Dads Get Short Changed

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SBRP2080UV_BreakingBadS5_UK_BD_STD2_ST_2DDads are being short changed when it comes to gifts, new sales figures from retailer Debenhams reveal.

Kids are spending on average £4 less on Father’s day gifts than they were last year, in 2012 the average spend for gifts was £16 and this has now dropped to a measly £12.

However, whilst Dads are still getting a rough deal, the retailer has seen a 7% increase in people buying Father’s day gifts compared to last year but are just being more thrifty.

 

Mums are still coming out on top; with the average spend for a Mother’s Day gift this year coming in at a generous £21.

 

Says Disa Blackburn, Head of Gift Buying at Debenhams; “It seems poor Dads are getting a raw deal when it comes to Father’s Day gifts and the gap in spending is only get bigger.”

 

“After years of Dad duties, such as being a living, breathing cash point and a 24 hour taxi service it’s time we make an effort at making our fathers feel special.”

 

“Dads are notoriously hard to buy for and our research shows that this is often the reason why they are forgotten – Mum’s on the other hand have a much more diverse range of gift options.”

 

Debenhams personal shoppers are offering complimentary Father’s day gift consultations and aim to give customers a helping hand when it comes to choosing the perfect present for their Dads.

 

It seems sons are the biggest culprit for not showing appreciation for their Dads, the survey revealed that men were much more likely to buy a Mother’s day present than they were to buy a Father’s day present, with 27% saying they bought a father’s day present vs. 53% for a Mother’s Day gift.

 

Women seem to be fairer when treating their parents, 56% buy Father’s Day gifts and 61% of women will buy a Mother’s Day present.

 

Topping the list of Father’s day gifts this year are:

 

1. Socks.

2. Slippers.

3. Pyjamas.

4. Aftershave.

5. Leather goods; wallets, belts etc.

 

Debenhams has also seen geographical trends in Father’s Day gift spending. People in the North of England are three times more likely to buy a Father’s Day gift than the south, and the average gift spend is much higher at £19. Hull has come out on top as having the biggest spenders.

 

Disa Blackburn continues; “We are predicting we’ll see a splurge of generous Father’s day shoppers this weekend, all Dad’s deserve a treat after all.”

 

Debenhams men’s gifting is available in all stores nationwide and online at Debenhams.com.

Dads deserve a rest this Fathers Day as survey shows they spend over 50 hours a week helping out at home

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– Dads spend 53.5 hours a week helping households run smoothly

– Value of a Dad’s domestic contribution is £24,000 per year

– Fathers in the West Midlands and Scotland do the most washing up at 3.5 hours a week.

Who said men don’t help out around the house?  Apparently dads spend seven and a half hours a day helping households run smoothly according to a study from Legal & General Life Insurance, This equals an impressive 53.5 hours a week.

The total includes time spent cooking, cleaning and looking after children. If families had to pay for this work by employing cleaners or child minders they would have to find an extra £23,971 a year showing Dads are helping cut down on household bills. The figure is up 13% from when the survey was last carried out in 2011, when a father’s help was worth £21,306.  As a contrast the survey also showed the day to day cost of raising a child has risen to £8,580 per year since 2011, meaning parents now spend £154,440 on each child by the age of 18.

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Dads who live in the North East are the most valuable to their households contributing £33,925 a year in domestic duties. Dads in the South West spend the least amount of time with their children at 18.5 hours a week.  Fathers in the West Midlands and Scotland top the tables for washing up spending 3.5 hours a week doing the dishes.  Dads across the UK do between 5-7 hours of cooking each week.

Despite the heavy costs of bringing up a child the research showed that many parents do not have adequate protection in place should they or their partner become ill or die.  Only 31% of parents have a will putting their children at risk of financial insecurity should the worst happen.  Similarly only 29% of parents have critical illness cover in place and a mere 14% have income protection.

 

Glenfiddich, The Most Awarded Single Malt Whisky, is the Perfect Gift for Father’s Day

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glenfiddichStill stuck for father’s day? Celebrate Father’s Day by giving him a bottle of exquisitely smooth Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. For over 125 years, Glenfiddich has distilled whisky deep in the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands, with uncompromising quality making it the perfect gift for any whisky drinker.

With a variety of expressions, Glenfiddich have a bottle for every type of father, so with his personality and style in mind it is easy to find the right expression for him:

The signature expression from the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch whisky,* the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is an exceptional whisky. Carefully matured in the finest American bourbon and Spanish sherry oak casks for at least 12 years, before being married and mellowed in oak marrying tuns for complete harmony of aroma and flavour. This whisky is perfect for traditional fathers who take their whisky with a little water, and will relish the signature Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with its distinctive fresh pear, creamy with subtle oak flavours and a long smooth and mellow finish

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, ABV 40%, 70CL, RRP £34.59 from Tesco.

Fathers who love adventure take their whisky on ice, and enjoy the bold taste of Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
and its intriguing aromas and flavours. Tradition and innovation collide to give this whisky great depth
and consistency with notes of sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits.

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, ABV 40%, 70CL, RRP £38.59

 

Wise fathers savour their whisky neat and appreciate the distinguished finish of Glenfiddich 18 Year Old.>

This intriguingly fruity and robust oak expression has a remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit,

baked apple and robust oak and taste of luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates.

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky RRP £50.59
The Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky mini set – which includes the 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old and 18 Year
Old single malts – provides the perfect introduction to whisky for new fathers celebrating their first Father’s Day.

Glenfiddich Miniature Single Malt Whisky Gift Set, ABV 40%, 3 x 5CL, RRP £14.99 from Waitrose. 

and two daughters, they created the first batch of what has become the world’s most awarded single malt

Scotch whisky: Glenfiddich. William’s passion, determination and pioneering spirit continues to guide the

family and Glenfiddich is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family owned and is now

the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt* Scotch Whisky, a true reflection of our founder’s integrity and innovative spirit, passed down through the generations. Now 125 years on, Glenfiddich the next generation

crafting a wide range to suit all palates and pockets.

With Father’s Day on the horizon, giving the gift of Glenfiddich is a great way to honour the values held by the Grant family.

This year the premium and most prestigious Scotch whisky brand in the UK will continue to honour William
Grants pioneering spirit by supporting Team Glenfiddich UK in the Walking With The Wounded South Pole
Allied Challenge which will see teams of wounded servicemen and women from the UK, US and the
Commonwealth race to the South Pole under the patronage of Prince Harry.
*The Glenfiddich range has received more awards since 2000 than any other single malt Scotch whisky in
two of the world’s most prestigious competitions, the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the
International Spirits Challenge

Man of Steel {Film Review}

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*WARNING – MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!*

 

This week is Warner Bros./DC Comics turn to bring up the heat for summer blockbuster season. It has been seven years since we had Superman on our screens with Superman Returns and the results were incredibly underwhelming (considering we had Batman Begins the year before, which was a critical and financial success). So a reboot was green-lit and Zack Snyder takes the helm to deliver Superman with watchful eyes from Christopher Nolan (serving as co-writer and producer). The end result is not as soaring as one would hope but flies rather valiantly.

 

Superman’s origin story remains the same; Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is one of the last remaining beings from the planet Krypton. Both his parents, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and Lara Lor-Van (Ayelet Zurer), sent him off on a spacecraft as the planet was becoming unstable and would soon lead to its imminent destruction. His spacecraft crash lands in Smallville, Kansas and is raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Coster and Diane Lane). Though the interesting aspect that writers David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan decided to focus on this Superman movie is asking; how would we react to a super-being? Would we welcome it with open arms or would we feel threatened? It’s certainly interesting to the fact none of the previous

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movie iterations even remotely decided to focus on that aspect. Although the story can feel a bit too cold for a Superman film and comes to no surprise it mostly has Chris Nolan’s stamp all over it. It was understandable for his Dark Knight trilogy to contain such a grim tone and featuring such dark themes. Superman really is a Moses story through and through but really delves into his alien heritage. There are amusing one-liners here and there but the cinematography all felt bleak with shades of blue and grey (with exception of scenes in Krypton).

 

Henry Cavill dons the suit really well, and he also brings the character quite a bit of charm but also some weight to the character. He brings such emotions as isolation and frustration, trying to blend in but there’s always a reminder that he will never be one of them. Although one scene that I felt was too forced on the religious symbolism is when he confesses to a priest in a church (whilst sitting in-front of a window with Jesus on it, subtle movie!) and he tells Kal-El to take a leap of faith. Amy Adams makes Lois Lane an active character this time round, rather than just solely being the damsel-in-distress that has Superman saving often. The chemistry between Superman and Lois is a bit weak but hopefully will expand in future sequels. Both Kevin Costner and Diane Lane play their characters really well, though there’s not much to work on as Jonathan is along with the many motivational parent/guardians to our heroes (Aunt May in Spider-Man and Alfred in Batman). Though the spot-light is Michael Shannon as General Zod, a great character actor but he completely chews the scenery and yet makes him quite intimidating which brings the fun to this film. You really believe this is a man motivated and dedicated to his genetic upbringing as a military leader.

 

As expected from Zack Snyder, he really delivers the spectacle and makes you believe a man can fly again! You feel the ferocity when Superman is flying for the first time, the sense of wonder from Superman’s reaction on roaring through the clouds. We finally get to see super-beings beat the living daylights out of each other. The scale and action sequences is spectacular, raising the bar to the extreme on what Superman has to handle. Zod’s soldiers really do put up a fight and you feel every blow they make is a devastating one! Though it does concern me that Zack Snyder causes this much destruction more on looking cool than taking into consideration the death toll would be extremely high (not to mention the amount of damage and lasting impact would leave upon Metropolis’s citizens). I was genuinely enthralled by WETA Digital’s creation of Krypton, clearly the filmmakers made sure they distanced themselves from Richard Donner’s Krypton. You feel that everything had a purpose and the planet felt alive with its inhabitants (I especially liked the silver projections when Lara is giving birth and Jor-El is giving Kal-El a history lesson about Krypton). Hans Zimmer’s score really captures the awe and wonder of Superman but also the menacing threat from the villains. There’s a lot to live up to than being under the shadow of John Williams’ iconic theme tune but Zimmer completely makes it his own.

 

Overall; a great stab on the Superman icon and really succeeds to make its own than trying to be a copy with what has been already established. Henry Cavill and Amy Adams play their respective characters faithfully and supported by a terrific cast. I really am looking forward to seeing more of this Superman series.

 

4 out 5

Should You Get Married In Your Twenties?

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In the past few decades relationships have changed. While my parents generation tended to get married young and have kids. These days people are told to focus on their career and live their life first. My mother was married with three kids by the time she was twenty-three. I was acutely aware of this from the moment I got past twenty-three. Not because I thought I should be in the same situation, just because finding The One and possibly having children with them is a big part of life. In the 1980s women got married at twenty-six. Now the average is thirty-three.

I was twenty when I first moved to London. I knew no one, had no job to go to, no place to live and no family anywhere near the city. It was a brave move that has paid off. But the entire time there was something missing: someone to share my life with. I had a series of first dates with unsuitable men, and the occasional second. I managed to fit in one unsuitable non-serious boyfriend before meeting my fiancé. Fiancé? Yes, you read that right. I am getting married in my twenties. My fiancé is also in his twenties and it was our third anniversary when he whisked me off to Paris and proposed. When we get married next year we will both be in our late twenties.

Too much too soon? No, I don’t think so. Who knows when you should get married. I am sure there will be people who say I am missing out on things but I don’t agree. Let’s run though them.

Sex: erm, I can do that with my fiancée. Sex with random men has never interested me.
Career: No one is more supportive of my career than my fiancée. He drives me and supports me. My career is better with him in my life, not worse.
Putting myself first: It is overrated. The day you realise the importance of putting other people first your life improves considerably. That being said; we don’t hold each other back. If you love each other you will always make it work. I am doing some travel writing next week, going to France on my own to write a piece on Toulouse.
Finding Myself: Already done. I know who I am and what I want. I am completely secure in myself
Social life: I still go out both with and without my fiancée. We have a great social life.
We both still have good friends outside of our relationship that we see as regularly as we can.

What else is there? To be honest I cannot think of anything bad about getting married in my twenties. The fact that I have found the love of my life also means I can tick off a major life event. I am secure, I am happy and I am in love. What could be better than that?

What do you think? When do you think is the right time to get married?

5 Must Have Hybrid Cars in 2013

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Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular, with over six million sold to date. But hybrid cars aren’t what they once were; they’re better. Check out the following must-have hybrid cars that come with latest advancements and the best technology.

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

Image via Flickr by mariordo59

Redesigned in 2013, the Ford Fusion Hybrid look great, and it gets 47 mpg in the city and the highway. The vehicle can reach up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone. What’s even better is that when the gas engine and electric motor work together, you can reach up to 188 horsepower. It also includes a regenerative braking system and a SmartGuage panel with an EcoGuide to help you get the most out of the hybrid technology. If you’re interested in getting one of the best hybrids out today, check out this spectacular vehicle at your local Ford dealer, like Hoffman Ford, today.

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Ranked number two in affordable midsized cars and hybrid cars by USNews, the Toyota Camry Hybrid features 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Drivers rave about the spacious, comfortable cabin and large cargo space. You can also choose to add advanced features including:

  • Rearview camera
  • Bluetooth
  • Blind spot monitoring system
  • Satellite radio
  • And more!

3. Toyota Prius

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Toyota Prius

 

Image via Flickr by Bob_Perry

The Toyota Prius is one of the most widely sold hybrid vehicles in the world. In fact, Time reports that the Prius made the top three best-selling cars in the first quarter of 2012, totaling nearly a quarter of a million sales in that period of time. The Prius family currently has four members:

  • The original Prius, with estimated 48 mpg highway.
  • The Prius C, ideal for city driving with an estimated 53 mpg highway.
  • The Prius V, offering the most space with 40 mpg highway.
  • The Prius Plug-in, featuring the latest technology and delivering a whopping 95 mpge in EV mode and 50 mpg in hybrid mode.

4. Ford C-Max Hybrid

CNet.com puts the Ford C-Max Hybrid at the top of the list of best hybrid cars and for good reason. This vehicle’s gas-engine powertrain delivers 47 mpg, but go with the plug-in model and get up to 108 mpge in the city. It features electric power-assisted steering to help you drive in a smooth manner, and the car comes with the customizable SmartGuage panel with EcoGuide to give you real-time tips on how to improve your fuel efficiency. Plus, with safety features such as the personal safety system or the MyKey system, you can ensure safety while driving.

5. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

 

Image via Flickr by lotprocars

Not only will you get mpg in the mid-40s with this vehicle, but the Volkswagen Jetta delivers excellent stereo sound quality for the music-lover and up to 170 horsepower with a quiet engine. It features regenerative braking technology, which transfers energy back to the battery every time you apply the brakes. What’s more, it also includes the following incredible features:

  • 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space
  • Keyless access and push-button start
  • Heated seats
  • Touchscreen navigation
  • A 6-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission
  • A 2.5 liter engine

No matter if you’re interested in a more eco-friendly vehicle or you just want to save money on gas, consider purchasing one of these cars when shopping around for the perfect vehicle.

Errol Douglas MBE Launches Own Electrical Hair Tool Range

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erroldouglas Legendary hairstylist partners with Corioliss on the first built in Keratin capsule system on high street. Not content with just giving you an exclusive interview with Errol Douglas, we also have the latest news about his new electrical hair tool range.

Errol Douglas MBE, one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, is to launch his own range of electrical styling tools in partnership with professionals’ choice Corioliss, including the first Keratin capsule system built into a hair styler available on the high street. Douglas, recently appointed President of The Fellowship For British Hairdressing with 30 years in the industry, has developed the tools with a focus on the maintenance of overall hair condition and achieving a luxury finish at home in between salon visits. These revolutionary styling tools are suitable to use with all hair types from fine European hair right through to Afro hair. Douglas led the design team that created the look of the tools, determined to create a feel that appealed to both men and women,given the increasing trend of men using styling tools at home. Of the designprocess, Douglas said: “I’m delighted with the look of the products. As with all good designs, the basis is simplicity and the matt black finish makes the products look slick and stylish, but also means they will last and lookgood over time. My clients want products to look beautiful but not at the expense of value and quality”

The revolutionary Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER combines the benefits of infrared light, anti static and Ionic technology to deliver speed, shine and a frizz-free finish. Infrared light is known to penetrate the hair for more accelerated drying, aid blood circulation and reduce hair loss, whilst Ionic technology allows moisture to penetrate and rehydrate the hair. The anti-static technology finishes the combination by delivering a frizz-free finish on super smooth hair. “We’re all short on time, but it’s important that this doesn’t make the hair condition vulnerable to harsh drying processes in the daily race to get out the door. I wanted a dryer that combined that reduction in drying time with a unique combination of protective technology for a healthy, sleek finish”

The Errol Douglas TREAT & STYLE hair styler features the first ever Keratin capsule system built into the actual iron to become available on the high street. It gives mega-shine with a steam infused treatment that moisturizes and protects hair simultaneously. The vapour infused treatment capsules penetrate deep into the cuticle aided by an integrated temperaturecontrol mechanism, leaving the hair shiner and healthier. “What I love is the look and feel of the hair after using Treat & Style; that luxuryfinish without compromising on the overall condition” said Douglas. It’s really simple to use, making sleek gorgeous hair in between salon visits a reality”
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The Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER and TREAT & STYLE and will be available in Boots Stores nationwide from July 29th 2013, priced at £59.99RRP and £109.00RRP (includes12 Keratin capsules) respectively. Additional TREAT& STYLE keratin capsules are priced at £19.99 for 12.

Errol Douglas first stepped into a salon aged 11, and is one of a few hairdressers to enjoy a global following and reputation from his flagship salon in London’s Belgravia. Open since 1998, the salon has an established flow of high profile clients and has proven to be a hot bed for new talent. Errol was voted “Hair Hero 2013” by Hair Magazine and is the current President of the British Fellowship for Hairdressing.

Cara Delevingne Gets On Stage With Rita Ora at The Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works Party

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Last night saw celebs turn out for the Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works party hosted by Cara Delevingne and saw performances by Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and a surprise appearance by Wretch 32. 
 
Cara Delevingne joined Rita Ora on stage during her performance and showed off some dance moves as well as her rapping skills as she rapped along to Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy’.
The party was sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and held at the Old Firestation on Lambeth High Street.
Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS