Forever Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask
Forever Living’s Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask provides potent hydration with its revolutionary technology and natural ingredients. Its bio-cellulose fibres fit the contours of your face to deeply moisturise and to ensure every botanical penetrates the fine lines and wrinkles that traditional sheet masks fail to reach.
Through a process unique to Forever, the Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask formula fuses pure aloe and seagrass with the bio-cellulose fabric to soothe, soften and condition skin.
This environmentally-friendly mask has also been enriched by a moisturising serum of green tea and horse chestnut that rejuvenates dull skin by combatting the signs of ageing and reducing the appearance of redness.
Bio-cellulose fibres are extremely moisture retentive and the fine fibres are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair allowing the mask to fit tightly to the contours of the face. This allows bio-cellulose masks to reach fine lines and wrinkles traditional masks fail to.
After using an aloe bio-cellulose mask you can throw the mask in the garden. It’s 100% bio-degradable and delivers nutrients back into the earth. It takes about six weeks for the mask to break down.
Key Points
· Great for all skin types
· Rejuvenates dull skin / Fights signs of ageing
· Reduces redness of skin
· Easy to apply and remove – no rinse required
· Leave on for 20 to 40 mins
· Fragrance free
· High absorption rate means more nutrients to the skin
· Moist without being sticky
· Each mask comes in an individual 25g sachet
· £51
Forever Living is a global company operating in over 150 countries, with products recommended and distributed by business owners operating under its umbrella. As the world’s largest growers of Aloe Vera, the quality of the products is first-rate. For more information – products can be viewed and purchased at shop.koalagroup.co.uk.
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STAR STUART HOGG
JOINS LAUREUS FAMILY
· Two-time British and Irish Lions tourist announced as Laureus’ newest Ambassador
· Stuart was inducted into the Laureus Family in his hometown of Hawick by South African rugby legend and Laureus Ambassador Bryan Habana
· ‘I am a firm believer in the power of sport and its ability to change lives, it changed mine and taught me lessons which will stay with me for the rest of my life’ – says Stuart Hogg
· Click here for images of Stuart’s Ambassador announcement for editorial use
HAWICK, SCOTLAND, November 19, 2018 – International rugby star Stuart Hogg has outlined his commitment to helping young people through sport in his new role as a Laureus Ambassador.
The full-back was inducted into the Laureus Family in his hometown of Hawick in the Scottish Borders by Springbok legend and Laureus Ambassador Bryan Habana just days after the Scotland v South Africa Autumn Test. The pair discussed their respective careers while Bryan gave Stuart an introduction to the work Laureus undertakes around the world and the powerful role sport can play in uniting people and effecting social change.
Stuart Hogg is one of the world’s most exciting rugby players, renowned for his pace, creativity and attacking threat. The 26-year-old has 64 caps for his country, is a two-time British and Irish Lions tourist and received consecutive Six Nations Player of the Championship Awards in 2016 and 2017. Stuart’s professional career started at the age of 17 when he signed for Glasgow Warriors in 2010. He will complete a nine-season stay at the Scottish club when he moves to Premiership outfit Exeter Chiefs at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Stuart joins a growing list of rugby Academy Members and Ambassadors in the Laureus Family who all believe in the transformational power of sport, including Sean Fitzpatrick, Brian O’Driscoll, Nolli Waterman, Bryan Habana, Hugo Porta and Andy Barrow.
Laureus Sport for Good currently supports more than 150 programmes in over 40 countries around the world who use the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, proving that sport can change the world. Each programme Laureus Sport for Good supports uses sport to address at least one of the following six social issues, which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Health; Education; Women and Girls; Employability; Inclusive Society and Peaceful Society.
Laureus Ambassador Stuart Hogg: “I’m so excited to join the Laureus Family here in Hawick where my sporting career started. I am a firm believer in the power of sport and its ability to change lives, it changed mine and has taught me lessons which will stay with me for the rest of my life. I’m looking forward to helping Laureus Sport for Good in their goal to support more young people through sport. I can’t wait to get started!”
Laureus Ambassador Bryan Habana: “Stuart is a world class rugby player but he’s also a leader who understands the value of sport, making him the perfect Ambassador for Laureus. Speaking to Stuart, I know that he believes in what Laureus Sport for Good is trying to do, using sport to improve the lives of young people around the world. It’s great to have him on board.”
Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick: “We’re delighted to have Stuart join us as our newest Ambassador. As the sport of rugby continues to grow around the world, and ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, it’s brilliant to have a player at the top of his game who is also passionate about what we’re doing with Laureus Sport for Good. We’re starting to build a half decent rugby team at Laureus!”
TGI Fridays’ brand-new range of ready-to-drink cocktails.
Available in three flavours; Passionfruit Martini, Pink Punk Mojito – with a cranberry, lime & cotton candy twist – and classic Long Island Iced Tea. Cocktail lovers and TGI Fridays fans will love to unleash their inner mixologist with these fun drinks.
Whether you’re attending a family get-together or a festive girls night in, TGI Fridays’ pre-mixed cocktails are the perfect accompaniment for enjoying bar quality cocktails at home – simply chill, pour and serve over ice.
The ready-to-drink cocktails contain 10% alcohol volume and are available in 500ml bottles, with an RRP of £6. Available now in Tesco stores.
A perfect gift for children would definitely be BabyBoo’s new Christmas Flannel Pyjama set – newly launched and 100% organic, BabyBoo’s new PJ’s are perfect for Christmas and everyday use.
Great for little ones aged 1 – 8 years old, the Christmas Pyjama’s can also be personalized too, for that extra special touch.
BabyBoo also launched their 4 new SnuggleBoo Sleepsuits; perfect for cosying up in the freezing weather, as well as their Christmas Luxury Boxes brimmed with SwaddleBoos, CozyBoo robes and personalized presents
For something much smaller; BabyBoo also provides a range of bibs including their LittleBoo Newborn Bibs, Personalized Bibs and DribbleBoo Bandana Bibs too! You can buy them in bundles for that extra special gift.
BabyBoo has a Christmas page on their website; https://babyboo.ie/product-tag/christmas-shop/
We’ve had the Unicorn Duck, we’ve had the Princess Duck…
Now introducing the Sphinx Duck!
Inspired by the mythical ancient Egyptian creature, the Sphinx Duck is designed to make bathtime fun and tell a historical tale.
Sphinx Duck – £6
National Theatre Bookshop – shop.nationaltheatre.org
Christmas arrives at King’s Cross
Featuring themed workshops at Coal Drops Yard, a design takeover at Canopy Market, as well as a whole host of Christmas happenings
To celebrate the opening of Coal Drops Yard, this year at King’s Cross Christmas is all about championing design – from international guest artists to local designers and makers. There are a whole host of events taking place, and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, shop and be merry.
With the Christmas tree now lighting up Granary Square, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and here are the top things to look out for this festive season:
Canopy Market Christmas Special
Canopy Market gets a design make-over with new pop-ups from independent designers and makers every day, talks from the Design Museum, and of course, delicious festive food, mulled wine and live music.
30 Nov to 16 Dec. 12am-6pm daily, Fridays 12-8pm.
West Handyside Canopy
Illustrators’ Christmas Fair
The Illustrators’ Fair is back with over 100 artists selling limited-edition prints, posters, handmade books, jewellery and ceramics. If it’s one-of-a-kind you’re after, then this is where you’ll find it.
8 Dec, 12-6pm.
The Crossing and West Handyside Canopy
Space Frames
These giant sculptural lights have been placed in and around Coal Drops Yard during the festive period and are the work of Eindhoven-based design studio Mieke Meijer. The dynamic installation responds to the architecture of their Coal Drops Yard location, tracing the arches and mimicking the graphic outlines of the surrounding industrial structures.
1 Nov-6 Jan
Coal Drops Yard
Matter of Stuff Christmas Gallery
Kick off your Christmas shopping with pieces from some of the world’s most innovative designers. Look out for new materials and finishes, particularly in marble and ceramics.
12 Nov–7 Jan
Fenman House
MDR Gallery Presents: Vessels by Studio Vit
An exclusive opportunity to view and buy the beautiful Vessels collection of tableware by acclaimed designers Studio Vit from MDR Gallery, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard.
29 Nov-2 Dec.
Coal Drops Yard
designjunction and STORE store present Coal Drops Yard Design Tours
designjunction teams up with Coal Drops Yard’s resident design school, STORE Store for a series of curated design tours that showcase everything from radical materials to design classics. Each tour focuses on a specific experience and consists of three stops, where guests can meet the designers, learn about the materials and even make something themselves.
Design tour: 29 Nov, 6-8pm
Christmas tour: 7 Dec, 6-8pm
Craft tour: 13 Dec, 6-8pm
Coal Drops Yard
Tickets go live from 21 Nov via the designjunction mailer
STORE Store public workshop series
STORE Store, Coal Drop Yard’s resident radical design school will be running a series of public workshops every Saturday led by professional designers, artists and architects. They will be exploring everything from rope making, casting, plastics, mould making and weaving. To find out more please contact school@storeprojects.org
Every St from 10 Nov
STORE store
EVENT SCHEDULE
17 Nov, 12-3pm: Rope Making Workshop
24 Nov, 11am-6pm: Dinner and Play Workshop
1 Dec, 12-3pm: Formcard Vases Workshop
8 Dec, 12-6pm: Not So Expanded Polystyrene Workshop
15 Dec: 12-3pm Building Baubles Workshop
Hem Pop-Up and Weekly Events
The Hem pop-up gives Londoners the opportunity to view and experience Hem furniture, lighting and accessories by some of today’s most forward-thinking designers. The space is also home to weekly design led events for the general public, including photography, embroidery and interior styling. Register at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2Tgzbs6
1 Nov – 31 Dec
Coal Drops Yard
EVENT SCHEDULE
14 Nov, 6.30 – 8pm: BAUX Talk: The Future of Acoustics
22 Nov, 6.30 – 7.30pm: Interior Styling Workshop At Home with Hostmaker
21 Nov, 6.30 – 7.30pm: Instagram Photography: Kate Watson Smyth @madaboutthehouse
24 and 25 Nov, 12pm to 5pm: Hem Throw Monogram Embroidery in Store
29 Nov, 6.30 – 8pm: Luca Nichetto Design Talk: Alphabets Lamp
30 Nov, 6.30 – 8pm Studio: DeFORM Desien Talk Zig Zag Shelf
6 Dec, 6.30 – 8pm: Design Anthology Workshop
10 Dec, 6.30 – 8pm: Modern Design Review Talk
13 Dec, 6.30 – 8pm Philippe Malouin Design Talk: Working with Hem
17 Dec, 6.30 – 8pm: Floom Workshop: Seasonal Floral Arrangements
Christmas Wreath Making with Edie Rose
Join Wolf & Badger’s resident florist Edie Rose in its Coal Drops Yard store and learn how to make your own Christmas wreath in our wreath-making workshops.
21 Nov, 6.30-8.30pm.
Wolf & Badger
German Gymnasium winter terrace
This winter the terrace at German Gymnasium is transformed into a magical German Christmas market. Sip warming cocktails and indulge in traditional winter market classics.
From 23 Nov.
German Gymnasium
WILD Wreath Making Workshop at Tom Dixon
Make your very own, gorgeously wild Christmas wreath under the watchful eye of master florist Nikki Tibbles. Created especially for WILD at Tom Dixon.
27 Nov, Dec 11, Dec 18, 6-8pm
Tom Dixon
Sadie Clayton Christmas Tree at Granary Square Brasserie
Rising design star, Sadie Clayton has created a copper tree for Granary Square Brasserie. This bespoke tree features 104 signature copper leaves and twinkling lights. The design is inspired by mindfulness and positive energy. Following exhibitions at Tate Britain and Art Basel Miami, and colorations with Alexander McQueen, this installation sees her showcasing her work as part of King’s Cross Christmas season celebrating design.
12 Nov-30 Dec
Granary Square Brasserie
Independent Label Market @ Canopy Market
Since 2011, Independent Label Market has brought together the founders of over 500 of the world’s greatest independent record labels to sell their fresh vinyl produce directly to the public.
15-16 Dec, 12-6pm
West Handyside Canopy
THE FACE Covers Archive
The story of THE FACE is told through 250 historic covers of the magazine universally acclaimed as the most influential of its time.
26 Oct – 31 Jan
Lewis Cubitt Square
Riposte Presents, Protection
This new group exhibition marks the 70th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. In partnership with Amnesty International UK Trust, Riposte have invited 30 artists to create a piece of work in response to the word “Protection”. All proceeds from art sales will be donated to Amnesty. Alongside the exhibition there’ll be a programme of events and a specially created publication produced by the Newspaper Club.
10-16 Dec
Coal Drops Yard
EVENTS SCHEDULE
12 Dec, 6.30 – 9.30pm: Artist Talk: Gender based rage and creativity. Artists from the exhibition explore the galvanising affect of anger and rage on their work.
15 Dec, 12 – 4pm: Protection Family day. Throughout the day Riposte will run drop in collage and screen-printing workshops for everyone to get creative regardless of their age.
New Year’s Eve
Spiritland and The Lighterman are both hosting special New Year’s Eve parties featuring a three course meal and DJs on the decks until late.
31 Dec
Spiritland and The Lighterman
Carol concerts
Christmas Choir Festival
A magical night of Christmas choral and contemporary music lead by Kings Place and Naomi Hammerton. Featuring the Great Ormond Street Staff and Parent Choir and Choir Baby.
7 Dec · 18.30–23.00
Skip Garden
Dishoom Christmas Carols
Dishoom Chai and Santa hats, along with mince pies and carols, make this charity carol service a festive night out.
18 Dec 18.30-20.00
West Handyside Canopy
PAMPER YOURSELF BAUBLE!
These bold & bright, retro baubles are packed with luxury beauty treats.
Filled with miniature versions of Hand Therapy Cream, Body Lotion and Body Wash.
The Crabtree & Evelyn Groovy Goatmilk (Goatmilk & Oat) and Pink Rocker (Pear & Pink Magnolia) baubles are perfect for jet-setters and trendy millennials.
Whether you’re looking for something to gift for a loved one or to treat yourself, these baubles are certain to liven up any Christmas tree!
Groovy Gift Bauble – £15
Pink Rocker Bauble – £15
Crabtree & Evelyn – www.crabtree-evelyn.com/uk/en
Combat Stress announced as chosen charity for 2019 Army v Navy rugby match
Combat Stress is honoured to have been selected as the chosen charity of next year’s Army v Navy rugby match which will take place at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 4 May 2019.
The annual match is the largest amateur sporting event in the UK and regularly draws a capacity crowd of 81,000 to the home of English rugby. Combat Stress will be collecting money around the stadium on the day and the charity will receive £1 from every programme that is sold and £1 from every reusable cup that is returned to specific charity bins around the stadium.
Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, said:
“It’s a great honour to be the chosen charity of the Army v Navy 2019 match. With more than 80,000 people expected to attend, it will be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health and the importance of seeking help.
“Next year marks Combat Stress’ centenary. From our 100 years’ experience of supporting former servicemen and women with mental health issues, we know how vital it is they receive the best possible treatment. Every penny raised for Combat Stress at the match will enable us to continue providing life-changing treatment to veterans in need of help.
“We look forward to seeing everyone at Twickenham Stadium and wish the Army and Royal Navy teams the very best of luck.”
Gary Bushell Chairman of the Army Navy Match Committee said:
“We are delighted to welcome Combat Stress as the chosen charity of the day for the 2019 Army Navy Match. Combat Stress are the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They provide life-changing treatment, care and support to help veterans tackle the past and take on the future. The Committee, along with both Unions, were unanimous in their support for Combat Stress to be the charity of the day for the 102nd Army Navy fixture, we wish them well and we hope they enjoy being part of the event.”
Andy, an Army veteran who was helped by Combat Stress said:
“It’s great that the Army v Navy match is fundraising for Combat Stress. It’s one of the biggest days of the year for both Forces and I hope everyone gets behind the charity to raise lots of money for them.
“Before I contacted Combat Stress, I was struggling with anxiety, depression, anger and guilt. It was frightening not knowing what was happening to me. Combat Stress helped me to understand I had post-traumatic stress disorder and gave me the tools to manage my symptoms. Now thanks to them I’ve got my life back.”
DECK THE HALLS WITH FESTIVE FLOWERS
Beautiful Christmas bouquets, hand arranged by floral artists at SerenataFlowers.com and hand delivered the next day
Whether it’s a “thanks for having us” or a gift for someone who has everything, flowers are a timeless classic – you can’t go wrong. With fresh blooms delivered daily around the UK, the SerenataFlowers.com Christmas collection has something for everyone and is the beautiful, fragrant choice this Christmas. All bouquets include free courier delivery.
MRS CLAUS BOUQUET
RRP: £29.99
Boasting sumptuous Christmas style, this warm and colourful bouquet made up of roses, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, a gorgeous red lily and gold glittered gypsophila is inspired by one of Christmas’ unsung heroes – Mrs Claus. A beautiful gift for someone inspirational in your life.
CHR
ISTMAS CELEBRATION BOUQUET
Was £39.99, NOW: £29.99
Featuring all the classic colours of Christmas, this pretty bouquet epitomises the festive season. Fiery red roses and scarlet carnations are accompanied by sparkling golden pine cones and elegant red lilies. The perfect gift to spread a little Christmas cheer this year.
CHRISTMAS PARTY BOUQUET
Was £29.99, NOW: £24.99
With Christmas party season well on its way, you’ll be needing a gift to thank your hosts. Show your appreciation with this gorgeous little arrangement of festive blooms. What’s more, it comes in a seasonal gold gift bag. Bursting with festive flowers and sprigs including chrysanthemums, carnations and white hypericums, this gift is sure to get you an invitation to next year’s party!
CHRISTMAS BASKET
Was £34.99 NOW: £29.99
Cherish the charm of the Christmas season with a festive wicker basket filled with Christmas apples, sparkling baubles and pinecones, tucked amongst kiefer sprigs and eucalyptus leaves. Cinnamon sticks and orange slices give this gifting basket a warming winter scent to top it all off.
MERRY CHRISTMAS BOUQUET
Was £29.99, NOW: £24.99
This merry mix of seasonal blooms boasts warm red hues to take the edge off the winter chill. Consisting of chrysanthemums, roses, red lilies and mixed with fabulous gold sisal stars and blue eryngiums, the Merry Christmas Bouquet is the perfect gift to send season’s greetings to your loved ones this year.
SerenataFlowers.com offers the best possible prices and provides a fast and convenient way to gift fresh flowers to family and friends, whatever the occasion, offering FREE next day delivery seven days a week. Customers can order as late as 10pm for next day delivery.
SerenataFlowers.com sells affordable fresh flowers and bouquets prepared by floral artists and hand-delivered by couriers in the UK. For more information, visit SerenataFlowers.com.
Hiro & Wolf collaborate with sister brand Artisans & Adventurers and launch
new winter warmer hats and scarves and add 3 new pet collections to their
reportoire:-
Paisley, Combs & Eyes
Winter Walkies just got a lot more colourful for both pets and their owners
The new ‘Paisley’ collection, in collaboration with our sister brand Artisans & Adventurers is a bright Autumnal range of orange hued pet accessories adorned with a red paisley pattern. Designed in house, our ‘Paisley’ pattern is hand screen printed by a Fair Trade certified group in Kenya supporting artisans with physical disabilities. Once back in the U.K. the cloth is hand crafted into our colourful pet accessories in England. You’ll find matching dog jumpers and hats and scarves for humans, also knitted in the U.K. so you can twin with your favourite pet this winter!
Hound Collar £42. Dog Bandana £18. Cat Collar £15 + Cat Bandana £12.
Dog Jumper £45. Bobble Hat £25. Long Knitted Scard £55.
Harness £45. Cat Bow Tie £12. Classic Lead £39.
Combs Collection
Combs Collection
We’ve worked closely with English fabric printers and knitters to bring our new ‘Combs’ collection to life, made entirely in the U.K. Inspired by the African ‘comb’ symbol meaning ‘beauty’ this leafy design in pale pink and fresh greens is sure to brighten up Winter walkies. Also new for this season are cosy matching scarves and hats so you can match your favourite pet or just treat yourself to one of our signature prints.
Dog Jumper £45. Bobble Hat £25. Long Knitted Scarf £55.
Dog Collar from £30. Dog Harness £45. Hound Collar £42.
Cafe Lead £45. Cat Bandana £12. Cat Collar £15.
Eyes Collection
Eyes Collection
We’ve worked closely with English fabric printers and knitters to bring our new ‘Eyes’ collection to life, made entirely in the U.K. Inspired by ancient motifs the eye symbolises protection, watching over and keeping safe. Also new for this season are cosy matching scarves and hats so you can match your favourite pet or just treat yourself to one of our signature prints.
Dog Jumper £45. Bobble Hat £25. Long Knitted Scarf £55
Dog Collars from £30. Dog Harness £45. Hound Collar £42.
Cafe Lead £45. Cat Collar £15 & Bow Tie £12. Dog Bow Tie £15.
Trendsetters of the Shoreditch pup scene, Hiro + Wolf hand craft their colourful accessories for cats and dogs using luxurious supple leathers and vibrant fabrics sourced on their travels to East Africa and India. All leads and collars are skillfully trimmed with bright neon and luxury vegetable tan leathers and fitted with hardware by hand in an all female enterprise in Staffordshire. Now an internationally recognised brand, Hiro + Wolf collections are sold in stores worldwide.
lambtoslaughter.co.uk
Stockist details:
Hiro & Wolf
www.hiro-and-wolf.com
(The health nut) Viva Collection Blender
Renowned for their innovative home appliances, Philips wants to continue to inspire home cooked goodness and value for money. Whether you’re an expert cook or just looking toward a healthier lifestyle, a good-quality smoothie that fills you is fast becoming an essential, time-saving meal.
Developed with ProBlend6 technology for effective blending and mixing, to ensure that all the ingredients are finely blended, the 900W motor is strong enough to blend your favourite ingredients and crush ice smoothly and efficiently. Blend straight into the travel mug, and you are ready to go!
The Viva Collection Blender retails for R1 599.
CHRISTMAS AT BUSH THEATRE
tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal, in association with the Bush Theatre present
SNOW QUEEN
3 – 8 December
Kai and Gerda had been friends for as long as they could remember. Day followed day, always the same.
Until, in a whirl of magic and deception, splinters of a magical broken mirror blow in the wind, freezing hearts and changing everything!
As Kai is pulled under the spell of the powerful snow queen of ice and coldness, we follow Gerda’s quest to save her friend and return life to normal.
Can it ever be the same again?
tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal present an enchanting version of Hans Christian Andersen’s story especially for those aged 2+. Running time of 1 hour.
Tickets – children £11, adults £15
Book ten tickets and get the eleventh free
A Script Club and Boundless co-production in association with the Bush.
DRIP
3 – 22 December
A one-man musical comedy, fresh from a sell-out tour. Liam is 15 and he’s just signed up for Bev Road Baths’ first ever synchronised swimming team. It’s for his best mate Caz really. She needs to get a team together to win the annual Project Prize at school. She tries every year. She always loses. But Liam’s an optimist, he’s determined to help. There’s just one problem. Liam can’t swim.
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
UNWRAPPED
For the first time ever Bush Theatre brings you an unmissable holiday season of cabaret, comedy and drag curated by Victoria Falconer from 10 – 22 December. We’ll be serving a festive feast of artists, skilled in circus, puppetry, political satire, making you laugh so much your sides hurt; general ‘bad-assery’.
Victoria Falconer is an award-winning cabaret artist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and collaborator. She is twice winner of the Adelaide Fringe ‘Best Cabaret’ award (East End Cabaret 2012 & Fringe Wives Club 2018), crowned one of Time Out London’s Top 10 Cabaret Superstars and named on the h100 list in 2014 as one of the top influential and innovative artists working in the UK creative industries.
Muppet Christmas Carol
10, 11 & 12 December at 7.30pm
Sh!t Theatre’s cult hit comes to the Bush for the first time following a 2014 – 2017 UK Christmas sell-out tour. The ORIGINAL and BEST sing-a-long-a Muppet Christmas Carol (looking at you, Prince Charles Cinema).
Come and sing-a-long to the best Christmas film ever. Come support Michael Caine as he does some ‘acting’. Witness laughter, redemption and singing food.
Free Goody Bags, Free Whisky, Muppet virgins welcome. With special guest performances every night.
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
LADS
Thursday 13 December, 8pm
The sell-out sensation LADS comes to the Bush for the first time to bring an unforgettable showcase of unmissable, unladylike talent.
Since its birth in 2016, this show has never ceased to blast a diverse range of female identifying artists to the front; serving you a multiplicity of skills in circus, opera, puppetry and “bad-assery” from around the globe!
Created by three award winning international female artists – Lolo Brow, Lilly Snatchdragon and Scarlett O’Hora – this iconic event promises to be every bit as loud as it is diverse.
LADS welcomes all humans to stomp, shout and celebrate the badly behaved women making history.
For audiences ages 18+
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Harriet Kemsley: Slutty Joan
Saturday 15 December, 8pm
Multi award-winning comic Harriet Kemsley pulls her skirt out of her pants and shames slut shaming. In a Cornell University study women rated fictional female peer, Joan, as emotionally unstable and less competent because she was sexually promiscuous. If Joan wasn’t fictional her name would be Harriet Kemsley, and in this deeply personal and hilarious show Harriet delves into her sexual history. Star of Bobby and Harriet Get Married, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and Live at The Comedy Store.
For audiences ages 16+
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Richard Gadd: Work in Progress
Monday 17 December, 8pm
A work in progress about obsession, misinterpretation, and the parameters of what society will let you get away with.
Edinburgh Comedy Award winner and Total Theatre Award nominee Richard Gadd has a chilling story to tell about how one fleeting mistake led to a chain-reaction of torment in his life that lasts to this day. Don’t expect laughs. But expect some strong themes.
For audiences ages 16+
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Lolly Jones: 50 Shades of May
Tuesday 18 December, 8pm
Lolly lampoons political figures in this “razor sharp blend of burlesque and comedy” (EdFest Mag). As Theresa May, she will lip-synch and tease in Brussels and flagellate herself in fields of wheat. Featuring clips of Liam Hourican as Jacob Rees-Mogg (Murder in Successville/Tracey Ullman’s Show), it’s Downing Street on poppers, with a P45, suspenders, and a chunky metal necklace! Lolly also appears as Angela Eagle, Arlene Foster (DUP) and as a saucy Nicola Sturgeon.
50 Shades of May sold out its Edinburgh run at Assembly this summer and gained 4 and 5 star reviews across the board:
For audiences ages 16+ (includes partial nudity and adult themes)
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Sindhu Vee: Sandhog
Wednesday 19 December, 8pm
The Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee 2018, brings her highly anticipated debut show to the Bush.
Loving your children, spouse and ageing parents (in that order, please don’t tell my mother) is very hard work, very intense and a lot of the time it sucks. But who wants to live without love? Highly anticipated debut from the host of BBCR4’s Comedy of the Week podcast. As seen on QI (BBC2), Have I Got News for You (BBC1) and Alan Davies As Yet Untitled (Dave), and heard on The Guilty Feminist podcast.
For audiences aged 16+
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Marcel Lucont’s Whine List
Thursday 20 December, 8pm
The multi-award-deserving deadpan Frenchman brings his acclaimed show back to London after a 30-date tour of the UK and a 4-month tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Marcel serves up a unique Whine List from the audience’s past woes and misdemeanours. A kind of group therapy experience, but where everybody will probably leave more depressed.
As seen on The John Bishop Show (BBC1), Live At The Comedy Store (Comedy Central) and Set List (Sky Atlantic).
For audiences ages 16+
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
Dusty Limits: Mandrogyny
Friday 21 December, 7.30pm
How did a little boy obsessed with dinosaurs grow up to be a louche singer in makeup and heels? ‘The Trailblazer’ of London cabaret (Time Out) sings original songs about lost love, temporarily misplaced love, self-love and radical social policy, and tells stories about his life (which may or may not be true). Featuring long-time collaborator and acclaimed composer Michael Roulston on the piano.
For audiences ages 18+
Tickets – £15 (or £20 for both shows on 21st Dec)
Tommy Bradson: When The Sex Is Gone
Friday 21 December, 9pm
A Stripper. A Boxer. The same lustful heart. When The Sex is Gone chronicles the life and times of Charlie… a part-time dancer, part-time fighter, full-time hermaphrodite.
Accolades
Melbourne Fringe Best Cabaret
Melbourne Fringe Best Newcomer
Adelaide Fringe Bank Support Act Award
Time Out Sydney Comedy People’s Choice Award
For audiences aged 16+
Tickets – £15 (or £20 for both shows on 21st Dec)
Gingzilla’s Xmas Extravaganza
Saturday 22 December, 8pm
Put the kids to bed… The Big Bearded ‘man’ is coming early this Christmas!
Enter Gingzilla the award-winning 7ft Ginger-Bearded Bombshell with a festive explosion of song and hilarity. Taste the velvety smooth sensation of Gingzilla’s delectable voice and discover the true meaning of Christmas with a sack full of saucy songs, plus live accompaniment (and seasonal sarcasm) from musical director Victoria Falconer (Fringe Wives Club).
Come and share in the Christmas Spirit cause the Slaybells be ringin’ all night!
As seen on BBC and X Factor 2018.
Tickets – £15 (concessions available)
IN THE THEATRE’S LIBRARY BAR
As a Christmas present to you, we are launching our Cocktail Club.
From 1 December we’re offering HALF PRICE COCKTAILS from our exemplary range from 8pm until the bar closes (not during show intervals)
Alcoholic cocktails £5.50
Bush Mojito – Dark rum, gomme syrup, fever tree soda water, prosecco, lime juice, fresh mint.
W12 – Gin, sweet vermouth, fever tree, elderflower tonic.
Margarita – Tequila, lime juice, gomme syrup, triple sec.
Whisky Sour – Whisky, lemon juice, Angostura bitters.
Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Prosecco, Fever Tree Soda Water
Non Alcoholic Drinks £4.00
Virgin Apple Mojito – Lime juice, fresh mint, fever tree soda water, apple juice.
Uxbridge – Orange juice, cranberry juice, peach puree, grenadine.
Peachy Lemonade – Fever tree lemonade, peach puree, lemon juice.
Shirley Temple – Grenadine, Fever tree ginger ale, lime juice.
Plus a Christmas bar menu available during the day including mince pies (vegan and non-vegan) and a selection of festive sandwiches.
Booking:
Phone 020 8743 5050
In person Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ
Online bushtheatre.co.uk
The Bush Theatre is generously supported by Arts Council England.
Insta-ready celebs are ditching traditional festive looks this year – why and for what?
Celebs are ditching the traditional holiday party season looks this year, reveals the UK’s leading on-demand beauty and hair service.
Beyou – the nationwide app that allows you to book make-up artists and hair stylists direct to your door whenever you want, wherever you are – says Britain’s coolest personalities are preparing to “up the ante and are daring to shake it all up.”
The service, which is now available across Britain for all occasions and for all budgets, has clients including chart-topping singer-songwriters, A-list actresses and reality and social media stars.
Nawal Alkhedairy, Beyou director and co-founder, comments: “They say it’s ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ – and this year is promising to be extra special with convention being disturbed when it comes to make-up trends.
“Typically, the festive look has always been all about glitter, smoky eyes and a red lip. But 2018 is the year in which celebs, and all of us wanting something new, are upping the ante and daring to shake it all up.”
Charlotte Green, Beyou CEO and co-founder, continues: “Social media is responsible for this tangible sea-change. Nowadays, all of us want to be Insta-ready with something different!
“The holiday party season is a particularly high octane time of year with back to back events including glam nights out with the girls, fun family parties, romantic date nights, glitzy works events, and dazzling award ceremonies.
“And we all desire that standout look that’s suitable for whatever the occasion requires. We want a look that truly makes a statement but simultaneously says who we are, who we identify as, and what we represent, rather than the same-old, seasonal default looks.”
Bringing it home to specifics, Beyou ambassadors and make-up artist to the stars share some tips. Fabio Sarra notes that “there’s a comeback of blue, violet, green and gunmetal colours for the eyes. Metallic finishes in general, especially for the lips, are hot for the festive season.”
Meanwhile, Lexie Taylor adds: “Why not push the boundaries even more this festive period? Using diamond jewels on the eyes instead of the traditional glitter. Or even the use of gold leaf – it’s a bit pricey but such a fun way of transforming a traditional glitter look into something extraordinary.”
For her part, Anna Baxter comments: “Why not opt for a high fashion twist on festive glam by combining a deep plum lip with warm burnished oranges on the eyes finished with a wash of shimmer?”
Beyou’s Charlotte Green concludes: “People are super excited about being part of this year’s revolution in festive looks. This is being reflected in the high numbers of bookings we’re already receiving for the party season.”
Biscuiteers
CHRISTMAS15 will give those using www.biscuiteers.com 15% off our Christmas 2018 collection (aside from the Susie Watson advent calendar and gift vouchers). We’d love to be included in any round ups which you are doing!
Make a Christmas wish come true for a vulnerable child
BookTrust launches annual festive appeal
Tuesday 20th November – Today, BookTrust is asking the public to once again dig deep to help send a special festive parcel to children who are vulnerable or in care.
Following the success of last year’s campaign, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, is hoping to raise enough money to send over 11,500 children a special Christmas gift.
Christmas can be a difficult time for these children, but a surprise gift shows them that there’s someone’s out there thinking of them. Will you donate £10 to children’s reading charity BookTrust and make a Christmas wish come true?
BookTrust has carefully chosen 6 beautiful hardback books for children aged 3-13 in the Letterbox Club, BookTrust’s programme for children who are looked after. Each parcel contains one hardback book, a jokebook commissioned to celebrate 15 years of the Letterbox Club, a letter from award winning author Jaqueline Wilson and a specially designed postcard by author and illustrator Nick Sharratt.
Jacqueline Wilson, best-selling children’s author says: “I’m very pleased and proud to be a patron of the Letterbox Club. It’s such a lovely idea to send a parcel to children in care. It means so much to them. I’ve written several books about a looked-after child – Tracy Beaker – and I know just how much she’d appreciate a Letterbox parcel.”
Children who are looked after are more likely to experience home or school moves, and these parcels, which are delivered to them wherever they’re living, provide a sense of continuity and stability, which is very important throughout the year but even more special at Christmas time.
Diana Gerald, CEO, BookTrust says: “The holidays can be a tough time of year, especially for vulnerable children. We’re appealing to the public to make a £10 donation to help us send one child an extra special festive book parcel, so they have something to unwrap and treasure this Christmas.”
For more information or to donate to BookTrust’s Christmas appeal visit booktrust.org.uk/xmas
Pundemonum Live Christmas Special at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pundemonium-live-second-annual-grand-final-tickets-51753408839
Pundemonium! LIVE Second Annual Grand Final. What could be more festive than some hilarious Christmas puns?
The winners of heats from London and around the UK will take part in a hilarious game show full of PUNishing linguistic challenges by Rachel Mars and Daniel Pitt, for compulsive punners and their carers. Guest pundits including performers, comedians, poets and writers to compete alongside members of the public for the coveted gold ‘Thesaurus Rex’ trophy.
Got appundecitis and want to compete? Email: pundemoniumlive@gmail.com in advance to sign up.
Follow @PundemoniumLIVE on Twitter or Facebook for line up updates.
Advance booking highly recommended; £12 OTD
Recipes – Winter Warmers, Simple Dinner Options, Healthy Recipes & The Ultimate Plant-Based Burger >> californiawalnuts.uk
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Toasted California Walnut, Lentil and Coconut Rice Salad
A filling dinner or impressive lunch to serve guests, who said salads were boring? The combination of fresh flavours and crunchy texture from tasty California walnuts makes this Lentil and Coconut Rice Salad a dish that is bound to satisfy hunger and impress.
Preparation time: 35 mins
Serves: 4
You’ll need:
200g cucumber, cut in half lengthways, deseeded and sliced
1 tsp salt
40ml rice vinegar
2 tsp caster sugar
200g white basmati rice
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 white onion, finely chopped
300ml coconut milk
150ml water
2 limes
Small bunch of fresh coriander
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
Salt and pepper, to taste
120g asparagus spears
1x 250g pouch of pre-cooked Puy lentils
4 eggs, soft boiled and cut in half
140g California walnuts, toasted
Method
1. Place the cucumber slices into a sieve and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt, leaving for 10 minutes to draw out the water. Then mix the rice vinegar with the caster sugar and stir until dissolved. Place the cucumber in the vinegar mix and stir, then leave to one side.
2. Place half the sunflower oil and the onion into a medium sized saucepan and sauté until soft.
3. Meanwhile, rinse the rice until cold running water runs clear. Once the onion is soft, add the rinsed rice to the pan and sauté for one minute. Add the coconut milk and water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cooking for 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender.
4. While the rice is cooking, place the juice of 1 lime, the coriander, garlic, half the chopped chilli and the Greek yoghurt into a food processor and whizz into a pourable sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Coat the asparagus with the remaining oil and cut the remaining lime in half. Heat a griddle pan until searing hot and griddle the asparagus and lime until strong lines appear, then remove from the heat.
6. Heat the lentils as per the packet instructions and toss through the cooked rice, along with the drained cucumber.
7. Spoon the rice onto a large serving platter and top with the asparagus and soft-boiled eggs. Crush the California walnuts and sprinkle over the salad along with the remaining chopped chilli. Finely drizzle over the green coriander sauce and serve with the griddled lime halves on the side.
California Walnut, Spinach and Feta Baklava
Baklava is usually seen as an indulgence, but this recipe shows it can be enjoyed as a savoury dish – either as a family dinner, or prepared in advance for lunches throughout the working week. This also freezes incredibly well making it a convenient, delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Preparation time: 50 mins
Serves: 4-6
You’ll need:
160g spring onions, finely sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
900g washed spinach leaves, wilted and chopped
5 banana shallots, finely sliced
A pinch of salt
1 tsp caster sugar
150g California walnuts, toasted
20g fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tsp dried mint
½ tsp grated nutmeg
2 eggs, whisked
Ground black pepper
60g melted butter
9 sheets of filo pastry
300g feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp honey
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sauté the spring onion in a teaspoon of oil until soft. Add the spinach and sauté for a further minute, then leave aside to cool in a large bowl.
2. Place the shallots into a medium-sized frying pan with the remaining olive oil, salt, and sugar and sauté over a gentle heat until slightly caramelised.
3. Place the toasted California walnuts into a food processor and blitz until coarsely chopped.
4. Next, add the chopped dill, dried mint, nutmeg and eggs to the large bowl with the spinach, season with ground black pepper and stir to combine.
5. Brush a 20cm x 30cm baking tray with butter and line with three layers of filo, brushing with butter in between each of the layers. Spread over half the caramelised shallots, followed by half the spinach mixture, half the feta and a third of the California walnuts.
6. Repeat the layers using the remaining fillings, reserving a third of the California walnuts.
7. Finish with a final three layers of buttered filo, trimming the final layer to fit the dish. Brush the top with butter and score, sprinkling with a little water.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with the remaining California walnuts and drizzle with honey to serve.
Smoky California Walnut, Parsnip and Pear Soup
Soup is a simple and healthy option in the kitchen, particularly during winter. This recipe uses seasonal pears and parsnips in the creamy base of the soup, and smoky California walnuts to top.
Preparation time: 50 mins
Serves: 4-6
You’ll need:
For the soup:
500g parsnip, roughly chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
4 sprigs of thyme
Salt and pepper
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp butter
2 pears, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
800ml vegetable stock
600ml milk
75g California walnuts, ground in the food processor
For the smoky walnuts:
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp soy sauce
50g California walnuts
1 tbsp chopped chives and a drizzle of walnut oil to garnish
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the parsnips onto a baking tray and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle over the thyme, season and toss everything together. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, make the smoky California walnuts. Whisk together the maple syrup, paprika and soy sauce and drizzle over the 50g of California walnuts, tossing to coat. Place onto a small baking tray and roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Leave to cool before chopping roughly.
3. Next, place the onion and butter into a large saucepan over a medium heat and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the pear and continue cooking for a further 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the parsnip and vegetable stock to the saucepan and continue cooking for a further 15 minutes with the lid on. Add the milk and blitz until smooth and silky. Stir in the ground California walnuts and adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls, then sprinkle with the smoky California walnuts and chopped chives, adding a final drizzle of walnut oil to serve.
California Walnut, Camembert and Grape Tray Bake
This showstopper tray bake is the perfect sharer among friends. It’s a real crowd pleaser and the crunch of the walnuts when dipped in the creamy melted camembert is divine, with the California walnuts and grapes working together to cut through the richness of the camembert, while providing an indulgent and overall delicious dish.
Preparation time: 30 mins
Serves: 4
You’ll need:
150g ciabatta
Small bunch of rosemary
1 camembert
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
Splash of white wine
500g black grapes, broken into small bunches
Salt and pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
130g California walnuts
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Tear the ciabatta into large chunks and thread two or three chunks onto the rosemary sticks.
2. Remove the wax paper from the camembert and score the top with a cross hatch pattern using a sharp knife, stud with a little of the rosemary and garlic, splash over a little wine and place either back in the box, or in a camembert baker.
3. Arrange all the ingredients (except the California walnuts) on a baking tray with the camembert at the centre. Drizzle everything with the olive oil, honey and sherry vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then sprinkle over the California walnuts and bake for a further 10 minutes – or until the walnuts are golden brown and the grapes have released some of their juices.
5. Place the tray directly onto the table to serve, dipping the walnuts, bread and grapes into the gooey camembert.
Toasted California Walnut, Butternut Squash and Barley Risotto
Risotto is a dinner staple, and this recipe uses barley to put a delicious, healthier twist on the much-loved classic dish. Perfect to feed the family or a dinner for two that allows leftovers for lunch.
Preparation time: 50 mins
Serves: 4
You’ll need:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into bite sized chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 large white onion, finely chopped
200g barley
1.2 litres of hot vegetable stock
2 tbsp soft cheese such as mascarpone
35g Pecorino cheese, finely grated
1 tbsp walnut oil
Small bunch sage
120g California walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the butternut squash onto a large baking tray, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place into the oven for 40 minutes, turning after 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place the garlic, onion and remaining olive oil into a large non-stick frying pan and sauté until soft. Add the barley and stir.
3. Place the stock into a saucepan over a low heat and add to the barley a ladleful at a time, making sure each ladleful is absorbed into the grains before adding another. Continue until the barley is cooked through but still retains a little bite.
4. Once the squash is cooked, mash half and keep the remaining chunks whole.
5. Stir the mashed squash, soft cheese and Pecorino through the cooked barley.
6. Place the walnut oil into a frying pan over a medium heat, then add the sage leaves and fry for 30 seconds until crispy.
7. Spoon the risotto onto plates and top with sage and a little of the oil from the pan. Finish each plate with the remaining chunks of butternut squash and scatter with toasted California walnuts and the crispy sage leaves to serve.
California Walnut Satay Sauce with Steak Strips
California walnuts are the centrepiece of this dish, with the mild, nutty flavour of the walnut satay style sauce complimenting the steak so well. A twist on a classic usually made using peanuts, the walnuts add a smooth, moreish texture to the sauce – once you’ve made this version you will never go back.
Preparation time: 40 mins
Serves: 4 (as a starter)
You’ll need:
For the steak marinade:
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp chilli powder
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
500g sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
For the satay sauce:
100g California walnuts
50ml walnut oil
20ml water
1 heaped tbsp red curry paste
2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp ground nut oil
150ml coconut milk
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
Juice of half a lime
You’ll also need:
Around 12 metal (or soaked bamboo) skewers
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
A handful of coriander, roughly chopped
A handful of California walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Method
1. Mix together the steak marinade ingredients and coat the steak strips, leaving to marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, to make the satay sauce place the California walnuts, walnut oil and water into a food processor and blitz until you have a smooth walnut paste, then leave aside.
3. Place the red curry paste, ginger and ground nut oil into a medium-sized saucepan and sauté for 1-2 minutes over a medium heat. Whisk in the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice and walnut paste and reduce to the lowest heat setting, allowing to simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency – the sauce should thicken as it is heated.
4. Thread the steak onto the skewers. Preheat a large griddle pan over a medium to high heat and cook the skewers for 1-2 minutes, brushing them with excess marinade as you go.
5. Plate the skewers alongside the California walnut satay sauce (also drizzling some on top) and top with the red chilli, coriander and toasted California walnuts to serve.
California Walnut and Kale Salad with Grilled Salmon
This salad is an omega powerhouse, starring California walnuts and salmon fillets. The crunch of the California walnuts adds essential texture to this dish and the subtle, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the flavour of oily fish such as salmon and anchovies. The smoky dressing enhances the flavour of the walnuts, showcasing their creamy-nuttiness, which ties in beautifully with the salmon.
Preparation time: 20 mins
Serves: 4
You’ll need:
150g kale, stalks removed and roughly chopped
3 lemons
1 tsp salt
2 anchovies
2 tbsp walnut oil
4 tsp soy sauce
4 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 salmon fillets
120g California walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
40g parmesan, grated
Method
1. Place the kale into a large mixing bowl and squeeze over the juice of one lemon, sprinkle with the salt and toss together to coat the leaves, then leave to one side.
2. Next, muddle the anchovies in a pestle and mortar with the walnut oil, then set aside.
3. Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup and smoked paprika. Place the salmon fillets skin side up on a baking tray lined with foil and brush with the soy mixture.
4. Cut the remaining lemons in half and place next to the salmon fillets. Grill skin side up for 3-4 minutes, then flip the fillets and grill for a further 3-4 minutes, or until tinged golden brown.
5. While the salmon is grilling, toss the California walnuts, tomatoes and parmesan together and add to the dressed kale, then stir the walnut oil and anchovy dressing through the salad.
6. Divide the kale salad between four plates and top with the salmon and griddled lemon to serve.
California Walnut and Lemon Parsley Spaghetti
This healthy spaghetti recipe shows just how simple cooking can be. Whether you’re a student with limited cooking experience or home late from work with only a few ingredients, this main meal can be whipped up in a flash and at a very low cost.
Preparation time: 15 mins
Serves: 2
You’ll need:
160g spaghetti
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
100g California walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
50g flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon and juice of half
Salt and pepper
Method
1. Cook the spaghetti as per the packet instructions.
2. Using a medium sized non-stick frying pan, sauté the garlic in the olive oil over a medium heat for 1-2 mins until fragrant and soft.
3. Drain the pasta and add to the pan, then stir in the California walnuts, parsley, zest and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and black pepper to serve.
California Walnut and Mushroom Burgers with Cucumber and Walnut Salad
Walnuts add a meaty texture to this burger, blending perfectly with the mushrooms. The California walnut and cucumber salad adds an extra level of nuttiness enhanced by a drizzle of walnut oil.
Preparation time: 30 mins
Serves: 4
You’ll need:
For the burgers:
250g mushrooms, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 x 400g tin of black beans, drained
70g California walnuts, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp bread crumbs (this recipe uses panko, but regular breadcrumbs can be used)
Salt and pepper
170g plant-based alternative to yogurt
A squeeze of lemon juice
For the cucumber salad:
150g cucumber, thinly sliced
35g California walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp finely chopped fresh dill
A drizzle of walnut oil
4 buns of your choice (brioche or wholemeal work well)
Method
1. Place the mushrooms and a teaspoon of the oil into a medium sized non-stick frying pan. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté over a medium heat until they’re a rich dark brown.
2. Place the cooked mushrooms, black beans, California walnuts, cumin, coriander, one minced clove of garlic and the breadcrumbs into a mixing bowl. Season generously and knead into one lump, then shape the mixture into four burgers.
3. Stir together the yoghurt with the remaining minced garlic and season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper, then set aside
4. Mix together the cucumber salad ingredients, adding the walnut oil at the end.
5. Place the remaining oil into the frying pan you were using earlier and fry the burgers for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Lightly toast the buns and spread with the yoghurt mixture, then top with the burgers, followed by some of the cucumber salad to serve.
Toasted California Walnut, Tuna and Pink Grapefruit Poke
This fresh and healthy dish brings a taste of Japan to the UK. The nutty flavour of the California walnuts works extremely well with the acidity of the grapefruit, and alongside the delicate flavours of the tuna and avocado.
Preparation time: 20 mins
Serves: 2
You’ll need:
130g cucumber
½ tsp salt
150g sushi rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp caster sugar
Juice and zest of 2 limes
2 tbsp mayonnaise
½ tsp wasabi paste
250g fresh tuna, cut into bite sized chunks
½ an avocado, cubed
80g California walnuts, toasted
1 green chilli, finely sliced and deseeded
1 pink grapefruit, peeled and segmented
A handful of Asian micro herbs, or rocket leaves
Method
1. Slice the cucumber into 5mm thick rounds, place in a sieve and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt to draw out the water.
2. Wash the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. Cook over a high heat until tender, then remove the rice from the pan.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together the rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, soy sauce, caster sugar, lime juice and zest.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and wasabi.
5. Spoon the rice onto two plates. Top with the tuna, cucumber, avocado, toasted California walnuts, green chilli, grapefruit and micro herbs or leaves. Spoon over the lime dressing and add a dollop of mayonnaise to each plate to serve.
Send your loved ones some holiday greetings this year with these statement Christmas cards from Imperial War Museums shop.
Each pack of six cards features two different designs of Spitfires in a Christmas tree formation. Keep correspondence traditional with the green and red design, or send some Christmas sparkle with the frosted silver option.
Buy in good conscience, knowing that all profits go back to supporting the museum.
Get them quickly before they fly off the shelves!
Spitfire Christmas Cards, £6, Imperial War Museum Shop, www.iwmshop.org.uk
Must-have items of the season from Google.
Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
Worried about your battery running out whilst taking blurry pictures of your family over Christmas dinner? Fear no more with Google’s third generation phone, Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. A device that offers outstanding image quality in any light, selfie taking with just a smile, and unlimited storage on Google Photos. Plus, with a 184% wide lens, you never have to miss anyone out of the family selfie again. It also offers 7 hours of battery life from just 15 minutes of charge, which means you won’t miss a single moment this year!
Price: Pixel 3 (5.5” screen) is £739 (64GB), and £839 (128GB) and Pixel 3 XL (6.3” screen) at £869 (64 GB) and £969 (128GB)
Availability: Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL are available for pre-order now and available in store from 1 November onwards. Get yours from Google Store as well as retailers including Carphone Warehouse, EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, Sky Mobile, John Lewis & Partners, and Mobile Phones Direct
Colours: Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink
Google Pixel Stand
Google’s latest Pixel accessory Pixel Stand, offers super-fast, wireless charging, the forever-helpful Google Assistant and the perfect resting dock to keep your phone out of harm’s way, making Christmas stress a thing of the past. Wake up the right way on Christmas day with Pixel Stand’s Sunrise Alarm, which slowly brightens your Pixel 3 screen in warm sunrise colours before your alarm goes off, naturally easing you awake. Then blast your favourite Christmas playlist, out of Pixel’s forward facing speakers to really get into the festival spirit.
Price: £69.00
Availability: Pixel Stand is available to pre-order now and is available from 1 November onwards from the Google Store, Carphone Warehouse, O2, Vodafone, Three, EE, John Lewis & Partners, and Sky Mobile
Colours: Clearly White
Google Home Hub
Whether you want to play festive tunes, watch YouTube tutorials on how to make mince pies, or find out whether it will be a white Christmas Google Home Hub is the perfect gift for the whole family this Christmas. Home Hub can connect up to six people to an account at one time, so everyone can access their own personal playlists, own schedule, and more. Simply say “Ok Google… Let’s play trivia” and embark on endless hours of festive fun.
Price: £139.00
Availability: Google Home Hub is available from the Google Store, Currys PC World, Maplin, John Lewis & Partners, and Argos from 22 October
Colours: Chalk, Charcoal, Sand, and Aqua
Google Pixel Slate and Pixel Slate Keyboard
Spoil that special someone in your life with the brand new Google Pixel Slate and Pixel Slate Keyboard this December. For life at work and at play, Google have bought the power and productivity of a desktop to a gorgeous tablet, which is perfect travelling between families this Christmas. This Chrome OS device is both a powerful workstation at the office and a home theatre you can hold in your hands, ideal for getting lost in your favourite festive movies.
Price: Pixel Slate starts at £549
Availability: Pixel Slate and Pixel Slate Keyboard will be available from the Google Store and other major retailers towards the end of November
Colour: Midnight Blue
Google Chromecast
Turn your TV into a smart TV this Christmas with Google’s third generation Chromecast, which opens up a world of entertainment for everybody from Netflix, to iPlayer, Spotify, and Google Play Music. The device now offers a stronger Wi-fi connection, excellent streaming in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and support for Live Albums from Google Photos. So binge away on box sets, catch up on all your festive favourites or build the perfect seasonal playlist for your Christmas party.
Price: £30.00
Availability: Google Chromecast is on sale on the Google Store, Dixon’s, John Lewis, Argos, Maplin, and Tesco
Colours: Charcoal (all retailers above), Chalk (Gstore exclusive)
Google Home Max
This premium smart speaker is our best-sounding, most impactful Google Home yet, and is as radically helpful as our other Google Home family of products that are packed with the power of the Google Assistant. With features such as Smart Sound, a new audio experience powered by AI and speakers 20 times more powerful than the original Google Home, Home Max is the perfect addition to the festive Christmas party season.
Price: £399.00
Availability: Google Home Max on sale on the Google Store and exclusively at John Lewis & Partners
Google Home Mini (Aqua)
Whether you prefer belting out Christmas carols or a subtle foot tap to popular seasonal tunes, get in the Christmas mood, with Google Home Mini. Powered by the Google Assistant, Home Mini can answer all of your Christmas questions, from snow forecast to how many calories are there are in a mince pie! You can also connect it to your TV to stream favourite festive flicks. Available in three colours, this sleek, smooth 360-degree speaker is only £49 so you won’t go over your Christmas budget either!
Price: £49.00
Availability: Google Home Mini is available online and in store from Google Store, Curry’s PC World, Maplin, John Lewis, Argos, EE, and Carphone Warehouse
Colours: Charcoal, Chalk, Coral, and Aqua
NORTHERN IRELAND MORTGAGE MARKET CONTINUES TO SHOW STEADY GROWTH IN THIRD QUARTER OF 2018
Key data highlights:
There were 2,700 new first-time buyer mortgages completed in Northern Ireland in the third quarter of 2018, some 3.8 per cent more than in the same quarter of 2017. The £0.28bn of new lending was 7.7 per cent more year-on-year. The average Northern Ireland first-time buyer is 30 and has a gross household income of £33,000.
There were 1,800 new homemover mortgages completed in Northern Ireland in the third quarter of 2018, some 5.9 per cent more than in the same quarter of 2017. The £0.24bn of new lending in the quarter was 4.3 per cent more year-on-year. The average Northern Ireland homemover is 39 and has a gross household income of £48,000.
There were 2,200 new homeowner remortgages in Northern Ireland completed in the third quarter, some 4.8 per cent more than in the same quarter a year earlier. The £0.24bn of remortgaging in the third quarter was 9.1 per cent more year-on-year.
Commenting on the data, Derek Wilson, chair of UK Finance’s Northern Ireland Mortgage Committee, said:
“The Northern Ireland mortgage market continues to show steady growth in house purchase activity.
“Lending to first-time buyers remains the largest sector by value, as borrowers take advantage of what continues to be the most affordable region in the UK.
“These figures underline the importance of boosting housing supply to meet this growing demand.”
Exquisite Festive Gifts from Carrol Boyes
Tis’ the season to spoil!
After an eventful year, there has never been a more opportune time to unwind, treat and celebrate one’s loved ones than the festive season. The latest product ranges from celebrated local designer brand Carrol Boyes make for perfect year-end gifting solutions.
Chocolates
Well-known homeware designer Carrol Boyes has extended the brand into chocolate! Beauty and confection meet in the all-new Carrol Boyes chocolates, which include milk- and dark-chocolate varieties. Each chocolate features a signature Carrol Boyes design!
Chocolate lovers can now savour the Carrol Boyes lifestyle too, sharing in this delicious treat over a festive meal with friends or family. Carrol Boyes chocolates are available in all Carrol Boyes retail stores and online via www.carrolboyes.com.
Price: R99.00
Champagne
Celebrate the season’s festivities with an iconic Champagne from the award-winning Carrol Boyes Wines range. Made in France, this genuine Champagne celebrates quality, style, excellence and authenticity.
A celebration of matured chardonnay grown in the prestigious Grand and Premier Cru vineyards of Champagne, this Champagne consists of 100% Chardonnay and is made in partnership with Charbaut. The grapes are carefully selected and picked when perfectly ripe, then immediately pressed and patiently matured for 11 years on the lees.
The Carrol Boyes Champagne is available online via www.carrolboyeswines.com and at the Carrol Boyes stores in Somerset West and Canal Walk, Cape Town.
Price: R1,500.00
Carrol Boyes collaboration with The Joinery: Tote bag and pouch
The perfect gift for the eco warrior in your life! Carrol Boyes has recognised the importance of sustainable initiatives in mitigating damage to the environment and has partnered with The Joinery to create a range of unique, handmade tote bags and pouches. The Joinery’s focus is on finding innovative solutions to environmental and community issues through design: “We create local, sustainable products made from recycled plastic bottles, hemp and responsible fabrics as a way to positively contribute.”
This recent partnership with Carrol Boyes has resulted in a beautiful and collectable range of bags. Each handmade tote and pouch bag is made from recycled plastic bottles otherwise destined for the landfill. A total of 7 000 bottles was used for the creation of 1 000 totes and 1 000 pouch bags for the Carrol Boyes and The Joinery collaboration.
The decorative multipurpose tote is perfect for everyday use – for daily grocery shopping, on-board plane travel, or beach days… The pouch bag is ideal for small makeup or stationery items, or to keep chargers safe.
Bags and pouches are available from Carrol Boyes stores and online at www.carrolboyes.com.
Price: Tote bag, R795.00
Pouch, R495.00
The Bath, Body & Home range
Inspired by the human form and the natural world around us, Carrol Boyes proudly presents the Ethereal range of bath, body and home products. These fragrances are grounded in nature yet inspired by the intangible.
Our emotional connection to a provocative scent is stronger than our ability to recall a visual stimulus. Carrol Boyes believes that scent plays an important role in establishing an inviting and memorable interior. Rich base notes of vanilla, musk and sandalwood are carefully balanced by lively top notes of jasmine, lavender and orange.
The range comprises a variety of body, bath and room products, including hand wash, hand lotion, room spray, room diffuser, fragrance sachets (to scent your drawers, linen cupboards, car or suitcase) and a luxury soap bar. None of the products are tested on animals.
Ethereal is available online via carrolboyes.com and in Carrol Boyes stores nationwide.
Price:
500ml Hand Wash, R299
500ml Hand Lotion, R299
200ml Room Spray, R289
200ml Room Diffuser, R599
100ml Luxury Fragrance Sachet, R99
200g Luxury Fragranced Soap Bar, R99
From burgers to bull dogs, candy canes to converse and fish to flying pigs, Flying Tiger have every type of bauble you’ve ever dreamed of… and more!
All £2 from Flying Tiger stores nationwide.
Find your nearest store at uk.flyingtiger.com
Last minute Christmas gifts for gin lovers
Give loved ones an experience they won’t forget this Christmas with the City of London Distillery.
Christmas is just a few weeks away but, don’t panic, the City of London Distillery has created a series of bespoke gift experiences for discerning sippers. Learn about the history of London’s gin production and create your own bespoke gin in the only gin distillery in the Square Mile.
This Christmas give the gin lover in your life the ultimate experience – creating their own bespoke gin. The two-hour Gin Lab Experience lets gin fans create their own bespoke 70cl gin for just £125. Gin lovers can learn about the distilling process, botanicals and then create and distil their own recipe. The final stage will be to bottle it into one of the City of London Distillery’s iconic bottles, shaped like the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and create a personalised label. All this will be enjoyed while sipping a signature G&T from the City of London Distillery Bar. Gin fans will get to take home a full 70cl bottle of their special gin and receive a £5 off voucher for a further bottle of gin.
Or why not download a gift voucher for a Distillery Tour and Gin Tasting? The lucky recipient will get to explore the history of London’s affiliation with gin production, learn about the distilling process and try three signature gins all for £25.
These experience are the perfect solution for those last-minute Christmas present emergencies as gift vouchers can be downloaded from the City of London Distillery website. There’s no excuse not to give a gift friends and family will love this Christmas.
Gin lovers would also be delighted to receive the City of London Gin Taster Gift Set. The box features five 5cl gins for £30 – Old Tom Gin, Christopher Wren, City of London Dry Gin, Sloe Gin and Square Mile and. For delivery in time for Christmas this can be purchased online until Friday December 21st.
For more information visit https://www.cityoflondondistillery.com/.
The Perfect Christmas Gift
DEBRETT’S was founded in London in 1769 by John Debrett with the first edition of The New Peerage. DEBRETT’S is now recognised globally and has grown into a professional coaching company, publisher and authority on modern etiquette.
The DEBRETT’S luxurious leather-bound A5 notebooks are available in a range of classic colours and contain a delightful, 16-page almanac; which includes tips and advice regarding the manner of modern etiquette conundrums. These range from run-downs of dress codes, a manual for modern communication and acts as a means to demystify you through any number of baffling social situations.
Each DEBRETT’S notebook has its own special theme including “Manners Maketh Man”, “Happily Ever After”, “Thinking Ink” and “Fashion Rocks and Dress Rules”.
With notebooks that cater to everyone, they are the perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas!
The notebooks are available to buy on the Debrett’s website. Their Instagram is also the perfect way to keep up to date with their new releases and is great source for etiquette tips and inspiration.
Prices start from: £30
Instagram: @debretts1769
www.debretts.com
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Legacy Edition – £22 RRP (usually £30)
Jack Daniel’s is launching a Legacy Edition Bottle of its iconic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, to celebrate a rich history of fine sippin’ whiskey lasting over 150 years. The bottle is the first in a series of limited editions bringing back a piece of Jack Daniel’s colorful beginnings; a label with an unexpected shade of green and an eye-catching gold trim, as a nod to the slightly mysterious history of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
The Legacy Edition bottle is currently on offer for £22 until 2nd January 2019
220 FASHION STORES JOIN THE ONE4ALL SCHEME AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS
Superdry, Jack Wills and Banana Republic launch partnerships with One4all
One4all Gift Cards can now be redeemed in a further 220 more stores nationwide, as it has announced partnerships with three new high profile fashion retailers.
Leading fashion brand, Superdry, which fuses vintage American and Japanese-inspired graphics with British Style, has announced it is now accepting the UK’s leading multi-retailer gift card, the One4all.
It joins Heritage-inspired British lifestyle brand, Jack Wills, as well as Banana Republic, which sells American clothing and accessories, both of which have also just announced partnerships with the gift card provider.
The three global fashion retailers join a host of fashion and lifestyle brands currently accepting the One4all Gift Card, including Primark, H&M, River Island, New Look, TK Maxx, Fat Face, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer.
Recipients will now have the option to spend their One4all Gift Cards in Superdry and Jack Wills UK stores, as well as online with Banana Republic through their UK website.
The addition of 130 Superdry stores, plus 90 from Jack Wills, adds an extra 220 stores to the existing One4all offering, which sees the gift card redeemable in more than 55,000 UK stores.
David Walsh, Group Retail Director at One4all Gift Cards, said: “One4all Gift Card recipients will now be able to use their gift cards to buy a whole host of new clothing, accessories, bath and beauty products. Fashion retailers have always been well received by our customers and Superdry, Jack Wills, Banana Republic will only add to the amount of choice they have when deciding where to spend their One4all gift cards.”
Neil Hooper, Business Systems Manager at Superdry, said: “We look forward to working closely with One4all this coming year and are very excited that many more customers will have the option of spending their gift cards with us this Christmas. People regularly receive gift cards for stores they don’t frequent, which is why the amount of choice the One4all gift card offers is so incredible.”
The One4all Gift Card is the market-leading, multi-retailer gift card, popular for the choice it offers customers. Gift cards are available to buy from Post Offices nationwide or online, and can be loaded with anything from £10 to £400.
It is currently accepted in store and online at more than 55,000 outlets across the UK including M&S, Topshop, Debenhams, Pizza Express, Argos, Currys and John Lewis.
For more information visit https://www.one4all.com/
KITCHEN TAPS THAT DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Move over bold colours and minimal design, there is a new trend on the kitchen catwalk and it comes in the form of the unusually designed tap.
Choose a style or finish that breaks from the norm and an instant style update is made, transforming the entire kitchen and turning one of its busiest areas into a focal point.
Think finishes other than chrome, such as the Althia Single Lever in a tempting choice of Rose Gold, Urban Copper, Brushed Nickel, Graphite or Matt Black, any of which strike up perfect harmony with some of the hottest trends in kitchen sinks, from ceramic or composite to ever-faithful stainless steel.
Lanza is equally as striking, mixing grey and chrome and providing instant filtered water literally on tap. And no industrial styled kitchen should be without Axial, a pot filler that will be a life-saver for any keen chef while striking a very modern pose.
Prices are from £179 for Althia, £549 for Lanza and £279 for the Axial Pot Filler.
Have the rice-est Christmas tree in town and spread the Christmas soy with the sushi bauble from the National Theatre Bookshop.
You’ll be on a roll this Christmas with a bauble that looks good enough to eat!
Sushi Bauble- £16
National Theatre Bookshop – shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Clever Sofas for Family Life
As much as we all love family life, there’s no denying it’s usually messy and a little chaotic! Make sure your Sofa’s up to the job with these ingenious solutions from Lovely Sofas.
Lily Large Corner Sofa shown in Amalfi Dove Clever Velvet, Amalfi Royal Blue Clever Velvet and Amalfi Lilac Clever Velvet, priced from £2395.00
There’s plenty of room for everyone to snuggle up on the gorgeous Lily Sofa, with her comfortable low back and inviting deep plush cushions. Practicality meets style with an elegant chaise end, perfect for resting your feet on after a hectic day chasing everyone around. Choose from small, medium or large and opt for right-hand or left-hand facing, depending on your space.
Linda Large Sofa in Amalfi Buttercup from £1695.00, Ava Large Sofa in Dark Blue Clever Velvet from £1695.00, George Large Sofa in Amalfi Pillarbox Red Clever Velvet from £1495.00
Lovely Sofas offer customers a huge range of beautiful fabrics to choose from and their Clever Velvets and Clever Wools are perfect for busy homes. Clever Velvet offers the same luxurious finish as traditional cotton velvet but comes with brilliant stain resistance – ideal for little chocolatey fingers or those unavoidable spilt milk accidents. Incredibly durable, it also doesn’t mark like it’s more traditional counterpart, the result being a luxuriously beautiful and soft sofa that will remain that way whatever life throws at it!
Victoria Medium Sofa in Dolly Dew Clever Wool, from £1495.00
For those who prefer the wool look but perhaps feel children and pets mean they wouldn’t dare choose it, Clever Wool could be the perfect solution. With the look and feel of traditional wool, Clever Wool is much more hardwearing and affordable. Wonderfully soft and cosy, this amazing fabric offers all of the loveliness of wool but in a more practical form.
So however hectic you’re home is, you can have a sofa that’s both sensible and stylish this Winter!
Join the festive fun this winter at the Royal Opera House
© ROH, 2015. Photographed by Tristram Kenton
Celebrate Christmas in style at the Royal Opera House, where for the first time in its history the Convent Garden theatre will be transformed and open for the public to enjoy a truly festive season.
From Saturday 1 December, visitors can enjoy the spectacular festive decorations and designs across the front of house spaces. Inspired by the fairy-tale world of The Royal Opera’s new production of Hansel and Gretel, the enticing Christmas displays feature the flora and fauna of a mysterious German forest. The decorations will also echo The Nutcracker’s magical Kingdom of Sweets, with snowflakes and nutcrackers to be found across the building.
Now open every day from 10am, the Royal Opera House invites audiences of all ages to experience a delightful series of festive events, including immersive experiences and free live recitals, a celebration of Cinema in the brand new Linbury Theatre, and magical performances from The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet on the main stage.
The Royal Ballet’s festive season begins on Monday 3 December, with Peter Wright’s magical production of The Nutcracker returning to the Royal Opera House main stage, and screened live in the Linbury Theatre and in cinemas across the UK and internationally. With enchanting stagecraft, sparkling set designs and accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s illustrious score, The Nutcracker is a festive masterpiece which follows Clara and Hans-Peter on their journey through the Kingdom of the Sweets. Complete with shimmering snowflakes, this festive adventure also features the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of captivating characters. From Tuesday 18 December The Royal Ballet will also present a series of three one-act works by 20th century choreography greats.
Seasonal delights continue on Thursday 13 December, when The Royal Opera present a stunning new production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, an exquisite operatic adaptation of the well-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Director and designer Antony McDonald crafts a picture-book production to bring this darkly enchanting story to vivid life, marking 125 years since the opera’s premiere. Humperdinck’s score combines irresistibly catchy folksongs with a lyrical overture and orchestral interludes that are marvels of rich, late-Romantic orchestration.
Marking the opening of the Linbury Theatre – the West End’s newest and most intimate theatre – the Royal Opera House celebrates ten years of its Live Cinema Season with screening of great operas and ballets. Beginning with a live broadcast of The Nutcracker on Monday 3 December, the Cinema Festival features 21 titles, with 11 family-friendly weekend matinees free to attend for children aged 5-15. Family favourites include Cendrillon (Sunday 16 December) and ballets The Winter’s Tale (Sunday 23 December) and Romeo and Juliet (Sunday 29 December).
A wonderful programme of events taking place across the Royal Opera House complete the festive Season, with something on offer for everyone. On Sunday 9 December, members of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme host the annual Christmas carol sing-a-long, and on Sunday 16 December The Nutcracker Family Sunday transports the whole family to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Kingdom of Sweets, with a range of exciting and creative activities. The regular programme of lunchtime recitals, tea dances and workshops (including Dance with The Royal Ballet, Sing at the Royal Opera House and Opera Dots), provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the transformed festive surroundings of the Royal Opera House and experience something new.
From Monday 3 December to Sunday 9 December the Royal Opera House will offer a free millionaire’s shortbread with every tea and coffee purchased in the Royal Opera House café, and a 10% discount in the shop to all customers presenting a National Lottery ticket. Coinciding with the launch of the Royal Opera House’s festive Season, these offers form part of the Arts Council of England’s #ThanksToYou campaign, which recognises the contribution National Lottery players make to support Arts organisations across the country.
HOT LOOKS FOR COLD DAYS!
From Muddy Puddles
Knitted Bobble Hat – £16 (various colours available)
Knitted Trapper Mittens – £18 (navy red stripe or navy yellow stripe)
Knitted Balaclava – £20 (mustard or yellow)
Keep kids looking stylish while staying toasty warm this winter with gorgeous woolies from Muddy Puddles.
Fun and super warm, the Knitted Bobble Hat is this winters must-have. Made from soft and cosy Icelandic fabric with contrasting pom poms, it’s the ultimate winter accessory designed to keep your muddy little ones happy and snuggly.
Don’t forget, keep those little hands extra warm and protected with the super cute Knitted Trapper Mittens – with their handy fold over finger warmers, these gorgeous mittens can be worn fingerless on those warmer days!
And, the classic one size fits all, super cosy Knitted Balaclava is perfect for keeping little necks and heads warm in the winter chill.
www.muddypuddles.com
Reese’s unveil new Christmas Collection for 2018 and its bigger and better than before
Exclusive Chocolate & Peanut Butter Christmas Collection
Chocoholics will be delighted to know that Reese’s is releasing a new range of chocolate and peanut butter goodies in time for Christmas this year, and it’s bigger and better than before.
Riding on the sell-out success of 2017, 3 new exciting items have been added to the range and 4 current classics, have been updated and expanded upon leaving shoppers to go nutty for this Christmas.
NEW for 2018
Reese’s Half Pound Peanut Butter Cups
Ding, dong merrily on high! Fans of the classic sized Peanut Butter Cups Christmases will come at once this year due to the NEW half-pound Resse’s Peanut Butter Cups. Available in a 2 pack, Reese’s fans can expect all the great chocolate and peanut butter taste but in a giant portion!
RRP: £6.99
Reese’s Lovers 7 Pack Selection Box
A selection pack perfect for Reese’s lovers this full-sized bar pack contains Reese’s classic Peanut Butter Cups, a Reese’s stuffed with Reese’s Pieces bar, white and dark chocolate Peanut Butter Cups bars, Reese’s Nutbar and Reese’s Sticks AND a Reese’s Peanut Butter Big Cup.
RRP: £4.99
Current Classics
Reese’s Snowman
In need of a perfect stocking filler or secret Santa gift idea? Then give a friend or colleague a Reese’s Snowman. 100% filled with Reese’s peanut butter, gifting this giant frosty fella (he weighs 141g!) will make you look like one cool dude this Yule.
RRP: £3.50
Reese’s Christmas Tree
A great little funsize Christmas Tree shaped treat available in two sizes, so you can fill your little or larger Reese’s craving. Enjoy throughout the season when you need a hit of Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter deliciousness.
RRP: £60p (34g) and RRP: £1.00 (68g)
Reese’s 4 Pack Selection Box
The ultimate stocking filler that’s sure to delight adults, kids and existing fans of Reese’s alike. With four Peanut Butter Cup bars to choose from – including Reese’s classic Peanut Butter Cups, a Reese’s stuffed with Reese’s Pieces bar, as well as white and dark chocolate Peanut Butter Cups bars.
RRP: £3.50
Reese’s awesome Christmas Collection will be hitting the shelves this September and will be available from Tesco, Asda, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and other good high street retailers.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS YULE LOVE TO GIVE
PERSONALISED PRESENTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
Christmas gifting is about to get a lot more fun! Discover gifts that are guaranteed to make jaws drop and smiles widen! Vanilla Reindeer’s vast range of funky personalised presents and packaging are so simple to create, and hilarious to gift.
The boffins at Vanilla Reindeer are using the latest tech so that you can now add your own favourite photos and fun messages to give your gifts a unique Christmas sparkle.
The fabulous selection of personalised packaging is unlike anything you’ll see this season! Choose from 5 gift bag sizes in 36 fun designs with festive crackers such as ‘’You’re the stuffing to my turkey’’ and ‘’All I want for Christmas is shoes’’. For those wine lovers in your life Vanilla Reindeer also have customisable bottle boxes in 14 festive designs perfect for those silly selfies and mugshots. Bottle boxes give an extra festive twist to alcohol gifts, designed to fit champagne, wine and spirits. Personalised gift bags and bottle boxes start from *£5.99 up to *£8.99.
Pictured on the left is the medium gift bag and bottle box (below).
Above is ‘’Countdown Christmas’’ 25 choc box and ‘’Santa’’ standard advent calendar.
As well as personalised packaging Vanilla Reindeer has a wow-worthy selection of irresistible gifts. Choose from three sizes and styles of stunning chocolate truffle gift boxes, containing Intense Dark, Smooth Milk, White Lemon, Sweet Mandarin, and Dark Mango and Passionfruit. These personalised truffle boxes range from *£11.99 up to *£18.99.
Not forgetting the special grown-ups in your life, Vanilla Reindeer has a selection of alcoholic beverages, including gin, prosecco plus exclusive wine options you won’t find on the high street, so skip the queues and order direct from Vanilla Reindeer’s website.
What truly is the icing on the cake is how quick and easy creating these personalised gifts really is. Simply choose a fun design, upload your best giggle-worthy photos and voila!
If you weren’t feeling festive enough already, it’s time to discover the NEW range of personalised Advent Calendars! With 22 fun styles and themes there is something for absolutely everyone. Vanilla Reindeer’s Advent Calendars are available from *£11.99 for the Standard option up to *£22.99 for Truffles.
UK based Vanilla Reindeer is the NEW personalisation brand and was launched to offer a wide range of fully personalised products that combines contemporary design flair with the very latest in digital print technology, providing you with a user-friendly, one-stop service that’s guaranteed to delight all those special people in your life.
To ease you through the silly season, Vanilla Reindeer provide Royal Mail 1st Class standard delivery, Royal Mail Tracked 24, Royal Mail Special Delivery and Royal Mail Special delivery Saturday, so there’s no need for any last gasp Christmas shopping. Don’t forget cut-off for Christmas orders is Tuesday 18th December for Standard and Wednesday 19th December for Special Delivery.
*All prices exclude postage.
For more information visit https://www.vanillareindeer.com/
Get ready for the most iconic present of 2018…
A Donald Trump rubber duck!
Promises to make bath time great again this Christmas.
Your gift definitely won’t be out-trumped!
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Donald Trump Rubber Duck – £5.99
British Museum – britishmuseumshoponline.org – 10% off on Museum Shop Sunday with the code MUSEUM10
Following its huge success last year, which saw hundreds of cultural destinations come together to create a shopping experience with a difference, Museum Shop Sunday will take place again on Sunday 25th November 2018, supported by the Association for Cultural Enterprises (ACE). For more information, see here: https://acenterprises.org.uk/museum-shop-sunday-2018
Visitors can expect to take part in all kinds of activities including demonstrations by local craftspeople, food and drink tastings and creative workshops, alongside many offers and exciting finds!
TRACKER SUPPORTS LAUNCH OF THE RGS DRIVE SAFE PROGRAMME
AS KEY TELEMATICS PARTNER
Helping young drivers boost their knowledge and confidence on the road across the UK
www.TRACKER.co.uk
RGS Drive Safe has launched a graduated learning scheme designed to help young drivers build their knowledge and apply it to their driving. TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation) is the chosen telematics partner supporting RGS Drive Safe scheme. As one of the partners, TRACKER joins other brands at the special launch event, which takes place on 28th November 2018 at Ballykinler Army Camp, Northern Ireland.
Safety for younger drivers is crucial as drivers aged 16-19 are a third more likely to die in a crash than drivers aged 40-49, and one in four 18-24 year olds (23%) crash within two years of passing their driving test.[1] RGS Drive Safe will conduct a number of lessons within its driver training centres, which are equipped with full road structure, for safe practicing. Pupils will learn basic skills such as how to control and position a car correctly at junctions, as well as learning how to deal with different types of hazards, especially when driving in a built up area.
RGS Drive Safe Scheme has the support of 10 insurance brokers within Northern Ireland, all part of the Provincewide Group to ensure safer roads for the younger generation, and the scheme is being rolled out across different areas of the UK. RGS Drive Safe has a team of hand-picked instructors, ensuring it delivers quality training in Northern Ireland and the mainland UK.
Sean Brown, Owner of RGS and a former advanced driving instructor of the Northern Ireland Police Service, says, “Over the last two years I have looked at the problems facing many young drivers who attend our driver correctional training course. Most of their problems stem from a poor level of instruction during their learning period, with many not even being able to read a road ahead. As a result, I am launching our graduated learning scheme, Drive Safe.
“We aim to target pupils who are around six months away from their 17th birthday. This way, once they have completed their Drive Safe training, they will be ready to start out more confidently on the open roads with their instructors.”
Once pupils have passed their tests, RGS will offer them a number of great deals on different services from participating partners. TRACKER is the chosen provider for telematics for the RGS Drive Safe Scheme, not only helping to reduce insurance premiums, but also providing telematics information such as a driving performance score, helping young drivers focus on improving their driving behaviour.
Greig Hilton, Managing Director of TRACKER, comments, “We are delighted to be a key partner for the RGS Drive Safe scheme. Our telematics solution will help young drivers build on the strong foundations delivered by the scheme. With accurate data on their driving behaviour, young motorists will be able to make positive changes to the way they drive, keeping them safer and helping reduce their insurance premiums. Drive Safe is an important scheme that brings together, the insurance and the motor industry to help create a generation of safer drivers.”
Provincewide Ltd, Northern Ireland’s largest Independent Insurance Broker Association, is the exclusive insurance partner supporting the RGS Drive Safe scheme. Paul Matthews, one of the Directors of Provincewide, comments “The Provincewide brokers are delighted to be involved with RGS Drive Safe, improving road safety, reducing accidents and driving down motor insurance costs within Northern Ireland.”
[1] BRAKE: http://www.brake.org.uk/slower-speeds-save-lives/15-facts-a-resources/facts/488-young-drivers-the-hard-facts
The Ultimate Secret Santa Is Here – Turn The Temperature Up This Christmas With The Dreamboys 2019 Calendar!
The UK’s most successful male strip group, The Dreamboys are back with their 2019 calendar, the perfect gift to get pulses racing this season.
Renowned for their atmospheric shows bringing together high energy dance routines, challenging choreography, incredibly toned physiques and larger-than-life personalities, it’s no surprise The Dreamboys have stolen the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
The 2019 calendar featuring Dreamboys favourites like Ex On The Beach’s Rogan O’Connor, TV star Jake Quickenden and Choreographer Jordan Darrell is the ULTIMATE gift for fans of the group, with every month bound to get you hot under the collar, no matter what the weather.
Want to tease your work colleagues with the cheekiest Secret Santa around? The 2019 calendar filled with muscles and cheeky charm is the perfect present for your office bestie.
£12.99 from https://shop.dreamboys.co.uk/dreamboys-2019-calendar.html
Rooftop Moulin Rogue inspired WigWam
The amazing Giles Abott, The UK’s only professional blind storyteller will be joining us in the red velvet drapped WigWam on Sunday 2nd December for a night of seductive storytelling. With cheese, wine and hot cocktails on offer its the perfect Winter date night
Sign up for free tickets here https://queen-of-hoxton.eventcube.io/events/15151/storytelling-on-the-rooftop
“Moulin Bleu”
It’s the early 20th Century, it’s Paris, Surrealism is all the rage and the wildest nightspot in town is the Moulin Bleu – quite the avant garde!. The host is fabulously wealthy, the guests are beautiful, decadent and liberated. The music is wild, the clothes are to die for, the champagne and absinthe seem to gush from springs and the host (who is fabulously wealthy) is gloriously stylish – do you know, he even has a blue beard?!
Now, is this the sort of person you’d like to take an interest in your daughter? Because he is interested….
If you’re interested to hear more come to the Queen Of Hoxton, a stylish, dazzlingly decorated night spot in Central London and hear master storyteller Giles Abbott tell you the story of the Moulin Bleu.
Tickets – free!
Premiership rugby club scoops national Dementia Friendly Award
A leading rugby union club has won an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Award in recognition of their efforts to tackle dementia.
Worcester Warriors were celebrating success at a prestigious awards ceremony that took place in London on Thursday 22 November, hosted by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Angela Rippon.
The Gallagher Premiership outfit was named ‘Dementia Friendly Organisation of the Year – Small & Medium’ for their pioneering efforts to ensure people affected by dementia remain active members of their community – and continue to enjoy the delights of rugby after a diagnosis.
The accolade recognises a range of ground-breaking dementia initiatives introduced at the Warriors’ Sixways home. These include a Tackling Dementia Sports Café, a safe place on matchdays for vulnerable people to watch the side in action and Warriors Disability and Inclusion Lead Simon Northcott’s appointment as the club’s first Dementia Friends Champion.
First team star Darren Barry has become the Warriors’ ambassador for Tackling Dementia and is one of 130 people at the club who have signed up to the Dementia Friends awareness programme alongside staff and young Warriors ambassadors.
Commenting on the award, Simon said: “We’re absolutely amazed to have won but I really should dedicate our award to rugby fans who are affected by dementia. We’re so proud and this is great recognition for everybody that we work with, both within in the club and externally.
“But more importantly it’s great for all the people who are living with dementia that turn up every week, because without them we wouldn’t be doing what we are doing so I want to say thanks to those guys.
“It’s massively significant for us to include people within the community that have developed dementia because these guys have all got brilliant back stories and rugby is one of them.”
There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK – a number set to rise to 1 million by 2021. Someone develops the condition every three minutes – but too many are facing it alone without adequate support. People with dementia have the right to live the life they want and continue to do the things they enjoy like watching rugby – but often they don’t feel included in their communities and face isolation.
This Alzheimer’s Society’s 2018 Dementia Friendly Awards aim to address this issue by recognising, celebrating and promoting the inspirational achievements of those uniting to make a real difference to people living with dementia by ensuring they feel included and involved in their community.
Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes paid tribute to the Midlands club. He said:
“This year’s Awards celebrate individuals, organisations and communities which form part of a dementia movement that will transform the lives of people with dementia forever – by challenging misunderstandings, changing attitudes and inspiring action.
“There are already more than 2.7 million Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends and over 400 Dementia Friendly Communities changing the way people think, talk and act about dementia so people affected feel included in their community.
“The Warriors’ success is testament to their tremendous dementia-friendly work and demonstrates how all of society can unite against dementia. Their sterling efforts to help people with dementia remain active members of their community just go to show Worcester Warriors are a class act on and off the field of play.”
Commenting on the Awards, Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Care, who attended the ceremony, said: “All the finalists in this year’s Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards are doing their bit to improve the lives of people with dementia – from whole communities to inspiring young people and others who truly embody the principles of a Dementia Champion.
“I was hugely impressed by everyone’s creativity and resolve in ensuring people with dementia are not left behind and remain valued members of our communities.
“They set an inspiring example for us all and remind me that we cannot meet this Government’s ambition to make this the best country in the world to live with dementia without people like them.”
Winners celebrating alongside the Warriors were: Handmade for Dementia (Trailblazer); Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance (Dementia Friendly Community – City or county); Blaby District Dementia Action Alliance (Dementia Friendly Community – Rural area, Village or Town); Oasis Academy, Isle of Sheppey, (Youth Organisation); Daisy Coles (Inspiring Young Person); Sarah Williams-Martin (Dementia Friends Champion); Touchstone BME Dementia Service (Championing Diversity Award); Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (Dementia Friendly Organisation – Large); Charlie Phillips (Outstanding Contribution). More details can be found at alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlyawards.
