Tag Archives: christmas

Deliveroo and BGT’s Kojo Anim Launch Christmas Crackers That Will Help to Crack Hunger for UK Families in Need

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Deliveroo has teamed up with Britain’s Got Talent finalist and cult funnyman Kojo Anim, to launch a range of magical charity Christmas crackers called ‘Crackers Cracking Hunger’, to help provide crucial meals for families in need.  

Each box of six crackers is beautifully festive and costs £10, all of which will be donated to The Felix Project and FareShare.

Instead of finding silly throwaway toys inside the crackers, customers will find a Christmas hat and a rather witty bespoke joke from Kojo Anim himself. 

crackers, christmas

Each £10 box will provide the equivalent of a week of meals for a household in need by redistributing good food that would otherwise go to waste. The crackers are made from 100% recyclable materials. 

This comes as it was reported that 1.3m UK families relied on food parcels over the festive period* last Christmas, and this year, millions will also rely on food banks and charities.

Customers should search ‘Crackers Cracking Hunger’ to find an Editions near them. Any Deliveroo customers who are not within delivery of a participating Editions, or who would like to make a monetary donation rather than receiving crackers, can still support the cause by making a donation on the ‘Crackers Cracking Hunger – Make a Donation’ page. 100% of all donations will support Deliveroo’s efforts to deliver more meals to families who need them via The Felix Project and FareShare. 

Each box of six crackers costs £10 and 100% of this cost will be donated to the charities. Delivery and service fees will still apply.

Top Pick For Christmas: VTech Myla The Blush And Bloom Unicorn

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We cannot get over how gorgeous Myla, the blush and bloom unicorn is. She is the perfect, interactive, toy from leading children’s toy brand Vtech. Gorgeous, fun, and excellent for development. We cannot recommend this fantastic toy enough. It is our top pick for Christmas.

Leading electronic toy brand, VTech, is excited to announce that Myla – the much loved Unicorn – is getting a makeover. Introducing, Myla the Blush and Bloom Unicorn.  

Myla lush and bloom unicorn, toys, toy, tech

Little ones can now take Myla to a make-believe hair salon with a beautiful array of stylish hair options. From giving her a simply brush with a comb, to unlocking her full potential with a stupendous selection of clips – Myla is getting ready for her festive debut. 

Most notably, Myla has a magical wand that allows children the opportunity to express their full fashionista. By selecting any colour on the wand, you’ll be able to apply a sprinkle of colour to her horn, eyes and wings before watching in amazement as they magically light up in the chosen colour. She’ll also light up if you blow her a kiss! 

Myla can also bring a sparkle of magic to your play-area, with wings that flap in time with the music she plays. And when it all get’s a little much, Myla will also tuck her legs under and have a nap – encouraging little ones to think creatively about dreamtime. 

RRP: £55.50 | Available from: Smyths Toys Superstores / Amazon / ToyStreet

 

 

Hot Tools Hair Styling Products – Perfect For Christmas

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The most perfect Christmas present? Why, perfect hair of course. With the festive party season on the horizon combined with the hunt for the perfect gift  Hot Tools (two of which are on offer throughout November) – the award winning US hair styling brand which has launched this summer across the UK and Europe. Inspired by professionals and with more than 30 years of salon experience, the brand’s new Pro Signature range of styling tools has been created especially for a consumer audience.

 We love the The New Pro Signature Detachable Blow-Dry and Volumiser – Combining fast drying in up to half the time (versus drying and styling separately) with exceptional volumising for salon blow-dries and styling on-the-go in one easy-to-use tool with an exclusive detachable design. Currently £79.99 – on promotion with Argos 01/11-30/11 with £20 off. This fantastic brush really works. It is also super stylish. An easy shortcut to fab hair, what more could you want?

 

 

The New Pro Signature Digital Straightener – Featuring unique gold titanium floating plates and exclusive Pulse Technology® for ultra-sleek, long-lasting styles, time and time again. Automatic dual voltage also makes it the ideal travelling companion. Currently £59.99 – on promotion with Argos 01/11-30/11 with £20 off.
 
 

Hot Tools® Pro Signature Gold Curling Irons – The new Pro Signature collection includes a trio of Gold Curling Irons featuring iconic gold plating in multiple barrel sizes, delivering long-lasting, effortlessly beautiful curls, waves with reduced frizz and added shine. Currently £59.99:

Multiple Barrel Sizes for Different Styles:
25mm – Create bouncy, classic curls and waves
32mm – Perfect for creating polished curls or soft beachy waves
38mm – Create large soft curls and volume
Other great products in the range include:

Christmas Gift Guide 2021: Top Picks

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The Polar Express Gift Set is the perfect gift. Brand new for 2021, it  includes a mini-hardback version of Chris Van Allsburg’s enduring Christmas classic (made into a move in 2004 starring Tom Hanks), plus a writing set for children to send their letter to Santa, write thank you notes after Christmas or even write their own future Christmas classic – PLUS – a gorgeous tree decoration based on the sleigh bell from the book – and if you didn’t know already, only those who truly believe in the magic of Christmas will hear the bell ring!

We loved this. It is so cute and clever. It brings the full experience for total Christmas joy. A must-buy.

Available from Waterstones and Amazon.co.uk

Next Up is…

BiGDUG’s LiTTLEDUG Workstation.

toys, gifts, Christmas, presents.

This is a brilliant toy for children. It will keep them entertained for ages. It is well-made and great to help with development.

BiGDUG, the world-famous storage expert, has brought back – by popular demand – the LittleDUG Workstation. Just in time for Christmas, the LittleDUG Workstation is the ideal gift for all budding engineers, DIY gurus, decorators and builders, so they can get stuck in to DIY just like the adults.

 

The workstation comes with a mini tool set, including a spanner, socket spanner, hammer, screwdriver, pliers and a vice. With over 60 pieces included in the bundle, the BiGDUG LittleDUG Workstation will be sure to keep the busiest of hands full this festive season.

Suitable for Children aged from three years, the toy workstation is just £19.99 and is great to develop fine motor skills too.

Available here.

Next up is something for the adults. We LOVE this gin. 

Why not give a truly spirited gift this Christmas, with a beautiful bottle of Single Estate Spirit from Ramsbury?

Single Estate simply means that the complete process from field to bottle takes place on the Ramsbury Estate in Wiltshire. It sows, grows and distils the primary ingredients itself. Operating a true grain to glass approach, everything from the estate is used in the production. Making its offering among the most sustainable spirits sold in the UK.

The award-winning spirits will be a sure-fire winner for Christmas gifting for friends and family that enjoy a premium pour.

gin. christmasRamsbury Single

Estate Gin £33.50, 700ml, 40% ABV

A crisp, full-bodied London Dry Gin combined with quince grown on the estate, classic juniper, citrus, woody angelica and spicy cinnamon.

The result is a London Dry Gin with a modern twist, complex but balanced. Enjoy in Ramsbury’s signature G&T, with a slice of green apple and a slice of lime.

Awards: SIP Platinum Award 2021 and SIP Consumer Choice Award 2021

www.ramsbury.com

For the perfect stocking filler: we love this apron with pockets from CookSmart. It is adorable and well-made. 

Liberate Yourself this Christmas with Liberation Cocktails

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It is not possible for me to recommend Liberation Cocktails enough. I am not usually a fan of ready made cocktails because I think they taste artificial. Not so Liberation Cocktails. Whether from a bottle, can or keg, they taste delicious. I would definitely buy Liberation Cocktails for myself or a friend, but mostly for myself. Treat yourself this Christmas. Cheers! The Pornstar Martini is my favourite.

Celebrate Christmas in style this year with Liberation Cocktails’ curated collection of giftsets, pre-mixed bottled cocktails and party paraphernalia. Carefully crafted by Liberation Cocktails’ expert mixologists, all blended cocktails are made using the highest-grade spirits as well as the finest, fresh and quality ingredients. So, whether you’re in need of the perfect gift for friends and loved ones or looking to host the ultimate Christmas get-together, Liberation Cocktails has you covered this festive season.

The Liberation Cocktails Christmas collection is available now and can be ordered online at https://liberationcocktails.com 

Espresso Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker

£37.50 (NEW)

Free from additives and artificial ingredients, Liberation’s delicious, new and expertly blended Espresso Martini bottle is made with overproof craft distillery vodka, Rainforest Alliance single estate coffee, silky hazelnut liqueur, Madagascan vanilla, and cane sugar. The pre-mixed bottle is priced at £22.50 but is now also available in a premium giftset, complete with a cocktail shaker and classic martini glass for the perfect serve this Christmas at £37.50.

cocktails, cocktails in a can, pornstar martini

Pornstar Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker

£37.50 (NEW)

 

To tantalize the tastebuds, pop open a bottle of Pornstar Martini, made from the finest ingredients and ready to drink when you are. Carefully blended with overproof craft distillery vodka, Brazilian lime juice, Madagascan bourbon vanilla, Ecuadorian passionfruit and sugar cane, this showstopper is bound to impress at any Christmas gathering. Priced at £22.50 for a 75cl bottle or £37.50 within a striking giftset alongside an accompanying cocktail shaker and martini glass – the new launch is the perfect present for cocktail lovers!

 cocktails, cocktails in a can,

Liberation Cocktails 4 Can Gift Pack 

£20.00

 

For letterbox gifting and to make a friend or colleague feel extra special this Christmas, the Gift Pack contains four iconic and delicious mixologist grade pre-mixed cocktail cans (200ml) including 1 x Espresso Martini, 1x Pornstar Martini, 1 x Pisco Sour and 1 x Gin Garden to accompany any celebration. Whether you’re gifting from afar or on the hunt for the ultimate stocking filler, the Gift Pack is designed to be compact, portable and can be personalised with a bespoke gift message at checkout.

Liberation Cocktails Party Kegs, 5L keg

£99

 

Make this Christmas one to remember with these impressive 5 litre party kegs. Whether hosting a Christmas party at home or for those looking to spoil someone special with a unique gift, the kegs promise a celebration like no other.  Available in four flavours including Espresso Martini, Pornstar Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri and Gin Garden, each containing 33 mixologist grade cocktails and filled with festive cheer, the pre-mixed joy is any cocktail fan’s dream.

 Cocktail Cruiser

Prices start from £120 for half an hour and 16 cocktails

 

The Cocktail Cruiser from Liberation Cocktails brings the party straight to your doorstep and no gathering is too big or small for this four-wheeled mixology cruising machine. Serving up delicious mixologist grade cocktails including Aperol spritzes, mojitos and martinis, the Cocktail Cruiser also offers a resident bartender, glassware and garnishes! Whether you’re planning an alfresco get-together, Christmas party or a corporate event, guests will enjoy free flowing cocktails on tap, on the go and without any hassle. So why not mix it up this Christmas with the ultimate Insta-worthy celebration?

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

https://liberationcocktails.com | @liberationcocktails

Frost Loves Toolally Handmade Statement Jewellery Made in The UK.

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I love finding a new brand to fall in love with. So be still my beating heart: Toolally make the most gorgeous statement jewellery. They are perfect for Christmas and beyond. To make things even better they are handmade in the UK. Love and love. Treat yourself or a loved one now. There is a reason the brand is featured on Strictly Come Dancing so much: they add glamour in abundance to any outfit.

Catherine Balavage, Toolally, jewellery, statement, earrings, arrowheads, Maisie Smith ,Arrowheads

Maisie Smith looked sensational on Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special wearing the Arrowheads in black and gold glitter.  toolally

The earrings are available here.

REVIEW: Pinocchio, Chichester Festival Theatre

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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

 

 

 

 

 

 

That any live theatre has gone ahead this December is a Christmas miracle in itself. In Chichester’s annual Youth Theatre production, however, there is a double dose of wonder; against all the virus-related odds the show has not only gone on, but it’s an absolute belter.

Usually boasting a cast of almost one-hundred, in order to manage social distancing this year’s CFYT offering is presented by two smaller teams of twenty-three, with Team Fox and Team Cat splitting the performances. (On Press Night Team Fox were performing, but I am reliably informed that Team Cat are every bit as accomplished.) Directing a full-scale production to meet the pandemic’s stringent safety measures, on and off the stage, is an extraordinary feat of choreography, and one that all those involved in achieving must be congratulated.

Hope, redemption and realising that our differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses are themes that run through this abridged version of Carlo Collodi’s original tale, which has been superbly adapted by Anna Ledwich. Managing to be gloriously heart-warming without straying into sentimentality, Director Dale Rooks has infused Pinocchio with emotions and moments that truly resonate. One such instance is when Pinocchio and Geppetto ‘hug’. Standing apart, they wrap their arms around their own bodies, bringing a lump to the throat and an ache to the heart – oh to hug again!

On stage there’s not a single below par performance. Archie Elliot (Lewis Renninson) in the title role plays the headstrong little puppet with absolute conviction. Pinocchio may be made from wood but he has guts, heart and spirit, ensuring that we are rooting for him all the way. Alfie Ayling (Jack Campbell) as Geppetto is warm and wistful, playing the lonely carpenter with a maturity beyond his years.

There is excellent work too from Meg Bewley (Molly Berry) as the Fairy and Annalise Bradbury (Olivia Dickens) as Cricket, her exasperated sidekick. Marvellous cameo gems include Alex Webb (Noah Peirson) as a chatty French poodle – très magnifique!

The ensemble work is extraordinary. Matching talent with energy,  it is ultimately in the production’s togetherness that its success lies. A masterclass in how a completely cohesive company can create something magical, the story flows perfectly, the singing and dancing are stunning and the set, simple but oh-so clever, is breath taking.

The overall effect is wonderfully uplifting. Moreover, there is a sense of the fantastic; a promise of enchantment. And it delivers. With Christmas bells on.

Vicky Edwards

Books For Christmas.

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Endless Skies from Jane Cable is such a brilliant novel. I have read every single one of Jane’s books and she never disappoints.

The perfect Christmas novel from veteran saga writer Annie Clarke. Annie is in the top league of historical fiction writers. My Therapist Says

A brilliant and humorous book. Gray's Anatomy Puzzle Book

A great puzzle book for medical professionals and the rest of us. Will spark both fun and debate. I can't draw.

A brilliant book that I will be using to improve my drawing. Really good and it works. doodled cats

This is a great gift for cat people. Lots of fun.
literary places

Perfect for the literary person in your life. Which would be me, except I already have a copy. Beautifully illustrated and full of wanderlust.
baby book

Perfect for anyone expecting a baby. This follows baby for the first three years of life. It is full of prompts and ideas that you would never think of otherwise. A truly wonderful gift.
How zoologists categorise thingsThis book is a great idea. Perfect for geeks (like me) and nature lovers. You couldn't make it up, Telegraph. Humorous and fun. There is a fair amount of wit in this superb book. how to draw everything Perfect for budding artists. This book has fantastic illustrations and gives excellent step-by-step instruction on how to draw (almost) everything. Highly recommended.

Jo Pratt, the flexible family cookbook

I am obsessed with the Flexible Family Cookbook from Jo Pratt. It has so many delicious recipes (75 to be exact), along with 200 variations for allergies, intolerances and dietary choices. My copy already has a few dog-eared pages. Just brilliant.

Books are available from waterstones.com, amazon.co.uk, https://dauntbooks.co.uk and independent book stores.