Timeless Flower Design
Eternal Flower Gifts for Moms, Grandmas, Wife
Preserved flower bouquets
The best holiday gifts are ones that will last for years. Fresh flowers die after one week, but our beautifully handcrafted luxury preserved flower bouquets last years. Not only are they sustainable and eco-friendly, a tree is planted for each product sold.
Customers are head over heels with these products: “I’m blown away – it’s a preserved flower bouquet so ey look alive, fresh and brand new but they are preserved so it’s something you can keep at a later time. They’re elegant enough that it can be your own bridal bouquet or it could be something for your home. And it’s a more sustainable and long lasting option which I think is amazing.” ~M.B.
Eternal Rose Bouquet
timelessflowerdesign.com/eternal-rose-signature-collection/
*****
Nothing says “I love you” during the holiday seasons better than a personalized and thoughtful flower gift. This luxury preserved flower frame can be personalized with a short message or a photo, making memories last for years.
Don’t Complain Activate Gift Guide
The Minnesota-based lifestyle brand founded by the former president of Minneapolis NAACP, Leslie E. Redmond is launching its clothing collection on hoodies, t-shirts, masks, and hats on Nov.24.
In the color of Black – signature color– sporting the slogan “Don’t Complain, Activate” paraphernalia. This holiday gift idea will be a great way to thank those who have been using their voice and leadership to activate others around them, especially during these unpredictable times.
Background on DCA
Don’t Complain Activate brand envisions to inspire all people to be activists within their own communities while sporting chic clothing in an affordable price. Build on the foundation of community, DCA understands that not everyone has the same financial background. So, with that in mind, the brand offers the option of “Community” and Activator” price in an effort to help communities become more equitable, not equal.
More on the Founder
Many would say she’s a true millennial. At the age of 20 years old, Leslie E. Redmond had lunch with President Barack Obama. Then at age, she became the President of the Minneapolis National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at 25. Making her the youngest President of the Minneapolis National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She’s been recognized locally and nationally. At the humble age of 27 years old, she obtained her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Business Administration. Most recently, she passed the Minnesota Bar Examination and now she is on a mission to help people through her brand “Don’t Complain, Activate.
See more at :- www.leslieredmond.com/dca
Coziness on the go
It’s all about coziness this holiday. Here’s Infinity Pillow – giving you comfort anywhere and anytime. It’s made of breathable bamboo fabric that feels soft as a cloud. Designed after the Möbius shape, Infinity Pillow twists and turns and cuddles right back with you. At home, at work, or on the road. www.infinitypillow.co.
Cordless Drill Guide
Cordless Drill – The Gift Every Home Needs
A really great gift idea for any household this year could be a cordless drill. For mom or dad, uncle or aunty, maybe even granny is a DIY enthusiast! Now that we are coming back into lockdown those started repairs can be finished and more home reno projects realized.
Full guide on the best cordless drill to select for anyone into DIY:
cordlessdrillguide.com/
HITACHI DS18DBFL2 CORDLESS DRILL
It’s designed for a longer lifespan, increased run times, and greater efficiency.
The slim handle has an ergonomic and balanced design that makes it easier to handle; it boasts not only power, but also a high level of comfort.
Cost: $149.95
Or something more affordable BLACK + DECKER LDX120C CORDLESS DRILL
The best cordless drill to drill into metal, plastic, wood, and any other screw driving projects.
For jobs like fastening, light drilling, shelf installation, picture hanging, and furniture assembly.
Cost: $39.00
cordlessdrillguide.com
Cool Gift for Women of a Certain Age
A gift for the “hot” woman in your life! A gift of beautiful caring for women of a certain age. An elegant scarf that will make women who having hot flashes… feel cool with Cool Me Scarf.
Is mom experiencing hot flashes? Women of a certain age, should be able to go out, work, play and sleep without feeling miserable! Being a hot-flasher myself (see video here: https://www.facebook.com/coolmescarf) I invented Cool Me Scarf , the beautiful way to combat hot flashes. Also a caring gift for mom’s to be. Pregnant women get hot flashes too!
These attractive scarves discreetly conceal a pack that uses simple science to take the hot out of hot flashes. Although the science it uses is simple (thermodynamics) the concept is still new to the market – a way to get cool without pre-freezing or wetting. The fabric is lyocell, a luxurious silky soft fabric that is made from 100% natural wood fiber. More moisture wicking than cotton and machine wash/dry.
This perfect gift says I understand and I love you! It is a beautiful gift of caring.
And the scarves were “cool enough” to be selected for gift bags at the 2020 Oscars!! See attached, me and the Pointer Sisters sporting Cool Me Scarves at an Oscars viewing party!
$44.95 retail Coolmescarf.com images on website. If selected, I can send hi-res.
Also available on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Cool-Me-Menopause-Soothing-Cooling/dp/B07XPD9BT2
experiencegift.com
Experiencegift
This gift gives locked-down travel lovers something to look forward to (or a staycation!).
We offer personalisable gift cards for flights and hotels worldwide.
With Experiencegift, it’s possible to give the gift of travel without just handing over cash in an envelope. Our Flightgift and Hotelgift vouchers allow your loved one to decide when and where to make memories.
Flightgift covers departures from over 70 countries, flights from 300 different airlines to over 980 destinations. Whether they want to visit Paris or Peru, you can help them achieve their travel dream.
Hotelgift can be redeemed with over 200,000 hotels worldwide, from luxury resorts in paradise to city centre hotel chains and budget B&Bs.
We aim to spread happiness by giving the gift of memories.
Our gift cards:
#1 Best-selling gift card for flights and hotels since 2017
Fly to over 980 destinations
Stay at over 200,000 hotels
Free delivery on luxury gift cards
Send online for an instant e-gift
Personalise with a photo & message
Valid for 2 years
Bold Life Decor by Enchanted Conservatory, which features home decor items (wood coasters and accent tables) & home decor e-service.
BoldLifeDecor: www.etsy.com/shop/BoldLifeDecor?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Handmade wood coasters for $25
Accent tables for $195
Enchanted Spaces: www.enchantedconservatory.com/enchanted-spaces/
Accessory Refresh for $245
Full Room Refresh for $945
I believe pictures are scrubbed from these emails but you can find pictures through the links provided.
Italian made, eco-friendly silk scarves
With Mother Nature as her muse, Andrea DiFiore mixes contemporary photography and photo-illustration with traditional fashion. She is the founder of DiFiore New York.
Women from around the world love our unique, versatile silk scarves..
Growing up on the East Coast in the USA, the ocean and water were a huge part of my life, and remain so. I’m passionate about preserving our oceans, keeping them clean, and helping the diverse sea life from being decimated by pollution. My Floral Seas series of photo collages (art prints) is a metaphor for how fragile life can be and illustrates the beauty and vulnerability of our ecosystem. I took that series and transformed it into textiles.
Made luxuriously in Italy, our silk Dog motif neckerchiefs can easily elevate any outfit.
With our lovable Dog designs, finding a piece that best captures your style is simple!
My scarves are Oeko-tex certified and printed in the finest eco-conscious mills in Italy.
They make wonderful gifts!
FLORAL SEAS COLLECTION 90cm square, 100% lightweight silk twill
DOG MOTIF 55cm square, 100% lightweight silk twill
Making women look and feel beautiful in works of wearable art
DiFiore New York
www.difiorenewyork.com/
www.instagram.com/difioreny/
Disinfecting Face Mist
www.goodessentials.com
All-natural brand Good Essentials created a disinfecting mask mist that kills 99.9% of germs from cloth masks. The herbal-based formula is not only safe to breathe in, but leaves a refreshing, floral scent that makes wearing a mask a little more bearable. The naturally antibacterial and antiviral formula is the perfect way to freshen cloth masks between wears and prevent acne. The company bottle fits in any bag and makes the perfect stocking stuffer! They’ve even added a Bundle of Goodness package for the holidays, containing all the products necessary to survive our new normal: the mask mist, two hand sanitizers (one citrus and one lavender), and an essential balm, designed to heal and nourish frequently washed hands.
2020 Holiday Survival Kit
As one of the only CBD companies with an organic seal, family-owned Cornbread Hemp is leading the industry in transparency, ethics, and quality standards. Their products range from full-spectrum capsules and whole flower oils to pain-relieving lotions and a pet-safe CBD oil. Just in time for the holiday season, they’ve even launched a 2020 Holiday Survival Kit, perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Cornbread Hemp has recently taken their initiatives to the next level, partnering with the Last Prisoner Project so customers can donate their change towards bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry. With a unique backstory involving The Cornbread Mafia, Cornbread Hemp products are perfect for anyone on your gift list. Plus, you can treat yourself and give back to your community in the process!
SENTEQ USA : Your year-round fitness haul
Fitness and health is our priority with our available products in the market.
We pride ourselves as one of the most trusted gears in gym and fitness training. We also cater to those who want orthopedic pain management and relief through support braces, whether they be old or young. Our products rank within the Top10 bestselling gears on Amazon.
senteq.com/
www.amazon.com/stores/SENTEQ/page/5942A95F-8BFB-44B2-BB0E-15DC8412C8E0?ref_=ast_bln
www.instagram.com/sentequsa/
Senteq USA products are excellent gifts for men and women who want to keep fit be it by doing indoor and outdoor sports despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With the holiday season in view where an abundance of food is difficult to resist, we can also help with weight management with our gears! That is not to say we’re only needed during Christmas or New Year for everyone’s yearly resolution. Ours is a year-round necessity.
earthlycomfort.shop
As an admitted shopaholic, but also, like many in my generation, someone deeply concerned with sustainability, fairness, and supporting BIPOC and marginalized communities – I launched my own business with an intention to combine my passions for social causes and style, and share with others ways to combine both – with just a touch of millennial pink! 🙂
Here are some of my gift ideas that combine undeniable chic and uniqueness with the right cause and mindset of sharing:
1. A stunning and modern African basket handmade in Rwanda that doubles as wall decor (that helps to empower a community of women artisans)
2. A handwoven trinket bowl with an elegant and bright pink pattern
3. An intricately crafted floor vase executed in Uganda that brings a memory of the outdoors and travel inside
All and more at :- earthlycomfort.shop
50 Plus Fitness
Christmas Gift for 50 years old and older.
Give a gift that keeps on giving.
You have a relative or friend that has worked hard their entire life.
They have been helping, giving, and loving to everyone.
It is time they take care of themselves, and continue to make memories.
One year to a new You with 50 Plus Fitness LLc!
50plusfitness.me
Beauvince Jewelry and their newly launched winter capsulecollection
Beauvince Jewelry for your holiday gift guide.
Komal Bajaj Sankar’s winter capsule collection, juxtaposes the opposites of diamond cuts alongside each other. In Komal’s words, “the clear step cut emeralds against the dazzling brilliant cut rounds. During the year in which the rich have gotten wealthier, and the less fortunate poorer, launching this collection is our way of reflecting on its dichotomies.
Additionally, we will be returning 30% of all profits sold from this collection via charitable donations to the community we are part of – New York City. The collection is also symbolic of our beautiful city to us.. The angular emeralds are symbolic of the concrete jungle and the brilliant cuts symbolic of people coming together in it.”
The jewelry is available online, as well through select retailers. Retailers can contact her directly for wholesale pricing.
Bellani’s Luxe Fine Merino Blanket
It makes for a memorable gift for a loved one!
The Luxe blanket by Bellani is a gift of pure comfort and joy. It is made of 100% fine merino and is all natural. It is perfect for snuggling on the couch or as an extra layer while sleeping. “Once we started spending more time at home, I realized most blankets are made of synthetics, and I wanted to craft the perfect soft, natural blanket. Our blankets are made in Europe,” says Allie Petrova, founder of Bellani. With a generous size of 60″ x 78″, there is plenty of Luxe blanket for two. The Luxe blanket is available in contemporary and classic designs and colors for $284 at mybellani.com/collections/luxe.
mybellani.com
HARIBO Sweet Medley
Christmas just got better with an assortment of HARIBO’s favourite treats all in one box. Perfect for sharing amongst friends and family, this thoughtful gift includes a handy tray to offer out a delicious mix of sweets including Starmix, Tangfastics, Supermix, Giant Strawbs, Jelly Babies Double Trouble and Jelly Beans. It’s a super surprise for your loved ones to unwrap come Christmas morning.
Give an uplifting gift experience and give back to nature this Christmas, with tickets to Spell Songs Live at the
Natural History Museum
A unique live streamed concert from the Museum’ iconic Hintze Hall raising funds for
The Urban Nature Project
The Natural History Museum is offering the perfect present for music and nature lovers this Christmas, by encouraging people to gift a donation for tickets to join the live stream of a one off, inspirational concert from the team behind the visionary book, The Lost Words and the musical companion piece, Spell Songs.
Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane, the authors behind the book and its newly published ‘sibling’ The Lost Spells will join the Spell Songs folk music ensemble – Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux, for their performance at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday February 2nd, streaming live from 8.10pm.
Those looking to give their loved ones an insightful, unique gift are asked to make a ticket donation online here where they can download a beautifully illustrated gift certificate by Jackie Morris, ready to personalise and present at Christmas. All donations made will raise funds and awareness for the NHM’s Urban Nature Project and all donors in November will receive VIP virtual access to the experience which includes extended behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists, musicians and Museum scientists.
This intimate and uplifting event will include music, poetry and art and will even offer one guest the chance to win an iconic Jackie Morris painting that she will create on stage on the night.
The whole event will be broadcast live across the world to raise funds for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project, an ambitious project that aims to inspire a national movement to help save the nature in our towns and cities.
Sir David Attenborough, who supports the Urban Nature Project, described it as an “open door for young people to fall in love with the nature on their doorsteps and develop a lifelong concern for the world’s wild places.”
Discussing Spell Songs, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris say, “Undoubtedly one of [The Lost Words] most thrilling transformations has been into the music [of Spell Songs] brought about by the vision and brilliance of eight musicians, who have together taken The Lost Words and turned it into something diverse, hopeful, moving and new.” – Robert Macfarlane
“Robert and I found ourselves working with musicians who had been the soundtrack to our working lives. Spell Songs gives wings to the book. – words and images weave a spell, music created around both word and image carries that spell deeper into the soul.” Jackie Morris
While there is no set donation price for tickets, viewers are encouraged to give what they can to support the Urban Nature Project and will receive the following unique gifts when doing so:
Donations of £25 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A5 postcard as designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters.
Donations of £40 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular communications with family activity suggestions direct to your inbox that can help protect your local biodiversity, and a cuddly fox.
Donations of £60 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A2 concert poster designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters.
Donations of £100 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A2 concert poster designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters and a credit acknowledgement in the broadcast.
Donations of £1000 or more – Two invites to join us on the night to see the concert live at the Museum and meet the Spell Songs team.*
Nature lovers, Museum supporters, Spell Songs and Lost Words fans around the world can watch this exclusive Spell Songs event STREAMED LIVE from 8.10pm on Tuesday 2 February from the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall. For further information on this event and how to join in please see updates on the Spell Songs website thelostwords.org/NHM and nhm.ac.uk/spell-songs
Praise for The Lost Words: Spell Songs
“rapturously received” BBC Music Magazine *****
“complex and beautiful and an absolute joy from start to finish” RnR *****
“beguiling”- The Sunday Times****
“a delightful homage to nature” The Times****
“A brave and magical creation” The Observer
‘MERSEY CHRISTMAS!’
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL CRUISE GIFT VOUCHERS ARE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
If you’re looking for a truly memorable gift this Christmas, then look no further than a gift voucher for a Manchester Ship Canal Cruise – taking you on a fascinating journey along one of the UK’s most iconic waterways, steeped in heritage & history.
A brand-new route for 2021, the round-trip cruise will depart from Liverpool and Wirral, travelling along the fascinating Manchester Ship Canal all the way to the historic Latchford Locks and back. Whether your loved ones are keen historians, nature lovers or simply longing for a relaxing day out on the water, this voucher is the ideal gift this festive season.
Passengers will sail under bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over 125 years ago and experience the rich legacy of Victorian architecture and engineering masterpieces like the Grade II listed Runcorn Rail Bridge and the Latchford High Level Bridge. The tour includes a Blue Badge Guide, who will provide live expert commentary about the unique history of the canal. A licensed bar and servery are also available on board, selling refreshments and snacks throughout the cruise.
At Latchford Locks the ferry will set sail back along the canal, through Eastham Locks into the River Mersey, giving passengers a truly breath-taking view of the Mersey Estuary and Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront in the distance.
Gift vouchers are £46 per person and can be used on any 2021 sailing date. You can buy this wonderful gift for your loved ones with confidence as Manchester Ship Canal Cruise gift vouchers are valid for 12 months and will be extended if Covid-19 related restrictions prevent redemption.
The vouchers also come in a presentation wallet; the perfect gift for under the Christmas tree.
To purchase vouchers visit Mersey Ferries website
For further details on all Mersey Ferry products, visit www.merseyferries.co.uk or follow Mersey Ferries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Live Pain Free Naturally… Get out of pain and experience the life you deserve! www.thesanashop.com
LIVE PAIN FREE NATURALLY.
No one should have to suffer from chronic or debilitating pain. Our mission at Pain Free for Life is to end needless pain worldwide.
Through our Sana Shop, we provide proven solutions to get you out of pain and experiencing the life you deserve.
MICROCURRENT THERAPY
Microcurrent therapy is like the swiss army knife of the healing world. Sana Therapeutics currently offers the most powerful product on the market, and whether you’re looking for a device to provide simple basic pain relief at home, or one that can tackle practically any health concern, we have a choice for you.
Our selection of Microcurrent Devices. Avazzia currently offers the most powerful product on the market, and whether you’re looking for a device to provide simple basic pain relief at home, or one that can tackle practically any health concern, we have a choice for you.
See more at :- www.thesanashop.com
GET SET FOR A SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS
Give a Christmas gift that will make both loved ones and the planet happy
Gigil and Kovered offer stylish, sustainable options when shopping for that perfect Christmas Gift
With more Brits than ever wanting to shop sustainably this Christmas make sure your list to Santa is filled with gifts that are both kind to the planet and sure to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces come Christmas morning.
When Christmas shopping for new parents, Gigil’s Luxe Changing Backpack is a sustainable choice that is not only practical and stylish but made from sustainably sourced organic fabrics, meaning new parents are sure to appreciate this thoughtful gift.
Ideal for those who love to travel, Kovered produces premium lifestyle accessories in sustainable materials and inspired by the natural world, making them the perfect gifts to place under any would-be adventurers’ Christmas tree.
What’s more, Kovered ensures traceability and trust within their supply chain ensuring ethical practices.
GIGIL
Gigil’s Luxe Changing Backpack – Black – £65
Any parent will tell you how essential a good quality changing bag is for a baby’s first year. Gigil’s Luxe Changing backpack is designed to make parents lives easier with features including a changing mat which can be used while you’re out and about, insulated pockets to keep bottles and baby food warm, and a total of nine different compartments to house all the nappies, baby wipes and muslin cloths you might need while out with a little one, in style.
Stylish, functional and made from sustainable and easy-to-clean vegan leather, Gigil’s Luxe Changing Backpack comes in six colourways including Black, Grey, Tan, Pink, Navy and Duck Egg and is priced at £65.
Black and Navy are handy unisex options so both mum and dad can venture out, fully confident and prepared for everything their new arrival might need.
The Gigil Luxe Changing Backpack is available to buy at www.gigil.com
KOVERED
The Humber Bag
Humber – Waxed Canvas Holdall – Moss – £95
For those who like to get away at the weekends, this handmade, stylish wax and canvas bag makes the perfect gift this Christmas. The bag is spacious with an internal twin pocket for keeping items separate.
Lined with waterproof nylon, users can be sure their belongings and electricals will be safe.
The double zip pockets and sturdy brass fastenings give users peace of mind that their bag is durable and built to last.
What’s more the adjustable shoulder strap provides a comfortable fit for easy carrying through airports, on the train and off to the next adventure. Available in Moss or Tan Brown colour ways.
Tamar Backpacks
Tamar – Canvas Backpack – Grey – £79
This multi-purpose backpack is perfect for those on the go, as it comes with a practical 14 litre capacity.
Large enough to fit a 15” laptop and with an extra strap to keep it secure, this bag is great for taking to and from the office. Plus the reinforced base and zippers make it durable enough to take on the morning commute.
The discreet interior zip pocket makes carrying valuables such as a wallet or phone safe and easy.
The bag comes with zip fastenings as well as a unique roll top fastening system with a magnetic closure, for added security and a stylish finish. This bag is available in a Grey or Tan.
To see the full ranges please visit Gigil.co.uk and kovered.co.uk
Generational Play
Plum Play was founded by Jonathan and Diane Schaffer in 1988, they balanced their time running a successful family business and enjoying their three young children. They knew by keeping their children active it would help their imaginations run wild. Their son Paul Schaffer used to do his ABC’s sat on Jonathan’s handlebars as he cycled him to school or his next football match. Today Paul is the Managing Director of Plum Play and successfully leads the brand’s drive to create new fans across the world. From trampolines to sandpits, treehouses to scooters, Plum offers it all, in a fun, vibrant and active way.
Not all Managing Directors can say they’ve worked their way up through the business. Paul Schaffer grew up watching his parents build a little empire. From as early as he can remember Paul was picking screws, lifting, folding leaflets and packing boxes for his family’s successful company.
(Paul with Jonathan and Diane Schaffer)
Paul often watched and wondered why his parents would get stressed with big orders or wondered how they struggled to switch off after a hard day’s work. Something Paul fully understands now. “Plum Play is my family, it’s very, very personal, every little screw, every little thing we do matters.” He quickly realised there is no switch off button. “When it’s your business, work never really stops, it comes with you everywhere, always thinking on how to improve and innovate.” Whilst this can be stressful, Paul, like his parents uses this energy to continue to shine.
Paul’s attitude is all about hard work and encouraging his staff to grow “You can lead, manage but ultimately it’s what you and your staff have in them to succeed that matters. If you have pride it shows, you work hard and ultimately succeed, it can’t and won’t come by itself.” It’s this analytical and detailed attention to every element of his business which has made Paul and Plum the success they are today.
Whilst Paul leads Plum today it wasn’t always that way. After studying in Sydney, Australia he landed a job at Ernst Young where his analytical, accountancy and numeracy skills helped him shine in the city. Paul was excelling but had always had ambitions to return to Plum as long as the right opportunity was there. In 2015 his returned as General Manager, then moved to Commercial Director, finally taking the helm as Managing Director in 2019.
(Paul Schaffer, Managing Director of Plum)
Paul is fascinated with how business works, fixated with analysing the fundamentals “If you look after the little bits in a business, they soon add up to be big bits.”
Plum is an international brand and recently entered the US market. Something which could have been a risky move but for Paul it wasn’t a risk, it was simply something that needed to happen. “I treat it like chess, I knew we couldn’t afford to enter the market and break even, we had to commit and make a success of it.” Paul’s confidence and strategic planning helped Plum achieve record growth and the company is estimated to turnover in excess of £50m in the next few years. “The most important thing is ensuring all of our products are of the highest quality and safety. If we keep our customers happy, they come back.” Plum now trades in over 40 countries.
The March lockdown was a shock to the industry but under Paul’s leadership Plum sold out of many lines in record time. “People were stuck at home, they knew they had to keep their children active and our trampolines, climbing frames and tree houses were the perfect fit”.
Paul has worked in every area of the business and is always the first to roll up his sleeves to get things done. “I enjoy getting on the phones, packing boxes or building, it helps me see things that I can improve. It is this unique leadership style which helps Plum continue to thrive. “I like to get involved, I know how everything is built, everything is done and wouldn’t have it any other way, I like to be involved from the ground floor to the board room.”
Despite having successful sales in the first lockdown Paul was ever the perfectionist used it as an opportunity to improve. “We sold out so quickly and had a limited warehouse with the Covid guidelines, it slowed everything down and some customers were upset that some orders were slow getting out.”
Paul saw his customer service team were under strain and jumped in to help to help them. “It was an emotionally draining time, the negative comments cut, it upset me personally. One of the reasons I love Plum is that everyone jumped in to help, not just me. We have a great team mentality and will always look out for one another.”
Paul recently joined the SME council. He is keen to support businesses when he can. Whilst 2020 was a great year for sales, Paul’s commitment to providing and creating high quality and innovative products will continue to help his family business stay at the top of their game.
Plum Play www.plumplay.co.uk/
Embassy Gardens presents Festive Photography Pawtraits with internationally acclaimed photographer David Loftus
This Christmas, leading lifestyle and commercial destination, Embassy Gardens has teamed up with one of London’s most influential photographers David Loftus to create a Festive Photography Pawtrait workshop.
Award-winning and internationally acclaimed photographer, David Loftus, will host the one-hour Pawtrait workshop via Zoom, where he will teach you how to capture the best, most exciting angles of your beloved furry family members, creating different, fun and sharable shots.
David’s stripped-back, fuss-free photography style has won him numerous awards over the years. He has worked with the likes of Jamie Oliver, Rachel Khoo, Conde Nast Traveler, Soho House and Pippa Middleton, in addition to developing the most successful downloadable camera pack to date – the “Loftus Lens”.
Nothing screams Christmas like a personal festive holiday snap, so this year, join Embassy Gardens in spreading the Christmas joy by taking part in the Pawtraits workshop. This is a great chance to create your very own digital Christmas card! The workshops will guide you on how to make your pet the star of the show, using the best of what you have available to you at home, be that an iPhone or a pro camera.
David will teach you how use props and accessories and how to work with your pet, from poking their heads through cardboard boxes to animal fancy dress, and most importantly teaching participants how to work with natural light to achieve professional looking, fun shots. Best of all, have your furry friend accompany you throughout the session as all pets are strongly encouraged to join in too!
Taking place on 12 December at 3:00pm, the workshop tickets cost £10 p/p. All the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, with a donation matched by Embassy Gardens. The development is fast becoming one of London’s most pet- friendly places to live, supporting its many residents with pet licenses.
To be in with the chance of winning a £500 voucher to spend at any of Embassy Garden’s exceptional commercial tenants, and the chance for David to shoot his own Pawtrait of your much-loved pet, share your finished image from the workshop and ensure you follow and tag @embassygardens and @davidloftus. The winner will be selected by David himself and announced on Embassy Gardens’ Instagram.
Embassy Gardens has established a strong reputation as a leading lifestyle and commercial hub in London, and an ever-growing destination for people to work, live and socialise. It is already home to a diverse selection of thriving lifestyle brands, including Robin Gill’s Darby’s restaurant, Australian inspired District cafe, beauty and lifestyle concept Linnaean, leading publisher Penguin Random House, well-known cocktail bar The Alchemist and boutique cycle studio Static.
How to Book:
With limited spaces, secure your spot quickly via the below link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/festive-photography-pawtrait-workshops-with-david-loftus-tickets-129490548717
For updates on the digital workshops, please visit the following Instagram channels:
@embassygardens
@Davidloftus
Experience Gifts this Christmas from the Natural History Museum
For those looking for experience gifts this Christmas, the Natural History Museum has a range of exciting gift ideas for nature lovers.
From Museum Membership, unlocking a whole year of exhibitions, to tickets to Spell Songs Live, a unique live streamed concert from the Museum’ iconic Hintze Hall, a Natural History Museum experience is the perfect gift for those looking to give back to nature.
Natural History Museum Membership
For those looking to give something a little different to a loved one this Christmas, the Natural History Museum is offering Gift Membership, allowing the recipient a whole year of exhibitions, events and access to the Museum’s leading scientists, bringing them closer to the natural world.
As well as unlocking a series of exclusive benefits, membership also supports critical scientific research and education programmes as well as the reservation of the Museum’s collections for future generations so is the perfect gift for a nature lover who would like to support the Museum’s vital work.
2021 is set to be bursting with activity at the Natural History Museum with two showstopping exhibitions, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, where the world’s best nature photography can be explored and the brand new Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature, in which the real and wizarding worlds intertwine. Being a Member of the Museum means free entry to all ticketed exhibitions, with priority access to book tickets and see exhibitions before the public. Members also enjoy priority entry to the Museum to skip the queues.
Members also get exclusive access to the Anning Rooms, a suite of rooms for Members and Patrons located over two floors in the iconic Waterhouse Towers at the heart of the Museum, the perfect place to grab lunch, work, or relax with incredible views.
This thoughtful gift is valid for a full 24 months, so recipients can choose to start their membership at a time which suits them. There are a range of Membership options to suit everyone, from single adult or joint memberships, to family memberships which include four children up to the age of 16 years old. Membership starts from only £73 per year.
The full list of membership benefits includes:
free entry to all ticketed exhibitions
access to exclusive Member events and private views
priority access to book tickets and see exhibitions before the public
a dedicated digital hub with bespoke content, virtual events and activities
Members’ magazine, Evolve, and with family membership, kids’ magazine WILD WORLD
priority entry to the Museum, no need to queue
exclusive access to the Anning Rooms, a private lounge and restaurant for Members and Patrons
free use of the cloakrooms
discounts at the Museum’s shops, cafes and restaurants
save 10% on public events like Dino Snores and Crime Scene Live
Option to add guests to your membership and attend exhibitions with friends and family
For more information and to purchase, please visit www.nhm.ac.uk/membership.html
Spell Songs Live
A unique live streamed concert from the Museum’ iconic Hintze Hall raising funds for The Urban Nature Project
The Natural History Museum is offering the perfect present for music and nature lovers this Christmas, by encouraging people to make a donation for tickets so loved ones can join the live stream of a one off, inspirational concert from the team behind the visionary book, The Lost Words and the musical companion piece, Spell Songs.
Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane, the authors behind the book and its newly published ‘sibling’ The Lost Spells will join the Spell Songs folk music ensemble – Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux, for their performance at the Natural History Museum on Tuesday February 2nd, streaming live from 8.10pm. People are being encouraged to buy their loved ones a truly unique Christmas gift with tickets to join the live stream of the concert. Donations for tickets can be given here, which will in turn generate a beautiful, Jackie Morris illustrated gift certificate which can be personalised and printed, ready for Christmas day.
This intimate and uplifting event will include music, poetry and art and will even offer one guest the chance to win an iconic Jackie Morris painting that she will create on stage on the night.
The whole event will be broadcast live across the world to raise funds for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project, an ambitious project that aims to inspire a national movement to help save the nature in our towns and cities.
Sir David Attenborough, who supports the project, described it as an “open door for young people to fall in love with the nature on their doorsteps and develop a lifelong concern for the world’s wild places.”
Discussing Spell Songs, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris say,
“Undoubtedly one of [The Lost Words] most thrilling transformations has been into the music [of Spell Songs] brought about by the vision and brilliance of eight musicians, who have together taken The Lost Words and turned it into something diverse, hopeful, moving and new.” – Robert Macfarlane
“Robert and I found ourselves working with musicians who had been the soundtrack to our working lives. Spell Songs gives wings to the book. – words and images weave a spell, music created around both word and image carries that spell deeper into the soul.” Jackie Morris
All donations made will raise funds and awareness for the NHM’s Urban Nature Project. While there is no set donation price for tickets, viewers are encouraged to give what they can and will receive the following:
Donations of £25 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A5 postcard designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters.
Donations of £40 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular communications with family activity suggestions direct to your inbox that can help protect your local biodiversity, and a cuddly fox.
Donations of £60 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A2 concert poster designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters.
Donations of £100 or more – Enjoy VIP virtual access to Spell Songs in concert, regular updates on the Urban Nature Project and a beautiful A2 concert poster designed by Jackie Morris, exclusively available to project supporters and a credit acknowledgement in the broadcast.
Donations of £1000 or more – Two invites to join us on the night to see the concert live at the Museum and meet the Spell Songs team.*
Nature lovers, Museum supporters, Spell Songs and Lost Words fans around the world can watch this exclusive Spell Songs event STREAMED LIVE from 8.10pm on Tuesday 2 February from the Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall. For further information on this event and how to join in please see updates on the Spell Songs website thelostwords.org/NHM and nhm.ac.uk/spell-songs
* Limited availability (max two packages available). Subject to government regulations and social distancing measures. If we are unable to host, you on the night we will be in touch to discuss alternative options.
BLOG: What to do if lockdown is making mealtimes even more challenging… from Doddl Cutlery www.doddl.com
(At doddl, we make clever kids’ products that are especially designed to make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable. Expert approved.)
Lockdown was never going to be easy, particularly for parents of young children. It’s hard enough keeping children entertained, exercised, dealing with changes in sleep, tantrums, arguments – and that’s in normal times….
But what should you do if lockdown is making mealtimes even more challenging? OFSTED has also recognised the impact of lockdown and the significance of it it has been shared across a wide range of media outlets (but for ease you can read highlights here) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-54880403 .
Young children have forgotten how to use a knife and fork
Basically it says that ‘The pandemic has seen most children in England slipping back with their learning – and some have gone significantly back with their social skills. A report from the education watchdog warns some young children have forgotten how to use a knife and fork or have regressed to nappies.’ The contents of the report is not something any of us will be particularly surprised about given the changes lockdown made to everyday life, but it is shocking that it has happened at all. And this kind of report is obviously concerning.
The impact of the pandemic on children at mealtimes
Peer to peer interaction is something that many children will have missed out on over the past year. Where children would have sat down at mealtimes together with their peers and had the opportunity to copy and learn, they have missed out. …. see the full article at :- www.doddl.com/2020/11/10/what-to-do-if-lockdown-is-making-mealtimes-even-more-challenging
Jason McLeod’s gold and silver Time Traveler Shamanic Mask
Time Traveler Shamanic Mask, and newly launched jewelry.
Homage to the pandemic — McLeod’s Time Traveler Shamanic Mask is made of sterling silver, 18K yellow gold, leather, silk, and cotton and rubber foam lining. Because of the pandemic, he was inspired to create this, so I thought it might work for your holiday gift guide. It is N95 equivalent, and features two, 600-count, cotton removable filters and adjustable leather straps. The rivets and buckles are entirely hand fabricated, as well as the mask stand. McLeod says, “I wanted to do a project with the ‘Robin Hood’ effect, and help out a worthy cause, since so many people have been impacted by the coronavirus.” Jason will be donating profits from the mask to charity.
In addition, Jason McLeod is adding new pieces to the Time Traveler and Bubbles collections, including: seven cuffs, six rings, a pendant, and a statement necklace. The pieces represent optimism, and an escape from reality that looks to a hopeful future, as a reflection of the world’s current state.
The jewelry is available online, as well through select retailers. Retailers can contact him directly for wholesale pricing.
JUICI JERK LAUNCHES UK’S FIRST RESTAURANT-STYLE CARIBBEAN DIY MEAL KITS
London-based Caribbean kitchen and pop-up, Juici Jerk is the first to launch UK-wide deliveries of its home cooking kits offering restaurant-quality ingredients, inspired by contemporary West Indian cuisine.
With only one week left of lockdown 2.0, Juici Jerk’s DIY meal kits have arrived just in time for those who want to try Caribbean cooking whilst at home but are unsure about ingredients or traditional culinary techniques.
Even when restaurants reopen, the prospect of dining out for many seems daunting. Juici Jerk has designed fun, simple and easy-to-follow home meal kits to enable anyone to recreate authentic Caribbean dishes from the comfort of their home. All ingredients in its kits are freshly prepared by Juici Jerk’s in-house kitchen team.
The meal kits will give households an authentic taste of the Caribbean, transporting their taste buds to the Islands, at great value for money. Each box has sustainable packaging with no single use plastic and comes with Juici Jerk’s ‘Island Vibes’ Spotify playlist.
Juici Jerk offers meal kits to feed up to five people, with prices starting at £30 for ‘The Juici Jerk’ which covers meals for two to three people and £60 for ‘The Kingston Platter’ feeding between four and five people. Both boxes are available Halal and contain a diverse range of Caribbean cooking ingredients including pre-marinated meat, classic sundries such as plantain and festival dough, homemade sauces, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
A Black-owned, family business, Juici Jerk was founded by two brothers, Troy and Jarrell Johnson who hung up their gloves in the retail & hospitality industry to chase their passion for Caribbean cuisine. Combining a British and West-Indian heritage, the duo aims to offer a Contemporary Caribbean dining experience with an urban twist.
Managing Director of Juici Jerk, Troy Johnson says: “Eating amongst friends and family is a massive part of our tradition and food in general is what brings our whole family together. With the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, many families have been unable to dine together so that’s why we have launched our cook at home DIY kits – to bring traditional elements of our culture to people all round the UK, giving them a taste of our West Indian heritage and flavours they can usually only find at their favourite Caribbean restaurants.”
Launching soon, Juici Jerk will be bringing a ‘Caribbean Christmas dinner’ with its festive DIY kit and a vegan option is on the horizon for the New Year too.
The Juici Jerk DIY Kits are available to order weekly for nationwide delivery here. To get your weekly fix of Caribbean flavours, orders must be placed by midnight on Tuesday and will arrive on Friday. Head over to Juici Jerk’s website to get 20% off your first DIY meal kit just in time for the final weekend of lockdown – www.juicijerk.com.
How to clean up after Christmas
Helpful tips to restore your house and prepare for the New Year
Introducing the Lupe Pure Cordless, created by an aeronautical engineer and industrial designer who met on their first day at Dyson
•Capturing 99.99% of ALL microscopic dust particles
•Twice the suction and four times the battery life of the market leading competitor
•Built to tackle £50bn in annual electrical appliance waste
As we enter the run-up to Christmas, the focus is on festive food, presents and decorations, but what about the aftermath of a perfect Christmas? Vacuum cleaner start-up brand, Lupe Technology, has compiled a list of their best tips and tricks to help you restore your house after a busy Christmas.
Tips to clean your house after Christmas.
1. Organise your decorations. It’s all too easy to rush taking down your decorations and stuff them in any old box, any which way. However, taking time to properly organise and put away your decorations can make the world of difference when it comes to putting them up next year.
2. Invest in a high power vacuum cleaner. If you favour real pine over plastic trees then it is very worthwhile to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that is equipped to hoover up pine needles almost every day! The Lupe Pure Cordless has has twice the suction of the market leading competitor so you can rest assured that it will not be missing any dirt.
3. Check your house for red wine and champagne stains. For many, Christmas is a great time to open a bottle of red or indulge in some festive fizz however all too often spillages can occur. It’s best to address any spills the moment they happen and clean them by diluting the area with water, sponging up any leftover moisture then mix a table spoon of dish soap with warm water and work the mixture in with a sponge or soft bristled brush. Add vinegar if the stain is red wine and your carpets should turn out as good as new!
4. Deep clean your kitchen. With the end of Christmas comes the end of the year, so what better time to deep clean your kitchen after a hectic festive period in preparation for the New Year? Start by cleaning your oven and organising the baking tray cupboard and finish with disinfecting the surfaces to ensure a pristine kitchen.
About Lupe Technology:
Lupe Technology, a vacuum cleaner start-up brand created by two former lead Dyson engineers, has unveiled data indicating that 20% of Brits now feel that their carpet is the largest health hazard in the home due to it being the hardest to clean. In light of this research, it’s clear that it’s time for new technology to be developed in order for us to raise the standard of our home hygiene.
Over the past six years, the Lupe team, led by founders and Pablo and Lucas, have tested and designed the Pure Cordless to be everything the cordless vacuum should be: lightweight, manoeuvrable, long-lasting and powerful. Featuring nearly double the useful suction of the leading competitor their patented suction intensifier technology results in outstanding performance of one hour run time and 100% deep down dirt removal. Utilising a premium washable HEPA filter, the Pure Cordless captures 99.99% of all fine dust and allergens.
In addition to excellent performance, the Lupe Pure Cordless is also kind to the environment. At a time where global warming is reaching crisis point, Lupe is mindful that by creating new things, their products produce a carbon footprint. To try and counteract this, Lupe will offset carbon for the lifecycle of each Lupe Pure Cordless sold, with the aim of becoming carbon negative during 2023.
Bringing these elements together has created a game changing product that is kinder to the planet with long service life; the Pure Cordless was designed with sustainability at its very core.
Pablo Montero, co-founder of Lupe, commented on the launch: “The Pure Cordless is the domestic appliance designed not just to shake-up the vacuum market but the entire home technology arena. We have strived to make a product as reliable and long-lasting as possible and hope consumers understand our mission to make technology stand the test of time. We want to help keep appliances out of landfill and perform as well as they did on day one for longer.”
Lucas Horne, co-founder of Lupe, commented: “When designing the Pure Cordless, we had two core values; class-leading performance and longevity. The launch today represents the realisation of this and six years of hard work to make the best possible cordless vacuum available today while thinking about our environmental footprint. This is a product that has been designed to change our attitudes towards consumable electronics and home appliances. ”
The Lupe Cordless is available nationwide through Lupe’s online store and Amazon.