Asda’s Little Angels have launched some brand new ‘Supreme Protection’ festive nappies and they are gorgeous. They have a cute, fun, Elf design. Letting your baby join in the Christmas fun.
They also have a new Vapour Bath product which is perfect for helping to soothe those winter colds. It features a special no tears formula with a comforting menthol aroma and has had rave reviews. We tried both and loved them. The nappies are fun and the vapour bath helps clear up baby’s cold.
These gorgeous festive nappies cost £4 and are available from asda.com and in store now. The Vapour Bath is only £1.
Smooth and strong, Courvoisier is the king of cognac. It tastes sublime and is also great in cocktails. Courvoisier is a perfect gift for Christmas. Grab one of the below now is our advice.
Let Courvoisiertake you on a journey of the senses this Christmas
Celebrate the everyday and add a splash of luxury to Christmas this year with the sights, scents, and tastes of Paris in a glass of the world’s no 1 cognac, Courvoisier.
A gift for cognac enthusiasts – Courvoisier XO Imperial
One of the world’s finest XOs, crafted from a blend of over 40 cognacs and aged for up to 35 years, this precious liquid combines exotic vanilla and cocoa bouquets, spicy amber and cinnamon aromas, and violet floral notes.
Courvoisier XO is available nationwide from selected Waitrose.com and stores (RRP £95.50)
A gift for cocktail lovers – Courvoisier VSOP
Courvoisier VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a distinguished cocktail. This blend of Courvoisier is an elegant mix of cognacs that are up to 10 years old, from two of the finest crus in the Cognac region
For a cocktail to make this Christmas, that’s as indulgent as it is delicious, serve the Courvoisier Champagne Cocktail with chic canapes to befit the most sophisticated of seasonal parties.
Ingredients:
1 part Courvoisier VSOP
1 Demerara sugar cube
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Top up with Champagne
Method: Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a champagne flute. Cover with Courvoisier VSOP and slowly top with champagne.
Courvoisier VSOP is available nationwide from selected Waitrose.com and stores (RRP £32.85)
A gift for wanderlusters– Luxury Gift Sets
Courvoisier’s new Célébration Sensorielle limited edition luxury gift sets will take cognac lovers on a multi-sensory, aromatic Parisian expedition from day to night this Christmas15Each of Courvoisier’s Célébration Sensorielleincludes one Initiale® Extra or XO, along with two bespoke scents specially crafted to evoke the spirit of the dazzling Paris Golden Age in the night and day. The exquisite fragrances also perfectly complement and enhance the notes of the cognac so, whatever the occasion or triumph being celebrated, the moment becomes a truly unforgettable and sensory experience. The Célébration Sensorielle Initiale® Extra comes with two scented candles and the Célébration Sensorielle XO gift set comes with two scented cones – simply light one of the scents, pour a glass of Courvoisier and raise a toast to the moment.
Célébration Sensorielle Initiale® Extragift setcontains the bespoke day and night fragrances, in the form of two beautiful scented candles, along with the story of Courvoisier presented in a charming little book and accompanied by detailed tasting notes. (RRP: £397 – available at Harrods®, Harvey Nichols® &Hedonism)
Célébration SensorielleXOgift set contains the bespoke day and night scents in the form of two metal incense cones and a burner and is accompanied by the beautifully designed Courvoisier brand book with detailed tasting notes. (RRP: £190 – available at Harvey Nichols & Hedonism)
We know how hard Christmas shopping can be; finding the time and the right gifts are such chores. Online shopping makes it easier so we tried out AskHerFriends, the online department store that helps you find the perfect present for the special women in your life, to make the run up to the festive period just that little bit easier. It also has lots of gift inspiration and a great blog full of inspiration and ideas.
Our top picks are:
This delicious Organic Basil & Lime Dark Chocolate Bar. It comes in many different flavours. £4.95.
and
This gorgeous and unique Egyptian cotton Heart Union Pillow Cases. Two for £25.
Whether you opt for a fabulous hamper, amazing experience day or pretty piece of jewellery, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, for someone special or even yourself. From Miller Harris to Cowshed, Monica Vinader to Rococo Chocolates, there’s something for everyone
An unparalleled marriage of cutting-edge technology, mechanics and 100% Swiss savoir-faire.
Imperiali Genève has unveiled a world exclusive: the Emperador cigar chest.
Thousands of hours of work, several international patents, 2,675 high-quality components, complex mechanics and the introduction of state-of-the-art technology make this the most prestigious cigar chest in the world, available at the price of one million Swiss francs.
The Emperador invites an array of superlatives; it is a project tinted with folly.
The chest is much more than a luxury product; it is an experience for all five senses – a moment suspended in time available to a privileged few, as only twelve numbered pieces will be produced each year. Combined with a timepiece featuring a tourbillon, this utterly unique object marries the age-old art of Swiss watchmaking with the skills of the best experts from 27 different trades.
Behind the Emperador is Imperiali Genève, a young company aspiring to reinvent existing objects by transcending the bounds of reason.
To innovate, enrich and amaze – such is their leitmotif.
The extraordinary chest is the fruit of their ambitious imagination. Produced in Switzerland using noble materials, it measures 70 cm long, 45 cm wide and 30 cm high.
A masterpiece of high technology and complex mechanics
The prestigious chest is crowned by a tourbillon timepiece made up of 323 parts and a ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloché dial – the work of a master watchmaker from the Swiss Jura. Meanwhile, access to the 24 exceptional Grand Cru cigars, which are wrapped in four gold leaves and arranged in individual glass tubes around this most sophisticated of creations, is protected by a personal secret code. The user simply brushes a finger over one of the nine touch buttons on the cover spelling the name ‘Imperiali’ to activate the integrated LCD display, which is invisible when the device is sleeping. He then enters his code using the golden touch buttons.
Luxurious and enriched with magnificent details, the Emperador showcases its mechanics – namely the lock and tourbillon watch mechanisms – but is careful to conceal all its electronic components. Only three indicators with mechanical hands are visible to the user. These display, in real time, the relative humidity and temperature inside the chest, the power reserve and the number of cigars remaining. In its quest for perfection and innovation, Imperiali Genève has developed the world’s first self-regulating humidity system, which requires neither water nor human intervention. It guarantees a constant humidity level of 70% and a temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, regardless of external environmental conditions. These variables can also be easily adjusted according to the user’s wishes.
The almost sacred moment of savouring a cigar is elevated by the Emperador’s three exceptional accessories, which once again perfectly combine technology and mechanics. These majestic devices are arranged in an unobtrusive drawer seamlessly incorporated into the front of the chest. The cigar cutter enables the cigar to be either mechanically cut or perforated in the manner of a punch. The table lighter and its three nozzles offer a perfect flame. Lastly, the ashtray opens by the magic of mechanics whenever a cigar is brought near.
A precious moment, an equally precious cigar.
Hundreds of combinations of meticulously selected tobaccos were required to achieve the final result. Rich, complex and balanced, it is the product of the fertile plantations of the Jamastran Valley (south Honduras) and the Jalapa Valley (north Nicaragua), the El Dorado of Cuban emigrants who arrived equipped with their seeds and unparalleled knowledge.
The Emperador cigar is a premium product whose manufacture leaves nothing to chance.
After 48 months of ageing, the leaves are carefully processed with the utmost respect to create an exceptional Grand Cru.
About Imperiali Genève…
Imperiali Genève is much more than a brand; it is an art of living. Driven by a love of beauty and an uncompromising desire to innovate by playing with and overcoming the laws of physics, David Pasciuto and Stéphane Nazzal, the creators of the Imperiali brand, revisit and reinterpret everyday objects, transforming them into true masterpieces.
Reunited after seven years, consummate crowd pleasers, G4, know how to put on a show.
Having reformed in November 2014 for a ‘One Night Only’ show in London, G4 quickly realised that a public appetite for more G4 was definitely still there.
With the occasional prom feel and doo-wop backbone, their harmonious blends had the Norwich Cathedral spire in a spin and the roof bosses twitching, with the handsome wooden arches and stained glass acting as the perfect backdrop for this sell-out performance, the first of their Christmas By Candlelight tour.
G4 made good on their promise to fill the set full of G4 classics as well as tracks from the ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ album, offering up ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘You Raise Me Up’, backed up by accompanying guitarist and pianist, combining in acoustical heaven.
In their younger years, churches and choir singing played a huge role in group’s Christmas experiences.
With that in mind, G4 were inspired to run a singing competition called Christmas Star Search, designed to identify talented young singers under the age of 16. The winner (to open the tour in Norwich and close the tour in Brighton), was Toby Peters, who joined the group onstage to sing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.
The Cathedral fell silent, a pitch-perfect performance.
With their truly immersive and harmonious blends, they were joined by the Norwich Rock Choir for ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’ – a haunting performance, synonymous with the reputation of this exuberant collection of beautiful singers who went on to accompany with exceptional harmonies.
This was the 21st time the Rock Choir have performed with G4, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with a fantastic collaboration with the reunited group.
Throughout the tour, a member of the audience is invited on stage to be serenaded by the group, a genuine touching indication of the passion G4 feel towards their loyal audience.
This was the 21st time the Rock Choir have performed with G4, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with a fantastic collaboration with the reunited group.
Opening the second half with ‘Silent Night’ from the back of the Cathedral, the quartet respectfully stepped down the main aisle to the haunting pipes of Norwich Cathedral organ.
Since reuniting, G4 have played to over 15,000 this year alone and dedicated their last song, ‘Bring Him Home’ (Les Misérables), to all people with missing friends and family.
Ending the show with a medley of Christmas favourites, the sing-along audience were left in no doubt that Christmas was just around the corner and G4 were back for good… which suggests that niceness really does go a long way.
With a series of eight shows in beautiful churches and cathedrals nationwide, these intimate shows see Jonathan, Ben, Mike and Nick share the songs from their eagerly-awaited new album, “G4 Christmas” including Christmas classics and carols, all delivered up-close and personal in some of the UK’s most iconic historic venues. “G4 Christmas”, G4’s fourth album, created with Pledge Music, released on 16th November.
Due to the overwhelming demand for G4, they are delighted to return to the stage in 2016 with their new and exciting ‘Back For Good’ tour, which is set to further showcase their flawless vocals in even more towns and cities nationwide.
Join G4 in what promises to be yet another spellbinding performance. Tickets now on sale! Available direct from the venues below: 3rd April 2016, 7.30pm POOLE The Lighthouse 0844 406 8666 Buy Tickets 4th April 2016, 7.30pm IPSWICH Regent Theatre 01473 433100 Buy Tickets 5th April 2016, 7.30pm – CROYDON Fairfield Halls 020 8688 9291 Buy Tickets 6th April 2016, 7.30pm SKEGNESS Embassy Theatre 01507 613100 Buy Tickets 7th April 2016, 7.30pm DORKING Halls 01306 881717 Buy Tickets 8th April 2016, 7.30pm LONDON Cadogan Hall 020 7730 4500 Buy Tickets 10th April 2016, 7.30pm AYLESBURY The Waterside 0844 871 7607 Buy Tickets 11th April 2016, 7.30pm BIRMINGHAM Town Hall 0121 345 0600 Buy Tickets 12th April 2016, 7.30pm LEEDS City Varieties 0113 243 0808 Buy Tickets 13th April 2016, 7.30pm PORTSMOUTH Guildhall 0844 847 2362 Buy Tickets 17th April 2016, 9.00pm EASTLEIGH Concorde Club 023 8065 1478 Buy Tickets 18th April 2016, 7.30pm TORQUAY Princess Theatre 0844 871 3023 Buy Tickets 19th April 2016, 7.30pm STOKE Victoria Hall 0844 871 7649 Buy Tickets 20th April 2016, 7.30pm GRIMSBY Auditorium 0300 300 0035 Buy Tickets 21st April 2016, 7.30pm – FOLKESTONE Leas Cliff Hall – 0844 871 3015 Buy Tickets
About G4…
G4 are a four-piece British vocal troupe who first came to prominence when they finished second in Series 1 of The X Factor in 2004, and are known for their operatic delivery of modern pop songs. Originally a barbershop quartet,[1] the members met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which the name G4, standing for “Guildhall 4”, derives.
Rock Choir is the UK’s largest and most popular contemporary choir, with nearly 20,000 members in over 320 local communities nationwide. It offers adults and teenagers the chance to sing and perform popular contemporary songs, with no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience. Rock Choir is for anyone who just loves to sing! The choir’s popularity is phenomenal and its achievements are extraordinary. It has released two top twenty albums and performed en-masse at the 02 Arena (London), the Liverpool Echo Arena, Wembley Arena, Hammersmith Apollo, NEC and the Royal Albert Hall. In 2011, Rock Choir was the subject of a popular 3-part ITV1 documentary ‘The Choir That Rocks’ and has made numerous other TV appearances, including BBC Breakfast, The One Show, Good Morning Britain, The Paul O’Grady Show and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. Rock Choir’s uplifting ethos of fun, friendship and community spirit is a huge part of its attraction. At an individual level, it helps improve people’s self-confidence, enables them to develop new singing skills and enjoy a dynamic new social life. Singing together and achieving such a great sound gives members a huge sense of fulfilment. Added to this is the glamour and excitement of performing in public, which, for many, is a truly liberating experience!
Jo Youle, Chief Executive of the charity Missing People says “We’re thrilled to have been chosen by the wonderful G4 boys as their charity partner for the Christmas album and tour. Not only will their powerful and inspirational voices uplift and inspire us, they are also supporting our Home for Christmas Appeal which will help us to offer a lifeline to missing people and their families at what can be an incredibly lonely and heartbreaking time of year.” Every two minutes, someone goes missing in the UK. For their families the thought of Christmas without them is heartbreaking. The charity Missing People offers a lifeline when someone disappears, bringing missing adults and children home to their loved ones and supporting the families left behind. Missing People’s Home for Christmas Appeal is aiming to raise £20,000 to help the charity provide their vital helpline at the most difficult time of the year. G4 will be supporting the Home for Christmas Appeal by holding a series of collections at their Christmas By Candlelight tour.
Norwich Cathedral is an English cathedral located in Norwich, Norfolk, dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity. It is the cathedral church for the Church of EnglandDiocese of Norwich and is one of the Norwich 12 heritage sites.
The cathedral was begun in 1096 and constructed out of flint and mortar and faced with a cream-coloured Caen limestone. A Saxon settlement and two churches were demolished to make room for the buildings. The cathedral was completed in 1145 with the Norman tower still seen today topped with a wooden spire covered with lead. Several episodes of damage necessitated rebuilding of the east end and spire but since the final erection of the stone spire in 1480 there have been few fundamental alterations to the fabric.
The large cloister has over 1,000 bosses including several hundred carved and ornately painted ones.
Norwich Cathedral has the second largest cloisters, only outsized by Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral close is one of the largest in England and one of the largest in Europe and has more people living within it than any other close. The cathedral spire, measuring at 315 ft or 96 m, is the second tallest in England despite being partly rebuilt after being struck by lightning in 1169, just 23 months after its completion, which led to the building being set on fire. Measuring 461 ft or 140.5 m long and, with the transepts, 177 ft or 54 m wide at completion, Norwich Cathedral was the largest building in East Anglia.
At Christmas it is impossible to go wrong with an edible gift. Especially if it sparkles or is chocolate. Here are our favs.
Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne from ASDA.com
Silver medal award-winning Premier cru. Fresh and elegant. Rich with biscuity hints. A very good champagne indeed. From Asda.
Asda Extra Special Mixology Belgian Chocolate Truffles
These are just amazing. Come in champagne, mojito and strawberry daiquiri. They are scrumptious beyond words. Nothing artificial, they taste like the real thing. Yum. From asda.com
Asda Extra Special Belgian Chocolate Bauble Truffles.
A medley of chocolate truffles with salted caramel truffle and a rich Christmas Pudding inspired fusion. Unique and yummy. From asda.com
Carluccio’s Clemente in Camicia
There are almost no words to describe how delicious these candied clementines covered in chocolate are. Just WOW. From http://www.carluccios.com
Carluccio’s Vin Santo e Cantucci
This gift set from Carluccio’s is superb. Amazing cantucci and vin santo to dip it into. Yum. www.carluccios.com
Arabica Spices: Ras El Hanout, Kabsa Spices, Za’atar and Lebanese 7 Spice.
Great spices to put in soups and stews, on meat or anything else you can think of. Make great stocking fillers. Arabica Food and Spice was born out of a passion for the food of the Levant — the sun-drenched lands of the Eastern Mediterranean
Its founders, Jordanian Jad and Londoner James have travelled extensively through Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Israel to procure the finest Levantine produce. Our range boasts a culinary kaleidoscope of delicacies, epitomising the breadth of flavour, colour and texture of one the world’s finest food cultures. http://www.arabicafoodandspice.com
Carluccio’s Panettone
It’s not Christmas without panettone and this one is amazing. An Italian slice of heaven. From http://www.carluccios.com
Frost: That Was The Life That Was. The Authorised Biography by Neil Hegarty. The authorised biography which has been written with the help of the Frost family. A true insider look of the life of a man who was part of history. Riveting. Frost: That Was The Life That Was: The Authorised Biography is available here.
Daniel James Cole and Nancy Deihl. The History of Modern Fashion. A gorgeous book for the fashionista in your life. In-depth and knowledgable without being boring. The History of Modern Fashion is available here.
Jason Brooks. London Postcards.Contains 20 detachable postcards from the stunning work of Jason Brooks’ from his London sketchbook. London Postcards is available here.
Peter Duggan’s Artoons. Over one hundred funny cartoons on the world of art. As entertaining as it is original. This is a perfect present. Peter Duggan’s Artoons is available here.
It will soon be time for putting up the tree. For a while all looks great, and then the needles begin to fall – but not any more, so what’s the answer?
Frost loves the new Lechuza self-watering planters are the perfect answer, with easy instructions. It leaves extra space for presents under the tree. A tree which still still looks luxuriant even when twelth night arrives, and it all comes to an end.
And the self-watering planters are not just for the tree, but they are easy to use for any plants, indoor and outdoor.
