If you’re still wracking your brain for Christmas gifts which won’t break the bank or (even worse) someone’s just handed you an unexpected present which requires reciprocation (aghhhh) then you may want to check out The Glade® Aromatherapy collection.

You’re probably familiar with Glade®– they’ve been making household air fresheners since 1956 (not often I can say ‘before my time’ these days) but you may not be aware that they do a luxurious range of aromatherapy candles and reed diffusers – yes I was surprised too.

The candles are large and will last for ages. I tried the Moment of Zen (Lavender and Sandalwood). Even as I opened the candle the sensual aroma of the essential oils hit me, and once lit, the scent soon filled the room. The Reed Diffuser, as you can see from the photo is a nice size and the amber glass bottle not only looks attractive but also combats light-induced deterioration. In fact the fragrance lasts for 45 days, creating a warm welcome for visitors right over the holiday period.

I’m always keen to view the ingredients in candles and fragrant oils – and I was delighted that SC Johnson, the makers of Glade®, have the full list easily available. Importantly, none of these contain parabens, phthalates, nitro-musks, artificial colours or dyes and any artificial ingredients comply to stringent safety standards. They’ve also been designed with a regard to sustainability and use reusable and recyclable packaging.

Each scent has been uniquely crafted with a dual blend of premium essential oils and, besides Moment of Zen, the range also includes:

• Calm Mind® created with Bergamot & Lemongrass

• Pure Happiness® blended with Orange & Neroli

But there’s more good news – these lovely gifts don’t cost the earth and the collection is available from all major resellers including Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, and Amazon. The RRP is just £12.00 for the candles and also for the reed diffusers, but check out the Where to buy button on the Glade website and you’ll find some real bargains – for example Wilko are selling them for just £6 each at the moment.  Customers will also receive a free 3-month CALM membership with a minimum £12 purchase of Glade® Aromatherapy products – so what are you waiting for? Buy, Gift, Enjoy.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Joffe Books delighted to launch HER PERFECT SECRET  the completely gripping new psychological thriller by bestselling author T.J. Brearton, perfect reading for fans of Patricia MacDonald, Lisa Jewell, Alex Michaelides and Susanna Beard.

It’s him. Tom. I helped put his mom in prison for life.

But my daughter keeps calling him Michael. And they’re here at the lake house telling us they’re getting married.

She loves him. But I know he’s lying.

Seems to me we shouldn’t miss the up-all-night new crime thriller by T.J. Brearton, described by Amazon Hall of Fame reviewer The Book Doctor as “one of the best and most accomplished American crime writers working today.”

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WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH T.J. BREARTON,
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These and many more books are available at JOFFE BOOKS

Celebrating the power of play, the joy of communication and the positive force of friendship,
Stan (named after the T–Rex at Manchester Museum) is a powerful and poignant new
production, commissioned by Z–arts and developed by Art with Heart with the help of over 200
deaf and hearing primary school children from Greater Manchester.

The production positively demonstrates how we can overcome language barriers, and challenges preconceptions of deafness.

Sam (Ross Thompson) is a happy, dinosaur loving 8–year–old whose world turns upside down
after his parents separate. As he takes himself off to the far end of the school field, he meets
Alex (Alexandra James), a deaf girl with a vivid imagination – and an impressive collection of
dinosaurs. Alex is from a proud deaf family and despite being socially isolated at school, she is
strong, smart, sociable and imaginative. The pair form an unlikely friendship and when things at
home become too difficult for Sam, Alex whisks him away on an astonishing adventure to meet
the almighty Stan, the gigantic T–Rex at Manchester Museum.

Stan from Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries, Declaration) is written and performed in English and
British Sign Language and embeds creative captions within the set. The play will be
accompanied by post–performance workshops, an education pack including a video of BSL signs
to help hearing and deaf children communicate, three Deaf Awareness training events and a
dinosaur object handling box with some fascinating objects from Manchester Museum’s
collections. The post–performance workshop will be BSL Interpreted and has been designed
with both deaf and hearing children in mind.

Sarah Emmott comments Growing up, my parents lived very separate lives (so) my imagination
was both my safe escape and my resource to help me understand myself, my feelings and our
family situation. I wanted to create a play that reflected how vital imaginative play is as a form
of communication, not only with others but with ourselves.

Z–arts commented Art with Heart have put children at the heart of the creation of Stan and
tackled tricky issues whilst creating positive representation and a super fun show for families to
enjoy. We are so excited to bring this show to Z–arts and for as many of our friends, families and
schools to see it as possible.

 Stan: Running time 50 minutes, followed by a 30 minute workshop

Box Office Tickets are available from individual theatre box office
See www.artwithheart.org.uk   for more information and performance venues and dates

Facebook @weareartwithheart
Twitter @artwith_heart
Instagram @weareartwithheart

Sam – Ross Thompson
Alex  – Alexandra James
Mum – Gemma Green

Writer Sarah Emmott
Director Jonathan McGrath
Movement Direction Deborah Pugh
Lighting and Sound Design Adam Steed and Alex Willy
Animation and Captions Triple Dot Makers
Set and Costume Design Irene Jade
BSL Consultant Raphaella Julien

 Tuesday 25th January – Saturday 12th February

Frustrated by the lack of interesting roles for mature women, Northeast actors Jaqueline Philips
and Judi Earl have collaborated with writers Gary Kitching and Steve Byron to bring Tree to
Alphabetti Theatre this January. The world premiere will explore what it really means to be
honest and to lie, to be lonely and alone, and to live and be alive.

This funny, heart–breaking production follows the chance meeting of Hazel and Rowan. Rowan is
a liar and a fantasist; she lives vicariously through the internet and flirts with dangerous
conspiracies. But when she meets Hazel who, conversely, is grounded, worldly and honest, she is
forced to confront the fragility of life and what it means to be human – can Rowan revaluate
how she lives her own life?

Determined to write roles for older women that avoided the classic tropes of mothers,
grandmothers and wives, Tree explores humanity in the post–truth era outside the gendered
lens. Directed by Rachel Glover, this series of cosy and uncomfortable conversations is
underscored by classic songs that deal with counterbalance like Joni Mitchel’s Both Sides Now
and Ethel Merman’s Everything is Coming Up Roses.

Gary Kitching comments, Tree started as a simple request from two fantastic actors from the
Northeast during the 2020 lockdowns. Sick of being asked to play mothers and grandmothers,
they asked Steve and I, having seen our previous collaboration Bacon Knees and Sausage Fingers,
if we would write for them. We quickly decided that we would. We hope that the piece brings to
life the complexity and nuances of our performers and well as of honesty, morality, and ‘being’ in
general.

The Worriers is a growing collective of artists brought together by Gary Kitching, Steve Byron &
Ali Pritchard. Previous award–winning shows include Bacon Knees and Sausage Fingers, Wilfred,
Walter, Floorboards, Sucking Eggs and Rocket Girl.

Tree:  Dates Tuesday 25th January – Saturday 12th February
Captioned Performance: Wednesday 2nd February
Audio Described Performance: Wednesday 9th February
Relaxed Performance: all Saturday Matinees

Location Alphabetti Theatre, St James’ Blvd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HP

Box Office Booking essential. Tickets are Pay What You Feel and are available from
https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/tree

Facebook @AlphabettiTheatre
Instagram @alphabetti_theatre
Twitter @alphabetti

Running time 60 minutes   Notes 12+, discussion of mental health and sexual references.

Writers Gary Kitching and Steve Byron
Director Rachel Glover
Stage Manager Andrea Scrimshaw
Producers Esther Fearn
Matt Jamie
Ali Pritchard

Cast Judi Earl
Jacqueline Phillips