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Christmas Tree Syndrome 

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The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Holiday Décor

A Christmas tree lights up any room or space and brings with it joy, cheer and happiness. But did you know that the Christmas tree for some allergy sufferers brings nothing but misery? If you are an allergy sufferer and find that the annual Christmas tree can spark a collection of allergy issues from a runny nose, sneezing, coughing to itchy, red eyes, then you could be suffering from what is termed – Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani an advisor to GoldenEye – the experts behind a range of pharmacy eye drops and eye ointments to treat conjunctivitis, styes and blepharitis – explains: “Christmas Tree Syndrome is a real thing.[1] It describes allergic reactions people may experience when a real Christmas tree is in the home.  As a result, it can cause symptoms just like hay fever where  people experience runny noses, sneezing and coughing as well as itchy, watery and/or red (pink, aka conjunctivitis) eyes and in some cases blepharitis. Itchy eyes can sometimes lead to styes too as it is often very hard not to rub an eye once it starts itching. 

“Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin skin on the inside of the eyelid. It is often caused by infection from a virus or bacteria or an allergen. When it happens, the blood vessels of the sclera (the white of the eye) become dilated, giving us that red-eyed appearance. The eyes may also feel gritty, itchy, sticky, burning or be watering more than usual.”

Sultan Dajani continues: “Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. This can either be anterior blepharitis, inflammation at the base of the eyelid which can be caused by bacteria like staphylococci, or seborrhoeic dermatitis (a condition that causes a red, flaky and itchy rash on your skin. It affects areas of your skin that tend to be greasier, like your face, scalp and chest), or posterior blepharitis, an inflammation of the meibomian glands, which help to produce tears.[2]

“Symptoms may include soreness, itching, a gritty feeling, flakes, or crusts around the roots of the eyelashes and eyelashes sticking together in the morning when you wake up. Such eye conditions are very uncomfortable and require immediate treatment to prevent them from getting worse.”

For those with asthma, being around or having a real Christmas tree in the home can trigger asthma symptoms too. In addition to this, people can also develop a skin rash which is known as Christmas Tree dermatitis.”

Sultan Dajani adds: “It’s worth noting that artificial Christmas trees can also steal the Christmas joy and cause allergy symptoms to flare up as well.  They tend to be stored away for around 11 months of the year, and during this time, artificial Christmas trees can amass dust and mould.  They are then unpacked and put up in the home where the allergens from dust and mould spores can become airborne triggering allergy symptoms.”

But Why Does The Humble Christmas Tree Cause These Allergy Symptoms?

Pharmacist Sultan Dajani explains; “There are several reasons why Christmas trees can cause these allergic reactions, but it is mainly down to pollen, mould and dust. 

“Before they are cut down, Christmas trees collect pollen from other plants around them which stick to them and are then brought into the home. 

“Mould is a huge issue and is most likely to be the cause of watery, red, and sore eyes, runny nose or trouble breathing.

“Real Christmas trees carry mould[3], and it thrives in warmer conditions – and during the winter months when the central heating is on, it has the perfect environment to grow.

“In fact, research[4]  found a 6-fold increase in mould when a Christmas tree was brought into the room – and mould levels did not fall until the tree was removed. Another study [5] found more than 50 kinds of mould on samples researchers brought in from their own Christmas trees.”

Sultan Dajani continues; “Dust mites are one of the most common respiratory allergens as well. They can be carried into the house on real and artificial Christmas trees as well as on the decorations and lights.

“And while pollen, dust and mould from a Christmas tree cause challenges for allergy sufferers, so too does the scent. Many of us love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but the characteristic pine scent is down to a class of chemicals called terpenes, which are found in tree sap – and some people can be allergic to these compounds too.

“Chemicals used at Christmas tree farms may also trigger allergic reactions. Whilst such chemicals may not be true allergens, they can cause similar symptoms.”

Helping To Soothe And Treat

If Christmas Tree Syndrome does strike,  Sultan Dajani suggests: “It’s really important to treat the symptoms straight away, to help stop them from developing further, so see you pharmacist for advice.”  

For eye health issues such as red, itchy, watery eyes, styes, conjunctivitis or blepharitis, sparked off by an allergy borne out of a real or artificial Christmas tree then GoldenEye® Eye Drops can help to soothe and treat. They contain propamidine isetionate which work by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which controls the numbers of bacteria causing an infection.[6] This eye drop also has antifungal properties. 

There is also GoldenEye® Eye Ointment: Containing dibrompropamidine isetionate, GoldenEye® Eye Ointment is for conjunctivitis (red eye), styes and blepharitis (infection of the lid margins and eye follicles). GoldenEye® Eye Ointment contains antiseptics (not antibiotics) which help to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Both are available over-the-counter from the pharmacy. 

GoldenEye® Antibiotic Eye Ointment contains the antibiotic chloramphenicol. This product is intended for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It should be reserved for acute infection to limit the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance).

Sultan Dajani adds: “Consult your pharmacist also for symptoms of runny, itchy nose which may require treatment with a non-drowsy antihistamine or a steroid nasal preparation.”

Jingle All The Way: 7 Self Care Tips On How To Tackle Christmas Tree Syndrome

  1. Shake It. Shake down the tree to remove as much dust, mould, and pollen as possible before bringing it in the house.
  1. Hose down. Hose down live trees before bringing them in the house. Mould spores thrive in the damp so dry your tree thoroughly by leaving it in the sun if possible.
  1. Dust free. Wipe artificial trees and ornaments with a soft dry cloth to make sure they are dust free. Ornaments made of glass or plastic are easier to clean than those made of soft material.
  1. Treat eyes quickly. If you are an allergy sufferer and whether a real Christmas Tree or artificial Christmas Tree sparks a reaction then you can easily self-treat at home with products from the pharmacy. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes are some of the incredibly common conditions that can easily affect the eye and cause misery to boot. If you have a minor eye health problem, the pharmacy should be your first port of call.  The pharmacist can use their clinical expertise and practical knowledge to provide advice and treatment recommendations.
  1. Timings. Minimise the time you keep a natural tree in the house, so not too long before and after Christmas. Mould spores continue to multiply when the tree is in the house.
  1. Storage. Store artificial trees and decorations in a cool, dry place. Seal tree sections and decorations in well-sealed boxes to prevent the accumulation of dust.
  1. Mask-Up. Wear a mask when you retrieve artificial trees and decorations ready for Christmas.

Top 5 Baby Allergy Triggers Every Parents Should Know

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Child safety is always the top priority of every parent. However, when it comes to allergies, even the most vigilant parents can be caught off guard.

According to statistics, about 8% of children in the US are reported to have food allergies. These are only the tip of the iceberg as there are many other allergens that may affect babies. 

What makes baby allergies particularly worrisome is how easily the symptoms can go unnoticed, as little ones can’t always communicate their discomfort. That’s why we have curated a list of the top five trigger factors so you can take steps to keep your baby safe from allergies.

Baby Products

The international baby products market was valued at $320.65 billion in 2023 and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.9% each year up to 2030. Even though the industry is booming, not all products are safe for sensitive baby skin. Preservatives in these products are known to cause an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis, which results in rashes. 

Let’s take the case of baby powder itself. Some of them contain talc, a mineral that contains trace amounts of asbestos. It causes severe health consequences and can trigger allergies among babies. As a result, many talcum powder lawsuit cases have been raised over the past few years. With this in mind, many parents are opting for cornstarch-based powders. 

As per TorHoerman Law, the number of talcum lawsuit cases is increasing steadily. Most of them highlight the failure of manufacturers to show adequate warnings associated with the ingredients. 

Insects

Insect bites and stings can cause allergic reactions in babies. While most insect bites just result in itching, some babies may experience more severe reactions, such as vomiting, breathing difficulty, etc.

Allergies are not only from bites. Sometimes, even a tiny insect dropping can trigger them. Therefore, you need to take extra care of your baby through strict measures like:

  • Cover the food properly.
  • Dress your baby in long-sleeved clothing.
  • Avoid using flower or fruit-based scents, as they may attract insects easily.
  • Keep your home free from insect nests.

Air Contaminants

The respiratory system of babies may not be as strong as ours to handle pollutants like dust, smoke, mold spores, etc., in the air. As a result, their bodies might develop allergic symptoms promptly. Interestingly, some studies have even established a connection between early exposure to air contaminants with food allergies.

As babies spend most of their time indoors, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have a significant stake in their health. These are chemicals released as gasses from various household items such as paints, cleaning products, furniture, etc. They are often odorless and can be detected only once the symptoms are visible in the baby. Check out some tips to make your indoor atmosphere more safe:

  • Use a high-quality air purifier in your home, especially in the baby’s room.
  • Maintain proper ventilation and control humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
  • Regularly clean using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
  • Choose low-VOC paints and furniture.

Pets

Pets can be a valuable addition to your family, but they can also cause allergies for some babies. These allergies are mainly caused by proteins found in an animal’s skin cells (dander). 

Some of the most common symptoms of pet allergy among babies are itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, etc., which may get stronger as the exposure gets prolonged. They may not appear immediately after contact with the pet. If you suspect that your baby has pet allergy:

  • Keep pets out of the baby’s room at all times.
  • Regularly groom and bathe pets to reduce allergen shedding.
  • Relocate your pet to a new home.

Medications

Not all medicines are safe; some have strong side effects that are more dangerous than the illness itself. Penicillin and ibuprofen are some of the most common medicine ingredients that can create allergic reactions in babies. Studies have shown that adverse medications are responsible for about 10% of childhood hospitalizations. 

Apart from allergic reactions, certain medicines may also cause some abnormal conditions that are to be treated promptly. For instance, gastrointestinal upset along with diarrhea is frequently reported with antibiotics. Here are some tips to manage the risks of medicine allergies:

  • Inform the doctor about any allergic conditions of the baby before he/she prescribes a medicine.
  • When starting a new medication, watch your baby closely for any signs of an allergic reaction.
  • Don’t give your baby any over-the-counter medications without consultation.
  • Keep a record of the baby’s allergic reactions to medications over time.

The tricky part about baby allergies is that symptoms can often be hard to notice. That’s why you should never rely on guesswork. At the first sign of an allergy, it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician. Always keep in mind that early detection and treatment can prevent future complications.

Do You Have Food Intolerance? Frost’s Editor Finds Out

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It is often said that we are what we eat, and like most clichés it has a ring of truth to it. I know that when I eat junk food my body does not like it. Other foods are harder to define as good or bad though. They change from individual. I have always thought I had a food intolerance and I decided to find out once and for all by taking a York Test.

I take a First Step Test. It arrives via the post and consists of a lance to piece the finger, antiseptic wipes, a cotton bud wrapped in plastic to soak up the blood and a test tube to put it into. It also comes with step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. I pierce my finger, massage it so it bleeds more and then put the cotton swap in the test tube when I am finished. It is relatively easy, even if you have to work up that little bit of courage to pierce the finger. After I have finished I post it away immediately.

Ten days later the results come back and I have tested positive for food intolerance. I suspected as much. I would rather not have an intolerance but it is better to know. Following the first step test you can then do a Foodscan or a Food & Drink Scan. They are quite pricey but worth it if you can afford it.

The First Step Test is available for the offer price of £9.99 (usually £19.99). Following the First Step, if your result is positive you can then progress to either the FoodScan, which tests for intolerances to 113 trigger foods for £250, or the full Food & Drink Scan for £299. For a limited time, if you progress to the full Food & DrinkScan after taking the First Step, the initial test price will be discounted from the cost of your full test.

Food & DrinkScan can be purchased from www.yorktest.com or by calling free phone 0800 074 6185.

Frost Magazine Christmas Special: What To Buy, What To Do

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Frost Magazine has put together an amazing Christmas special of things to do, stuff to buy and interesting Christmas stories. Grab some mulled wine and have a read.


BROOMBALL AT BROADGATE IS A GREAT WINTER WORKOUT  

Canadian ‘ice hockey’ game hits the City

 

Broadgate Ice – the only rink in the City’s Square Mile – is offering Londoners a unique opportunity to try their hand at Broomball; a fast and furious import from Canada currently sweeping the UK.  Broomball resembles ice hockey, with teams kitted out in trainers, knee and elbow pads and a crash helmet slipping and sliding across the ice scoring goals using a ‘broom’.

 

Teams of six players battle it out in eight minute matches, with four players from each team on the ice at any one time.

 

Burning close to 500 calories an hour, Broomball is a great way to work off the Christmas excesses and keep fit during the cold winter months.  It’s being considered for inclusion in the winter Olympics:  will the next Gold Medal heroes be discovered at Broadgate Ice?

 

Broadgate’s 2012/13 ice season runs until 24th February. Other activities include Christmas food markets, skate disco nights and skate dates.  Those seeking the limelight can have photos of their group, with suitably wintry background effects, shown on the big screen above the rink and posted to their Facebook page.

Broomball Competition Evenings

Pre-booking is essential for Broomball.  Please call the Broadgate Ice Rink office on

020 7505 4100.  Teams of six are required, at a team cost of £66 per session.  Matches are played in ‘round robins’ between all participating teams.

 

For those who prefer a sedate skate:

Skate prices:              Adults £9, Under 16s/Students/OAPS £7, Skate Hire £2.  Monthly and season tickets available, check these out on your first skate

Booking:                    No need to book, just turn up and skate (see timings below)

More information:     Keep an eye on www.broadgate.co.uk for updates

 

Start Skating

A first come first served system means spontaneous skaters can turn up to a number of sessions each day, with no need to book.  The rink will be open 7 days a week – excluding Christmas Day.

 

Weekdays

Lunchtime skate         12.15 – 14.15

Afternoon skate          15:00 – 17:00

After work skate         17.30 – 19:00

Late skate                   19.30 – 21:00 – please check availability on the website, as the late Skate session will be affected by Broomball matches / private hire

 

 

 CHRISTMAS  MOVIES UNLEASH INNER CHILD

– THE SNOWMAN TOPS FESTIVE FILM POLL –

With Christmas just around the corner, a new poll revealed today shows that this year Brits are turning their back on festive film favourites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, instead choosing to channel their inner child, selecting The Snowman as their top festive film.

 

The seasonal survey by Gallo Film Club, the home of great wine and great film, unveiled that after a busy year 85% of UK adults chose a kid’s film as their favourite, as they felt it enabled them to forget work and home stresses and really get into the Christmas spirit.

 

The poll, which questioned over 1,500 films fans, saw the 2004 computer-animated fantasy film Polar Express and the 1990 kid’s classic Home Alone closely following  ‘The Snowman, beating British rom-com Love Actually and black and white classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

 

‘The Snowman’s’ popularity shows no sign of slipping, celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year will reveal a new 23-minute version titled ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’ on Christmas Eve, featuring a new little boy who’s son to the original boy now an adult, flying over international landmarks set to enthrall yet another generation of adults.

 

The top ten films include:

 

1. The Snowman (26 per cent)
2. The Polar Express (16 per cent)
3. Home Alone (14 per cent)
4. Elf (12 per cent)
5. Muppets Christmas Carol (9 per cent)
6. Miracle on 34th Street (8 per cent)
7. Arthur Christmas (7 per cent)
8. Love Actually (4 per cent)
9. It’s A Wonderful Life (3 per cent)
10. Scrooged (1 per cent)

 

Why not host your own film-themed night this Christmas with the Gallo Film Club and a warming glass of Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon, a delicious medium-bodied wine with rich blackberry and raspberry flavours. Serve with thick cuts of prime rib or juicy oven-roasted lamb for the ultimate winter warming night in: www.gallofamily.co.uk/filmclub
The White Company: Get 20% off Selected The White Company & The Little White Company Gifts plus free delivery with code: AB494.  Offer extended until 23/12/2012

And Stocking Fillers are always popular. Fill them up with goodies from ASOS and John Lewis.

Other great offers are….

UNIQLO have some amazing Christmas offers!
– Get Free Next Day Delivery until 4pm on 20/12/2012!
– Get up to 20% off 100% luxury cashmere LIMITED OFFER!
– Get up to £20 off Down jackets and coats LIMITED OFFER!
– Orla Keily HEATTECH only £9.90 LIMITED OFFER!

Myprotein also have the following amazing Christmas offers!
– FREE Mix Shaker when you spend £20 with code: MIXANDSHAKE
– 10% off when you spend £30 with code: NEWYOU10
– 15% off when you spend £60 with code: NEWYOU15
– 20% off when you spend £90 with code: NEWYOU20
– 10% off Lean Definition Advanced bundle & Bulk Up Advanced bundle with code: BUNDLE10
All offers valid until 10/01/2013

 

Indulge In A Glass Of Christmas Cashback

Shopitize, the mobile couponing specialists, is spoiling savvy shoppers this holiday season by giving Christmas cashback on everyone’s favourite festive liqueur

Shopitize (www.shopitize.com) is helping families celebrate this season by giving £2 cashback on a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream.

Christmas is an expensive time of year – especially this year when the price of food is going up the chimney. The latest inflation figures show that food prices are rising at 3.9%, faster than overall goods and services.

The wet British summer has also meant the traditional Christmas dinner is going to cost families far more. Although the price of a turkey has stayed the same, the cost of all the trimmings has increased like never before.

On average potatoes cost 43% more than last year, sprouts are up by 24%, and a 12% rise in the cost of white bread means there may be a little less bread sauce round the table than normal. The cost of alcohol has also increased by 1.4%.

So UK families need all the help they can get at this time of year.

All shoppers need to do is look out for their mobile guiding star which will safely lead them through the expensive shopping isles to the Shopitize’s gift bag of Christmas cashback.

Shopitize specialises in connecting brands with their customers by offering cashback on big-name goods.

As well as the Baileys offer, smart shoppers with a money saving craving can pick up a few more Christmas crackers by using their free Shopitize mobile couponing app.

Users can get £2 off a fresh or frozen whole/basted/crown turkey, and 50p off Aunt Bessie’s Classic or Perfect for Chicken Gravy. Other offers include £1 off Mars Celebrations or £1.50 off if you share the offer, £1 off Gu After Dark Hot Chocolate Soufflés and 50p off Mr Kipling Mince Pies.

“Shopitize’s mobile couponing app is all about making the shopping experience easier for users and saving them money,” says Dr. Alexey Andriyanenko, co-founder and managing director of Shopitize.

“At this time of year everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Shoppers are stocking up on all their favourite goodies and brands are competing with each other to grab the attention of the festive shopper.

“We at Shopitize are the middle men helping to bring both sides together, offering cashback gifts and pointing the way to a paperless future.”

 

Ideas For an exclusive Christmas for him and for her by Maserati

Christmas with style: Maserati presents five exclusive Christmas ideas for him and for her. According to the famous Italian brand, exclusive accessories are definitely among the most appreciated Christmas presents for both men and women.

In the top position of the wish lists of women and girls worldwide are definitely handbags, made of materials ranging from leather to hi-tech nylon, often used together to create accessories that mix elegance and practicality. The star of Maserati handbagswinter collection is Momaboma’s limited edition, a collection of ecologic bags with a unique design: 100 handbags combining paper and leather together with the famous Maserati logo. These hard-to-find accessories are definitely proof that women can be car lovers and eco-chic at the same time.

Maserati silk scarves are also highly sought after. Lighter and smaller than a traditional scarf, a silk scarf is the perfect match for shirts and tops of all kinds and for mono-chromatic handbags too. This year, Maserati presents a collection of Madein Italy silk scarves, whose colours make them suitable for any kind of style.

Among the most popular ideas for men, the top is definitely represented by Maserati’s watch collection: 50 models offering the right mix of fashion and elegance.

For a unique present we recommend the Calandra Swiss-made line, a numbered limited edition characterised by a classic tonneau shape, reinterpreted with an elegant leather wristband and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The details adding a hint of Maserati style to the mix are many, among them the trident-shaped hands and the dials inspired by Maserati cars’ speedometers. .

To add a sophisticated touch to shirts, Maserati recommends its cufflinks, minimalistic and versatile in their design and made with materials of the highest quality. The Pure collection by Damiani, only available in silver, is perfect for a distinctive present. Pure cufflinks are part of a broad collection ranging from jewels to key-chains.

Finally, for both him and her, a good bottle of wine for the perfect relaxing evening is the perfect gift. A special collaboration between Maserati and Scrimaglio resulted in the creation of three exclusive Maserati wines: a Barbaresco DOCG, a Barbera Asti DOCG superior and a Piedmont DOC Classic – for those who prefer sparkling wines.

All products featured in the Maserati’s Christmas wish list for 2012 are available on maseratistore.com. A few days are left before Christmas and the race for the best present is on: trends show a great popularity of e-commerce stores and car lovers seem to confirm this tendency. This Christmas, car lovers worldwide can say goodbye to slow queues in shopping malls and traditional shops and buy online with just one click. 

Will the Retail Sales Figures out today give retailers hope?

Less than a week to go as pre-Christmas competition puts the heat on retailers

ONS Retail Sales Figures due out today are expected to show an increase in retail sales over the last month. However the underlying trend still shows trouble ahead for retailers who do not have a coherent strategy embracing multichannel retailing to attract increasingly savvy consumers.

In what is classed as the final ‘golden quarter’ for the sector, which includes the usually profitable Christmas, many firms are relying on the festive season to boost disappointing sales seen throughout the year. With less than a week left before Christmas, retailers are using all the tactics they can to drive sales both online and on the high street to make sure this happens.

Consumers are increasingly using tablets and mobile phones to compare prices, download coupons and vouchers and find the best bargains around across the entire retail landscape including the high street and online. This is changing the game for retailers.

Chris Thomas, CEO and founder of the UK’s largest independent shoe retailer, Cloggs, said, “Compared to last year, we have seen a 1000% increase in the number of sales on mobile devices so we are very much aware of the power of shopping on the move. This Christmas, shoppers will be looking to combine convenience with cost cutting. As a result, we will see a greater use of mobile devices as people pick up bargains and share their deals via social media.

“Whereas previously, shoppers found it convenient to shop online in the comfort of their own homes, we are now seeing a new era of shoppers who are taking that convenience one step further and are making purchases whenever and wherever they want.”

Chris concluded, “For Cloggs, we place a high value on our high street store, but also ensure that our online offering is easy to use and has a wide selection that offers added value. It’s important for the high street to take note and utilise all the sales channels to the best of its abilities.”

 

Christmas has come early for Brent Cross Winter Wonderland, as the centre saw X Factor star Melanie Masson getting her skates on!

 

Melanie joined Dancing on Ice stars Natalia Pestova and Alexi Kislitsyn at the Centre’s first ever outdoor ice rink for an ice skating lesson she’ll never forget.

 

The Brent Cross Winter Wonderland has a host of other rides and attractions including a Ferris wheel and carousel Shoppers can also enjoy a different kind of shopping with a browse around the Christmas Village market for food and drink, on until 5th January. www.brentcross.co.uk

 

Forget perfume, chocolates and underwear, real men buy women accessories for Christmas, says fashion recommendation site Dressipi

With only five shopping days left until Christmas, fashion recommendation site Dressipi is urging any men who have left it to the last minute to buy presents for the most important women in their lives to forget boring old chocolates and perfume and splash out on some beautiful accessories.

Dressipi’s Last-Minute Gift Guide has been handpicked by its top stylists from a selection of the most popular items on its site from 708 retailers, suggesting three foolproof gift ideas for a man’s wife or girlfriends, Mum and sister. Its selection ranges from H&M Sunglasses (£14.99) and Topshop Martini drape earrings (£12.50) as perfect fun gifts for sisters, right through to a luxurious and sexy Yves Saint Laurent ‘Tribute’ sandal £551.15 and desirable  Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag which are a perfect way to say “I love you” to a wife or girlfriend.

Dressipi stylist Natalie Theo said: “Buying your mum, sister or significant other something beautiful to wear over Christmas is a brilliant way of showing you appreciate and understand them. But it can also be a minefield if you don’t get the size right. No one wants to receive a dress that’s two sizes too big on Christmas morning.

“This is why buying accessories is such a good idea. A gorgeous new handbag, fashion-forward scarf or some killer heels sends out all the right signals without any potentially embarrassing sizing drawbacks. Savvy women have known for ages that a well-judged accessory can go with more or less anything and it’s high time men got with the programme.”

And for those men who are determined to buy the women in their lives clothes for Christmas, Dressipi also has a solution in the form of the Dressipi wishlist. This function allows any woman signed up to the site to create her own figure-flattering, style-specific, size-perfect personalised shopping list and share it with their chosen gift buyers. But with just a few shopping days left, Dressipi urges men everywhere to make haste…

The Dressipi Last-Minute Gift Guide

 

For Sisters

Ash Cool Wedge Hi Top Trainer Shoes in Cobalt blue- £85 (reduced from £169), House of Fraser

H&M Sunglasses – £14.99, H&M

Martini Drape chain earrings – £12.50, Topshop

 

For Mums

Michael Kors leather shopping tote bag – £234.99 (Farfetch)

Marlene Birger Edouard Print Scarf – £79.99 (MyTheresa)

Anniel Ballerina flats – £98.00 (Shoescribe)

 

For Wives and Girlfriends

Alexander McQueen Dragonfly Cuff bracelet – £393.07 (Farfetch)

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Tribute’ sandal – £551.15 (Farfetch)

Shoulder bag, Marc by Marc Jabocs – £239.26 (Farfetch)

C4 choir in quest for Xmas No 1

What have the following got in common? Benny Hill, Leon Jackson, Mr Blobby, Cliff Richard and Bob the Builder? No, it’s not that they’ve all signed up for the next Celebrity Big Brother. No, it’s not even that they were all in my particularly weird, semi-sexy dream last night (although they were – I must cut out that evening Gouda). No, it’s that they have all been Christmas Number One.

Now it’s time to add a new name to the list, with the news that the Channel 4 choir (which, of course, had to be called The 4Tunes) has launched its own assault on the ears – sorry, on the Christmas top-spot – with a brilliant cover of East 17’s undeniably excellent ballad Stay Another Day.

The single has all the makings of a Yuletide hit. It’s for charity (as with Xmas No 1s Band Aid, Band Aid II, Band Aid 20, Band Aid Please Stop It Now Will You, Military Wives) it’s been sung by a choir (Military Wives, St Winifred’s School Choir) it’s got a gorgeous video featuring a string of beautiful people* (Bob the Builder) and it’s a deliciously soupy ballad that makes you want to cuddle a puppy (Rage Against the Machine – sample lyric: F*** you I won’t do what you tell me).

So, why should you buy this single, which, incidentally, is available on iTunes. Well, firstly, all proceeds go to Crisis at Christmas. Secondly, it sounds ruddy marvellous, like bathing your ears in pleasantly-warmed blancmange while having an ocelot massage your adrenal glands. And thirdly, it might keep the X Factor single off the top of the charts. That’s right, Cowell, that’s right, ITV, we’re coming for you. WE ARE COMING FOR YOU! And this time, we’re wearing really cosy-looking puffa jackets and singing in harmony. Ha! Take that! Kapow!

A guide to buying underwear for your girlfriend this Christmas

Visit the Boux Avenue website for further Christmas gift ideas. Get the buying guide for your own website here. infographic credit: bouxavenue.com

 

Tug of war over the Turkey?
Food intolerances could be the reason for your family feuds

Is Food Intolerance behind your winter blues?

We all make emotional connections with the foods we eat, but many of us don’t realise just how direct the link is between food and our mood. It may surprise you to know that most of the happy hormone serotonin is actually produced in the gut, not the brain, and as such issues of food intolerance can significantly impact on our mood and mental wellbeing.

 

1 in 4 people in the UK will suffer problems with their mood or mental health every year, with anti-depressant prescriptions increasing by over 40% in the last 5 years*. According to charity Allergy UK, a shocking 45% of us suffer with food and drink intolerances, and with so many people in the UK suffering with low mood, identifying the root cause is essential to treat the problem.

 

Recent research from YorkTest Laboratories, leading experts in food intolerance testing, has found that 97% of their customers reported problems relating to mood as a significant symptom of their food intolerance, of which 73% felt that their mood had significantly improved after altering their diets to remove foods to which they reacted**.

 

In addition, in a recent paper published in the journal of Nutrition and Food Science, over 81% of patients reported a significant improvement in mood and mental wellbeing as a direct consequence of applying the dietary changes recommended by YorkTest.

 

“Most people are aware that a healthy diet is important to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other physical health problems. Recent evidence also suggests that good nutrition is just as important for our mental health and that a number of mental health conditions may be influenced by dietary factors; this body of evidence linking diet with mental health is growing. A healthy diet can help recovery and lift your mood, although it should always sit alongside any treatments recommended by your doctor.” Eva Cyhlarova, Research Director, Mental Health Foundation
So how is it that the food we eat can have such a significant impact on our mood? Dr. Gill Hart, Scientific Director at YorkTest Laboratories, explains.

 

“Many people will not be aware that 90% of serotonin, the brain’s ‘happy hormone’ is produced in the gut, and that the nervous tissue in our gut does much more than merely handling digestion – it is heavily involved in influencing our mental state. It is for these reasons that the gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’. In addition, research has shown that depression is frequently associated with gastrointestinal inflammation – a common symptom of food intolerance. By tackling unidentified food intolerances, not only will physical symptoms benefit, but mental health symptoms can often show significant improvement.”

 

Commenting on the link between food intolerance and mood, Professor Whorwell, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of South Manchester, said: “Of the relaxation therapies available, we find that hypnotherapy can be very helpful when it comes to treating IBS. The link between mood and gut symptoms is clear and hypnosis not only helps to reduce anxiety but also has a direct effect upon the gut, thereby reducing symptoms”.

 

To help identify potentially mood suppressing food intolerances, help is at hand from YorkTest Laboratories, Europe’s leading provider of food and drink intolerance testing with over 30 years’ experience. The YorkTest food and drink intolerance test called Food&DrinkScan can uncover potential food and drink triggers, allowing people to simply modify their diets with life changing health benefits.

 

Food & Drink Scan measures reactions to 158 foods and also ingredients found in beverages.

 

A First Step Test is available for the offer price of £9.99 (usually £19.99).  Following the First Step, if your result is positive you can then progress to either the FoodScan, which tests for intolerances to 113 trigger foods for £250, or the full Food&DrinkScan for £299. For a limited time, if you progress to the full Food&DrinkScan after taking the First Step, the initial test price will be discounted from the cost of your full test.

 

Food&DrinkScan is available to buy online or by phone for £299.

 

SOUNDWAVE CROATIA FESTIVAL
RETURNS FOR IT’S 5TH SUN SOAKED YEAR
 
19th – 21st JULY 2013
TISNO, CROATIA
 
A stunningly beautiful european festival bringing the best UK and international artists, DJ’s and music collectives to the heart of the Dalmatian Coast…
 
·      First wave of acts announced
·      Big headliners to be announced shortly
·      3 days of UK and international Funk, Electronica, Soul & Reggae artists across 3 outside stages
·      Boat parties, open air after hours nightclub, sun, sea & private beach cove, outside Euro Zone prices
·      Cheap flights currently available for £100 return
 
ARTISTS CONFIRMED SO FAR:
 
BONOBO (Full Live Band)
SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA
RIOT JAZZ // CRAIG CHARLES
CHANNEL ONE SOUNDSYSTEM
KUTMAH // ANCHORSONG (live) // OM UNIT
KIDKANEVIL // ESSA & YUNGUN
ELIPHINO // RICH REASON // GILLA // MIKEY J
+ many more acts to be announced shortly! 
 
Tickets on sale now only:  £119 after (including festival programme)
CHEAP FLIGHTS AVAILABLE NOW FOR £100 RETURN!
2013 PROMO VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/cEfMAjC2Uxk 
 
Further information: www.soundwavecroatia.com // www.croatia.hr 
 
‘All the quirks of Bestival but in a far more beautiful and sunny setting’ – The Guardian
‘Soundwave is one of the best festivals in the World’ –Roots Manuva
 
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fresh off the back of another sell out festival this year Soundwave Croatia Festival returns to idyllic sunny shores of Tisno for it’s fifth year in July 2013 featuring the best in sunshine music from an array of international and UK artists playing beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring sounds, Soundwave Festival offers the perfect setting in which to enjoy music with like minded people, and not a wellie in sight!
Hosted by established boundary pushing UK promoter collectives, Soundcrash and New Bohemia and set over five days in the heart of the stunning fishing village of Tisno, nestled on the Dalmation Coast in between Split and Zadar, the festival offers an unrivaled setting that features guaranteed sun, a beautiful private beach cove on the glistening Adriatic Sea, daily boat parties run by the UK’s premier music collectives, an open-air nightclub for dancing under the stars until sunrise and crystal clear Funktion 1 sound systems.
Not only that but Croatia is outside euro zone prices and cheap UK flights and coach travel are plentiful, matched with enviable range of accommodation to suit every budget from on site camping to luxury villas, all within easy access of island hopping and stunning national parks, making Soundwave not only the perfect festival but also the holiday of lifetime.
Past artists to have graced the Soundwave stage include the likes of De La Soul, Ghostpoet, Little Dragon and 2013 is no exception bringing even more great music to the shores of Tisno with this year’s first wave of acts which already looks like a the A-Team on turbo charge…
This year one of Ninja Tunes premier artists, Bonobo will be heading back to his much-awaited second Soundwave. After the tremendous success of the ‘Black Sands’ album and subsequent remixes in 2011 which earned a nomination for ‘Best Artist Album’ and ‘Best Dance Remix’ in DJ Mag he will be showcasing cuts from his upcoming 2013 release with a full live band in support.
Submotion Orchestra will also be gracing the Soundwave stage, often leaving crowds inspired and often open-mouthed in their wake, this is live dubstep not to be taken lightly.
Alongside them Tokyo-born Anchorsong will be leaving fans agape as he build tracks from scratch on stage using an MPC, an incredibly innovative and exhilarating live act.
Kutmah is arguably London’s best distributor of mind bending low end and psychedelic Hip Hop. One of the forefathers of the beats movement in Los Angeles, his acclaimed Sketchbook radio nights broadcasted the earliest efforts of Flying Lotus and The Gaslamp Killer (among many others).
Representing London’s vibrant beats scene is Kidkanevil, a versatile producer equally at ease making beats in his studio or playing out in clubs, giving his live sets a distinct personality as he weaves his own productions with the heaviest beats around.
Expect roadblock action as Infamous poet, actor, television presenter, stand up comedian Craig Charles brings his infamous Funk & Soul selections to the party as he explores the past, present and future of the genres in the sunshine.
Kelpe has been making a name for himself across and beyond Europe for solo live sets and as a duo
with long time collaborator Chris Walmsley (Psapp, Broadcast, etc), his live setup
incorporates MPC style beat manipulations, tiny analogue synths and a lot of bass.
Purveyor of the finest vibrations, Eliphino has released and performed for some of the UK’s most progressive, cutting edge electronic music enclaves, including Hoya Hoya in Manchester, First Word Records in London and has had circulation on Brownswood Recordings.
Essa & Yungun are widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading MCs, Essa (formerly Yungun) has garnered praise and collaborated with the likes of De La Soul, KRS-One and Slum Village.
Soundwave Festival favourites the Riot Jazz Brass Band navigate a minefield of original peace-lovin’ aggro jazz, hip-hop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dubstep, drum’n’bass and dancefloor bangers that never fail to send limbs flying!
With his trademark slick blend of classic breaks, hip-hop, electronica, rock, kid’s records, d&b, and in fact everything in between and beyond, Cheeba has the unrivaled technical ability, knowledge and humor to pull it all together like no one else.
With big headline acts to be announced shortly 2013 is shaping up to be the best Soundwave yet.
Soundwave Croatia co-founder Rob Waller says: “We had amazing feedback on our move to Tisno last year so we have decided to stay for 2013.  Our new larger site has created space to breathe, the secret beach cove is fantastic and the surrounding village and National Parks are some of Europe’s most beautiful spots. 
 
The beauty of Soundwave is how cheap and easy travel is to the festival, with a plethora of budget airlines flying to Zadar & Split on daily basis and with the introduction of on site camping as well as our range of top end villas, there is something on offer for every budget range. We’re looking forward to what’s set to be the best Soundwave year ever!”
Soundwave has become the summer highlight for a growing number of regulars who return year after year with a third of the tickets selling before any artists are announced. With a handful of festivals starting up in the concrete tourist hotspots across Croatia, Soundwave has become the festival synonymous with beauty in addition to its amazing line-up. Tickets sell out early every year, as ticket numbers are limited to retain its intimate spirit so expect tickets to sell out fast!
Big headliners and more line up to be announced soon check in for all the latest news: www.soundwavecroatia.com

Hostess with the Mostess? Over Half of Brits worried about impressing with Christmas hosting skills

YouGov research shows over 17 million Brits are worried about impressing guests with the state of their home this Christmas

Research from home furnishing store Dunelm Mill shows there’s nothing like peer pressure as Brits rank their friends above their own in-laws and parents as the people they are under the greatest pressure to impress with their Christmas hosting skills.

The survey of over 2,000  adults in Great Britain, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Britain’s largest homewares retailer, found that 60 per cent of British adults who have guests visiting this festive season feel under pressure to impress with their hosting skills, the equivalent of over 17 million people.

When those who are hosting at home this Christmas were asked who they were under greatest pressure to impress the results broke down as follows:

 

1.    Friends

2.    Mother

3.    Mother in law

4.    Brother/sister in law

5.    Children

6.    Sister

7.    Husband/wife/partner

8.    Father

9.    Father in law

10.  Brother

 

The tyrannical Mother in law stereotype is dispelled by the fact that people are far more worried about impressing their own mothers rather than their partner’s (13% vs. 8%). Interestingly men feel the pressure of their mother’s critical eye more than women with 15% of men being most worried about their mother visiting this Christmas compared to 12% of women.

The myth of a modern Britain could be wrong, as couples who co-habit, but who aren’t married, feel the most pressure to appease their parents, with 20 per cent most worried about their own mothers views of their home when they come to visit, and 17 per cent worried about their partner’s mums, this festive season.

Getting the hosting right is a delicate balancing act when your friends and family descent for the festivities, and of the 2,000 people surveyed the most common Christmas complaints were:

Most common Christmas complaints

1.  House is too cold

2.  Home is too cluttered

3. Christmas tree is not big enough

3. Christmas decorations are too extravagant

3. Christmas decorations are not extravagant enough

5.   Home is too noisy

6.   Christmas decorations are not traditional enough

 

Carole Brown, Director of Marketing for Dunelm Mill commented: “Getting the home ready for Christmas is part of the fun of the festive season, and of course we all want to make sure that our home is welcoming for friends and family. While our research has shown that we all feel pressure to impress, at this time of year it’s really all about having fun with loved ones.

“Everybody has their own style and whether your favourite colour scheme is red and gold, blue and silver or something else you can make your home a welcoming place for all guests this Christmas. All it takes is a few creative and simple touches that can give your home an inimitable festive feel.”

 

TURKEY WITH A DASH OF LAUGHTER PLEASE

Britons are craving laughter at the Christmas dinner table as comedians top the list of ‘ideal’ Christmas lunch guests

 

We are a nation in need of laughter as Britain’s top comedians including Stephen Fry, Paddy McGuiness, Miranda Heart, Paul O Grady and Alan Carr dominate this year’s Travelodge ideal Christmas lunch guest poll.

 

For the first time ever royalty, celebrity chefs and musicians have been snubbed in favour of our most loved comedians. In a quest for more laughter this year’s poll leads with Stephen Fry, renowned for entertaining his five million Twitter followers with his intellectual wit and humorous tales. The comedian, also known as one half of the duo ‘Fry & Laurie’, moved up from last year’s number two spot to this year’s number one position.

 

In second place the nation opted to keep their light-on for ‘Take Me Out’ host Paddy McGuinness as their ideal Christmas dinner guest. Famous for his ‘Paddy-isms’ on his dating show, the Bolton born comic beat his sidekick, Peter Kay, who debuted much further up the list at number seven this year.

 

In third place Britons choose the self acclaimed ‘giant’ of comedy and award winning comedienne Miranda Hart, star of BBC Two’s Sitcom ‘Miranda’ to join them for the most important meal of the year.

 

Other comedians making the top 10 ranking of ideal Christmas guests were Liverpudlian Paul O’Grady who reached fourth place followed by flamboyant comic and TV presenter Alan Carr. Taking sixth place was stand up comedian Russell Brand.

 

Stephanie Davies, Behavioural strategist & Author of Laughology: the science of laughter to improve your life commented on the research findings: “It’s no surprise that Britons have chosen some of the UK’s most popular comedians as their ideal Christmas dinner guests. This year has been a tough year and we are all in need of a belly full of laughter.

 

“Keeping your sense of humour and, most importantly having a good laugh, are important. Laughter is a natural way to release tension and creates happy hormones called endorphins. These help us to feel better, they make bonding with people easier and they help us relax – resulting in the perfect mindset to be in when we sit around the table enjoying Christmas lunch with our families.

“My top tip for avoiding any tension at the dinner table on Christmas Day is to remember to find the humour perspective and step back from a situation, take a deep breath and imagine how the scene might be played out in a sitcom.  I always think of The Royle family and their comedy Christmas dinners, the reason why we find those programmes funny is because most of us can relate to them.”

“My favourite Christmas joke is there are two snowmen in a field:  one looks at the other one and says “can you smell carrots!?”

Outside of the comedians, the only other personalities to enter the chart were TV’s golden girls Lorraine Kelly in eighth place and Holly Willoughby in ninth place. Completing the list and taking tenth place was Geordie princess Cheryl Cole.

 

The 2012 ideal Christmas dinner poll is listed below:     

 

1.      Stephen Fry

2.       Paddy McGuinness

3.       Miranda Hart

4.       Paul O’Grady

5.       Russell Brand

6.       Alan Carr

7.       Peter Kay

8.       Lorraine Kelly

9.       Holly Willoughby

10.   Cheryl Cole

 

The survey also delved further to investigate Britons views on the most important meal of the year.  Key findings revealed we are traditionalists at heart as 87% of Britons still opt for a turkey lunch with all of the trimmings. This year Christmas lunch will be served nearly an hour earlier from last year at 2.23pm in British homes across the country. Three out of 10 adults will have to endure up to four Christmas dinners on the 25th December due to family commitments and pressures:

 

  • Eighteen per cent of adults will be eating two Christmas dinners
  • Nine per cent of adults will have to endure three Christmas dinners
  • Three per cent of adults will have to the mammoth task of devouring four Christmas dinners in one day. 

 

The research also revealed the Mother-In-Law is still the most dreaded Christmas guest, followed by Mum as both women know best and will interfere with the day’s planned proceedings. Sixty eight per cent of women said it really annoys them when their Mother-In-Law or Mother tires to take over on Christmas Day. Thirty one per cent of respondents said it makes them feel inadequate and not a good host. A fifth of women said if it gets too much on Christmas day they will use the excuse of having a migraine so that they can have a sneaky catnap.   

 

Father-In-Law takes third position of dreaded guest followed by Father and ex-partner in fourth and fifth position.

 

Listed below are Britons top 10 most dreaded guests for Christmas dinner:

 

  1. Mother-In-Law
  2. Mother
  3. Father-In-Law
  4. Father
  5. Ex-Partner
  6. Brother
  7. Sister
  8. Cousins
  9. Grandparents
  10. Stepmother

 

British households can rely on the men in their family to keep them amused during Christmas dinner as Britons reported when it comes to providing the laughter and entertainment around the dinner table, brothers, dads and grandfathers win.        

 

Six out of 10 British adults reported they find it very stressful keeping the conversation flowing around the Christmas dinner table and a quarter of hosts will plan an itinerary of conversation topics prior to the day. Listed below are the top 10 most popular topics of conversations taking place in British households over Christmas dinner.

 

1.      Catching up on family gossip

2.      Running through the key events of the year

3.      Reminiscing past memories 

4.      The cost of Christmas

5.      The Queen’s speech and the royal family

6.      Discussing the story lines of the soaps

7.      The weather

8.      The football

9.      Politics

10.  How good or bad the food and presents are this year       

 Travelling?

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman, said: “In 2012, we may be short of cash but we are certainly rich in Christmas spirit as 42% of Britons will be travelling around 99 miles to spend Christmas in the bosom of their family this year. However, savvy Britons are forgoing imposing on their families and avoiding the dodgy sofa and bed by booking themselves into a nearby hotel. This actually gives both parties free time to enjoy the holiday season and make the most of their time together, rather than getting under each other’s feet.

  

“This year we have seen a significant boost in room bookings for the festive season as consumers turn a family trip back home into a short festive break.”


CHARITIES HOPE TO CASH-IN ON CHRISTMAS AFTER DONATIONS DROP 20%

 

The increasing trend for giving cash through gift cards could provide a much-needed festive windfall for UK charities.

 

The exclusive Text Santa Gift Card design has been launched by One4all in partnership with ITV’s Text Santa Charity Appeal, which is supporting six charities across the UK: Age UK, Anthony Nolan – Be a Match, Carers UK – The Voice of Carers, Marie Curie – Cancer Care, Together for Short Lives and Whizz Kids – Move a Life Forward.

 

For every Text Santa gift card that is sold, 2 per cent of the amount of money loaded on to the card will be donated to the ‘Text Santa’ appeal.

 

The cards can be loaded with amounts starting at £10 to £400. The card can then be used at 17,000 different retailer outlets nationwide.

 

The move comes at a time when donations to charity are falling and the amount of cash given through gift cards is on the rise.

 

Data from the Charities Aid Foundation and National Council for Voluntary Organisations reveals that donations to charity in the last year fell by 20%.

 

It is hoped that the rising amount of cash given through gift cards will be one way to help meet the shortfall.

 

One4All reports that this Christmas the average amount of money people give as presents through gift cards has risen to £106 (up just under 10% from the average in 2010).  Sales of multi-store gift cards are rocketing this Christmas, up 33.9% on last year.

 

Declan Byrne, Managing Director of One4all, says, “Christmas has traditionally been a time when charities have hoped to raise extra funds through the sale of Christmas cards and other gifts.

 

“However, with donations severely hit by wider economic factors, it’s important to find new ways to tap into people’s festive spirit and encourage them to buy presents that also help charities.”

 

 

FIREFIGHTERS OFFER TO FIX COLDPLAY CHRIS’S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

London firefighters have today pledged to ‘fix’ Coldplay’s Chris Martin after his wife Gwyneth Paltrow revealed his cooking disasters have twice led to 999 call outs.

London Fire Brigade is offering Martin, 35, a free home fire safety visit where crews will talk to him and his family about how they can stay safe from fire and avoid cooking fires – which are the most common cause for fires in the capital. Gwyneth Paltrow’s revelations came last night on a new Channel 4 cookery show, ‘Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club’, presented by Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty.

The Shakespeare in Love actress said in the programme:

“He has twice cooked a meal and this is not a joke, both times the fire brigade came. I swear on my life – both times.”

The Brigade targets its home fire safety visits to people and places where there is a higher risk of fire, but is also concerned about young professionals in London, like Chris, as they are responsible for one in four of all house fires. Kitchen fires account for at least three out of five house fires. Figures taken from the last five years show that there are on average nine kitchen fires a day in London. These caused over 2,500 injuries and 21 deaths.

Kitchen fires are often caused by cooking that has been left unattended. Ovens or hobs being accidentally left on are also a concern, as are chip pans and items being left too close to cookers. A large number of serious kitchen fires also begin when people have been drinking.

London Fire Brigade‘s Head of Operations, Prevention and Response Dave Brown said:

“People often think that fires only happen to vulnerable people but young professionals have a quarter of all house fires in London. Chris will know that fires can develop almost at the ‘Speed of Sound’ so it’s important that when they’re cooking, people don’t have ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ and leave their cooking unattended causing a lot of ‘Trouble’.

“Three out of five house fires start in the kitchen so at this time of year with the family coming round from Christmas dinner it is important to follow our advice.”

Cooking fire safety

Keep handles of pans turned to the back of the hob and away from other gas burners/electric rings.
Take pans off the heat and turn off the hob and/or grill if you have to leave the kitchen while cooking, and make sure the oven, hob and grill is turned off when you have finished cooking.
Avoid cooking if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that can make you drowsy.

Never fill a pan more than a third full with fat or oil.
Dry chips/food before putting them in the pan.
If the oil has started smoking turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool down, otherwise it may catch fire.
Turn off the hob if you have to leave the kitchen whilst cooking.

VARIETY, THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY, SPREAD FESTIVE CHEER AT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH RAISING OVER £45,000 IN AID OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN THE UK

Variety Young Ambassadors and Paralympians treated to musical performances by Joe McElderry, Britain’s Got Talent contestants Jonathan and Charlotte and the cast of Thriller

Variety, the Children’s Charity’s Chief Barker Keith Andrews announced today that the guests who attended Variety’s Christmas Lunch on Tuesday at The Bloomsbury Big Top, raised an impressive £45,000 for children throughout the UK who are sick, disabled and disadvantaged.

The Christmas Lunch saw musical performances from past X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, along with Britain’s Got Talent runners-up, Jonathan and Charlotte and the cast of West-End musical, Thriller.

The event was attended by Variety supporters along with special guest attendees from Variety’s Young Ambassadors, selected from the charity’s Wheelchair Programme, and eight of their funded Paralympians from this year’s 2012 games, who took part in a celebration of their achievements with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE and Duncan Goodhew, MBE.

Chief Barker of Variety, the Children’s Charity, Keith Andrews said: “The Christmas Lunch brought together a fantastic mix of guests, including our celebrity and musical supporters and Young Variety Ambassadors exemplifying the work we do as a Charity: to have a good time while raising money for disadvantaged children – ensuring we can help them make the most of their childhoods”.

With a focus on helping children who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged to make the most of their childhood, Variety, the Children’s Charity, provides practical support through its mobility (Sunshine Coaches and electric wheelchairs), caring and health (equipping children’s hospitals), youth and education programmes (Variety at Work and outings to exciting places). In 2011 alone, the charity ensured that almost 60,000 children throughout the UK were taken on fun days out.

To find out more about Variety, the Children’s Charity, or to donate to their various projects, please visit www.variety.org.uk

Top Window’s Phone Apps.

 

Parcelgenie eBay GAME Reward
Send gifts to all your friends with ease this festive season. With ParcelGenie you can mail gadgets, mugs, sweets and more to anyone with a mobile phone and you don’t even need to know their address. They receive a notification text and the real pressie arrives in the post.Windows Phone 7.5 or higher Left your Christmas shopping until the last minute? Fear not! this app has you covered. Buyers can now submit that last-minute bid, sellers can check on their sales, and act on time-sensitive information on the spot.Windows Phone 7 or higher The improved GAME Reward scheme is a great way to receive more value for your money when buying your favourite games. Collect points on everything you buy in-store and online. Just download this app, fill in your details and use the points on items whenever you shop.Windows Phone 8 or higher
View in app store
View in app store
View in app store

 

Ocado On The Go Christmas Presents Heathrow Airport Guide
Take away the stress of shopping for your Christmas celebrations this festive season. With a catalogue of over 22,000 products stored to your phone, you can even shop offline. Seamless app syncing with ocado.com means you can start an order on one device and complete it on the other. Windows Phone 7 or higher Too many presents to purchase and too little time – here’s an easy way to manage your shopping. The Christmas Presents app ensures you don’t forget to buy any gifts this year and helps you stay within your budget! You can even mark items as purchased and wrapped so there are no excuses this year!Windows Phone 7 or higher Heading abroad this Christmas? The Heathrow Airport app guides you smoothly through each step of your winter getaway. Get travel updates through Windows Phone’s Live Tiles and even plan which shops and restaurants you would like to visit with interactive terminal maps.Windows Phone 7 or higher
View in app store
View in app store
View in app store

HolidayExtras.com launch gadget cover in time for Christmas

Holidaymakers can protect their much-loved gadgets with a new policy from award-winning insurance provider Holiday Extras.

The Silver Gadget Policy, which costs £15, insures up to five electronic items to the value of £2,000. The cover is valid for 17 days, and will pay out if any item is stolen or accidentally damaged.

The insurance is available as an add-on to customers who make an airport hotel or parking booking with HolidayExtras.com.

Andrea Clayton, Head of Insurance, commented: “Losing your treasured holiday snaps would be bad enough … losing your expensive camera at the same time would be a complete kick in the teeth!

“This new type of cover can’t protect the irreplaceable, but if you happen to drop your smartphone in the pool or your laptop gets swiped, it could be a financial bonus.”

 

BORED GAMES – ARE TRADITIONAL BOARD GAMES BECOMING A THING OF THE PAST?

· Battle to save the family favourites as a quarter of mums now only play board games with their kids twice a year

· Double the number of parents believe board games are good value compared to computer games

· Over half of parents still keep treasured board games from childhood

· Nine in ten families say board games have the greatest appeal across the generations

MUMS are now so busy that over a quarter (26 per cent) only play board games with their families twice a year, new research from the UK’s largest parenting site Netmums reveals.

While 92 per cent of mums and dads grew up playing board games, just 68 per cent of modern kids now play them as parents don’t have enough time to set up the games or teach children the rules.

Only one in seven mums still play board games weekly with their families (14 per cent), while 35 per cent play once a month and one in 15 bring out board games solely at Christmas.

But along with treasured soft toys, traditional board games were the most popular item for parents to keep from their childhood, with 54 per cent hanging onto vintage games.

The study also showed a huge 91 per cent of parents believed board games had inter-generational appeal and could be played by the whole family – compared to just 23 per cent who played on video games and 14 per cent who used apps.

Board games were also voted the best value for money toy with kids getting the highest ‘play per purchase cost’. Almost three quarters (69 per cent) of mums believed board games to be good value – eight times higher than for computer games (8 per cent).

Over a third of mums (35 per cent) said they would play more frequently if the board games were quicker – but a further 35 per cent said their games lasted for 30 minutes or less, making it easy to fit into the family schedule.

Tellingly, 95 per cent of mums quizzed said they thought board games were educational and taught children about ‘taking turns’ while 87 per cent believed they instil ‘patience’. A further 87 claimed they promoted ‘family bonding’ while 73 per cent said they improved their child’s ‘spelling ability.’

To raise awareness of the importance of play, Netmums has teamed up with Mattel, a leading games manufacturer, to create Mattel Fun Times. The aim of the campaign is to educate mums that game play doesn’t have to eat into those precious minutes of the day, but can be enjoyed in manageable chunks of around 20 minutes

Siobhan Freegard, Co-Founder and Director at Netmums, says, “There are benefits to be had by all the family when playing a game. Whether it’s on an educational level, to spend more time with the family or just to have some fun, game play should be an integral part of family life. There are a variety of games available and many take less than half an hour to bring the generations together and teach your children while they have fun.”

 

CHARITY SUSTRANS URGES FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO STAY ACTIVE THIS CHRISTMAS

This year, charity Sustrans is urging families and friends to beat the festive excess and stay active during the Christmas period by walking or cycling on some of the country’s most scenic routes.

From the iconic Lochwinnock Loop Line in Scotland to the picturesque Wandle Trail in London, the Sustrans traffic-free routes pass through some of the country’s most attractive locations.

The routes, which are good for short jaunts or longer hikes, are suitable for family and friends of all ages who want to explore their local areas during the season of goodwill.

To help plan your trip, the Sustrans website has an online mapping facility which allows you to search for routes near you, please visit  http://www.sustrans.org.uk/map

Sustrans Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd said, “After eating a heavy Christmas lunch or being cooped up in the house for most of the Christmas period, getting out and about in the fresh air will get your blood pumping and do you the world of good.

“With 75% of people in the UK now living within a couple of miles of the National Cycle Network, organising a cycling or walking trip is a fantastic way to bond with members of your family or friends and shed some of those unwanted calories. If you’ve got a new bike for Christmas, it also gives you a great opportunity to show off your shiny new present!”

Spanning the UK, the National Cycle Network’s 13,500 miles of walking and cycling routes include scenic traffic-free paths, quiet roads and lanes, signed on-road routes and themed long-distance routes. Last year, the network saw 484 million journeys made by 3.3 million individuals.

Make the most of your cycling or walking trip this Christmas by following these top tips. More can be found on www.sustrans.org.uk

· Don’t risk it. Cycling can be tricky when it snows or in icy conditions, so please think twice before getting on your bike. If you decide to walk make sure you wrap up warm, wear some reliable boots and take your waterproofs.

· When you’ve got a young child on the back of your bike, they won’t be generating heat like the person doing all the pedaling! So take extra clothes and waterproofs for them also.

· Got some cold turkey left over? Rustle up some turkey sandwiches and drinks to keep everyone’s energy and spirits up.

· Keep the trip packed with interest. Plan your trip around interesting stops and sights along the way.

· Don’t be too ambitious and gauge the mood of the group. Its much better that everyone returns home feeling refreshed and revitalised – not exhausted and put off.

· If you’re cycling with children, ride in a line with the children in the middle of the adults. If there’s only one of you, the adult should be at the rear, keeping an eye on all the children in front.

· If you think it might get dark whilst you’re out, consider wearing bright or reflective clothing.

 

THE CHRISTMAS SPENDING EX-FACTOR!

  • 8.4 million UK adults regret spending money on Christmas presents they bought for ex-lovers
  • Great expectations: Men think their partners will spend more money on their Christmas presents than they actually will

 

When it comes to buying romantic Christmas gifts this year, women are definitely the most frugal, reveals research by MoneySupermarket*. Men will spend an average of £131.90 on their partners, whilst women plan to keep it very much under the £100 mark, spending an average of £93.50.  However, it seems men and women can’t always let go of the ghost of relationships past, as 8.4 million (17 per cent) say they regret spending so much money on Christmas presents for their old flames.

 

The Spending Ex-Factor

Research into the Christmas spending patterns of UK’s adults further reveals it is younger adults aged between 18 – 34 who most regret their festive spending on ex-lovers. One in four (25 per cent) state this is the case – more than any other age group.  When asked why they regretted spending money on their ex’s presents, unsurprisingly 39 per cent of adults said it was because they broke up with their partner soon after giving them. However, 35 per cent of women also stated they didn’t think their partner was worth spending that much money on, whilst just 25 per cent of men said the same.

 

The research also shows that these feelings may be impacting how much money men and women plan to spend on each other’s Christmas presents this year, especially if they are at the start of a new relationship. Men who have been dating their partner for less than three months, for example, plan to spend an average of £38.40 on their loved one, whilst women plan to spend a more modest £21.60.

 

Great Expectations

However, the research also revealed a disconnect between what men and women will spend on their partners vs how much they will actually spend. Whilst men think their partners will spend £100 on them they are actually planning on spending less at £93.50 on average. Similarly, women think their partners will spend £87.50, when they are actually planning to spend a lot more at £131.90 on average.  When it comes to buying the presents themselves, it seems women get it more right than men, with two thirds of men (66 per cent) stating their current partner is the best at buying Christmas presents for them, compared to just four in 10 females (43 per cent).

 

Clare Francis, personal finance expert at MoneySupermarket.com said: “The last 12 months have been difficult for many people across the UK, especially as budgets have been stretched, and many people may find they don’t have much spare cash around this Christmas. With this in mind, it might explain why couples in new relationships are planning to keep their spending relatively controlled when it comes to buying their new partner a Christmas present. However, they may also be hedging their bets and want to see how the relationship turns out as well! With 8.4 million adults already saying they regret spending so much money on previous partners presents, it could be that sensible adults are really trying to watch their spending when in a new relationship this year.”

 

CHRISTMAS ‘APPY HOUR’ IS ON ITS WAY

 

·   

·         Over three hits every second anticipated on the M&S mobile website

·         ‘Secret Santas’ turning to mobile shopping to keep Christmas gifts under wraps from nosey friends and family

 

M&S is anticipating over three hits every second to its mobile site, as customers shop from the comfort of their sofa whilst watching primetime telly. According to brand new research2, time poor customers are opting to multi-task by shopping via mobile and tablet devices. 42% of shoppers using their mobiles this Christmas reveal they shop whilst doing other activities, such as watching TV. M&S expects this sofa shopping to hit fever pitch during this Sunday’s live X-Factor final on ITV.

 

Mobile sales on the equivalent Sunday last year were 300% up on the average day, but this year is expected to be even bigger – as mobile sales at M&S have more than doubled since Christmas 2011.

 

Laura Wade-Gery, Executive Director Multi-channel E-commerce at M&S said: “Mobile shopping is quick, discreet and ultra convenient. Customers can shop whilst doing everything else they need to do to get ready for the busiest time of year. Sunday evening is the perfect opportunity – as customers up and down the country settle down in front of the TV with a mobile or iPad in hand. It’s a growing trend and at M&S alone, we’re now seeing almost one in five orders come via mobile and tablet devices.”

 

The research findings also reveal that many shoppers are using mobile to help keep their Christmas purchases under wraps – almost a quarter (22%) of these respondents believe it’s easier to hide what they’re buying from loved ones and keep their gifts a surprise.

 

The immediacy of mobile is also helpful for those in search of gift inspiration – with almost a quarter (23%) of mobile shoppers, reaching for their phone the moment they see a product they like in a magazine or on TV.

 

Around one in six (15%) male mobile shoppers admit they turn to the convenience of mobile device for last minute Christmas purchases; reflected by the fact one of the most popular products bought on mobile last Christmas was an Autograph silk lingerie set. M&S expects to see this trend continue, with Rosie for Autograph lingerie, hampers and sleepwear set to be amongst the most popular purchases.

 

Mobile research findings:

·         Over a quarter (29%) of respondents online plan to do some of their Christmas shopping via mobile or tablet device – a further 12% revealed they would if they owned a smart phone or tablet.

·         Mobile shopping is most popular amongst the 25-34 year old age group with 43% intending to use a mobile or tablet device this Christmas.

·         Almost a third (30%) of respondents say that using a smartphone or tablet helps them make the most of spare moments in their day.

·         Some mobile shoppers surveyed seem to have no choice but to shop by mobile, as one in five (20%) of those with children in their household reveal that other family members monopolise the main household computer.

M&S Mobile facts:

·         M&S was the first major high street retailer to launch a mobile enabled website in May 2010 and undertook an upgrade of the site in May 2012.

·         M&S has seen rapid growth in mobile sales over the last year, with almost one in five orders now coming via mobile or tablet device.

·         In July this year, M&S launched its first ever shopping app, which has already been downloaded by more than half a million customers.

·         M&S is now rolling out free WiFi to its stores to make it even easier for customers to use the mobile web and access more detailed product information.

 

INSPIREMYCASE.COM LAUNCHES UGLY SWEATER RANGE & CASE COMPETITION IN CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAYS 

‘Tis the season for ugly holiday sweaters! InspireMyCase.com has decided to take the ugliness to a whole new level this season with their new Ugly Christmas Sweater Case Collection and Facebook competition.

 

Choose from a range of four ugly sweater designs that will be sure-fire conversation starters at your ugly sweater party.

 

And it gets better…

Don’t have an ugly sweater yet? No Fret! Win one of four matching ugly sweater and phone case sets and really show-off at your annual sweater party this year. Simply “like” our Facebook page and state what your favourite out of the four sweaters is: The Penguins, Funky Bears, The Village or Santa’s Coming.

 

 

And that’s not all. 20% of all purchases go directly to the charity AngelMule, in order to purchase art, music and sports supplies for children in need around the world. Get your case all festive and ugly this holiday while inspiring a child’s future!

 

 

Have a Crafty Christmas with QVC!

Whether you’re making Christmas cards, decorating the house or just having festive fun with the family, QVC has all the answers for a crafty Christmas.

Martha Stewart Set of 3 Christmas Punches

Item number, 500256. QVC price, £27.12

 

Create beautifully die cut patterns anywhere on the page for making window cards, punching out a repeat pattern and creating small frames. Ideal for card making, scrap booking, and other craft projects, enjoy this Christmas Punch set from Martha Stewart.

24 Sheets of Christmas Holographic Peel Offs

Item number, 590797. QVC price, £14.25

 

Features an assortment of festive peel offs including snowmen, stars, Santa Claus, baubles, snowflakes and more. Perfect for giving your cards and crafts a festive glow.

Bucilla Make Your Own Christmas Decorations Kit

Item number, 502333. QVC price, £14.75

 

 

This festive set contains stamped felt, coloured cotton, sequins, beads and more to create six whimsical, felt ornaments for your tree. Get creative and add a personal touch to your home this Christmas, with this superb kit.

Sizzix Set of 12 Christmas Embossing Folders

Item number, 502313. QVC price, £27.50

 

Contains five sets of embossing folders that give a deep embossed appearance to ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum, with designs featuring holly, Christmas trees, snowflakes, flowers and much more. Give your crafting projects a professional finish with this wonderful Sizzix Christmas embossing folder set.

Ranger Set of 5 Ice Stickles Christmas Glitter Glue

Item number, 501806. QVC price, £18.75

 

Each bottle features a different colour glitter glue with a fine point application tip allowing you to write on or embellish your craft projects. Create your very own eye-catching Christmas designs with this selection of glitter glues from Ranger.

 

Fantastic Ribbons 12 Rolls of Christmas Ribbon

Item number, 501925. QVC price,  £15.24

 

This collection includes ribbons in assorted sizes, colours and designs. Embellish a wide range of Christmas-themed craft projects and cards with this versatile and colourful set.

 

 

UK’S WORST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS REVEALED

 

Power Tools Top List of UK’s Worst Christmas Gifts as Practical Presents get the Thumbs Down

 

A survey to find the UK’s worst Christmas presents reveals that DIY equipment, such as power tools, top the list of our most unwanted gifts.

 

Research carried out by One4all Gift Card reveals that other practical gifts, such as kitchen appliances or items for the garden, have also fallen out of favour.

 

It seems that rather than DIY, people are opting for BIY (or Buy It Yourself), with the vast majority of people wishing for cash (91%) or a multi-store gift card (94%) rather than another disappointing Christmas morning.

 

Examples of the worst practical presents that people had received in previous years included:

  • A brass hammer
  • A key for bleeding radiators
  • An extractor fan
  • A rake
  • An onion slicer
  • A new toilet

 

One4all have partnered with ITV for their annual Text Santa Charity Appeal which is supporting six charities this year: Age UK, Anthony Nolan – Be a Match, Carers UK – The Voice of Carers, Marie Curie – Cancer Care, Together for Short Lives and Whizz Kids – Move a Life Forward.

 

In support of the appeal, One4all have launched an exclusive Text Santa Gift Card design.

 

For every Text Santa gift card that is sold, One4all will donate 2 per cent of the amount of money loaded to the ‘Text Santa’ appeal.

 

Managing Director of One4all UK, Declan Byrne said, “We’re hoping that by creating the Text Santa Gift Card, we’ll encourage more people to think twice before buying some of the gifts appearing on our least wanted list.

 

“Instead, friends and relatives can allow their loved ones to ‘buy it themselves’ while also raising much-needed funds for some really great causes.”

 

The ‘Text Santa Gift Card’ and all One4all Gift Cards can be bought at 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide and at www.one4all.co.uk. It can be loaded with any amount from £10 to £400 and can be spent at 17,000 different retailer outlets nationwide from Fashion outlets, department stores, Home and Garden, Electrical goods to Travel and Hotels.

 

According to the One4All research the top 5 worst Christmas gifts are:

  1. Power Tools
  2. Kitchen Appliances
  3. Garden Equipment
  4. Socks
  5. Underwear