The best Christmas moments

1/2/2013

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Today, the 3rd day of January is the perfect day to think about Christmas. Go look for the memory card and download the photos and videos you took onto your computer – if you haven’t already!

Do you see the pictures? In all cases the same thing happens. First, your family is measured. People smiling, talking… and when hours go on, people are laughing much more and that starts the first lost gazes… Yes! Your family start getting drunk! (And you knew that it was the best moment to ask for money, hehe.)
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When you have seen all the pictures, start remembering the best moments of Christmas. For me, one of the best moments is when you have to buy all the stuff to prepare the table for Christmas Eve. When my mother deals with it, there is not any problem but, of course, all family have to help with the preparations and this year my father and I had to go to the supermarket and the mess came home, we forgot almost everything except the chips and the dessert. My mum had to go to the supermarket again.

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Another favourite moment is when my niece sees the Santa Claus presents. This has an easy explanation and it’s because, at the moment, she is the only child in the family- so all of us are waiting the whole year just for this moment, just to see the happiness in her eyes.

Another great moment is when my cousins and I go out to have a drink and go to the clubs. This year we had breakfast together at 7 a.m. This would repeat at New Year’s Day, when we had the traditional churros with chocolate.

When was your best Christmas moment? Do not be shy, leave a comment!
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Christmas in NYC

8/23/2012

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There aren’t many of us who have started a countdown to Christmas (123 days to go!) and even less who have started shopping for presents. That is fine since it is still early- or if you like to enjoy the magic of the festive season by running and fighting the crowd on Christmas Eve to get everything ready on time. But if you want to spend a different and unforgettable Christmas in one of the best destinations, it is never too early to start planning.
Of course, you have guessed it; we are talking about New York, certainly one of the best places to ever spend Christmas. Think snow and crisp temperatures, carol choirs at every corner, a tree bigger than you could ever imagine, skyscrapers and monuments decorated and fairy lights flashing everywhere, and of course department stores windows displays in the spirit of Christmas and you will have NYC. The city literally turns into a giant winter wonderland.
Whether your favourite Christmas movie is Home Alone or A Wonderful Life, spending the festive season in New York is a unique experience.

But as you will not be the only one to have this idea, you’d better not wait before booking a flight and somewhere to stay. For some good shopping ideas, check this guide where you will also find suggestions of other destinations if New York doesn’t tempt you...
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Top 5 websites for early Christmas shopping

7/26/2012

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Most people know that leaving their Christmas shopping until the last minute can result in frayed nerves, angry exchanges and a poorer selection of presents. According to loyalty-points company Nectar, it can also result in shoppers paying 50% more than their early-bird counterparts.

The further in advance yuletide gifts are bought, the more options that are available and the greater the savings that can be made. Here are five of the top sites for finding a pre-season bargain.

1. myvouchercodes.co.uk 
This is the UK’s largest voucher site, providing more than 77 printable vouchers and 2,300 discount codes. The site works by searching the net for discount codes, which are mostly from large retailers. Keeping an eye on available vouchers can ensure big savings for those with specific presents in mind, particularly larger Christmas gifts such as sporting or electrical equipment. The site can be navigated alphabetically or section by section. The most popular deals are those highest in the list.

2. hotukdeals.com
This site provides pre-Christmas bargain hunters with a forum to share their discoveries. Visitors can search by category, or specify whether they want a voucher or a deal. Deals are rated by the site’s visitors, with the best appearing at the top of the list. The site is great for Christmas shoppers to slowly and cheaply build their yuletide stockpile.

3. groupon.co.uk
Groupon works on the basis of collective buying power. The company offers a daily deal in one of the participating cities. Inhabitants who are interested in the deal click ‘buy now’ and provide the company with their credit card details. If enough people commit in this way, Groupon takes their money and provides them with a redeemable voucher in return (known as a ‘Groupon’). Groupon is great for finding pre-Christmas deals from small and medium-sized local businesses.

 

4. voucherseeker.co.uk

This is a lovely voucher site to use, with a clear interface and a useful ‘help’ button that explains how to get the most from it. It can be navigated by searching by shop, product or category. Just enter the Christmas gift of your choice in the ‘search’ box and see what’s available.

5. formanandfield.com

Forman & Field are a food mail order company offering a fantastic selection of luxury gifts and hampers. Their Christmas hampers, filled with festive treats, are a great gift idea – find gift hampers here. The site is very easy to navigate, clearly displaying each product. You simply click ‘add to basket’ and then select a delivery day convenient to you. There’s also a choice of gift vouchers.


Resources

The London Word

Guide to buying Christmas presents

Love Money

12 cheap Christmas gift ideas

I Want One of Those

Huge range of Christmas gift ideas for all ages


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6 Months to go!

6/29/2012

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Santa may be enjoying his time off, but somehow we’re already half-way through 2012!
Remember... The ones who are organised are the ones that will wreak the benefits!

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS

11/29/2011

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Christmas markets are established at the advent time until the end of Christmas. They are really lovely, with really good decorations!

You can find all types of things you can imagine, traditional and original Christmas food, toys being made, decoration for houses, clothing and accessories...

It's a really good idea for a weekend, to relax and stay for a few hours, perfect with your family and your friends.

You can listen to carols in each corner of the street market and all the little houses where you buy presents will be luminous. Who doesn't like Christmas with this lovely decoration?

The most famous Christmas markets are hosted in Germany, where people usually drink a sweet hot wine called Glühwein to give them a warm glow.

One thing to take into account is that you might need to be armed with plenty of cash. It´s full of temptation!!





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Top 10 Christmas foods

9/23/2011

6 Comments

 
Do not miss these top ten Christmas foods for the festive season. The holiday is designed to bring people together to enjoy anything from family meals to Christmas hampers. Plan ahead for a stress-free Christmas this year.

Christmas in the UK is synonymous with gastronomic indulgence. From group meals to Christmas hampers, the holiday season encourages friends and family to enjoy calorie-filled feasts together. As the holiday approaches, be sure not to miss out on these top ten festive foods...

Mince pies and mulled wine

On a cold winter’s evening mince pies and mulled wine are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. For a warming mulled wine try the following simple recipe:

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Mulled wine made easy

  • 2 bottles   red wine
  • 1 glass      ginger wine
  • 150g         caster sugar
  •  1              orange
  •  1              cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp          cloves
  • 1 tsp          nutmeg
  1. Pour the liquid ingredients, spices and sugar into a large saucepan and mix well.
  2. Cut the orange into quarters and pierce with cloves. Add to the saucepan.
  3. Heat gently for 10-15 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Serve immediately.

 

The Christmas Day roast

No British Christmas is complete without a traditional Christmas dinner. Get the family around the table with roasted turkey or goose, roasted potatoes and parsnips, green vegetables and gravy. A stuffing is made from pork with either chestnuts or sage and onion. ‘Pigs in blankets’ (sausages wrapped in bacon), bread sauce and cranberry sauce are also popular trimmings. Christmas crackers liven up the main course of this substantial festive meal.

Christmas pudding

This fruit and suet pudding is a household staple for the holiday season. Christmas pudding is traditionally homemade months in advance, but nowadays there are many high-quality alternatives on the market. Douse in dark spirits for a flambé effect and serve with brandy butter.

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Cheeseboards

Christmas dining deserves a hearty cheeseboard. Go for an English cheddar, a good blue cheese such as stilton, and camembert. Each family has its own favourites, but variety works best. Match with an equally wide range of crackers and grapes for a well-presented cheese platter, or wrap and make cheese hampers for friends and neighbours.

The Christmas cake

The Christmas cake, whether homemade or shop-bought, is a canvas for creativity. Decorating the cake is a great way to involve young children in the preparations and provides an added personal touch.

Dried fruits

Many people like to graze throughout the holiday season. Dried fruits and nuts are light enough not to spoil the appetite, while satisfying a sweet tooth. Dried figs, apricots, raisins and dates make a light snack when watching a Christmas movie.

Pâté

A pâté, or terrine, is made from ground meat, fats and flavourings, which are minced into a spreadable paste. Pâté can make a welcome addition to a cheeseboard or gift hamper, or can be eaten with fresh bread and salad. During the holidays flavoured pâtés with cognac or brandy are widely available.

All things chocolate

The UK has one of the highest rates of chocolate consumption, per person, in the world. During the Christmas period cocoa products fly from the shelves even more quickly. Luxury chocolates make excellent gifts, can feature in a festive hamper, or can be hung from any Christmas tree.

The Christmas ham

A second joint of meat can be eaten cold in the days following Christmas. Leftover meat can be worked into numerous recipes, including curries, pies and casseroles. Be sure to have a jar of strong English mustard in the cupboard.

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Scottish salmon

High-quality local produce should be at the heart of Christmas cuisine. Fresh or smoked, salmon is a versatile ingredient in festive cooking. It can constitute a main course or be used in canapés at the Christmas party.

Resource Box:

Delia Online

Christmas recipes made easy with the help of culinary expert Delia Smith.

Christmas Markets

Find a Christmas market near you for quality produce and festive products.

Good to Know Recipes

Get recipe ideas for the perfect Christmas party.

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