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

Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny wine is, to my mind, one of the best wines to come out of Australia.

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.

Beurer has perfect winter warmer gadgets for all the family

Beurer TL80 brightlight

As the nights draw in, and we swap our glass of wine in the garden for a hot chocolate on the sofa, our thoughts turn to how to keep warm and get through the colder months when colds, aches and pains are more common. Beurer has a wide selection of gadgets to help the family with cold feet, aching backs, fevers and the symptoms of S.A.D.

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

10 Tips for Safe Christmas Lighting

As Christmas approaches and the fairy lights are brought down from the loft, follow these tips from Giuliano Digilio, Head of Technical Services at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), to ensure your Christmas sparkles – without any sparks!

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!

It’s time for Advent Calendars! Chocolate photo Advent calendars are sold each year only during the run-up to Christmas, which ensures that the chocolate is really fresh.

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.

Have a Rockliffe Christmas and New Year

Whether it’s a luxury Christmas break in the North East, dining with friends and family or party nights and New Year celebrations, Rockliffe Hall’s world class facilities will really get you in the festive mood- a one-stop-shop for extravagance and indulgence.

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

Top Ten Foods to Help You Get In Shape For Christmas

It’s the time of year when thoughts start to turn towards Christmas and planning those all-important party outfits.

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.

Fantastic family fun with Imagination Games

The whole family, from the littlest to the biggest will be in for some fantastic Chirstmas fun with some really neat games from Imagination!

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

Santa Claus to Run 4 Cancer!

Santa Claus Run 4 Cancer

Run 4 Cancer, the cancer charity for runners, is pleased to announce that it has secured a further 50 places for this year’s Santa Run London. This year's Santa Run will take place in Greenwich Park on Sunday the 9th of December 2012.

Run 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

Tea Party for your unique Christmas Do!

Absolutely perfect for a team party, a small business or even just as a treat with friends

Special Offer - £24 per person

Tea Party in North London is special! Now in its 3rd year, it’s time to announce it’s Christmas tea parties, absolutely perfect for a small Christmas do.

This totally unique private venue holds up to 20 guests in its gorgeous pink surroundings.

It was featured recently on ITV's Lorraine and has been used for lots of photo shoots appearing in both national newspapers & magazines.

Absolutely perfect for a team party, a small business or even just as a treat with friends

The gorgeous gem situated on a high street with its pink candy stripped walls, floral background and big pink chandelier just looks so cute set for Christmas.

. The Christmas Menu consists of:

• Unlimited tea
• Ice cool lemonade
• Festive finger sandwiches
• Scrummy scones, jam & lashings of clotted cream
• Christmas decorated cupcakes
• Chocolate dipped cookies
• Table flowers & Christmas tree!
• Christmas crackers
• Pretty napkins
• Served on vintage china

• Extra items available to add to your fantastic Christmas tea party include: Chocolate Yule log, mince pies, cake pops, cookies, mini xmas fruit cakes etc

You can even bring your own bubbly too!

The special offer of £24 per person is available for weekdays & weekday evenings.

Check out our website page for more info on booking a Christmas Tea Party: http://www.teaparty.uk.com

We find the top games for Christmas!

Giant Pass The Pigs

Lord of the Rings Top Trumps

Top Trumps

Winning Moves, the innovative games company behind many classic family favourites including Top Trumps and Pass The Pigs, today reveals the coolest must-have games for Christmas 2012.

Whether you’re buying for your own family, friends, colleagues or neighbours, you’ll find there’s a game to suit every taste in the Winning Moves range:

The Eye of Sauron – Lord of the Rings Top Trumps Collectors’ Tin (RRP £12.99 ages 5+, 2+ players):
Relive the greatest adventure of our time with the Lord of the Rings Top Trumps Collectors’ Tin. The stunningly detailed Eye of Sauron tin houses two exclusive Top Trumps packs: 30 Heroes of Middle-Earth and 30 of Sauron’s Forces. Lord of the Rings fans will particularly love hearing the Black Speech of Mordor when they open the tin on Christmas morning!

GIANT Pass The Pigs (RRP £14.99, ages 8+, 2+ players):
The classic party game Pass The Pigs gets a SUPER-SIZE twist this Christmas! Perfect for parties all year-round, these giant inflatable pigs can bounce around the living room, garden or beach. It’s Pass The Pigs like you’ve never passed them before! Inflate your pair of porkers, throw them and see how they land. Will you get a Leaning Jowler, a Mixed Combo or will you Pig Out?

Top Trumps (RRP from £2.99, ages 5+, 2+ players):
No Christmas stocking is complete without a pack of Top Trumps. With a theme to suit everyone – from classics such as Dinosaurs and Baby Animals, to hot licensed packs including Lord of The Rings, Moshi Monsters, Spider-Man and James Bond – Top Trumps is the ultimate stocking filler or Secret Santa treat for kids and adults alike. The perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for friend or relative in your life!

Bananagrams (RRP £14.99, age 7+, 2-16 players):
The fast and fun anagram game that drives players bananas! Requiring no pencil, paper or board, Bananagrams comes in a small portable banana-shaped pouch and is perfect fun for kids from 7 – 107 years-old, at home or on the go.

All games are available to buy now on the High Street from a wide range of retailers, or online at http://www.winningmoves.co.uk/shop.

Christmas in a Box with Chesil Smokery!

Whether it's for Uncle George, Cousin Tim or for your foodie friend Emma who has everything (of course!) a fishy, meaty or mixed box from the award-winning Chesil Smokery in Dorset makes the perfect gift this Christmas - so why not give them something they will actually be thrilled to receive this year that won't be put straight in the present re-cycling drawer?

Choose from cold-smoked salmon and trout and hot-smoked mackerel, gravadlax and kippers in the fishy box; a selection of hot and cold smoked venison, duck and chicken breast in the meaty box; and a collection of smoky poultry, meat and fish in the mixed box. Each beautifully packaged box costs from £25, and includes a personalised note; boxes can be ordered from www.chesilsmokery.com (18 December is the last day for Christmas delivery).

• The Taster Box from £25
• The Old English Box from £40
• The Sharing Box from £50
• The Shindig Box from £75

The full range of delicious smoked fish, meat and poultry from the Chesil Smokery is available from www.chesilsmokery.com.

Chesil Smokery in Bridport, Dorset, is the brainchild of managing director Mark Firth, who has been hooked on fishing ever since leaving school at the age of 18 to become a gilly on the Spey, and has travelled the world in his pursuit of all things piscatorial. Now he has channelled that passion into restoring an old smokery at Bridport and helping it to rise, quite literally, from the ashes.

Using English oak and apple wood in its kilns to produce a beautifully sweet and delicate aroma, Chesil Smokery sources only the finest produce - the fittest, leanest salmon (never fatty or oily) from the icy waters of the Shetlands; fresh fish from Samways, the famous fish merchants of Bridport, and the tastiest and freshest free-range chicken and poultry from Creedy Carver of Crediton, Devon. What's more, all the wonderful fish, meat and poultry have lived the right kind of life (as far as humanely and practically possible). 

Consumers Are Getting Social With Merchant Gourmet® For Christmas

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Chestnuts, whether they are roasted over an open fire or enjoyed as the bases of some hearty homemade stuffing or stews. Knowing the popularity of their chestnuts range over the festive season, MERCHANT GOURMET®, have launched the 12 weeks of Christmas Campaign, which will engage consumers through the use of social media.
 

Unlike traditional Christmas Campaigns, they have fully embraced the ethos of social media by encouraging people to interact with Facebook and Twitter. The more people engage online, by either answering weekly questions or sharing the campaign with their friends, the more chances they have to win a selection of prizes.
 

Sanjay Davda Head of Grocery at MERCHANT GOURMET®, spoke about the innovative approaches being taken to interact with their consumer base and attract new customers.
 

“This is a really exciting campaign and one that we think will help consumers think of MERCHANT GOURMET® as a brand of choice for Chestnuts.  We have lined up a whole host of Christmas treats for our consumers, such as Kelly Bronze Turkeys, Stellar Organics Wines, Oromo Coffee and Rude Health Cereals, to ensure that our engagement maintains momentum and our reach is maximised over the next three months.”
 

Alongside the weekly treats, the campaign will also result in one lucky person winning a trip to the famous Charlottenburg Christmas Market in Berlin. To enter, customers simply have to check the packs of MERCHANT GOURMET® Chestnuts and MERCHANT GOURMET® Chestnut Puree products for further details. 

Speaking about the reason for linking the on pack promotion with the social media campaign Davda said: “The popularity for traditional ingredients is on the rise, and last year we saw an eight per cent growth year on year in the volume sales of our whole chestnuts. This year we are also planning stronger promotional activity in store in the build-up to the festive season and we believe that this campaign will really bring this product to life and get our customers engaging.  

"We believe that building a two way dialogue is essential and from our success so far it appears that our consumers really appreciate this. After only a few hours of the campaign going live we had increased our Facebook following by nearly 5%, so we are really excited to see what the next 12 weeks have to offer.“
 

Speaking about the overall purpose of the campaign Davda went on to say:“What we want to achieve from this, is to make sure that our chestnuts are the ones of choice for consumers, particularly over the Christmas period. However we also want to attract them to other products within the MERCHANT GOURMET® range whilst simultaneously attracting new consumers. “
 

To enter check out the Merchant Gourmet Facebook page and start liking http://www.facebook.com/MerchantGourmet?ref=hl

You'll click with this gift! An online photography course!

A Christmas gift of a photography course with some of the world’s best photographers is just a click away as MyPhotoSchool launches a unique online gift certificate

MyPhotoSchool, the online school photography school with personal tuition from the world’s top photographers, has today launched gift certificates for each of its online photography courses, in time for Christmas. This makes it possible for people to buy a course right up until the moment they see their loved ones on Christmas Day.

The beauty of a course from MyPhotoSchool is that the world’s most acclaimed photographers teach students popular photography topics, ranging from macro photography or low light photography; child photography and pet photography; bird photography, architecture and flower photography; travel photography and child photography; taking beautiful landscape photographs, and everything in between. This makes is possible to find a gift for everyone, from the most discerning photographer to the keen photography enthusiast to someone simply looking for a great new hobby.

Those wishing to buy a gift certificate for loved ones simply need to choose the online photography course they would like from the MyPhotoSchool website and click through to the individual course page. In addition to a course overview, details about the course tutor and a taster video, visitors will find a ‘Gift this Course’ button. The button leads buyers through the very simple ordering and payment process, and provides a printable certificate with an online code that enables recipients to book any course to begin at a time that suits them.

All MyPhotoSchool courses cost £145, last four weeks and begin on the first Saturday of every month. The beauty of MyPhotoSchool photography courses is that you meet experts in the comfort of your home.

Each course includes step by step video tutorials, downloadable course notes, and the facility to chat with tutors and fellow classmates online, in a ‘virtual classroom’. The classroom may be ‘virtual’ but the camaraderie is real, and the technology is very intuitive and easy to use.

All of the MyPhotoSchool tutors are outstanding in their field (and studio), being accomplished photographers and acclaimed photography writers. Courses cover everything from getting to grips with the equipment, understanding light and exposure, perfecting composition, professionally editing and making money from photography. Tutors at MyPhotoSchool, include world renowned wildlife photographer Heather Angel, former president of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS); David Handley, Sony Fashion Photographer of the Year; Phil Malpas, professional photographer and author of colour photography best sellers; Nigel Hicks, Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), professional photographer and author; Tony Worobiec, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, founder member of Arena, journalist and author; and Paul Harcourt Davies, professional photographer, author and conservationist. For more information on all of the MyPhotoSchool tutors and the courses that they teach, please go to: http://www.my-photo-school.com/courses/

MyPhotoSchool also provides a free photography website and a monthly themed competition for members registered to its website, with prizes available. Please go to http://www.my-photo-school.com/ for more information.

Gift ideas that will not break the bank

Some of us are going to be on a limited budget this Christmas. So, rather than just throwing our hands up in despair, why not think smart?

If if you buy books as presents, check out www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com. There are often bargain books available and you can also send Amazon Gift Vouchers, too.

Check out eBay for bargains. But do be careful. Ensure that it is a trader with a good reputation. You need to ensure that if a branded item is advertised on eBay that a branded item is what is delivered to your house.

What about a unique present that will not cost you the earth?

For my wife's birthday I presented her with a t-shirt that had a unique piece of artwork on the front and the back. In all likelihood there will never be another t-shirt quite like it! And my wife loved it! Getting t-shorts, fleeces, mugs, mousemats, hats, etc., etc., printed up as one off special jobs is easier and less expensive than you might think.

Tesco offers this service in store in stores that print photographs and most jobbing printers and some photographic shops offer this service too.

Or you can buy the transfers for making you own printed t-shirts at most good office supply companies or from Amazon. That way you can give your family the same design, or you can print a special unique design just for them.

Do you have any art and craft skills? If you can paint, why not make a special and unique work of art for someone? They can make good conversation pieces in their home.

Buy an old, but sturdy, piece of furniture, strip it of all the old varnish or paint and repaint it, perhaps with modern designs on it? That will make another nice one-off gift for someone special.

Get some clear glass vases, storage jars, bowls, etc., and use glass paints on them to create some unique and stunning works of art. These can look very effective  and even someone with no real artistic bent can create a unique and interesting coloured glass object.

Candle making can be fun. Many craft shops stock materials for making candles. And if you make them in glass holders, you can paint the holder to make it a doubly unique and interesting gift.

Glass painting kits and materials and candle making kits and materials are available from Amazon. As are oil, acrylic and water paints and blank canvases for you to start creating your masterpieces for friends and family this Christmas!

If you are comfortably well-off but have a friend or a relation who is not, an ideal present is A Christmas hamper. You can buy these off the shelf or on the Internet, or you can build one yourself. A wicker basket can be bought for under a tenner on Amazon and you can buy tinned goods, biscuits, chocolates, sweets, etc., to use to make into a Christmas hamper over a period of several months, just ensure that what you buy has a long shelf life.

So, have a happy and a creative Christmas!

Festive Sweet Trees – the latest trend in Christmas treats

Galaxy Christmas Sweet Tree

An incredibly cute, edible tree hand made from Maltesers, drizzled with white chocolate and planted with chocolate raisins – what could be a more sumptuous gift this Christmas? With their new range of handmade Sweet Trees, RusticAngels.co.uk have come up with a gift that would delight pretty much everyone on your Christmas list – and make the recipient extremely popular with the rest of the family!

The Sweet Trees looks as good as they taste. Each tree sits prettily in a terracotta pot (not edible!) which is planted with chocolate raisins, fudge and coconut mushrooms, and stands approx. 30cm high, making a wonderful presentation gift, or table centrepiece.

The sweets are lovingly arranged on the tree so they are easy to pick one by one for pure indulgence at the end of a leisurely meal, or can be sneakily plucked by passers-by when no one is looking!

Rustic Angels stock a variety of Sweet Trees, all made from traditional family favourites. Choose from:

Malteser Christmas Tree Snow Cap (standard - £29.95 or mini - £13.95 + p&p)
Galaxy Counters Tree with edible Holly (standard £29.95 or mini - £13.95 + p&p)
Liquorice Allsorts Sweet Tree - £22.50 + p&p
Maltesers Sweet Tree - £24.95 + p&p

Sweet Trees and many other beautiful vintage, retro and French country gifts and home accessories are available from www.rusticangels.co.uk.

New Christmas Gift Fair Launched

A new Christmas Gift Fair has been launched, That's Christmas can reveal.

The Telford Christmas Gift Fair is to be staged at the Telford International Centre, in Telford, Shropshire. The TIC is becoming a top venue for trade and public exhibitions and shows throughout the year.

The Telford Christmas Gift Fair will be held on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December and will run from 10am onwards on both days. There will be 7,000 square metres of exhibition space, filled with Christmas goodies for all the family!

There will be a wide range of stalls selling a wide variety of gift ideas for all ages from the toddler right through to adults.

There will also be stalls offering a variety of special Christmas foods and drinks, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks being available.

To find out more visit www.telfordchristmasgiftfair.co.uk.

Some space for exhibitors is still available. To book a stall call Kelly Griffin on 07800 872422 or Simon Gaston on 01952 415334.

This Christmas, Why Not Spend It...

...Striking a Yoga Pose in the Himalayas

For a unique Christmas experience, venture to Ananda in the Himalayas, India's leading destination spa. Soothe Christmas stress with Ananda's Himalayan Bliss package including a wild rose soap scrub, personalised yoga session, honey and rose facial and bespoke massage. 

Once you are completely revived, take in the stunning snow-covered Himalayan peaks with a trek to the Kunjapuri temple. Celebrations begin on Christmas Eve with a Gala Dinner and carols, continuing into Christmas Day with sightseeing in the Himalayas. You might even be lucky enough to spot native birds such as barbells and golden eagles.

Price

Himalayan Bliss Package: from $3,850 USD (£2,453 approx) per single room for five nights.

Gala Dinner: $125 USD (£118 approx) plus 18.45% tax per person (subject to change). All three and five-night packages booked before 31st October will receive the Christmas Gala Dinner complimentary.

Contact: reservation@anandaspa.com

...Sipping Cocktails at Sunset on an Island Paradise

With an all-inclusive stay at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, taking a tropical holiday to the Maldives is more affordable than it sounds. Located on Huvahendhoo Island in the Maldives, surrounded by pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation and dive sites, this five-star resort allows all the benefits of a luxury stay - minus the hidden extras. Swap your roast lamb for a fresh lobster or your Yorkshire pudding for a coconut dessert and after a big day of water sports, enjoy unlimited cocktails and signature drinks as you watch the sun go down.

Price

From £1964 per person for 7 nights. Contact: reservations@island-hideaway.com

...Unwinding in a Vinothérapie Barrel Bath

If your favourite part of Christmas is mulled wine, indulge in a Relaxing Moments package at The Yeatman, a multi-award winning luxury wine hotel. Wine lovers will be soothed by a Caudalie Vinothérapie® Massage or drift away in a Deep Barrel Bath. On arrival you will be welcomed by a Signature Cocktail from Dick's Bar and complimentary food and drink from the Special Spa Menu. In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast served in The Orangerie Room followed by more pampering in the Vinothérapie® Spa by Caudalie. Here you will enjoy the indoor and outdoor infinity swimming pools with stunning panoramic views across the River Douro.

Price

From €418.50 (£330 approx) per room, per night, based on two people sharing a double room.

Contact: Reservations@theyeatman.com) or (+ 351) 220 133 100 mentioning 'Relaxing Moments'

...Enjoying Dutch Wine by the Canal

Situated amid hundreds of kilometers of canals and awarded one of 60 best new hotels in the world, Canal House in Amsterdam surrounds you with all the Christmas festivities right in heart of Jordaan. The traditional Amsterdam Christmas falls on 25th to 26th December and this is when the celebrations really begin. Wander along to the Westergazfabriek winter Festival where you can ice skate, drink Gluwein (hot wine) and sample delectable Dutch food and drinks. Take a stroll to nearby shopping streets, museums and Rembrandt Square. Return to Canal House for a blissful stay with its 17th century dug canal, 23 bedrooms and distinctive horseshoe design. The hotel captures all the historic fixtures, while providing 21st century modern facilities. For New Year's Eve, there are plenty of parties at Museum Square topped with spectacular fireworks.

Price

From €240 (approx £189.00) including buffet breakfast and all taxed (except city taxes).

Contact: https://bookings.curioushotels.com/www.canalhouse.nl/

Adorn your Christmas Tree with Handmade Decorations from Susie Watson Designs

Susie Watson has been designing and creating beautiful, high quality products for the home for many years. For Christmas, Susie has developed a gorgeous range of decorations that are all made and finished by hand, for unique designs that you can treasure for many years to come.

  

Ceramic Decorations - From £4

Available in four shapes; dove, heart, angel and star, these cute ceramic decorations in blue or white are handmade and hand painted with hearts, spots or holly.

Christmas Baubles Star and Bow (Box of Four) - Small £14 - Large - £19

These hand blown glass baubles are decorated with stars that are hand etched into the clear glass. Each one has a pretty bow detail on the hanging fixing. Available in two sizes; small (6cm diameter) and large (8cm diameter).

Crackle Glaze Baubles (Box of Four) - Small £14 - Large £28

Add some glamour to your Christmas tree with these beautiful hand blown, crackle glaze baubles that are available in six stunning colours; ruby, plum, aquamarine, dark silver, pale gold and moss. Available in two sizes; small (6cm diameter) and large (10cm diameter). These striking baubles also look great piled high in glass vases and dishes.

Susie Watson has been designing and creating beautiful, high quality products for the home for many years and has a simple philosophy – that the things we use everyday should bring us pleasure. The product range includes everything from hand decorated pottery through to handmade soft furnishings for every room in the house.  

Susie Watson’s covetable designs are available in over 300 independent retailers nationwide including her own shops in London, Marlborough, Alresford, Tunbridge Wells and on-line at www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk. New shops are also planned to open throughout 2012.

Creative Christmas Treats from Yummy Dough

Forget buying the kids traditional modelling dough this Christmas, Yummy Dough from Maps Toys is so much more fun and what’s more children get to eat it without getting into trouble off Mum.

The mouldable dough allows young children to get creative all Christmas making festive shapes or whatever their imagination allows. Simply add water to the powder mix and get a pliable Yummy Dough mixture. Work the dough into different shapes - then comes the exciting part....bake it and eat it! Yes really! Children will love seeing their handiwork made into edible creations that they can share. Why not get them to make festive themed treats for all the family.

Yummy Dough is the safest modelling dough around and retails at around £7.99. It develops skills in young children including hand-eye co-ordination, motor skills, colour recognition and of course it teaches them about food preparation. It now comes in a handy, resealable tub with carry handle to store all your cutting tools.

The product comes with four different colours (red, blue, green and yellow) which can be mixed together at the powder stage or when the dough is moulded to create different colours to create with. The product can be eaten raw or baked. Yummy Dough is made in Germany by one of the country’s leading baking manufacturers. Made using high quality food products, it is made under strict European safety guidelines.

Yummy Dough is available from Amazon, Firebox and other toy retailers.

Tasty Christmas treats for your little monsters!

This year has been all about the loveable Moshi Monsters – school kids have gone Moshi mad over this unique collectable craze so this Christmas, why not treat your little Moshi fan to their ultimate stocking filler?

The brand new Moshi Monsters Cookie Kit from Maps will appeal to fans of the cute characters allowing them to get creative and bake their favourite monsters. Each colourful carry-handle tub includes 2 Moshi Monster Cookie Cutters, 2 decorating tubes, 450g of cookie mixture (makes 24 cookies) and an instruction leaflet featuring a bonus download code for Free Rox on the popular moshimonsters.com website.

The contents are stored in a cool reusable storage tub and there are six different designs for fans to collect. At around £4.99, this is a perfect stocking filler pressie that will keep children entertained during the long Christmas break.

(Available from Amazon at

www.amazon.co.uk/Moshi-Monsters-MM001-Cookie-Kit/dp/B0092OO4CU/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1346516283&sr=1-1-catcorr)

Blast off for space this Christmas with MAPS Toys!

10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…. the brand new Aeromax NASA Space range is the perfect Christmas gift for budding astronauts.

Boys (and girls!) will go wild for the brand new Deluxe NASA Spaceman costume (RRP £35.99). Made from high-quality material (moon dust proof!), the bright orange, zip-fronted suit features authentic NASA badges and is guaranteed to create costume envy. There is also a white spacesuit available for the ultimate astronautical adventure.

Top this off with the cool Talking NASA Space Helmet and you’re all set for blast off. The Talking Space Helmet is priced at around £35.99 and looks just like the real thing. It features a mission control countdown and life-like blast off sounds. A spring loaded retractable visor allows kids to really get into character too.

Complete the costume with cool NASA branded boots (RRP £18.99) – for your first steps on the moon as well as must-have astronaut gloves (RRP £13.99) perfect for picking up space specimens! Once your kitted out on Christmas Day, load up the Astronaut Space Backpack Water Blaster (RRP £14.99) and get squirting those Aliens…or your annoying brother!

In addition to the NASA range, there’s also a Deluxe Firefighter costume available. The Firefighter costume (RRP £37.99) is complemented by the The Firepower Super Soaking Fire Hose (RRP £12.99) which will provide hours of fun for boys and girls of all ages. Fill the backpack with water and use the pump action hose to squirt your friends - and pretend to put out fires!

There’s also a collection of costumes perfect for every day dress up play including a doctor, firefighter and road worker to name but a few.

Kids of all ages will love to impress their friends with the Aeromax 2000 Parachute. Throw the parachute high in the air and watch it sail to the ground. Unlike other toy parachutes, the Aeromax 2000 Parachute is tangleproof and is made of tough material so won’t be used once and then discarded. Dads will love this – ask them, we bet you they remember throwing them out of their bedroom window! The perfect stocking filler priced at around £4.99.

Get the full Aeromax range from Amazon. (www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dtoys&field-keywords=+Aeromax)

Marshmallow Christmas Madness from Maps Toys

Having a play battle with your mates, forget last year’s crazes the only toy shooters you’ll need in 2012 are the Marshmallow Blasters from Maps Toys – the sweetest shooters around!

The unique Bow & Mallow is part of the Marshmallow Fun Company range and fires real marshmallows at your target showering them with edible bullets. Just load up your bow with mini marshmallows, draw back the arrow, aim and fire up to 30 feet. The Bow & Mallow is suitable for ages 3+ shoots out tasty treats in quick succession beating your opponent into a sugary submission! RRP £22.99.

The Bow & Mallow can be loaded with any brand of fresh mini marshmallows which are available online and at speciality food retailers. The shooters compress different shapes of marshmallow as they enter the nozzle and they spring back into place once fired.

If you want a blaster with real attitude the Classic Blaster is the ultimate way to get sweet revenge on your foes. Firing large marshmallows up to 40 feet, the audible POP as the soft sweets fly from the barrel is awesome. The blaster is perfect for older and children (aged 14+) and of course the big kids in every family. RRP £21.99.

Completing the trio of tasty toy weapons is a Classic Crossbow. This cool piece of kit (suitable for ages 5+) is sure to be the ‘sugar’ hit of Christmas! RRP £19.99.

The full Marshmallow Fun Company range is available from Amazon.

(www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Marshmallow+Fun+Company+)

A magical Christmas adventure for your children from Itsyourstory!

Take your children on a magical adventure to the North Pole with this wonderful book from Itsyourstory!

The truly unique Christmas story combines a child's photograph throughout, so they'll be able to really immerse themselves in the festive fun!

Children will love to see themselves as the main character in the book. Watch the delight on their faces as they discover a Snowman packed double-decker bus in their garden on Christmas morning and follow them as they transform into an elf to help Santa Claus save Christmas.

Your little one will be transfixed by the story which sees them help wrap and deliver all of Santa Claus’ presents. Will they make it back home before everyone wakes up? And will their family believe that they helped save Christmas?

The book features the child’s photograph on every page of the book along with their name. In addition, it includes personal information about the child such as their address, name of a special friend and family members. You can also include a personal message at the front of the book to make this special Christmas present a book to treasure forever.

Earlier this year, Itsyourstory ran a competition to rename their loveable Snowman and the winner Alexandra Rossiter from Minehead chose the mystical Zamber Frost! As part of her prize, Alexandra’s name will be on the front cover for a year – so you’ll be getting a unique collector’s item too!

Priced at £12.50 for the A5 version and £17.50 for the A4 version, this book is available exclusively from www.itsyourstory.co.uk. The last date for Christmas orders is 18 December.      

Christmas outfits with a difference

Renowned for their photo-personalised children’s books for many years, Itsyourstory are adding a new twist to their range for Christmas 2012. Their brand new range of photo-personalised children’s t-shirts and tops make fantastic presents for your little ones and solve Christmas outfit dilemmas!

The high-quality clothes feature your child as different characters with their name emblazoned below. Choose from a beautiful princess for your wannabe monarchs and an astronaut for an out of this world t-shirt. There’s also a super-cute fairy to spread Christmas joy and if your child is into all things medieval, they will love the Knight T-shirt. Finally the hero of the family will enjoy strutting around in their very own superhero t-shirt.

The range includes organic cotton babygrows, long-sleeve and short-sleeve t-shirts, polo shirts and a zipped hoody.

This present is sure to become the talking point of Christmas day and will be the envy of all their friends.

The babygrows and t-shirts are priced at £14.99, the polo shirt at £19.99 and the hoody at £24.99. Sizes range from 0-6 months to 12-14 years. The last date for Christmas delivery is 18^th December. Available exclusively to www.itsyourstory.co.uk.

Special Delivery from Santa!

The anticipation of Christmas can be almost as exciting as the day itself, so let Itsyourstory add to the thrill with this unique photo-personalised letter from the big man himself.

Each letter is personalised to feature the child's address, the name of two of their friends, their age and a uniquely personal PS at the bottom of the letter. This will create even more magic as it is written by the sender and relates to something personal in their lives eg – how well they’re doing at school, getting a new pet etc. The letter also reveals which friend or family member has asked Father Christmas to get in touch.

Priced at just £4.50, the Father Christmas photo-personalised letter is available exclusively from www.Itsyourstory.co.uk. Customers can choose from two letter designs featuring the child alongside Rudolf or Father Christmas. The letter arrives in a Christmas-themed envelope addressed to the child and complete with a North Pole stamp. What better way to build the excitement in the run up to Christmas!

Orders will be taken from September. Last delivery date before Christmas is December 18th.

(EDITOR: Orders are being taken now, from 1st September! So what are you waiting for? Click on the above link and start early with your Chirstmas purchases!)

Who needs Selection Boxes this Christmas? Not us!

Forget naff selection boxes and same old, same old tins of chocolates this Christmas – treat your loved ones to a unique Christmas Confectionery gift from BabyBlooms.

The Chocolate Flower Bouquets are a beautiful gesture and the festive bright colours will brighten Christmas morning. Priced at £34.00, the Hearts and Flowers Chocolate arrangements comprise tasty chocolate flowers and hearts and will delight the lucky recipient. Eight chocolate Lollipops and 24 sweet dragee hearts mean there are enough to share (if you want to) and the arrangement comes luxuriously packaged so are perfect to send directly to loved ones you won’t see this Christmas.

What better way to wow your Christmas guests than with the collection of brand new sweet and chocolate trees from BabyBlooms. Looking just like a real topiary creation, the sugary shrubbery is a truly unique way to welcome your loved ones on Christmas day and make an ideal gift for relatives and friends with a sweet tooth.

Treat yourself and others to the Chocolate Truffle Tree which features perfectly rounded scrumptious truffles in the shape of a delightful tree decoration. The Malteser Drizzle Tree includes everyone’s favourite light chocolate treat and guests will love to help themselves. Younger loved ones won’t be able to resist the Haribo Tree – this delicious arrangement includes all your favourite Haribo sweets including cola bottles, fried eggs and many more.

Each tree comes in two sizes which are priced from around £30. Prices available on request from www.babyblooms.co.uk. So go on treat yourself to an extra special tree this Christmas.

Gorgeous gifts for your little ones this Christmas

If you have run out of places to shop for your little ones this Christmas, look no further than BabyBlooms (www.babyblooms.co.uk). 

Renowned for their baby clothing bouquets, BabyBlooms also have an array of unique gifts for children of all ages.

The adorable Pull Along Toys are sure to become your baby’s constant companion. Choose from a Hedgehog with a delicate leaf on the end of its lead, a Ladybird with a pretty flower, a Dog with a soft bone and a Cat with a cute fish attached to its lead. What’s more, you can remove the sturdy, wooden wheels to create a cuddly soft toy. Each Pull Along is priced at £16.99.

Little ones will love the collection of stylish, soft animals. The handmade cotton large multi-coloured Elephant is made of strong woven cloth that will survive the rough and tumble of toddler play. The brightly coloured check fabric will also make a beautiful addition to any nursery this Christmas. Priced at £22.00, the Elephant can also be complemented with the colourful Giraffe which is just £13.00.

Treat the little girl in your life to the Fold & Go Dolls House and keep them entertained at home and on the move. The perfectly pink house features two wooden dolls and a selection of detailed wooden furniture. The house comes with a handy carry handle and folds down so girls can carry and play with it anywhere. Priced at £35.00.

The Billy Magnetic Dress Up Set is a great stocking filler for little boys. Priced at just £11.99, you can dress Billy up in a range of outfits including a Police Officer, Superhero, Knight, Fireman, Construction Worker or Pirate he is ready for adventure at a moment's notice. The set includes, a magnetic wooden dress-up figure with stand and 26 magnetic pieces of clothing for pretend play. Suitable for ages 3+, the price also includes gift wrap.

Traditional rag dolls always make treasured gifts whatever the occasion and BabyBlooms have a lovely range in all shapes and sizes that make great stocking fillers. The beautiful Ballerina Doll comes in both 19cm (£5.50) and 40cm (£12.50). Her pretty pink outfit and features will make her a budding ballet dancer’s best friend! The Blue Rose Rag Dolls also come in two sizes and for those still feeling patriotic at Christmas, the 40cm Rag Doll Soldier is kitted out in traditional red and black uniform and wears a dinky furry hat (£12.50)!

To view the full range of toys and gifts available for all the family, visit www.babyblooms.co.uk