Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

What to Try This Veganuary

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This Veganuary, discover your new favourites without compromising on flavour thanks to plant-based meat alternative company, Heura.

Try the versatile Chorizo Burger, a red-hot marriage between a burger patty and the bold, Mediterranean flavour of chorizo. Or, Heura’s Chick’n Chunks with a juicy, meaty texture so convincing that 99% of consumers think they’re eating meat.

Easily whip up dishes to excite the taste buds and keep you interested far beyond the end of Veganuary. Try crisping up crumbled Chorizo to top Spicy Dan Dan Noodles or create a hearty plant-based Chick’n Casserole with Vegan Dumplings using their Chicken Chunks.

heura, plant based food

Heura is the next generation of plant-based meat alternatives – with products that not only taste good but are actually good for you and the planet. Heura embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle, using olive oil to create the juiciest, most flavoursome product.

Heura Chorizo Burger, 270g, £3.50 Ocado

Heura Mediterranean Chick’n Chunks, 160g, £3, Ocado

Want to be a tech boss? Get the right skills for a great career in tech

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Ironhack tech school growing in the UK

Ironhack, the international tech school, now has a remote offering and a London team available to career-changers moving into tech. Ironhack bootcamps empower students to find meaningful careers in four key areas: Web Development, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics and Cyber Security by offering immersive learning experiences.

 

Ironhack was one of the first bootcamp schools in Europe, founded in 2013 to disrupt the way students learn about technology, and now has ten campuses in Europe and the US. Offering remote learning, all courses can be conducted from anywhere in the UK, but the London base has an active community as well as regular events for students, alumni and the wider tech community to meet and connect in person.

 

Ironhack bootcamps offer students an effective alternative to studying a BSc, because they offer learn-by-doing methodology in just nine weeks, as opposed to committing to a three-year course. Students get hands-on experience working on live projects from day one and the chance to build connections with other students. Plus, dedicated career teams are available throughout the course to help students progress, connect to future employers and find a job.

 

Students finish Ironhack programmes with a new way of thinking and of approaching problems. The bootcamps are predominantly targeted at those aged 25-34 but are suitable for all adults. They are ideal for those wanting to learn to code and arm themselves with the right skills for a career in tech, or for those looking for a career change into tech, or to upskill current employees/business owners who want to remain relevant as the world of work moves on.

 

Gabriel Pizzolante, UK Growth Marketer at Ironhack, comments: “We have over 10,000 graduates from our bootcamps and we have over 80% placement rate into tech careers for our students, meaning we have the expertise to arm people with the skills they need to succeed. I joined the company to spearhead Ironhack’s growth in the UK, starting with the opening of our London base earlier this year. We can see huge potential for London as a startup hub but this is constrained by access to tech talent and we want to help ucnlock that potential.

 

“We are on a mission to empower people to get jobs in tech and we partner with companies to help underrepresented groups get the opportunities they need. For example, we know we need more women in tech, so we offer 10% off courses to anyone who identifies as female.”

 

Courses last 9 weeks full time, or 24 weeks part time. Students can access funding through partners; use credit to pay for the course offset against future earnings, or use Knoma, StepEx, Lendwise or Student Finance. To find out more, visit www.ironhack.com.

Introducing JJ’s House – Affordable Gorgeous Dresses For Every Occasion

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My daughter and I are always on the lookout for a beautiful dress so I’m happy I discovered JJ’s house. They have beautiful, affordable dresses for every possible occasion for women and girls. A few selections are below but I suggest you head to the site and check them out. They even have custom made dresses.
JJ’s House boasts a huge range of dresses for every occasion. Whether you are looking for the perfect wedding dresses, or an outfit for your prom or special event, we have the biggest selection of dresses at incredibly low prices! Custom made option ensures the fitness and you can definitely order confidently. Using our convenient filters, you can search and secure your favourite item online!
dress dress for girls, little girls, dress, affordable. blue dress, navy dress

TOMY reveals the top toys every child wants to see under the Christmas tree this year

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With Christmas fast approaching and children’s letters to Father Christmas filling up quickly, leading global toy manufacturer, TOMY, is here to make this a Christmas to remember for the whole family.

Here are our top picks. I absolutely love the cute and fun Soothing Heart Panda for babies, the Dino Eggs is perfect for toddlers. It’s fun and a great way for them to learn and the MegaSketcher is a fantastic present that encourages creativity and is educational. We can’t recommend them enough.
Soothing Heart Panda

A calming plush panda after your own heart! Press the tummy to cycle through four bedtime melodies, each accompanied by a red light and a vibration synced to the rhythm of a resting heartbeat. Press it a fifth time and you’ll hear the heartbeat too! With a friendly, embroidered face and unique patterns and textures for baby to explore during play, it’s impossible not to fall in love.

RRP: £24.99

Suitable for ages 9months+

Stockists include: Amazon, Argos, Smyths, John Lewis and TRU Online 


Megasketcher

     

Take screen time offline with the Original Megasketcher magnetic drawing board. 

Megasketcher has a unique superior screen that allows budding artists to draw clear, crisp pictures everytime and now it comes with a fresh new look!

Megasketcher has been the best in the field of magnetic drawing boards for almost 30years and it’s premium quality offers the best drawing experience around and never compromsing on quality! 

Children love to draw and the Tomy Megasketcher needs no pencils to sharpen and there’s no mess, no paper, no waste and no WIFI

4 shape stampers are included to aid their designs and inspire their creativity.

Then the pictures magically disappear with one sweep of the eraser and they can start all over again!

A great product for encouraging creative minds and perfect for travel.

RRP: £18.99

Suitable for ages 3years+

Stockists include: Smyths, Argos, Amazon, Very, Littlewoods, John Lewis and Independent Toy Retailers

 

Film and TV Lovers

Spin & Hatch Dino Eggs

dino eggs, baby, toy, toys

Toomies brings that wonder to a new generation with Jurassic World Spin & Hatch Dino Eggs! These dinosaur toys are ready for adventure and designed to encourage developmental play for babies and toddlers. Spin & Hatch Dino Eggs is a spinning incubator that includes 5 cute colourful classic dinosaurs: T.rex, raptor, stegosaurus, triceratops & Pteranodon. Give each of these little dinos a shake and hear their sweet growling sounds. Matching each dinosaur with the correct colour shell encourages logic and problem-solving skills. It’s time to fill the spinning incubator with all five colourful eggs and help them hatch! Just push the lever down to watch them spin. Push faster and faster until POP! They’ve hatched! Match them up with their shells and do it again! Or load them back into the incubator and close the lid for easy storage. A fun way to work on fine motor skills while learning about action and reaction. However you choose to play, Toomies welcomes little explorers to a Jurassic World full of fun! 

RRP: £15.99

Suitable for ages 12months+

Stockists include: Amazon, Argos, Boots, The Entertainer, The Range, Tesco, John Lewis, Littlewoods, Next.co.uk, Selfridges, Very and Independent Retailers

COEUR DE LION AW22 Pearl Collection

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I have absolutely fallen in love with German hand-made jewellery brand COEUR DE LION. They have launched their AW22 pearl collection and it is stunning. I can’t think of a better Christmas present.

The pieces also include their Freshwater Pearl multi-way necklace which is available in gold and silver. Head to their website now for these beautiful pieces.

https://www.coeur-de-lion.org/

Perfect For Christmas: Premium Mixers, Artisan Drinks

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I absolutely love these mixers from Artisan Drinks. Perfect alone or with alcohol, you can’t go wrong with them.
Complement and add an exciting dimension to your favourite non-alcoholic spirit with five delicious Artisan Drinks premium mixers. 

The Artisan Drinks Company use only the finest 100% natural ingredients and unique flavour combinations to elevate alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits to the next level when mixed together. Artisan Drinks start with the spirit in mind, carefully crafting the range to ensure they partner beautifully. 

 
1)  AMALFI LIME TONIC
 
Amalfi Lime Tonic was inspired by the fresh flavours of the Amalfi Coast with zesty lime, peppery rosemary, lemon verbena and a fruity finale of fragrant bergamot.
 

 
Artisan Drinks Amalfi Lime Tonic – 8 x 200ml RRP: £8  |  24 x 200ml RRP: £24.  All Available From: Artisan Drinks and Amazon
 
2)  FIERY GINGER BEER
 
Fiery Ginger Beer combines a classic, cloudy Ginger Beer with a hint of chilli. The combination of African ginger & chilli added to pure water and cane sugar makes the Fiery Ginger Beer.
 

 
Artisan Drinks Fiery Ginger Beer – 8 x 200ml RRP: £8  |  24 x 200ml RRP: £24.  All Available From: Artisan Drinks and Amazon
 
3)  BARREL SMOKED COLA
 
Artisan Drinks have elevated the flavour by creating barrique barrel aged smokey top notes to complement the cola nut bitterness. The Barrel Smoked Cola is a southern classic that makes an exciting addition to your premium bourbon, whisky or rum.
 
Artisan Drinks Barrel Smoked Cola – 8 x 200ml RRP: £8  |  24 x 200ml RRP: £24.  All Available From: Artisan Drinks and Amazon
 
 
4)  SKINNY LONDON TONIC
 
This low calorie tonic is a blend of aromatic botanicals with orange & lemon essences, combined with a lower amount of fruit sugar to balance the quinine’s crispness with a rounded aftertaste and dry finish. With only 17 kcals per 100ml, the crisp, clean aftertaste brings out the flavour in your favourite non-alcoholic gin.
 

Artisan Drinks Skinny London Tonic – 8 x 200ml RRP: £8  |  24 x 200ml RRP: £24.  All Available From: Artisan Drinks and Amazon
 
 
 
 5)  CLASSIC LONDON TONIC
 
This tonic combines complex natural citrus flavours with subtle botanical notes to create the perfect canvas for drier, premium gins.This classic tonic recipe is made with a natural blend of three citrus flavours to enhance and complement the botanicals in gin. 
 

Artisan Drinks Classic London Tonic – 8 x 200ml RRP: £8  |  24 x 200ml RRP: £24.  All Available From: Artisan Drinks and Amazon
ARTISAN DRINKS : Steve Cooper, Alan Walsh and Mikey Enright – the drinks entrepreneur, the artist and the award-winning bar owner in Sydney brought their skills together to set up The Artisan Drinks Company, a vibrant and exciting range of premium drinks mixers. 
 
ART ON THE INSIDE : Mikey Enright has developed each Artisan recipe using only the finest 100% natural ingredients and unique flavour combinations to elevate craft spirits to the next level when mixed together. Artisan Drinks start with the spirit in mind, carefully crafting the range to ensure they partner beautifully.
 
ART ON THE OUTSIDE : The Artisan labels feature the iconic images of internationally acclaimed artist Alan Walsh, renowned for his images of glamorous females and quirky gentlemen. Alan, whose gallery is in Monaco,is inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney and has carved his own unique niche with one leg grounded in Art Deco and the other in Pop Art. The ten characters Alan has created have their own backstory and something in common with the flavour they represent. 

Top Christmas Ideas

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 Chococo Milk & Dark Christmas Trees filled with chocolate presents

chocolate, Christmas tree

NEW Chococo Milk & Dark Christmas Trees filled with chocolate presents (£19.50/200g each) – Stylish faceted chocolate trees, each with four delicious chocolate gems hiding inside. Perfect for the family to share with chocolate to suit everyone! Each is hand-decorated with speckles of cocoa butter ‘snow’.  Each is wrapped in tissue inside a recyclable kraft cardboard box.

47% Colombia origin Milk Chocolate Tree – this rich yet creamy, low sugar milk chocolate tree has award-winning Gingerbread Caramels and Milk Orange gems inside. Make a difference this Christmas with our Milk Chocolate Christmas Tree. Every Milk Chocolate Christmas Tree purchased = 1 tree planted with the charity Just One  Tree. https://www.chococo.co.uk/charity-milk-chocolate-tree.html

72% Ecuador origin Dark Chocolate Tree – this dark chocolate tree with smooth mellow cocoa notes has  spiced Speculaas Caramels and tangy Dark Orange gems inside. Make a difference this Christmas with our Dark Chocolate Christmas Tree. Every Dark Chocolate Christmas Tree purchased = 1 tree planted with the charity Just One  Tree.  https://www.chococo.co.uk/charity-dark-chocolate-christmas-tree.html

Background: 

Multi award-winning, Dorset-based, independent, chocolatier Chococo celebrates its 20th birthday with this contemporary range of Christmas chocolates to delight family and friends this year. The range is handcrafted in Dorset by a principled bunch of chocolate lovers, led by founders Claire and Andy Burnet, all passionate about creating truly delicious chocolates which both taste good and do good.

NEW for this year are exciting flavours in Chococo’s Festive Boxes, a new range of chocolate Santas, new chocolate baubles and new chocolate Christmas trees. Also included are gifts to share, chocolate biscuit cakes and its ever-popular chocolate salami. Importantly, all the items come in 100% plastic-free packaging. Chococo cares about the impact of its packaging on the environment and always has done – 100% of their packaging, including their mail order boxes, is plastic-free and is either recyclable, compostable or reusable.

All Chococo’s chocolate is sustainably sourced, from its Cocoa Horizons verified chocolate made with 100% sustainably sourced cocoa, to Direct & Raisetrade chocolate produced in country of origin for Chococo by their partners Martinetti Cocoa in Ecuador, Luker Chocolate in Colombia and Chocolaterie Robert in Madagascar.

Paxton & Whitfield – the UK’s oldest cheesemonger

Paxton & Whitfield, the UK’s oldest cheesemonger has the best cheese you can eat. There are a lot of wonderful Christmas gifts available this year from them.
 
 
  1. Christmas Cheese Selection – a selection of cheese perfect for the festive table including the NEW and EXCLUSIVE Cullum 
  2. Hampers & Gift Packs – a superb range of NEW gift packs and hampers  
  3. Cheese Accompaniments & Cheese Homewares – everything you could possibly want for your cheese serving needs 
  4. Cheese Club – Paxton & Whitfield’s original cheese club along with a NEW three month subscription 
  5. Cheese Advent Calendar – Paxton’s NEW & IMPROVED cheese advent calendar for 2022 

Maggie O’Farrell’s new children’s picture book, THE BOY WHO LOST HIS SPARK for the children in your life. 

Beautifully brought to life by illustrator Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, the story follows Jem as he struggles to find a sense of belonging after his family’s recent move from the city to the countryside. When mischief and chaos ensue wherever he goes, his sister believes it to be the work of the “nouka” – can these mythical creatures help Jem find comfort in his new home?

Maggie O’Farrell’s second book for children, beautifully brought to life by Daniela Terrazzini, explores how we deal with pain, loneliness and tough emotions when we face changes and challenges – whatever our age.

 

The story is set in the lush green hilly countryside, which are modelled on Arthur’s Seat, the iconic landmark in Edinburgh, where Maggie lives.

 

When Jem and his family first move to a small town, he struggles with his new life. The unhappier he grows, the stranger things become … mischief and chaos seems to bloom everywhere. His sister Verity is sure it is the work of a “nouka”, an ancient creature that lives deep down inside the hill; a creature forged from the sparks of a long-extinct volcano. Jem is adamant – there is no such thing.

 

But it is through the magic and mayhem of this small mystical creature that Jem finally finds a sense of belonging, a sense of home. He, once more, discovers a spark of magic. A beautiful and atmospheric long-form picture book set against a dramatic backdrop of an ancient hillside and the mysterious mood-affecting creature that lives within.

 

Gift of silky soft hair; Hot Tools Professional Dual Plate Salon Silk Edition

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Give the gift of silky soft hair this Christmas, with the exclusive Hot Tools® Black Gold™ Professional Dual Plate Salon Straightener Silk Edition gift set, which includes a FREE 100% mulberry silk scarf. It’s gorgeous and makes your hair look amazing. We cannot recommend it enough.

New to the Collection, the Dual Plate Salon Straightener is a truly innovative design, inspired and informed by stylists.

 

Featuring two Black Gold titanium plates, the straightener eliminates the need for multiple passes, causing less damage to the hair. Thanks to dual heat control, users can also set different temperatures on each plate, ensuring maximum styling versatility.

 

The Silk Edition gift set also features a limited edition luxurious, gold 100% mulberry silk hair scarf – the industry secret to preserving the beauty of your hair and one of this year’s hottest hair trends.

 

This beautiful hair accessory is designed to protect from breakage, keeping hair feeling silky soft, moisturised, and free of tangles. The scarf can be used to protect your hair at night or used as a styling accessory by day.