Tag Archives: gift ideas

Great Gift Ideas

Posted on by

I always find it hard to find the perfect gift for people, but this selection is both functional, well-designed and fun. Anything that enhances life while also being cool is a must-have.

Connex, £29.99 from KraftedTech

A green multi tool with a usb cableDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

This is so handy. You will quickly not be able to live without it. The Connex Cable Adaptor Hub is the perfect solution for the frustration of carrying multiple tangled and damaged charging cables. In today’s gadget-hungry world, many of us own an endless list of tech products, from smartphones and smartwatches to iPads and cameras. While the industry is shifting toward universal connectors like USB-C, most consumers still rely on a variety of connections. The Connex hub offers a compact solution with standard charging, PD charging, and data transfer capabilities all in one device making it easier to keep devices connected and charged without the mess of tangled cables. No more missing connections or damaged wires!

b.box snackbox, £9.99 from Amazon

A lunch box with food in itDescription automatically generated

This is such a clever snack box. The lid is flexible so you can put an apple in there. Perfect for the handbag, car, or office desk, the b.box snackbox is a secret weapon for tackling hunger on the move. With two sealed compartments, it’s ideal for keeping snacks fresh think crunchy nuts, fresh fruit, or a little treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. The easy-to-open, leak-proof design means no spills, just hassle-free snacking.

Warmies® Marshmallow Pink Slippers, £14.99 from Warmies®

A person sitting in a chair tying her shoesDescription automatically generated

These are cute and cosy. They smell great and you can warm them up in a microwave. Have some much-needed relaxation with the Warmies® Marshmallow Pink Slippers. These soft slippers are filled with natural grains and lavender, offering soothing warmth when heated in the microwave. Perfect for keeping feet cosy and relaxed after a long day.

b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle, £32.99 from Amazon

A group of colorful water bottlesDescription automatically generated

This is a great water bottle that was promptly stolen by my toddler. It is very cool and holds a lot. We are always on the go, and staying hydrated often takes a backseat. The b.box 1L insulated flip top bottle is the perfect solution. With double-walled, stainless steel insulation, it keeps drinks cold for up to 46 hours yes, really! The easy flip-top lid and carry handle make it a breeze to take anywhere, whether it’s the school run, gym, or a rare moment of relaxation. Plus, the wide opening means you can throw in ice cubes for an extra chill factor. Stylish and practical.

Please note that this site uses affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mirabeau Launch Belle Année Rosé in a Box 

Posted on by

2020 may not have been a Belle Année but we have some good news to share with our Rosé fans. Introducing a boxed wine that you can be sure to get some quality content from. Award winning Mirabeau, known for their ‘best rosé in a bottle for under £10’, have recently launched Belle Année bag-in-box wine and we cannot get enough of it! 

In a bid to create a more sustainable option for wine drinkers, they are forging the path to lowering your carbon footprint whilst indulging in their sublime Gold Medal, (Drinks Business Global Masters Rosé) wine. This beautiful pale pink wine is a dry yet aromatic rosé perfect and light enough to pair with food. If you think rosé is only for the Summer, well, this year we throw all the rules out of the window. If you love a decent rosé, you will love this! With a price point as attractive as the wine itself it’s actually much more cost effective to choose the bag-in-box option getting you more bang for your buck. 

As well as fitting onto the door of your fridge, this handy box holds three bottles of wine whilst lasting a whole four weeks after opened. Now if an increased life span for your wine isn’t what you’re after, I don’t know what is!! The fully recyclable cardboard box reduces space and waste with the pouches guaranteed to keep your wine fresher. This is the perfect aperitif whilst being the perfect size to share with your loved ones while we can over the festive period. What’s more, this would make the perfect gift for any wine lover in need of a little TLC this year. 

 Belle Année literally translates as ‘beautiful year’ and with 2020 not being so beautiful, we hope some wishful thinking from our friends at Mirabeau can help you to ring in the New Year with this beautiful wine. 

Belle Année bag-in-box is available to buy at Waitrose stores nationwide.

Waitrose.com and Waitrosecellar.com

RRP: £25.99

International Gin & Tonic Day with Boodles Gin 

Posted on by

Happy Monday – and Happy International Gin & Tonic Day!!! 

 

Just a reminder that things will get better and if you ever needed an excuse for a Gin & Tonic THIS IS IT.

Not only are we still celebrating London Cocktail Month – albeit in our homes, today is International Gin & Tonic Day and we are celebrating with our quintessentially British Boodles Gin. Our gin edition comes full of gin tips served directly from Mr Boodles the Boodles Gin Butler. So polish your best glassware and get ready for some proper G&T etiquette. 

Did you know…

Due to the Gin Craze of the 18th Century, there were 5 acts passed by parliament designed to control the consumption of Gin during this time.

Gin was drunk as a substitute to French Brandy at a time of conflict between England and France which is ironic because Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks in Southern France. 

Gin is actually a neutral based spirit gaining its unique flavour through distilling botanicals. The most important being Juniper which gives it it’s fresh pine flavour… It simply cannot be Gin without Juniper. Some of the other key ingredients include Coriander seeds, Citrus Peels and Cinnamon to name just a few. However, Boodles Gin contains No citrus because the original distillers naturally expected the drink to be served with a citrus twist! 

Glasses at the ready… 

We know everyone has their own special way of concocting their perfect G&T but Boodles have given us some pointers to best enjoy their Brilliant British Gin. We know it’s Gin&Tonic day but I must comment on how versatile Boodles Gin really is. We already know how much care has gone into making their unique gin and their thought out blend of botanicals is designed to stay subtle and not smack you round the face. Perfect for many a cocktail as well as a G&T straight up! Whats more, Boodles have three stunning gins to suit your mood. Boodles Original London Dry, Boodles Rhubarb and Strawberry and just in time for winter, Boodles Mulberry.

So with that in mind, Mr Boodles requests that you take pleasure in making your G&T and exercise as much labour and patience as is used to craft their Brilliant British Gin. Don’t rush because all good things come to those who wait. 

Mr Boodles suggests quality gin deserves quality tonic; Boodles recommends Fevertree as the most complementary.

Ice First, then gin, then tonic. 

Keep it icy… the Co2 of the tonic is harder to escape if you keep it chilled. 

Pour Slowly… the slower you pour your tonic the more balanced the flavour

Garnish well.

To give you an idea we’ve included some of Boodles signature serves below to whet your whistle

BOODLES ON ICE

Ingredients;

60ml Boodles Gin
120ml Premium Tonic Water
Shaved Ice
Grapefruit wedge

Method;

In a tumbler shave a handful of clear ice. 

Pour one part Boodles Gin and two parts tonic, then stir. 

Add grapefruit wedge to the glass and serve.

And of course…

BOODLES MULBERRY WINTER WARMER

Ingredients;

60ml Boodles Mulberry Gin
120ml Premium Tonic Water
2 large Ice Cubes 
Lemon wheel

Method;

Pour one part Boodles Mulberry Gin and two parts tonic into a highball glass over the ice.

Stir until the colours combine. 

Add lemon wheel and serve. 

(bakewell tart optional)

We hope you enjoyed our Boodles edition this week. This is a gin I would thoroughly recommend over and over again. 

To find out more please visit www.boodlesgin.com

The Top Alcohol Gifts This Christmas

Posted on by

wine advent calendar from laithwithe

Wine Advent Calender

Wine Advent Calendar: Case of 24 – £69.99

This wine advent calendar from Laithwaite’s Wine Christmas range is a brilliant idea. Have fun all December. There is a half bottle for every advent day. It has a great mix of wine. Perfect.

From www.laithwaiteswine.com

Tiki Lovers Pineapple Rum – Infused with Pineapple Extract – a new Rum experience

This is a fantastic rum, perfect for Christmas.

Our Tiki Lover’s Pineapple Rum from The Bitter Truth is a rum blend infused with an all-natural, pineapple extract from South America which is allowed to rest for several weeks.  This gives the flavours of sugar cane time to mingle elegantly with fruity layers of juicy pineapple, while maintaining the full and complex aromas of the rum blend. Made using a careful blend of aged and unaged Jamaican pot-still rum, 3-year-old Barbados rum, aged in former Bourbon Whiskey barrels and some young column-still rums from Trinidad and Guyana.

This new rum is bold, vibrant and taste-rich with both the rum and pineapple characteristics being given space to shine.

The Serve: Brilliant in all tropical drinks and tiki cocktails.

Available from masterofmalt.com, thewhiskeyexchange.com

Price £28.95

 

Brut Zéro from Bouvet Ladubay

We were very impressed with this wine and we are very fussy indeed. It is a delicious and fun bubbly. It’s a limited edition sparkling dry wine from Bouvet Ladubay and the first time it has been available in the UK. It’s currently available at Lay & Wheeler.

As the name suggests, this cuvée has no dosage, and so has not a drop of residual sugar. As a result, the wine expresses abundant freshness and minerality, supported by bright citrus and green fruit.

From www.laywheeler.com

Tomatin Scottish

Tomatin Scottish, whisky

Fantastic whisky. These are perfect stocking fillers.

El Bandarra Red
El Bandarra Red, wine, alcohol,

This is juts fantastic stuff and perfect for Christmas. Xarel·lo and Macabeo grapes are macerated with 50 herb extracts such as clove, cinnamon and bitter orange. After fortifying the wine, it is given a touch of caramel and balanced in Solera oak barrels for two months.

ABV: 15%

Serve: On the rocks with a slice of orange and an olive. This is ready to go or can be topped with soda/tonic.

Available from winebuyers.com, masterofmalt,com, thewhiskeyexchange.com, drinksupermarket.com

Price £21.95

Dark ‘n Stormy Ready-to-Go Cocktail Can – The Perfect Stocking Filler

Goslings Rum Dark ‘n Stormy ready-to-drink cocktail

Cocktails in a can usually taste artificial or just not nice. Not so this Dark ‘n Stormy. It tastes amazing. Just as good as the same cocktail made in a bar or at home.

When you need a convenient, highly refreshing drink that can quickly hit the spot, wherever the parties at, what better than our brand new Goslings Rum Dark ‘n Stormy ready-to-drink cocktail in a can that has just launched in Waitrose!

The iconic Dark ‘n Stormy is Bermuda’s national drink and a trademarked cocktail, which mandates the use of Goslings Black Seal Rum. The name is said to have originated when an old salt observed that the rum floating on top of the ginger beer was the “colour of a cloud only a fool or a dead man would sail under.”

A true taste of Bermuda – the Dark ‘n Stormy ready-to-drink can is made using Goslings Black Seal Rum and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer with no mixing and no ice required.

Price £2.20 for a can/ 3 for £5

Available at Waitrose.com

 

Gin Baubles – £35.00

The perfect gift for: The Christmas tree decorator
gin, gin baubles, christmas

We love these. They look great, are a fun idea and the gin is superb. A crowd pleaser and the perfect ornament for your Christmas tree. Pickering’s Gin Baubles, filled with Edinburgh’s Nine Botanical Gin, are a fun take on the classic decoration. If the temptation is too much, the best thing about these baubles is that they’re refillable, no-one will ever have to know!

From www.laithwaiteswine.com

Christmas Gifts for Wine Lovers

Posted on by

We have selected a few unique and innovative gifting options this Christmas for anyone who loves to receive wine. From subscription boxes to wine days out you can’t go wrong with our versatile selection.

Your Sommelier : French Wine Box

This subscription service offers you 3 stunning French wines each month. Ccarefully selected from independent vineyards, Your Sommelier will provide tasting cards and key info to help you learn all about your wines which will be presented in your own Your Sommelier folder, free with each subscription. The subscription options will be for 1 month, 3 month or 6 months ranging from £36-£60. There is no minimum contract and you can cancel anytime making it perfect for a one off gift or for something a little bit more special.

yoursommelier.co.uk

sipp

Designed for Millennials, this wine club comes with a difference. sipp is the World’s first Augmented Reality wine club which comes with it’s own app. You pick a box online and whichever wines you receive you can scan with your smartphone and receive your very own private tasting experience. sipp helps bring to life all the knowledge of the wine as well as offering up adequate food pairings. sipp was designed to get rid of all the snobbery associated with wine tasting and creating a fun and easy to learn guide on the wines you love. Through sipp you can either purchase a one off gift or their subscription. Join sippClub for just £29 per month and you will receive wines worth up to £45 with no minimum contract and free P&P making it the perfect gift for someone who loves wine already and wants to learn more about the World of wine. Other specialist gift boxes are available and for a limited time, they are running a special Christmas discount on all gifts. We tried it out and thought that this was by far one of the most comprehensive and easy to understand hacks into the World of Wine.

sippwine.co.uk

WWW.WineCellarDoor.co.uk

Offering you a comprehensive guide to all of the visitor friendly vineyards in the UK, this website has an array of experiences and tours for anyone who loves their wine. With a gift for absolutely anyone, winecellardoor.co.uk offers events and tastings at a number of wine estates, giving you a chance to curate your very own wine day out. Through their online shop you can purchase wines produced in the UK’s finest vineyards or you can even check the events page to see what wine related events are happening around the UK from free events to taking part in official wine courses. Our top picks are: Yoga in the Vineyard priced at £85 at Hambledon Vineyard, Christmas Wreath making course also at Hambledon Vineyard and Denbies Cellar Sparkling Wine tasting and Gallery Restaurant Dinner at the Denbies wine estate in Surrey.

www.WineCellarDoor.co.uk

Cheers!

Festive Cocktail Ideas : Amarula Edition

Posted on by
This week we welcomed in December and also snow in some parts of the UK so wherever you are, we wanted to offer you something super comforting, decadent and spicy to keep you warm from the inside out.
This week our cocktail has come from the delicious South African liqueur Amarula and has the inspiration of a hot toddy and a mulled wine all rolled into one quintessentially festive tipple.

Amarula Spiced Dram

Ingredients:
35ml Amarula Cream Liqueur

20ml Spice – infused whisky (clove, cinnamon, juniper, star anise & cardamom)
Method:
Stir ingredients in glass beaker with ice until chilled. Fine strain into a chilled champagne glass.

Amarula is available to purchase from multiple major retailers priced at £12.50 per 700ml Bottle

Last Minute Ideas to Celebrate Romance

Posted on by

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we thought you might appreciate our romantically themed idea’s list without the added Teddy Bears, chocolates or Champagne.

Novel Beauty-Clever Skincare and Cosmetics

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting the talented founder behind Novel Beauty. The idea behind Novel Beauty was to create skincare products for Men & Women which ‘reads you’. Nneka, the brains behind Novel Beauty explains she wanted to create a product which responded to each person individually and the way Novel Beauty have achieved this is by using active natural ingredients that respond to your body as an individual. In keeping with their brand message of letting their products read you, the luxurious, all-natural range are encased in a luxurious refillable book which are designed to fit in to anyones home proudly and elegantly.

With both gifts for Men and Women, Nneka herself recommends the romantically themed Poor Man’s Rose bath and body set;

Poor Man's Rose Bath & Body Set

This collection includes Stream of Consciousness, a raw sugar scrub which polishes and conditions the skin and Platonic Dialogue, a daylight cream with the vitamins of Aloe Vera, seaweed, sesame, apricot and the romantic geranium rose oil.

Novel Beauty is available through www.novelskincare.co.uk and through notonthehighstreet.com

The Bellavita Valentine’s Day Hamper

Because we all know the way to a loved one’s stomach is through food. Italian food heroes Bellavita are encouraging us to spend Valentine’s day the Italian way with a Valentine’s selection which is designed to bring a touch of Italian romance to your evening. Bellavita have designed their hamper with the idea of taking the stress out of creating a romantic meal for two. The ingredients, which are sourced from independent Italian producers are enough to prepare a three-course meal for two with a recipe card included. Ok so it wouldn’t really be a Valentine’s meal without the addition of bubble and chocolates but at £39 for the entire hamper, we think that we’ll skip the reservations and rustle up our own Italian feast courtesy of Bellavita.

Valentine's Hamper

The hampers can be purchased both online and in store:
Bellavita Shop, 11C Dock Street, London E1 8JN
www.bellavitashop.co.uk

Pamper yourself at Duck and Dry

If you’re planning on a night of romance, a night with your best friends or simply a night of beloved ‘me time’, Duck and Dry are here to make sure that whatever you do, you will leave feeling damn good. After successfully opening their first salon in Chelsea, Duck and Dry have opened their new flagship in London’s Oxford Circus and will be on hand to offer you a choice of 8 signature blow dries and 8 up-dos in their stylish and energetic salons. This unique and buzzy space is designed with YOU in mind and will not only leave you with luscious locks but also pampered and party prepped. Get your hair-styled in a styling pod, enjoy a drink at their Prosecco bar and for groups, you can even enjoy getting ready together at a group styling table. There is a fitted DJ station and the eclectic and vibrant decor all designed to make you feel good. So, whether you’re celebrating the day of romance or simply just celebrating being so fabulous, Duck and Dry are on hand with their superstar stylists…

349A9635

…for one day only, February 14th, make up brand Lin & Lo will be offering complimentary express make-up services with all blow dries at the new West End branch.

To learn more visit; Duck and Dry

And to book an appointment visit; https://www.duckanddry.com/booking

Spoil Dad with Steak this Father’s Day

Posted on by

Say it with Steak this Father’s Day with the luckiest of all gifts. This Sunday, Heliot Steak House inside the infamous Hippodrome Casino are hosting a mammoth treat for all Dad’s who love nothing more than a hearty Steak Supper. Treat Dad to A Giant Steak Supper which includes a free drink and you’ll be rewarded with a £50 Win Chip for Dad to have a little flutter. Select from a number of mouth-watering cuts of their USDA Prime Beef Steaks and not only will you be upgraded to a large Steak for free but you can also choose from a free pint of a glass of wine for Dad too.

image002

So Steak your bets and choose from London’s only Crap’s Table, Poker or a number of fantastic Casino games with your £50 Chip. Needless to say this is only one for the big kids as the Casino operates a strict over 21’s policy.

Heliot Steak House

Cranbourn Street
Leicester Square
WC2H 7JH

http://www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/