NEW Got 2 Glow Baby Finder available now, £14.99srp, 5+
The Got2Glow Fairy Finder you know and love is back in an adorable new size, with 20+ virtual baby fairies to find. Your Got2Glow Baby Fairy Finder lights up as it detects virtual baby fairies around you, follow the lights, sounds, and directions on screen to find all the baby fairies!
Numberblocks Number Fun – GOLD AWARD in the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2022 – Best educational/learning toy under £25
Numberblocks Number Fun, £24.99srp, ages 3+
Numberblocks Number Fun helps kids to see how numbers work and allows them to master a new key maths skill with every adventure. Join the Numberblock with 8 fun activities, including Meet the Numberblocks (1-10) insert a Numberblock and find out some fun number facts. Let’s play hide and seek! Find the correct Numberblock and insert into the cube and help Blockzilla.
Available from Smyths , John Lewis , Amazon and others.
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Flip and Jet – GOLD AWARD in the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2022 – Best toy vehicle under £25
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Flip and Jet, £14.99, ages 3+
Look out: here comes Spidey and His Amazing Friends Flip and Jet. Even if he’s low on webbing, Spidey can still save the day with this incredible transforming vehicle. Race to the crime scene in the Spidey
Car then transform into the Spidey Jet to fly like a streak of light. Just rotate the cabin in both directions while Spidey spins inside the cockpit. Transform back into the Spidey Car and take a victory lap on its free wheels once you’ve saved the day.
Spirograph Mandala Patterns – SILVER AWARD in the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2022 – Best art/craft toy or kit
Spirograph Mandala Maker, £24.99srp, 8+
Calling all aspiring artists! With the Mandala Maker, you can create mandala designs with Spirograph!
This amazing drawing tool includes traditional Spirograph rings in the centre of each of the interchangeable mandala wheel. Lock your paper into the frame and start designing.
It’s easy, just rotate the wheel in the frame to perfectly advance your wheel to create inspiring mandala designs!
Hasbro Twister Splash game by WowWee – BRONZE AWARD in the Made For Mums Toy Awards 2022 – Best outdoor toy
Hasbro Twister Splash Game by WowWee – £19.99srp, 6+, Aldi, B&M, Frasers, TJ Morris (Twister only), Bargain Max, Studio, Tesco and The Works
Play the classic game of Twister while getting drenched! Everyone can have loads of fun playing this easy and simple backyard version of Twister with a splashy twist. Give the spinner a whirl and make your move. Right foot red, off to a good start. Left foot green, you’ve got this. Each spot on the Splash Mat sprays water! Cover the spots with your hands or feet and watch water shoot out the others!6+
Avastars Fashion Dolls, £22srp, 6+
Introducing My Avastars – fully customizable fashion dolls that bring the fun of creating a digital avatar to real life! Each doll comes with 2 totally fab ‘fits, adorable hairstyles, and reusable stickers to customize the whole look from head to toe 💁♀️
SURPRISE OUTFIT INCLUDED: Each pack includes 2 outfits, one signature outfit and one surprise outfit. There are 2 possible surprise outfits, including new fashion pieces and stickers for even more looks.
WHAT’S INCLUDED. Open box to reveal 1 My Avastars 11 Fashion Doll, 1
signature outfit, 1 wig, 1 surprise outfit, 50+ reusable stickers, and 1 collector card.
Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Assault Class Millennium Falcon, £39.99srp
Make the jump to lightspeed with the Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron Millennium Falcon. Featuring incredible details and authentic scaling, this legendary CORELLIAN freighter is the absolute centerpiece of any Rebel fleet. This iconic vehicle is loaded with features including: opening cockpit, rotating cannons, retractable landing gear, light up thrusters, motion activated sounds (batteries not included), and much more.
Vehicle also includes articulated 1″ HAN SOLO, CHEWBACCA, PRINCESS LEIA, and OBI-WAN KENOBI micro figures, compatible with any Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron craft. Collect the entire Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron vehicles, and fortify your fleet. (Each sold separately and subject to availability.)
Key Retailers: Smyths, The Entertainer, Amazon, ASDA, Hamleys, Selfridges, Hamleys.
Ages: 8+
Pokémon 6” Articulated Figure Assortment
Train and display this Pokémon Select Super Articulated Figure. This assorted 6-inch figure is highly detailed and features over 15 points of articulation. It also includes a special posing arm accessory for dynamic display. Boxed in the Select Series’ signature black and silver packaging, this figure
looks like it flew right out of the Pokémon Animated Series. Team up with this figure and build the ultimate Pokémon Select team.
Officially
licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares. Includes: 6-Inch Pokémon Select Super-Articulated Figure and Posing Arm Accessory RRP Price (£) 21.99srp Retailers: Smyths, Game, Toymaster, The Range, ABGee, B&M, Bargain Max, Amazon.
Great socks
What would happen if your feet could speak!?
Wear famous faces on your feet today with Chatty Feet socks from not just a shop. Woven characters with bold personalities to match, who will you choose?
Inject culture into your wardrobe, the perfect gift for that creative character in your life, each playful pair is made in combed cotton for super-soft wear and also available as a single sets.
Calming Lavender
Whether you are looking for something to calm the end of a busy year, or something for a new beginning for the new year, it’s time to try some of the new lavender products from not just a shop!
Known to create a calm environment and peace of mind, lavender is also great for aiding sleep preparing you for a good day ahead!
The new mindfully designed lavender pouches from not just a shop are perfect to place in wardrobes, drawers or even under your pillow to create your own relaxing space.
Also available are the new luxury lavender eye pillows, perfect for winding down and helping towards a good night’s sleep, or even an ideal accessory for meditation or yoga.
Lavender Pouch £6 each
Made with offcuts of organic cotton
Filled with English lavender
Lavender Eye Pillow £24 each
Can be warmed or chilled
Removable and washable cover
Designed & handmade in London
Filled with English lavender
Credit notjustashop.arts.ac.uk
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MWII) is the latest addition in the critically-acclaimed Call of Duty® franchise.
MWII is a direct sequel to 2019’s best-selling, Modern Warfare, continuing the story, characters and time period. This is not a remaster of 2009’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but rather a brand new game.
MWII sees the return of the iconic Task Force 141, where players can team up with friends as their favourite operators and prove “The Ultimate Weapon is Team”. For some, that might be the running-and-gunning with the legendary SGT John “Soap” Mactavish, for others, it might be leading the charge with Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley.
For a truly immersive, state-of-the-art experience, MWII brings new gameplay innovations, all-new gun handling and advanced AI. Only but enhancing the global campaign, immersive multiplayer combat and the narrative-driven Special Ops. Something for everyone.
No matter where your friends play, with cross-play support, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC via Battle.net. Play with friends anywhere.
Many aspiring athletes strive to match the training regimens of the stars, but feel like they can’t afford the same personalised training plans, and coaching as their heroes. However, advances in technology are making professional training methods available to the public.
PHITS, insoles made by Materialise, a European 3D printing pioneer, are bringing cutting-edge gait analysis used by Olympic gold medallist Paula Radcliffe and Premier League player Erling Haaland to amateur sportsmen.
These insoles are designed using cutting-edge 3D footscan technology, which painstakingly scans movement with over 300 scans per second. PHITS are fully customisable based on the results of the footscan analysis and are designed to provide optimal efficiency, superior stability, and extreme durability.
David Andre Art
www.davidandreart.com
Artist Profile
THESE THINGS I SEE…
Since I was very young, I’ve always been keen to the dual nature of life in general. This is why the bulk of my work tends to incorporate geometric and organic elements, by design. I feel like I could get lost in my drawings; keep my eyes wandering on them for long stretches of time, and my goal is to share that with all of you open minded people out there. I sincerely hope to provide an escape for people via my artwork.
Move over mulled wine, here’s the best Christmas drink ever
THE ever-inventive Manchester Drinks Company has created what it claims is the best ever Christmas drink.
The small batch producer has captured the flavours of winter nights spent around the fire with a traditionally distilled gin, cut with mountain water and infused with flavours of strawberry, marshmallow, and white chocolate.
The limited release gin liqueur is now available at Home Bargains for £7.99 per 500ml bottle, 20% ABV.
Company boss Richard Benjamin said:
“We really believe we’ve created an iconic new flavour for Christmas. We’ve managed to capture nostalgia and happy vibes in a bottle!
“Our ELF and Candy Cane gin liqueurs have become firm festive favourites with customers, and we wanted to create something just as good for this Christmas.”
Ideal as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift, the gin is also perfect for Christmas cocktails. The company recommends pouring it over ice and serving with tonic, passionfruit slices and a marshmallow skewered on a cocktail stick. They also recommend the gin liqueur served neat over ice as an after dinner digestif.
Manchester Drinks Co was founded in 2005 by Richard Benjamin and Brian Levine and is a leader in the ready-to-drink market. The company produces a wide range of award-winning own label and branded small batch gins, cocktails, seltzers flavoured shots and soft drinks which are sold throughout the UK.
The perfect mistle-toast to the holidays: BACARDÍ® Rum unveils new limited edition BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum Truffle Gift Set just in time for the festive season
• Cocktail lovers can now enjoy their favourite rum cocktails in bite-size truffle form
• The selection is inspired by iconic rum cocktails including BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Old Fashioned, Old Cuban and Negroni
• The box design has been carefully crafted by Caribbean artist PopCaribe who was influenced by the flavours and heritage of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum
[Hamilton, Bermuda, TBC December 2022]- BACARDÍ Rum has announced the launch of its new limited-edition BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum Truffle Gift Set which is set to bring the Caribbean spirit to the UK winter this festive season. The new gift set features three rum-infused truffle flavours inspired by iconic festive rum cocktails including the BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Old Fashioned, Old Cuban and Negroni. Launching ahead of Christmas, it’s the perfect gift for rum-lovers looking to create the ultimate nightcap with family and friends.
The chocolate truffles have been expertly crafted by Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates to capture the taste and spirit of the Caribbean in the form of bite size chocolate truffles.
BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Old Fashioned Truffle
A blend of single origin 46% Dominican Republic milk chocolate, BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, organic light muscovado sugar, and Angostura Bitters. Smooth, creamy, and complex yet with a delicate taste profile.
BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Old Cuban Truffle
A blend of single origin 60% Colombian dark chocolate, BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, lime, mint, prosecco, and Angostura Bitters. A complex truffle with fragrant mint notes.
BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Negroni Truffle
A blend of single origin 72% Peru dark chocolate, BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, and MARTINI Reserva Speciale Rubino. A dark and indulgent truffle with a bittersweet complex rum finish.
Showcasing its Caribbean roots, BACARDÍ Rum works with Caribbean multidisciplinary artist, PopCaribe, for a second year to create the limited-edition artwork to accompany the delicious selection of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Truffles this Christmas. A feast for the palate as well as the eyes, PopCaribe’s visual work is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean cultures and aesthetics, reflecting a unique visual pop style with a contemporary emphasis that tap into tradition and identity in a visually provocative way.
This artwork is specifically inspired by the vibrancy of Caribbean culture and the bold tasting notes of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, bringing in visual cues from tropical palm trees and golden sun.
Each limited-edition set includes a set of nine luxury chocolates, a recipe booklet, and bottle of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, a rare and delicious golden rum which has been aged for eight years for a deep and complex flavour. The ageing process makes for the perfect rum to elevate cocktail classics, such as a BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Old Fashioned, Old Cuban, Negroni or it can also be appreciated as a sipping rum, neat or on the rocks, with its mellow flavours of dried fruits, spices, and oaky vanilla. Enjoying the finest form of rum, whether for sipping it or mixing, has been a Bacardi family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Ageing Ocho for a minimum of 8 years results in a depth of flavour and taste that simply must be experienced – originally known as The Family Reserve.
“We’re proud to be bringing our new BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum Truffle Gift Set to the UK this festive season through our partnerships with PopCaribe and Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates. This limited-edition truffle set is a perfect gift for rum lovers and for those who want to enjoy one of the finest forms of rum from BACARDÍ; our Reserva Ocho rum which after a minimum of eight years of ageing, releases delightful flavours of stone fruit and spices, perfect for mixing up an Old Fashioned or Rum Negroni. We hope that our BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum and chocolate truffles takes you on a journey to the Caribbean this Christmas” says Marie Peyto, BACARDÍ UK Brand Director.
BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Truffle Gift Set is now available to pre-order at thewhiskyexchange.com for £40.
Myprotein x Hotel Chocolate (pack of 6) RRP: £16.99
Our Hotel Chocolat Layered Bar is our most indulgent protein bar yet, created to be a guilt-free and delicious snack to support your fitness ambitions.
We’ve teamed up with Hotel Chocolat, to bring you an indulgent dark chocolate Layered Protein Bar, with a festive twist.
Available in: Coffee and Caramel or Dark Chocolate and Gingerbread.
• Exclusive Hotel Chocolat flavours
• Enrobed in dark couverture chocolate
• High-protein
• High in fibre
Get your hands on these amazing, limited addition protein bars!
1. Myprotein Pancake Bundle RRP: £30.97 (pre-sale)
Everything you need to make the best protein pancakes. Our bundle contains:
o Crunchy Peanut Butter
o 500g Pancake mix (choose from Chocolate, Golden Syrup and Unflavoured)
o Sugar-free Syrup (choose from Chocolate, Butterscotch, Maple and Rasbery)
2. The Pre-Workout RRP: £32.49 (pre-sale)
Award winning MyPRO pre-workout is designed to help you break barriers and reach your goals.
• Creatine to improve physical performance
• Caffeine to increase endurance
• Vitamin B6 helps to reduce tiredness
3. Myprotein Everyday Bundle RRP: £28.98 (pre-sale)
Impact Whey Protein shake paired with a Layered Bar is what our dreams are made of, so you won’t want to miss out.
• Impact Whey Protein (250g) Flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate Brownie, Cookies n Cream, Chocolate Smooth, and Unflavoured
• Layered Bar Variety Box
• Shaker
4. Breakfast Layered Bar – RRP: £25.99 x 12 bars (pre-sale)
If you prioritise sleep over a good breakfast, you might be after something you can quickly grab on the go – so start your day right with our Breakfast Layered Bars.
• Perfect on-the-go snack
• Six irresistible layers of taste and texture
• 16g protein
5. MyPRO x Pulseroll – The Mini Massage Gun – RRP: £129.99 (pre-sale)
Our compact, lightweight Mini Massage Percussion Gun is designed for pro-level massage therapy anywhere, anytime. Delivering a powerful, easy-to-use experience to help alleviate muscle soreness and enhance sports recovery.
• 4 Speed Settings
• 4 Attachments
• Carrying Case
Make your fitness-conscious loved one’s Christmas great with Myprotein.
emporiaTABLET
The emporiaTABLET is the first full-feature tablet specifically designed for older users and boasts several features geared towards making the digital world accessible to the 65+ market, including:
• 4G / LTE connection (less expensive than paying for home broadband for elderly consumers)
• Voice input functions for those with reduced dexterity.
• 4GB RAM
• 10.1” screen
emporiaSUPEReasy
The SUPEReasy retails for £200 and is the first ever swipe-free smartphone. It is a full-function smartphone made to be as easy-to-use as possible, with features including:
• A completely swipe-free user interface
• Two physical buttons for easier control
• 4G VoLTE connectivity
• 13mp rear camera
emporiaSMART.5
The SMART.5 retails for £250 and is the most powerful and feature-rich smartphone from emporia. It is a smartphone with features including:
• Unique, smart flip cover with four quick-access buttons
• Discrete optional emergency button (can be hidden with change of back cover)
• A front camera and rear triple-camera
• A 1.8Ghz Octa-Core processor
The Anglo-French Exchange
By Dr Allswell E. Eno
– International Mother Language Day – 21 February 2023
– Race Equality Week – 6-13 February 2023
– French Language Day – 20 March 2023
– National Doctors’ Day – 30 March 2023
– There are 300 million French speakers worldwide
– French is the world’s fifth most-spoken language
– French is the second-most learned foreign language
– 59% of people who speak French daily live in Africa
“An essential book that promotes understanding through language”
Dr Allswell Eno is passionate about the power of words and their role in shaping society. He has been campaigning for over a decade to change the language around race, positing that words such as ‘black,’ ‘white’ and ‘brown’ oversimplify and trivialise ancestry, and perpetuate racism. His campaign bLack of Respect and supporting website blackofrespect.org advocate a more nuanced approach that includes referring to everyone by heritage, rather than skin colour.
Dr Eno’s fascination with language and its nuances has led him to write an impressive new textbook, which explores the enduring relationship between French and English. Inspired by a need to better communicate with his patients, and a lifelong love of the French language, this highly practical guide is written for anyone who already has a good grasp of French as their second language, and desires to reach that (sometimes seemingly elusive) ‘next level’.
From GCSE and A Level and degree students to Francophiles, The Anglo-French Exchange is designed to bypass the tedium of wading through dense, grammatical explanations that are irrelevant for everyday French. It explores idiosyncrasies and means of expression that will help you speak like a native. Dr Eno achieves this through real-life examples and variations that might crop up in different contexts.
With well-placed explanatory notes and footnotes, this book illustrates cultural subtleties and clears the obstacles inhibiting a mastery of French. It is your passport into the French-speaking world and does the same for French-speakers seeking fluency in English.
About the Author
Dr Allswell E. Eno was born in Greenwich, south-east London and grew up in the boroughs of Southwark and Lewisham. He trained in medicine at St. Thomas’ Hospital Medical School, now part of King’s College, London. Having practised hospital medicine to registrar level in a range of specialties, Dr Allswell switched to general practice training in 1997. After 25 years working as a GP, he now practises family medicine on a freelance basis in both the NHS and private sector.
Dr Eno’s love of the French language began at school and continued into his professional life. As an increasing number of French-speaking patients came to his practice, he was encouraged to improve his language skills, but found most language books overly dry and pedantic. He realized the need for an easy to use, practical guide to French for those looking to improve their abilities.
Aside from medicine, Dr Eno is a vigorous campaigner on the subject of racial terminology and equality in relation to people of African heritage around the world. He is determined to redress this imbalance and has been campaigning on for over ten years in the form of The bLack of Respect Campaign.
ESSENTIAL DETAILS
Title: The Anglo-French Exchange
Author: Dr Allswell Eno
Genres: Instructional, Language, Reference, Education
Publisher: Bright Ink Publications
Publication date: Paperback: 08/06/22
Hardback: 18/09/22
eBook: January 2023
Availability: Paperback, hardback, eBook
ISBN:
Price: Paperback: £20.99
Hardback: £45.99
eBook: TBC
Media requests & enquiries: info@literallypr.com www.literallypr.com
bit.ly/DrAllswellEnoPR
Online: www.blackofrespect.org
Spread Some Festive Cheer with Samsung Tech
This Christmas
Don’t know what to get loved ones this year? Don’t stress! Samsung has curated the ultimate gift guide to guarantee Christmas joy this festive season.
LONDON, UK – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is set to fill stockings, kitchens & living rooms this December. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate gift for a tech savvy friend, the best devices to supercharge your entertainment, or to surprise a loved one with tech they didn’t know they needed, Samsung has got you covered. With this Samsung guide to the must-have gadgets of 2022, you can confidently tick off every item on Santa’s list and add a touch of festive excitement to the holiday season and beyond.
For those that like to stand out… the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
RRP £999 (128GB|8GB) £1,059 (256GB|8GB)
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a must-have accessory for trendsetters and comes in four eye-catching colours or the Bespoke Edition to personalise every detail to fit your style and your life. From snapping slick selfies straight from the cover screen to hands-free videos and a camera optimised for popular social platforms, the enhanced features make this device the ultimate tool for self-expression. Looking for ideas for that hard-too-impress teenager in the family? Have no fear, the Z Flip4 is trend approved tech that’s sure to please the crowds.
Available in Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue and Bespoke.
Mix up the entertainment options this Christmas….The Freestyle
RRP: £999
The Freestyle is a one-of-a-kind small and compact projector that’s powerfully packed and cleverly designed to improvise a screen up to 100” – allowing family members a different viewing option this Christmas. The Freestyle boasts the same Smart TV experience as a Samsung Smart TV, bringing you all your must-see entertainment this festive season, with TV apps including Disney+, Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube on TV and more. It is also a smart speaker, and ambient lighting device that’s lightweight (weighing only 830 grams) and easy to carry around. From wall to ceiling, its flexible stand adjusts by up to 180-degrees in a few easy clicks. Get ready to blast out those top-tier Christmas tunes at the annual Christmas eve festivities!
For the person who never stops… the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
RRP: 256GB, £1,649 | 512GB, £1,769 | 1TB £2,019
Building on the ground-breaking features of its predecessors, Galaxy Z Fold4 is the ultimate gift for on-the-go tech lovers. Boasting increased practicality (whether opened or closed) and next level multitasking, this powerhouse device is guaranteed to supercharge a loved ones’ day to day. Features include new swipe gestures which allow users to instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows, as well as split the screen in half for even more multiuse. Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone that is serious about gaming or planning how to best binge-watch festive films as you travel between family this Christmas, the Z Fold4 gives an uninterrupted viewing experience with amazing sound quality.
Available in Phantom Black, Burgundy, Greygreen, and Beige.
For the music lovers… Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
RRP £219
For those passionate about their playlists, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are the perfect gift. Whether jogging to fast-paced beats or trying out a new podcast, the Buds allow users to become seamlessly immersed in their entertainment with superior audio that delivers a rich, balanced sound and crystal-clear resolution. What’s more, with Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit, listening on the go has never been easier.
Available in Bora Purple, Graphite and White.
For the person looking to elevate their fitness routine… Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Series
Galaxy Watch5 RRP:
40mm (Bluetooth): £269 | 44mm (Bluetooth): £289
Available in Graphite, Silver and Pink Gold (40mm) and Sapphire, Graphite and Silver (44mm)
Galaxy Watch5 Pro RRP:
45mm (Bluetooth): £429
Available in Black Titanium and Grey Titanium
For those who want all the fitness features on their wrist with a single tap, the Galaxy Watch5 delivers! Whether the person you are gifting wants to get going on that January health kick or is a seasoned gym goer wanting to take their fitness to the next level, the Galaxy Watch5 series is guaranteed to up the ante. This stylish smartwatch delivers a holistic suite of health features designed to give users the best tools to manage their wellness. Packed with exciting new guided workouts and group challenges that help users connect with their family and friends, users can ensure they are at their best every day with Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
For the avid gamer …. Odyssey Neo G8.
RRP: £1,299
The 32-inch Odyssey Neo G8 is the world’s first 240Hz 4K gaming monitor, offering super-realistic picture quality, rapid response times and premium performance. Allowing individuals to game to their heart’s content throughout the festive break, the Odyssey Neo G8 delivers an incredible immersive and lifelike gaming experience. The design of the Neo G8 was inspired by the iconic style of the Odyssey Neo G9, offering an effortlessly cool exterior which is packed with premium gaming performance features.
For the person who needs a helping hand… Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+
RRP £39.99
For that someone whose items go walkabout! The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ is the perfect stocking filler this Christmas. Easily attach it to keys, bags, children’s toys, or anything that tends to go missing, to avoid turning the house upside down looking for lost items. It also allows the user to control devices with a click of a button, so they can even turn the lights on at home before stepping inside! Or why not get someone special the must-have accessory for that New Year getaway to make tracking luggage easy. Simply attach and go, the Bluetooth device allows travelers to keep an eye on their luggage and valuables on the move so there’s one less thing to worry about and more time to focus on packing the holiday essentials.
For the person who wants to work and play … the Galaxy Tab S8
RRP £646 (128GB|8GB) £699 (256GB|8GB)
The perfect tablet for both multi-taskers and creatives alike. Whether studying, working or connecting with friends, the Galaxy Tab S8 offers an improved video conferencing experience with ultra-wide front cameras, a three-microphone setup and intelligent auto-framing technology that’s seamless for virtual lectures or calling home for a catch up. It offers revolutionary multitasking capabilities with enhanced Multi-active Windows and Samsung DeX, safe and easy file-sharing to ensure students never miss a deadline.
Available in three iconic colours — Graphite, Pink Gold and Silver.
For the person that wants to capture every magical moment… the Galaxy’s A53 5G
RRP £399 (128GB)
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is ideal for the content fanatics looking to capture new memories this Christmas with an innovative AI-powered camera that makes every image look awesome – even in low lighting. From capturing annual family portraits worthy of the Christmas card, to being candid-ready during the Winter night festivities, with the Galaxy A53 you can ensure no festive memories are missed this year.
The A53’s frame rate is automatically adjusted to create bright, clear videos. With the choice of four trendy colours, Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, Awesome White, and Awesome Peach, Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a device for true self-expression.
For the inner design enthusiast… The Frame
RRP: Starting from £699
Available in 32”, 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
With The Frame, individuals can reinvent their home each-and-every day throughout the Christmas period to impress their guests. When users are not enjoying 4K TV* entertainment with cinematic surround sound, The Frame turns into a glare-free* canvas to display a gallery of iconic art or their very own photography. With over 1600 pieces of Art to choose from*, the stunningly slim TV that can be endlessly transformed so that users can showcase the things they love and reinvent their everyday space. It’s the perfect balance of fine art and epic entertainment, all on a ground-breaking, glare-free QLED 4K display. And with no distracting cables, the view is always gorgeous.
For the person that wants the best of the best… the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
RRP £1,149 (128GB|8GB) £1,249 (256GB|12GB) £1,329 (512GB|12GB) £1,499 (1TB|12GB)
Spoil that special someone this year with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Capture footage that is instantly post-worthy whatever the lighting conditions. The advanced Nightography feature ensures that users can capture crisp, clear videos on both the front and back cameras on that wintery walk or family Christmas dinner, day or night.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the ideal phone for both amateur and professional photographers, providing the tools to snap a beautiful shot first time, every time.
Available in four colours – Burgundy, Phantom Black, Phantom White and Green.
For the festive movie lover…the Samsung QN900B
RRP: Starting from £5,799
Available in 65”, 75”, 85”
Settle down with the family and experience edge-to-edge, cinematic TV viewing this Christmas on the endlessly stunning, anti-glare Infinity Screen. Powered by Samsung’s state-of-the-art Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, users will see every epic festive moment in jaw-dropping 8K detail and extreme contrast. When it comes to audio – 12 multi-directional TV speakers work together to deliver truly immersive, 3D surround sound with Dolby Atmos technology. All this, on an ultra slim TV with tidy cables, designed to lift all distractions away.
For the person who is always on the go… the Galaxy Book2
RRP £699 (256GB|8GB) £799 (512GB|8GB)
Do more on the move this Christmas with the Galaxy Book2 – Go practical for those whose life is a constant battle of work and play, even during the holiday season! Whether taking notes in the lecture theatre or completing that to-do list in a local café, more people are enjoying remote or hybrid working environments. The Samsung Galaxy Book2 is perfect for the flexibility and versatility needed for today’s evolving learning lifestyles. Providing a PC experience that is equally productive and portable, the Galaxy Book2 is thin and lightweight enough to pop in a backpack and go, measuring just 15.4mm thin and weighing an astonishing 1.55kg.
Available in — Graphite and Silver.
Enjoy incredible surround sound this festive season…. HW-Q990B Soundbar.
RRP: £1,599
Film lovers can elevate their favourite festive films with a top of the range soundbar featuring built-in Alexa. Strike a chord with music and cinema lovers this Christmas with the Q990B that will really immerse your recipient in the future of cinematic surround sound, transporting them to the set of their favourite Christmas classics. It has wireless Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound and 11.1.4ch sound, with wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer included. With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, the soundbar provides a cleaner solution with incredible sound quality and added flexibility.
Availability
All products are available to purchase via www.samsung.com/uk/ and select partners.
Wanderlust is an international drinks brand offering a selection of internal beers including some great bundles as well as a range of spirits. Bundles include a range of European beers, beers with glasses and a pick ’n’ mix option.
Eclectic, New and Blue
My Furniture’s stunningly eclectic new EYOS furniture collection makes a bold statement with its playful graphic print in a vibrant, electric blue hue.
There are four distinctive pieces in the new EYOS collection from My Furniture. Each striking piece features strong and durable toughened black glass and sturdy steel legs and handles with a warm, polished brass finish.
For living and dining areas, the eye-catching EYOS Sideboard showcases three doors, each with a polished brass finish handle, and a black painted interior. Practicality is a key feature of this beautiful new collection. Adjustable shelves and cable ports have been installed allowing neat and tidy access for a television or media unit.
The EYOS Chest of Drawers complements the sideboard beautifully and would look equally at home in a dining room, living area or bedroom. Four drawers have handles with a polished brass finish, hidden soft-close runners and black painted interiors.
The EYOS Bedside Table is a stunning piece of bedroom furniture. A single drawer has hidden soft-close runners and a black painted interior with stylish polished brass finish handle. This bedside table is the perfect setting for a bedside lamp and tucking away all your bits and pieces.
Completing the collection, the EYOS Console Table has been designed to complement the other three pieces, but could also be used as a standalone dressing table or hall console. The single soft-close drawer is perfect for hiding away stationary, make-up or hair appliances.
Prices start at £174.99 for the EYOS Bedside Table with the Console Table priced at £269.99 and Chest of Drawers at £499.99. The centre piece of the collection, the Eyos Sideboard is priced at £649.99 and measures 180cm wide.
For further information and to see the whole collection visit www.my-furniture.com or call 0800 092 1636.
For Instagram Shop visit https://www.my-furniture.com/insta/#/ and YouTube Channel visit https://youtu.be/Jp0GjnxTbg0
For further press information and high res images contact: laura@inhousecommunications.co.uk or call 07917 786280
Entrepreneur Creates Edible Straws After Getting Frustrated By Floppy Paper Alternative
An entrepreneur created sustainable drinking straws you can eat after getting frustrated with the paper alternatives.
Keith Wearing was drinking a McDonalds milkshake when he came up with the idea for his business – Edible Straws. He found the paper straw he was using was breaking down and becoming soft and floppy before he’d even finished his drink.
Keith said: “It felt like I was eating the straw while drinking the shake, which was driving me crazy. That was the moment I was inspired to create edible straws, which would not only be sustainable but also something customers could enjoy as a treat.”
After his lightbulb moment, Keith, who had worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years, set about making his vision a reality. He knew both consumers and businesses were dissatisfied by the paper products brought in to replace single use plastic straws after they were banned in October 2020 to reduce waste.
As well as becoming soft quickly when wet, many paper straws are challenging to recycle as they are covered in a plastic coating.
Edible Straws are more sustainable than both the paper and plastic alternatives and consumers can simply eat them when they have finished using them. Available in a number of flavours, including chocolate, coffee, lime, vanilla, lemon, strawberry and neutral, the straws last for 40 minutes in cold drinks and don’t have an impact on the flavour of the beverage.
Keith, who comes from Manchester, said: “Our vision is to be the world’s number one replacement for both paper and plastic straws. We strongly believe that our amazing edible straws are an absolute industry game changer that customers desperately want and need.
“An edible straw is a no-brainer and a win-win for everyone. We all need to do our bit for the environment and make a difference one way or another.”
Edible straws are already being used by major clients, including Disney, Tropical Café and Iberostar Hotels. Carnival Cruises has also started using the straws and aims to introduce them on all its ships to reduce onboard waste.
The straws themselves contain no allergens or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are gluten-free. And Keith is now working on developing edible cups, plates and spoons for use in the hospitality industry.
To find out more, visit www.ediblestraws.com
A New Year’s Eve Proposal is the perfect time to start a wonderful new chapter with your significant other. As you pick your favorite bubbly to toast to this new beginning you’ll want your significant other to still be looking at their hand in disbelief that you found their DREAM ring.
The perfect engagement ring can be found at the one and only Liori diamonds. Lab-grown, affordable, and unique Liori Diamonds boast one of the world’s largest collections of engagement rings. Diamond expert, Avi Arandbaiev ensures that at Liori you are receiving the highest quality and value diamonds. Each diamond is delicately for extraordinary cut, color, and clarity.
Over 3 million meals to be donated through foodbanks during festive period
New national research unveils 15% of Brits rely on food banks to feed families
• 15% of Brits state supermarket prices are now too expensive that they’ve had to start using food banks to feed themselves and their family
• 64% of Brits state supermarket price matching and on-shelf offers do not go far enough to alleviate their increasing food bills during the cost-of-living crisis
Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket, discusses retail trends amidst the cost-of-living crisis
Hi Gary,
Hope you’re doing well, do let me know if the below is of interest to you or if you’d like to speak to Will.
Ahead of Christmas, food inflation has reached a new high of 16% in the month of November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). New research has further found that while discount stores remain the most attractive option for Brits struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, they’ve become the worst hit by increasing production costs, with own brand prices going up by an average of 19%. As consumers face the biggest drop in living standards on record and prepare for a tough Christmas ahead, leading grocery retail app, Ubamarket, has commissioned nationally representative research to investigate how this is affecting consumers that heavily rely on these lower prices.
According to the Trussell Trust, a historically high number of people have been forced to turn to food banks as they estimate around 339,900 packages containing the equivalent of approximately 3,059,100 meals will be donated throughout the month of December.
Serving as testament to this, research from Ubamarket highlights this in their Retail Trends Report 2022 – an annual body of customer-centric research dedicated to the current and future state of the nation’s grocery shop. The recent rise in food prices has created a severe situation amongst UK households, the research highlights a significant increase in the use of food banks, with a staggering 15% of British households – or 6.7 million Brits – stating supermarket prices have now become so expensive, they’ve had to start using food banks to feed themselves and their family. According to IFAN (Independent Food Aid Network), 93% of independent food banks reported an increase in the use of their services, with 95% of these attributing the rise to the cost-of-living crisis.
The research further highlights the shift in sentiment towards the UK’s discount store brands which, in recent years, have seen a steady increase in market share as consumers have opted for the benefits of cheaper prices. However, the research has unveiled 52% of Brits state that although they started to use discount stores to offset the negative impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, but now shop across multiple stores to keep expenditure down. British consumers have become overwhelmed with inflationary pressure, which according to the Bank of England, will continue well into next year. Although retailers have designed countless money saving opportunities to address food inflation, 64% of Brits state supermarket price matching and on-shelf offers do not go far enough to alleviate their increasing food bills during the cost-of-living crisis.
Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket, comments on the impact the cost-of-living crisis and food inflation is having on consumers:
“With prices still rising, Brits are facing a tough Christmas ahead, and many will be managing their budgets more tightly than at the start of the cost-of-living crisis. It’s no surprise that consumers are feeling extremely let down by the grocery sector.
“Supermarket chains and suppliers rely on narrow profit margins, and while most of the retail sector have felt the effects of the rising rate of inflation – as well as significant supply chain demands – consumer goods and food have borne the brunt of it. The news about inflation disproportionally effecting own brand items and discount stores highlights how the poorest households in the UK are set to be affected the most.
“At Ubamarket, we believe it is the responsibility of retailers to help curb inflation and respond by offering seasonal savings and price cuts for consumers where possible.”
GET READY TO ROAR FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
SHOWCASE CINEMAS TO SCREEN UK EXCLUSIVE OF WOMEN’S EURO 2022 FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ‘LIONESSES: HOW FOOTBALL CAME HOME’
Today, Showcase Cinemas has announced it will host a special, one-night-only screening of the Women’s EURO 2022 feature documentary, Lionesses: How Football Came Home.
The screenings, exclusive to Showcase Cinemas nationwide*, of the highly anticipated documentary will take place on Monday 12th December at 7:30pm and will feature contributions from The Lionesses’ captain Leah Williamson, stalwart Jill Scott, Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, Keira Walsh, Nikita Parris, ex-Lioness players, journalists and more.
Through touching and personal home movie footage, childhood stories and exclusive new interviews with the players, Lionesses: How Football Came Home shows us the real women behind the team now forever etched into football history.
The Lionesses reveal their journey from the playground to the national team, relive standout EURO 22 moments, explore the challenges faced by the women’s game over the last century and discuss the impact that their success could have on inspiring the next generation of players.
Jon Dixon, Marketing Director at Showcase Cinemas UK said: “We’re so excited to host an exclusive, one-night-only screening at our cinemas to tell the story of England’s historic women’s EURO 2022 victory, in their own words.
“Having shown all of England’s matches for free on our big screens in the summer, we’re extremely proud to be the only UK cinema to screen the documentary and it’s a must watch for fans nationwide. We can’t wait to see the historic journey play out on the big screen!”
Tickets for the Lionesses: How Football Came Home screening can be booked at the cinema box office or online at: https://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/film-info/lionesses-how-football-came-home
*Not available at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater, Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton and Showcase Cinema Bristol Avonmeads
Proscenic 850T Self Charging Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop with 3000Pa Strong Suction App and Alexa Voice Control – RRP £229 – CHRISTMAS DEAL 30.57% OFF FROM 12th – 18th DECEMBER–£159 on Amazon
(FROM 19th DEC – 25th MUST USE CODE PSSR850T TO GET DISCOUNT)
3000 PA SUCTION FOR THOROUGH CLEANING – Equipped with high quality brushless motor, can easily pick up dusts, pet hairs and dirt without any effort. Suction is adjustable in 3 levels to meet your different needs. Low profile 2.8in design make sure an effective cleaning, and access every hard-to-reach corner and the bottom of the furniture.
SMART & CONVENIENT CONTROL – The robot vacuum can be controlled by the remote control, APP and Alexa & Google Home voice command. Use the ProscenicHome App to monitor the cleaning path, schedule cleaning plan, adjust suction level, change cleaning mode, etc… Note: It only supports 2. 4GHz Wi-Fi.
3 IN 1 SWEEP, VACUUM & MOP – Mop and vacuum in the same time with the electronically controlled 2-in-1 water tank and dustbin included, you can control the water level according to your needs. Works at a low noise less than 60 dB with 4 different cleaning modes: AUTO / SPOT / EDGE / MOPPING.
120MIN DURABLE RUNTIME – Powered by 2600mAh Li-ion battery, the 850T robotic vacuum cleans for up to 120 min per charge, and automatically go back to the charging base for recharge. Works in programmed pattern that eventually reaches every area that it can access for a efficient and effective clean. Automatically increase suction power when carpet is detected.
Proscenic P11 Smart Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with touch screen display – RRP £179 – CHRISTMAS DEAL 22% OFF 12 DEC – 25th DEC £139.99 on Amazon (FROM 19th DEC – 25th MUST USE CODE PSSVACP11S TO GET DISCOUNT)
.
60Mins Runtime Detachable Battery – 8 x 2200mAh large capacity battery provide up to 60mins of running time (ECO mode) for the wireless vacuum cleaner. The removable battery makes it easy to rechargeable separately. If you buy an additional battery (ASIN: B09MTJ364G), the runtime will be doubled.
30000Pa Powerful Suction – 450W Super powerful motor & 3 adjustable suction power levels, up to 30KPa (Max mode), and high-efficiently to remove pet hair and food. This lightweight vacuum is ideal for elderly and women to use on hard floors or carpets, and it can also be used in your car
Smart App Display & Smart service – The Smart cordless vacuum cleaner can be synced with the Proscenic app via bluetooth to track your cleaning reports, check for faults, There’s also troubleshooting assistance and online customer service to assist you in resolving issues quicker.
Touch Screen & LED Display – Large touch screen LED control panel makes it effortless to adjust the vacuum power and know the status of your vacuum cleaner. It is more intuitive to show the battery capacity, suction performance, fault alert.
Proscenic i10 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with VBoost Technology and LED touch screen display – RRP £139 – CHRISTMAS DEAL 15% OFF 19th DEC – 25th DEC – NOW £118.14 on Amazon
Powerful Suction for Thorough Cleaning – Powered by a high-efficient 350W motor, the i10 can generate a high rotation speed of 10000 rpm and a strong suction of up to 25000 Pa to effectively deep-clean any stubborn dirt and dust.
Super Long Run Time – With 2200-mAh large-capacity batteries installed, the i10 can run continuously for a maximum of 50 minutes, sufficient for cleaning the entire house in one go without needing to recharge or change the battery.
LED Touch Display – A LED touch screen with a high-resolution interface is built on top of the main unit to allow users to easily change working modes and be immediately notified of information about the machine’s status, including the battery levels and error alerts.
VBoost Technology – With an advanced infrared sensor designed and installed on the brush head, its suction power will automatically boost to the highest once carpets are detected to effectively remove dirt or dust. Once finishing cleaning carpets, it will return to the normal suction level to avoid battery draining.
Detachable Battery and Flexible Charging Methods – The battery of the Proscenic i10 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is detachable so that its run time can be further extended by having a second battery ready.
ROKU JAPANESE GIN INTRODUCES NEW “FOUR SEASONS” COCKTAIL
The festive season is one of South Africa’s most anticipated seasons of the year. It is a time for friends and parties making sharing a drink part of the traditions. Enjoy Roku Japanese Gin’s four-season cocktail this summer as part of your summer fun traditions.
Uniquely bottled in a hexagonal glass vessel, Roku is a distinctive spirit from Japan’s revered Suntory brand; one of the countries’ most awarded spirits producers, mastering the skill of making gin since 1936. As one of the first Japanese gins to hit South African shores, Roku offers a native edge in the country’s trending industry with a rare flavour base inspired by its home.
Translating to the word ‘six’ in Japanese, Roku is a crafted gin created with six botanicals sourced from Japan. These high quality botanicals, harvested from the best growing areas in Japan each season, include sencha and gyokuro teas, celebrating summer, as well as the Sakura flower and leaf, which bloom in spring. Showcasing the unique flavours Japan produces in autumn, Sansho pepper adds a unique taste, as well as the peel of yuzu fruit, which finishes off the harmonious flavours of Roku Japanese Gin, and represents the winter botanical.
ROKU FOUR SEASONS COCKTAIL
• Roku Gin 50ml
• Kiwi Purée 25ml
• Lime Juice 5ml
Method: Combine all ingredients together with ice. Top up with prosecco and soda water. Lastly, garnish with a kiwi slice and thyme.
In a process unique to Roku, the six Japanese botanicals are distilled using a selection of different pot stills, each chosen to ensure the best flavour is extracted from each botanical. The result is a complex yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture.
Meticulous attention to detail – the signature of Japanese craftsmanship – also extends to the bottle. Roku’s bottle is cast in a hexagonal shape, representing each Japanese botanical, and is finished with delicate embossing. The Japanese kanji symbol for six is printed on the label, which is made of traditional washi paper and finished with subtle touches of gold.
Roku can also be enjoyed on the rocks or in a Japanese Gin & Tonic. Prepared with extra care, the Japanese Gin & Tonic is served with ice and slices of ginger to complement the refreshing and citrus top notes of yuzu. More than a simple gin & tonic, the Japanese Gin & Tonic reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi, where people are encouraged to pour each other’s Roku Gin as part of the refreshing Japanese ritual to share the spirit, and enjoy it with friends.
Roku Japanese Gin is available at a recommended retail price of R299 in major retailers nationally; Makro, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and selected TOPS at Spar. You can also order online through Takealot, Norman Goodfellows and others.
For more information, please visit www.suntory.co.jp/wnb/rokugin/
OneOdio A71M Headphones with Mic for Computer – Available from Amazon – RRP £29.99 – CHRISTMAS DEAL 33% OFF – NOW £19.99 (LIVE UNTIL 19th DECEMBER)
The OneOdio A71 headphone with microphone features a high precision 40mm magnetic neodymium drive with acoustic positioning precision to enhance the sensitivity of the speaker unit. This makes it ideal for games, listening to music or even watching movies on phones or computers.
The detachable noise-cancelling omnidirectional boom mic upgrades the headphones into a muti-functional headset for gaming, business, podcasting and taking calls on the go.
With an advanced 40mm driver provides powerful stereo sound, let you quickly locate your enemies during games and take the lead. Equipped with one key mic mute, it is more convenient to use. The soft and padded ear muffs on each side ensures lasting comfort even for long periods of time. The stainless-steel slider allows you to find the fit and provides durability.
WIDELY COMPATIBLE: A standard-sized 6.35mm plug, a 3.5mm plug and a 3.5mm splitter cable adapter are included. Compatible with all devices have 3.5 or 6.35 audio jack, like smartphone, laptop, PC, PS4, Xbox One, AMP, electric guitar/piano/drum, etc
OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones – Available from Amazon – RRP £39.99 – CHRISTMAS DEAL 15% OFF – NOW £33.91 (LIVE UNTIL 19th DECEMBER)
The OneOdio A70 provide impressive sound quality through a powerful high-definition stereo that gives bass driven sound. The headphones use proprietary 40mm large-aperture driver to deliver riveting sound and a thumping bass, brings balanced midbass and bright treble for you.
Enjoy a fast and stable connection with Bluetooth 5.2 and advanced QCC3003 Bluetooth chip. A built-in CVC 8.0 microphone guarantees clear hands-free calls, and users can take/make hassle-free calls through voice assistants. You can enjoy dynamic and immersive tunes in a 10m/33ft wireless range and a built-in 950mAH Li-ion battery delivers approximately 72 hours of power.
The oval earpad design with pressure-relieving cushions has been engineered to match the shape of your ears, ensuring a secure fit with minimal sound leakage. Ultra-thick earpads with seamless 3D sewing seal in sound, reflecting acoustics back towards your ears. As a result, you’ll hear more of your music with less outside interference and maximum bass signatures.
The headphones are able to connect two headphones via Bluetooth or Aux cable. The music or sound at both ends will be transmitted to ear at the same time.
Widely compatible: Works with iOS, Android and many other Audio devices. High-quality sound, supreme durability, and maximum comfort.
OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Wired Headphones with High-Res Audio – Available on Amazon RRP £79.99.
An additional 15 percent coupon is also available to take the price even lower.
The Monitor 60 professional wired headphones are ideal for DJs and pros and suitable for use in recording studios, post-product and within broadcasting. Designed to provide maximum comfort, they can simply be plugged into the TV or phones and used daily with ultra-enjoyment. Featuring industry-leading ultra-high-resolution audio, the headphones produce rich details for ideal sound performance. With 50mm drivers and 38 Ohm impedance, the sound is beautiful, balanced and accurate over the entire frequency range with solid bass, clear midrange and high pitches and vocals to hear every detail of the music recording.
The ergonomic design features a flexible headband and oval-shaped full-on leather like breathable earmuffs to closely follow the contours of the ears to provide excellent sound insulation even in noisy environments. The earmuffs can also be flipped 180°, making them ideal for one-ear monitoring whilst DJing for example.
OneOdio A10 2-in-1 hybrid active noise cancelling headphones with ambient listening mode and talk-in technology are ideal for travel, home or office use – Available on Amazon UK for £69.99.
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation – OneOdio A10, wireless Bluetooth over ear headphones, with advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology counters external sound with equal anti noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in what you’re listening to. Dual noise-detecting microphones pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound to ensure nothing distracts you from your music
Hi-Res Audio, Hear Every Detail – A10’s 40mm dynamic drivers produce precise sound with a wide frequency range. Compared with CD quality, Hi-Res audio can bring punchier bass, richer details, wider dynamics, and sound closer to the original information, which can bring you an immersive experience and a fantastic musical journey
45-Hour Battery that Keeps Stayin’ Alive – Premium Li-ion battery powers 45 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time in Bluetooth mode (at 80% volume); 35 hours in Bluetooth Active Noise Cancellation mode; or 50 hours in only noise-canceling mode. A quick 5 minute charge delivers 2 hours of listening. Ideal for travel, indoor, outdoor daily use
Friendly Design, Superior Comfort – A custom-designed over-the-ear super soft protein cushions to provide pillow-like softness while listening, and an adjustable headband suitable for all-day wear
Transparency (Ambient Sound) Mode – For hearing and interacting with the world around you. Music is lowered and speech is amplified through mics in these soundproof headphones, so you can easily communicate with flight attendants, clearly obtain flight broadcast information while boarding, and chat with a workout partner before yoga class without removing headphones
OneOdio Over-Ear DJ Headphones for Studio Monitoring – Available from Amazon – RRP £29.99 –
Unique design for DJ: The headphones have swiveling earcups, a comfortable headband, hi-fi stereo sound, portability and features reversible housing and a rugged adjustable headband for free-style and single-side monitoring . Moreover, we also created a jack lock system, so no matter how much movement there is, the cable will not get off the headphones’ port.
Dual-duty cable & adapter-free: This is a unique cable, one of the ends there is a 3.5mm jack and on the other end there is a 6.3mm jack. This allows free exchange and most importantly: it’s adapter-free! Perfect for mixers, electric guitars, keyboards, and more. Dual-duty cable – there are gold-plated 3 5mm & 6 3mm plugs on each end of the audio cable just simply plug in according to your needs and no more trouble finding a single adapter.
Superior Hi-Fi sound quality: Enjoy clear sound and powerful and stylish high definition stereo with 40mm large-aperture drivers deliver riveting sound and a thumping bass. It is designed for stereo headphones. Offering clear, natural, and balanced audio quality that’s decent for most music genres.
Unmatched wearing Comfort & foldable design: The oval earpad design with pressure-relieving cushions has been engineered to match the shape of your ears, ensuring a secure fit with minimal sound leakage. The headband is adjustable and stretchable .Ultra thick earpads with seamless 3D sewing seal in sound, reflecting acoustics back towards your ears.
Widely compatible: Works with iOS, Android and many other Audio devices. High-quality sound, supreme durability, and maximum comfort.
Helping reduce loadshedding’s impact one appliance at a time: How Plentify is Bringing a Radical, Energy-Saving Solution to Market
21 November – At a time when loadshedding has never been worse, smart energy company Plentify is building a revolutionary solution for South Africa. Created by the former energy leaders of Google, IBM Research and Tesla Energy in Africa, Plentify combines advanced hardware, artificial intelligence and user-centric design, to create smart home products that ultimately strengthen electricity systems.
“Our mission is to enable utilities to deliver affordable, clean and reliable energy. In the near term we aim to play a meaningful role to curb loadshedding, and aid in transitioning homes towards clean energy,” said Plentify CEO Jon Kornik.
So how does Plentify plan to achieve that?
HotBot™, the smartest geyser controller
It begins with Plentify’s Hotbot™, a smart device that fits onto a home geyser. “HotBot learns and adapts to a household’s hot water needs, shifting electricity demand away from peak times when the grid struggles the most. Its smart savings technology figures out the most efficient way to give you hot water with available energy, ultimately reducing impact on the grid,” said Kornik.
In addition, HotBot™ is now Loadshedding Aware™, meaning that it monitors loadshedding schedules in real-time, and pre-heats your geyser if hot water is needed during or soon after loadshedding. Unlike other geyser timers or controllers, this will save people from cold showers, or drained batteries for those who rely on backup power for their geyser. Plus its built-in surge protection protects your geyser when electricity comes back on.
And there’s numbers to back it up.
To demonstrate how geysers can be used as a fix for loadshedding, Plentify is running a project in collaboration with the City of Cape Town. Based on findings from Project Smart Geyser, Plentify was able to calculate that 75,000 Hotbots installed in Cape Town in 2021, would have been able to eliminate 80% of the total loadshedding in that year.
Next up is Gauteng where the team plans to run a similar project to assess Hotbot’s potential impact on the city.
“The exciting thing is that if we are able to reach a critical mass of users, we’d be able to eliminate an entire stage of loadshedding,” said Kornik.
Convenience and Cost Offering
The ability to control HotBot from a phone means geysers can be controlled remotely. This allows people to receive live temperature updates, switch off their geysers when they’re away from home or on holiday, and, in combination with Loadshedding Aware™, ensure there’s hot water when needed.
The device is also able to detect if your geyser has any problems, like losing more heat than it should or relying on a failing thermostat. And for peace of mind these holidays, Hotbot is also able to detect and automatically turn off water to a leaking geyser, protecting your home from further damage.
With geysers responsible for up to 60% of an electricity bill, HotBot can save you up to 30% of that amount — which works out to an average of R250 per month, across all of Plentify’s customers (and even more if inefficiencies are detected).
“HotBot adapts to your hot water habits, and eliminates the trade-off between saving money at the expense of hot water,” says Kornik
Clean Energy Offering
A major issue with renewable energy is that it isn’t always produced when people want electricity, creating a disparity between supply and demand. You can solve this problem with batteries, but those are expensive. This is where an affordable device like HotBot proves invaluable.
Hotbot is able to draw electricity when renewable energy is available, making sure customers are able to enjoy hot water at their convenience without relying on battery power. And coupled with solar panels, one HotBot will save each home about one tonne of carbon emissions per year.
“If we look toward 2050 and imagine the energy system at that point, there is no way we will balance irregular supply from renewables unless we’re able to manage flexible demand. This is not only a fundamental ingredient to the energy transition, it’s also how we go about fixing loadshedding: by shifting demand away from the grid when it’s at highest risk of failing, to times when energy is more abundant,” concludes Kornik.
How do you heat a Loft Conversion?
A lack of wall space can make fitting radiators into loft conversion problematic. However, with the very latest designs from The Radiator Centre, it’s possible to find a solution whatever the space.
Loft conversions have been a huge trend over the last few years, with many people choosing to renovate and make the most of the space they have, rather than move house. These once wasted areas have been transformed into an array of useful spaces from practical guest bedrooms, often with en-suites, to handy home offices or much loved gaming rooms. However, with their often limited wall space and sloped ceilings, finding radiators to heat the space can prove a challenge.
Pictured above: Traditional Cast Iron Spartan 4 Column Radiator, from £280.42
Long & Low
One solution is to opt for a long, low horizontal style of radiator, such as those shown above and below. These fit brilliantly on dwarf walls under sloped ceilings and there are some great options available to choose from in both traditional and contemporary styles. The BDO25 pictured directly below is a great example of a new breed of horizontal towel rails. Formed of 25mm round tubes set on 35mm vertical collectors it gives great heat outputs due to it’s surface area.
Pictured clockwise from top: BDO25 towel rail from £224.28, Arcadia designer radiator from £160.08, Perla horizontal radiator from £436.80
Tall & Narrow
In areas where the wall height is greater, the overall space is often still limited and in these cases a vertical option such as the Arcadia, left, may be the answer. Featuring oval tubes aligned in an aesthetically pleasing formation, the Arcadia is a sleek and stylish model, perfect for contemporary interiors. The Arcadia can also be hung horizontally when needed and is available in a wide range of RAL colour as well as a choice of 17 special finishes such as historic gold, silver or copper, for those wanted to add some metallic shine to their renovation.
Pictured left: Arcadia designer radiator from £160.08
Ideal for tight spaces in en-suites, the new Teso is a designer towel rail that provides all of the functionality you would expect from a conventional towel rail such as storage, drying and hanging, without looking anything like the standard models of the past.
As with the Arcadia, this elegant design can also be hung horizontally and comes in a myriad of colours. Customers can choose to pick a contrasting or matching colour for the handle, depending on personal taste and how much of a statement they wish to make.
Pictured right: Teso from £1058.64
The Mirrored Choice
The SuperMirror seen below is another fantastic choice for converted attic rooms as it’s not only tall and narrow making it perfect for awkward spaces, but its highly polished stainless steel surface means it also reflects light around the room, making the space feel larger than it actually is. Featuring a hidden valve system, it is so convincing as a mirror, the SuperMirror will leave your guests guessing as to whether it really is a radiator at all.
Pictured above: SuperMirror designer radiator from £1009.20
Floor-standing Options
Where wall space simply isn’t an option at all, a floor standing design is a good choice. As the name suggests, the Old Skool Bench pictured below combines functional heating with a practical seat in the form of a solid oak bench.
Pictured above: The Old Skool Bench from £948.02
Other possibilities include energy-saving designs such as the Mini Fixed Feet, pictured below left. Utilising LowH20 technology with the super conductive and ultra-fast heat exchanger, the Mini Fixed Feet gives maximum heat, for minimum energy consumption. It comes in a choice of 4 heights, 4 depths and lengths of up to 2.6m, allowing customers to choose just the size needed for their space, with the smallest option starting at just 80mm high. Alternatively, for those looking for a more retro design, consider the floor-standing Vienna, shown below right. Comprised of multiple discs, it gives the impression of old records stacked in a jukebox.
Pictured above left: Mini Fixed Feet from £185.81. Above right: Vienna radiator from £2898.13
First digital archive of Brian Friel’s iconic plays launches at Queen’s
Queen’s University Belfast has launched the Brian Friel digital archive, a first of its kind resource, providing access to drafts of the acclaimed Irish playwright’s works, including handwritten notes from some of his most iconic plays.
The digital archive is part of the ‘Friel Reimagined’ project led by Dr Paul Murphy from the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s, produced in partnership with the National Library of Ireland and JSTOR, and with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Steel Charitable Trust.
Speaking about the significance of the project, Dr Murphy said: “Friel Reimagined is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in drama to understand how one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th Century created plays that captured the attention of audiences around the world.”
The digital archive, based on the Friel Papers held at the National Library of Ireland, is made up of almost 3,000 manuscript pages from five plays: Philadelphia, Here I Come! (1964), The Freedom of the City (1973), Faith Healer (1979), Translations (1980), and Dancing at Lughnasa (1990). The handwritten manuscripts reveal how Friel drafted and revised these plays over time. His notes show his reflections on plots, characters, themes and staging.
The actor Ciarán Hinds, who starred in a 2018 National Theatre production of Translations, said: “Those of us who work in the theatre – onstage, backstage, wherever – cannot but be aware of the massive contribution that Brian Friel has made to world drama. And those of us who hail from Ireland carry him close, in our hearts and in our minds – but we are far from being the only ones. There is a whole planet of Ballybegs out there, and I have no doubt that this new Brian Friel Digital Archive will prove invaluable in connecting admirers of Brian’s work the world over.”
The digital archive was launched with an exhibition ‘Friel Reimagined: A Playwright’s Works in Progress’ on Friday 9 December in the McClay Library at Queen’s University.
Newly commissioned essays for the exhibition by international Friel scholars provide insight into Friel’s creative process, and imaginative illustrations by emerging and established artists feature alongside a range of publications on Friel drawn from the University’s Special Collections.
Katherine McSharry, Acting Director of the National Library of Ireland commented: “The National Library of Ireland is privileged to hold the writer’s archive of Brian Friel, donated by the writer and his family in 2000. As our collection offers such a resource for students and lovers of Friel, we were delighted to make digitised copies of drafts for the plays available to the Queen’s ‘Friel Reimagined’ digital archive, sharing them with people all over the world.”
Patricia Corbett, Committee Member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland said: “We are thrilled to support the Friel Reimagined project and to see the launch of the digital archive of Brian Friel’s iconic plays alongside this new exhibition at Queen’s University Belfast. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project opens access to unique documents that give an insight into how his work developed, sharing it with more people and a new generation. We would encourage anyone interested in our literary heritage to book a free ticket to this exciting exhibition.”
Bruce Heterick, Senior Vice President, Open Collections and Infrastructure from JSTOR commented: “It’s an honour to play a role in making it possible for scholars, teachers, and students all over the world to access this incredible set of materials on JSTOR. Our memory organisations are vital to deepening our understanding and making connections across places and time. Queen’s is leading the way, bringing people together to learn about Friel’s work both in person and online.”
The exhibition is now running at the McClay Library at Queen’s University Belfast until March 2023 and everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets to the exhibition are free and can be accessed here: www.qub.ac.uk/sites/friel-reimagined/
• Tickets to the ‘Friel Reimagined: A Playwright’s Works in Progress’ exhibition are free and available here: www.qub.ac.uk/sites/friel-reimagined/
Pictured (L-R) are: Laura Sheary, Assistant Archivist for Friel Reimagined; Frances McNally, Investment Manager at The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Dr Conor McCafferty, Friel Reimagined Project and Outreach Manager at Queen’s; Anne Friel, wife of Brian Friel; Dr Paul Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Drama from the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s and Project Lead for Friel Reimagined; and Conor Kerr, Project Archivist for Friel Reimagined.
Pictured (L-R) are: Frances McNally, Investment Manager at The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Anne Friel, wife of Brian Friel; and Dr Paul Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Drama from the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s and Project Lead for Friel Reimagined.
MS37,047.1.020: This page shows Friel thinking about his characters’ motivations as he drafted his breakthrough play ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’ in the early 1960s. Part of the Brian Friel Digital Archive. Credit: This image is reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland and the Brian Friel Literary Estate.
MS37,085.1.2.014: In this draft piece of dialogue from ‘Translations’ (1980), Friel has a Ballybeg local interrogate one of the Royal Engineers about they are doing and why. Part of the Brian Friel Digital Archive. Credit: This image is reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland and the Brian Friel Literary Estate.
About the partners:
Queen’s University Belfast:
Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities, providing world-class education underpinned by research excellence. Founded as Queen’s College in 1845, it became a university in its own right in 1908. Today, it is an international centre of research and education, with a student-centred ethos. The University has won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education on seven occasions – the most recent being for outstanding achievement in Shared Education and global cyber security. Queen’s is ranked 17th in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022) and is ranked 24th in the UK for Research Power (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education). Further information is available at www.qub.ac.uk
National Library of Ireland:
The National Library of Ireland is the library of record for Ireland. Established in 1877, it shares the story of Ireland with the world through its unique collections. The NLI cares for more than twelve million items, including books, manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, prints, maps, drawings, ephemera, music and digital media. The Library is open, free of charge, to all those who wish to consult the collections. The five strategic priorities for the National Library of Ireland for 2022-2026 are to Collect, Protect, Reveal, Engage and Innovate. Further information is available at www.nli.ie. Follow the NLI on Twitter @NLIreland, Facebook National Library of Ireland, Instagram, Flickr on the Commons and YouTube.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
Each week, National Lottery players raise £30 million for good causes across the UK. Using money raised by The National Lottery, The National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.HeritageFund.org.uk.
Follow @HeritageFundNI on Twitter and @HeritageFundNorthernIreland on Facebook and use the hashtag #NationalLotteryHeritageFund.
About JSTOR:
JSTOR is a mission-driven, nonprofit digital library. We strengthen the depth and quality of research by bringing together journals, books, images, and primary sources on a platform with unique tools for teaching and exploration. JSTOR is part of ITHAKA, a non-profit organization with a mission to improve access to knowledge and education for people around the world.
Click to Unsubscribe
Christmas Deliveries – What are your rights?
Christmas can be a very stressful time, with the cost of living crisis and possible postal strikes adding to the uncertainty. What are your rights when it comes to strikes, so that at least you aren’t left out of pocket?
I paid for a delivery and it arrived late – What are my rights?
In theory you can complain about poor service to Royal Mail. But delayed post compensation is usually a book of stamps. However, Royal Mail could argue that enough notice was given and you should have allowed for a delay when posting. That said, you may be dealing items more important than a Christmas card, such as financial documents and you lost out financially and want compensation. You can use the Royal Mail website for submitting a claim and be VERY clear about exactly why you are claiming and the amount of loss you have incurred.
If you are not happy with the response you can request that the complaint be referred to the Royal Mail Escalated Customer Resolutions Team. If you are then unhappy with their response you can take the matter to the Postal Review Panel which will review your case and issue a final response. If the complaint can still not be resolved the panel will issue a deadlock letter, so that you can ask the Independent Postal Redress Scheme to investigate your case.
I paid for a specific delivery date but the item didn’t arrive on time – What are my rights?
You are entitled to a refund of the additional delivery cost. For example, if you paid £5.00 extra for next day delivery and it didn’t arrive until days later, you are entitled to this charge being refunded, as the retailer is in breach of contract.
The item was despatched on time but was late due to the Royal Mail strike – What are my rights?
Unfortunately the retailer has completed their part of the contract. The strike is out of their control, so do allow for this when ordering items. The retailer would be wise to make a note on their listing advising to allow for delays if using Royal Mail.
I don’t want the item now as it arrived too late – Can I return it at no cost?
Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 you have a 14 day cooling off period to allow for changing your mind. A further 14 days is provided from this date to return the item. Whether you pay for the return will depend on the retailer’s terms and conditions. However, if the listing says that you will receive the item by a set date then you could argue that the retailer is in breach of contract and should pay return postage.
The retailer used a courier not Royal Mail – Are my rights different?
In this case, if the retailer has said you will receive an item within x number of days and it arrives too late and you want to return it then you should not pay return postage.
I want to complain about my delivery – To whom should I complain?
Your contract is always with the company to which you paid the money, so do not contact the courier. Don’t be fobbed off by the retailer, let them spend the time and effort dealing with the courier.
The package was left on my doorstep and it was stolen – Who is responsible for the refund or replacement?
If you said the doorstep was a “safe place” then it will be your responsibility. However, if you did not say this, then the delivery has not been undertaken with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Contact the retailer for a full refund of all costs or a replacement item.
The package is damaged – What are my rights?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you are entitled to goods that are free from defects, are of satisfactory quality, match the description and last a reasonable length of time. So, if the item does not meet any of this criteria you are entitled to a full refund up to 30 days from purchase and after that time the retailer could offer a replacement or repair. You do not pay for return postage.
The retailer is fobbing me off and not honouring my legal rights – What can I do?
Always:
1. Put your complaint in writing.
2. Mention the law that is being breached.
3. Tell them exactly what you want to happen and what you will do if you do not receive a satisfactory response, which could be sharing your experience on relevant review platforms, informing Trading Standards or referring the matter to the Small Claims Court.
4. Contact the CEO using an email address from the website ceoemail.com The CEO might not respond personally but it does get the matter escalated, usually to an executive team who will resolve the issue.
EXCITING FIZZ… GREAT WINES… SURPRISE AND DELIGHT IN EVERY BOTTLE!
WINES MADE FROM APPLES & OTHER FRUITS FROM FRANCE, SPAIN, UKRAINE, UK & USA
Méthode traditionelle, petillant naturel, charmat, cuvé clos, col fondo are all terms for how sparkling wines are made – and the same applies to the ‘sparklers’ available from Cider Is Wine.
These are a very different proposition from mass market ciders which are permitted to be made from just 35% juice content – even less for fruit wines – all of which can come from concentrate (rather begging the question as to what’s in the other 65%).
Every product we sell is made following globally accepted grape winemaking laws, each reflects their ‘terroir’, the fruit varietals used, the vintage and the skill and passion of the maker. As wine law dictates, they’re only made from 100% freshly pressed fruit without any concentrates or added water, sweeteners, colourings or flavourings.
They encompass every hue and run the gamut of taste, from dry to medium sweet.
Wines by any other name, they’re just not made from grapes!
A £150 MILLION MARKET FOR THE TAKING!
These products represent a real business opportunity for retailers: the UK market for ciders, perries and fruit wines made from freshly pressed 100% not-from-concentrate fruit is conservatively estimated to be worth £150 million.
Lower alcohol content, gluten and vegan friendly, with a complexity that readily exceeds their price on the shelf, these quality drinks come with real provenance and provide another string to the bow of the hospitality sector.
NATIONAL AVAILABILITY THROUGH AWIN BARRATT SIEGEL
AND LONDON ON-TRADE THROUGH LONDON WINE SHIPPERS
PSYCHO, PRETTY WOMAN, CLEOPATRA OR MARILYN – WHICH SHOWER SCENE WAS VOTED THE MOST ICONIC IN CINEMA HISTORY?
• Marion Crane’s murder in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho voted most memorable bathroom scene from film or television
• Other memorable moments include Marilyn Monroe’s ice bath in The Seven Year Itch, and Julia Roberts’ bubble bath in Pretty Woman
• Study carried out by luxury bathing and skincare brand fenjal to celebrate its 60th anniversary
The ‘shower scene’ in classic thriller Psycho has been voted the most memorable bathroom scene in film or television history, according to new national research.
The survey, carried out by luxury bathing and skincare brand fenjal, asked participants to name the most iconic bathroom scenes from the big and small screens.
Marion Crane’s murder scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal thriller took top spot with 16% of the vote, closely followed by Allie Hamilton’s bath scene in romantic drama The Notebook (13%).
Julia Roberts’ bubble bath in Pretty Woman, Elizabeth Taylor’s lotus flower bath in Cleopatra, and Marilyn Monroe’s ice bath in The Seven Year Itch all took an 11% share of the public vote.
Elsewhere, Tony Montana’s lavish bubble bath in Scarface took 4% of the vote, while the prefects’ bathroom scene from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire was selected 3% of people.
fenjal also quizzed the nation on what makes the perfect bath, as part of the brand’s 60thanniversary celebrations.
Nearly half of people (49%) believe temperature is the most important element when it comes to running the perfect bath, with a third (33%) saying bubbles are the key to ultimate relaxation.
Elsewhere, the study found Brits prefer baths to showers. Over half of respondents (52%) opt for the tub, compared to around three in ten (31%) preferring a shower, while 16% do not have a preference.
Joanne Ward, Commercial Manager for fenjal, said: “There are so many iconic bathroom moments across film and tv – and today we have found the British public’s definitive favourite.
“Often regarded as one of the best films ever, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a bonafide classic. Despite being made in the 1960s, the film holds up, and the shower scene, with its oft-imitated soundtrack, is as iconic and scary as ever.
“For less spooky bathroom scenes, Julia Roberts bubble bath in Pretty Woman and Elizabeth Taylor’s lotus flower bath in Cleopatra are firm favourites. To recreate these relaxing soaks, you need to consider the water temperature, plus add bubble bath, oils, or salts.”
In celebration of its diamond anniversary, fenjal is giving away two Monica Vinader Gold Diamond Necklaces.
fenjal has been on a mission since 1962 to put smiles on women’s faces – and now one lucky winner can do the same thing, as they keep one necklace and gift another to a loved one.
To enter, head to the @fenjaluk Instagram page, follow, like and comment on this post, plus tag the person you think deserves to sparkle with you this Christmas.
fenjal has a wide range of luxury bathing and skincare products, to shop the brand’s full collection head to Amazon, your local Boots store or online here. The brand has also created bespoke anniversary packs for its original and ever-lasting Crème Bath Oil, available to purchase while stocks last via fenjal’s website: https://fenjal.co.uk/product/fenjal-classic-creme-bath-oil-200ml-copy/
10 MOST MEMORABLE BATHROOM SCENES FROM FILM AND TV
1. Psycho – The murderous shower scene
2. The Notebook – Rachel McAdams in the bath with a veil on
3. Pretty Woman – Julia Robert’s bubble bath
4. Cleopatra – Elizabeth Taylor’s lotus flower bath
5. The Seven Year Itch – Marilyn Monroe’s ice bath
6. Home Alone – Macaulay Culkin putting on aftershave and clasping his hands to his face
7. Scarface – Al Pacino’s bubble bath
8. The Shining – Naked woman in bathtub
9. Friends – The secret bath
10. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire – The prefects’ bathroom
Calling all Pink fans: Gordon’s launches NEW Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, your favourite drink now available, perfectly mixed, in a convenient can
The perfectly pink partner for catching up with friends at home, or on the go!
November 2022:
Introducing the NEW Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, the convenient pre-mixed offering from one of Gordon’s most popular Premium Distilled Gins.
The unmistakably balanced fruitiness notes in the popular Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin makes for the perfect pair with the subtle sweetness of lemonade: making the NEW Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, an easy option for those out and about, perfectly mixed as you would have yours at home.
Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade is the delicious combination for those who prefer their alcoholic drinks a little sweeter. These expertly crafted cans contain not only the crisp, fruity notes of Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin, but the highest quality, naturally sweet lemonade with its distinctive notes of juniper.
Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade is the latest addition to the best selling Gordon’s pre-mixed family. Perfect for catching up with friends at home or out and about, this latest offering from Gordon’s is something you aren’t going to want to miss!
RRSP: £2.19 | ABV: 5% | 250ml | Available from selected stores for a limited period.
Calling all Pink fans: Gordon’s launches NEW Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, your favourite drink now available, perfectly mixed, in a convenient can
The perfectly pink partner for catching up with friends at home, or on the go!
November 2022:
Introducing the NEW Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, the convenient pre-mixed offering from one of Gordon’s most popular Premium Distilled Gins.
The unmistakably balanced fruitiness notes in the popular Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin makes for the perfect pair with the subtle sweetness of lemonade: making the NEW Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade, an easy option for those out and about, perfectly mixed as you would have yours at home.
Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade is the delicious combination for those who prefer their alcoholic drinks a little sweeter. These expertly crafted cans contain not only the crisp, fruity notes of Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin, but the highest quality, naturally sweet lemonade with its distinctive notes of juniper.
Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Lemonade is the latest addition to the best selling Gordon’s pre-mixed family. Perfect for catching up with friends at home or out and about, this latest offering from Gordon’s is something you aren’t going to want to miss!
RRSP: £2.19 | ABV: 5% | 250ml | Available from selected stores for a limited period.
Something for a Vegan Christmas…
Moving Mountains Sausages
Available at Ocado, £4 per pack
The Moving Mountains® Sausage contains all-natural plant-based ingredients, sizzles when cooked and has a sumptuously juicy texture. Serve these hearty plant-based sausages wrapped in vegan for the classic pigs in blankets or alongside Christmas dinner.
Something to help you create a healthy meal…
The Groovy Food Company Organic Coconut Flour
Available at Ocado, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, £3.50
Our organic coconut flour comes from the dried flesh of the mighty coconut which is finely ground to create a versatile home baking ingredient rich in fibre and protein – wow! Its mild sweetness means it loves to be whizzed in breads, cakes, muffins, pancakes and desserts, as well as smoothies and shakes. Great for those following a gluten free diet.
The Groovy Food Company Organic Coconut Sugar
Available at Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons, £3.99
Highly versatile, our organic coconut sugar can be used as a direct swap to refined sugar in both sweet and savoury dishes. The unique buttery caramel taste of coconut sugar adds a delicious depth when baking and cooking, or when added to hot and cold drinks including smoothies and milkshakes. Our unrefined organic coconut sugar is sourced from certified organic plantations in South East Asia and is derived sustainably from luscious coconut palm trees using the cut flower bud of the coconut blossom.
The Groovy Food Company Light Amber & Mild Agave Nectar
Available at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Holland and Barrett and Amazon, £2.50
This light amber & mild agave nectar is a tongue-jinglingly delicious, sweeter than a honey-bee’s breakfast, 100% organic, natural fat-free sweetener. Where you would have previously used sugar or syrup on our pancakes, you can now use agave. What’s more it has 25% less calories gram for gram, than refined sugar, also being 1.5 times sweeter. So to achive the same sweetness, 50% less calories are used. With its naturally low GI, it provides slow and steady energy release, as opposed to refined sugars which can cause frantic high and exhausting lows.
Every bottle contains 50% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable.
The Groovy Food Company Rich & Dark Agave Nectar
Available at Ocado, Holland and Barrett, Amazon and Waitrose, £2.50
This rich & dark agave nectar is a smooth, maple-like syrup, which is delectably sweet, 100% organic and fat-free. Dark and tempting, it’s too good to resist and is a great substitute for sugar or maple syrup.
As above, it also has 25% less calories gram for gram, than refined sugar, also being 1.5 times sweeter. So to achive the same sweetness 50% less calories are used. With its naturally low GI, it provides slow and steady energy release, as opposed to refined sugars which can cause frantic high and exhausting lows.
Every bottle contains 50% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable.
Something for a hassle free Christmas…
Mash Direct, the award-winning ‘field-to-fork’ vegetable accompaniments brand, is making delicious dining hassle free this festive season, bringing all the trimmings that make festive entertaining super easy with their new roast dinner sides hamper, available for just £20 at Booths until 20th December, it contains all the side dishes you could possibly need to make the most delicious Christmas dinner in just minutes (all products are gluten free too). With all of the products being produced on Mash’s family farm in Northern Ireland too, they taste just like home cooked food so no one would ever know!
The hamper contains the below:
Mashed Potato 1
Red Cabbage & Beetroot 350g 1
Honey Roasted Parsnips 300g 1
Brussel Sprouts with Butter Glaze 280g 1
Carrot & Parsnip 400g 2
Roast Potatoes 400g 2
Something for all the family…
Jamu Wild Water
Available from www.jamuwildwater.co.uk, £20 for 12 cans
Knowing that young people can get bored with water and often want to hydrate with something a bit different; the Jamu Wild Water range contains natural fruit flavours, nourishing botanicals and a gentle fizz that makes it suitable for the whole family without compromising on flavour or health.
Each 250ml serve contains prebiotic plant fibre, which nourishes healthy gut bacteria as well as supports the immune system with Vitamin C and Zinc, whilst being completely free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives and preservatives.
• Natural Sparkling Raspberry – boosted with Elderberry and Marshmallow Root Extracts – a rich source of Vitamin C and prebiotic fibre, its mellow sweet flavour sparkles with juicy ripe raspberries.
• Natural Sparkling Blood Orange – with delicious berry-like sweetness of Blood Orange and immune boosting properties of Echinacea, this bright and tangy drop also has chicory root fibre to support digestive health.
• Natural Sparkling Lemon – lively with the pithy green flavour found in lemon skin. Nettle and Dandelion extracts add wild health benefits to our take on ‘lemon-aid’. Used traditionally to relieve inflammation, boost immunity and aid digestive health.
WINTER WONDERLAND SKATES BACK TO NOTTINGHAM WITH ADDED WOW FACTOR
FAMILIES CAN ENJOY THE MAGIC AND FESTIVITIES UNTIL SATURDAY, 31ST DECEMBER
Family entertainment company, Mellors Group, has launched its annual seasonal spectacular, ‘Nottingham Winter Wonderland’, following a three-year hiatus.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland launched on November 15th and is back bigger and better than ever. The festive event is located at Old Market Square, meaning all the magical fun is in one place.
This year, guests can soar above the city with the brand-new attraction, Sky Skate, a 400m ice rink located 5m above Old Market Square. Skaters will be able to enjoy a drink or two at ‘Sur La Piste’ ski lodge, featuring a whole host of entertainment turning your after-work vibe into an après ski occasion with a cosy intimate setting that’s certain to warm you up throughout the winter months.
Elsewhere, families can take in 360 degrees view of the city at the ‘Winter Wonderland Altitude Bar’, featuring luxury faux fur throws and chic wooden décor – guaranteed to give you the ‘Christmas feels’ in what is the most wonderful time of the year.
Popular attractions such as the ‘Ice Bar’, the huge 33m ‘Big Wheel’ and a variety of children’s rides will all be returning to Nottingham Winter Wonderland.
The traditional Christmas market also makes a return with an impressive 60 magical stalls offering everything from hand-made gifts to delicious food and mulled wine from a variety of local and international vendors.
Edward Mellors, Creative Director at The Mellors Group, said: “It’s great to be bringing Winter Wonderland back to Old Market Square for Christmas.
“We’re truly excited that this year, alongside our already popular bars and attractions, we are introducing the Sky Skate ice path that will provide a truly unique ice-skating experience. It really is the best time to come together again, to celebrate, and to have festive fun.”
All Winter Wonderland bars and attractions are open for walk-up customers but to avoid disappointment it’s best to book tickets and tables, especially for group and corporate bookings in advance.
Visit www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk
NEWCASTLE OFFICIALLY CROWNED THE UK’S CAPITAL OF CHRISTMAS FOR 2022
• Newcastle is the nation’s most festive city, according to latest research
• Geordies are more prepared for the season than people in any other city
• The city has three of the UK’s best markets plus an iconic Xmas tree
• Newcastle is also the most likely city to experience a white Christmas
Newcastle has officially been crowned the UK’s inaugural ‘Capital of Christmas’, following the publication of new national research to celebrate the festive season.
A study by budgeting experts Park Christmas Savings, assessed the festive activity of every town and city across the UK, revealing Geordies to be the nation’s ultimate Christmas revellers.
Park data shows Tynesiders are best prepared financially for the festive season, with residents putting away more pounds ahead of the annual celebration than people in any other area.
Newcastle also boasts a host of the nation’s most popular and famous Christmas attractions, gets its Christmas lights on bright and early – and has a 33% chance of snow this December.
Front and centre of the city’s festive delights are its three buzzing Christmas markets, containing everything from Santa’s grottos to live festive music and locally sourced festive treats.
This year, they are bigger than ever extending into Grey’s Monument and Grainger Street, with mulled wine, mince pies, bratwurst, and plenty more on offer.
The city is also home to one of the country’s most iconic Christmas trees each winter.
The ‘Bergen Tree’ has been presented to Newcastle by the residents of Norway every year since 1949, to symbolise the nation’s gratitude to Newcastle for its support during World War Two.
The Park Christmas Savings research also looked at variables including the average cost of a weekend visit in December, number of tourists and social media appeal.
This year, Newcastle first stepped into the festive spirit earlier than most other UK regions – on 15 November – when the city’s Christmas lights were switched on.
Elsewhere, the Tyneside town is the joint favourite to enjoy a white Christmas in 2022, with a 3/1 chance alongside Glasgow and Edinburgh, according to latest odds.
Ian Thomas, Destination Director at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which promotes tourism in the area, said: “Christmas is a time to make memories for life and spend quality time with loved ones, and there is no better place to do that than in Newcastle, and this accolade is testament to that.
“Our partners across the city work hard every year to ready the region for Christmas and give people from around the world the famous Geordie welcome.
“This year is out our biggest and best, with Christmas markets showcasing local traders and bringing local landmarks to life, such as Old Eldon Square, Grey’s Monument and the historic Grainger Market – the city is absolutely buzzing with festivities.
“We will be wearing the Capital of Christmas crown with pride as a destination where everyone is welcome, at Christmas and all year round.”
On top of a variety of festive delights in the city, when it comes to spending, Park data shows one in 35 Newcastle households uses its Christmas savings scheme to budget for the big day.
A considerable 73% of early bird Park savers in Newcastle’s actually confirmed and activated their Christmas 2022 savings plan before Christmas Day, 2021!
By paying what they can when they can on a regular basis, Park customers get to manage the cost of Christmas over the course of a year by starting early; the residents of Newcastle are more prepared for the festive season than people in any other city.
Katherine Scott, Director of Marketing at Park Christmas Savings, said: “We are delighted to today unveil Newcastle as the UK’s Capital of Christmas 2022.
“At Park, we already know that Geordies are savvy savers who get ahead of the curve because they are true Early Birds. Combine that with the huge draw of incredible Christmas markets and the nostalgic atmosphere it brings, the beautiful Bergen tree and the city’s festive lights and attractions and we have found our first ‘Capital of Christmas’.
“In true tradition, we also love that residents of the city are more likely than those in any other area to experience a white Christmas. There’s no other place that deserves the crown more!”
To find out more about Park Christmas Savings, visit: getpark.co.uk
Christmas is spending time with loved ones in a place where everything smells like cinnamon. A fire crackling in the background (in a fireplace or on TV – yes, it’s a thing). Snow outside. Baking cookies. Cheesy Christmas movies. And let’s not forget about the presents.
Whether you’re a strategist and have done all of your gift shopping already or you’re more of a December-22nd-is-still-plenty-of-time-to-shop kind of person, Christmas shopping is usually a big part of the Christmas experience.
How are people planning to spend their money on presents this year? And how has their shopping behavior changed compared to last year?
Let’s have a look at what online consumer conversations can tell us.
Are people looking forward to Christmas?
In a recent Brandwatch Bulletin, we looked into whether people care about Christmas this year. We compared the online conversations with the conversations from the past few years.
While we were off to a slow start in the beginning of November, it seems interest in Christmas is picking up. Although we aren’t anywhere near the 2020 levels, it seems people do still talk about Christmas. But how do they feel about it?
With Consumer Research, we analyzed the expressed emotions in online consumer conversations around Christmas shopping from June 1 to November 20, 2022. As much as 44% of emotion-categorized mentions are joyful.
So, still the season to be jolly.
People in these conversations either express their love of the Christmas season in general or they’re happy they’ve found the perfect gift for their loved ones.
But things are still less jolly than last year. Joyful conversations decreased by two percentage points compared to 2021. This year, people express a little more sadness and even disgust. This is mainly due to inflation. People are stressed about money and some worry about not being able to buy their kids a Christmas gift.
How is this affecting their shopping behaviour?
Inflation has got people deal-hunting
Consumers seem to have become more price-sensitive and are looking for attractive deals to save money. Deals are big this holiday shopping season. Companies offer discounts to attract more price-sensitive customers and empty out their full inventories. Just because Black Friday and Cyper Monday are over doesn’t mean there won’t be even bigger discounts coming closer to the holidays.
With Brandwatch Consumer Research, we trawled through 40k mentions around Christmas shoppings and deals between June 1 – November 20, 2022. That’s a 9% uptick in mentions compared to last year (June 1 – November 20, 2021).
As holidays are coming nearer, the conversations are picking up, and in October 2022, there were 20% more discussions around deals and discounts than in October 2021. Black Friday is the main topic in those conversations. People seem to be paying closer attention to what brands are putting on sale this year. Amazon reacted to the demand early and held its Amazon Prime Day on October 11, 2022, which led to a high peak in online conversations in October, as shown in the graph above.
Support for local stores and small businesses
The pandemic and lockdowns gave online shopping a considerable boost while small businesses and brick-and-mortar stores faced enormous challenges. In those times, people were raising awareness of small and local brands. Is buying locally and at small stores still relevant for this year’s Christmas shopping season?
A look at the online conversations shows that shopping locally and supporting small businesses is even more relevant this year than in 2021. Online discussions are over 20% higher in 2022 (June 1 – November 20, 2022) compared to last year (June 1 – November 20, 2021). Handmade and decor are the two most mentioned product categories in those conversations. It seems consumers turn to smaller brands for those unique presents. The most mentioned online marketplace is Etsy.
Less jewellery and toys, more experiences
What will lie under the Christmas trees this year? There are the classics in terms of what goes on the shopping list. Things like clothes, books, and consumer tech are the things most people mention in Christmas presents conversations. They also dominate the top three positions in the Christmas shopping discussions from 2021, 2020, and 2019. You still can’t go wrong with a pair of cozy socks, an entertaining book, or the newest, shiny gadget, it seems.
Compared to last season, what are some of the differences in online consumer conversations?
A lot of countries have lifted their COVID restrictions in 2022: people are back at the office and going to concerts and other events with large crowds. But the aftermath of all that time spent at home can still be seen in 2022. While during lockdown we bought ourselves nice things to make our homes cozier, 2022 has a different focus: we’re socializing again and experiencing the world.
This hunger for experiences and activities outside our four walls can also be seen in the online conversations around Christmas shopping. Talk about giving an experience has increased by 11% compared to 2021. Other popular gift ideas are trips, music events, and spa and wellness experiences.
The presents people don’t talk about so much this year are jewelry and toys. Online conversations around jewelry and Christmas shopping have decreased by 30% and mentions around toys are 17% lower than last year. This could imply that consumers are less likely to buy those items. According to NPD, toy sales in the UK in the first nine months of 2022 were down by 5% and this drop might continue over the holidays.
Conversations around consumer tech and gaming products have the highest percentage of negative mentions at 51% and 50% respectively. Of those negative mentions, the emotion we see the most is anger. Money and high prices are dominant topics in those angry consumer tech conversations. As for the angry gaming conversations, they are mostly about next-gen video game consoles and how frustrating it is that they are sold out everywhere.
Happy Christmas to my dog
During the pandemic, a lot of people got themselves a pet. In the US alone, 9 million dogs were acquired by households in 2020 and 2021. And these pets are getting spoiled this Christmas. 39% respondents in a survey from OnePoll say they always buy Christmas presents for their pets, planning to spend an average of 50 dollars this year.
The social data shows us who people mention they are shopping presents for.. Children make up the biggest chunk of the mentions, followed by people’s parents, and then their friends. But 8% talk about buying Christmas presents for their pets.
In fact, mentions of buying Christmas presents for our fluffy friends have increased by 70% compared to before the pandemic, from just under 13k mentions in 2019 to 22k mentions in 2022. Here comes Santa Paws.
Buying Christmas gifts for pets, it seems, gives people more of a warm, fuzzy feeling compared to when they shop for their other loved ones: 48% of sentiment-categorized mentions are positive. Only conversations around shopping gifts for friends have a higher percentage of positive mentions (54%). The most popular gifts for pets are toys, clothes, and treats.
Summary
Let’s sum up the key findings, shall we?
While off to a sluggish start, conversations about Christmas are picking up. But it’s less joyful than in 2021. Rising prices and inflation takes its toll on consumers. Deals play a much bigger role this season, and we’ll likely see more sales, even at peak holiday shopping season. Clothes, books, and consumer tech products are the most popular gifts. Jewelry and toys, however, are less talked about. Giving experiences like spa days or concert tickets is more popular this year. And finally, conversations about buying presents for pets have increased by 70% since before the pandemic.
Socks are one of the most in demand items in homeless shelters.
For every pair Swanky Socks sell, they donate a pair to those experiencing homelessness, with over $850,000 worth of socks donated to date.
A few more fantastic reasons to love your Swanky Socks below….
Long-lasting (less landfill) Not only is Merino wool softer than regular wool, it is 6 x stronger than cotton – which means Swanky Socks are high performance and built to last. Nearly 85% of all fabric manufactured ends up in landfills, so the longer you can hold onto a pair of socks, that’s good news for our planet!
Odour resistant Great news for all people with stinky feet: merino wool absorbs all odor molecules and only releases them upon washing. No matter how hot it is, your feet will feel fresh all day long.
Renewable: Synthetic fibers and cotton demand a great amount of manipulation and processing in factories. Merino wool, however, is made of grass, water and fresh air – sheep that provide the wool graze the hills of Australia freely, delivering a new fleece harvest twice a year. Merino fibers also naturally decompose in soil when disposed.
Non allergenic Merino wool does miracles for style-lovers with sensitive skin. This hypoallergenic fiber treats your skin softly and with great care.
We would love for you to keep these socks in mind for any upcoming gift guides or product spreads. I’ve included a folder of imagery and some key info below. If you require photos of any particular colours or styles, just drop me a line.
$29.95 each or buy any 5 for $19.99 each. Shop: swankysocks.com
