Browsing Archive

November, 2010

Coast And Country Cottages: Book the Perfect Getaway

November 30, 2010 By In Travel

Thinking of booking a South Devon holiday property for a Christmas or New Year Break?

Whether you are looking for a luxury waterside apartment, a stylish property on the beach, a cosy ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage, a romantic rural retreat for two, a stunning barn conversion with a wood burner stove or a larger property to entertain family and friends – Coast & Country Cottages offer a stunning selection of properties exclusively in and around Salcombe, Dartmouth and throughout the beautiful South Hams coast and countryside.

Surrounded by stunning coastal and country scenery and offering a great choice of quality local pubs, seafood restaurants, tea rooms, individual shops, galleries, all weather local attractions and breathtaking walks, you will always find plenty to enjoy during a festive Devon break.

Choose to spot rare birds and wildlife whilst enjoying flowers and rolling fields in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

Discover rare flora and fauna, explore beautiful National Trust gardens or feed the ducks at Slapton Ley – a fascinating freshwater lake and nature reserve alongside the sea.

The South Hams is great for those wanting to learn a new skill; learn how to sail or surf off the stunning Start Bay coastline. Try crabbing on the Salcombe Quayside or attempt paddle boarding, the possibilities are limitless!  

With a beautiful selection of beaches, including the blue flag awarded Blackpool Sands, the area is perfect for walkers and families alike. Build a winter sandcastle and stretch your legs with a relaxing stroll along the surf, or take a bracing stroll along the coastal path linking the beaches while simultaneously walking off the pounds left in the wake of the Christmas merriment!

For those who would rather spend an afternoon shopping, there are independent shops and boutiques in Totnes or Kingsbridge that beg to be explored. Why not learn about the fascinating history of the area by paying a visit to Dartmouth Castle or Agatha Christie’s house?

Shopping or sport, nature or history, or for simply a relaxing short break or holiday, there is something to suit everyone… there is certainly plenty to do in the South Hams for those looking for a festive escape.

For further information and availability, to book online or to order your free brochure, visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk.

Mark Pearson Scoops Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

November 30, 2010 By In Entertainment, Lifestyle

The 2010 Growing Business Awards is the most important event for UK entrepreneurs and smaller business. The event was held at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square Enterprise, where Mark Pearson won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The event attracts huge coverage across the UK media, from the likes of the BBC, Sky News and CNBC. Shortlisted candidates and winners will join an elite community of Britain’s most respected independent businesses, which is great news for Markco Media.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is aimed at young entrepreneurs who are challenging industry/business norms; building commercially successful new businesses that have the potential to create significant-scale future businesses. Mark Pearson has succeeded in meeting these requirements through his dedication to myvouchercodes.co.uk and his other websites, which has now been reflected in winning this fantastic award!

Congratulations from the Markco Media team!

You can view Mark’s following sites by clicking as applicable: MyVoucherCodes, Markco Media, Mark Pearson, MyRetailCodes, Groupola.

Oxfam’s Ethical Collection: Top 10 Charity Christmas gifts

November 29, 2010 By In Top 10

This Christmas, consider an ethical charity gift from Oxfam’s Online Shop. From jewellery to stationery, food and drink to gadgets, there is something for everyone.

Our products have been selected for a variety of reasons; be it Fairtrade, recycled, organic, FSC or eco-friendly, and many of them have their own unique story to tell. Every product in the Ethical Collection has been purchased in line with Oxfam’s Purchasing policy which means that we seek to purchase goods and services which are produced and delivered under conditions that do not involve the abuse or exploitation of any persons and have the least negative impact on the environment.

100% of Oxfam’s profits go to help people suffering with poverty around the world.

Top 10 Ethical AW10 gifts

Family Organiser 2011 calendar

Perfect for organising your busy family, whether it be casual occasions or big get-togethers.

Recycled sari clutch bag

 

Matching sari necklace.

 

Bring out your hippy-chic side with a beautiful Sari Clutch handbag and matching necklace. 

Segway Rally for Two Special Offer

 

Be the envy of all your friends. Well, not all of them… Take one lucky friend to the track on this incredible machine.

Papier mâché Christmas baubles

 

Your tree will look so stylish with these handmade papier mâché baubles adorning it.

Recycled vinyl record coasters

 

These coasters are made from recycled vinyl and will bring some retro chic to your living room.

Recycled computer table lamp

 

Add some style to your study with this recycled computer lamp. Made from recycled circuit boards, this table lamp is something different.

Divine Fairtrade chocolate coins

 

A family favourite. These creamy milk chocolate coins made with Fairtrade ingredients will be a tasty treat for visitors of all ages.

Elephant ring holder

 

You’ll always remember where you put your rings with this smashing elephant shaped ring holder.

Floral cotton kimono

 

Feel good parading from room to room with this stylish alternative to a dressing gown. This 100% cotton kimono is white with a beautiful grey leaf design.

Water Powered clock

This multi-function digital clock is powered by a refillable water battery and features time, alarm, timer and temperature. Plus, it looks incredibly cool.

Dealtastic: Top 10 Gadgets & Gizmos

November 29, 2010 By In Top 10

Here at Dealtastic, we have Christmas on the brain! We also pride ourselves on making sure that when it comes to cool Gadgets and Gizmos, we’re ahead of the game for Price and Quality!

We have come up with a list of the Top 10 Gadgets on our site for Christmas. We have something for absolutely everybody, whether you are looking for a bargain, trying to make it seem like you have put thought into your partners present, or have landed Old Tom the Janitor in this year’s Secret Santa. No matter who you’re buying for this Christmas, at Dealtastic, we’ve got it wrapped – like the Christmas presents… get it?

10. Remote Control Mini AH-64 APACHE COMBAT Helicopter

Just like in the movies, but not so big, obviously! The smallest and lightest indoor helicopter fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and with its amazing attention to detail, flying has never felt, or looked so good! The auto-stable technology eliminates rotor torque, making it very steady in flight, which in turn means it’s a bit more forgiving and adds extra movement, making it that much more fun to fly!

9. Sat Nav with BluetoothUK / ROI maps D430

This fantastic Sat Nav with Bluetooth comes with all basic GPS functions – satellite navigation, voice-guidance, postal code search for UK / ROI MAPS and it is equipped with Bluetooth function; you can make and receive calls hands-free and access your mobile’s phonebook through D430

8.Rotating Speaker with Dock for iPhone & iPods

Here’s a new twist in watching your favourite videos on your iPod or iPhone…the Rotating Speaker System lets you plug in your favourite electronic device, then rotate the screen for the best viewing angle, and of course, it charges as it plays. This will become your favourite way to experience the video performances you’ve painstakingly captured through the coolest speaker system around! Perfect for him or her this Christmas.

7.Wiki Walkie Talkie Watches

Any man, child, or childish-man is lying if they tell you they don’t want a set of these! Walkie Talkie Watches are the perfect gadget for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay in contact. With a massive range of up to 7km – in open space – they can easily keep you skiers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, hikers and easy going wilderness strollers in touch. Kids will love to play with them too.

6.White Fairy Jar

Here at Dealtastic we have often been described as being “away with the fairies”. This is something which we strenuously deny! However, this product actually is! Well, kind of!

It gently collects rays of sunshine or light during the day and automatically turns them into mesmerizing display of flickering lights when it gets dark. You can use the sensor or you can also shake the Jar to create an amazing glow .It has a high efficiency solar panel on the top, but you also have the option of using 1x AA battery to make it shine for. Brilliant when you have the guests over after the Christmas Turkey!

5. Science Museum: Talking Strength Ball

Exercise and have fun at the same time. The best selling Strength ball has just been given a revolutionary twist! It talks, lights up and can be programmed to suit your exercise regime!

4. USB Missile Launcher

Looking for a startling Christmas gift? Then look no further!! With this Missile Launcher you will be able to fire with just a click and listen to its sensational sound effects when Rocket Launching!

3. Guinness World Records Air Powered Rocket

This bad boy is capable of Travelling over 200ft! Be the first to set a record with our Air-Powered Rocket Set! There are two new records waiting to be set for target accuracy and furthest target hit and this set contains everything you need to help you be the first record holder. The set contains an air-powered launch pad with two rockets and a fascinating mini book packed full of everything you could ever want to know about the exciting world of space travel. So it’s fun and educational!

2.USB Cup Warmer

Why is it that a really good cuppa always seems to cool 10 times faster when you’re sat working at your computer, it really is very annoying. Well at last there’s a suitable techie solution…the USB cup warmer.

And number 1 for Christmas is (drum roll please…)

Dave the Funky Shoulder Monkey

Right now you may be thinking that he’s not a gadget or gizmo, but he is the coolest toy this Christmas and he’s fun for all the family! And at Dealtastic, we have him available for the cheapest price in the UK!!

If you’ve been living up a tree, down a tunnel or under a rock and haven’t heard of Dave, he is a cute – but cool – soft toy that has a series of tiny electronic motors inside; allowing it to move and act in a realistic manner via a remote control! This Cheeky Monkey can also sit on your shoulder and unleash cheeky phrases to your friends and family! He IS the Ultimate in Christmassy giftness!!!

Compiled by: Andrew Cahill
Affiliate Manager- Dealtastic.co.uk
andrew@dealtastic.co.uk

Potato & Stilton Soup: A Lovely Winter Warmer

November 28, 2010 By In Dining, Lifestyle

Are you tired of the same watery soups? If so, indulge in something that will still satisfy the warming craving, but give the taste buds something to talk about. This requires minimal ingredients, little time and not much effort – perfect!

This dish serves 4, so either half the ingredients or have a big, big bowl! Prep time is only 15 Minutes and the cooking time is only 35 minutes. If you like to keep tabs on your diet then this little treat will provide 280 cals, 16g fat, of which 8.8g saturated fat, 3.3g added sugar and 1.5g salt per serving.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 6 celery sticks, chopped
  • 500g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 20g unsalted butter
  • 1 litre vegetable stock
  • 1⁄2 x 28g pack fresh parsley, chopped
  • 100g leftover Stilton
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and fry the chopped onion, celery sticks and potatoes with the unsalted butter. Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the parsley and whizz in a blender until smooth; stirring through the Stilton. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to finish.

Want to buy these ingredients at great prices? Enjoy great savings at Sainburys

Game.co.uk: Top 10 Console Games

November 27, 2010 By In Top 10

Call of Duty: Black Ops

(Formats: PS3, 360, Wii, DS, PC)

Following the record breaking and BAFTA award winning Modern Warfare series – Call of Duty – comes Black Ops; the must have game for all first person shooter fans this Christmas. The in-game action transpires in multiple locations around the world from Cuba to Vietnam, while the intriguing storyline plays out around dubious CIA dealings, Nazi experimentation and soviet styled expansionism. Whether playing in single player or online multiplayer with friends, one thing is for sure – You wont be able to put this game down!

Fifa 11

(Formats: PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, DS)

Just when you thought FIFA couldn’t t get any better – FIFA 11 breaks the mould with its on-the-pitch realism and gaming modes; making for an even more authentic, long-lasting virtual kickabout. Score a goal this Christmas with FIFA 11!

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood

(Formats: PS3, 360, PC)

Ezio returns in this gripping struggle against the powerful Templar Order in this latest edition of Assassin’s Creed. Brotherhood takes the player to new realms of multiplayer action, where free-roaming fun, athletic adventuring and time-warping conspiracy-laced storylines have never been more intense or satisfying!

Halo Reach

(Format: 360)

The prequel to the massive Halo Trilogy is the very definition of epic. In Halo Reach, the squad enlists with Noble Team, an elite group of Spartan Warriors, as they fight in a battle of epic proportion against the enemies of Reach – Will you remember Reach?

Just Dance

(Format: Wii)

Get your groove on with Just Dance 2 and its poptastic selection of music tracks.  Choose from a large selection of artists including Jamiroquai, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, The Jackson 5 and many more. This sequel has an all-new co-op and party mode which means you can really show your friends who the king, or queen, of the dance floor really is.

Grand Turismo 5

(Format: PS3)

Ready, Steady, GO!

GT5 makes its debut on PlayStation 3 this Christmas in stunning HD and will undoubtedly set a new benchmark to racing simulation games. Choose from over 1000 cars on over 70 tracks to play online in a 32 player experience  - the only concern you’ll have is making sure you’re not in another drivers rear view mirror!

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

(Formats: PS3, 360, Wii, PC)

From the team behind Burnout comes Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit. Whether you choose to play as an adreline seeking street racer or a law enforcing cop, you’ll experience serious virtual speeds in some of the coolest looking nitro-fuelled cars around!

Fallout New Vegas

(Formats: PS3, 360, PC)

This follow up to the highly successful game Fallout 3, is set in the Mojave Wasteland – a lawless place where desperados and the just plain desperate brave the harsh deserts, radioactive beasties, slavers, and super mutants. It’s kill or be killed in New Vegas!

Medal of Honor

(Formats: PS3, 360, PC)

In Medal of Honor the gun battles are intense, set within the realistic back drop of Afghanistan. Be the best soldier you can with the Limited Tier 1 Edition of Medal of Honor from Game.co.uk, where you begin your mission as a highly decorated Tier 1 operator from the start!

Fable III

(Format: 360)

Fable III is the magical sequel to 2008s role-playing adventure on Xbox 360. Featuring an intense, darker and an altogether more epic tale, this game will take you to new depths of story mode gaming. Who will you become? The monarch of the people, or the titan who brings Albion to the brink of collapse?

Love game? So do we, that’s why we are offering you the latest in Game voucher codes!

The Champions League Has Its Dark Side

November 27, 2010 By In Sports

With one group game left, most of the big teams have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition, but controversy ha surfaced surrounding Real Madrid and the red cards for a second bookable offence of Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso; who seemed as if they got themselves sent of deliberately.

They both had a yellow card to their name which would have carried over to the knockout stage. However, receiving a second yellow card and getting sent off would void the booking for the knockout stages of the competition and wipe their slates clean. Simply put; a sending off for two bookable offences sees them enter the knockout stage free of any previous bookings.

When you see the sending offs you won’t believe your eyes at how farcical both sending offs were because it clearly seems like they deliberately wasted time to get sent off so it wouldn’t hinder them in the knockout stages.

When Mourinho was confronted by the press, he only spoke of the performance and the referee who branded some silly yellow cards during the game. He also spoke about moving on to their last game against Auxerre which they would take as serious as any other game, with other players stepping up to the plate by filling the void left by Alonso and Ramos.

Lyon had previously been fined for such an incident, but how will FIFA react to the mighty Royal Madrid? The punishment must surely be more than a fine… should both players be banned for more than one game?

I have never ever seen such a blatant, deliberate, farcical display of outright cheating.

Fed up? Then get away from it all…

November 27, 2010 By In Lifestyle, Travel

… by escaping to a tree house in the depths of the Welsh countryside. No, I have not gone mad, but the idea just sounds weirdly appealing. Bring back the excitement of your childhood by reliving the carefree days of climbing trees and building your own private retreats to disappear to. The only difference being these tree houses will have understated luxury while still offering a large helping of adventure.

Situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, you, your family and your friends can disappear from routine and retreat into a natural world to appreciate the environment in its element. Your tree house uses a burner to heat the collected spring water to provide you with a refreshing shower and a hot plate to cook on. Further more, enjoy a roaring fire that you can stare at for hours; becoming lost within its warmth. The only outdoor sounds that you will hear are the lapping of stream water and the breeze through the trees – ah bliss.

Embrace an environmentally friendly retreat that is eco friendly, yet still with all the comforts of a modern day lifestyle. Who needs electricity when you’ve got solar lanterns and wind-up lamps, giving the world a softer glow.  If you can bear to leave your humble home lost within the trees, keeping you cocooned from your troubles; there is plenty to do alongside nature outside.

Discover a simple inviting world by having a stroll through divine settings in woodland or along the beach, offering you simplicity and natural beauty.  If you want to travel further afield and lose unwanted tension, then go mountain biking or kite surfing. What’s more, you can indulge in private therapy sessions from local healers and read from the tree house library. Take this opportunity to live life differently…

Two night breaks are available throughout the year with bookings starting from April 2011 catering for family breaks for up to four guests.

£30 off two night tree house break for two now £349

£25 off family two night tree house break now £374

What are you waiting for? Make the most of these tree house break discounts.

England Smouldering Already

November 26, 2010 By In Sports

260 all out! That is how a depleted England finished off their innings of the first day as Peter Siddle took a hat-trick of wickets on his 26th birthday for Australia. England, who hadn’t started too well in the first Ashes test, recovered to reach 197-4 before Siddle exploded into action; first having Alastair Cook caught at slip for 67, and then removing Matt Prior and Stuart Broad with his next two balls. 

The confidence and mood in the English camp was high after their flawless preparation and strong performances in the three tour games.

However, England were brought down to earth with a bang as the Aussies made it clear that no matter how good your preparation, an Ashes series on Australian soil remains one of the toughest of assignments.

Australia on the other hand, have had an awful preparation for the Ashes; losing their last three test matches. WBut when it was their turn to step up to the crease they replied with a solid 25-0 over six overs with Shane Watson and Simon Katich safely negotiating the England bowlers in Brisbane.

After winning the important toss, England made little impact and soon found themselves struggling in Gaba that has been a fortress to the Australians. Captain Andrew Strauss lasted just three balls, Jonathan Trott (29) fell when threatening a major innings, and it was a similar case with Kevin Pietersen (43). Cook, who put on 76 with Pietersen and 72 with Bell, played his part but it was his wicket that triggered the Siddle-inspired collapse that left Australia firmly on top.

Only 5 hat-tricks have ever been accomplished during the Ashes, so it goes without saying that it is a tough landmark to achieve. The last man to accomplish this was Shane Warne against England back in 1994 in Melbourne, but Siddle became the 11th Australian over all to bowl a hat-trick in test history and put them in firm position to secure the first test.

Watch the Ashes in style with £101.99 off LG 32LE3300 Ultra slim LED TV with 4xHDMI and USB. Now £358 at Beyond Television.

Hurray for The Royal Wedding: An Extra Day Off And A 3 Day Week!

November 25, 2010 By In Lifestyle, News, Other

It’s about time we all got some good news amongst all the negativity that seems to be hanging over our heads at the moment. I’m sure that not only has the much anticipated news of a marriage proposal got us talking about something positive, but it also gives the plus side of allowing us all to enjoy and celebrate this special day together!

Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced that they will tie the knot in Westminster Abbey on Friday 29 April, and because they want to share their special day with the nation, we will get an extra bank holiday in 2011! I’m sure that you are just as thrilled as I am about an extra day off work – happy days!

If you have yet to book next year’s holiday then you should seriously be looking into it soon as you can take an 11 day holiday, but only have to use 3 days of your annual leave. This is down to Easter weekend falling conveniently before the wedding; with the May Bank Holiday situated right after. For those of us who won’t be going away, we can still enjoy three-four day weeks followed by leisurely weekends. The exact dates are listed below, so start planning how you will celebrate now!

Good Friday 22nd April

Easter Monday 25th April  

Royal Wedding Bank Holiday 29thApril

Early May Bank Holiday 2nd May  

Ministers, who are telling councils they want it to be easy for people to organise street parties, have also found themselves wrapped up in the excitement; as opposed to confusing guidelines on food licences, road closures and insurance. Therefore councils are being urged to ask organisers to complete one simple form.  It’s never been so easy to have fun – and about time!

Communities secretary Eric Pickles said, ‘Royal wedding street parties are a great British tradition.’

Plus Publicans’ groups called for a loosening of licensing laws to: “help deliver the down-to-earth celebration and feel good factor the royal family has said it wants“.  This will make for a very refreshing atmosphere and a great attitude towards a shared celebration.

Even if you couldn’t care less about the wedding, I think it is safe to say you will be enjoying the extra day holiday as much as the rest of us.

Planning a Royal Wedding Holiday getaway? Let us help with £40 off royal wedding getaways at lowcostholidays.co.uk