Christmas Gift Guide Segment 14 !

DELICARIO ONLINE PLATFORM FOR FINE ARTISAN FOOD AND WINE offering gift box and hamper selections!

Luxury brand Delicario creates online international farmers market for hand-picked fine artisan food and wine from sustainable producers across Europe as well as gift boxes and hampers.

Delicario (www.delicario.com) is a niche online delicatessen working with small-scale sustainable producers of authentic regional European delicacies with an ‘international farm to table approach’, launched by a small team of specialists working in the luxury services industry with a passion for food and travel. Steering clear of mass production, the emphasis is on sourcing natural ingredients, harvested and processed with dedication to detail by small, often family-run businesses and sold online as individual items, gift boxes or hampers.

The Delicario website (www.delicario.com) is extremely consumer friendly and easy to navigate through a mouth-watering list of well-presented specialities including charcuterie, truffles and mushrooms, wine and champagne, paté and creams as well as artisan pasta, sauces and baked as well as sweet treats. In the dedicated hamper section, there are suggestions tailored to all occasions such as the ‘Delicario Christmas Temptation Hamper’ with Damien Buffet brut rosé champagne and Vossignoria cheese laced with truffle, Ascolano olives from Piceno and Croccantino dark chocolate from Campania.
The ‘Delicario Dinner for Two Hamper’ includes the finest Bellota Iberian ham, Calabrian Capocollo and Marettimo cheese with sprigs of thyme, accompanied by the ‘haute- couture’ of champagne, followed by pure Wagyu beef rib-eye and a full-bodied Barbera D’Alba. Dessert is of course included as chocolate lovers indulge in Piedmont hazelnut cake smothered in dark chocolate fondant. Each gift box and hamper can also be individually tailored by selecting products from the Delicario range. Gift vouchers and personalised greeting cards offer a personal touch.

Each product on the website is clearly presented with inspirational suggestions on how best to enjoy and helpful background information on its origin; detailing the region, the family and the spirit in which it is grown. These insights build a strong connection for the customer, helping them to appreciate the amount of attention and effort dedicated to the production of each artisan creation. Delicario’s own label represents some of the smaller producers such as Pastor del Valle, craftmakers of thyme and rosemary crusted goats cheese produced from the milk of their herd in the Malaga countryside and Oro di Pantelleria where the D’Ancona family cultivate and hand-harvest fruit and vegetables for their preservative free sauces and jams off the coast of Sicily on the island of Pantelleria.

Founder Marco Rosa and his team are eager to start fulfilling orders including Christmas hampers and gift boxes at Birch Barn in Kent. He remarks, “Having the experience
of working with well-known, luxury brands for over 25 years, we have seen a shift by consumers towards conscious shopping for high quality, sustainable and often organically grown goods. The secret of successful cultivation has been passed down through several generations of mostly family-run businesses. Every product has a story to tell!”

“Our mission is to bring the best European artisan flavours to the table of appreciative customers, particularly during a period when travel to new and unexplored places is complicated. This year, Christmas cheer comes in gift boxes and hampers that capture the very best of authentic ingredients to create a ‘dining out experience’ in your own home.”

 

BrightenTheOccasion.com

Personalized gift candles celebrate life, love, people and milestones. A passion for celebrating life’s occasions is the foundation of Brighten The Occasion gift candles. Product options include personalized text and photo uploads making each item special. Other choices include fragrance, box color and a personal gift message. A variety of designs are available to celebrate all of life’s occasion including holiday, birthday, congratulations, thank you, romance and more. Holiday Collection: www.brightentheoccasion.com/product-category/christmas/

A really interesting product that is great for any beer drinkers, history buffs or quirky homeware aficionados — The Lantern Tankard!

This iconic vessel was Britain’s first handled beer glass, illuminating the nation’s bars between the wars and through to the 1960’s. It really has quite the history… take a read for yourselves here: www.thelanterntankard.com.

Stephensons are proud to have revived this classic glass and now for the first time, it’s available as a single unit in a gift box. Perfect for Christmas!

The Tankard gift box is exclusively available from Stephensons here: www.stephensons.com/gift-box-of-the-lantern-10-sided-pint-glass-tankard-nucleated-ce-20oz-57cl-99997.html

Give the gift of a lifetime this Christmas with StoryTerrace

StoryTerrace connects your loved one with a professional ghost-writer to tell their life story in a full-length book

2020 will go down in the history books as a year like no other, as the impression left by the pandemic will be talked about for generations to come years to come. With months of nationwide lockdown and disruption to our daily lives forcing us to take stock of our lives more than ever before, millions of us have been left with more time on our hands and a renewed appreciation for our families, relationships and experiences shared.

Now, biography-writing service StoryTerrace is helping people to document their life stories and preserve their legacy for future generations, by connecting them with professional ghostwriters around the world. With a network of over 600 writers around the globe, StoryTerrace finds the writer best suited to tell your story, or that of your loved one, and will curate a full-length, beautifully crafted autobiography, biography or set of memoirs to help you and your loved ones relive your life’s greatest experiences.

There are 3 options for StoryTerrace packages: Compact, Complete and Novella, with prices ranging from £1500 to £5250.

A Selection of Ready-Wrapped Christmas Gifts

The full Pinkster and Hedgepig ranges are available beautifully gift wrapped.

Pinkster Gin

Hand-steeped in fresh raspberries, the original Pinkster Gin makes for a deliciously dry gin, with a hint of fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish. Be sure to garnish with some fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint!

Available from: pinkstergin.com

Hedgepig Fruit Gin Liqueur

Fend off the frost this winter with Hedgepig’s warming pudding gins. Perfect for cosy tipples by the fire or last minute Christmas gifts. Made using fruit grown in local orchards or foraged from the East Anglian hedgerows, the liqueurs accompany cheese and desserts especially well and are the perfect alternative to port or sweet wine at the end of an evening.

Available in four delicious flavours including Cambridge Gage, a member of the plum family, Glorious Gooseberry, Wild Bullace & Quince, and Zesty Elderflower.

Available from: fruityhedgepig.com

J&B Rare Whisky Gift Pack

Steeped in history, J&B Rare is a blended Scotch whisky combining forty-two malt and grain whiskies in one smooth yet subtle blend. The heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside malts, blended together before being returned to cask for a further three years’ maturation.

J&B Rare RRP: £22.50 for 70cl. ABV: 40%

Available from: Selected Waitrose

J&B Rare Limited-Edition Whisky Sour Cocktail Kit

The team at J&B Rare have created a limited-edition Seasonal Sours Collection cocktail kit, in collaboration with Cocktail Porter, just in time for Christmas! The kit is perfect for mixing bar quality cocktails at home with three deliciously smooth, unexpected twists on the classic whisky sour serve, delivered to your door.

The kit includes all the ingredients to shake up six whisky sour cocktails, including 2x Burnt Pineapple Sours, 2x Walnut & Cinnamon Sours and 2x Spiced Apple Sours. Each pairs beautifully with J&B Rare’s elegant blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies.

Simply shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a rocks glass, for an impressive tipple, perfect for the cold Winter months ahead.

RRP: £41.95. Available from CocktailPorter.co.uk

Cotswolds Miniature Gin Gift Set

The perfect gift for the gin-lover in your life. The Cotswolds Gin Miniature Gift Set comes with three 50ml bottles of Cotswolds Distillery’s Signature Gins – Cotswolds Dry Gin, Cotswolds Ginger Gin and Cotswolds Old Tom Gin

RRP: £16.95

Available from: cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Miniature Whisky Gift Set

The Cotswolds Miniature Whisky Gift Set is a great stocking filler for those wanting to try a range of Cotswolds Single Malt Whiskies. The Gift Set includes 50ml bottles of three of Cotswolds Distillery’s signature whiskies including Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky.

RRP: £22.95

Available from: cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Hearts & Crafts Sauternes Cask Single Malt Whisky

This limited edition (there are only 1,680 bottles), is the distillery’s first ever European Oak Cask expression. Hearts & Crafts Single Malt Whisky is from a selection of five premium French Oak casks seasoned with sweet Sauternes wine, which results in a honey-coloured malt with a vinous quality and notes of sweet raisin and oak wood spice. The stunning gift box has a William Morris pattern, reinforcing the creative beauty of the Arts & Crafts Movement. The perfect gift for a whisky collector.

RRP: £74.95 for 70cl ml. ABV: 55.2%

Available to purchase exclusively from www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Dry Gin Gift Pack

Cotswolds Dry Gin is distilled with a blend of nine carefully – considered botanicals. The Head Distiller uses over ten times the average amount of botanicals used by most premium gins, and because the gin is non-chill filtered, the oils are retained in the gin which causes a pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added, creating the unique, ‘Cloudy G&T’.

RRP: £34.95 for 70cl. ABV: 46%

Available from: Amazon and Fortnum and Mason

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky Gift Pack

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017 and is the first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds. The distillery uses 100 % locally grown, floor-malted barley and matures the whisky in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and reconditioned red casks. The whisky is rich, fruity and sippable with notes of honey, Seville orange marmalade and dark red fruits. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm on which it was grown.

RRP: £39.00 for 70cl. ABV: 46%

Available from: Waitrose, Sainsburys, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods, Laithwaites and cotswoldsdistillery.com

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt is a hand crafted single malt whisky matured in hand-selected American Bourbon barrels and European Oak Sherry casks. Delicate balsamic vanilla notes from the American white oak compliment the full-bodied aroma whilst rich caramel, dried dark fruits and spiced tonality from the European oak add to the depth of flavour.

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt is presented in a luxurious gift carton with an elegant silk pouch making it the ultimate gift to transport your loved ones to India this Christmas.

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky RRP: £60 for 70cl. ABV: 45%

Available exclusively from thewhiskyexchange.com

CUT TO THE MINIS

CUT RUM has launched a gift set containing 2 x 5cls of CUT SPICED RUM and 1 x 5cl CUT SMOKED RUM.

CUT SPICED RUM is a premium Caribbean Rum infused with real spices including nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, lemon and vanilla.

CUT SMOKED RUM – The UK’s first naturally smoked rum. CUT SMOKED RUM is a 3 year old Jamaican rum infused with Arabica coffee beans, smoked with burnt wood chips and left to rest in oak barrels. This rum is one of a kind.

CUT TO THE MINIS RRP: £12

Available from: Amazon and Proof Drinks

Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana

Created to celebrate Compass Box Whisky’s 20th Anniversary, Peat Monster Arcana explores the effect of maturing peated whisky in toasted French oak casks.

Tasting Profile: Chocolate and Cinnamon, Fruity and Dry

RRP £74.95 ABV 46%

Available from The Whisky Exchange

Compass Box Hedonism

The first whisky created by Compass Box in 2000. It’s something special for both the collector and the new whisky enthusiast.

Tasting Profile: Vanilla cream, Toffee and Coconut

RRP £57.45 ABV 43%

Available from Master of Malt

Compass Box Malt Whisky Collection

This luxury Compass Box Gift Pack contains miniatures of The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree, and The Story of the Spaniard. Perfect as either an introduction to Compass Box or for those who already share an interest in exploring possibilities – the flavours, the styles and the many ways to experience the pleasures of Scotch Whisky.

RRP: £20

Available from: compassboxwhisky.com

STARLINO Gift Wrapped.jpg

Hotel STARLINO is a range of vermouth and aperitivos from Torino Distillati in Italy including STARLINO Rosso Vermouth, STARLINO Rosé and Arancione. STARLINO Rosso is best enjoyed in a Negroni or Manhattan and STARLINO Rosé and STARLINO Arancione are best enjoyed in a spritz. Hotel STARLINO has launched some beautiful gift sets, perfect for cocktail lovers.

Hotel STARLINO Miniature Gift Set including 3x10cl of the whole range

Hotel STARLINO Gift Pack RRP: From £12 ABV: 17%

Available from: Amazon

Hotel STARLINO Arancione and Rosé Spritz Glass Gift Set

Hotel STARLINO Gift Pack RRP: £27.00 ABV: 17%

Available from: Amazon

FIXD, Car Diagnostic Plug-In Device – $59.99

Tiny sensor diagnoses more than 7,000 potential car problems

Shares regular maintenance reminders and predicts likely repairs in the future

Available at fixdapp.com, Amazon.com and select stores including Walmart and Best Buy

UK CHRISTMAS TREE COMPANY PLEDGES TO HELP SAVE BORNEO’S RAINFOREST

THE UK’s leading supplier of artificial Christmas trees – Christmas Tree World, has pledged to help restore the Borneo rainforest and protect the home of its wildlife.

The Wigan-based business is pledging ‘a tree for every order’ in a charity partnership with the Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF) which is a non-profit organisation working to protect the rainforest and its wildlife. The charity partnership has seen £23,354 raised so far this year, with the company contributing more than £40,000 in total since the beginning of the partnership.

This is the second year the business has supported the cause, which saw £17,322 raised in 2019 – resulting in more than 17,000 seedlings thanks to the leading e-tailer’s donation strategy which comes at no extra cost to their customers.

This donation has helped to protect of some of the most important and damaged areas of tropical rainforest in the world, safeguarding its wildlife, environment and indigenous culture, whilst contributing towards the fight against climate change.

Christmas Tree World has helped the BNF get one step closer to their new campaign target, which sees them aiming to plant 1 million trees by 2025 and restore the damaged rainforest.

Stephen Evans, Managing Director of Christmas Tree World comments: “It’s more important than ever to run your business in an eco-friendly way and do what you can to protect the environment. The Borneo Nature Foundation was a natural choice when searching for a charity partner. By working with the BNF to plant trees in Borneo, we contribute to reducing the world’s Co2 levels and are helping to restore the rainforest for its habitants. In turn, weather events such as flooding, gale-force winds and moorland fires could be prevented from worsening making this a valuable step in the right direction.

“Around half of Borneo’s natural forests have been lost in the past few decades, so it’s important that we continue to make a stand against deforestation and do what we can as a business to help save the rainforest, especially as it is such a valuable habitat for the world’s few remaining wild orangutans.

Susan M. Cheyne, co-director at the Borneo Nature Foundation added: “Since 2019, we’ve been collaborating with Christmas Tree World in order to raise money to support the reforestation, replanting and regeneration of the tropical pea swamp rainforests of Borneo. We’re hugely grateful for the money donated by Christmas Tree World over the years, where it has been used to support our urgent ongoing refrorestation efforts. These kind of contributions are crucial for helping us reach our 1 million trees target by 2025, and we’re looking forward to continuing the partnership in future years.”

The Borneo Nature Foundation is a not-for-profit conservation and research organisation, who works to protect some of the most important areas of tropical rainforest and to safeguard the wildlife, environment and indigenous culture on Borneo.

Christmas Tree World is one of the UK’s leading premium artificial Christmas tree e-tailers, supplying trees from 18inches to 40ft, providing unique and realistic decorations to provide a truly magical Christmas for all the family.

For more information, please visit www.christmastreeworld.co.uk/borneo

For more information on how you can donate and help save the rainforest, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/1milliontrees

The Purest Tasting Water

Zerowater reduces 99.6% of all total dissolved solids in your drinking water. It delivers the purest tasting water in minutes. Zerowater removes much more from tap water than other leading filter brands in the UK. Zerowater removes 97% of lead, 96% of mercury, 95% of chlorine and even 97% of asbestos which is often displaced from old and ageing water pipes.

In-fact Zerowater is so powerful that on average it removes 95% of all metals compared to 68% from Brita. Zerowater even removes 68% of all inorganics, whilst 33% is removed from Brita. The full list can be found here.

Zerowater gets better results due to a 5-stage filter, most filters only have 2-stage. Zerowater patented technology ensures that you can save money on buying bottled water and ensure your tap water is pure. The 12-Cup Zerowater comes with a free TDS Reader (Total Dissolved Solids). Some areas of the UK have reading more than 300. When water is filtered through the Zerowater filter it will score 0, Meaning you can enjoy great tasting pure water at home.

The Zerowater 12-Cup Filter costs £39.99 from Zerowater.co.uk

Stephen Fry backs The Wildlife Trusts’ appeal on Giving Tuesday

30 by 30 is an “audacious and courageous” ambition

Stephen Fry has released a short film lending his support for The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 by 30, a public appeal to raise £30 million to start putting nature into recovery across at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.

The film is released on Giving Tuesday and asks people to “repay” nature for all the support its given people in tough times.

In the film for The Wildlife Trusts, Stephen Fry says:

“In my lifetime we’ve seen a catastrophic decline in our wildlife. Species are in danger of disappearing altogether and we’ve taken nature for granted for too long. Something big needs to happen to change this. I relish bold action and The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 by 30 ambition is the most audacious and courageous I’ve seen in a very long time.

“Simply put, by allowing nature to recover by protecting 30% of land and sea we’ll see the natural world transform. It’s our best hope of turning the tide to make sure we have a thriving natural world to pass on to the next generation. Nature has been there for us all when we’ve needed it the most. Now is the time to repay it ourselves.”

Funds raised by The Wildlife Trusts’ new 30 by 30 appeal will go towards nature recovery projects that will put new land aside for nature as well as repair and link-up existing, fragmented, wild areas to enable wildlife to move around. The aim is to bring nature everywhere Including to the places where people live.

The Wildlife Trusts are a movement of 46 charities with vast experience of restoring nature in every part of the UK. They care for more nature reserves than there are McDonald’s restaurants – 1,000 more – and their 30 by 30 ambition will help to establish a nature recovery network of interlinked wild land across the country.

People can donate to 30 by 30 at wildlifetrusts.org

Other well-known supporters to have backed The Wildlife Trusts’ vision include Liz Bonnin, Richard Walker and Alison Steadman.

Cross-stitch kits

www.modstitch.com.au

The target market is busy women who need to slow down and are difficult to buy for. Give the gift of creativity and downtime with everything you need from the first stitch to finished.

Gift for less than $50, beginner-friendly, plastic-free packaging. All designs can be found at www.modstitch.com.au

A BOOZY WINTER WARMER HAMPER IS LAUNCHING THIS CHRISTMAS

The UK’s original creators of alcoholic ice pops Wavey Ice have returned from a successful summer ready for lockdown 2.0 with a flamin’ hot hamper guaranteed to warm up your winter, boasting a range of exciting festive gifts at a friendly price. Launching this week, the Wavey Ice Christmas Hamper is any adult’s dream gift.

Whilst lockdown continues, there is still ample opportunity for UK households to discover small brands that have kept open and are working hard to deliver winter treats and festive products across the Christmas period. Wavey Ice is encouraging shoppers to support small and independent businesses this Christmas including the artisan supplier it has partnered with for its limited-edition hamper, the Kold Sauce.

With its iconic boozy ice pops, Wavey Ice is bringing new and spicy winter flavours to its range this Christmas including limited edition Kola & Spiced Rum pops and ‘Dutty Wine’ Mulled Wine & White Rum pouches, both designed by Norte One – Wavey Ice’s in-house designer.

From the nation’s favourite festive drink to a classic spiced beverage, Wavey Ice is bringing a variety of boozy treats in one package, sprinkled with extra accessories to turn up the heat including a warm, comfy pair of socks and a fermented hot sauce made from the freshest, hand-picked hot peppers by Kold Sauce.

The Wavey Ice Christmas Hamper will be available nationwide via delivery here from Thursday 12th November – there will be limited stock over the Christmas period so get your hands on it now. Each hamper is £54.99 including delivery and comes filled with the following items:

10 limited edition Kola & Spiced Rum ice pops.
One ‘Dutty Wine’ Mulled Wine and White Rum pouch
One bottle of ‘Kold Sauce’ hot sauce
One pair of Wavey Ice socks
Set of fun Christmas stickers to add to your festive decorations

Visit www.waveyice.co.uk for more information.

This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, many councils have had to cancel their annual events.

The question is, how much will it cost each region in lost revenue? Where The Trade Buys have analysed fifteen of the most popular Christmas markets across the UK. By combining visitor numbers with the average spend per per person they were able to work out how much each city will lose. And It has been calculated that the UK will lose OVER £1.1bn from some of the most popular markets, with Manchester being the hardest hit city in the UK.

This is how much each city is set to lose:

Manchester – £306,000,000
Birmingham – £187,000,000
London – £119,000,000
Nottingham – £98,600,000
Newcastle – 91,800,000
Edinburgh – £88,400,000
Sheffield – £47,260,000
Belfast – £44,200,000
Glasgow – £34,000,000
Bournemouth – £34,000,000
Exeter – £20,400,000
Bath – £13,600,000
York – £11,900,000
Winchester – £11,900,000
Lincoln – £8,500,000
Which is a total of £1,116,560,000
As you can see some of these numbers are staggering!

I have attached the data to this email for you and a visual is available on the Where The Trade Buys site that you can use.

If you would like to use the data or the visual could you please credit Where The Trade Buys with a link back to their site as they sourced the data?
(www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk/blog/the-cost-of-axed-christmas-markets)

Reach the Summit.

The Plum Deimos Metal Dome is a vibrant climbing that looks great in any garden. Designed with children in mind it allows them to user their balance and reach the top. The geometric frame is ideal for developing motor skills and encouraging active play. The Plum Climbing Dome helps children problem solve and allows their imagination embrace adventures with friends and siblings to reach the summit.

The Plum Deimos Metal Dome is made from powder coated steel with a textured finish, Plum® metal play equipment is weather protected and built to last. Each item comes with ground anchors for stability ensuring safety. The dome is L170 x W180 x H88cm. Meaning parents can relax as their young ones climb up, down and all around the dome.

The Plum Play Deimos Dome costs £119.99 from PlumPlay.co.uk

In House Tasting

Virtual Tastings

inhousetasting.com

Virtual tasting gift sets, they combine a physical gift with a professionally filmed 4K video. They are not only unique, but they transform a gift into a memorable experience.

For groups having a virtual party:

Rum tasting experience: www.inhousetasting.com/product/plantation-rum-tasting/

(actually, all of them work for group events – we even have a free ‘how to create a Zoom party’ guide: https://inhousetasting.com/how-to-zoom-party/)

For her or the gin lover in your life:

Gin tasting experience: www.inhousetasting.com/product/copper-in-the-clouds/

(or if you have a gin section, then the ultimate gift: https://inhousetasting.com/product/gin-gift-christmas/)

For the wine connoisseur:

Rioja tasting experience: www.inhousetasting.com/product/rioja-wine-tasting-with-bodegas-beronia/

For the beer enthusiast:

Craft beer tasting experience: www.inhousetasting.com/product/craft-beer-tasting-with-wylde-sky-brewery/

For the sophisticated lady:

Sherry tasting and snack pairing experience: www.inhousetasting.com/product/sherry-tasting-pairing/

For the sophisticated man:

Cognac & Armagnac tasting with chocolate: www.inhousetasting.com/product/cognac-armagnac-tasting-with-chocolate/

In House Tasting

On-demand, virtual tastings

inhousetasting.com

Flahavan’s Oats: The Naturally Good Choice

Whether you’re working from home or back to the commute, fuel your day the naturally good way with Flahavan’s – the UK’s leading organic oat brand. Made from 100% wholegrain rolled oats, and no added nasties, Flahavan’s makes enjoying wholesome oaty goodness easy – whether that’s in a breakfast bowl, a delicious bake or as part of a healthy, balanced dinner.

For over 230 years, the Flahavan’s family have been milling locally grown oats in Kilmacthomas, Ireland. Throughout this time, seven generations have perfected the process, resulting in the deliciously creamy oats that are the naturally good choice for breakfast and beyond.

Naturally low in salt and saturated fat too, these wholegrain oats are packed with fibre and protein to provide a slow-release energy that will keep Flahavan’s fans powered up throughout the day.

Image of James ‘Buddy’ Flahavan and his Grandson Johnny (1987)

From portion-sized sachets for those on the move, to bigger bags that will feed the whole family, the full Flahavan’s range has something for everyone.

With a natural creaminess and smooth texture, Flahavan’s award-winning Organic Porridge Oats are proof that you really can buy great taste, while Flahavan’s Jumbo Organic Oats are a delicious way to add a bit of bite to any breakfast.

Working from home? Take time to indulge in a leisurely breakfast and let them bubble away on the hob with milk or water (don’t worry, even cooked with water Flahavan’s oats are just as creamy!)

And Flahavan oats don’t just make the perfect porridge… Add them to your weekend cheese & oat hash browns for a brunch full of flavour or whiz them in a seedy shake, best served cold. Fancy yourself a star baker? Flahavan’s Organic Jumbo Oats make a mouth-watering raspberry oat bars or can be baked with dried fruit for a breakfast muffin worth getting out of bed for.

For those on-the-go, or just looking to enjoy a lie-in, the Flahavan’s range of Porridge Oat Sachets contain no added sugar meaning they’re the naturally good choice for a delicious, quick-fix breakfast. Go big on fibre with Flahavan’s 3-Seed & Oat Bran, brighten busy mornings with Flahavan’s Apricot, Raisin and Sunflower Seed or keep it classic with Flahavan’s Original Sachets.

Looking for something a little different? Try Flahavan’s Irish Multi Seed Porridge Oats, which include a blend of sunflower and hemp seeds, and enjoy a creamy, crunchy and omega-3 rich boost to the day.

For recipe inspiration, product information and more, visit www.flahavans.co.uk or head to the Flahavan’s Instagram channel (@FlahavansUK).

The Flahavan’s range includes:
Flahavan’s Organic Porridge Oats (1Kg) – Available from Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado. RRP £2.30
Flahavan’s Organic Jumbo Oats (1Kg) – Available from Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s. RRP £2.30
Irish Multi Seed Porridge Oats (600g) – Available from Waitrose. RRP £1.99
Irish Original Porridge Oats (500g) – Available from Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado. RRP £1.20
Irish Original Porridge Oats (1.5Kg) – Available from Asda. RRP £2.20
Irish Quick Oats Drum (500g) – Available from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. RRP £1.75
Irish Porridge Oats Original Sachets (10 x 35g) – Available from Waitrose. RRP £2.59
Irish Porridge Oats 3 Seed & Oat Bran Sachets (10x40g) and Apricot, Raisin, and Sunflower Seed Sachets (10x40g) – Available from Waitrose. RRP £2.59

Mum’s Innovative Advent App Will Bring Christmas Magic Into Our Homes
Working mum Jill Hudson’s brand-new advent app, Santa Academy, offers guilt-free screen-time for children and adds some much-needed magic to Christmas 2020; available to pre-order now.

Jill Hudson, a UK-based working mum, has brought forward the release of her innovative advent app to help children feel the Christmas magic in 2020. As many families won’t be able to visit Santa as usual due to the pandemic, children can now join Santa Academy, the world’s first School of Christmas, from the safety of their homes. Depending on the child’s choices, they’ll become a pupil of Elf Ed, Reindeer Recruit, or Fairy Fellow, just in time for Christmas.

Jill and her team pushed all the boundaries to ensure the app could be in children’s hands by December 2020, working around the clock to develop the project and make Christmas 2020 special.

The Santa Academy brand has quickly gained traction around the globe since its market launch in early September and the app is eagerly anticipated by parents and grandparents across the UK and USA.

The app is a unique blend of advent calendar and audiobook:

– It’s filled with stories, audio, activities, and even recipes. Children read, listen, watch and exercise their imaginations, rather than passively observing videos or mindlessly playing games, making it a guilt-free screen-time option that parents will enjoy too.

– Children will unlock new content daily from December 1st until Christmas Day in the form of an interactive advent calendar.

– Professional voice actors give voice to over 70 characters and 100+ short stories in the app; Lacus Island, the world of Christmas that Jill has created, is truly brought to life.

– Children learn all of the preparation and technology needed for Santa’s big Christmas journey, every step of the way, from Santa receiving children’s letters, to their gift being loaded onto the sleigh. They’ll even learn who magically slows time so Santa can get around the world in one night.

– There is a news outlet, The Lacus Herald, which reports several stories every day from December 1st so children can keep up with the host of elves, reindeers and fairies who ensure Christmas runs smoothly.

– There is whole world to read about and explore in-app, with 50+ buildings, 19 magical shops, TV and Radio stations, festive emergency services, and magical transport systems like the Blue Buscopter (a flying school bus!)

Jill says: “After missing out on so much already this year, I didn’t want my son – or any children – to miss out on the magic of Christmas. Santa Academy will keep the magic alive for families around the UK and America, from the safety of our own homes.”

The Santa Academy app is £6.99 and available to pre-order on the App Store and Google Play from November 1st in the UK and USA. School starts on December 1st, when the app’s content will update daily until Christmas Day. Jill hopes to bring a range of innovative apps to the children’s market in the coming years to encourage children to read and exercise their imaginations throughout 2021 and beyond.

www.thesantaacademy.com/

elfstation@thesantaacademy.com

Pre-order from the App Store: www.apps.apple.com/us/app/santa-academy/id1523418726

Pre-order from Google Play: www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.santaacademy

OFFER:

Treat your team, clients and customers with a year-end gift they will be nuts about. Montagu Snack’s snacktastic Christmas gift box is packed with only the good stuff. For just R349.99, you can spoil almost anyone on your festive gift list. We also have a great braai snack box packed with snacks for only R499.99.

Gifting has never been this easy! Order your gifts here www.bit.ly/33ynuoj or contact us at info@montagusnacks.co.za for fantastic deals on bulk orders of 10 or more.

Tipsy Tea is a range of Tea-Infused Liqueurs (20% ABV). They have three delicious flavours; Spiced Chai, Pink Peppercorn & Root Ginger. And just like traditional tea, each flavour can very easily be served hot or iced.

Tipsy Afternoon Tea Gift Set:
Add a tantalising tipple to the traditional afternoon tea. Our Tipsy Afternoon Tea set contains a 35cl bottle of Tipsy Tea, a teacup, measure, snack suggestions & access to our ‘Afternoon Delight’ playlist.
(www.tipsytea.co.uk/collections/shop/products/tipsy-afternoon-tea-set)

Aperi-Tea-Vo Gift Set: Our twist on the classic Italian tradition. The Aperi-Tea-Vo set contains a 35cl bottle of Tipsy Tea, cocktail glass, measure, snack suggestions & access to our ‘Sunset Sessions’ playlist.

(www.tipsytea.co.uk/collections/shop/products/aperi-tea-vo-set)

Writing For Kids

writingforkids.shop

Unique new children’s picture books series recently launched that celebrates special moments and developmental milestones for children ages 0-5.

Book reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for how each of the titles really meets the moment and enables family members to easily document and celebrate some of the major milestones in their little one’s development…

The first three titles are now available — they make the perfect gift for kids of all ages, expecting mothers, new moms, friends/aunts/uncles of little ones, birthdays and certainly the holidays! Many grandparents have been purchasing them to read to their grandchildren living far away as a way to connect with them over Zoom or FB Live. The 3 books (I’m Here, I’m Here!; I’m One, I’m One!; I’m Two, I’m Two!) are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as in a few independent bookstores, and on www.writingforkids.shop.

K Babe, an inclusive clothing brand which advocates for disabled people by producing apparel and accessories which empower, challenge stereotypes and which are unashamedly feminine.

K Babe has produced the below range of pin badges which are perfect stocking fillers for feminists everywhere. All are available for under £5, direct from K Babe.
Empowered women
‘I dissent’, RBG
Au Naturel
Additionally, this seated pin up girl pocket mirror, at £2.99, is ideal for anyone who champions people of all abilities or who might feel under-represented due to a disability.

For exanmple >> www.kbabe.co.uk/products/empowered-women-pin-badge

Nature’s Bounty Beautiful Skin Gummies (www.naturesbounty.co.uk/our-products/multivitamins/beautiful-skin-60-gummies/)

They are tasty and the product looks gorgeous. Filled with all the ingredients that are vital for keeping your skin healthy including hyaluronic acid, biotin, vit E, C, and zinc. It’s also suitable for vegans! They really are much more than a vitamin product and will make a great gift.

Erotica literature subscription by Victoria Howard – it’s the perfect gift for any partner looking to spice things up in the bedroom, or for a friend who is looking to expand their sexual life.

An example could be, “Gentlemen start your engines and get your lady something you’ll both benefit from all year ;)”

You can send the subscription service as a gift with just the recipient’s email address and it’s just £1.49 per episode per week.

www.victoriahoward.com

Kombucha brand, Booch & Brew.

Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of people who are opting for non-alcoholic beverages, especially at Christmas time, as a way to stay healthy over the festive period. In addition, Kombucha carries some amazing health benefits, and is highly versatile.

The brand have an amazing selection of vegan Kombucha flavours, such as:

Yuzu Lemonade
Ginger and Lemon
Mango
Strawberry and Mint

www.boochandbrew.com

Zip World, the company behind the fastest zip line in the world, have just launched vouchers for their new adventure site which is coming to South Wales in Spring 2021.

The vouchers are the perfect letterbox gift to give this Christmas. Promising an adventure packed, thrilling day, this one-of-a-kind opportunity is a great option for those looking to create new memories and experiences in 2021.

Zip World, the adventure company behind the fastest zip-line in the world, has announced they will launch a new site in South Wales in 2021. Zip World Tower will launch with two new experiences including a four-person seated zip line which will be the fastest of its kind in the world and see riders fly over the spectacular location. The new adventure site will also boast a European-first with an alpine roller coaster that allows people to soar around the site in industrial-style sleds. Vouchers are now on sale for both Zip World Tower experiences and allow for priority access when the site launches in Spring 2021, making it the perfect letterbox gift this Christmas. Set in the iconic Rhigos mountain range with views that look out to the beautiful Welsh landscape, the Tower Colliery site is steeped in history having become a symbol of the miners’ resistance in the 1990s. Its closure in 2008 meant it was the oldest continuously working deep coal mine in the UK.
Price: Tickets from £25
www.zipworld.co.uk/vouchers/buy

GLOUCESTER RUGBY RECRUITS A SQUAD OF THOUSANDS

Gloucester Rugby Club is calling on the people and businesses of Gloucestershire to come together to support each other during this challenging period.

By launching a ‘Squad of Thousands’, the Club hopes to unite fans and local businesses and provide opportunities for them to engage with the Cherry and Whites while we all operate under restrictions. Our Squad will have the chance to access exclusive content and money-can’t-buy opportunities, giving them behind-the-scenes access to the team and Club they love.

The impact of Coronavirus and the restrictions on fans attending games has meant the loss of millions of pounds of income for the Club, and more beyond the gates of Kingsholm, with businesses from pubs to restaurants and taxi firms, as well as Club partners all suffering financially from a lack of fans on match days.

Moreover, the impact has been felt by professional players down to the grassroots game, with research showing that restrictions on sport has impacted the mental health of both players and fans.

While the package of financial support and news of a limited return of fans to the stands announced by the government last week, is welcome news and a much-needed lifeline, Gloucester Rugby say there is still much work to be done.

Lance Bradley, CEO of Gloucester Rugby:

“Gloucester Rugby Club has been an integral part of the Gloucestershire community since 1873. Today we employ almost 300 people from the local community and have worked with over 200 schools, local clubs and community groups through our Foundation. We’re passionate about the game and our community roots, so having no fans at games for the last nine months has not only been financially challenging for the Club and the wider Gloucester business community, but also difficult for our fans, who live and breathe the Cherry and Whites.

“We’re incredibly excited that we’ll have some fans back from December, but also mindful that many won’t be able to see games live. With that in mind we’re launching our Squad of Thousands – a chance for our fans and local businesses to come together and maintain their connection to the team and our community.”

Former Gloucester Rugby great, Mike Tindall, has added his support to the campaign saying:

“We want to galvanise supporters to get behind the Cherry and Whites and do their part to protect the legacy. Gloucester Rugby is more than just a rugby team, it’s the cornerstone of the local and wider rugby community”.

Stephen Freeman, Managing Director, Freemans, the largest events company in the UK, who also manages the match day food and beverage at Kingsholm, said:

“COVID-19 has had a hugely detrimental effect on the game of rugby and the businesses that surround it. As a partner to Gloucester Rugby Club for over 25 years, we know how important they are, not just to our own business, but to the wider Gloucestershire community. We’ve joined the Squad of Thousands and would encourage everyone with a love of the game to sign up too.”

To sign up to the Squad of Thousands, have the chance to win exclusive prizes and explore other ways to get involved with the Club visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/news/join-our-squad-of-thousands.

Ocean Bottle – a treat for yourself and the environment
The perfect gift to make your nearest and dearest feel great while also doing a lot of good.

The Ocean Bottle is the award-winning reusable bottle that stops 1000 plastic bottles in weight from entering the ocean and improves livelihoods at the same time.

Fully recyclable and made from recycled ocean plastic, the bottle’s features include; a dual opening for both multi-functional usage and better cleaning, hot and cold insulation, an easy carry loop for everyday practical use and a NFC smart chip, which will offer a monetary exchanges with plastic collection as well as other perks when refilling at future partner retailers from coffee shops, gyms and co-working spaces to campuses. The Ocean Bottle is so much more than a water bottle.

www.theoceanbottle.com

NIO – premium letterbox delivery cocktails
NIO – which stands for Needs Ice Only – offers pre-made single serve cocktails in the chicest of packaging. Delivering premium cocktails through your letterbox, with a range of 15 tipples to choose from, they are the perfect lockdown treat, allowing you to still enjoy your favourite bar at home.

All made with premium ingredients and spirits, NIO Cocktails bring choice, convenience and quality – everything you would find in the world’s best bars – straight to your home; an ideal gift for any cocktail lover. Each cocktail comes as a single serve within a uniquely designed sleeve, meaning there’s zero waste when it comes to excess spirits, mixers and garnishes. All you need to do is simply pour over ice and enjoy!

www.niococktails.co.uk

MOJU – gift some sunshine this festive season
With travelling off the cards at the moment, and reports showing 1 in 5 Brits to be vitamin D deficient, the perfect gift this Christmas is a little bit of sunshine. MOJU’s delicious vitamin D Shot is perfect for boosting your daily vitamin D intake and keeping you right at the top of your game. Each shot contains 396% RI of Vitamin D, which has been naturally sourced from seaweed and combined with fresh-pressed ginger, turmeric root, and echinacea, to give your body and bones some essential plant-based back-up.

As well as offering an essential Vitamin D boost, each shot is bursting with bold, unapologetic flavour and, like all MOJU products, includes no artificial colours or flavourings. Skilfully designed to support and complement your daily diet, MOJU shots use simple, whole ingredients for naturally sourced power which you can shot daily or when you need it. MOJU’s action-packed Vitamin D Dosing Bottles are the perfect way to show someone you care this Christmas.

www.mojudrinks.com/, Waitrose, Planet Organic and As Nature Intended, Ocado
RRP: £27.83 for 4x500ml Dosing Bottles

CARAVAN COFFEE ROASTERS LAUNCH XMAS BRU

Great coffee brings us together at a time we might be far apart

Caravan Coffee Roasters are delighted to announce the launch of their Xmas Bru. Tasting notes include winter berries, hazelnut crème, cookie dough and rich white chocolate for a decadent and smooth finish. Caravan’s XMAS BRÜ is both full bodied and well balanced making it versatile for both filter and espresso. It’s been tipped as a real crowd pleaser this festive season for coffee aficionados.

Our sourcing and quality teams have been working tirelessly these past months, dreaming up our version of a perfect festive blend. We have chosen three fresh seasonal coffees carefully handpicked from producers who share our values of fairness, equality and transparency.

The top notes of fruit in this blend come from a naturally processed Sumatran coffee grown on the slopes of Mount Kirinci, one of the many volcanos that comprise the famous Pacific Ring of Fire.

The rich and gooey middle comes from the Andean highlands of Peru, where farmers grow traditional varieties of coffee and still pulp their cherries by hand. Finally, the nutty base of the blend is provided by the El Carmen Association in Colombia, a group of community driven and quality focused farmers who have been long time partners of Caravan.

We roast every component of our blends separately to a specific profile, in order to coax out the unique flavours that each lot brings to the final blend. Each batch goes through a series of sensory quality checks before they leave our roastery, to ensure all our coffee meets the high standards we hold for ourselves and our customers.

You’ll taste the difference!
Co-Founder of Caravan Coffee Roasters and Caravan Restaurants Chris Ammermann said: “2020 has certainly been a difficult year as we have had to close our 6 London restaurants for a second time and furlough our family of 300 hospitality professionals, who we have managed to support and retain during this challenging time.

Christmas is a timely reminder of how important family is, as we typically come together over good food and drink this time of year. It’s never been more important than now, to look after each other and be grateful for life’s simple pleasures, like a fine cup of coffee.

We hope you’ll help us celebrate this festive season with a cup of our award-winning coffee – something that brings us all closer together, even if we’re far apart.”

Pricing
Available to buy at www.caravancoffeeroasters.co.uk/collections/coffee
• £10 for a 250g bag – the perfect stocking filler
• £35 for a 1kg – ideal for those wanting to stock up for the whole family
• Also available as part of a series of handpicked gifting bundles

Instagram – @caravanroastery
Twitter – @CaravanRoastery

 

UNICORN MAGIC – THE FOOD WAREHOUSE LAUNCHES A HOST OF ENCHANTED GIFTS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

· The Food Warehouse has launched a whole host of Christmas gifts, complete with:

o a Giant Unicorn for the little ones, saving customers £515.00 versus Selfridges’ toy unicorn*

o a Unicorn Vanity Dressing Table for under £20.00

o Products are available in Food Warehouse stores up until Christmas

Add a touch of sparkle to the weekly shop this week with a whole host of unicorn magic landing in Food Warehouse stores up and down the country. Shoppers can tame their unicorn obsessions with a Giant Unicorn Plush Toy for just £35.00, the 134cm toy is fraction of the price of Selfridges £550.00 155cm variant*.

The 134cm fluffy unicorn is sure to put a smile on children’s faces (or the big kids too) on Christmas Day with its life size stature and sparkly feet, ears and of course, unicorn horn. Complete with a rainbow mane and glistening eyes for the ultimate mythical creature finishing touches, grab yours now before they fly out!

A bargain that’s not to be missed as Food Warehouse customers pick up their essentials is the Unicorn Vanity Dressing Table (£19.99), the ideal present for under £20 – pampered little ones can entertain themselves with this pink vanity dressing table and stool complete with accessories including a hairdryer, makeup and brushes.

For the all-important stocking fillers, the Food Warehouse’s Musical Hobby Horses (£5.00), are available in two unicorn designs with horse and dragon variants too, ideal for all the little ones in your life. Ready to pick up from 16th November.

Alternatively, for the ultimate bargain, grab the Magical Kingdom Unicorn Carry Case for just £3.00.

The Large Unicorn Plush (£10.00) is a must, complete with a pink bow and unicorn horn. Also, in the range is a Large Bear Plush (£10.00) and Large Dog Plush (£10.00) – covering every taste!

The Food Warehouse combines the convenience of bulk buying with great value fresh, frozen and ambient food deals across more than 3,000 product lines, as well as including exclusive ‘When it’s Gone, it’s Gone’ deals on a great selection of homeware items. With no membership required but the feel and value of wholesale, it is the ideal place for the Christmas shop.

All products are subject to availability. Whilst stocks last.

Visit the website for more information www.thefoodwarehouse.com or search for ‘Food Warehouse’ on Facebook.

Ahead of the Curve

Many of us love curves and Matki are no exception. The way light catches the shape of the glass and the fact that you can see into the shower space without any sharp edges or corners makes Matki’s range of Curved Shower Enclosures an aesthetically outstanding choice.

Matki Radiance Curved Offset Enclosure with Integrated Shower Tray

Curved shower enclosures from Matki not only look stylish and inviting but they are made with love, care and attention to detail. Designed upon considered proportions, Matki curved enclosures make an elegant statement and they open up floor space in the most beautiful way.

This is especially true with the Radiance curved enclosure. With its tempered glass surround, sleek Chrome framing and sliding door with discreet, soft closure, this shower enclosure is graceful yet sturdy. Unique and wonderfully smooth functioning, with high-lustre anodised Aluminium top track and cushioned roller action the Radiance curved enclosure is perfect for the frantic pace of modern family life.

Matki ONE Curved Enclosure

The Matki ONE Curved enclosure is elegantly unique. With eye-catching detailing it features a subtle geometric design and stylish circular details on the handles and the framing.

Softening on the eye, the curvaceous profile offsets angular profiles sitting in harmony within any style bathroom environment whilst working beautifully with other curved fixtures and fittings.

Matki EauZone Plus Curved Enclosure

The Matki EauZone Plus Curved Corner shower is a design first. Uniquely, every panel including the door is engineered from 10mm glass, an impressive testament to the unit’s strength and durability and a complete first in curved shower enclosure design. Built from high performing materials with a stainless steel top track and intricately shaped inner tracks, this allows for a superbly smooth opening movement.

Matki EauZone Plus Curved Enclosure

Retail prices start from £1521.60 for the Radiance Curved enclosure with Integrated Shower Tray. To discover more visit www.matki.co.uk or call 01454 322888.

‘Tis the season for giving back this festive season

Cadbury launches new Festive Range

24 November 2020, Johannesburg: It’s that time of the year again, ‘Jingle bell rock’ and ‘Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’ have started ringing in homes around the world. To add to the festivities, Cadbury has introduced its new Festive Range which includes three delicious limited edition 150g Cadbury slabs available in three decadent Festive flavours that evoke heart-warming memories of the season.

Perfect for gifting, sharing or simply treating yourself, the new Cadbury Festive Range includes the delectable Festive Gingerbread (Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate with gingerbread pieces), mouth-watering Cinnamon Crunch (Cadbury Dream with crunchy cinnamon pieces), creamy Butterscotch & Crushed Almonds (Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate with butterscotch and almonds pieces) as well as the festive classic, Cadbury Dream-coated Whispers Snowballs with their malted honeycomb centres.

2020 may have been a challenging year for most, however, it was helped along by the unconditional love, support and simple acts of generosity shown by friends, family, colleagues and in some instances, complete strangers. Cadbury is therefore encouraging South Africans to show their appreciation this Festive season with the Cadbury Festive range – these limited edition slabs are the perfect gift to help show your appreciation and gratitude towards your loved ones or even to yourself! After all, ’tis the season for giving back!

Get Baking and Give Back

To spread some holiday cheer Cadbury has some delicious Festive recipes to share. What better way to express gratitude and appreciation to those around you at this time of year than with a home-made gift – deliciously baked treats (that’s if you can resist eating them yourself beforehand). Try your hand at Butterscotch Reindeer Truffles, Festive Gingerbread Mince Pies, Cinnamon Shortbread Christmas tree decorations or Dream Snowball Men. Take a moment to forget the rush outside and create or even master these delicious festive recipe treats– it’s the perfect way to spend time with the ones you love.

Keep an eye out on the website and social media pages for more recipe details.

The Cadbury Festive Collection is available from all major retailers nationally.

For more information on the Cadbury Festive range visit www.cadbury.co.za and join the conversation @CadburyDairyMilkSA (Facebook) or @Cadbury_SA (Twitter and Instagram) #CadburyFestive

Owens’ strikes gold for his 100th Test Match

Credit: ACME Whistles

Rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE who will be overseeing his 100th international this weekend when France take on Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup, will be doing so with a very special whistle. To commemorate his landmark achievement within the international rugby, Nigel received a special gift from the team at Prime Video who commissioned a one-off gold whistle engraved with a special message for Nigel.

The gold whistles were created by ACME whistles, which are used by Nigel and many other international and community referees around the country, presented to him yesterday ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Ben McFarlane from Acme whistles said, “It’s an honour to create a commemorative whistle for such a legend in rugby refereeing. and even more special to know that his new gold whistle will be used during the international clash this weekend. For those watching the action keeping out for the golden glint of his special new whistle.”

As well as the Prime Video logo a special message was engraved onto the side of Nigel’s new whistle as a constant reminder off his 100th Test match played on November 28th 2020 between France and Italy. “This will be something Nigel can cherish for many years to come as a reminder of his contribution to rugby and lifelong dedication to international sport, “adds ACME’s Ben McFarlane. “The question is will this now be a regular addition for Nigel on the pitch? Only time will tell!”

With the action from the Autumn Nations Cup bringing international sport back to our screens, many are celebrating Nigel’s fantastic achievement as another piece of good news in an otherwise turbulent year. “What better way to celebrate this than with a very special gold whistle for his 100th Test match,” adds Ben McFarlane.

Anybody looking to find out more about referee whistles we should visit www.acmewhistles.co.uk

Van Hunks Launches Deliciously Dry Sparkling Wine Alternative For Festive Celebrations

An exciting new sparkling drink from Cape Town has launched in the UK. Made in South Africa with three all natural ingredients; honey, yeast and water. Van Hunks Sparkling Mead is one of the few drinks brands in the world to have successfully achieved a consistently high quality bottle-fermented mead.

Designed for those whose palates have matured away from sugary-sweet drinks, Van Hunks Brut Sparkling Mead is unexpectedly dry with refined bubbles. The first two Van Hunks expressions are a white sparkling mead and a rosé sparkling mead, fermented with hibiscus. Van Hunks Rosé Sparkling Mead offers a great, all natural alternative to Pink Prosecco this Christmas.

No artificial flavourings or additional sugars are added to Van Hunks Sparkling Meads, tapping into the trend for healthier, lower sugar drinks.

Van Hunks Sparkling Mead is dry and refreshing, with hints of floral overtones of South Africa’s famous Fynbos and is best enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif or as an alternative to sparkling wine. Van Hunks Sparkling Mead is presented in a clear glass bottle, with a striking label and a Champenoise-style cork, perfect for celebrations which creates the same pop and sense of occasion you get from opening a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine.

The small-batch sparkling mead is inspired by the legend, Jan Van Hunks, and created out of the natural splendour of Cape Town and its surroundings. The meadery is based at the foot of the Table Mountain reserve in South Africa.

The meads are produced using honey from honeybees, which feast on Fynbos wildflowers in the smallest floral kingdom in the world on South Africa’s Cape. Van Hunks uses a patented dry fermentation process to ferment the honey, resulting in a completely dry base mead.

As legend has it, Van Hunks was notorious for escaping the ordinary and had a keen imagination and tenacious spirit. Pipe packed and drink in hand, he would stroll through the Fynbos and scale the sandstone mountain cliffs in search of the perfect perch and contemplate the beauty of it all. The story goes that he out-witted the devil in a smoking competition, but not before the smoke that they had made had covered the mountain, forming the famous tablecloth cloud on Table Mountain. In truth, the tablecloth cloud is created by the warm south-easterly breeze rising up the mountain slopes, meeting colder air at higher altitude. Condensation takes place and a thick mist soon coats the upper-most regions of the mountain, which waters the flowers Van Hunks’ bees feast on.

Van Hunks Sparkling Mead RRP: £25 ABV: 12%

Available from: www.vanhunksdrinks.com

Instagram: @vanhunksdrinks

Facebook: @vanhunksdrinks

MEGAN THEE STALLION STUNS IN STYLISH HEELS

MACY MULE SILVER

AT AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

VISIT JESSICARICH.COM

(Los Angeles, CA) – Megan Thee Stallion made a bold entrance to Sunday’s American Music Awards (AMAs) wearing a long, textured off-the-shoulder pink dress paired with Jessica Rich Macy Mule Heels ($215) in Silver styled by BROOKELYN STYLES. The Houston superstar had a huge night at the award show – delivering an electrifying performance of her new single “Body” and winning ‘Best Rap/Hip-Hop’ song for her feature on Cardi B’s “WAP.”

About Jessica Rich:

The Jessica Rich brand was founded by fashion expert, Jessica Rich. Jessica began sharing her love for fashion on Instagram, allowing newly acquired and long-time fans to enter her world, follow her journey and inspire each other to reach their dreams. The positive feedback and demand she received from her loyal audience led her to launch her online store in 2015. In late 2017, Jessica debuted Transparent by Jessica Rich, her first line of shoes. Transparent has been wildly successful and proved that her signature aesthetic can be translated across multiple categories. The intent behind her clear stiletto heels is to pair them with anything and everything, giving the customer versatility and once again saving them money without sacrificing style. Finding the balance between modern design and fine craftsmanship, Jessica’s footwear is stylish yet wearable. Since then, Jessica’s designs have been worn by high-profile celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Joan Smalls, Saweetie, Lala Anthony, Normani and Toni Braxton (just to name a few). Since the launch of her brand, Jessica has been featured on Vogue, PopSugar, Page Six, Footwear News, People Magazine, Essence Magazine, InStyle, BlackEnterprise, US Weekly, E! News and DailyMail securing her path in the fashion industry. Jessica is an international brand having customers across the globe.

Virtual delivery of a virtual agent using Watson Assistant, helping real fans and players during COVID.

For seven years now, IBM has been the Rugby Football Union’s Official AI and Cloud platforms Partner, helping the RFU harness technology to enhance the experiences England Rugby creates for players, customers and fans. But with the unexpected impact of COVID, IBM has also been working with the RFU to transform the customer support experience.

Customer support is vital for all organisations, across all industries and in these unprecedented times, customer support teams have been stretched to their limits. On top of facing reduced capacity of teams and adjusting to new ways of working, they are dealing with an ever-changing set of rules and restrictions, resulting in an influx of complex questions and increasingly anxious customers. According to a recent study by the IBM Institute for Business Value, 46 percent of global consumers have either used live chat services during the pandemic or plan to after the pandemic – and 99 percent of organisations surveyed saw increased customer satisfaction due to virtual agents.

For the RFU, this is amplified by the variety of customers it strives to provide excellent support to, each bringing their own challenges and questions to the table. This influx of questions meant the RFU needed to find new ways of improving the support experience through leveraging the latest customer support technology. This is where the idea of “ROSIE”, RFU’s AI virtual agent using IBM Watson Assistant was born.

Using the expertise of IBM Services, in 2 weeks the RFU and IBM team analysed historical support ticket data and built a proof of concept which demonstrated the value an AI virtual agent using Watson Assistant could bring to RFU’s employees and their customers. Fast forward 2 more weeks and ROSIE was live, public facing and tackling questions, 24/7, running on the IBM Cloud.

How exactly has ROSIE changed the customer support experience in just 4 weeks? ROSIE, utilising 16 specifically designed customer journeys, plus its trained IBM Watson Discovery corpus, saves the RFU’s employees time in three ways. Firstly, ROSIE uses natural language processing to understand and independently answer high volume, low value questions such as “how do I reset my password?”. Secondly, ROSIE can help guide customers to the correct support team (cutting out the need to transfer support tickets between teams). Lastly, ROSIE is being used to promote self-service adoption (further reducing the overall number of support tickets).

ROSIE also improves customer experience by being available 24/7, being able to instantly provide responses, and freeing up support teams to respond to more complex queries more rapidly. ROSIE does this all through understanding natural language and learning from customer interactions, making the whole experience feel more personal, conversational and less transactional.

However, ROSIE has only just started her journey, ROSIE has the potential to augment all RFU support teams, expand into Live Chat and automate back office processes. All informed by the insights she is already generating.

Improving experiences is only one of the success stories. ROSIE was born during the COVID 19 pandemic, delivered with remote teams who never stepped foot in the same room. As IBM is doing globally, the IBM team utilised remote collaboration tools to not only deliver and make it ‘a positive, fun and very productive experience’, but actively introduced tools and upskilled the RFU in new virtual ways of working.

The partnership is just scratching the surface when it comes to transforming the RFU’s customer support experience. 6 weeks in and 11,400+ conversations later, Rosie is proving the value which virtual agents bring, echoed in the RFU’s owns words “Previously, we weren’t entertaining the idea of a Virtual agent at all – but now we are talking about how it can become a permanent feature of the 3 to 4 year strategic landscape- a real success story”.

To access ROSIE and see her in action, please follow the links below.

ROSIE is Live on the following pages of englandrugby.com:
www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/game-management-system
www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/game-management-system/updates-and-support
www.englandrugby.com/twickenham

And all pages on GMS via the chat icon at the top:
gms.rfu.com/GMS/Account/Login

TOUGH LOVE by Lovemore Ndou
​The Amazing True Story of a Boxing World Champion Turned Lawyer

As a child growing up in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Lovemore Ndou experienced poverty and the injustices of the apartheid system, witnessed atrocities committed against his family and community, was a victim of police brutality and saw his best friend gunned down in a street protest.

Yet, against all odds, Lovemore succeeded and rose through the ranks to become a boxing world champion and then a successful lawyer, while making Australia his home.

In Tough Love Lovemore Ndou evocatively recalls the many challenges he has overcome on his journey and his ultimate triumph through hard work, dedication, resilience and persistence.

“Here was a young black boy who faced the hourly life-and-death reality of growing up in a humble town on the South Africa–Zimbabwe border, with the edifice of apartheid beginning to crumble in South Africa and civil war raging in Zimbabwe. He only ever started fighting to protect himself, his parents and his siblings. But he became so good at boxing, he became a triple world champion!” – Linda Burney, MP

The second born of seven children – four sisters and two brothers – Ndou swam in the crocodile-infested Limpopo River to collect fish each morning to help his family subsist. But amidst it all the boy with a hair-trigger temper nursed an ambition to be a boxer – a drive which ultimately led to three world titles, a new home in Australia, induction into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame and recognition across the world as one of the toughest fighters ever produced by the Rainbow Nation.

Never knocked out in 64 professional bouts, Ndou transitioned from combat in the ring to confrontation in the courtroom in a post-boxing career as a Sydney lawyer.

JABUKA

☕ The Gift That Is A Blend Of Coffee And Games ☕

JABUKA is the new rotating letter word game that’s brewing up a lot of fun for coffee lovers this holiday.

Martin Russocki, inventor of JABUKA, explained, “When I got the idea for Jabuka, I was in a coffee shop fiddling with a coffee bean at my table, while I was waiting for my beverage. I witnessed how tech was interrupting social interactions and thought about the first coffee houses where people played interactive games. Noticing also how texting is becoming its own language, an idea took ‘shape.’ A new coffee inspired word game could address these issues! I drew my initial on a coffee bean and spun it. M is also an E and a W!”

A new alphabet was being born and Russocki was learning to speak Jabuka!

Coffee’s historic relationship with games made it the perfect platform for the fun and tactile shape of the pieces, the packaging and as an example of when and where you can play – just about anywhere. Jabuka (MSRP $19.95 for 2-4 players ages 8+) is now the portable, quick and easy game that you can play on any flat level surface — such as a coffee or kitchen table.

The theme is fun and the game is even more fun, Russocki said. “Jabuka is the perfect gift for any coffee lover as a complement to their daily ritual of coffee, a dose of news or literature and a new brain teaser. It can be a stocking stuffer and a great suggestion for fans of games like Scrabble, Bananagrams, and as an alternative to card games too.”

Recently, some of the nation’s top toy testers spilled the beans about Jabuka when the game received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2020 and the 2020 PAL (Play On Words) Award, which are now added to its: Best Game of the Year Award from Creative Play Magazine, Moms Choice Gold Award, ASTRA Top Toy of the Year Finalist, and the National Parenting Publications of America Winner.

How to Play Jabuka

Players spill the beans and start a battle of words (official rules at www.jabukagames.com). No turn taking. Make words and steal words at the same time from other players with clever word scrambles and adding letters. Notice the yellow letters that can be twisted, such as:

“E” is “m” or “w”
“c” is “u” or “n”
“r” can be “j”;
“t” is also “x”;
and more
When you first spill the beans, some land face down, leave those face down until everyone agrees to ”flip“and turns over 2 beans at a time to reveal new letters. Play. Repeat. Count beans when the last 2 are filled. The player with the most beans that make words wins!

Game on.

ClearO2.

www.clearo2.com

Supplemental oxyge in the UK, which is brilliant for fitness, endurance training and fatigue.

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

WITH CURRENSEA

Christmas shopping during a national lockdown doesn’t have to be a burden, especially if your favourite French cheese shop or Italian Deli is closed and you cannot travel to either Italy or France. Purchasing a case of your favourite Rioja from Spain’s Basque region or a foodie hamper straight from Milan, filled with traditional Panettones and other unique delicacies, has never been easier and more cost-effective thanks to Currensea (www.currensea.com) – the UK’s first travel debit card linked directly to your existing bank account.

Travel-enthusiasts can still virtually explore the world and shop internationally from the comfort and safety of their home knowing they can save on foreign exchange fees while supporting small, independent businesses across Europe.

Currensea saves you over 85% on international transaction fees when compared to your high street bank account and, being a Mastercard debit card, is accepted in millions of locations worldwide. Supporting all currencies and boasting no international transaction fees and competitive exchange rates, Currensea makes your international Christmas shopping a walk in the park.

For more information and to sign up for a Currensea card, please visit www.currensea.com and receive your card in just 3-4 days.

HOW TO THROW A VIRTUAL OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

BOND OVER BAKES WITH PLEESECAKES

Pleesecakes, the cheesecake wizards behind the Insta-worthy cake creations, have launched a festive, limited edition BYOAH! box – ‘Saint Nicks Surprise, £38’ – which come complete with everything you need to build and create a showstopping cheesecake at home. Order one for each of your employees and go head-to-head on Zoom for the sweetest virtual Christmas party, before the boss awards a prize to the best design. Available for pre-sale only, delivery w/c 14th December.

www.byoah.com

COCKTAIL GET-TOGETHERS WITH MOORE HOUSE COCKTAIL COMPANY

Office mixer? It couldn’t be easier with Moore House Cocktail Company’s virtual cocktail parties complete with masterclass – all you need to do is collate your guest list, decide what surprise cocktail to send or invite them to choose their own hand-crafted classic. As part of the package, Moore House Cocktail Company can get that virtual party going with a live cocktail masterclass. After a 10-minute ‘shake or stir’ lesson, and with the ice broken, colleagues can relax and enjoy the get-together with cocktail in hand. Cocktails include the Negroni, Classic Martini, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Espresso Martini and a crystal-clear Margarita alongside a limited-edition Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and a Spicy Margarita.

VIRTUAL WINE TASTINGS WITH CARLUCCIO’S

Lockdown and WFH doesn’t need to be lonely – engage, connect and boost morale with your team or grab your wine-loving friends for a Carluccio’s virtual wine tasting. Hosted by a Carluccio’s sommelier or one of the Italian brand’s winemakers, packages are bespoke, but start from just £35 per person. Each interactive two-hour tasting is themed to a particular region, wine or specific grape variety and every guest is provided with 6-8 different 50ml tasters. You can also order some of your Italian food favourites, from antipasti to arancini, for a food and vino pairing. All you need to do is compile your guest list and Carluccio’s will deliver the wines (and food). To book your virtual zoom wine tasting/wine and food pairing simply contact sarah@boparanrestaurants.com

GOURMET CATERING FROM THE CINNAMON CLUB

Spice up your lockdown with the brand new ‘Feast at Home’ kits from Vivek Singh’s acclaimed Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club. These easy-to-assemble meals are a delicious solution to catering for a virtual Zoom Christmas, offering to drop off meals to over 20 households per order. Three different menus are available to order until December 18th for nationwide delivery. The Four Course At Home Feast at £50 per person includes lamb shank Roganjosh and Vivek’s famous garam masala Christmas pudding and warming nutmeg custard; or the Delhi Style Butter Chicken dinner at £120. Extras such as fine wines, champagnes, and Vivek’s signed cookbooks can be included with all kits for gifting. Order online from www.thecinnamoncollection.com/shop/

House of Rugby returns to JOE Media with stand out new line up

House of Rugby, JOE Media’s flagship show and the biggest non-live rugby programme in the world, is returning this week with an all-star line-up, new presenter, and a host of exciting new features.

The enhanced line-up sees some of the best British Lions players join the House of Rugby presenting team, ensuring the content will cut across old rivalries in a way that only a Lions tour can.

The resident guests are Jamie George, Jonathan Davies, Adam Jones, Sean O’Brien and England star Alex Goode with more big hitters set to appear as regulars on the show as we head into a jam-packed rugby season with the third series of House of Rugby. Fans can be assured 45-minutes of pure entertainment, with insightful, player-led analysis, hilarious chat and riotous anecdotes from the biggest names in rugby.

The show will be hosted by Scottish sports presenter Lee Mckenzie, who is renowned for her work with BT, Sky and Channel 4, and best known for her coverage of Rugby, Formula 1 and the Wimbledon Championship. A rugby reporter since the age of 15, there is no one better suited in terms of knowledge, experience and fun to evoke the best out of the show’s new star line-up.

As well as revisiting some of the great stories from recent Nations and Lions Tours, House of Rugby will tackle some of the more pressing and punchy issues around the challenges of inclusion and diversity in the game of rugby, as well as providing coverage of women’s rugby and the game at the grassroots level. It is a game for all, and House of Rugby will embody and symbolise the full reach of the sport while keeping listeners and viewers entertained.

With 30 shows confirmed so far for this series, House of Rugby will be available on all podcast streaming services every Wednesday at 5am and YouTube at 5pm. Video cutdowns will also be distributed on JOE’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout the week.

John Breslin, Head of Production at JOE Media, said: “For rugby fans so much of the enjoyment of the game is in the way they share it with friends – the laughs, the rivalry and the post-match analysis over a beer. As well as focusing on the latest matches, House of Rugby delivers all those extra touches. We’ve got a phenomenal line-up to launch Series 3 and guarantee the show is at the very top of its game.”

Host in style this Christmas with new collection of glamorous lacquered butler trays

This Christmas host in style with new collection of exquisite lacquer butler trays, designed to raise the spirits and spike the imagination.

The brand’s creators, Franco-Brazilian duo Lucila and Ludovic de La Bédoyère, founded the brand to make real their passion for beautifully crafted, unique home items. With an international outlook, an inclination for luxury and an eye for quality, their ambition has created CÔCO GIN. The name references both Rio, Lucila’s home town, and gin, which for the founders evokes a sense of hospitality, a refined enjoyment with a nostalgic, luxurious twist.

CÔCO GIN butler trays celebrate both ancient artistries and extraordinary characters from history, with a view of offering both inquisitive hosts and generous guests domesticated treasures to give and with which to receive. Hand crafted in Vietnam, a centuries old, 100 day long 32-step process applies two dozen layers of lacquer resin extracted from cashew nut shells before etching, painting, and accenting with metallic leaf.

There are four edition of the trays, each with a unique tale to tell:

Étoile entrances stargazers with a map recalling Tycho Brahe, the Danish Renaissance astronomer who lost his nose duelling over a math problem at a friend’s wedding.
Kingmaker is for those who believe the future lies not in our stars but in ourselves—and in peering through the keyholes to glimpse the secrets of power.
Casati, based on Marchesa Luisa Casati, famed for her decadent style and legendary life features, a Venetian maze in which the Marchesa herself famously promenaded her pet cheetahs, naked, through the gin haze of the Jazz Age.
Poison, the dual-edge of gracious living since man first mixed libation, entertains with a lavish displaythat dares you to name yours.
Each limited edition piece goes through a meticulous process to receive two dozen layers of lacquer, followed by engraving and hand-painted gold leaf. Each tray comes numbered in a limited edition, with a certificate of authenticity and the story behind it. The trays are available to buy through the brand’s website and will also be available through Moda Operandi, via a virtual trunk show later in the year. CÔCO GIN will also feature at Maison&Objet in March 2021.

CÔCO GIN Creative founder Lucila de La Bédoyère says:

“After many years of travelling, with an obsessive eye for the wonderful and the eccentric, we have pulled together some of the treasures and inspirations we have found – creating our very own cabinet of curiosities. We created CÔCO GIN in this spirit, seeking to offer inquisitive hosts and their guests domesticated items with a story to tell. Bearing heavily on both old and new worlds, our designs complement the home with a touch of the bizarre and forgotten.”

de La Bédoyère references a Portuguese word saudade as inspirationfor the brand– originally from Brazil, she now lives in Lisbon with her husband and business partner. Saudade is a word for a nostalgic state of intense longing for someone or something that is absent. The inspiration for the brand partly arose from this longing for an ideal world of friends, generosity, abundance and style.

CÔCO GIN will be adding to their collection in early 2021 with additional items, including candles, diffusers and porcelain in the luxury home accessories sector. The butler trays are available to buy from www.cocogin.com. All items come with a certificate of authenticity. CÔCO GIN also offer a handmade in Lisbon pure brass stand to elevate the tray. Prices:

Étoile is €1.840,00
Casati and Kingmaker are €1.980,00
Poison retails at €2.120,00.
The handmade pure brass tray retails at €850.
Specification: Size: 71cm X 45cm Materials: MDF Wood, Brass Lacquer Units: 40 (Subject to Change). Shipping additional.

www. cocogin.com Instagram @cocogin_

Check out this holiday card line – cards are $4 or 6 for $15:

www.colettepaperie.com/category/cards-holiday

Nashville Favorite, Personal Trainer & HOTBOX

Strength Coach Jessie B. Wallace Releases

2 New 8-Week Strength Guides on Black Friday

With the launch of her personal brand, JW Fitness, Jessie B. Wallace is releasing 2 8-week guides designed to meet clients where they are physically, mentally, and geographically on November 28, 2020

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) November 24, 2020––To say 2020 has been a tough year would be an understatement. At the end of the year that no one saw coming, few can say they’re where they want to be physically, mentally, or geographically. Many have put on “the COVID 20 lbs,” some psychiatrists are calling the mental effects of the COVID a secondary pandemic, and, to everyone’s dismay, we’re all still stuck at home for the time being.

Seeking to encourage others in this time where they may be lacking physical strength and fitness, motivation, guidance, and unlimited access to the outside world, Jessie B. Wallace decided to launch her new brand, JW Fitness, with the release of 2 new 8-week strength guides, broken into Level 1 & Level 2.

Knowing that some may be quarantining or simply limiting their exposure to others, these programs are designed so that Jessie is able to meet her clients where they are with contact-free coaching in the form of these two PDF e-books (with links to video content). Each guide is an investment of just $49.99, OR the 2 guides can be purchased as a bundle for $79.99––a steal for anyone, especially if personal training or online coaching is out of the budget this year!

Level 1 focuses on:

Building the foundations of strength movements

Improving stamina and endurance

Building lean muscle mass

Preparing to get under a barbell

Level 1 focuses on:

Building strength under the barbell

Improving stamina and endurance

Building lean muscle mass

Improving athletic performance

Both programs:

Require minimal equipment (dumbells and kettlebells)

Feature 2 days of upper body, 2 days of lower body, and full body HIT/conditioning each week

Feature 32 workouts, 4 HIT workouts, and 4 warmups total

Are designed to create a regimen that helps the client measure progress and improve their body weekly

Include bonus content such as videos, key points on form, and tips to achieve best results

Include a PDF downloadable e-book

Include a downloadable excel sheet designed to track progress

Include access to Jessie’s contact information for any questions that may arise

“Strength training isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone willing to pick up a weight for the first time and never look back,” Jessie says.

For more information on Jessie B. Wallace and JW Fitness, visit www.jessiebwallace.com.

About Jessie B. Wallace:

Jessie B. Wallace is the creator of JW Fitness. She is a Nashville-based ACE certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with a wide range of experience gained from years of working in the fitness industry. Passionate about helping others on their fitness journey, she offers her clients customized workout plans, focused cues to perfect their form, and advice tailored to their goals and fitness level. Her clients love her for her unique style of tough love. She meets them where they are and understands their love of cookies (Christie’s chocolate chip are her weakness), yet will also kick their as––well, you-know-whats––into shape. Her clients’ biggest cheerleader, she’s always there with that boost of encouragement they need to get through one of her tough workout finishers. She pushes her clients past what they knew they were capable of and helps them achieve their fitness

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer from Workman Publishing – POCKET PIGGIES: CHRISTMAS! ($6.95; Board Book; ages 1–4)

www.workman.com/products/pocket-piggies-christmas

Kids love barnyard animals, especially pigs, delighting in their pink noses, endearing sounds, and affectionate demeanor. Photographer Richard Austin captures the whimsical delight of these playful creatures in this children’s book full of irresistible photos, showcasing heart-melting images of the pigs getting into the Christmas spirit amidst wintry scenes of twinkling lights, festive holly, and smocked snow. With sweet scrunched up noses and cheerful text, Pocket Piggies: Christmas! is a heartwarming way to introduce babies and toddlers to the joys and traditions of the season.

Pennywell Farm, the idyllic setting of these photographs, is located in a lush valley in Devon, England. A proud advocate for sustainable farming, renewable energy, and animal welfare, Pennywell Farm is home to an array of animals, including this cuddly drove of pocket pigs. These beloved pigs are social, intelligent, and remarkably loving, known for sleeping cuddled up snout to snout and their naturally curious dispositions.

A small book bursting with the unique joy of these tiny pigs, Pocket Piggies: Christmas! is the perfect stocking stuffer to celebrate Christmas with animal-enthused young children this year! I hope you’ll consider a feature placement or review for the book– I would love to share a copy with you! Please let me know the best address and I would be happy to put a copy in the mail. You can view the product page for this new addition to the Pocket Piggies series here. Thanks so much for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you and discussing possible plans for coverage!

JETSWEAT is a video streaming fitness platform that provides exclusive access to top boutique studio classes, personalized programming and real-time performance tracking.

Our mission is to empower an active lifestyle by providing real boutique fitness classes on a convenient and accessible platform available wherever, whenever.

www.jetsweatfitness.com

All of our video content is proprietary and shot only by our team on location, to ensure an authentic, immersive experience seamlessly across all categories. Refreshed content is delivered to the platform every week as we continuously provide variety and ongoing discovery to our members. Underpinned by our custom-built technology, JETSWEAT combines real-time performance data and user profiles to deliver tailor-made motivation and personalized programs best suited to individual needs and preferences, optimized to flexibly fit any lifestyle.

Happy Masks

www.happymasks.com

Featured by Refinery29 and ranked the #1 masks for kids by USA Today, our masks make the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift during COVID-19. Here’s an overview of what makes our masks the most recommended by doctors:

99.9% filtration: Five layers of sewn-in protection, including a nanofiber membrane, all work together to block 99.9% of viral and bacterial particles. Our filters have been perfected over the last 20 years and are third-party tested by Nelson Labs USA.

Reusable and washable: Happy Masks are washable for at least 50x and provide 250 hours of protection on average. Most filters are not washable, which is why they need to be sold as separate inserts. Having a sewn-in and wafer-thin filter like ours enables corner-to-corner coverage, and a lightweight and breathable profile.

Better air flow: Our unique “beak” shape keeps the mask away from your nose and mouth, allowing you to breathe easier. No more muffled voices! This design is also great for preventing maskne.

Precise fit: Every mask includes adjustable ear straps and a nose wire. We carry a range of sizes that fit everyone from toddlers to adults.

Fun prints: Masks are not just a necessity—they have become an everyday accessory. We print ours in both neutrals and fun colors and prints to appeal to a wide range of customers.