Random Act of Kindness

Relaxed and you can't see the ribs anymore

As some of you know we have taken in a rescue puppy saved from destruction, he is adorable, cute, 5 months old and because of where he's been (Who really knows) has really only known kennels and playing roughly with his brothers. he came to us very ill and desperately underweight and has turned our lives upside down, there have been tears, whines and baring of teeth (not the puppy, all from us) as we adjust to the mayhem that is Alfie!)

He bounded into our lives two weeks ago and has bounded wherever he feels he needs to be, he does not know that my kitchen sides are taboo really. He wees where he feels is good and chews everything his teeth like the feel of.

All these things are slowly being worked through to make him a true young gentleman and not one of us would be without him, we really feel we have done a great thing in saving him and as Christmas looms, minus a nativity scene that Alfie was fond of, we feel we have a great gift.

No, ours is not the act of kindness in the title.

My laptop has been sorely neglected as Alfie demands a lot of care being ill and suffering separation anxiety if I walk out of a room, however it gained his attention on Sunday when he had a little nibble.

Its enough to put it out of action, I was not too panicky as I had a faulty adaptor and lead a while back, I settled on one on Amazon, from a  business seller called  Chargers4U (click on the name for their shopfront) who sent one, it came so fast, was a quarter of the price if I'd bought from the manufacturer and worked well.

So I contacted them this time to replace the cord I explained I only needed part of the unit as Alfie had chomped one piece.

This is the reply I received

Dear Jo,


I am sorry we do not sell the power cord by itself. But do not worry, as an animal lover myself and seeing as it is XMAS, I will send you a new power cord free of charge today :) could you please get back to me with your Amazon order ID so I can send it straight away?
Thank you and have a lovely day

Do you know how amazed I felt? I was a little tearful that a total stranger and not to mention business could be so kind. 

This Christmas I have had my faith truly restored in the good seen in others, friends and family aside, its the act of a stranger that can make you feel so good.

I review products here and customer service regularly as a mystery shopper and auditor, so I feel its fitting to feature the lovely Chargers4U

Thank you

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/browse.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&me=A3TZA92VGBB297

NEW SCARLETT & CRIMSON CHRISTMAS GIFT RANGE 2011

You have possibly read some of my reviews of Scarlett and Crimson. They are the perfect first brand for a teen to use, from the Ruby and Millie Family, the range has distintive packaging, useful applicators and little extras and good quality cosmetics that give good results.

The new  range is pretty cool, I recently reviewed the lip palattes recently and whay I love about the range is the distinctive packaging which is funky, feminine and a teen would adore these as a prezzie!
Below are a section of what you can buy.

Scarlett and Crimson and beauty icons, Ruby Hammer and Millie Kendall, have created a cosmetics range with a difference. This unique selection of make-up and accessories allows you to express your individuality wherever you are. To learn the secret of a fresh, creative look – Be Your Own Scene!

  

Beauty Book

Cute make-up palette booklets with step by step guides on how to create a gorgeous look. The Lush Lips edition will help you achieve the perfect pout while Smokey Eyes will give you the tools to apply a colourful version of the classic smokey eye look.

RRP £6, available in Boots.

Nail Mania

Incredible collection of nail polishes and nail accessories to help your create a wide variety of funky nail looks. Mix and match nail colours and then embellish with stickers or draw on your own designs with the cool nail art polish.

RRP £16, available in Boots.

The Essential Beauty Tools

This fantastic tin contains your beauty accessory must-have items, with a great brush set and eye lash curlers. With a powder/blush brush, eye shadow base brush, eye shadow applicator, lip brush and brow & lash groomer you will have all the essential tools to create a great look.

RRP £12, available in Boots.

All About Face Collection

Create a fresh, different look everyday by mix and matching the four cute eye shadows included as well as a lip gloss, eyeliner and blusher. The creative make-up set comes in a keepsake tin that you can use afterwards as a pencil case, genius!

RRP £10, available in Boots.

Totally Charmed

Colour and customise your world with this rocking collection of nail polishes and accessory charms. With four chic colours there’s a nail polish to match any outfit! The charms are removable so you can style your fave charm bracelet, mobile or cosmetic case!

RRP £10, available in Boots.

 

The Beauty Collective

This comprehensive kit has masses of trend led lip, eye and cheek colours so you can effortlessly create a look to compliment your mood and moment. Whether you’re rocking out or chilling with friends – ‘be your own scene’.

RRP £18, available in Boots.

Vanity Case

These lovely toiletries have a delicate fragrance that won’t interfere with your perfume and, housed in a handy vanity case you can use it again to keep all your beauty essentials safe. The case includes; shower gel, body lotion, bath soak, two bath fizzers and a bath lily.

RRP £20, available in Boots.

Messenger Bag

Stylish messenger bag to keep your secrets safe! Perfect for your school books, shopping or going to a friend’s slumber party – the possibilities are endless!

RRP £16, available in Boots.

Store Twenty One’s cosy accessories.

Wide Cuff Fair Isle Tunic£19.99
Hooded Scarf £12.99

From wearing very little with the Katie Price Boutique range, I am now covering up with Store Twenty One, this time I'm covering up with cosy accessories.

Fleece Fair Isle Hat
£5.99

Chris bought one of the furry hats with ear flaps last year, it brought me memories of my Mum wearing a huge furry 70's style hat with fur bobble and me feeling embarrassed as friends laughed.

Seems he was ahead of the times as this year they are everywhere and come in all fabrics and patterns.

Animal Print Faux Fur Hat
£5.99

I now love them, even more when I saw the selection and better still low prices from Store Twenty One.
Plus with a new puppy to walk on these cold mornings I feel  quite trendy amongst the dog walkers in their dark grey wool hats.


Moroccan Pashmina
£9.99

There are bobble print hats, faux fur ear muffs and gorgeous pashminas

Faux Fur Earmuffs
£3.99

The Moroccan pashmina is so well made and the pattern is stunning, it goes so well over my black coat to really make a statement. Paige has a new mustard colour winter coat and the colours work so well. meaning I can embrace this winter in style and comfort but not break the bank.


Scatter Flower Scarf
£5.99

This scarf is pretty, very feminine and great to wear over a top and cardigan.


Black Fair Isle Mittens,
£5.99 

Hands are not going to be cold this year with the up to date mittens that are soft and look so good.



Mittens
£5.99


Finally to my favourite of the range, this gorgeous bobble hat, its looks lovely, generally I have an aversion to wool hats near my face. This wool is smooth and soft.


Multi Knit Bobble Hat
£6.99 

Find the whole range and these are just a taste at your local Store Twenty One or online at

www.storetwentyone.co.uk

Stockist details:
0121 746 7000

Win Ecover Clean-Aid kit Giveaway 59 Ends January 12th

Have yourself a merry green Christmas…

Last minute Christmas shopping, writing cards and wrapping presents, cleaning the house in preparation for your guests…there are so many tasks to complete in the run up to Christmas that trying to be ‘green’ at the same time is easy to forget.

That’s why Ecover has come up with top ten tips on how to inject a little ‘green’ into your Christmas without breaking the bank or spoiling any of the festive fun!

1)      Wear and Care this Christmas and add some eco to your festive wardrobe. Why not rock the office Christmas party eco-style this festive season?  Also, Ecover’s laundry range means that you can wear high end fashion and care for it and the world around at the same time – perfect for the busy festive season

2)      Buying a real tree? Visit the Forest Stewardship Council website to make sure your precious pine has been farmed sustainably – www.fsc-uk.org

3)      All of Ecover’s range is now made from Plant-astic – a sustainable plastic made from sugar cane. This means that if you choose Ecover this Christmas to deal with your dirty plates, wash your best table linen, and keep your home clean, not only will your home be free from chemical nasties but also the packaging you’re choosing is better for the world around you too! And it just got easier – Ecover’s online shop means that you don’t have to worry about heavy shopping bags either – www.EcoverDirect.com

4)      Use last year’s Christmas cards to make this year’s gift tags – cut out the pictures and thread through some cotton – hey presto, recycling at its best. Don’t forget to save this year’s cards to use in 2012!

5)      Treat your guests to some eco luxury – pop some Ecover Hand Wash in the bathroom and try Ecover Room Fragrance to keep your house smelling fresh

6)      e-Christmas cards – why not try Facebook, Twitter or email rather than snail mail to send your seasons greetings?

7)      Banish those stains – gravy and cranberry sauce stains are rife on Christmas day. Remove them with ease Ecover’s Stain Remover – so effective it’s been awarded a Which? Best Buy

8)      Travel together – try car sharing with friends and family or taking the bus to the shops to do your Christmas shopping

9)      Once you’ve filled up on turkey, Yorkshire puddings and brussel sprouts, wash the dishes with Ecover Washing Up Liquid – you can even use your left over dish water to feed the Christmas tree!

10)   Recycled wrapping paper is a really easy way to score ‘green’ points at Christmas and doesn’t cost the earth. Try the selection at www.ethicalsuperstore.com

One lucky winner will be able to clean up and be green in the new year by entering the giveaway to win an Ecover Clean Aid Kit which consists of

Ecover Camomile and Marigold Washing Up Liquid, Ecover Stain Remover, Ecover Bathroom Cleaner and the Ecover Multi-purpose cleaner

Its as easy as ABC and lots of extra entries up for grabs in order for you to really clean up!

All you need to do is

A Follow my blog via Google Friends connect over on the right.

B Leave a contact either twitter name or email address

C tell me a cleaning up annoyance, a green tip, just say hi if you like. Just don't say "Enter Me" it sounds so very wrong!!!.

Extra Entries

1. Comment on any other reviews or posts. Up to five allowed.

2. Follow me on Twitter

3. Tweet the giveaway

Here is one I prepared earlier.

Win an Ecover Clean Aid Kit for the new year! Follow the link for easy entry. http://tinyurl.com/bnmua44

UK only

Ends midnight 12th January.

Prize must be claimed with 7 days or will be redrawn after I have made every attempt I can to tweet or email.

Good Luck

No.3 London Dry Gin

From the moment I set eyes on the No 3 London Dry Gin I knew I was going to be savouring something a little special. I was sent a bottle to see in the New Year and after drinking a glass I am almost wishing Christmas away, seriously its good.

The solid square shape with heavy shoulders, the almost British racing Green glass all point towards quality. The fact that the team who make it are led by the only man in the world to have a PHD in gin, how cool!

I adore the key set into the bottle and almost hoping I would have to solve a riddle to unlock the secrets of the bottle. Its still a nice story as to its presence.

The inspiration for the key comes from that used to open the door of ‘The Parlour’ – one of the oldest rooms in the Berry Brothers’ shop, which has stood in St. James’ since 1698. Notable dignitaries who have dined there over the centuries include Lord Byron, Napoleon III and William Pitt.

Well as you know by now I love to know the history of a brand or product, how it got its name I have to know why and I like to dig about and get the feel of  the food or drink before I try! I  read that Berry Brothers and Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchants (established in 1698).

From the fact that it is named after Berry Brothers’ home, No.3 St. James’s Street and the merchant’s 3 centuries of heritage, through to its use of just 3 fruits and 3 spices (the ‘botanicals’ which flavour every gin), the significance of the number to this premium gin is inescapable. In fact, though purely by coincidence, even the team of outside experts who Berry Brothers gathered to help create the gin was comprised of 3 men and 3 women.

The pine taste of the juniper is good, what brings this to one of the best I have tasted is the orange sweet yet zesty flavour, regular readers know I am mad on a citrus flavour. It has grapefruit in which gives it an extra something, it is almost like a good Sauvignon Blanc. I can really taste the spices and looking then up, one of my favourites is there coriander from Morocco, along with Cardamon seeds and Angelica root.

Limiting the ingredients bucked the current multi-botanical trend (anywhere between 8 and 12 is common) and instead harked back to a traditional taste of gin – fittingly, given its maker’s impressive history.

The mix of these fresh and crisp flavours, led by juniper and combined with a strength of 46%, has resulted in an end product that Berry Brothers call the ‘last word’ in gin for the classic Dry Martini - as well as that ‘everyday’ gin cocktail favourite, the G and T.

No.3 is now available at Waitrose stores nationwide; RRP of £33.65 for a 70cl bottle.

Store Twenty One Katie Price boutique

Store Twenty One is exciting enough at the moment, their range is always changing, on trend and above all affordable. When I received news that Katie Price was launching a range of lingerie I was very pleased, love her or not so keen and I love her, she has a great eye for what works in the fashion world.

I was sent the gorgeous set seen above, its a beautiful delicate set, very sexy and feminine. The bra size is spot on and the undies are cute but best of they both feel really comfy

I will leave you with a few key pieces and oh yes the figures for buying are like Katie Price's figure, pretty hot!!

Lounge Top
£6.99

Katie’s Boutique is unique by being arguably the most affordable celebrity fashion range of the moment.   The range will be available to purchase in 50 Store Twenty One branches nationwide and online at www.storetwentyone.co.uk. 

With every item retailing at under £10, Katie’s Boutique provides a distinctive range of lingerie for all styles and budgets without compromising on quality.

Katie Price says, ‘Modelling really helps you understand what looks good and what doesn’t – especially with lingerie and swimwear – and I’m really excited about the range.  Working with Store Twenty One has not only given me the opportunity to put everything I’ve learnt about lingerie, nightwear and swimwear into practice, it’s also made sure that the whole collection will be amazingly affordable.’

Katie Price Black Satin Bra with Bows
£9.99

Katie Price Suspend Black Satin Shorts
£5.99

In certain  branches nationwide and online at www.storetwentyone.co.uk. 

Green People Newborn Hamper

My cousin recently gave birth to our new cousin and welcome addition Joe Peter, he was born very poorly and needed a life saving operation and a lengthy stay in hospital. He is three months old now but still newborn size and as such we all want to care for him. For Christmas this lovely hamper for newborns is perfect.

 Green People sent me a Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo and Scent Free Baby Oil for Joe, the fact that these are 100% gentle, natural, organic products makes you confident using them on a baby who has had enough go on in his body to then have any skin problems.

Organic Babies have just launched their gorgeous New! Newborn Hamper. This is a delightful first introduction to organic skincare for any new mother. RRP £34.99. If you look on the site right now its been reduced to £29.99!

The wicker basket is lined with unbleached cotton and contains top selling lines for the Organic Babies Range including:

·         Scent Free Mum & Baby Rescue Balm 100ml great for babies with dry skin and for soothing sore cracked nipples before and after breast feeding

·        

Scent Free Baby Oil 100ml perfect for a bonding baby massage, moisturising cradle cap and keeps mum's bump supple and soft

·         Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo 150ml carefully formulated for babies delicate & sensitive skin

·         Chamomile Nappy Cream Baby Balm 40ml protects bottoms from the dampness that can lead to nappy rash

·         Soft and Cuddly Organic Cotton Bib with a cute picture of Budsie or Organic Babies mascot.

 

All products are mild, gentle and suitable from birth although we recommend just water is used for the first month of baby’s life.

Organic Babies products are suitable for little ones that may be prone to eczema, skin allergies and psoriasis.

Charbrew launches premium range

 

 

Specialist tea brand Charbrew has introduced a new range of premium teas and herbal infusions.

I tried a couple of teas recently the sweet and very moreish Strawberries and Cream and a Charbrew Original blend which contains roasted almonds, pineapple, papaya and popcorn. The new teas are right up my street. They have the lovely breakfast tea which I always enjoy, a nice strong cuppa to set me up for the day!

Made with vibrant ingredients sourced from around the world, Charbrew’s new premium teas will bring an aromatic and fresh full-tasting tea experience to enjoy with every cup.

Teas available in the new range are:

Whole Leaf English Breakfast Tea

Created with a blend a carefully picked tea leaves from the lush green gardens in Sri Lanka.

 

Whole Leaf Earl Grey

A truly royal quality tea made with large leaves blended into a cup.

Whole Leaf Peppermint Tea

This fresh and fragrant first class quality cup delivers large leaves which have been carefully blended to keep you refreshed.

Whole Leaf Chai Tea

Brought overfrom the Indian Sub-Continent, this Chai tea encapsulates the true traditional taste of this famous spiced tea in one single cup.

Whole Leaf Green Tea

Created withselected leaves of the Camellia Sinensis bush, this green tea delivers a light subtle infusion with a delicate fragrance.

Whole Herb Camomile Tea

Charbrew has selected an exceptionally light Camomile crop to deliver a subtle touch of flowers to this delicate infusion.

As with all of Charbrew’s products, our teas contain only the finest whole leaves, whole flowers, real pieces of fruit and spices.

Priced from £4.99, the range is now available online at www.charbrew.com.

Kalms Day Pocket Pack: A Pocket Sized Solution for Women on the Go

As the well-known saying goes, “a woman’s work is never done”. I find with a new puppy who came from a rescue center and is high maintainence, teens and tired husband, my running around is at maximum capacity. I like that  Kalms Tablets are a traditional plant remedy containing the herbs Valerian, hops and gentian. These are known to help with the symptoms caused stress. Kalms Tablets can relieve worry and irritability

Whether it’s fitting in demands from work, the school run, picking up the weekly shop, or simply keeping on top of your to do list, everyday living can be a real juggling act with never-ending stresses and strains that only add to the chaos. Its making us feel jittery just thinking about it!

Luckily Kalms, the herbal remedy which helps relieve worry, irritability and the stresses of everyday life has launched a brand new product to fit neatly into any hectic lifestyle (and handbag)… Kalms Day Pocket Pack.

A new and improved tablet formulation offers smaller tablets and a lower daily dosage of one tablet three times a day, making it easier to fit into daily routines. The tablets contain a unique combination of plant extracts that help you to cope with the stresses of everyday living. They are contained in an innovative slide out blister pack which is perfect for carrying around with you as you go about your daily life and protects the blisters from damage in your handbag.

Hilary Lynn, a spokesperson for Kalms, said: “The new Kalms Day Pocket Pack allows today’s modern women to carry Kalms in their handbag more easily, rather than leaving them in the bathroom cabinet at home. Kalms Day is a herbal remedy to help relieve your stress symptoms whilst getting on with your day-to-day tasks – so that’s one less thing to worry about. Loyal Kalms users can still rest safe though, as the standard pack sizes will still be available for home use.”

Kalms Day Pocket Pack is available in blister packs containing a two week supply of 42 tablets, RRP £5.10.

Kalms is manufactured by LanesHealth, a family owned business based in Gloucester.
Kalms Day is a traditional herbal medicinal product for the temporary relief of stress symptoms such as mild anxiety. Based on traditional use only.

Winners Tasty Little Numbers Treat Boxes

The competion is now closed and three very lucky folk have won a treat box full of Tasty Little Numbers. Stay tuned for a new giveaway coming up to day

flamingice aka  @flamingice48

v82chris aka @v82chris x

Bex aka rebeccajlsk@email

NEW Good Natured Ban-tastic Bananas

ALL ROUND A-PEEL

NEW Good Natured Ban-tastic Bananas

No monkeying around - Good Natured NEW Ban-tastic Bananas make both a potassium-packed perfect snack and a delicious pud.

Grown using only natural predators (good bugs) to control pests (bad bugs) and disease, you can be sure that the range is grown in harmony with Mother Nature and free from pesticide residue.

With around only 95 calories and half a gram of fat per banana, this yellow-skinned beauty is also a great source of iron and fibre. There’s no doubt that the 2012 Olympians will be chowing down on nature’s super food to give them added energy. Eating just two bananas provides enough pep for a 90-minute workout. So get peeling!

Good Natured Ban-tastic Bananas have a firm, sweet and creamy flesh. Chop into a fruit salad, make a banana split, bake banana muffins or bread or Banoffee Pie Pots, serves 6.

Banoffee Pie Pots

120g digestive biscuits
1 x 397g can condensed milk, caramel
2 medium Good Natured Ban-tastic Bananas, peeled and sliced
400g Greek yoghurt20g dark chocolate, grated

Place the digestive biscuits into a plastic bag and smash lightly with a rolling pin to break them up slightly. Divide between four glasses.

Spoon over the caramel, and smooth the top before placing the sliced banana on top.

Spoon over the Greek yoghurt and sprinkle with grated chocolate to serve.

Lovingly cultivated in the Dominican Republic, Good Natured Ban-tastic Bananas sell at RRP £1.37 for a bag of five bananas and are available from selected Asda stores. The Good Natured Fruit range also includes Succulent Strawberries and Brilliant Blueberries.

www.goodnaturedfruit.co.uk

Follow us @Good_Natured on Twitter

and Good-Natured on Facebook

NEW Good Natured Outstanding Onions

NEW Good Natured Outstanding Onions

This will make your eyes water - Good Natured NEW Outstanding Onions are kitchen heroes, ideal for adding flavour to hundreds of dishes from around the world.

Grown using only natural predators (good bugs) to control pests (bad bugs) and disease, you can be sure that the range is grown in harmony with Mother Nature and free from pesticide residue.

A truly international ingredient, the onion is the most widely consumed vegetable around the globe. Low in calories and high in fibre, they are also believed to help fight off illness thanks to their antioxidant properties. To avoid tears, top chefs recommend running onions under cold water or splashing white vinegar on the chopping board when cutting up.

The onion is a staple ingredient in many cuisines: Mix sliced onions in a spiced batter and deep fry to make simple Indian onion bhajis; chop and chuck into any Oriental stir-fry; slowly sauté for a deliciously sweet French onion soup or slowly roast along with a selection of Mediterranean vegetables to create the perfect topping for an Italian bruschetta.

Roast Autumn Vegetables on Bruschetta

Serves 4

1 red Good Natured Perfect Pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 yellow Pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 Onion, peeled and sliced into thin wedges
1 small aubergine, cut into small chunks
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp olive oil

1 ciabatta loaf
1 clove garlic, peeled
Small handful basil leaves, torn

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6.
2. Place the chopped vegetables  in a roasting tin with the cumin seeds and 1 tbsp of the olive oil and toss gently to coat with the oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until just starting to char at the edges.
3. Slice the ciabatta in half lengthways, then each piece in half again. Sprinkle with the remaining olive oil then bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until just golden. Rub each piece with the garlic clove.
4. Remove the vegetable from the oven and toss in the basil leaves.
5. Spoon the vegetables over the toasted bread and serve immediately, whilst still crisp.

Grown in England, Good Natured Outstanding Onions sell at an RRP of £1.30 for a 750g bag from selected Asda stores nationwide.

The Good Natured range also includes Crunchy Carrots, Perfect Peppers, Awesome Aubergines, Tantalising Tomatoes, Cool Cucumber, Splendid Spuds, Neat New Potatoes, Razzle Dazzle Basil, Currylicious Coriander, Fantastic Flat Leaf Parsley, Ban-tastic Bananas, Brilliant Blueberries and Succulent Strawberries.

www.goodnaturedfruit.co.uk

Follow us @Good_Natured on Twitter and Good-Natured on Facebook

Aldis at Christmas Review

Festive Foods are so good at Aldi this year, we were sent a lovely hamper of treats to try. I long ago stopped being a bit of a brand snob, well apart from a couple of faves. The Aldi quality is good, I regularly buy the super 6 fruit and veg as for 69p or occasionally 39p for a bag of apples, new potatoes of pound of leeks, why give the supermarket your hard earned cash I say.


At Christmas its even more of a necessity to spend wisely I believe.  I expect some nice treats this time of the year and would splash out a little, until last year with the Aldi Christmas treats I received. Then I knew that they have good food that is comparable to the big brands and on occasion better.

We found that all the products sent were as good as anywhere else and for some way better than we have had with even premium brands.

Firstly the best shop bought mince pie I have ever tried has to be the Specially Selected Mince pies. The pastry is buttery crisp outside and soft on the inside and a lovely deep layer of mincemeat with a lovely taste of brandy. Will be getting some more of these in, seriously try these love sweet Christmas treats.

 

Specially Selected Mince Pies - £1.69, Pack of 6

The epitome of Christmas, no dinner table is complete without an abundance of mince pies. Aldi Specially Selected Mince Pies are filled with the finest Mediterranean fruit, which has been dried naturally in the Mediterranean sun, then laced with French Brandy and a hint of mixed spice for a festive kick. The luxurious filling is wrapped in an all-butter pastry and oven baked until golden brown.

The Rioja is already a favourite here, Chris tried it a while back, its funny we have long looked at the wine, I was the first to try a bottle of Pinot Grigio and actually loved it as much as my favourite. So trusting the quality we do try our favourite grape blends. Its a full spicy wine and he says it has real depth.

New! Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva 2006 - £5.99, 75cl

This latest wine is a full-bodied, classic Rioja Reserva, which has been carefully aged in oak casks for three years and has intense red fruits leading to hints of blackcurrant and cherry. Add to this the perfectly balanced festive flavours of fine vanilla and oak spices, and you have the perfect accompaniment to Christmas roast meat dishes.

Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura Sparkling Chardonnay - £6.99, 75cl

The Chardonnay at £6.99 is a bargain especially when you see the awards it has gained., it  is crisp, taste like apples and lemons to me and would be great with turkey on the big day.

A multi-award winning wine, Philippe Michel Crémant du Jura is a decadent sparkling Chardonnay, worthy of any festive celebration.

 

These Stollen Bites at a low £1.99 for a packet are moist, the sweet dried fruits running through lead to a marzipan centre and are the ideal treat with a cuppa. Being individual mini treats is ideal as I find the larger cakes dry out too much.

Talking of mini we were sent the  Mini Panettone in a classic cake and a choc chip version is the perfect size to have with that cuppa. I noticed Aldi have a large version if you love this too. Its perfectly light and sweet. Not too dry and will have you popping back for another piece.

My final discovery was a bag of hand cooked crisps. These are light crisp, have a home cooked quality and flavour and ideal with a salsa dip.

My Christmas is going to be full of Aldi goodies,I just purchased a lovely Orange and Cranberry steamed pudding there which is so good, I have bought a couple more items, the jar of Stilton is a lovely treat too at an amazing £2.69.

Also today fresh turkey arrives in store a 4-4.8 kg bird for £19.99 and fresh turkey crowns for £7.89 a kilo



http://www.aldi.co.uk/index.htm