Tag Archives: christmas

Liberate Yourself this Christmas with Liberation Cocktails

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It is not possible for me to recommend Liberation Cocktails enough. I am not usually a fan of ready made cocktails because I think they taste artificial. Not so Liberation Cocktails. Whether from a bottle, can or keg, they taste delicious. I would definitely buy Liberation Cocktails for myself or a friend, but mostly for myself. Treat yourself this Christmas. Cheers! The Pornstar Martini is my favourite.

Celebrate Christmas in style this year with Liberation Cocktails’ curated collection of giftsets, pre-mixed bottled cocktails and party paraphernalia. Carefully crafted by Liberation Cocktails’ expert mixologists, all blended cocktails are made using the highest-grade spirits as well as the finest, fresh and quality ingredients. So, whether you’re in need of the perfect gift for friends and loved ones or looking to host the ultimate Christmas get-together, Liberation Cocktails has you covered this festive season.

The Liberation Cocktails Christmas collection is available now and can be ordered online at https://liberationcocktails.com 

Espresso Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker

£37.50 (NEW)

Free from additives and artificial ingredients, Liberation’s delicious, new and expertly blended Espresso Martini bottle is made with overproof craft distillery vodka, Rainforest Alliance single estate coffee, silky hazelnut liqueur, Madagascan vanilla, and cane sugar. The pre-mixed bottle is priced at £22.50 but is now also available in a premium giftset, complete with a cocktail shaker and classic martini glass for the perfect serve this Christmas at £37.50.

cocktails, cocktails in a can, pornstar martini

Pornstar Martini Gift Box, 75cl bottle with Premium Cocktail Shaker

£37.50 (NEW)

 

To tantalize the tastebuds, pop open a bottle of Pornstar Martini, made from the finest ingredients and ready to drink when you are. Carefully blended with overproof craft distillery vodka, Brazilian lime juice, Madagascan bourbon vanilla, Ecuadorian passionfruit and sugar cane, this showstopper is bound to impress at any Christmas gathering. Priced at £22.50 for a 75cl bottle or £37.50 within a striking giftset alongside an accompanying cocktail shaker and martini glass – the new launch is the perfect present for cocktail lovers!

 cocktails, cocktails in a can,

Liberation Cocktails 4 Can Gift Pack 

£20.00

 

For letterbox gifting and to make a friend or colleague feel extra special this Christmas, the Gift Pack contains four iconic and delicious mixologist grade pre-mixed cocktail cans (200ml) including 1 x Espresso Martini, 1x Pornstar Martini, 1 x Pisco Sour and 1 x Gin Garden to accompany any celebration. Whether you’re gifting from afar or on the hunt for the ultimate stocking filler, the Gift Pack is designed to be compact, portable and can be personalised with a bespoke gift message at checkout.

Liberation Cocktails Party Kegs, 5L keg

£99

 

Make this Christmas one to remember with these impressive 5 litre party kegs. Whether hosting a Christmas party at home or for those looking to spoil someone special with a unique gift, the kegs promise a celebration like no other.  Available in four flavours including Espresso Martini, Pornstar Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri and Gin Garden, each containing 33 mixologist grade cocktails and filled with festive cheer, the pre-mixed joy is any cocktail fan’s dream.

 Cocktail Cruiser

Prices start from £120 for half an hour and 16 cocktails

 

The Cocktail Cruiser from Liberation Cocktails brings the party straight to your doorstep and no gathering is too big or small for this four-wheeled mixology cruising machine. Serving up delicious mixologist grade cocktails including Aperol spritzes, mojitos and martinis, the Cocktail Cruiser also offers a resident bartender, glassware and garnishes! Whether you’re planning an alfresco get-together, Christmas party or a corporate event, guests will enjoy free flowing cocktails on tap, on the go and without any hassle. So why not mix it up this Christmas with the ultimate Insta-worthy celebration?

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

https://liberationcocktails.com | @liberationcocktails

Frost Loves Toolally Handmade Statement Jewellery Made in The UK.

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I love finding a new brand to fall in love with. So be still my beating heart: Toolally make the most gorgeous statement jewellery. They are perfect for Christmas and beyond. To make things even better they are handmade in the UK. Love and love. Treat yourself or a loved one now. There is a reason the brand is featured on Strictly Come Dancing so much: they add glamour in abundance to any outfit.

Catherine Balavage, Toolally, jewellery, statement, earrings, arrowheads, Maisie Smith ,Arrowheads

Maisie Smith looked sensational on Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special wearing the Arrowheads in black and gold glitter.  toolally

The earrings are available here.

REVIEW: Pinocchio, Chichester Festival Theatre

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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

 

 

 

 

 

 

That any live theatre has gone ahead this December is a Christmas miracle in itself. In Chichester’s annual Youth Theatre production, however, there is a double dose of wonder; against all the virus-related odds the show has not only gone on, but it’s an absolute belter.

Usually boasting a cast of almost one-hundred, in order to manage social distancing this year’s CFYT offering is presented by two smaller teams of twenty-three, with Team Fox and Team Cat splitting the performances. (On Press Night Team Fox were performing, but I am reliably informed that Team Cat are every bit as accomplished.) Directing a full-scale production to meet the pandemic’s stringent safety measures, on and off the stage, is an extraordinary feat of choreography, and one that all those involved in achieving must be congratulated.

Hope, redemption and realising that our differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses are themes that run through this abridged version of Carlo Collodi’s original tale, which has been superbly adapted by Anna Ledwich. Managing to be gloriously heart-warming without straying into sentimentality, Director Dale Rooks has infused Pinocchio with emotions and moments that truly resonate. One such instance is when Pinocchio and Geppetto ‘hug’. Standing apart, they wrap their arms around their own bodies, bringing a lump to the throat and an ache to the heart – oh to hug again!

On stage there’s not a single below par performance. Archie Elliot (Lewis Renninson) in the title role plays the headstrong little puppet with absolute conviction. Pinocchio may be made from wood but he has guts, heart and spirit, ensuring that we are rooting for him all the way. Alfie Ayling (Jack Campbell) as Geppetto is warm and wistful, playing the lonely carpenter with a maturity beyond his years.

There is excellent work too from Meg Bewley (Molly Berry) as the Fairy and Annalise Bradbury (Olivia Dickens) as Cricket, her exasperated sidekick. Marvellous cameo gems include Alex Webb (Noah Peirson) as a chatty French poodle – très magnifique!

The ensemble work is extraordinary. Matching talent with energy,  it is ultimately in the production’s togetherness that its success lies. A masterclass in how a completely cohesive company can create something magical, the story flows perfectly, the singing and dancing are stunning and the set, simple but oh-so clever, is breath taking.

The overall effect is wonderfully uplifting. Moreover, there is a sense of the fantastic; a promise of enchantment. And it delivers. With Christmas bells on.

Vicky Edwards

Books For Christmas.

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Endless Skies from Jane Cable is such a brilliant novel. I have read every single one of Jane’s books and she never disappoints.

The perfect Christmas novel from veteran saga writer Annie Clarke. Annie is in the top league of historical fiction writers. My Therapist Says

A brilliant and humorous book. Gray's Anatomy Puzzle Book

A great puzzle book for medical professionals and the rest of us. Will spark both fun and debate. I can't draw.

A brilliant book that I will be using to improve my drawing. Really good and it works. doodled cats

This is a great gift for cat people. Lots of fun.
literary places

Perfect for the literary person in your life. Which would be me, except I already have a copy. Beautifully illustrated and full of wanderlust.
baby book

Perfect for anyone expecting a baby. This follows baby for the first three years of life. It is full of prompts and ideas that you would never think of otherwise. A truly wonderful gift.
How zoologists categorise thingsThis book is a great idea. Perfect for geeks (like me) and nature lovers. You couldn't make it up, Telegraph. Humorous and fun. There is a fair amount of wit in this superb book. how to draw everything Perfect for budding artists. This book has fantastic illustrations and gives excellent step-by-step instruction on how to draw (almost) everything. Highly recommended.

Jo Pratt, the flexible family cookbook

I am obsessed with the Flexible Family Cookbook from Jo Pratt. It has so many delicious recipes (75 to be exact), along with 200 variations for allergies, intolerances and dietary choices. My copy already has a few dog-eared pages. Just brilliant.

Books are available from waterstones.com, amazon.co.uk, https://dauntbooks.co.uk and independent book stores.

Brave seven-year-old girl who survived meningitis features in calming Christmas storybook for children

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cove the Christmas dinosaur A courageous little girl who fought back after losing all her limbs to meningitis is to feature in a children’s storybook designed to provide comfort this Christmas.

Seven-year-old Harmonie-Rose Allen, of Bath, contracted meningococcal septicaemia as a baby and was given only a 10% chance of survival.

Her arms and legs were amputated, but she survived and now, thanks to prosthetic legs, she loves jumping and skipping and even completed a half-marathon in her home city when she was just five.

An ambassador for the charity Meningitis Now, Harmonie-Rose will feature in the children’s illustrated storybook ‘Covi, the little Christmas dinosaur!’ written by author Susie Cullen and illustrated by Chay Winter.

Harmonie-Rose meets Covi, who is a little green dinosaur sent by Santa to save Christmas. The book is the third tale in the series ‘The adventures of Covi, the little green dinosaur’.

‘Covi, the little Christmas dinosaur’ launched for pre-sales on November 24th.

Susie’s first two books – ‘Covi, the little green dinosaur’ and ‘Covi, the little seaside dinosaur!’ – proved hugely successful.

In the new book, Covi becomes a hero when he stands in for Santa to deliver presents to children during a Christmas lockdown.

When Covi visits Harmonie-Rose, the little girl is wide awake. He pops her on his knee to tell her a magical story of kindness and hope for the world.

Susie said: “Covi is a helpful little dinosaur who came to help the children when the world was stuck by Covid-19.

“As a T-Rex, Covi, like Harmonie-Rose, has limb differences that do not stop him doing anything he wants! As a strong supporter of inclusivity for all, I am thrilled that Harmonie-Rose’s parents agreed I could feature her in the Christmas tale.

“Her own story is such an inspiration, and I hope that other children (and adults) with limb differences will be as pleased as I am to see that dinosaurs and Santa do not discriminate!”

The latest book was commissioned by Singapore-based publisher British Theatre Playhouse in association with Worldwide Entertainment.

Cecilia Leong-Faulkner, chief executive of British Theatre Playhouse, said: “Covi the little green dinosaur is a fantastic character and it’s amazing that we can feature Harmonie-Rose in the story too.

“This year has been very difficult for children with the Covid-19 pandemic, schools being closed and families in lockdown but this story is uplifting and inspirational and can really show children that we can come through this if we are all brave and determined.

“We hope parents, teachers, and, of course, little readers will love Covi’s Christmas adventure as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it with Susie.”

For every book sold, 50 pence will be donated to Harmonie-Rose’s charity of choice.

The paperback is available on Amazon.

3 Books For The Activist In Your Life.

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How to be an anti racist ally, black lives matter,

Anti Racist Ally by Sophie Williams.

This is a timely and relevant book. It is not enough to not be racist, you need to be an anti-racist. This book shows you how. It is written in such a way that is easy to implement and never overwhelming. It can be hard to know how to help in life and contribute to racial equality, this book is an essential guide. The Princess and the prick, feminism, activism,

The Princess and the Prick. Fairy Tales for Feminists.

My daughter is only three but I will be keeping this book for her. Scathing, witty and so funny. This is an epic take down of childhood classics. Familar fables are turned on their head as the beloved heroines have their say. A fun eye-opener.

jane Fonda, What Can I do? climate change

What Can I Do? By Jane Fonda.

A deep dive into climate change and environmental issues and what you can do about it from the activists’s activist Jane Fonda. 100% of the net proceeds of this book go to Greenpeace. It is easy to feel powerless when it comes to climate change, but this book tells you the truth and hands the power to you. Just brilliant.

Books are available from waterstones.com, amazon.co.uk, www.dauntbooks.co.uk and independent book stores.

Festive Cocktail Guide Vol. 4 ft Isle of Harris Gin

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Courtesy of Isle of Harris Distillery, we’ve been treated to a very festive recipe created by Tom Jolly of The American Bar, Gleneagles Hotel. 

The Adru Martini has been made specifically to compliment the coastal flavours of the Isle of Harris Gin. Infused with sugar kelp this unique and aromatic gin, has been married with orange bitters and vanilla pods to create something truly Christmassy. 

The Adru Martini;

Ingredients;

50ml Isle of Harris Gin

25ml Lillet Blanc

1.5ml Sugar Syrup

2 dashes of Orange Bitters

1 dash of Vanilla Saline

Lemon Peel 

Method;

Make the Vanilla Saline – 40g of Sea Salt to 100ml of water and 3 split Vanilla pods then leave to infuse for 24 hrs. 

Add all ingredients, except for the lemon, to a chilled mixing glass.

Add a large block of ice and stir until liquid is chilled and suitably diluted. 

Strain into a coupe glass 

Squeeze oils from Lemon over the drink and rub the stem with remaining peel

Drop peel into drink as a garnish. 

Isle of Harris Distillers have also created bespoke gift packages for Christmas. Each handmade Martini Glass is unique, having been blown, shaped and polished in traditional fashion. Complete with ‘The Martini Project’ and distillery marques alongside exclusive Martini recipes to enjoy, the gift set also comes with a special Aromatic Water distilled from Sugar Kelp, picked sustainably by the distillery’s seaweed harvester.

The Harris Martini + Gift Set: £92 at harrisdistillery.com.

Shop all Isle of Harris Distillery products at harrisdistillery.com

The Last Minute Christmas Gift List

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nana hot and not duvet

We cannot recommend the Nanu Hot and Not Duvet enough. You can customise it so one side is hot and the other hot. You can do with this various degrees. I cannot believe no one thought of it before. Martial harmony for Christmas? Yes please.

Available here.

hey grandude. paul mccartney's

This children’s book from Paul McCartney, and illustrated by Kathryn Durst, is lots of fun and visually stunning. My children loved the story and I have now read it to them more times than I can count. Highly recommended.

Available here.

luvabella newborn doll

This Luvabella Newborn is a wonderful toy for boys and girls. It is great for imaginative play and teaching children how to care for babies. It is well made and comes with great accessories.

Available here.

moft laptop stand

This Moft Laptop stand is a great, and stunning, design. It is easy to use, has adjustable height and attaches and detaches with ease. It is small enough to fit into a stocking making it a perfect Christmas gift.

Available here.

beats solo pro ivory

Beats Solo Pro. Sigh. I love beats. You have not heard a song properly until you have heard it through a pair of Beats. They are the headphones of music lovers. These ones in particular have brilliant noise cancelling and they are wireless. This along with 22 hours battery life? Love.

Available here.

Are you watching book

Vincent Ralph has written a stunner. A lot of crime thrillers just have women being brutalised and murdered in them. This book is different. Yes, there are murdered women, most notably the murder of the main character’s mother. But this is a feminist crime thriller. It is a modern tale and a riveting read. I could not put these down. My favourite crime book this year.

Available here.

The bear in the fifth floor flat book

Written by John Foley and Illustrated by Alice Hawthorn, this is a brilliant book and on top of that, all proceeds go to Mencap, the UK’s leading charity for people with a learning disability. A must buy for two reasons.

Available here.

perky pear tit tape, lift and shape tape.

Perky Pear is the original life and shape tape. It is perfect for Christmas parties and beyond. Sweat proof and waterproof, it is made of cotton. It is easy to use when you get the hang of it.

Available here.