Christmas Gift Guide Segment 17 !

WILKO REDUCES, REUSES AND RECYCLES THIS CHRISTMAS WITH PACKAGING IMPROVEMENTS THAT SAVE ALMOST 1M BOTTLES’ WORTH OF PLASTIC THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Wilko, has removed glitter and single-use plastics from boxed cards, wrap, gift bags, crackers and gift sets – making most of the home and garden retailer’s range recyclable; so, while Brits might still feel a tad guilty for having too many mince pies, they don’t have to feel quite so guilty about harming the environment via their Christmas shopping.

The retailer is a proud signatory of the UK Plastics Pact and this reduction in plastic usage is part of wilko’s commitment to significantly reducing unnecessary single-use plastics by 2025.

Plastic reductions across wilko’s festive ranges, include:

Boxed cards, wrapping paper sheets and tissue paper being made entirely recyclable and from sustainably sourced materials
Making all but two of the retailer’s rolls of wrapping paper recyclable
Ensuring crackers and their packaging are recyclable – and that there’s no glitter on the prizes inside
Reducing the use of foil and removing the use of glitter in its gift bags
Minimising amount of single-use plastic needed to package festive gift sets

In total, wilko’s yuletide packaging improvements mean that the business has been able to remove 14.65 tonnes of single-use plastics and over 16 tons of paper from its festive ranges; that’s equivalent to 940,000 bottles of water in terms of material and 153 reindeers in terms of weight.

The retailer has been making major steps towards improving its environmental credentials throughout 2020.

These measures have included removing all glitter from the thousands of fancy-dress costumes sold each Halloween and removing the equivalent of 20,000 plastic bottles and 520,000 sheets of paper from the packaging used for its Halloween costume and decoration ranges.

What’s more, wilko also became the first high street retailer to remove plastic from all of its own brand wipes – including beauty, cleaning, household, pet and more.

For more information on wilko and its festive collections, please visit: wilko.com or your nearest wilko store.

Begin 2021 with sparkle and bright lights, with the extension of Waddesdon’s hugely popular Winter Light programme throughout January (7-31 January) for the first time, bringing a little cheer to a dark time of year.

The November lockdown has meant the first two weeks of Winter Light, part of this year’s Christmas at Waddesdon, have had to be cancelled (it was due to open on 14 November). This meant not only have thousands of tickets had to be refunded, but also the remaining December tickets have sold out very quickly.

With capped visitor numbers for Christmas due to Covid-safe operating already in place, Waddesdon has decided to extend Winter Light through January to offer the opportunity for as many people possible to visit safely for an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens aglow.

Tickets are on sale from 20 November.

UNWRAP THE GIFT OF THE PUB & SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Now more than ever your local community needs your support and you don’t get much more local than your favourite pub. With Christmas fast coming, and the pandemic showing us the value of experiences and time spent with family and friends over ‘things’, give the gift of something to look forward to with a whole host of experiences from Young’s.

From monetary vouchers through to hotel stays, a Young’s gift voucher makes the perfect Christmas gift for friends, corporate clients and even Secret Santa for that difficult-to-buy-for colleague whilst providing support for your much-loved local. And whilst it’s better to give than receive, Young’s lets you do both – purchase a monetary gift voucher by 30th November and receive up to £20 to spend on yourself*.

Providing a sense of occasion, vouchers arrive in a beautifully crafted gift wallet delivered direct to the recipient’s door or can be sent by email. Monetary options are available in various denominations so your loved one can tailor their own experience, from a round of drinks to dinner, at any Young’s pub across London and the south of England.

For an extra special gift, treat your nearest and dearest to a sensational staycation; from city breaks to weekends in the Cotswolds and seaside escapes. Each hotel is totally unique with beautifully designed boutique-style bedrooms complete with luxury amenities, all within a welcoming pub setting with roaring fires and seasonal British menus; not forgetting an extensive selection of craft and draught beer.

Vouchers can be purchased at www.youngs.co.uk/gift-vouchers. Don’t delay, order yours by 30th November to qualify for your own special treat of up to £20 to spend in your local.www.youngs.co.uk

FB: @YoungsPubs | T: @YoungsPubs | I: @Youngspubs

18 November 2020

Universally Unique with NASA

The official licensed NASA Retro Galaxy Lamp is a perfect light for all space-enthusiasts. The quirky retro lamp is out of this world. Shaped like a rocket it grabs attention in any room.

Add a touch of nostalgia to your life the lamp stands 50cm tall with NASA branding throughout. In a spin back to the good-old days, the lava moves when the lamp is on. The mesmerising and captivating lava draws your in for hours, helping you unwind, relax and even helping you drift off to a galaxy far away whilst you dream.

The Galaxy Lamp is perfect for all ages, from space loving toddlers who want an awe-inspiring room to star-glazers and those who love a little retro style.

One thing is for sure, with this adorable lamp you will never be out of space. You might even love it to the moon and back.

NASA Retro Galaxy Lamp £34.99 from ThumbsUp.com

TWISTED: A COOKBOOK IS HERE TO SHAKE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS FEAST

Featuring over 110 new and unique recipes Twisted: A Cookbook is the perfect gift for Christmas

Chapters include Social Occasions, Basics and Ingredients with ‘Christmas Party’ set to be a hit this festive season

Twisted, the UK’s #1 food and drink brand on social, which boasts a global community of over 30 million followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, has released its official cookbook, hitting best seller lists the week of publication (3 September 2020).

Twisted: A Cookbook, from Co-Creators Tom Jackson and Harry Bamber, is a collection of more than 110 new and unique recipes that showcase the brand’s ‘unserious food tastes seriously good’ ethos. Available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones, Tesco and WH Smith in the UK, chapters are centred around social occasions like ‘Meat-Free Monday’, and ‘Hungover Saturday Breakfast’, whilst ‘Christmas Party’ has everyone covered for a deliciously Twisted festive period, with highlights from this section including ‘Coronation Turkey-Stuffed Dough Balls’ and a ‘Chocolate Hazelnut Christmas Tree’.

The chapters from the Social Occasions section of the book are sandwiched between a ‘Basics’ section featuring unique recipes for bread, condiments and sauces, as well as an ‘Ingredients’ section that features chapters for staples like Pasta, Chocolate, Potatoes and Wraps.

The book’s striking photography from David Loftus and Louise Hagger bring the vibrant dishes to life, alongside beautiful illustrations. At a time when everyone could do with a little comfort in their lives, this is the perfect antidote to long, complicated cookery books, the perfect gift for Christmas as well as the ideal companion in the kitchen for a new take on Christmas recipes that will wow the family this year.

In a world that can be a bit too conventional, Twisted wants to remind people how fun (and delicious) life can be when you don’t take it too seriously. This approach has seen Twisted achieve international fame with appearances on This Morning and Good Morning America when their ‘Pizzadilla’ (a mash up of a pizza and a quesadilla) went viral worldwide last year, fuelled by Tweets from celebrities like Chrissy Teigen.

For students at university, or for those just wanting to broaden their repertoire and have a bit of fun in the kitchen, Twisted: A Cookbook is the perfect addition for time-poor, adventure-hungry cooks, taking classics and twisting them to create dishes that are surprising and original, and above all taste good. As quoted in The Times, Twisted are the “Young social media stars who are making comfort food cool again”.

King’s Cross Christmas

In this Christmas like no other, King’s Cross have created a digital Gift Guide centred around the ‘traditionally untraditional’. Celebrating the eclectic mix of independent shops and signature brands found at King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard, in these extraordinary times King’s Cross wants to encourage shoppers to throw aside their traditional Christmas shopping routine and instead to embrace new independent retailers, to shop more consciously and to hero real life ‘experience’ gifts, something that’s become a precious commodity this year.

Not your typical high-street shopping destination, the striking architecture and cobbled streets of King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard are home to a wonderful and unexpected mix of independent shops and signature brands from home and abroad, and this year’s Gift Guide invites shoppers to explore new, unique gift choices which help them turn gifting into an art.

TOAST TO A NEW TRADITION THIS CHRISTMAS WITH HATTINGLEY VALLEY

This Christmas ditch the Champers and support British with a glass of England’s finest sparkling or light red from family-owned Hampshire winery, Hattingley Valley.

Classic Reserve (£30) – A Christmas Day staple

An elegant wine, pale gold in colour with delicate and long-lasting bubbles, Hattingley’s Classic Reserve is ideal to kick off the proceedings. Beautifully complex, with aromas of green apples, creamy nougat and freshly baked brioche; pair with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Christmas Day.

Blanc de Blancs 2013 (£47.50) – A Christmas Eve treat

WineGB’s Gold award-winning Blanc de Blancs 2013 is sure to be a crowd pleaser around the dinner table. Made from the best Chardonnay grapes, this deliciously fruity and honeyed wine has a well-balanced and refreshing acidity. Enjoy on Christmas Eve with a traditional fish feast, such as poached salmon in a creamy sauce, or save for an extra special treat with your turkey.

Rosé 2017 (£36) – To kick off the festivities

A harmonious blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with luscious strawberry coulis flavours, Hattingley’s latest release has a subtle delicate salmon hue and a soft mousse, with bright red fruit and summer berry aromas. A joy to drink on its own or bring out this sparkling rosé with canapés.

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Kings Cuvée 2014 (£80) – voted Best Sparkling Wine in the UK 2020

The champion of sparkling wines, the 2014 Kings Cuvée is Hattingley’s very limited release and a premium blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Recently nominated Best Sparkling Wine in the UK, it makes for the ideal celebratory aperitif, enjoyed with a caviar and sour cream blini.

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STILL Pinot Red 2016 (£25) – a winter warmer

The second wine in the STILL by Hattingley collection, Hattingley’s first range of premium still wines, this red bursts with aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate, accented by hints of toast and dark chocolate. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this light wine may be enjoyed with turkey or simply sip by the fire on Christmas or Boxing Day.

Hattingley Valley – start a new tradition this Christmas.

All wines are available to purchase at www.hattingleyvalley.com.

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Issued by Roche Communications on behalf of Hattingley Valley, 18th November 2020

Hattingley Valley

Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Nr Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AJ

01256 389 188

www.hattingleyvalley.com

Sweet-smelling festive treats

Ava May Aromas’ brand-new festive scents

Founded by 25-year-old Hannah Champan, Ava May Aromas, which has more than a quarter of a million adoring followers across social media and is Mrs Hinch’s favourite brand, offers a wide range of beautiful products with dupe scents inspired by popular designer fragrances from Dior to Jo Malone, as well as popular cleaning products like ZoFlora and Lenor.

But it’s the company’s wax melts which take centre stage and the firm has just launched some limited-edition festive ones for the season. From Crimson Cranberry Sparkler to Orange and Cinnamon to Frankincense and Myrrh, there’s a whole host of different scents to make sure your house smells as Christmassy as possible.

All products are vegan, cruelty-free, affordable and smell delicious! I’ve popped the product details below. Of course, we have plenty of samples I can get out to you if you’d like to try? If we’re too late for your Christmas gift guides, let me know and I can send over some considerations for Veganuary, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day instead.

Ava May Aromas Christmas Wax Melts

avamayaromas.com/products/christmas-wax-melts

RRP £5

Scents:

– Winter Honeysuckle and Elderflower
– Crimson Cranberry Sparkler
– Cranberry, Cinnamon and Orange
– Zo Flo Sparkling Spruce
– Frankincense and Myrrh
– Mistletoe Kisses

In these socially-distant times, families are looking for safe ways to connect meaningfully for the holidays.

The Interview Game™ now offers a special 2020 holiday edition, connecting family via Zoom (or preferred video chat platform) for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This Holiday season families are advised not to celebrate together, in order to keep everyone safe. But with The Interview Game, we can still connect deeply, and have fun sharing stories, perspectives, legacies and laughs together.

With expertly crafted and sequenced questions and prompts, The Interview Game special 2020 Holidays edition engages multiple generations of family members in 60-minutes of fun, illuminating conversations that inform, entertain and surprise, as they play the roles of interviewers and interviewees intermittently.

…If you had a warning label, what would it say?

…What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

…Who would you want to play you in the Hollywood movie version of your life?

…Have you ever been responsible for baking the Thanksgiving turkey?

…Have you ever got a ‘problematic’ Christmas present for someone?

The cure for the common family Zoom gathering, The Interview Game turns ordinary video-chat-time into quality family gathering time. This holiday season, The Interview Game can be your family’s antidote to pandemic-time isolation. Developed with psychologists, spiritual leaders, teachers, grandparents, parents, and kids of all ages, The Interview Game is strategically designed for players to gradually go deeper, recognize, celebrate, and ultimately ‘see each other.’ Social distancing does not have to mean emotional distancing.

Interview Games can be recorded for free and kept as cherished video mementoes for posterity.

In addition to the special Family 2020 Holidays edition, The Interview Game offers unique one-on-one editions for Grandparent & Grandchild, Family Members, Valued Friends, Rites of Passage, Bar & Bat Mitzvah, and even a special The Jewish Mishpacha High Holy Days edition.

“The Interview Game began among a group of friends raising our children thousands of miles away from our parents,” says Ami Dayan, Founder of The Interview Game. We started experimenting with reciprocal Interview Games that were greeted with unabashed enthusiasm and input from family, friends, psychologists, teachers and kids of all ages. When COVID-19 altered our plans to launch The Interview Game at public events in schools, churches and community centers in the spring, we shifted to video chat editions, allowing anyone with WIFI, a web-enabled device and 60 minutes to connect deeply and safely with family and friends. This allowed families to document their two-way interview and keep a cherished video memento. The pandemic did not change our mission to create a better, more compassionate, empathetic world by truly ‘seeing each other.’ With growing isolation and loneliness-particularly for elderly and fragile populations-this mission is now more urgent than ever. Thankfully, we are seeing that while the pandemic is contagious, so is love.”

The Family 2020 Holidays Interview Game edition is $25. All one-on-one editions of The Interview Game are $15. All games are available for download from TheInterviewGame.com.

No matter who you’re shopping for these holidays, we’ve handpicked a selection of gaming and personal computers that will give them an unforgettable experience for Christmas – an experience that will last long after you’ve packed up the tree.

• Dell XPS 13 | Prices: starting from AUD $2,399 | From university students to professionals, Dell’s most award-winning laptop – the XPS 13 is the perfect gift for those who seek performance and portability, all with a wide and beautiful display.
• Alienware m15 R3 | Prices: starting from AUD $3,299 | Whether a serious gamer or a dabbler, the Alienware m15 R3 laptop offers superior performance encased in Alienware’s iconic designs.
• Alienware Aurora R11 | Prices: starting from AUD $2,399 | For the serious player, the Alienware Aurora R11 desktop offers the ultimate gaming experience, with best-in-class high-resolution audio and noise isolation.
• Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset AW510H | Prices: starting from AUD $214 | Whether one is after the perfect accessory to their gaming needs, or simply seeks quality sound, Alienware’s 7.1 Gaming Headset lets the user battle games, or even a task, with comfort and ease.

For ages 0-3

Teach your toddler about Chanukah with this bright and colorful word-and-picture book! Children will learn basic vocabulary while becoming familiar with the objects and concepts that are unique to this special time of year.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932443738/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i21

Bracha Goetz
Author of 38 books that help children’s souls shine:
http://www.amazon.com/author/spiritualkidsbooks-brachagoetz

Breaking the Gender Code by Danielle Dobson a great book gift for the busy mums

What do you buy for the busy mum in your life juggling work and family? How about a book which helps her to re-prioritise, and take back control to create a life on her own terms? Breaking the Gender Code by Danielle Dobson is just that – a practical book on how working mums can make the ‘juggle’ work. Full of fantastic insights and real-life tips, Danielle has broken down many of the ‘norms’ which are holding women back from creating a fulfilling life. Get ready to feel inspired.
Available at all the usual places you buy books, or purchase directly from Danielle’s website at: www.codeconversations.com.au/breaking-the-gender-code/
RRP: $34.95
10% from every book sold will go to the Mothers and Sons program, to support mothers to raise respectful and happy boys.

Globally renowned stationery and lifestyle brand Collins Debden has a range of new 2021 Diaries, Planners and Notebooks

Skincare Gifts Under £22

The Beauty of Eczema™ skincare range has been created to put the fun back into pampering, whatever your skin type. It’s an ideal Christmas gift for everyone as products have been dermatologically tested for even the most sensitive skin.

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Even if you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin flare ups, users can benefit from the soothing and sumptuous ingredients that are included in these exciting new products.

Crystal Extracts – As well as highly moisturising natural butters, the range is supercharged with the holistic benefits of crystal extracts. Rhodochrosite is a pink crystal, which has been used throughout history to encourage emotional healing, self-love and compassion, while Smithsonite – the stone for tranquillity – is used to help create serenity and calm.

Pre-biotics – Products also contain BioEcolia® which encourages the development of beneficial skin flora (the good bacteria) that leads to a healthy balance on the skin.

Good sugar! Patented ingredient ‘Rhamnosoft®’ is a fermented sugar-based ingredient which protects and soothes. It is scientifically proven to boost skin comfort, with data to show that it stimulates pleasure molecules through a chemical reaction. The ultimate ingredient for happy skin!

The range is also Vegan friendly (and no cruelty to animals with this range!) and, unlike many products for sensitive skin, botanically scented but gentle enough to not irritate the skin.

Developed by acclaimed influencer and wellness author Camille Knowles, Camille has worked with a leading skincare formulation expert and called on her 15,000 strong ‘Warrior Tribe’ social media community to gather insights into exactly what people with sensitive skin need from their daily skincare.

All products in the range have been carefully crafted to work beautifully together.

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Description automatically generatedThe Beauty of Eczema™ Calming Cream, face and body moisturiser, is £12 (100ml) or £20 (200ml) available from www.thebeautyofeczema.com

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Description automatically generatedThe Beauty of Eczema™ Skin Warrior Wash, face and body wash is £15 available from www.thebeautyofeczema.com

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Description automatically generatedThe Beauty of Eczema™ Pamper Me Bathing Oil, is £22, available from www.thebeautyofeczema.com

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Description automatically generatedThe Beauty of Eczema™ Salty Soother, bath salts, is £15 available from www.thebeautyofeczema.com

Create a beautiful Christmas gift set with all products in the range (from £72).

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To read more about the range and Camille Knowles’ personal story about why she has created this gorgeous range of products visit www.thebeautyofeczema.com

FOR THE BEST OF BRITISH: SHOP SMALL & SUPPORT INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS

THIS CHRISTMAS WITH BARBURY HILL

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After the hardest of years, and with Christmas set to look different for most of us, it’s never been more important to support and champion independent British producers. The challenge? Finding them! Introducing Barbury Hill, a new, specialist online platform with a raison d’etre that is just that – to shine a light on the best of British talent and make their products more accessible to a discerning audience. What’s more – they’ve got something for everyone this Christmas!

Set up by Daniel Smith this summer, after Covid brought his role abroad to an abrupt end, Barbury Hill works with a select group of award-winning producers to showcase a tried and tasted selection of the highest quality home-grown food and drink products. Featuring only those that offer exceptional quality and taste, Barbury Hill prides itself on only showcasing makers that are not sold through mainstream retailers. With no middleman, orders are dispatched directly from the producers to ensure that packaging, airmiles and third-party commissions are kept to a minimum, protecting both the brands and the environment.

Showcasing myriad edible and drinkable delights from delicate English still and sparkling wines, to Monmouthshire mead, organic charcuterie, British beer and ciders, small batch cheeses and home baked treats, Barbury Hill is your one stop shop for foodie gifts this Christmas. Below are a few highlights from the range, all of which are available for nationwide UK delivery* – perfect for gifting family, friends and clients, Christmas entertaining, or as a well-needed lockdown treat. Order from www.barburyhill.com

For Christmas Day – The Bath Soft Cheese Co., from £25

Park Farm, the home of international award-winning The Bath Soft Cheese Co., is an organic farm in the heart of Somerset. With over 100 years in the Padfield family, strong traditions are still preserved to this day. Back in 1914. Graham Padfield’s grandmother made cheddar cheese on the site where Graham has been making his cheese for the last 30 years and he strongly believes its these traditional production methods that give his cheeses their distinctive quality. Priced from £25, selection boxes come packed with a range of signature cheeses, many with small batch chutneys and crackers.

For Sweet Treats – Bakery Number Eight, from £14

For festive treats straight to your door, look no further than Bakery Number Eight. Run by Megan, a talented Bristolian baker with an enthusiasm for gooey cookies, zesty cakes and brownies, expect interesting flavour combinations, such as the distinctive Japanese matcha and white chocolate cookies and a light and fluffy lemon and pistachio cake. Free UK delivery.

British Charcuterie for Light Lunches & Boxing Day Brunches: Beal’s Farm – from £18

Direct from the farm to your kitchen table, Beal’s Farm, a family-run Sussex business, is the home of Mangalitsa charcuterie – award-winning cured meats from rare-breed pigs. Winner of multiple Great Taste Awards, Beal’s look after the entire process of curing, smoking, air-drying and packing to ensure the highest quality, making them the choice of Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants around the country. A wide variety of boxes are available, from the Charcuterie Sharing Selection at £18 through to the Luxury box featuring four varieties of cured meats including Air-dried Ham, Spalla, Coppa and Lomo, and two half sticks of different salamis – Milano, Fennel or Chorizo at £49, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings

For Wine with Class: Sparking Wine Producer of the Year, Langham Estate Wines – from £15

In 2009, Justin Langham took over his father’s small-scale vineyard on the Langham Estate, in Dorset where he planted over 30 acres on their Crawthorne farm. Today, Langham is the largest single-site vineyard in the south-west of England and was recently named Sparking Wine Producer of the Year at the international Wine & Spirit Competition, beating top champagne brands to pick up the trophy whilst also scooping a Gold Medal for its Blanc de Blanc Brut. Priced from £15 per bottle, Langham Wine Estate also offer four cases of six bottles – Still, Autumn, Chardonnay and The Langham Collection – for the perfect festive hamper.

For Alcohol-Free celebrations: Jukes Cordialities – £35 for x9 35ml bottles

Jukes Cordialities are inspired and crafted by award-winning wine writer, Matthew Jukes. Throughout his 30-year career, Matthew has sampled and reviewed the world’s finest wines, but unable to find an elegant non-alcoholic drink genuinely satisfying and palatable, he took it upon himself to create his own. Designed to be mixed with still or sparkling water, Jukes Cordialities are healthy and sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks, based around the build-quality of a fine wine using carefully developed recipes and expertise to elevate depth of flavour and complex aromatic characters.

Available in two gift sets – each containing nine 35ml bottles – choose either Jukes 6, which offers a depth of flavour full of berries and stone fruits with a rich and earthy finish, or Jukes 1, which boasts fragrant tones of peach blossom and cucumber blended with plums, tart apples and pineapple husk.

* Nationwide delivery to mainland UK only. Delivery charges may apply.

Barbury Hill

https://www.barburyhill.com

hello@barburyhill.com

I @barburyhill | F @barbuyhillfoodanddrink | T @BarburyHill

@babymemorybookaustralia

Facebook: fb.me/babymemorybookaustralia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BabyMemoryBookAustralia/

Online store: https://www.babymemorybook.com.au/

Baby Memory Book is offering a sticker calendar to mark the important events as your child grows. Grab your specialised baby memory book from www.babymemorybook.com.au. Want to preserve the valuable memories of your little bubs? By next Christmas, they wouldn’t be the same anymore. So, use this Baby Memory Book to save the precious memories of your little one. This keepsake will remind you of the milestones that you don’t want to forget.

Try our specially-designed Baby Memory Book that comes with a thoroughly-researched template to fill out the important events in your child’s life. Peel the stickers and mark them on the calendar – as simple as that! Enjoy your child growing into awesome young individuals and coming back to the times where they were newborns learning the world.

The bar industry’s best kept secret, Funkin Cocktails, launches an exciting new range of Christmas cocktail gift boxes, answering the call of consumers’ new found love of enjoying bar-quality cocktails in the comfort of their homes.

Just in time for Christmas, the gift boxes contain everything you need to celebrate festivities at home in the absence of the much anticipated office Christmas party. Creating the perfect night in, Funkin Cocktails has teamed up with the UK’s much loved karaoke brand Lucky Voice, offering consumers a free month’s subscription including access to its online catalogue of over 9,000 songs, plus a 10% discount off its Karaoke Machines within each box.

The gift boxes have been created following a change in consumer behaviour, with the cocktails at home trend increasing exponentially. This summer alone saw Funkin Cocktails sales soar, resulting in the brand being served in 48 million cocktails this year alone, with its Passion Fruit Martini ready to drink Nitro cans fast becoming a consumer favourite.

The perfect way to kick off the festive season, the gift boxes will be available for pre-order from the 16th November and readily available from the website from the 22nd November. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get this party started! Socially distanced of course.

The six Christmas party cocktail gift boxes will include a selection of Funkin’s delicious top selling cocktails with prices ranging from £20-£70.To preorder your gift box, go to: www.funkincocktails.co.uk.

Alcatel 3L 2020- £129.99 at Carphone Warehouse

All-day performance

Enjoy the media you love longer with Alcatel 3L’s all-day performance. Its highly efficient Octa-Core, 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM run the most resource-demanding content smoothly, so you can enjoy hours of streaming HD video, photo-taking and gaming. Its 4000mAh battery provides enough power for a full day*.

Google Assistant Button

Alcatel 3L comes with a dedicated Google Assistant Button for effortless accessibility. Google Assistant on mobile is always with you to help get things done and plan ahead so you can focus on what matters most. Just say “Hey Google” or press the Google Assistant Button to get started. Easily manage tasks, keep in touch, get directions and control your home wherever you go. Stay one step ahead with smart suggestions and reminders right when you need them, directly on your phone screen. Get things done whether you’re driving, on the go or at home.

Supersized storage

Save every moment with Alcatel 3L’s substantial storage space with 64GB ROM and 4GB RAM.

Extraordinary triple camera

Elevate your moments with Alcatel 3L’s intelligent triple camera. Take high-quality images even in low-light conditions with a 48MP camera equipped with 4-in-1 big pixel and a large aperture. Capture the finest details with a 2MP macro camera. Make photoshoots effortless with AI scene detection that auto-adjusts settings for the best shot in 22 different scenarios ranging from sunsets to succulents. Night or day, get the perfect selfies with an 8MP front camera and LCD flash.

Vivid visual experience

Be enveloped in vivid visuals on Alcatel 3L’s 6.22-inch HD+ Vast Display. Make your media come to life with a 19:9 aspect ratio that gives you an immersive large-screen experience that fits comfortably in your pocket.

Chameleon/ gradient design

Look sophisticated in any environment with Alcatel 3L’s gradient chameleon finishing. 2.5D glass provides it a sleek appearance and a comfortable grip.

£1 million giveaway to support NHS staff and key workers

menopauseworldwide.com/nhs-1-million-giveaway

Gift Vouchers – menopauseretreats.com/vouchers/

Franchise Opportunities for Menopause Retreats menopauseretreats.com/franchise-opportunities-available/ this is the about us page for Retreats https://menopauseretreats.com/about/

Franchise Opps for Menopause Chef themenopausechef.com/franchises-for-sale/ this is the About Us page for chef https://themenopausechef.com/about/

COLOR YOUR WAY TO A LIFE YOU LOVE: ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

A STRESS-RELIEF HOW-TO GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET FROM STUCK TO THRIVING IN 30 DAYS

Ever wish you had your own cheerleader? Somebody who would give you a positive nudge right when you need it the most? Someone who is a rock you can always count on? Well, the great news is that you’ve got you!

This is not just another coloring book, it’s also an invitation for you to delve deeper into who you are so you can find out what makes you come alive. With that in mind, I invite you inside these pages on a creative self-help adventure.

You’ll unleash your artistic side with 60 calming designs & patterns to color while you do daily small-sized activities aimed at:

helping you heal yourself &
inspiring you to create a life you love.
My hope is that you’ll use these pages to ignite your imagination, discard your limitations, & free your inner creator.

www.shellijohnson.com/color-your-way-to-a-life-you-love/encourage-yourself/

www.amazon.com/dp/097471092X

EarlyBird

getearlybird.io.

An app that allows friends and family to gift investments into the kids most important in their life. EarlyBird is transforming financial gifting, making it personal, purposeful, and timeless. With every investment that a friend or family member makes, they also record a short video memory to add an emotional attachment to the financial gift.

When the kid turns 18 they will get this amazing investment fund (potentially worth anywhere between $20k – $30k) AND a priceless library of memories from loved ones.

Bani Bands is a female-veteran owned company, created for athletes to perform their best without their hair getting in the way. www.banibands.com

Bani Bands headbands are stretchy and stylish for girls, women, and men.
The lightweight material is great for working out, biking, running, hiking, playing outdoors all year round. From cooling headbands for the fitness enthusiast to comfortable headbands with buttons for essential workers to ease wearing a mask for an extended period of time, Bani Bands, will make shopping super easy this year because there is something for everyone on your list!

Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
$14.99-$19.99

 

Are you ready to shower in public with privacy? Sounds impossible right? Well its not and we have the solution!! www.showertoga.com

The worlds only way to shower privately in public! Get dirty! It’s OK with the new Patent Pending Shower Toga. As seen on Shark Tank. A Mark Cuban company. www.showertoga.com

YOU CAN NOT GET CLEAN WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON!

Give your Guy the Gift of Wellbeing, Personal Growth,
and Community with a Membership to EVRYMAN

After a real roller coaster of a year, a lot of us are feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. That is
why EVRYMAN wants to encourage men to kick off 2021 in a community where they can grow,
connect and be inspired.
For a limited time, EVRYMAN is offering their annual membership for $225 (regularly $250)
EVRYMAN, called ‘Crossfit for your emotions’ by The New York Times, is a men’s wellness
organization that provides men the tools, resources, and a community to proactively help them to
lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
Originally launched using local in-person groups, weekend retreats and weeklong intensives,
EVRYMAN now serves men in an online format. Since their founding, they have reached over
100,000 guys from more than 20 countries. Currently, EVRYMAN offers a mix of free Global
Calls, general and specialized Drop-In Groups (e.g. GBTQA+, fathers, Black men), and continued
rich media offerings such as their podcast and webinar archives. Participants also have access
to forums and resource archives.
The program is built around a structured mindful emotional intelligence curriculum,
interdisciplinary guest presenters who explore varied aspects of mature manhood, and an
individual practice that reminds men of the reality and interconnectedness of their feelings, beliefs,
physical selves, and the people around them.
Membership includes:
● Online courses that members can take in their own time including EVRYMAN
● Fundamentals, video series on emotional transformation, and introductory meditation
● Weekly peer led groups which utilize the EVM curriculum
● Drop in groups guided by experienced facilitators ranging from relationship,
work and money, and other pursuits
● Access to an online community/app to check in/socialize with other members
Enter the code HOLIDAY here and EVRYMAN will email a printable gift certificate.
Media Contact: Cator Sparks
CSparks@EVRYMAN.com
35 South Third Street, Hudson, NY 12534

DIPLOMÁTICO RUM:

Diplomático Rum is a super-premium rum hailing from Venezuela and the recipient of Wine Enthusiast’s Spirit Brand of the Year in 2018, the first rum to ever receive the prestigious accolade. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountain, the Diplomático Distillery combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce the finest of rums. The portfolio consists of three distinct collections,including the Tradition Range, Prestige Range and Distillery Collection, led by their flagship Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva.

2nd Annual Event Will Honor U.S. Troops Overseas with German Cakes for the
Holidays, Sent by Family, Friends and the Public at Large

Rhineland Cake & Wine Company, Edelweiss Patisserie and the
American Legion Announce “Operation Cakes for Troops 2020”
MINNEAPOLIS/ BOSTON — October 20, 2020 – A Twin Cities cake and wine
company, a Boston baker and an American Legion Post are joining forces to
make the Holidays brighter for troops abroad with “Operation Cakes for Troops
2020!” The Twin Cities-based Rhineland Cake and Wine Company, the American
Legion Post 57 in Chaska, Minn., and Edelweiss Patisserie in Medford, Mass., will
collaborate to benefit and honor American troops stationed overseas during the
2020 Holiday Season to send a special traditional German cake to the men and
women serving around the world.
Now in its second year, “Operation Cakes for Troops 2020” calls on family
members, friends and the public at large to order an authentic, traditional
German cake – called the “Gugelhupf” — to be delivered to U.S. troops
stationed abroad in time for the holidays, including soldiers who might even
receive a cake from an unknown, grateful citizen.
DEADLINE TO ORDER IS DECEMBER 3
“Operation Cakes for Troops 2020” is the brainchild of Hiltrud Steimel, founder of
the Rhineland Cake and Wine Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Twin
Cities, who uses a cherished family recipe for an authentic German “Gugelhupf”
cake. The veteran, Boston-area-based Edelweiss Patisserie will bake and ship the
cakes. Working with the American Legion, Post 57, Chaska, will ensure that the
cakes will arrive to soldiers before the holidays by December 22.
Chaska, MN
The deadline to order a cake is December 3, with shipment on December 10. All
orders are tax-deductible. Each cake is $40, which covers the cost of baking,
packaging and shipping. Each one comes with a Holiday Greeting attached,
letting the soldiers know that they are being remembered during this holiday
season. All orders must be placed through the Rhineland Cake and Wine
website — and then via PayPal at:
www.rhinelandcakeandwine.com/troops/

CAKES A CURE FOR HOMESICKNESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS FOR TROOPS –
AND THE CREATOR OF “OPERATION CAKES FOR TROOPS”

The cake is a wonderful gift to reduce the homesickness many soldiers will
experience this coming holiday season. And judging from the heartfelt Thank
You notes like the ones below from soldiers stationed in Afghanistan last year, the
cake was deeply appreciated – and widely shared!
“I wanted to send a thank you for the cake you sent our way. It was well
received and a landed at our location on Christmas Day itself. From all of us out here
in Northern Afghanistan we appreciate your thoughts, prayers, gifts and support,”
wrote Platoon Sergeant John H. Bensend, SFC, ARNG
We just received a dozen Gugelhupf cakes here at Camp RS in Kabul from the
American Legion Post 57. Thank you for the unexpected care package and the nice
note.
These delicious cakes went fast to our US military. I gave one to the German soldiers
and they loved it. The Italians were ecstatic as well. They have, and you have very
good taste. Thanks again and a Merry Christmas to you!
Sincerely,
David L. Corrick, Col, USAF
Deputy Chief of Combined-Joint Logistics (CJ4)
HQ Resolute Support – Kabul
As a German immigrant, Steimel herself has experienced homesickness during
the holidays. “I came to America from Germany in the early 1960s. I was very
homesick the first few holiday seasons, so I can relate to how these soldiers will
feel at the holidays when they’re away from home and family in a strange land,”
she noted. Her efforts have the full support of the American Legions in Minnesota
and the bakery company back East:
HOPING TO SEND 1,000 CAKES – OR MORE – THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
“We are thrilled to be working with Hiltrud and Rhineland Cake and Wine again
for the second year on this wonderful initiative. In 2019 we arranged the
shipment of 600 cakes to our troops stationed abroad. This year, we expect
‘Operation Cakes for Troops 2020’ to easily exceed that and anticipate shipping
at least 1,000 cakes as we build on the phenomenal success of last year,” said
Gary Vaneyll, Commander, American Legion Post 57, Chaska, MN.
“Hiltrud’s ‘Cakes for Troops’ initiative dovetails perfectly with Edelweiss Patisserie’s
operations,” added Wolfgang Oeller, founder of Edelweiss Patisserie. “As a
native Austrian living in the Boston area, I am very familiar with the Gugelhupf
cake. Edelweiss Patisserie has always only used all-natural ingredients, so this
cake fits perfectly into our portfolio of products. Our facility is perfectly equipped
to bake, freeze and ship these cakes directly to the troops, and we are honored
to be able to help give back to our troops in this way”.
For more information – or to interview Hiltrud Steimel and her allies about
“Operation Cakes for Troops 2020 – please contact Martin Keller, Media Savant
Communications, 612-729-8585, mkelller@mediasavantcom.com
*More About the Traditional Gugelhupf Cake Dubbed “My Daughter’s Favorite
Cake”
Using her grandmother’s recipe handed down through the generations, the cakes are
baked using 100 percent all-natural ingredients. Steimel selected a classic, traditional
Gugelhupf cake dubbed “My Daughter’s Favorite Cake” for this venture, as it will ship the
best. The cakes are frozen immediately after baking and are shipped frozen to ensure
freshness upon arrival.
Rhineland Cake and Wine Company’s Classic Traditional
German Gugelhupf, “My Daughter’s Favorite Cake”
About Rhineland Cake and Wine Company:
Minneapolis-based Rhineland Cake and Wine Co.
produces and distributes artisan quality cakes based
on traditional German family recipes from the
Rhineland. Using only all-natural ingredients, the
cakes evoke the enjoyment and remembrance of the
elegant, delicate, high quality and home-baked
cakes of days gone by.
About American Legion Post 57, Chaska, MN:
Chaska American Legion Post 57’s Mission and Purpose is to support the Preamble of the
American Legion. Our success depends on supporting the fight for veteran’s rights, past,
present, and future, and is never ending. While our purpose remains unchanged, our
capabilities must not. For our continued success, we must support and provide first-rate
service to our veterans and our community. Post 57 will always remain committed to
support all local, state, and national American Legion programs.
About Edelweiss Patisserie:
Located in suburban Boston, MA, Edelweiss Patisserie is a patisserie in the European
tradition that creates innovative and exotic frozen and fresh desserts and other specialty
baked items for hotels and white table cloth restaurants. Operated by a third-generation
Austrian Master Pastry Chef, it provides the quality products of a small pastry shop but in
quantities required by top 10 supermarket chains. Its products are creative with unique
and innovative recipes. At Edelweiss, only the highest quality ingredients are used: pure
European chocolate, pure bourbon vanilla, whole eggs, cane sugar and the best of IQF
fruit.

Bandelettes Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals !!! www.bandelettes.com

Bandelettes: the below deals apply to all anti-chafing thigh bands and shorts
For Black Friday only: Buy One Get One 40% Off Sale with code BLACKFRI40
For Cyber Monday only: 15% Off Sale Sitewide with code CYBER15
See everything at :- www.bandelettes.com

Get Saucy With Carr’s Sauce Flour!

With the weather turning colder and the nights drawing in, (not to mention everything we’re all facing at the moment) people are looking for slow food to warm the soul and provide them with some comfort. That’s where Carr’s Flour’s Sauce Flour can help. This simple to use flour is the key to enjoying perfect, lump free gravy and sauces, every time. Faultless as a base to make a roux, or mixed with a spoonful of liquid before stirring through a stew, Carr’s Sauce Flour is here to help your thickening needs to create warming meals that’ll put a smile on loved ones’ faces.

Approved by beloved renowned chef, Delia Smith, Carr’s Flour’s Sauce Flour is now available to buy online from the brand’s recently launched website shop and has fast become their no 1 seller. And with Christmas in our sights, you can rely on Carr’s Sauce Flour as your secret weapon to make sure the Christmas gravy steals the show, taking the stress out of a key element of your Christmas meal so you can enjoy the day.
Carr’s Flour have been producing a range of premium quality flours from their mills for nearly 200 years. A firm favourite of artisan bakers right through to home cooks, Carr’s Flour pride themselves on combining their traditional craft with modern milling methods.

Their teams of dedicated millers pour knowledge and expertise into every bag of flour, creating great baking moments for customers, every time.

Here’s a recipe for Carr’s Brandy Sauce: https://carrsflour.co.uk/recipes/brandy-sauce/
Cheese Sauce: https://carrsflour.co.uk/recipes/cheese-sauce/
A Herb Sauce: https://carrsflour.co.uk/recipes/herb-sauce/
And some sauce hints and tips: https://carrsflour.co.uk/recipes/the-perfect-sauce-hints-tips/

Everything Branded

EverythingPrinted is an online company specialising in personalised gifts, including original gifts for him, her, the kids and pets as well as advent calendars, decorations and Christmas cards. Some of the beautiful personalised gifts include rocking horses, candles, baubles, stockings and cards that can be personalised to make Christmas, in many instances separate from our loved ones, really special.

Instagram: @everythingprintd

Facebook: @everythingprintd

Twitter: @everythingprntd

Eastpak have just launched with Stranger Things!

It is such a fun collab and makes great gifts this year!

Confident? The Perfect Party Game This Christmas

Whilst there’s not much we can feel confident about this Christmas; you can be sure to have the perfect party game with Confident?. Whether you’re planning a virtual Christmas party, or wanting something to entertain your entire household this festive period, Confident? is the hilarious guess-a-range party game.

Do you know how many slices there are in a medium-sliced loaf of bread? Or how much sleep the average person gets a night? Do you know how many times Trump has tweeted since taking office? With Confident? you don’t need to know the answer to play, simply decide upon a range in which the answer falls, write it down – bottom to top – and reveal. The most confident player with the smallest correct range wins. Perfect for all ages 8-88. RRP: 29.99. www.confidentgame.com

Clear ‘N’ Collect, has a lovely product that makes for a fun Christmas Gift – the Multi-Purpose Rake. But this is not like rakes you have known before.

Designed and made in the UK, the body of each rake is made from old car dashboards and end of life electrical goods so has a really unique and strong environmental/recycling angle. The product has also been extensively tested to minimise bending and therefore making it an ideal solution for those with back pain or limited mobility. What’s more, the rake makes light work of clearing debris from around the garden as it combines a rake with a shovel and leaf/garbage grabbers, so clearing the garden is easier and less time intensive.

The Multi-Purpose Rake can be purchased from www.clearncollect.com for just £24.99.

Fanfare Label

British sustainable and ethical fashion brand, locally made in London with a new repurposed and reused collection using clothing & textile waste that would have gone to landfill.

Showed at London Fashion Week last season and have recently been named a Drapers Sustainable Fashion Award Finalist.

fanfarelabel.com/products/high-wasted-upcycled-wool-jeans-blue?variant=31820195332149

fanfarelabel.com/products/organic-cotton-fringe-shoulder-jumper?variant=33111075913781

All their items can be found here: fanfarelabel.com/collections/all\

feel amazing App

Mind wellness for a stress-free life – sleep well, worry less, achieve more and break habits.

In this stressful world, we all find ourselves living in, the ‘feel amazing’ app is the perfect gift. A place to relax, remain calm and find time to let your worries float away. Make deep and lasting changes using a combination of self-hypnosis, meditation and mindfulness in these beautifully worded recordings by renowned self-help author Ailsa Frank. 4 free titles including Good Night’s Sleep, Release Daily Stress, Stop Worrying and Fit and Well.

45 individual titles available priced from £9.99 or Buy a membership to access all recordings from £35

Get the on your phone at Apple App Store for iphones or Google Play store for Android.

https://www.ailsafrank.com/shop/get-membership-to-the-feel-amazing-app-by-ailsa-frank.html

As seen in Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana and Ermenegildo Zegna, monochromatic designs and bomber jackets are making a comeback in SS21 streetwear – and RAW WAR’s new ‘’RICHTER’’ collection combines these two trends with bold prints and strong silhouettes.
———-

RAW WAR is an Australian Streetwear brand, founded and directed by Antoinette Wedia Raphael. The brand is based on the creative and quirky side of the creative director Antoinette. RAW WAR plays with the concept of androgynous and quirky fashion using oversized silhouettes, bold and graphic prints, saturated colour palettes, and subverted manipulation of fabrics and construction.
‘RICHTER by RAW WAR’, is based on the Creative Director’s experience of an earthquake during her travels in Greece. Her experience inspired her to reflect on the existence of these natural disasters and how it affected her. A visual element Raphael uses to reflect earthquakes is the Richter scale recordings of sharp lines that adorn the garments, both plain and inclusive of the brand’s strong name. Selected garments in the collection include a seasonal version of the brand’s logo, drawn up with Richter scale recordings, also. These Richter scale recordings and lines have been placed on charcoal, cloudy tones of grey cotton twill to set a melancholy mood, reflecting on the unpredicted nature of these natural disaster.

Looking forward to hearing from you
RAW WAR Instagram: www.instagram.com/raw__war/

Word Poker is the new must-have word-making party game for Christmas

Combining poker face acting skills and word making, it is fantastic fun for all the family

London, 18th November 2020: Rascals, the makers of popular board games including Mr & Mrs, The Crystal Maze Board Game and The Really Nasty Horse Racing Game, have launched the ultimate word-making party game, Word Poker – the perfect game to keep entertained on those cold winter nights!

Word Poker takes the well-known framework of poker – one of the most popular and widely-played games in the World – and transforms it into a compulsive family word game that can be enjoyed by everyone. Able to be played by 2 or more players from age 12 to adult, it will get minds young and old engaged. Taking the concept of poker but instead of normal playing cards, Word Poker uses letter cards with each letter having its own score value. The aim of the game is to make the highest-scoring word using any combination of the five cards that are in the centre of the table and the five cards that the player holds within their hand.

With rounds of betting, players can bet on the strength of their word to win the pot of chips, so a poker face is needed to win the most chips possible! Combining fun word skills with some serious poker tactics and acting skills, it’s guaranteed to bring out the competitive edge in all. The quick-start and simple rules mean that there is no knowledge of poker needed to start playing, so it’s easy to get started and get winning.

Word Poker is now available from Amazon and in Debenhams for £29.99.

Christmas shopping highlights from Museum shops around the UK

#ShopMuseums

10th ANNIVERSARY OF ELMER’S CHRISTMAS BY DAVID MCKEE CELEBRATED

WITH FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAND

Elmer to be the face of Putney’s local Christmas celebration; Elmer’s Christmas to be performed at Chessington World of Adventures and activity pack available free for families; Henley River and Rowing Museum ‘Elmer and Friends’ Exhibition Opens in time for Christmas,

PLUS: brand-new Elmer Tonie character released today

Andersen Press are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Elmer’s Christmas by David McKee with their biggest ever festive campaign. With inclusive, free events, offers, major brand partnerships and new licensed products, 2020 is set to be a very colourful Christmas.

Elmer’s Colourful Christmas in Putney, developed in partnership with Putney Business Investment District will see special Elmer posters featuring art from Elmer’s Christmas dotted around the town, with an interactive trail encouraging families to explore their area in a safe, socially-distanced way, and once open, shop locally. Shops on the trail include Waterstones and JoJo Maman Bebe, which will have special Elmer’s Christmas themed displays. Trail maps have been printed in Positively Putney’s local catalogue, distributed directly to 22,000 homes in the area and the trail will be in place around Putney from 28th November.

Once re-opened Chessington World of Adventures Resort will share Elmer’s Christmas Storytimes as part of their Christmas offering from 4th December, alongside new ride Elmer’s Flying Jumbos which opened this summer.

Henley’s River and Rowing Museum will open the ‘Elmer and Friends’ touring exhibition from Seven Stories, in time for Christmas once restrictions have expired in December. Featuring more than 50 original pieces of David McKee’s illustration it’s an interactive, colourful exploration of David’s work, with Elmer, Mr Benn and Not Now, Bernard featuring prominently. Special Christmas programming is planned to celebrate the exhibition in the lead-up to the festivities, with the exhibition scheduled to stay in Henley until March 2021 before it continues touring the country.

The latest in the Elmer licensing programme, the Elmer tonie story book character launches today, featuring 10 original Elmer stories, including Elmer’s Christmas. This will be the hero product in a special, festive influencer campaign alongside other products and books for Christmas, and Andersen Press’ recent Elmer’s Colourful Christmas Activity pack available for free download now here.

To compliment the campaign, Seven Stories will share a free video of Elmer’s Christmas read by Panto Dame Mama G over Black Friday Weekend on 28th November as part of the regular Digital Storytimes in partnership with Andersen Press.

Speaking on the Christmas campaign, PR and Brand Director Paul Black has said, “What better way to celebrate the festive season than with Elmer’s Christmas? We’re huge fans of the colourful, quirky story and have loved working with our partners to celebrate the book. Elmer’s message of tolerance, acceptance and celebration of everyone’s true colours is needed at all times, but especially this Christmas. We’re particularly pleased that families can enjoy a COVID-safe trail, storytime and downloadable activity pack free of charge, hopefully making this festive season a little brighter.”

Elmer’s Colourful Christmas Activity Pack is available to download free here: bit.ly/ElmerXmasActivities

Elmer’s Christmas

ISBN: 9781783442218

£6.99 paperback

Elmer remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published by Andersen Press in 1989. Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages and now new books, toys and clothing add to the world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

A beloved classic and firm family favourite, David McKee’s iconic and brightly coloured patchwork elephant is the ambassador for friendship and celebrating everyone’s own true colours.

David McKee

David McKee was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College. In the early part of his career, McKee regularly drew and sold humorous drawings to magazines and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement, Punch and the Reader’s Digest. David McKee has written and illustrated over 50 picture books for Andersen Press and has penned a number of children’s classics including King Rollo, Mr Benn, Not Now Bernard and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. David McKee was winner of the 2020 Illustrator of the Year Award at the British Book Awards, and recipient of Book Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He now lives in the South of France but regularly visits London.

About Andersen Press

Andersen Press is a leading independent children’s publisher, and home to some of the biggest names in the world of children’s books, including the much-loved picture book characters Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and the Little Princess. Andersen Press is the publisher of many award-winning authors and illustrators including Melvin Burgess, Rebecca Stead, Susin Nielsen, Julian Clary, David Roberts, Tony Ross, David McKee, and Jeanne Willis. The company was founded in 1976 by Klaus Flugge.

Three British Cheese Suggestions for Christmas from Paxton & Whitfield

Nothing says Christmas like a good cheese. Listed below are three items from Paxton & Whitfield, the UK’s oldest cheesemonger, that feature British cheeses.

Finest English Stilton Jar PDO* (£29.95/500g) www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/shop/fathers-day-cheese-gifts/stilton-jar-500g?number=946

A stylish, collectable 500g Stilton Jar. This jar comes in Paxton’s classic cream and grey with gold lettering, elegant bevelled detailing and a tactile gloss finish. It is hand-filled with a generous portion of the ‘King of Cheeses’ that is creamy with a pleasant herby tang. The cheese is delicious enjoyed with Paxton’s Cornish Buttermilk Biscuit or some crusty bread, and a glass of Paxton’s Vintage Port or Monbazillac. Once all the cheese has gone the jar can be kept as a keepsake.

Quicke’s Clothbound British Cheddar Truckle (£45.00) www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/detail/index/sArticle/1153/sCategory/114
These beautiful, artisan, clothbound Cheddar Truckles are the ultimate festive season must-have and are new to our range for Christmas 2020; supporting a stalwart of the British artisan cheese making industry. The Cheddar Truckles that we have in our maturing rooms now are already dated until 2021, so you can have them delivered to you now and keep them until you’re ready to cut into them. Each one is a small, 1.8kg version of a vast 26kg Traditional Westcountry Farmhouse Cheddar.

Our Christmas batch of Cheddar Truckles were handmade in July 2020 with bright and lush summer milk. The Quickes farm is based in rural Devon and the grass that the cows eat is incredibly good quality. These miniature clothbound, whole cheddars have been expertly matured for the optimal flavour profile ready to enjoy in December.

The truckles offer a rich and buttery cheddar that offers outstanding depth of flavour; from brothy to grassy to caramel notes.

Made by the award-winning Quickes family in the South West of England. Mary Quicke MBE, was announced as the 2019 Dairy Industry Woman of the Year and was honoured with the Cheese Industry Award at the 2019 British Cheese Awards. The Quickes family have been farming at Home Farm, near the village of Newton St Cyres in the South West of England for over 450 years and the truckles are handcrafted using heritage starters by expert cheesemakers.

They are a delicious way to enjoy your Cheddar over the Christmas period and also make unique gifts for cheese fans.

Big British Cheese Collection (£135.00) www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/shop/cheese-board-collections/the-big-british-cheeses?c=49

A luxurious selection of some of the best British artisan cheeses for the festive season. These incredible British cheeses have been chosen to complement each other and to keep you stocked up on fine artisan cheese to enjoy over Christmas. It includes:

Paxton & Whitfield Baby Stilton PDO* (2.3kg): Our Finest English Stilton is made in Nottinghamshire and is specially selected to meet our exacting flavour and texture profiles. Once ripened, our Stilton is matured for an additional twelve weeks for a creamier, more mellow flavour with a buttery richness that melts in the mouth.

Paxton & Whitfield Cave Aged Cheddar Truckle PDO* (2.3kg): Our cave-aged, cloth-bound cheddar with a distinctive, fruity flavour. Made in the heart of the stunning Bride Valley in Dorset and matured in Somerset caves.

Baron Bigod (1kg): Award-winning, British farmhouse brie-style cheese. Handmade on Fen Farm in Suffolk. A soft, white bloomy – rind cheese with a golden curd and long lasting, earthy flavours.

* PDO – Protected Designation of Origin, for products that are produced, processed and prepared within a particular geographical area, and with features and characteristics that must be due to that area.

American Cancer Society Hosted

15th Annual Taste of Hope

Virtually with Honorees

Chef Michael White & Chef JJ Johnson

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With A Special Performance by

STING

The American Cancer Society (ACS) hosted the 15th annual Taste of Hope virtual celebration. The event celebrated New York City’s iconic restaurant industry and raised critical funds for cancer research and local patient service programs offered by ACS.

This year’s Taste of Hope recognized James Beard Award-winning culinary honorees, Chef Michael White (Marea) and Chef Joseph ‘JJ’ Johnson (Fieldtrip). Mark D. Friedman and Jamie Koff returned as event co-chairs, and CBS News’ Chris Wragge returned at emcee.

The event featured a special performance by Sting, and appearances by Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad), Mario Cantone (Sex and the City), NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson (NY Giants), Amy Ryan (The Office), Peter Onorati (This is Us), Harry Lennix (Blacklist), Alysia Reiner (OITNB), and Bobby Cannavale. Event guests had the opportunity to hear first-hand how cancer continues during the pandemic and the devastating impact covid-19 has had on life-saving programs and services from two time cancer survivor, communicator, Coach and Author of Make Room for Joy, Vanessa Joy Walker.

The pre-show featured cocktail demos from mixologists at Golden Grove Global and Pepsi Co, and opened with a performance by The New York Voices Plus Three. There was an after-party hosted by DJ SPINDIESEL with livestreamed performances and a special appearance by John Cusimano and Rachael Ray. Attendees such as philanthropist Jean Shafiroff tuned into watch the virtual celebration.

Taste of Hope is the American Cancer Society’s signature culinary, wine, and spirits event. In a normal year, Taste of Hope provides 700+ guests the opportunity to enjoy bites from New York City’s top restaurants and philanthropic chefs, and sips from leading winemakers and spirit brands. Due to safety precautions, this year’s event will be a reimagined virtual party, celebrating the work of local chefs and New York City’s culinary community, and honoring cancer survivors and loved ones lost to cancer.

Now in its 15th year, Taste of Hope has raised over $1.8 Million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction prizes donated from leading organizations including: a coveted table at Rao’s, 1-1 Private Virtual Cooking Demo with David Burke, Dinner for 10 Guests at their home with Chef Michael White, and more.

This year’s Taste of Hope executive committee included Drew Blumenthal, Jennifer Cayetano, Gail Eissenstat, Nicole Filingeri, Juan Goulbourne, Rachel Halperin, Lizziee Jerez, Lauren Kaufman, Wayne Margolin, Melanie McManus, Sari Pollack, Kim Poulos, Meredith Rinn, Susan Santoro, Linda Shapiro, Scott Sheehy, Melissa Siegel, Brittany Stevenson, Jennifer Valentine, Vanessa Walker and Chelsea Whitney.

Taste of Hope sponsors included Arbill, Def Jam Recordings, Eurostruct Inc, the Friedman Rosenthal Team At Brown Harris Stevens, KGI Design Group, Leumi Bank, McIntosh & Moon Strategies, Merrill Lynch Walters Bailey Associates, Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP.

You can still make a donation to view the show at www.tasteofhopenyc.org.

Follow Taste of Hope on social media:

Facebook: Facebook.com/TasteofHopeNYC

Instagram: @TASTEOFHOPENYC

Twitter: @ACSTasteOfHope

Hashtag: #TOH2020 #15YearsOfHope

Super tasty vegan meals and all-in-one craft kits for kids of all ages + more.

Perfect gift for anyone braving Veganuary for the first time:

A Vibrant Vegan Chef’s Box – £36 (also available as a recurring subscription at a discounted rate)
vibrantvegan.co.uk/collections/chef-s-choice

An exciting variety of six readymade dishes chosen by the Vibrant Vegan chefs including Smoky Jackfruit Chilli, Moreish Malaysian Dumplings and a Hearty Persian Hotbox.

These plant-based meals come from a selection of 18 globally inspired options that are all nutritionally balanced, sustainably sourced and delivered to your door (for free) in recyclable packaging. – for every meal purchased a meal is donated via WarChild for disadvantaged children caught up in conflict. The meals can be purchased as a one off box of six, or set up on a recurring subscription that can be cancelled anytime.

Perfect all-in-one beginner gifts for eager crafters (all under £15):

Llama crochet kit £8.99
www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/hoooked-llama-laurie-29-x-20-cm-taupe

Macrame hanging basket kit £8.99
www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/hoooked-macrame-hanging-basket

Unicorn cross stitch kit £7.49
www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/permin-unicorn-cross-stitch-kit-16x18cm

Knitting board scarf kit £11.20
www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/knitting-board-skarf-kit-authentic-knitting-board-loom

Home Sweet Home embroidery kit £5.50
www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/dimensions-home-sweet-home-embroidery-kit

… and finally – a great selection of DIY tutorials for making your own crafts to gift this year:

Fabulously festive DIY face masks

www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/c/article/diy-fancy-face-masks

How to knit socks

/www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/c/article/sock-knitting

Stylish DIY scrunchie

www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/c/article/diy-scrunchie-free-tutorial

Perfect Christmas gifts for the sports fan. Only £20!

Premium Gift Sets from Only £20
Choose from Pre-Selected Boxes or Make Up Your Own

www.win-or-lose.com

Chance to buy prints numbered No1

Another chance to get your hands on a No1: these screenprints are all numbered 1 in their editions.

They are all at their usual prices of either £40 or £135 – I am just making you aware that each one is available and that’s the one you’ll be buying. By definition, there’s only one of them.

And they really are a pleasure to hold in your hands. They’re all on my usual on cotton mould-made paper, milled in Somerset. It’s heavy 300gsm water colour paper. Sometimes I forget this, but they’re lovely artefacts.

These are the featured prints this week:

Asterix hits a Roman into the middle of next week. Medium size (48cms x 38cms)

Popeye’s arch enemy Bluto makes his first appearance – this panel marks his debut, back in 1932. Medium size (48cms x 38cms)

Brooklands poster from the early days of motor racing and powered flight. Medium size (56cms x 42cms)

Obelix and Dogmatix go for a stroll on a blue hill. Medium size (48cms x 38cms)

Popeye in his dinghy weilds a grappling hook. Medium size (48cms x 38cms)

Portrait of Alf Tupper, the Tough of the Track. This is the man who inspired generations of middle-distance runners. (26x19cms)

Popeye has a moment of brutal self-awareness. Medium size (48cms x 38cms)

Oor Wullie steps out in his footy gear. Standard size (26x19cms)

Krazy Kat – looking for a worm. (26x19cms)

The Bash Street Kids plot against Teacher. (26x19cms)

Go to thecomicartwebsite.com to buy – once the No1 has sold, the design will disappear from sale.

Nintendo Christmas > Mario’s 35th birthday collection and more

Mario 35th Anniversary:

Super Mario 3D All-Stars: £49.99

Mario fans of all generations can find all the stand out Mario games in one place. N64’s Super Mario 64, Game Cube’s Super Mario Sunshine and Wii’s Mario Galaxy will all be available to play in one optimised version on the Switch.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit – Available 16.10.20 – £99.99

Rainbow Road, DK Mountain and now your own home – Mario Kart fans can now make a room in their house a race track. Players can race a real life Switch operated Mario Kart in their own home with all the regular frantic in game play. This is achieved through a camera on the kart which feeds directly into the Switch, allowing users to race against computers or friends using AR.

Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. – Available 13.11.20 – £44.99

A special Game & Watch system that allows users to play the original Super Mario Bros. from NES, as well as Super Mario The Lost Levels and an updated version of the title Game & Watch Balls. It includes a plus control pad and being a Game & Watch product it also functions as a clock.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Available 20.11.20 – £49.99

A sequel to the immensely popular Hyrule Warriors, the game features fast-paced action-packed gameplay from start to finish. Players will have to hack and slash their way through levels, as well as complete environment puzzles, unlock weapons, skills and much more. The title will be an instant hit with Breath of the Wild fans, with Zelda and Link both being playable characters.

Nintendo must-have:

Ring Fit Adventure – £69.99

Ring Fit Adventure is an adventure game, which uses unique accessories that detect and measure the player’s real-world movements and turn them into in-game actions. With the Ring-Con in hand and Leg-Strap equipped, it’s time to set out on a fitness-filled quest!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – £49.99

Animal Crossing allows players to transport themselves into their very own home made paradise, through the creation of their own island. The game’s guide, Tom Nook, will be on hand to help creators get everything they need to grow their island and community. Players can island hop to further collect resources needed to expand their island, whilst also being rewarded for spending time on the game. Game can be found here.

Pokémon Sword and Shield – £49.99

Pokémon Sword and Shield brings the experience of a classic mainline Pokémon RPG to Nintendo Switch . A whole new adventure awaits for existing and new fans of the nostalgic franchise.

Consoles:

Nintendo Switch – £279.99

Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game console. It not only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere.

Nintendo Switch Lite – £199.99

The console for gamers on the go. Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact, lightweight addition to the Nintendo Switch family, with integrated controls.

Steve Diamond sets out top four ambitions ahead of new Premiership Rugby season

As part of an exclusive Sale Sharks Business Club event, Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond revealed his targets for the Manchester-club ahead of the new season launch this week

The event was sponsored by club partner, C&C Insurance, and the Sharks coach was joined for the live viewing by club captain Jono Ross, Faf De Klerk and Sam James

Sale Sharks’ Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond says his side will be targeting a top four finish after narrowly missing out on the Premiership Rugby play offs in September.

Speaking during Sale Sharks Business Club’s first ever virtual event, the Sharks boss was joined by South African World Cup winner Faf de Klerk, club captain Jono Ross and club centre, Sam James to discuss their hopes for the new season ahead of their curtain raiser against Northampton Saints at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Reflecting on the previous campaign, Diamond revealed his hope that it would spur them onto greater success: “I think all of our players should be proud of their performance last season and we are hoping to emulate the same combative displays we became a custom to last year.”

On his ambitions for the 2020/21 campaign, he added: “We will be taking every game as it comes, but we have to be ambitious and be thinking like a top-four side with the squad we have, and the coaching set up we have in place. Once you’re in that top four, it’s a different competition all together.”

Turning attention to his squad, Diamond revealed two potential signings as well as support from academy players could be used to add to the roster.

“Current statistics show we produce more Premiership players than any other club and I think that figure will continue to improve. We have a fantastic crop of talent in both the forwards and the backs and I would have no qualms starting any of our academy lads next week if I had too.

“We are however looking at a near seven-foot lock to ease the loss of Lood de Jager and potentially another international back row to come in to add to our selection options too.”

Despite missing Tom Curry due to international duty with England, Diamond made no secret of the benefits Sharks will reap over South Africa’s decision to not participate in the Rugby Championship.

“I’m sure it will have been disappointing for a number of our South African players, but if I’m honest it wasn’t so disappointing for me. It’s been a real boost for us to have these guys around over pre-season and allow them some proper rest. We would have probably had to go four to five games without a lot of our players otherwise.”

The event, sponsored by C&C Insurance, also featured messages from Sharks’ latest partners including principal sponsor VST Enterprises, cyber protection partner, Acronis, and women’s team shirt sponsor BOL Foods.

Attended virtually by Sale Sharks’ partners, it marked the first of a series of virtual events from the club for its Business Club, which will offer exclusive insight into the running of the club and interviews with senior players.

Sid Sutton, the club’s newly appointed CEO, also appeared live to comment on the club’s plans for the future, stressing the need for the club to secure its own stadium in the future.

The Sharks CEO said: “We need a new home, and that’s a top priority for me and the board. Having a place to call our own would benefit not only the players, but also the fans with an enhanced matchday experience.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly had a huge impact on rugby, and Sharks are no exception to that, however we’ve attracted a number of corporate partners from the UK and internationally, who will play a key role in supporting our top four aims this season.”

GrafiTape – Washi Tape Art Projector

A special wooden projector that allows children to make tape art on the walls, doors, windows, and more.

www.animicausa.com

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS… PIZZA!

CHICAGO TOWN LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS CARD RANGE THAT’S A PIZZA LOVERS DREAM

Passionate about pizza, or know someone who is? Well this year you can wish them a Merry Crust-mas with a card that’s perfect for them.

That’s right, Chicago Town has launched its very own range of pizza themed Christmas cards which you can send to your pizza loving friends and family. What’s more, for a limited time only, recipients will also be treated to a FREE pizza with every card.

To bring some cheesy cheer to the festive period, the range of six cards will feature mouth-watering melted cheese, stacks of pepperoni, heaps of ham and pineapple and will be topped off with a sprinkling of pizza-puns. Inspired by the frozen pizza brand’s iconic crusts and much-loved pizza toppings, the range will feature six pizza varieties, including the divisive ham and pineapple, so you can ignite the debate if you’re a firm believer that these two toppings are a match made in pizza heaven.

The full range of cards are available to buy on greetings card marketplace, Thortful.com, for just £3.29 from the 17thNovember, right up until 21st December, and with six to choose from, including Deep Dish Cheeseburger, Cheese Stuffed Crust Loaded Cheese, and even Vegan Stuffed Crust Sticky BBQ Jackfruit, there is a card for every pizza fan’s palate.

For a limited time only, the recipient will also receive a voucher for FREE pizza with their card, meaning you can give your pizza loving pal the gift they’ve been dreaming of this year – a Chicago Town pizza.

Christmas, especially this year, can be a tough time for many families, so Chicago Town will be donating all profits from card sales to FareShare, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste.

On its new Christmas card range, Chicago Town spokesperson, Rachel Bradshaw, said: “What better way to say Merry Christmas to all the pizza fans out there than with a cheesy card and the gift of pizza! We know pizza lovers are passionate about flavour so we’ve made a card to suit every preference – from Loaded Pepperoni to Vegan Stuffed Crust Sticky BBQ Jackfruit, the controversial Ham & Pineapple to our brand new Cheeseburger topping. With free pizza vouchers only available for a limited time you’ll have to be quick to grab a pizza the action!”

The six cards will feature Deep Dish Ham & Pineapple, Deep Dish Cheeseburger, Cheese Stuffed Crust Takeaway Loaded Cheese, Tomato Stuffed Crust Takeaway Vegan Sticky BBQ Jackfruit, Tiger Crust Cheesy Ham & Bacon and Tomato Stuffed Crust Takeaway Loaded Pepperoni, so there’s something for everybody!

The cards will be available to purchase for £3.29 through online card marketplace, Thortful.com. To take a look at the range and send yours now, head to: www.thortful.com/creator/chicagotown

All profits from the card sales will be donated to Fareshare.

Fancy a slice of the action? Visit us at www.facebook.com/ChicagoTown or www.chicagotown.com for the latest news, promotions and giveaways.

MOORE HOUSE COCKTAIL COMPANY – SHAKING UP CHRISTMAS

It’s Christmas party season ahead, and if you’re stuck with what to do this year for office parties or team and client gifting; Moore House Cocktail Company has the perfect solution that allows you to delight, celebrate and boost morale.

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS GET-TOGETHERS

It couldn’t be easier – all you need to do is collate your guest list, decide what surprise cocktail to send or invite them to choose their own hand-crafted classic. Choose from the Negroni, Classic Martini, Old Fashioned and Manhattan, to more contemporary serves such as the Espresso Martini and a crystal-clear Margarita. New for the season, is a limited-edition Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and a Spicy Margarita – made with the highest quality ingredients, ready to shake or stir.

As part of the package, Moore House Cocktail Company can get that virtual party going with a bespoke live cocktail masterclass at the start of your Zoom gathering. After a 10-minute ‘shake or stir’ lesson, and with the ice broken, colleagues can relax and enjoy the get-together, meeting or quiz with cocktail in hand.

GIFT BOXES

It couldn’t be easier to surprise and delight those all-important clients or gift your team in place of the office party. Moore House offers a flexible array of cocktail boxes, from single bottles in a variety of sizes to gift sets of any three, with or without a shaker – you choose, they deliver. Each box of three comes with instructions on how to prepare your perfect cocktail and, for multiple gifting, these can be supported with a mini virtual cocktail masterclass by one of the Moore House mixologists. For a truly bespoke gift, the 100ml and 200ml bottles can be personalised – just add the recipient’s name, a Christmassy message and Moore House will do the rest. You’re guaranteed to be the best secret Santa in town!

Moore House Cocktail Company – shaking up Christmas with cocktail parties and beautiful gifts.

*Next Day Delivery is available nationwide.

Moore House Cocktail Company
Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ
www.moorehousecocktails.co.uk

Tel: 020 8065 5479

Email: hello@moorehousecocktail.co.uk