A Connected World: 4 Top Social Activities to Enjoy Online

social networking, coronavirus, social media, covid-19, staying in touch, staying connected.

Source: Pxfuel.com

Staying in touch is harder than ever. But in times like these, social interaction is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the digital world is well-prepared to keep you communicating and entertained. There is a range of platforms out there dedicated to bringing people together as much as providing great services. While many of them were already popular, their value to consumers is especially apparent now. 

Below are four examples of online activities that have gathered very happy audiences. What is just as impressive is the variety of social entertainment actually available. Whatever your hobbies and interests, you will find something to connect you with friends, family or complete strangers with common interests.
Video Chatting

Demand for telecommunication software that can handle several users at the same time has skyrocketed. Can you imagine the pressure put on brands like Skype and WhatsApp, their status and expertise tested as rivals surge to cover group chat needs? Many would say that Zoom is the most effective of the lot, as it supports everything from conference meetings to fitness classes. Its competitors are on the offence, though, helped by reports that Zoom is not doing so well in terms of the security and privacy it affords users. All these apps are sucking up the attention and striving to maintain, if not improve, users’ experience.
Dating

It is not just about meeting someone special. Several people go on dating apps to simply chat and connect with new faces in their area or even around the world. This friendly, straightforward attitude is what the Badoo Android audience enjoy, for example. A simple design that gives you the chance to filter straight to the kinds of people you want to talk to, with so many opportunities for stimulating conversation. It’s one of the many perks of digital connectivity that make socialising remotely more fun and comfortable.
Video Gaming

When you run out of things to talk about, what do you do? Play games! Social media and video chatting platforms have loads of entertainment for multiple players, whether casual or more intense. But there are bigger titles too that allow a far more exciting way to connect. A great example at the moment is Animal Crossing, Nintendo’s simulation series that is constantly adding new members. Why fight dragons when you can build a home in a virtual world populated by cute animals? It was perhaps the social elements of this game that have made it such a hit, paired with a wholesomeness many gamers appreciate.
TV and Movies

For more laidback fun at home, streaming services are gradually introducing group-watching features. As if Netflix was not popular enough, it now allows for access to a party mode. You simply start by picking a programme and then share the link with a bunch of friends so you can enjoy it together – perfect for a remote Star Wars marathon. Keep in mind, though, that Netflix Party only works on Google Chrome browsers. Apart from minor details like these, great evenings of laughs and popcorn are still very much on the table.
Your day can be as calm or epic as you want. Try out these highly-rated options or explore what other fun you can have with your friends online. You can at least be sure that your entertainment needs are covered. Whether you are in the mood for World of Warcraft or a coffee chat, the digital world is here to serve.

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Christmas Gift Inspiration from Buyagift

Christmas can be a minefield. It can be so hard to choose a good gift for someone, and there is so much to choose from. We came across the amazing site Buyagift.com. It has over five thousand things to choose from. We tried out the site and reviewed their Traditional Christmas Hamper.  

christmashamper

 

The hamper includes:

Just Sweets Jelly Beans 125g
Lily O Briens 12 Days of Chocolate Coated Caramels 185g Copperpot Christmas Spiced Butter Fudge 175g Yorkshire Tomato Basil & Mozzarella Crisps 100g
Dear Crete Eclectic Apple Cookies 200g
Maxwell & Franks Delicious Christmas Pudding with Cider 454g The Original Cake Company 4 Round All Over Iced Christmas Cake Thomas J Fudges Perfect Poppy & Sesame Biscuits 150g Olives Et Al Christmas Cinnamon & Vanilla Nuts 90g Buiteman Sundried Tomato Crumbles 75g
The Pickled Village The Indulgent One Strawberry Jam 227g Linden Lady Handmade Milk Chocolate Buttons with Sprinkles 115g

Farmhouse Biscuits Traditional Hand Baked Orange & Chocolate Chip Biscuits 125g
Grandma Wilds Delicious Cranberry Biscuits 150g Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Company Medium Roast Coffee 113g Baru Swirly Chocolate Powder & Figurines 250g
Prosecco DOC Spumante Cuvee Regal Zonin Italy NV 75cl 11%vol Grenache Blanc Languedoc La Loupe France 2014 75cl 12.5% vol Grenache Noir Rouge Languedoc La Loupe Franc 2014 75cl 12% vol Taylors Fine Ruby Port 37.5cl 20% vol
Robin Reed Chic Holly Classic Crackers x 6
Traditional lidded wicker basket

The hamper arrives quickly and in a beautiful burgundy box. Opening it up is a treat, the hamper itself is beautiful and lifting the lid reveals a wealth of treats. Alcohol, biscuits chocolate, nuts, cakes…just everything you need for a happy Christmas. Everything is of the highest quality and delicious. There are some crackers too for a bit of fun. This indulgent hamper is the perfect Christmas gift. It will get anyone in the mood instantly.

There are other ideas below. Check them out.

 

Treat your loved ones to an extra special gift this Christmas

Buyagift.com is the UK’s leading provider of gift experiences and activity days and with over 5,000 gifts to choose from on the website you are sure to find the perfect gift for your loved one.

If you are stuck for ideas and tired of getting the same presents every year, why not treat  your friends and family to something a little different this year with a personal experience they’ll never forget, something that is bound to create special memories for years to come. Whatever your budget, Buyagift.com has something for everyone.

It’s never too late to shop for Christmas gifts at Buyagift.com, even the very last minute of shoppers can order an e-voucher on Christmas day which will go straight into their inbox.

 

Gifts £300 and under

London Helicopter Night Flight for Two, £299

Buckle your belts and prepare for an exhilarating ride with this London Night Flight for two. Whether you want a bird’s-eye view of the capital at sunset or night, you’ll be able to choose your preference. You and your guest will experience the city like never before from an AS3555 Twin Squirrel Helicopter and fly over prestigious landmarks. Make sure to bring a camera as you journey across the London skyline which includes The Shard, St Pauls Cathedral and stunning Houses of Parliament. You’ll also receive a pre-flight briefing so you’ll be fully prepared!

Pure Indulgence Hamper, £250

From scrumptious champagne to sweet chocolate drops, crisp French wines to succulent Christmas pudding and fragrant olives, this luxurious indulgence basket is guaranteed to impress someone special this Christmas. A range of delicious big-brand flavours, prettily arranged in a useful basket – there’s no better gourmet gift!

The Champneys Gentlemen’s Spa Day for Two, £215

Treat the man in your life to a day of pampering, indulgence, fitness and delicious food at a Champneys resort – he will leave feeling polished and refreshed, like a true gentleman!

Both guests will be treated to a 25-minute relaxing massage and will have full use of the outstanding spa

facilities. Not only that, but the day includes a three-course lunch at the spa as well as a complimentary hand and foot care gift set to take home.

 

Gifts £200 and under

Introductory Tandem Skydive, £199

Whether you have already taken the plunge or thought you would never get the chance to, a tandem skydive is something everyone should experience! You don’t have to be a hard core adrenaline junkie to appreciate the thrill of flying towards the earth from 7000ft, taking in incredible views. You will fly at up to 120 miles per hour strapped safely to an experienced and qualified instructor who will take care of everything for you including deploying the parachute and landing you safely on solid ground.

60 Minute Extended Flying Lesson – UK Wide, Was £199, Now £ 189

 The perfect gift for any aviation enthusiast, this experience will include elements of theory and practical knowledge. On arrival at one of 23 locations across the country, you will be greeted by your friendly instructor, whose job it will be to guide you through the basics of flight, firstly with a safety briefing, and then with a familiarisation of the aircraft and cockpit. It will then be time for take-off as your instructor gives you a practical demonstration of what you have learned. Then it’s over to you to take the   controls for the very first time!

European City Break for Two Nights, Was £199, Now £169

Discover Europe with this fantastic two-night hotel break. Choose from a great selection of quality hotels dotted all across the continent. You can visit classic hubs of world-class culture and cuisine such as Paris, Barcelona or Rome. Alternatively, veer off the beaten track and explore the unique and fascinating culture of beautiful Hungary or Slovakia. With every kind of break on offer, from stays at stylish ski resorts to city centre shopping extravaganzas, you can tailor your European experience to suit you.

Luxury Overnight Escape with Dinner and Fizz Special Offer, Was £169, Now £139

 Treat yourselves to a well-deserved night of luxury and relaxation at a gorgeous Hotel Collection property with this fantastic flexible voucher. Set in some of the most beautiful locations across the UK including coastal retreats, country house escapes and buzzing 4-star city hotels, The Hotel Collection’s fabulous selection of venues are renowned for their stylish interiors, comfortable atmosphere and outstanding service. You will be treated to a delicious three-course dinner with a glass of sparkling wine each, as well as breakfast in the morning.

 

Gifts £100 and under

Taste of Christmas Basket, £100

 There’s something for every member of the family in this delicious Christmas hamper! All the tastes you associate with that happy family time of the year are here, from fizzing Prosecco to smooth wines to classic Christmas pudding and mince pies!

Date Night: His and Hers Styling with Michelin Dining and Prosecco in London, Was £145, Now £99

Treat your partner to this sweet date night in the heart of the bustling capital. Don’t worry about getting ready at home as this experience includes a pampering session at some of London’s highly-rated salons. For him, enjoy a cut throat shave complete with further treatments at the Ted Baker Ted’s Grooming Room in Central London and for her, a pamper session at the Blo Bar with a refreshing and stylish blow dry. Once you’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to hit the town, head over to the Michelin recommended Latium Restaurant where a table for two will be waiting for you and your loved one. Sip on Prosecco and satisfy those taste buds with a three-course meal from a delicious set menu including Italian cuisine.

Two Nights for the Price of One Hotel Break – UK Wide, Was £198, Now £99

This incredible offer means there is no excuse to put off that well-deserved break. Whatever the reason for your trip you can relax, unwind, and even enjoy an extra night with this offer.

What’s more, you will also receive a delicious breakfast each morning, so you will be set to make the most of the day. With a choice of over 80 top-quality properties located all over the UK – from quaint Cornish towns to the remote Scottish Highlands – there is something to suit every taste.

The Escape Pamper Package at Hilton for Two, Was £154, Now £99

 Relax and unwind with a friend or loved one at this fantastic spa and escape from all of your daily stresses. This relaxing retreat at Hilton will leave you both feeling pampered and invigorated. On your visit you will both receive a soothing back, neck and shoulder massage as well as a pick-me-up taster facial. Following your treatments, you’ll enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the featuring a spread of yummy sandwiches, scones and cake.

Radical Driving Blast at Silverstone, £99

Experience life in the fast lane with this driving blast experience at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone. Not only will you get to sit in the passenger seat of a Radical SR3 race car – a beast of a machine that outperforms any supercar – but you will also get to go behind the wheel and experience the electrifying g-force and adrenaline of zooming around the British Grand Prix circuit – just like Lewis Hamilton! Following this white-knuckle experience, you will even get the opportunity to purchase full HD in-car video footage of your ride.

2 for 1 Champneys Relax Spa Day Special Offer, Was £198, Now £99

 Whether it’s a partner, family member or valued friend you want to surprise and spend some quality time with, take a day out together to visit a Champneys spa resort near you.

You’ll enjoy full access all day to multi-award-winning spa facilities including but not limited to Jacuzzi, steam room, swimming pool, exercise classes and fitness centre, all set in wonderful grounds. You will also both be provided with complimentary soft robes, flip flops and towels to ensure you’re comfortable and you’ll even be treated to a three-course buffet-style lunch.

 

Gifts £90 and under

Two Supercar Driving Blast at Top UK Race Circuits, £89

Feel like a professional racing driver when you take out two top cars on the famous circuit of your choice with this exhilarating driving experience. From Brands Hatch, home of the MSA British Touring Car Championship, to Oulton Park, regular host of the BRSCC Club Car Championships, the tracks included are all famous for their immaculate surfaces, exciting layouts and legendary racing heritages. Once you’ve chosen a track, choose two cars; including a sleek Ferrari 360, Bond’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Porsche 911, for three full miles in each.

 

Gifts £80 and under

Yoga for Two at The View from The Shard Plus Free Goody Bag Each, £80

An unforgettable experience that has received rave reviews, this amazing Yoga session at The View from The Shard stands at a height of 1,016ft (310m). The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building and you will be able to take in sensational views over London stretching as far as Windsor Castle and the Thames Estuary during your one hour session, which is headed up by award winning instructors. On warmer days your session may take place out on the open-air platform on the 72nd floor. All sessions include a private viewing session 15 minutes before and 45 minutes after the class, as well as a goody bag.

Game of Thrones Guided Tour for Two in Northern Ireland, £80

Combine fact and fiction with this beautiful tour of Northern Ireland’s biggest attraction, and the filming locations for some of Westeros’s most dramatic occurrences. Stand in the cave where Melisandre gave birth to Renly’s assassin; follow Arya Stark and Gendry’s route as they escape with The Night’s Watch, see where Ned Stark beheaded a deserter and track Theon’s footsteps as he returned to the Iron Islands.

Cut a Dash Grooming Experience at the By Appointment Only Lounge, £75

Sharpen up your look with an incredible grooming experience at Ted’s By Appointment Only Lounge. Set in central London’s exciting Holborn or Mortimer Street, this barber and grooming room from Ted Baker uses the ancient crafts and techniques of the Ottoman Empire’s master barbers, guaranteed to leave even the most unkempt of men looking sharp.

Sipping on an ice cold bottle of complimentary Turkish beer, you’ll receive a stylish hair cut before being treated to a hot towel shave with all the trimmings courtesy of Ted’s master barber. To top it all off you’ll have your ears flamed and eyebrows trimmed – ideal for any man getting ready to take on the capital.

2 for 1 Deluxe Spa Day at a Marriott Hotel Special Offer, Was £150, Now £75

 Surprise and delight your loved one with this brilliant spa day for two at a Marriott Hotel and Spa. There are plenty of beautiful locations to choose from, and each and every venue boasts fab facilities from a swimming pool to sauna to Jacuzzi and gym; you will get a full day’s access. You’ll even enjoy 45 minutes of treatments each; a Decleor mini facial and relaxing back massage before you take your leave. On your way out, if you’d like to recreate your spa experiences at home, you’ll get a 15% discount on top spa products.

 

Gifts £70 and under

Car Chase Heroes Double Supercar Driving Blast, £69

Treat someone to twice the exhilaration in a choice of six amazing cars that have featured in the movies – offering everything from drifters to racers to American classics, this experience is guaranteed to satisfy any car fanatic. The driver can choose two cars, from: Camaro SS, a Mustang racer, Corvette racer, Camaro ZL1, Nissan Skyline and Mazda MX5. Then it’s time for a driver’s briefing, before heading out onto the track for three miles in each car.

Zip World Experience for One in Snowdonia, £65

For a truly unique adrenaline rush look no further than this incredible ‘flight’ at Zip World! Securely fastened, you will hurtle down two different wires over the amazing Snowdonia Mountains. First up is the ‘Little Zipper’, which will send you down to the slate quarry at speeds of up to 40mph. Then brace yourself before you experience the main event, the Big Zipper, where you will be sent down a one mile wire, and reach an incredible 100mph, what a view too as you fly 500 feet over the mountain lake.

 

Gifts £60 and under

Champagne Chocoholic Afternoon Tea for Two at The Hilton Park Lane, Was £92, Now £59

 The Podium Restaurant’s Executive Chef has created a sumptuous version of afternoon tea that ticks all the chocolate boxes. In addition to superior teas, exclusively blended by Harney and Sons for Hilton Hotels, you will devour delicious sandwiches, chocolate chip scones with praline spread and delicious pastries. Then, the main event for any chocolate lover – a selection of beautifully-crafted  chocolate fancies, served on an edible chocolate plate, complemented with a glass of Champagne!

Triple Supercar Driving Blast Special Offer, Was £98, Now £59

 Exciting, exhilarating and highly entertaining, this amazing experience gives you the chance to drive your choice of three of the world’s most powerful, impressive and breath-taking supercars for three miles each! Available at locations across the UK, you’ll have some incredible supercars to choose from – including the fearsome Ferrari, the luxurious Lamborghini and the amazing Audi R8 – so you’ll be able to create your perfect driving experience!

2 for 1 Heavenly Spa Day at Bannatyne’s Health Clubs, Was £108, Now £57

Take time out for a pamper day with a friend and recharge your batteries at a selection of 33 Bannatyne’s Health Clubs. You’ll each unwind with a Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage to get rid of any knots of tension that have built up. You will also be treated to an expert mini scalp massage to induce a state of chilled-out bliss. Each Health Club has facilities including an indoor pool, spa tub, steam room and sauna, a state-of-the-art air-conditioned gym, as well as exercise classes to join in.

 

Gifts £50 and under 

2 for 1 Airkix Indoor Skydiving Experience, Special Offer, Was £98, Now £49

Gain a totally unique and exciting experience which allows you to enjoy sheer exhilaration by skydiving in a specially constructed wind tunnel, the likes of which are usually used to test the aerodynamics of F1 racing cars! Once you have gained the necessary training, you will step into the airflow and taste the thrill of freefall in a totally safe and controlled environment, it’s suitable for almost anyone, from age 4, so even the kids can have a go. With this fantastic special offer, 2 people can go for the price of 1.

Segway Rally for Two Week-Round Including Photo, Was £65, Now £49

This Segway blast experience is an exhilarating thrill ride for two, available across the UK, all with varying terrain to fully test your riding skills. You will be fully briefed and kitted out by the instructors before being joining a group excursion to get to grips with the course and vehicles at a more relaxed pace. Then it’s time to ramp up the speed as you are set loose to tear round the track and put yourself to the test! You will even receive a complimentary printed photo and certificate to commemorate your day.

4 Course Michelin Meal with Champagne for Two at Searcys’ Sixtyone, Mayfair, Was £78, Now £49 

For the foodie in your life or someone special who deserves some luxury, there is no better treat than this incredible dining experience for two at Sixtyone Restaurant. Set in the five-star Montcalm Hotel less than five minutes’ walk from London’s upmarket Park Lane, this stylish restaurant provides a welcoming, elegant atmosphere with crisp furnishings and a mouth-watering menu inspired by the travels of Chef Patron, Arnaud Stevens. Recommended in the 2015 Michelin Guide, you will enjoy four delectable courses from the set menu with a glass of Champagne each, as well as a tea or coffee to finish.

Entry to KidZania for Adult and One Child at Westfield plus a VIP Shopping Pass, £44.50

 This realistic child-size city is suitable for ages four to 14 and will give your child the chance to act out their dream professions! From firefighting to TV presenting, working in a power station to delivering parcels at the courier service, and performing operations in the hospital. There are over 60 professions to try and the role-play adventure format makes a taste of real life, fun and engaging. You will also receive a voucher that can be redeemed for an exclusive VIP shopping pass – enjoy discounts at a range of shops at Westfield.

 

Gifts £40 and under 

Chocolate Afternoon Tea for Two at Hotel Chocolat, £40

Choose from two of Hotel Chocolat’s wonderful restaurants, including Hotel Chocolat’s Michelin recommended restaurant Rabot 1745 in Borough Market and Hotel Chocolat’s Roast and Conch in Leeds. Allow your taste-buds to experience a haven of sweet, rich, velvety goodness during an amazingly unusual day out! Dine on a selection of delicious sandwiches, scrumptious scones, beautiful brownies and banana bread whilst being served smooth and creamy Hotel Chocolat chocolates and sipping on your choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or special Hotel Chocolat cocoa infusion.

Personalised Name Leather Gardening Gloves, £39.99

These supple leather gloves with soft suede cuffs are made by hand in the UK and are an ideal gift for the keen gardener. Personalised with the recipient’s name or monogram, these quality gauntlets are certain to keep hands clean and comfortable whilst enjoying some gardening.

Personalised Traditional Brand Cheese Board Set, £34.99

Cheese lovers will be equipped with everything they need for after dinner indulgence or a delicious snack with this cheese board set. Comprising a round cheese board crafted from sustainable Hevea wood and three stainless steel wooden-handled cheese knives, it’s perfect whether they’re partial to parmesan or easily won over by Wensleydale.

 

Gifts £30 and under

Love From Santa Hamper, £30

 A fun combination of traditional and contemporary, this hessian bag could have come straight from Santa himself and contains a range of classic and modern gourmet treats. From sundried tomato crumbles and lemon and ginger biscuits for the kids, to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon for the adults, to delicious Christmas pudding fudge, suitable for the whole family, there’s something for everyone.

Bellini Afternoon Tea at Searcys Champagne Bars for Two, Was £45.50, Now £28

Make a day in the capital even more special with a delicious Bellini afternoon tea for two at Searcys Champagne Bars. You’ll be able to choose from three central locations – Westfield Stratford City, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and One New Change, all ideal for shopping and sightseeing.

You’ll enjoy a truly decadent twist on the traditional afternoon tea; as well as top-quality tea or coffee, fresh scones , savoury treats and assorted pastries, you’ll also each be served a Bellini cocktail to make it even more special.

Personalised Baby Onesie, £26

 Make your new-born look extra cute in this personalised onesie complete with a soft brush back fleece! Featuring kangaroo pockets, a single layer hood and a zip from the top neck to lower leg, this item is perfect for nappy changes and easy dressing. Choose from a selection of colours and make sure to personalise the onesie with your child’s initial on the left chest and their name down the right leg. With extra-long ribbed cuffs at the sleeve and legs, you’ll be able to fold or unfold the onesie as the baby grows.

Personalised Message Tan Mixing Bowl, £25

 For a gift that is both thoughtful and unique, this mixing bowl by ceramic masters Mason Cash is perfect and can be personalised with your own short message printed on the rim of the bowl! The bowl is made from chip resistant earthenware that will stand strong as you mix your batter for cakes, cookies, bread and more!

Diabetic Treat, £25

 This is a thoughtful and tasty hamper for a diabetic, with treats to suit their diet. This wonderful gift box contains seven scrumptious treats including Diablo sugar-free chocolate chip cookies, Morello cherry jam and Farmhouse biscuits sugar free shortbread. It will most definitely be appreciated!

Personalised Star Baker Kids Baking Set, £24.99

This fun children’s gift features a coloured pot containing all the utensils they will need for a bake-off, including a mini chopping board and rolling pin, plus a recipe card full of some great ideas to try out. Each item is even personalised with the child’s name and the wording ‘star baker’ – they’ll be bursting with pride!

 

Gifts £20 and under

Personalised Trowel and Fork Set, £19.99

 This quality fork and trowel set can be made all the more special by personalising it with the recipient’s name. Armed with their unique tools for the job, whoever receives this gardening gift set is ready to tackle any job that needs doing in the backyard. With the ability to be hung up when not in use as well, this gardening set has both sentiment and practicality.

2 for 1 Adult Tour of Old Trafford, Was £36, Now £18

 This incredible stadium tour of Old Trafford really is the ultimate treat for Manchester United fans! Retrace the steps of some of football’s greatest legends, relive the glorious history of Manchester United football club and marvel in the splendour of today’s Theatre of Dreams. Sit in the North Stand for a fantastic view of the pitch, stand in the manager’s spot in the dugout, sit in the Home changing room at your favourite player’s peg and emerge from the players’ tunnel.

Personalised Creative Colouring Book for Grown-ups, £19.99, Now £15.99

 Engage in the latest stress relieving hobby with this creative colouring book for grown-ups! Anti-stress art therapy is a recent trend which allows you to de-stress and enjoy the childhood pastime of colouring. Containing 100 pages of thick paper packed with individual and intricate designs you’ll be able to improve your colouring skills and banish all of that anxiety! A personal message can be added on the front page, a personalised name embossed on the front cover as well as the name incorporated into every pattern. Whether you want to use crayons or pencil, the paper has been chosen to withstand all types of art mediums and is a fantastic way for both amateurs and professionals to enjoy some sophisticated fun downtime.

Personalised Disney Frozen Round Clock, £14.99

This wonderfully stylish and colourful Disney Frozen clock is sure to make a great addition to your child’s bedroom. It is easy to read with its bold numbers and large hands and can certainly make telling the time fun for anyone, especially personalised with their own name at the top.

 

Gifts £10 and under

Personalised Drake Christmas Hessian Sack, Was £22, Now £10

 A brilliant alternative to a stocking or a great way to store presents under the tree, this personalised Christmas sack is a fun, quirky gift in itself! Simply add the name of your choice, which will be printed in striking red capitals, and there’s no chance of presents getting mixed up this Yuletide!

Disney Frozen Fever Personalised Book, Was £9.99, Now £7.49

 Make that Frozen fan smile for days with this fabulous personalised book! This thrilling tale of an icy adventure featuring Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf will make reading interesting. What’s more, the child’s name, birthdate, hometown and gender will be worked into the storyline. You can even add the names of the child’s friends, family members or pets and make them part of the story too! Add your own name to the dedication page to complete this special gift.

Star Wars IV: A New Hope Personalised Book, Was £9.99, Now £7.49

Let your child and his or her friends, family and even pets be a part of the immortal Star Wars story with this personalised book! Simply provide names and details and they’ll be cleverly incorporated into this tale of Jedis, aliens and intergalactic thrills, making this book an even more fascinating gift for the child who loves Luke Skywalker! And to ensure the gift-giver is not forgotten, your name will also be immortalised in a dedication on the title page.

Personalised Mini Bottle of Prosecco, £7

 Classy and stylish, Prosecco is the perfect way to toast special occasions, and what better way than with a personalised bottle featuring an elegant label – customised especially for your lucky recipient! This mini bottle can be personalised with a name and message so why not surprise someone as a Christmas stocking filler gift. This personalised gift is also a lovely idea for Christmas dinner table settings, as you can order up to 12 bottles, each with a unique message.

Personalised Christmas Bauble – Choose your favourite design, £6.99

This Christmas you have the chance to pick from a range of personalised baubles, perfect for making your Christmas tree extra special. Whichever funky and modern bauble you chose to go for, it will surely be a great asset to anyone’s tree and is bound to raise a smile when it is taken out for the festivities each year!

Personalised Golf Ball, £4.99

This keepsake golf ball is the ideal gift for someone that enjoys nothing more than walking the golf course. Personalised with their name and with the phrase ‘no 1 golfer’ printed, this is certain to get them in full swing ready for their next round of golf.

 

What will you get?

 

 

Meat Porter Online Artisan Butcher Review

Meat Porter Online Artisan Butcher Review

 

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Online shopping has really taken off in recent years. Now, finally, food has caught up with the trend. Our busy lives demand convenience and our good taste demands quality. Enter Meat Porter. An online artisan butcher who source their meat from the same place as the high end restaurants in London. High end meat delivered straight to your door, sounds good to us.

I can’t pretend I wasn’t excited when our box of meat came. I was even more excited when I opened the box. The meat comes in an insulated box and in the box is a good range of well-packaged meat. There is also a sheet of paper with lots of meat tips on.

Now for the meat: it is delicious. It keeps us going for weeks and is very high quality. The burgers are sublime, the sausages tasty. There is chicken in a delicious sauce that makes everything easy; some glorious rump steaks and some diced pork and pork belly to round it off. There are a number of different boxes to choose from on the Meat Porter site, or you can make up your own. They even do gluten free options.

The box that we reviewed was their BBQ box which costs £50 and has 30 serving. It contains

  1.  

    I cannot recommend Meat Porter enough. The idea is brilliant, the website is easy to navigate and the food is delicious. It may seem expensive but the meat is free range and the price is very reasonable if you consider it on a per meal basis. Get shopping, now.

There is a lot of great recipes on their website.

Meat Porter. www.meatporter.com

 

 

It Takes Two – The Idea Behind KISHBOO by Sharon Boothroyd

It was my husband Keith who had the idea of producing an e-magazine in the summer of 2014. He has pro web design experience and I had written all the text for his corporate client websites, so we were used to combining our skills and working together as a team.

We called our publishing brand Ryecorn Digital Publishing, after Ryecorn, the fictional Yorkshire town in my kindle chick- lit novella.
Keith designed all the unique graphics for the chapter headings and he also designed the book cover for me, too. I was really pleased with his design. The free android app version looked great too.

To keep costs down, we set up a free website to help promote it: www.ryecorn.orgfree.com

We had already enjoyed minor success with another online project of ours called ‘A quick read.’ This entailed uploading stories onto our website and onto the accompanying free android app.

We didn’t charge writers a fee for publication, and the website cost around £60 a year. Even though we were overwhelmed with work, as time passed, we couldn’t see how the project could develop, so sadly in 2014, after two years, we decided to close it down.

So – we had published online,on kindle and on the android app format. We both really warmed to the idea of publishing an e-mag on 3 digital platforms.

It Takes Two - The idea behind KISHBOO by Sharon Boothroyd


What could we call our magazine though? We thought of hundreds of names, but the domain names were all taken, so we hit upon the idea of blending our names to create something truly different. We really hoped that the name ‘KISHBOO‘ would stick in people’s memory.

It would be non- profit making project. We’d fund the competition prizes through the competition entry fees, and we now realised that we could use online advertising to help cover the cost of our website.

pic.KISH_2In August 2014, we were ready to launch the project! However, the actual magazine wasn’t published until October, as we needed stories and articles to fill it.

I began to send press releases out and my network of writer friends helped spread the word  for us via social media. Keith worked hard on search engine optimisation, and I began to tweet for the first time in my life.

I was worried that we would receive no articles at all because at the moment, we are unable to pay writers. However, we can offer them free promotion of their kindle books and blogs within their articles. I wasn’t even sure we would get anyone entering our competition. I needn’t have worried – the comp entries and articles began flooding in!

Back issues are easily available – here’s what the first KISHBOO looked like:

pic.KISH3Here’s the cover of the second issue, which was published in January 2015: pic.KISH4

We are now very working hard on our third issue, which will be published in April 2015. It’ll be packed with even more features.

Please visit: www.kishboo.co.uk
Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/kishboo.mag
Follow us on Twitter: @KishbooMag

 

 

Bust Boredom Online

The Christmas season is a wonderful time, families and friends coming together to kick back, relax and enjoy a little time away from the daily grind, celebrating the end of another year. Naturally this was all a lot of fun, though looking past the enormous amounts of food and frivolity, the post-Christmas period can be a rather tedious experience. Bank balances have been drained, the hangover from the season’s parties just doesn’t seem to want to lift, and as such we’re stuck inside, boredom easily setting in. Luckily however, there is one thing that can satiate our desire to actually do something, a cheap, fun, endlessly enjoyable resource; the internet!

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Shopping online is a great way to while away those boring moments, and has long been one of the most popular ways for people to get hold of their favourite wares, and for good reason. There’s hundreds of deals out there, and online retailers are well known for regularly releasing huge numbers of discounts in order to entice wily shoppers. Take, for instance, poster site AllPosters. This site regularly has sales, so if you’re thinking of changing the flavour of your home you should definitely spend an hour or so scrolling through the millions of images on offer.

 

If your bank balance isn’t up to the task of funding a little online shopping, then injecting some excitement into your post-Christmas period is easy- indulge in a spot of gaming! We’re not talking board games- we want to reduce the levels of stress, after all- but online games. Gaming site Betsson’s selection of titles is very large indeed. With slots, poker, blackjack and plenty of themed games including Game Of Thrones, you’ll have no excuse to go bored this January! If that doesn’t tickle your fancy then there are heaps of apps, downloads and console games that will similarly shield you from the ravages of boredom! Kongregate has a huge number of browser games, many of which are in complete 3D, and if you enjoy the MMO experience, Planetside 2, a first person shooter that hosts literally hundreds of players in battles could be a great way to pass the time!

 

January doesn’t have to be all about relaxation, and if you’ve got a rather large amount of free time until you get back to work then now is a great time to get planning for the year ahead. Been putting off researching that career or education move you’ve been hankering for? Crack out the laptop and get looking- you won’t regret it when you’re sitting pretty in February, all plans having been set into motion.

 

If none of the above has done enough to beat back banality, then there are still better things to do than pointlessly surfing clickbait sites. Instead, sign up to a site like stumbleupon! On these kinds of sites you can choose a number of interests which the website then uses to come up with fun, interesting and thought-provoking content for your consumption. You’ll never be bored again!

 

 

 

Vote For Frost Magazine in The UK Blog Awards 2015

The public vote for the UK Blog Awards is now open and we are asking our amazing readers to Vote for Frost magazine in the UK Blog Awards 2015. 

ukblogawards2015 logo

If you love Frost, or even just like us then please vote for us here. Every vote counts and is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

 

The Best Smartphones For Your Online Fun

Mobile phones are so much more than just communicative devices these days. With Wi-FI available everywhere from cafés to high streets, not to mention the rise of 4G internet, more than ever we’re using these little gadgets to get online.

 

If you’re a little behind on the times when it comes to picking a smartphone, we’ve done our homework on the best smartphones for whatever your needs, from social media to online shopping and gaming.

iphonesmartphones

Social media

 

Shameless selfie addicts and status updaters can doubtless choose a better smartphone than the HTC One for all their social media needs. The phone boasts some funky features for those who like to snap at every opportunity, including a camera with its own name – ‘Zoe.’ Dubbed as ‘ultrapixel’ thanks to its low light pixel performance, it’s great for capturing those special moments. What’s more, its Android interface helps to aggregate all your social media and news feeds into one place, so you’ll always have a finger on the pulse.

 

Gaming

 

Today, more than ever, mobile gaming has increased in popularity thanks to more choice from sites like Uptown Aces. Improved graphics, faster loading times and better sound effects all make for some big demands on a smartphone, but luckily, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is equipped to deal with all of these. The powerful Snapdragon 800 chip has 3GB RAM, giving gamers the opportunity to multi-task, while its 32GB of storage is ample for storing your precious hours of game play.

 

Video streaming

 

With apps like Netflix giving us access to our favourite movies and TV shows 24/7, the last thing today’s smartphone users want is a phone which is badly optimised for video streaming. Thankfully, the T-Mobile G2X is perfect for streaming, thanks to its sharp display and accessibility. The phone features a 4-inch LCD display, guaranteeing a cleaner image with more vivid colours, while it also gives users the chance to play videos on their TV through an HDMI connection.

 

Online shopping

 

With online retail sky rocketing in recent years, it’s only natural that today’s smartphones should offer more secure operating systems in order to make sure users are shopping safely. Generally, the iOS system for iPhones is regarded as securer than the Android due to the latter’s open platform. Malware threats are considerably lower for Apple systems, so you may be advised to purchase the iPhone 5S if you want the latest model – or wait a few weeks and get your hands on the highly anticipated iPhone 6.

 

 

 

4 in 10 admit they go online to seek health and wellbeing advice

Where Do You Go For Reliable Health Advice?

New research has revealed the growing trend of people taking important health and well-being advice from unreliable sources.

health advice online. Almost 4 in 10 people would choose to go online to seek advice on their own health and wellbeing and around 1 in 20 Brits have admitted they would turn to social media sites like Facebook or Twitter for advice on health issues.

While there are many reliable sites offering health and nutritional information, it can be easy to take the wrong advice.

The research, commissioned by Viridian Nutrition, also revealed that more than 1 in 3 people surveyed said they would go to their doctor for medical advice, only 1 in 4 claimed they would take advice from their local specialist health food store.

Jeff Martin is Managing Director of As Nature Intended, and he said health food stores are good sources of reliable health information, ‘People coming into health food stores and asking for health advice is a cornerstone of what we’re about. If people came in and saw me earlier they would have got a resolution to whatever problem they had a lot quicker’.

A further survey from the Health Food Manufacturer’s Association also revealed that, of the 10,000 adults questioned, 40% said they don’t think they have access to enough information on vitamin supplements.

The research also revealed that around 55% of the UKs population now take food supplements (a 9% rise over the past two years) and that almost 1 in 4 people get the majority of their information about vitamin supplements from the box or packaging they come in.

We also spoke to Nutritionist and Lecturer Ben Brown, ‘In terms of the reliability of health information there are a number of different potential consequences. One of the more obvious ones is misdiagnosis – you may have something that seems like a garden variety headache but it could be more serious and the same is true for diet and nutrition information.

‘You could be following something that’s potentially misguided and unhealthy in the long term. If you’re looking for general diet and lifestyle advice and in particular advice on natural products, it’s much better to get off the internet and get into your local independent health food store and speak to someone there’.