Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

Bohemian Rhapsody: The Inside Story

If you loved the film Bohemian Rhapsody a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their iconic songs and revolutionary sound with the beloved Freddie Mercury, then this is the book for you.

This is the 20th Century Fox official book of the Queen epic movie, published in paperback by Carlton Books. It includes photographs and biographies of the band members and their entourage, behind-the-scenes pics and stills, as well as images of the band from the 1970s to 1990s. The author has had unprecedented access to interview key cast and crew members to reveal how Freddie Mercury and Queen’s incredible story was brought to the big screen and shares how the story, events, music, props and costumes were developed for the film.

I loved the photographs, they are as impressive as Freddy would have wanted. It’s a well written really interesting read full of glossy pages and wonderful images. RRP: £20.00 Ages: Adults Available from carltonbooks.co.uk and all good bookshops and online stores

Thinking about giving a puppy to someone this Christmas? Think again

Dogs really are inappropriate gift. You need to choose a pet suitable for it owner(s) Firstly, a planned approach is paramount and you can find all you need in a new book published by Need2know books:  Dog Training the essential guide. Problems for new owners come down to one root cause: bad behaviour. Who’s to blame? Certainly not the puppy. Like a new born child the puppy is a blank canvas and can only reflect the owner. So it is up to us to give the puppy the right start in life and help it to grow into a genuine, likeable part of a happy family.

It isn’t easy. Where do you start?

Written by Canine Psychologist Lisa Tenzin-Dolma the book uses reward based methods that build trust and strengthen the bonds of affection between dogs and their owners. The book starts with positive reinforcement: Why punishment should be avoided and the science behind positive methods of training. Chapter 2 covers such things as Basic Good Manners; Toilet Training; Stop Barking; Stay and Wait; Doorbell Manners and Greeting Guests and much more. Social training is covered in chapter 3: Child Safety; Jumping up at people; Barking at Strangers and their dogs. In fact more than enough information to make your dog welcome wherever you go.

Effective 2-way communication and how to get and keep your dog’s attention are vital aspects to dog training and are covered in depth. It’s not all hard work, and Fun and Games has a chapter of its own. Additional information on Hand Signals; Lead Vs Harness; Clicker Training are fully explained. The book completes with a Glossary of Terms and a Further Reading List. So we have a great book, published in time for Christmas that is a must for dog owners and all potential owners.

Dog Training – the essential guide is available now from Need2Know Books www.need2knowbooks.co.uk or directly from Amazon.

 

Tate membership

Tate membership is a passport to art: it opens up a world of unlimited free exhibition entry, quiet Members Hours, exclusive events and much more. It gives a whole year of inspiration and is the perfect Christmas gift for art lovers.

Unlimited free entry to all Tate’s 2019 exhibitions, including: The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain; The CC Land Exhibition: Pierre Bonnard – The Colour of Memory; Dorothea Tanning; Olafur Eliasson

How to buy gift membership

You can buy your Tate gift membership online at tate.org.uk/members, at the Members desk in any Tate gallery, or by phone on 020 7887 8888 (9.45-18.00 daily). Free delivery is available before midnight on 20 December, and you can collect your gift in gallery or print a gift certificate at home after 20 December.

Types of gift membership
There are three types of Tate membership to fit all types of art lovers:
1. Member from £76, offering individual unlimited free entry
2. Member plus guest from £120, allowing members to bring a guest each time they visit
3. Member plus guest, plus extra card from £160, allowing members to share their visit with up to three guests
In addition, you can select extra benefits such as London, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives private views passes. Those who sign up by Direct Debit will also save £10 and get 3 months extra free in the first year of membership.

Find out more at tate.org.uk/members

 

For the Harry Potter fan in your life.

The Wizarding World Harry Potter Golden Snitch Heliball Drone www.robertdyas.co.uk/harry-potter-golden-snitch-heliball-drone £24.99)will create a sense of magic.  Finally, your chance to experience Quidditch first-hand has arrived with the interactive Heliball. The patented infra-red sensor technology allows the ball to detect your hand movements up to 1m away and flies away when you move to catch it. Or how about the ultimate flying gadget in the form of a striking stunt drone. With an impressive 150m flying range and a built in HD video camera, the X-Cam Quadcopter Drone www.robertdyas.co.uk/flying-gadgets-x-cam-quadcopter-drone-with-hd-video-camera (£34.99) is able to capture your flight whilst performing a spectacular 360 degree flip.

 

Ultimate gifts for travel fanatics

Super stocking fillers from Go Travel for the traveller who has everything!

Micro Wallet (RFID)

Plan next year’s adventures knowing you’ll be secure on the move with the Micro Wallet from Go Travel. This nifty stocking filler offers a halo of RFID protection to stop digital pickpockets stealing your money or I.D.  Multiple, easy-access card slots and a secure magnetic closure make it as useful for everyday life as it is for an epic adventure.  Essential security for backpackers travelling off the beaten track, its stylish design looks equally at home on a city break; ensure protection against digital fraud wherever you end up. RRP:£12.99 go-travelproducts.com/uk/security/the-micro-wallet-rfid

Supreme Snoozer

The Supreme Snoozer Pil

low from Go Travel is the ultimate hand luggage companion, great for catching up on sleep during festive travels.  Packing down to fit any type of hand luggage with little impact on space.  This cosy design combines the comfort of a foam cover with the compact convenience of an inflatable base and is wrapped in a removable, soft, jersey jacket that feels sublime next to your skin.  The unique flatback shape is perfect for upright sleeping and a more restful slumber – a globetrotter’s dream gift. RRP:£14.99

http://go-travelproducts.com/uk/health-comforts/pillows/super-snoozer

 2M Micro USB Cable

A handy addition to any travel bag, particularly if you want to FaceTime a loved one on Christmas day or stay in touch whilst you are away, the 2m cables from Go Travel are available with Micro USB, USB-C and Lightning connectors.    Quickly charge your phone or transfer all those Christmas pics with ease thanks to the high-speed data transfer.  While the extra-long design is ideal when the plug-socket is located awkwardly in a hotel room.  The convenient flat cable rolls up compactly, perfect to slip into a loved-one’s stocking! RRP: £9.99

http://go-travelproducts.com/uk/electricals/2m-micro-usb-cable

Ultimate Memory Pillow

Give the gift of luxury this Christmas with the Ultimate Memory Pillow from Go Travel. Premium memory foam that responds instantly to your natural contours combines with a supersoft velour outer and fully adjustable front tension straps to provide a bespoke 360o fit like no other. The unique shape is contoured at the rear to allow your head to slope gently backwards, while the tension straps hold it in place to avoid head-roll waking you from a peaceful slumber.  Ensure excellent upright sleeping for a travel-happy loved one this yuletide season. RRP: £24.99  http://go-travelproducts.com/uk/health-comforts/ultimate-memory-pillow 

Single Adaptor – USB

Make sure your loved ones stay in touch when travelling to the EU by keeping them connected this Christmas with the UK-EU Adaptor plus USB. Slimline, compact and lightweight, these handy adaptors allow you to use two devices at once, so there’s no excuse to avoid family FaceTime this festive season!  These single input, earthed adapters are reassuringly certified to the highest standards and fit most European sockets. http://go-travelproducts.com/uk/electricals/uk-eu-adaptor-usb RRP: 12.99

 Dadmin

The number one clothing and Christmas gifting brand saluting dads everywhere. Dadmin gives a unique and fun spin on life as a dad through a fashionable range of Dadmin branded clothing and gifts, designed to celebrate the modern dad and all the jobs that come with it. Hero items include their hoodies, t-shirts, mugs and notepads – all perfect gifts for Christmas!

Top gifts include (from L-R):

  • So Much Dadmin Classic Sweater (Navy) – £28.95
  • Dadmin Duties Socks – £5.50
  • Outnumbered Hoody (Grey) – £39.99
  • King of Dadmin Keyring – £4.95

The full Dadmin range is available at www.dadminstore.com 

 

Skin Republic

After 12 months of research and development, Skin Republic have launched a collection targeting men’s specific skin concerns; from cleansing and exfoliating to hydrating and anti-aging, it’s time to begin taking care of your skin and it’s all about starting early! Skin Republic For Men consists of three easy-to-use products including their Facial Scrub + Charcoal (£5.99) Energising Face Sheet Mask (£4.99) and Anti-Fatigue Charcoal Under Eye Patch (£5.99), all of which feature tried and tested ingredients such as charcoal, caffeine, vitamin E and C, with the latest advances in skincare technology.

The Facial Scrub + Charcoal is an exfoliating and cleansing scrub that contains the natural exfoliant walnut shell (no nasty microbeads), to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. This helps prevent clogged pores and allows other products, such as moisturisers, to work harder to keep you looking young.

The Skin Republic for Men’s Energising Face Mask Sheet can be thought of as a mud mask’s more sophisticated older brother – mess free and can be used anywhere. The mask comes in two sections: one for the top and another for the bottom of your face. This works well for those with beards as it can be placed over the top, and can also be used as a great post-shave treatment.

The Energising Face Mask Sheet is also perfect for men who are concerned about tired, dry skin and the onset of wrinkles as it contains wrinkle-fighting CoQ10, vitamin E and smoothing  vitamin C – it cools and hydrates your skin so after just 20 minutes your face will feel refreshed and reborn!

Finally, the Skin Republic for Men Anti-Fatigue Hydrogel Under Eye Patches are gel under eye patches, infused with caffeine, volcanic ash and vitamin C. These will cool the skin upon application and instantly reduce under eye puffiness, dark circles and dryness, eliminating pesky signs of tiredness to reveal eyes that look more awake and refreshed.

So, whether used as individual products or as part of a three-stage skincare regime, Skin Republic  For Men’s collection will transform tired and dull skin to leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Available at www.theskinrepublic.com.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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