delivers quality, yet at a price that will not make the bank manager
cry!
The SwooperCape and matching SwooperSonic wristbands are available for 3-12 year olds and are despatched within 48 hours. Adjustable velcro on the wrists and neck means one size fits all maybe even some big kids, too!
The SwooperCape and matching SwooperSonic wristbands are available for 3-12 year olds and are despatched within 48 hours. Adjustable velcro on the wrists and neck means one size fits all maybe even some big kids, too!
And do watch out for www.Miioon.com on Nickelodeon!
Sunday 9 December 2012
Ideal Christmas present for Music Lovers
The ideal Christmas present for the music lovers in your life is the Now That's What I Call Music ! Trivia Box.
It's aimed at people 12 years of age and older and can be played by two or more people.
It's nicely packaged in a box (that's why it is called a Trivia Box!) and contains 189 question cards, 20 picture cards and a set of the rules that carefully explain how to play the game.
It's ideal for fans of popular music and there are 100s of trivia questions for them to get their teeth in to after the Christmas pud has been demolished and the turkey is being readied for the Boxing Day sandwiches!
It is produced by Imagination and is available from all good retailers including Amazon at £12.50.
It's aimed at people 12 years of age and older and can be played by two or more people.
It's nicely packaged in a box (that's why it is called a Trivia Box!) and contains 189 question cards, 20 picture cards and a set of the rules that carefully explain how to play the game.
It's ideal for fans of popular music and there are 100s of trivia questions for them to get their teeth in to after the Christmas pud has been demolished and the turkey is being readied for the Boxing Day sandwiches!
It is produced by Imagination and is available from all good retailers including Amazon at £12.50.
Sunday 25 November 2012
Let's talk Turkey with Jimmy's Farm
Traditionally-reared turkeys from
Jimmy’s Farm have been voted the UK’s best in a blind tasting.
The free-range birds saw off
competition from the industry’s finest to win ‘Best Christmas
Premium Product’ at the Turkey of the Year awards 2012.
Judges, who unanimously voted for
Jimmy’s turkeys, praised the birds’ stand-out texture and taste.
One said: “It was so moreish I couldn’t stop eating it.”
Jimmy Doherty said: “I am so proud of
this achievement. Our turkeys are a slow-growing breed and their feed
is based on locally grown cereals and vegetable protein. There are no
additives, drugs or growth promoters in their feed, as we believe it
is much better to rear them the natural way.”
The shortlist included Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Free Range Woodland Norfolk Black Turkey and
Copas Free Range Bronze Turkey.
Jimmy continued: “To make sure our
turkeys are the very best, our birds are hand plucked and then hung
in a chilled environment for at least 14 days to develop an even
fuller flavour.”
Turkeys are available to order on line
at www.jimmysfarm.com or call the farm office on 01473 604206.
(EDITOR: Our taste team were fortunate
enough to enjoy a free range turkey from Jimmy's Farm. We soon became
aware that what we thought we knew about turkey meat was almost entirely
wrong!
Think turkey meat is dry and crumbly?
Not from this bird! The meat was firm, moist and succulent. Have
problems carving a turkey? Not with this bird! Perfect slices every
time.
And four out of four members of the
That's Christmas Taste Team declared it the most tasty turkey they
have ever eaten. But don't take our word for it. Visit Jimmy's
website or give the farm office a call on the above number.)
Friday 23 November 2012
Check out the Boots Star Gift Offer This week!
It's a Champneys Complete Home Spa Better than
half price at Boots UK for one week only!
Let’s give glowing skin to the
special women in our life this Christmas.
This week’s Boots ‘Star
Gift’, the Champneys Complete Home Spa, is better than half price
at only £24 (it's usually priced at £50) for one week only (from
23rd–29th November), so she can indulge in some ‘me time’ and
recreate her own spa-at-home. This is the perfect gift to soothe,
revitalise and give a head to toe pampering treat.
This collection of Champneys Spa
treatments contain coconut, mandarin, lemon and sweet almond oil -
the perfect ingredients to give women the complete spa indulgence
sensation at home. Let’s give gifts that keep on giving glowing
skin all year through!
Champneys Complete Home Spa includes:
- Citrus Blush Body Scrub (200g)
- Citrus Blush Body Lotion (200ml)
- Skin Comforting Shower Cream (200ml)
- Skin Comforting Bath Milk (300ml)
- Skin Comforting Body Butter (175ml)
- Body Polisher
- Drawstring bag
If you know someone who would love to
receive the Champneys Complete Home Spa on Christmas morning then
head to Boots from Friday 23rd November or visit www.boots.com to
purchase the item at this bargain price, but hurry as the offer is
only available while stocks last.
And that’s not all, there are plenty
of other weekly Christmas offers to be snapped up instore or online
across fragrance, electrical and beauty:
Better than half price from 23rd –
29thNovember
John Frieda Straightener - transform
your hair and create smoothness and shine with this salon performance
hair straightener that neutralises static and controls frizz. Just
£38.99 (normal price £79.99) or redeem with 3,899 Boots Advantage
Card points.
Braun 380 Shaver – offers an
incredibly close smooth shave, with 30% less skin irritation and an
improved Triple Action FreeFloat system to easily deal with 3 day
beards. Just £64.99 (usual price £139.99) or redeem with 6,499
Boots Advantage Card points.
£35 and under
Versace Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette,
30ml – with delicate and dreamy notes of juicy Pomegranate, Peony
and Lotus flowers, will leave you smelling divine. Only £21 (usually
£32) or redeem with 2,100 Boots Advantage Card points.
Versace Man Eau Fraiche Eau De
Toilette, 50ml – with notes of lemon, rosewood, star fruit, cedar
leaves, tarragon, sage, musk, amber and sycamore wood. Only £24
(usually £37) or redeem with 2,400 Boots Advantage Card points.
Plus, with the Boots Mega Weekend, from
Friday 23rd until Monday 26th November, customers can collect triple
Boots Advantage Card points when you spend £30 or more in-store, or
£60 online. That’s an amazing 12 points per £1, so whether you
fancy indulging in a glam lipstick or a heavenly bubble bath, take
advantage of this fantastic offer and treat yourself too this
Christmas!
Customer evenings
The Boots Customer Evening is taking
place in store from 12pm on Wednesday 28th November or Thursday 29th
November, so come down and join in the fun!
Get that all-important inspiration for
your Christmas shopping by browsing the extensive range of gifts that
Boots UK has to offer, by taking a bit of well-deserved ‘me time’
and come along to the Boots Customer Evening Event! You can receive
£12 worth of Boots Advantage Card points when you spend £50 in
store or £75 online giving you the perfect excuse to treat yourself
whilst ticking off your Christmas list!
Enjoy a free drink on arrival, as well
as demonstrations and glam makeovers. There will also be the
opportunity to win a girls comedy weekend in London filled with
gossip, giggles and gorgeous. Boot's will treat you and a friend to a
make-up lesson at the Benefit Beauty Bar, a night in a boutique hotel
and tickets to a top London comedy night. Don’t forget to take away
a free copy of the Christmas gift guide on your way out too! (EDITOR:
Might not be available in all branches, check which branches are
participating.)
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Get California Almonds for Christmas!
Everyone has nuts at Christmas. And almost everyone loves Almonds. But is every Almond equal? The answer is, no. They are not.
To ensure you get some really good, tasty and wholesome Almonds, you would be better off insisting on only genuine California Almonds.
Californians are very passionate about the food and drink they consume. They are also equally passionate about the food and drinks they produce and export all over the USA and to the rest of the world.
That's one of the reasons why they created the Almond Board of California, to ensure that only the best tasting Almonds are produced by the nut farmers of California.
To learn more about Californian nuts such as snack tips and delicious recipes the California Almond Board have launched a UK website at www.almondboard.co.uk.
To ensure you get some really good, tasty and wholesome Almonds, you would be better off insisting on only genuine California Almonds.
Californians are very passionate about the food and drink they consume. They are also equally passionate about the food and drinks they produce and export all over the USA and to the rest of the world.
That's one of the reasons why they created the Almond Board of California, to ensure that only the best tasting Almonds are produced by the nut farmers of California.
To learn more about Californian nuts such as snack tips and delicious recipes the California Almond Board have launched a UK website at www.almondboard.co.uk.
Sunday 18 November 2012
Santa catches the train in Mid Wales
Santa will be taking to rails in the run up to Christmas in
Mid Wales.
Mid Wales is hosting a series of wonderful ‘Santa
Specials’ on privately owned steam railway lines during December,
offering a chance for a great family day out in Wales.
You can catch Santa at many Welsh railways
through the month. It will be at Bala Lake Railway on December 8 and
9, Vale of Rheidol Railway, Ffestiniog Railway and Welshpool and
Llanfair Light Railway on December 15, 16, 22 and 23, Fairbourne
Railway, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and Corris Railway on December
15 and 16, Tal y Llyn Railway on December 22, 23 and 24.
You can even meet Santa at Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Elves will drive the Santa Train underground to his spectacular subterranean grotto in the heart of Snowdonia. The Santa Train runs on December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15 to 24
Llechwedd Slate Caverns is situated near the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and is 10 scenic minutes away from Betws-y-coed and about fifty minutes over the mountains from Llandudno. If you are staying near Porthmadog you are only half an hour away and can get here on the fabulous Ffestiniog Railway – with just a short connecting bus ride. For those staying on the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula they are about an hour from Pwllheli.
Thursday 15 November 2012
Make your Christmas a Laverstoke Park Farm Christmas!
For some people Christmas is about doing everything themselves. Creating everything from scratch is the way they like it.
But there are others who, due to lack of inclination or a lack of time, really do need to have a greater or lesser degree of help.
Both types of person will love Laverstoke Park Farm, as Laverstoke Park covers everyone's requirements. all your needs.
No matter which wau you need to go, Laverstoke Park – they are an organic and biodynamic farm - they have everything you need to enable you to build the kind of Christmas you want and deserve!
But there are others who, due to lack of inclination or a lack of time, really do need to have a greater or lesser degree of help.
Both types of person will love Laverstoke Park Farm, as Laverstoke Park covers everyone's requirements. all your needs.
No matter which wau you need to go, Laverstoke Park – they are an organic and biodynamic farm - they have everything you need to enable you to build the kind of Christmas you want and deserve!
Laverstoke’s
organic Norfolk Black Turkeys are slow growing and have pecked their
way to their very best on the farm’s pastureland – planted with
31 herbs, clovers and grasses. This ensures a varied and nutrient
rich diet, which results in a great tasting turkey. The birds have a
depth of flavour with gamey undertones that single them out from all
the other mass-produced alternatives. Laverstoke Park Turkeys taste
how a turkey should taste, with a succulence only found from slow
bred birds on the free range farm.
Some people prefer beef for Christmas dinner. (EDITOR: We have Turkey on Christmas Day and beef on Boxing Day in our house!) Laverstoke Park Farm's Native Angus, one of our oldest and rarest
breeds of beef cattle in this country, really is a delicious treat. It is so rare a treat that it's only made available at Christmas and cannot be reared
in high volume.
What would
Christmas dinner be without all the trimmings? Take a little shortcut to happiness and order Laverstoke’s very own stuffing? It's a full flavoured and meaty stuffing,
with the perfect balance of fresh herbs and seasoning. Or why not go the whole hog (EDITOR: No pun intended) and order the
best pork sausage meat from the free range organic outdoor reared
pigs at Laverstoke Park and prepare your own?
There will, of course, by Yuletide feasts made up of late night suppers,
impromptu lunches and snacks. Be assured that Laverstoke has everything that you could possibly need or desire.
There are cold pies to suit just about everyone's taste. These include Game or Turkey and Cranberry. Or why not opt for the Honey glazed Hams, Breaded Hams and Classic Hams? These are available ready
for the table.
But for a little contrast why not try adding some of Laverstoke’s delicious,
perfectly balanced Salt Beef along with the farm’s Buffalo Brie? Delicious and oh so enjoyably satisfying!
A friend told me the other day: "I do not like Turkey. Just pile, my plate high with pigs in blankets and I'll have a happy Christmas!"
Perhaps I should direct her to Laverstoke Park Farm? As their Pigs in Blankets are a renowned as a real crowd
pleaser!
They are made with mini organic sausages, wrapped up tight in the farm’s own
nitrate free bacon!
Then there are the farm's delicious organic quiches. These come in five delightful varieties: Sundried Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil, Buffalo
Brie and Bacon, Leek and Smoked Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese and
Bacon and finally Ricotta and Spinach.
And for those of us who like to indulge in something sweet, there's the Buffalo Milk
Chocolate, rich creamy and beautifully smooth, and the Buffalo Milk
Fudge which is “melt-in-your-mouth” delicious!
Laverstoke Park Farm point out that both are ideal little stocking fillers or for something rather special for the Christmas table.
And do not forget their special organic Christmas
Puddings. These are carefully and lovingly made with Laverstoke Ale, mixed fruits, apples, prunes,
brandy, treacle and more besides. Which can, of course, be perfectly topped off with
Laverstoke’s real Brandy Ice Cream. This is the pudding
of all Christmas Puddings - with full on flavour and depth.
And please don't forget the Mince Pies - Laverstoke produce the very best with a
home-made, farm produced feel, they are organic of course and full
flavoured with pastry that has a satisfying bite and are made to
founder Jody Scheckter’s family recipe.
And if you want Christmas delivered to
you – or a loved one’s - door, either in varying degrees or all
in one go – look no further, Laverstoke’s Fresh Hampers have the
wow factor – the selection includes the Ultimate Christmas Day
Hamper and includes everything you need for the perfect Christmas Day
with everything from Turkey and trimmings to the sweet finale!
And there's a whole lot more, besides: Ales, wines, cheeses and more. To learn about something good for Christmas please visit www.laverstokepark.co.uk.
Saturday 10 November 2012
Real coffee at Christmas. That's my treat!
There is one thing that I always treat my wife and myself to at Christmas. And that is real coffee, properly made with ground coffee.
Throughout the year my wife and I are a pair of typical professionals. We rush hither and thither and rarely have time to think, let alone make a decent pot of coffee.
But even I, the journalist and blogger have to take some time off over Christmas and I always make it a point to make my wife and I pot of fresh coffee every morning of the Christmas holidays.
Weanie Beans makes a fantastic range of coffees and also some other drinks, too.
Throughout the year my wife and I are a pair of typical professionals. We rush hither and thither and rarely have time to think, let alone make a decent pot of coffee.
But even I, the journalist and blogger have to take some time off over Christmas and I always make it a point to make my wife and I pot of fresh coffee every morning of the Christmas holidays.
Weanie Beans makes a fantastic range of coffees and also some other drinks, too.
There are Mulled Cider kit/Parcels and Spiced
Wine Bouquets, as well as chilli hot chocolate for the tee-totalers, or for those who love chilli chocolate and a nice tipple!
Weanie Beans today unveiled its range of distinctive and
delicious Christmas products, proving itself to be a cut above the
rest when it comes to innovation and quirkiness, while keeping its
own blend of hand-roasted coffee at the heart of every product.
From
unique gift sets to moreish coffee blends, mulled drinks parcels to
stocking-filling confectionery, spoil your loved-ones this holiday
season with a tantalising offering designed to suit every palette.
With prices ranging from just £3.00 for Chocolate Coffee Beans to
£30 for the legendary Camping Coffee Kit, Weanie Beans makes the
perfect purse-friendly gift this Christmas. Further information on
all of the Weanie Beans Christmas range along with all prices are
available from the official website.
Just nip over to www.weaniebeans.com and see what's available!
Something different. Air-dried lamb
We decided to try something a little different this year. My wife and I both love the taste of traditional air-dried hams, but were intrigued to find out that the very clever people at Woodside Farm in the Weald of Kent are producing a new delicacy which, in time, we feel, will be just as famed for flavour as the more traditional air-dried hams.
They use only the highest quality lamb reared on their own Kentish farm. The meat is produced only in accordance with the exacting Farm Assurance Scheme standards.
They cure it, then they marinate it in red wine, honey and herbs. They then cold smoke it over oak sourced from their very own farm's oak woods!
The flavour is a bit different. It looks just like a fine smoked ham, but it has the taste of best Kentish lamb, intermingled with just a hint of smoke flavour and the other ingredients.
It's ideal for eating as a snack, with a salad, as a starter or as part of a main course. I can well imagine this being served up as a starter at a Christmas or New Year party! If you can resist nibbling it allbefore you serve it to your guests!
Woodside Farm also sells boxes of half a lamb, lamb sausages and burgers, plus a variety of lamb cuts. They also supply lamb shanks, ideal for catering customers in part due to their high quality but also due to their remarkably keen prices.
Also tested by our team of taste testers was their new product, lamb biltong. Not all of our taste team liked it, but then, they do not like biltong. All the other tasters declared it a very tasty version of biltong, but better than some biltongs, as the meat was still reasonably succulent and not like leather.
To find out more please visit www.woodside-farm.com
They use only the highest quality lamb reared on their own Kentish farm. The meat is produced only in accordance with the exacting Farm Assurance Scheme standards.
They cure it, then they marinate it in red wine, honey and herbs. They then cold smoke it over oak sourced from their very own farm's oak woods!
The flavour is a bit different. It looks just like a fine smoked ham, but it has the taste of best Kentish lamb, intermingled with just a hint of smoke flavour and the other ingredients.
It's ideal for eating as a snack, with a salad, as a starter or as part of a main course. I can well imagine this being served up as a starter at a Christmas or New Year party! If you can resist nibbling it allbefore you serve it to your guests!
Woodside Farm also sells boxes of half a lamb, lamb sausages and burgers, plus a variety of lamb cuts. They also supply lamb shanks, ideal for catering customers in part due to their high quality but also due to their remarkably keen prices.
Also tested by our team of taste testers was their new product, lamb biltong. Not all of our taste team liked it, but then, they do not like biltong. All the other tasters declared it a very tasty version of biltong, but better than some biltongs, as the meat was still reasonably succulent and not like leather.
To find out more please visit www.woodside-farm.com
Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Muscadet Sevre et Maine is an excpetionally good white wine. It is not too sweet, yet nor is it too dry.
It is deliciously fruity undertones and a compelling finishing in the mouth.
It can be drunk with friends after a hard day's Christmas shopping, at a party or at Christmas dinner, in the opinion of this wine taster. My opinions tend to vary from other wine tasters or tasters as I go by what I like, not what tradition dictates!
To find out more, visit www.chereau-carre.fr
It is deliciously fruity undertones and a compelling finishing in the mouth.
It can be drunk with friends after a hard day's Christmas shopping, at a party or at Christmas dinner, in the opinion of this wine taster. My opinions tend to vary from other wine tasters or tasters as I go by what I like, not what tradition dictates!
To find out more, visit www.chereau-carre.fr
Crosta and Mollica Biscuits and Italian flatbreads
From the famed Piemonte region of Italy, come Crosta and Mollica biscuits and Italian flatbreads.
The biscuits are light and buttery (ideal if you want some special biscuits but want something a little lighter than the traditional shortbread biscuits) and will be a welcome addition to anyone's Christmas time dining table.
Or ideal if you want some nice biscuit treats for the coffee table when you are watching the Queen's Speech on Christmas afternoon.
For an extra and slightly naughty treat, dip them in some Port for a truly decadent taste sensation. I did not believe how good this would be until I tried it. It really is delicious!
And as for the flatbreads? These are light and tasty and, as they are made with olive oil, very healthy, too. (Traditional Italian flatbreads are made with lard, you see.)
What to do with flatbreads at Christmas? Ideal with some turkey or ham slices, perhaps with some crumbled cheese. Or some Mozzarella.
To learn more please visit www.crostamollica.com
The biscuits are light and buttery (ideal if you want some special biscuits but want something a little lighter than the traditional shortbread biscuits) and will be a welcome addition to anyone's Christmas time dining table.
Or ideal if you want some nice biscuit treats for the coffee table when you are watching the Queen's Speech on Christmas afternoon.
For an extra and slightly naughty treat, dip them in some Port for a truly decadent taste sensation. I did not believe how good this would be until I tried it. It really is delicious!
And as for the flatbreads? These are light and tasty and, as they are made with olive oil, very healthy, too. (Traditional Italian flatbreads are made with lard, you see.)
What to do with flatbreads at Christmas? Ideal with some turkey or ham slices, perhaps with some crumbled cheese. Or some Mozzarella.
To learn more please visit www.crostamollica.com
Thursday 8 November 2012
Prepare for Christmas with the Festive Gift Fair
Half the fun of Christmas is finding
unusual and perfect gifts. If you like a lot of choice, this is the
Christmas Fair for you! There are amazing special show offers, wonderful fabulous ideas
and gifts from the affordable to the exotic.
You do not have to do lots of hard work tracking down that elusive, perfect Christmas gift. Because the Gift Fair organisers have done it all for you!
They have brought together in one place 325 stalls, just crammed to bursting point with literally thousands of neat gifts for all ages and tastes. And this year there are 100 plus new firms attending.
There's even a present crèche so you can leave your goodies in safe hands, whilst you continue to browse and buy or whilst you have a well-deserved meal!
And to add to the truly festive spirit you can enjoy the great music from a variety of Christmas musical entertainment – from live bands, choirs and brass bands.
They have brought together in one place 325 stalls, just crammed to bursting point with literally thousands of neat gifts for all ages and tastes. And this year there are 100 plus new firms attending.
There's even a present crèche so you can leave your goodies in safe hands, whilst you continue to browse and buy or whilst you have a well-deserved meal!
And to add to the truly festive spirit you can enjoy the great music from a variety of Christmas musical entertainment – from live bands, choirs and brass bands.
It's the The 17th Festive Gift Fair and you have to know that it promises to
be a 'Showstopper' of an event, so head along to Birmingham’s NEC to
find a gift and tick your list!
What's there?
What's there?
- Crafts
- Christmas Decorations
- Games, Toys and Stocking Fillers
- Food & Drink
- Gifts for Cooks & Gardeners
- Fashion, Handbags & Jewellery
- Health & Beauty Gifts
- Baby Gifts
- Decorative Accessories for the Home
- Gadgets
- And much, much more!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW and prepare for
some GREAT Christmas Shopping at The Festive Gift Fair open 09.30 –
17.00 from Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th November.
For more information on Exhibitors and
Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk . Save
money by booking in advance – adult tickets are just £8.50.
Book by phone by calling The Ticket
Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809
Or Book online at
www.theticketfactory.com
Sunday 4 November 2012
Gallo Wines, for the perfect accompaniment for Christmas
With Turkey: Barefoot Merlot
The perfect combo of cherry,
boysenberry, plum and chocolate flavours. Raised right, it’s well
rounded with mild tannins.
The Barefoot Wine
range has a RRP of £6.69 and the 7 varietals are Pinot Grigio,
Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, Merlot, Shiraz, White Zinfandel and
Cabernet Sauvignon, Barefoot Wine is now available at Tesco,
Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Co-op, across the
convenience channel and in an increasing number of pubs, clubs, bars
and restaurants. www.barefootwine.com
www.barefootwine.com
Christmas Pudding: Gallo Moscato
This sweet light to medium-bodied wine
has flavours of juicy peach, citrus, pineapple and orange blossom,
which complement a crisp, refreshing finish.
Gallo Moscato has a RRP of £6.79 and
will be available from UK retailers including ASDA, Morrisons,
Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Co-op. Please
visit www.gallofamily.co.uk/moscato
for more information.
(EDITOR: These wines are also perfect
for unwinding with once the children are in bed on Christmas Eve, or
when listening to Christmas Carols on the radio. These are some pretty awesome wines from the Gallo family of California.)
Weanie Beans goes for Christmas
Award winning, artisan coffee company
Weanie Beans, has unveiled its range of distinctive and
delicious Christmas products, proving itself to be a cut above the
rest when it comes to innovation and quirkiness, while keeping its
own blend of hand-roasted coffee at the heart of every product.
From unique gift sets to moreish coffee blends, mulled drinks parcels to stocking-filling confectionery, spoil your loved-ones this holiday season with a tantalising offering designed to suit every palette. With prices ranging from just £3.00 for Chocolate Coffee Beans to £30 for the legendary Camping Coffee Kit, Weanie Beans makes the perfect purse-friendly gift this Christmas. Further information on all of the Weanie Beans Christmas range along with all prices are available from the official website.
Here's an example of what they can do for you to help you spice up your party this Christmas:
Get your party started with a kick! This Gift Set is all you need for some grown up festivities. We've put in the effort to make delicious mulled wine or mulled cider so you don’t have to - just pop a parcel in a pan with your booze or fruit juice of your choice, and you have perfect mulled drinks every time. For the non-drinkers, there is a proper grown up hot chocolate with our chilli hot chocolate and nibbles to get your guests talking. (£22)
From unique gift sets to moreish coffee blends, mulled drinks parcels to stocking-filling confectionery, spoil your loved-ones this holiday season with a tantalising offering designed to suit every palette. With prices ranging from just £3.00 for Chocolate Coffee Beans to £30 for the legendary Camping Coffee Kit, Weanie Beans makes the perfect purse-friendly gift this Christmas. Further information on all of the Weanie Beans Christmas range along with all prices are available from the official website.
Here's an example of what they can do for you to help you spice up your party this Christmas:
Gift Set of Chilli Hot Chocolate,
Mulled Wine Bouquets, Mulled Cider Parcels and Chilli Chocolate
Almonds.
Get your party started with a kick! This Gift Set is all you need for some grown up festivities. We've put in the effort to make delicious mulled wine or mulled cider so you don’t have to - just pop a parcel in a pan with your booze or fruit juice of your choice, and you have perfect mulled drinks every time. For the non-drinkers, there is a proper grown up hot chocolate with our chilli hot chocolate and nibbles to get your guests talking. (£22)
To find out about the entire range visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/bmyussl
For a perfect Christmas you need Kitchen Devils
Whilst your true love might not have a
kitchen knife at the top of their Christmas list, it makes sense to
get kitted out with Kitchen Devils in the lead up to the big event.
Whilst Kitchen Devils can't promise
lords a leaping or swans a swimming, they can promise super sharp
knives, with a 15 year guarantee that are comfortable to use and easy
to look after.
The clever folk at Kitchen Devils have a selection of six little
devils all at heavenly prices that will help with any festive
dilemmas.
Kitchen Devils Carving Set, £19.49 –
don't hack at the turkey with a bread knife use a Kitchen
Devils carving set and make a proper job of it. (EDITOR: The slices look better and there's a reduced risk in the calls to A&E caused by 'wrong sort of knife' accidents!)
Kitchen Devils Vegetable Knife, £7.99
– sprouts and parsnips, carrots and potatoes the list goes on and
this super sharp little knife is up for the challenge.
Kitchen Devils Large Cook's Knife,
£12.49 – this fabulous all rounder can tackle anything –
chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing.
Kitchen Devils Kitchen Scissors, £11.49
– snipping sausages, bacon, sage, parsley, smoked salmon, string
around the pudding and troublesome packaging too – how does anyone
manage without kitchen scissors.
Kitchen Devils Sharpening Steel, £12.99
– get all your knives in tip top condition with a few sweeps on the
steel.
Kitchen Devils Bread Knife, £12.99 –
turkey sandwiches anyone? Need we say more!
The Kitchen Devils range is available
at Asda, Tesco, Lakeland, Amazon, Dunelm Mill and independent
kitchen and hardware stores or go to www.kitchendevils.net
Monks Delight Cider A taste for Christmas
Although best known for it’s strong,
clear ciders, Biddenden vineyards also produces a spiced mulling
cider – Monk’s Delight. This cider is spiced with a blend of
cinnamon and honey, and is ideally served warmed, offering a lighter
alternative to mulled wine. The cider is perfect as a hot toddy on a
cold evening.
The cider is available direct from the
vineyard shop, online at www.biddendenvineyards.com and from selected
outlets across the South East.
You can call the vineyard direct on 01580
291726.
Spread lots of Christmas Cheer With gorgeous gifts from Arbonne
We all love to see
the smile on our loved ones faces on Christmas day so why not let
them unwrap Arbonne’s beautiful range of gift sets, designed
exclusively to appeal to the whole family. Providing everything
you need to spread some joy this Christmas, from cosmetics to
fragrance, skin care to home scents and stocking fillers to gift
wrap, you’ll want it all! The full list of Arbonne product lines
can be viewed at www.arbonneinternational.co.uk.
I want it all….
Mandarin Pomegranate Spa Set RRP:
£98.00
This lightly floral, fruity fragrance
allows you to immerse yourself in exotic Mandarin Pomegranate.
This luxurious set includes cleansing and hydrating Shower Gel
(355ml), dreamy Bubble Bath (355ml), soft and silky Body Lotion (163
ml) and soothing Bath Salts (198g) in a beautifully designed keepsake
chest.
Mandarin Pomegranate Hair Care RRP:
£28.00
Indulge your hair with a luxurious
scent that strengthens and cleanses using a sulfate cleansing
system. They condition the hair with beneficial soy proteins
and amino acids as well as including grapefruit, orange peel and
pomegranate extract. The set includes Mandarin Pomegranate
Shampoo (355ml) and Conditioner (355ml).
Ginger Citrus Luxury Gift Set RRP:
£57.00
A Christmas gift that indulges the body
with Ginger Citrus! Everything you need to feel refreshed and
luxurious through cleansing, polishing and moisturising the skin. The
set includes Ginger Citrus zesty Body Wash (354 ml), gently
exfoliating Sugar Scrub (453g) and luscious Body Butter (340g).
Ginger Citrus Hair Care RRP: £20.00
Complete your gift indulgence with
Ginger Citrus Shampoo (236 ml) and Conditioner (236 ml). This
sulfate free cleansing system leaves hair soft, manageable and
lightly fragrant and is safe for colour treated hair and includes
grapefruit extract, ginger root extract and orange peel extract.
Nourishing Shea Butter Blends Hand
Cream Duo RRP: £23.00
Come in from the cold this winter with
Arbonne’s exclusive Shea Butter gift set, designed to add a softer
touch to dry hands with cocoa seed butter, sweet almond oil and
Vitamin A. Your loved one will adore this hand cream trio gift
set that comes complete with Original, romantic English Garden and
Lavender scented Meadow Flower. 3 tubes, 60ml each.
Signature Scent Candles RRP: £37.00
Let the light and floral fragrance of
Mandarin Pomegranate and the zesty scent of Ginger Citrus warm you on
cold winter days. The soy based candles feature a 100% cotton
wick for a longer lasting burn.
Pampermint Body Care Set RRP: £20.00
Get ready for a festive, all-over
tingle with new Pampermint Body Wash (236ml) and Body lotion (236ml)
including apple fruit extract, grape seed oil and peppermint oil.
Pampermint Foot Care Gift Set RRP:
£36.00
Let your feet sparkle and shine this
Christmas with the joyful tingle of peppermint and oh so comfy
festive socks. This festive set includes FootWork Foot Scrub (340g),
SoleMate Foot Cream (255g) and Signature Socks in a beautifully
designed gift box.
Vanilla Amber Gift Set RRP: £57.00
A gift to pamper your loved ones, the
Vanilla Amber gift set from Arbonne will immerse the body in a
blissful blend of warm vanilla and romantic amber with cleansing and
nourishing Body Wash (340ml), smooth Body Lotion (340ml) and
softening Sugar Scrub (453g) for top to toe indulgence this
Christmas.
Comet Cosmetics Collection RRP: £67.00
Become a vision of glamour this
Christmas with the beautiful Comet Cosmetics Collection. The
stunning set includes a sparkling Comet Clutch, Cosmic Kiss
lipstick and Starry, Starry night Eye Shadow Palette that comes
complete with the festive colours; Nightscape, Solar, Stardust and
Meteorite festive colours. A beautiful lipstick finishes the
set perfectly with wild mango butter and pomegranate extract.
Planetary Pout Lip Polish Trio RRP:
£56.00
Your lips with be kissable this
Christmas with the radiant lip polish trio in Venus, Mars and Saturn
all ready to gift in a velvety plush pouch.
All Arbonne products are available through an
excellent nationwide network of Arbonne Independent Consultants.
Visit www.arbonneinternational.co.uk
or call Customer Services on 0800 977 5721 to locate the nearest
consultant and purchase products.
(EDITOR: And in the experience of the That's Christmas team of testers, the products in the range not only look good, they smell good and do the job as described!)
Make yours a Niederegger Christmas
When was the last time you had
marzipan? Writes Phoebe.
Why was it so long ago? On asking these
questions to many of my friends no one could give me a half way good
answer. The truth is marzipan is not sold as often as chocolate and
similar confectionery and whenever we do buy it we buy the wrong
kind.
Bringing in Niederegger, luxury
marzipan makers for over two hundred years. The difference in quality
between a Niederegger product and some generic maker is instantly
noticeable. This is partly due to the fact that Niederegger marzipan
is officially classed as one hundred percent marzipan because it is
made with a lot more almonds and a lot less sugar.
Niederegger is a company based on
centuries of tradition and over the years the family that own and run
it have developed a huge range of styles and flavours of their
marzipan, often chocolate covered, sometimes flavoured with assorted
fruits including sweet banana, ambrosial apricot, zesty clementine,
candy strawberry, potatoes shaped sweets, marzipan flavoured
cappuccino and many, many more.
Since Christmas is coming and, with
everyone in our sector of the industry will be more than aware of
this, Niederegger has included an entire traditional Christmas range
on top of the plethora of already delicious chocolate covered treats
it currently offers. The Niederegger Christmas range ‘Frohes Fest’
is massive and it will appeal to everyone’s tastes from the grand
parents to the grand children.
For those that enjoy festively shaped treats there’s the newly
designed Christmas selection: it includes star-, crescent moon-,
boot-, Christmas tree- and snowman- shaped marzipans each covered
with a range of dark, milk and white chocolates.
If you’re looking for a large range
of flavours then the new “Marzipanerie in Christmas Sleeve” is
perfect as it includes most of the different flavours Niederegger has
to offer with its smaller confectionaries. The Traditionalist
Christmas enthusiasts would be more than tempted to get both styles
of advent calendar, one shaped (as always) in a flat box with mini
windows, each filled with a Niederegger marzipan treat; or a very
long rectangle, boxing a stack of the chocolate covered marzipans
these especially provide luxuriously festive ornamentation for the
house with their new Christmas designs of Father Christmas-Red
colored boxes, sprinkled with gold stars, reindeer and old wooden
ships and other such time-honored symbols tofill the house with
Christmas joviality.
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?
Niederegger have a wide selection of white chocolate covered
marzipans as well as icing sugar-sprinkled traditional German
Christmas cakes, known as Stollen, including some with the
Niederegger twist of marzipan fillings!
So try Niederegger chocolate covered
marzipan sweets for Christmas this year and enjoy the two hundred
year tradition of indulgence with family, Friends and festivities.
Jimmy’s Turkeys Crowned the UK’s Best
Traditionally-reared turkeys from
Jimmy’s Farm have been voted the UK’s best in a blind tasting.
The free-range birds saw off
competition from the industry’s finest to win ‘Best Christmas
Premium Product’ at the Turkey of the Year awards 2012.
Judges, who unanimously voted for
Jimmy’s turkeys, praised the birds’ stand-out texture and taste.
One said: “It was so moreish I couldn’t stop eating it.”
Jimmy Doherty said: “I am so proud of
this achievement. Our turkeys are a slow-growing breed and their feed
is based on locally grown cereals and vegetable protein. There are no
additives, drugs or growth promoters in their feed, as we believe it
is much better to rear them the natural way.”
The shortlist included Sainsbury’s
Taste the Difference Free Range Woodland Norfolk Black Turkey and
Copas Free Range Bronze Turkey.
Judges included Christine Parsons, food
writer Chat magazine, Julia Glotz, fresh foods editor The Grocer,
Sheila Eggleston, editor of Stockpot as well as two members of the
public who won a place on the panel via the British Turkey website.
Jimmy continued: “To make sure our
turkeys are the very best, our birds are hand plucked and then hung
in a chilled environment for at least 14 days to develop an even
fuller flavour.”
* Turkeys are available to order on
line at www.jimmysfarm.com
or call the farm office on 01473 604206
Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Wine
The Burge family is no stranger to the art and science of wine making. The Burge family has been making wines in the Barossa wine region of Australia since 1855. That is very nearly 160 years of wine making experience.
And that long history of experience in the crafting and production of fine wines is very well represented by the award-winning Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Australian Liqueur wine.
It has a perfect tawny tone to it, and the aroma is redolent of rich fruits.
The taste is exquisite and the combination of the blend of Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz grapes (all grown in the rich and highly fertile Barosa Valley, of course!) is a perfect mixture between these grape types. It is a sweet wine, yet not cloyingly so.
It's a perfect wine to be drunk by itself, around a crackling Christmas fire, or with the desert stage of Christmas dinner or with mince pies on one of the dark afternoons in the Christmas and New Year Season.
You can also try it to accompany your main courses at the Christmas dinner party, too. It is an amazing companion to all types of cheese, but especially Stilton.
Judges, from What Food What Wine?,
declared the Australian Grant Burge 10- Year-Old Tawny NV (£23.95) a
‘wow’ with Stilton.
They said: “Rich sweet fruit, figs
and plums and raisins with a nutty note and a marmalade hint.
It is the perfect foil to the intense saltiness of the cheese, the
rich lactose stretching across the palate and lifted by the sweet
fruit. Simply stunning.”
The judging panel, including Susie
Barrie and Peter Richards from BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen and Ewan
Lacey from Channel 4’s Cookery School, spent two days blind tasting
wine from around the world to come up with the best matches for
smoked salmon, turkey, Christmas pudding and Stilton.
Order online at www.winesdirect.co.uk
It is imported into the UK by Hatch Mansfield of Ascot, Berkshire.
Sunday 28 October 2012
Beurer has perfect winter warmer gadgets for all the family
Beurer TL80 brightlight
They've even got gadgets to solve bedtime squabbles over the perfect temperature of your electric underblanket, and a cape that heats up to keep you warm while watching Downton Abbey!
Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 – £109.99
The Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is an essential item for those that suffer from S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light therapy is believed to be effective in over 85% of cases, so the Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is a great solution for those suffering with symptoms during the colder months. Turn it on with one click to enjoy the light therapy.
The Beurer Daylight Lamp TL80 is available from Current Body. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
Beurer HK65 Aromatic Heating Pad - £59.99
When you want to target one part of your body with heat, the Aromatic Heating Pad goes above and beyond the requirement. It comes with two different inserts, a relaxation insert (including aniseed, thyme and peppermint), and a cold-relief insert (including lavender, lemon balm and melissa), making it the perfect gadget for dealing with colds, aches and pains. Those with sensitive skin will be glad to hear that it has a removable aloe vera cover too.
The Beurer HK65 Aromatic Heating Pad is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
Monogram by Beurer Heated Throw HD90 - £69.99
Electric blankets for your bed have been around for a long time, but did you know you can get a throw that’s electrically heated? Perfect for curling up under on the sofa during a chilly evening, the Monogram Throw is the perfect solution for those that want to stay warm.
The heated throw also gas a detachable cord/controller, so you can remain wrapped up if you want to get up to make a cuppa!
The Monogram Throw is available from Amazon, Win Health and CNM Online.
Beurer FB20 Massage Footspa with Pedicure - £39.99
When you’re rushing around on your feet all day, the opportunity to put your feet up is a real luxury. Make the most of this time by treating your feet to a footspa. The Beurer Massage Footspa with Pedicure has removable massage roller attachments, a gentle vibrating massage and a bubble spa footbath to soothe your feet and legs, and relax you after a hard day.
The Beurer FB20 Massage Footspa with Pedicure is available from Current Body. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
FW20 Footwarmer - £34.99
Want to warm up your feet at the end of a day running through the rain, cold or even the snow? Slip them into the Beurer Footwarmer, an electrically heated piece of footwear for keeping your toes cosy. The lining will slowly bring your feet back to life, with three temperature options. The lining is removable, so you can pop it in the wash when it needs a refresh.
The Footwarmer is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
Beurer Heated Cape HD50 - £54.99
Following on in the theme of items to keep you cosy and warm, is the Beurer Heated Cape. Like the Monogram Throw, it’s a heated wrap you can wear. This time, you can detach the electric cord so you can wonder around after it’s heated. It’s a great gadget if you like to keep warm while keeping your arms free for reading your favourite winter blockbuster.
The Beurer Heated Cape is available from Current Body and Betterlife @ Lloyds. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
FT70 7 in 1 thermometer - £39.99
Taking a child’s temperature is tricky enough when they’re well, but when they’re ill it can be extremely difficult. The 7 in 1 thermometer gives you several different ways to take a temperature, including the ear and forehead, as well as discover the temperature of objects and liquids. It also has an optical high temperature alarm, time and date and 10 memory spaces, as well as a speaking function if you want a quick assessment.
The Beurer 7 in 1 thermometer is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
MG290 Shiatsu seat cover - £269.99
When you’re in need of a massage, don’t put yourself on the waiting list at your local beauty salon. Enjoy a relaxing back massage from the comfort of your armchair! The soft velour Shiatsu seat cover can be placed over your chair, to turn it into your very own personal masseuse, and moulds to your body for the perfect customised fit. Then simply sit back, and enjoy the 5-in-1 massage types, so you can choose the method to suit you. The in-seat heating adds to the relaxing, muscle-soothing effect.
The MG290 is height adjustable and can be used on any seat with sufficient depth and a back rest by affixing the flexible holding straps to a chair for a secure and comfortable fit. When you’re done, you can easily hang it up in the wardrobe with the handy hanging hook provided. It’s the ultimate luxury gift for those that need a little pampering.
The Beurer Shiatsu Seat Cover is available from Amazon. Further information is available from the Beurer website.
Monogram Luxurious – From £89.99
The Monogram by Beurer Luxurious Comfort Heated Underblanket is the solution to all those squabbles over what heat to have the electric blanket on. The underblanket has four heat zones (two in the single versions), so you can choose what levels of heat are distributed in which areas of the blanket. Perfect if you prefer your feet to be hot, while your partner prefers to concentrate the heat on their upper half!
The Monogram Luxurious is available from CNM Online.
Get into Bath for the Christmas ice skating
If you go down to Royal Victoria Park in Bath this winter you’re in for a
chill thrill! Because a magical new attraction opens in central Bath on the 23
November 2012. It’s time to put your skates on as the city gets its own
real ice rink for the festive season.
Bath on Ice will be an exciting addition to the city’s Christmas attractions with opportunities for people of all ages to get into the festive spirit and take to the ice. The 500 sqm real ice skating rink adds a new dimension to this year’s celebrations.
Bath on Ice Director Simon Smith said “We’re absolutely delighted to offer people the chance to enjoy open-air skating on a real ice rink in the centre of Bath. Located right below the Royal Crescent, and with magical lighting adding to this unique experience, we hope we can create an event that Bath can be proud of. It is the perfect Christmas activity and will really get you in the mood for the festive season.”
Bath on Ice will provide top quality skates, an indoor skate changing area, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ice stewards and push- along aids for children.
Festive ringside refreshments will also be available including hot chocolate and melted marsh mallows, roasted chestnuts and plenty of other heart-warming scrumptious treats.
The Rink will be open daily from 10am until 9pm starting Friday 23 November 2012 until Sunday 6 January 2013 with one-hour sessions costing from just £7 per person including skate hire. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase. Group rates are being offered with special discounts for Christmas parties , students and children. The rink is also available for exclusive use.
Readers offers are available on discounted rates for tickets during off peak sessions.
To book your session on the ice please visit www.bathonice.com
Bath on Ice will be an exciting addition to the city’s Christmas attractions with opportunities for people of all ages to get into the festive spirit and take to the ice. The 500 sqm real ice skating rink adds a new dimension to this year’s celebrations.
Bath on Ice Director Simon Smith said “We’re absolutely delighted to offer people the chance to enjoy open-air skating on a real ice rink in the centre of Bath. Located right below the Royal Crescent, and with magical lighting adding to this unique experience, we hope we can create an event that Bath can be proud of. It is the perfect Christmas activity and will really get you in the mood for the festive season.”
Bath on Ice will provide top quality skates, an indoor skate changing area, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ice stewards and push- along aids for children.
Festive ringside refreshments will also be available including hot chocolate and melted marsh mallows, roasted chestnuts and plenty of other heart-warming scrumptious treats.
The Rink will be open daily from 10am until 9pm starting Friday 23 November 2012 until Sunday 6 January 2013 with one-hour sessions costing from just £7 per person including skate hire. Gift vouchers are also available for purchase. Group rates are being offered with special discounts for Christmas parties , students and children. The rink is also available for exclusive use.
Readers offers are available on discounted rates for tickets during off peak sessions.
To book your session on the ice please visit www.bathonice.com
10 Tips for Safe Christmas Lighting
1) Lights that have been stored away in the loft may have suffered damage. Make sure any frayed leads or broken connectors are replaced before use.
2) Tempting as it may be, never overload sockets with your Christmas lights as this could result in overheating, electric shocks, short-circuiting and potentially cause a fire.
3) To cope with winter weather, exterior Christmas lights should either be low voltage – 12V or 24V – or protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD) that will automatically kick into action and break the circuit in the event of an earth fault. Cables should never be fed through doors or windows, as this could cause damage.
4) Ensure that cables are fully unwound. They can overheat and potentially cause a fire if they are left coiled on a reel…
5) …But take care. Trailing wires and lighting leads are one of the most common causes of household trips and falls. Ensure that any cables or extension leads are not left across pathways, and cannot be easily grabbed by children and pets.
6) Never have any lighting equipment, decorative or otherwise, near a water source.
7) Turning off the Christmas lights before going to bed or when away from home will greatly reduce the risk of fire.
8) And if you need to buy new lights as last year’s ones really have seen better days, only buy from reputable outlets. There are lots of budget versions out there, especially at car boot sales, but these are often not up to the required safety standards.
9) Always check for the European Standard CE mark when buying new lights.
10) Make certain that lights you buy are suitable for the voltage they are being connected to. In the UK this should be 230 Volts.
To get more advice on safe Christmas lighting, contact a competent electrician. To find a local ECA member visit www.eca.co.uk.
Advent calendars with fresh chocolate & your own photo!
Those who want to make a truly unique Advent calendar with own pictures will find help at FotoInsight; freshly filled chocolate Advent calendars with custom photo-print will again be available online.
Anyone not wanting to serve their loved ones with an off the shelf Advent calendar, preferring to create their one design with their own graphic or picture, perhaps reviving the best moments of the year, will find this easy to do at FotoInsight. The online photo service offers to print a digital photograph onto a chocolate filled Advent calendar. The Advent calendars start on the first of December and its 24 little doors conceal tasty milk chocolate balls in festive wrapping. Those who have a nice picture to print can liven up a loved ones Advent with their very personal Advent calendar.
FotoInsight Limited was founded in Cambridge in 2003 and runs an easy to use digital photo processing service for Windows, Mac OS and Linux users. It offers an extensive array of award-winning photographic print and photo gifts as well as photobooks, photo posters and photo canvas print. Prints ordered through FotoInsight are developed at five state-of-the-art photo labs in four countries. The online photo service has grown year on year faster than the photo processing industry and has expanded its services in seven European languages in thirty-two countries.
Secret Santa? Sorted!
Last week we voted on where
we want to have our Christmas bash (say the clever folk at GoneDigging) which means it’ll soon be time to
draw Secret Santa names as well! At GoneDigging we really like to go in
for it, but given we sell Secret Santa gifts,
we’ve got little excuse not to! But we realise that for others, it can
also be quite a tricky thing to sort out, given budget and time
restrictions and whatnot. That’s why we’ve got a section on our website
dedicated specifically to reasonably priced Secret Santa ideas. Below,
we’ve included just a small taster of what we’ve got…
One particularly popular option is personalised chocolate. You get 100g of milk chocolate, along with a choice of wrappers, all of which can be personalised to feature your chosen name. Prices start at just £5.99, so they’re ideal for those wanted to leave their credit uncrunched.
Failing that, there are our personalised notebooks, journals and calendars. Given the time of year, a calendar seems a pretty obvious option and as well as being available in a number of rather nice designs, they can all be personalised with a chosen name and a message. Price-wise, they come in at £9.99, while the notebooks and journals are £7.50 and £9.99, respectively.
We’ve also solved the problem for those poor wotsits who draw the short straw and have to buy for the boss.
Our money clips can be engraved with a name or initials and are available from just £8.99. And if none of these fit the bill, there’s always the option of personalising a spoof magazine cover, which can be done from £9.99.
And of course, these ideas are merely the tip of GoneDigging’s Christmas iceberg. Or website is also crammed with other Christmas goodies, from calendars, diaries and journals, to engraved jewellery, personalised chocolate and mugs. To have a look, wiggle your mouse, click on the URL bar and type www.gonedigging.co.uk.
One particularly popular option is personalised chocolate. You get 100g of milk chocolate, along with a choice of wrappers, all of which can be personalised to feature your chosen name. Prices start at just £5.99, so they’re ideal for those wanted to leave their credit uncrunched.
Failing that, there are our personalised notebooks, journals and calendars. Given the time of year, a calendar seems a pretty obvious option and as well as being available in a number of rather nice designs, they can all be personalised with a chosen name and a message. Price-wise, they come in at £9.99, while the notebooks and journals are £7.50 and £9.99, respectively.
We’ve also solved the problem for those poor wotsits who draw the short straw and have to buy for the boss.
Our money clips can be engraved with a name or initials and are available from just £8.99. And if none of these fit the bill, there’s always the option of personalising a spoof magazine cover, which can be done from £9.99.
And of course, these ideas are merely the tip of GoneDigging’s Christmas iceberg. Or website is also crammed with other Christmas goodies, from calendars, diaries and journals, to engraved jewellery, personalised chocolate and mugs. To have a look, wiggle your mouse, click on the URL bar and type www.gonedigging.co.uk.
Have a Rockliffe Christmas and New Year
Here are some of the highlights
1. Kenny Cooks Christmas
Let top chefs do the hard work this Christmas! Rockliffe Hall’s celebrated chef, Kenny Atkinson, will be at the helm on Christmas Day where you can celebrate in style whether you’re dining in The Orangery, the Brasserie or The Clubhouse.
And in the run up to Christmas, there’s the chance to try an exclusive seven course prestige festive tasting menu, cooked by Kenny himself.
2. Stay the night…or maybe more….
This Christmas, indulge in the delights of 2 or 3 night full-board residential Christmas Breaks, complete with an entertainment programme for all the family and a very special visit on the big day itself…….
Or how about celebrating Christmas in your own 4-bedroom house within Rockliffe Hall’s 375-acre estate, ideal for families and groups of 4 to 7 guests?
For the more adventurous there’ll be treasure tails in and around the grounds, a full size croquet lawn and fun-filled activity packs to entertain younger explorers – and of course the most important guests come to visit on Christmas Day morning…..
3. Christmas gifts galore- for family and friends
The 5* gift for those hard-to-buy-for, Rockliffe Hall Gift Vouchers are the ideal present. Ditch the predictable stocking-fillers and treat your friends and family to a Rockliffe Hall experience. Whether it’s overnight stays, spa and golf days or dining in the choice of restaurants, a wide range of gift vouchers offers something for even the most difficult person to buy for this Christmas.
All of our Gift Vouchers are presented in a luxurious black gift box, and throughout the festive season there’s complimentary gift wrapping too.
4. Let Christmas begin- with our special Anniversary Ball
Rockliffe Hall’s celebratory 3rd Anniversary Ball is in aid of the resorts’ nominated charity for 2012- the Great North Air Ambulance. It’s a glamorous black tie celebration and the perfect launch to the festive season.
5. Festive afternoon teas
Live Christmas music, homemade mulled wine, mince pies, cakes, pastries and traditional sandwiches- the perfect ingredients for a Festive Afternoon Tea in the stunning surroundings of The Orangery.
6. Something special- private dining
To add intimacy to your celebrations, choose a private dining experience. Whether it’s festive Afternoon Tea with friends or a private Christmas dinner, private dining rooms can seat 6 to 60 guests, or up to 200 in a larger function room. Choose from a wide range of menus or let the team headed by Kenny Atkinson create a bespoke package to provide your perfect festive get-together.
7. Walking in a winter wonderland
Dress to impress as the magnificent Rockliffe Suite becomes a ‘Winter Wonderland’. Enjoy Winter Wonderland Cocktails on arrival, a locally-sourced three course winter banquet designed by Kenny Atkinson, prizes, games and party favours, live entertainment throughout the evening and dancing ‘til the early hours. Selected dates throughout December.
8. Party Nights- Grassholme Suite
Looking for a relaxed party atmosphere with a banquet designed by Kenny Atkinson, dancing and a variety of party games? The Grassholme Suite offers the perfect venue to celebrate Christmas. Selected dates throughout December.
9. Boxing Day Live in the Clubhouse
Why not do something different this Boxing Day? Spend a relaxing lunch in The Clubhouse with live music and a three course meal to keep the celebrations going.
10. NYE Mistletoe Ball
How about something different to see out 2012? The Rockliffe Hall Mistletoe Ball is an invitation to enjoy a residential New Year's break accompanied by gourmet food, a live piper and the chance to relax before the celebrations get under way in the award-winning spa.
11. NYE The Orangery
End 2012 in real style by booking a residential break with New Year’s Eve spent enjoying a gourmet experience in The Orangery with all the trimmings. No expense spared!
12. NYE Clubhouse
New Year’s Eve in The Clubhouse is always a party night to remember with a three course meal, a disco until the early hours and bacon rolls after midnight. The perfect start to 2013!
Rockliffe Hall is the newest and most exciting hotel resort to open in the North of England. Set on a magnificent restored 18th century estate on the banks of the River Tees. It is a destination in itself and a five star home-from-home.
For details or to book reservations, call Rockliffe Hall’s Events Team on 01325 729999 or e-mail them at events@rockliffehall.com.
Ragdale Hall's Christmas Gift Guide
With Christmas approaching, it's time to start thinking about
present buying (if you haven't already). With a wide range of gifts for
everyone from girlfriends to husbands to mothers, they are yere to do what
they do best and take the stress out of your Christmas shopping.
What better way to spoil the one you love than giving them some time to themselves?
Treat that someone special to a truly relaxing and pampering experience at Leicestershire multi-award winning luxury spa, Ragdale Hall.
With vouchers starting from £25, you can purchase a spa day, spa break or monetary amount - the choice is yours. But the pleasure will be all theirs!
Most of the gifts listed in their Christmas Gift Guide are available to purchase from their online shop and therefore only a few clicks away for you!
Or call their Voucher Sales Hotline on 01664 433030
What better way to spoil the one you love than giving them some time to themselves?
Treat that someone special to a truly relaxing and pampering experience at Leicestershire multi-award winning luxury spa, Ragdale Hall.
With vouchers starting from £25, you can purchase a spa day, spa break or monetary amount - the choice is yours. But the pleasure will be all theirs!
Most of the gifts listed in their Christmas Gift Guide are available to purchase from their online shop and therefore only a few clicks away for you!
Or call their Voucher Sales Hotline on 01664 433030
Sunday 21 October 2012
Top Ten Foods to Help You Get In Shape For Christmas
So here’s the Ripped To Shreds top ten list of foods you should be looking to include in your diet if you’re looking to boost fat-burning and show off a leaner profile.
Ripped To Shreds is a groundbreaking report co-authored by Shaun Petafi and Dean Connor, a respected pair of personal trainers. It dispels some of the established myths around eating habits and is a must-read for anyone serious about shedding fat and improving their body shape.
Combined with the regular exercise Shaun and Dean endorse in the report, and sensible eating habits, you could be in great shape come Christmas.
The R2S Top 10 Best Fat-Burning Foods
1. Walnuts
All nuts do contain some amount of the Omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid, but most only contain trace amounts. The real fat hero in most nuts is mono-unsaturated fats. Walnuts are actually a rich source of omega-3s. One ounce provides almost 3g of alpha-linolenic acid.
2. Gluten free oatmeal
This very slow-digesting carb keeps blood sugar and insulin levels low, so fat burning can stay high. In fact, research has shown that athletes who consume slow-digesting carbs in the morning burn more fat throughout the entire day and during workouts than those consuming fast-digesting carbs.
3. Avocado
The mono-unsaturated fats found in avocados are burned readily for fuel during exercise and encourage fat burning. Avocados also contain a very interesting carb called mannoheptulose, a sugar that actually blunts insulin release and enhances calcium absorption, both of which are critical for encouraging fat loss. (EDITOR: Do NOT parrots to share avocado, as it is TOXIC to them)
4. Salmon
This fish is one of the richest sources of the Omega-3 essential fats EPA and DHA. Unlike flaxseeds, which provide a type of Omega-3 that has to be converted into EPA and DHA, salmon provides your body a direct supply of them with no conversion required. This way you know you’re getting a direct supply of the fats that turn on fat burning and block fat storage.
5. Grapefruit
A study from the Scripps Clinic (San Diego, California) reported that subjects eating half a grapefruit while maintaining their normal diet lost an average of 4 pounds over 12 weeks – and some lost more than 10 pounds without even dieting! Results were likely due to grapefruit’s ability to reduce insulin levels and to a chemical in grapefruit known as naringin, which prevents fat from being stored in the body. (EDITOR: If you are on heart, blood pressure or Statin medications, DO NOT EAT ANY GRAPEFRUIT until you have consulted with your doctor.)
6. Honey
Yes, it’s a sugar, but it’s fairly low on the glycemic index. Keeping insulin levels low and steady is critical for maintaining a fat-burning environment in your body. Honey is also a rich source of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites; ultimately, that means it actually encourages fat release from the body’s fat cells. (EDITOR: This is NOT something diabetics should do without checking with their doctor)
7. Peanut Butter
A source of helpful mono-unsaturated fat that can actually aid fat loss. What’s funny is that many food manufacturers make low-fat peanut butters!
Of course, they replace these healthy mono-unsaturated fats with carbs, namely sugar. Avoid these and stick with natural peanut butters that don’t add the type of fat you surely want to avoid – trans fats.
8. Chili Pepper Flakes
Hot peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, a chemical that can enhance calorie burning at rest as well as reduce hunger and food intake.
The boost in calorie burn is particularly enhanced when capsaicin is used with caffeine.
9. Broccoli
This fibrous vegetable doesn’t provide many net carbs or calories, but it can make you feel full – one reason why it’s a great food for getting lean. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that can help enhance fat loss.
10. Extra virgin olive oil
Like avocados, olive oil is a great source of mono-unsaturated fats. Not only do they lower levels of the “bad” type of cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, but they’re also more likely to be burned as fuel, which means they’re less likely to be sticking around your midsection.
Ripped To Shreds is available to download from: www.rippedtoshreds.co.uk, iTunes, Waterstones, Probook, and other online outlets.
Give a gift that’s out-of-the-ordinary this Christmas with Adopt a Word
Friends and family won’t be lost for words when they unwrap a unique gift from Adopt A Word
this Christmas. A thoughtful gift that’s perfect for all ages, any
special word, real or made-up, can be wrapped up and given to a loved
one this Christmas for just £15.
Ideal for those avoiding the High Street this December, this truly personal gift is just a mouse-click away. Simply choose the word that fits your loved-one the best – perhaps you’ll pick a word they use in every other sentence, a slogan that best sums them up, or something unusual for them to slip into conversation. You can even create your own words, meaning that you can now adopt nicknames and miss-sayings which might mean something special. You can also adopt multiple words to create a special phrase.
As well as receiving an adoption pack in the post (or via email if it’s a last minute gift), there’s the added option of having the adopted word proudly emblazoned on a variety of merchandise, such as mugs, t-shirts, fridge magnets and keyrings. New merchandise for 2012 includes cotton bags, aprons and umbrellas and prices range from £5 to £18.
The best thing about this ethical Christmas gift, is that all the money raised goes to I CAN, the children’s communication charity. 1.2 million children in the UK have long term speech, language and communication needs and will struggle to express themselves this Christmas – or any other time of year. I CAN work to ensure these children get the help and support they need so they can live happy and successful lives.
Word adoptees will join other high-profile supporters who love words and want to help children communicate. These include Stephen “wordy” Fry, Henry “tenacious” Winkler, Miranda “clutch” Hart, Sara “blossom” Cox and many more.
To browse words from the Collins English Dictionary or create your own word for adoption, whilst helping children in the UK who’ll find it difficult to say ‘Merry Christmas’ this year, visit www.adoptaword.com today.
Ideal for those avoiding the High Street this December, this truly personal gift is just a mouse-click away. Simply choose the word that fits your loved-one the best – perhaps you’ll pick a word they use in every other sentence, a slogan that best sums them up, or something unusual for them to slip into conversation. You can even create your own words, meaning that you can now adopt nicknames and miss-sayings which might mean something special. You can also adopt multiple words to create a special phrase.
As well as receiving an adoption pack in the post (or via email if it’s a last minute gift), there’s the added option of having the adopted word proudly emblazoned on a variety of merchandise, such as mugs, t-shirts, fridge magnets and keyrings. New merchandise for 2012 includes cotton bags, aprons and umbrellas and prices range from £5 to £18.
The best thing about this ethical Christmas gift, is that all the money raised goes to I CAN, the children’s communication charity. 1.2 million children in the UK have long term speech, language and communication needs and will struggle to express themselves this Christmas – or any other time of year. I CAN work to ensure these children get the help and support they need so they can live happy and successful lives.
Word adoptees will join other high-profile supporters who love words and want to help children communicate. These include Stephen “wordy” Fry, Henry “tenacious” Winkler, Miranda “clutch” Hart, Sara “blossom” Cox and many more.
To browse words from the Collins English Dictionary or create your own word for adoption, whilst helping children in the UK who’ll find it difficult to say ‘Merry Christmas’ this year, visit www.adoptaword.com today.
Fantastic family fun with Imagination Games
There's Burping Bert.
Hear Burt burb, parp, sneeze, snore and belch his way through the game!
What do players have to do? Press his belly button to hear a truly gross sound. Then get rid of one of the cards in your pile by being able to match it to the sound that Burt has just emitted.
But be careful! Because if Burt snores, then that's your turn to pick up another card!
The first player who gets rid of all of their cards is the winner!
The second game from Imagination that Burt is looking at is The Hungry Frogs, a 'magic sound' board game.
It's aimed at children who are 4 and older, and can be played by two children or more at a time.
They'll take turns to spin the special spinner, and hop around the board.
If they land on a lilly pad, they will turn over a token. If there is a fly on the token, you keep it. The first player who earns three tokens is the winner.
But just to add to the fun, any player who is sitting on a log when the magic sound button is pressed must return to their home space!
Spot to the Rescue is the third game we are looking at. Which is also from age four and with two players or more.
Oh, no! There's a poor kitten, stuck up a tree! But don't worry! Spot the Dalmatian puppy will rush to his rescue, with a little help from the human players!
Players must spin the special device. This tells you how many moves you can make or of you have to press make a sound.
Players progress round the board and the first person to find three kitten tokens is the winner of the game!
You can find details of these games from www.imaginationgames.co.uk
Sunday 14 October 2012
Santa Claus to Run 4 Cancer!
Santa Claus Run 4 CancerRun 4 Cancer, pronounced run for cancer, was set up by a group of running enthusiasts who have all lost a close friend or relative to cancer. Run entirely on a voluntary basis, the team at Run 4 Cancer raise funds by taking part in running challenges all over the world. The funds raised are used to provide days out / short-breaks for families living with cancer and to make grants to palliative care centres. The running charity also funds research into the positive effects of exercise and how it can help both prevent cancer and assist in recovery post diagnosis.
The Santa Run London 2012 attracts over 2,000 Santas every year and thousands more spectators. Open to all runners from the age of eight upwards, the course is also suitable for disabled people in wheelchairs.
For the £20 entry fee, Run 4 Cancer supporters receive a complimentary Santa Suit comprising hat, jacket, trousers, belt and beard. Runners are able to keep the Santa Suits after the race.
For 2012, two distances are available – either 5Km or 10Km. The 5Km circuit takes in the sights of Greenwich Park and the recent Olympic show jumping arena. To take part, runners are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship fund of £100. In addition to receiving a Santa Suit, each participant will be given a secure online fundraising page on Run 4 Cancer's website to collect both donations and words of encouragement.
Commenting on the event, Run 4 Cancer Chairman Stu Bowker said “I’ve run in previous Santa runs in Brighton and they are great fun. In fact, it’s rather difficult to concentrate on running when you’re laughing so much. Seeing 2,000 Santas run in a massive group is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of both runners and spectators alike.”
Stu concluded “This year, I’ll be running for my girlfriend’s uncle who recently lost his battle with cancer. Running 10K in a Santa Suit is actually quite a challenge but I am really looking forward to it. It’s a great event and loads of fun. If anyone else would like to get involved in the charity, please get in touch”
For more information, call 0845 408 1849 or visit http://www.run4cancer.org
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