Browsing Archive

December, 2010

Favourite Cocktails: What Will You Be Drinking?

December 24, 2010 By In Top 10

A survey has revealed that more alcohol is consumed over the Christmas period in England, than anywhere else in the world. So with that said, we at MVC began to discuss the best cocktails to indulge in over the coming days. Whether it be a festive form of Egg Nog, or a cool and refreshing Mojito, we want to hear what you will drinking over the coming days.

However, if you are unsure as what to drink then there are some great idea’s out there for you to try. In saying that, I am sure there will be some interesting cocktail recipes left by passers by, so why not try one of those?

My favourite cocktail – if you can call it that – is called Guinness Punch, which you could argue is a West Indian version of Egg Nog. I touched up on this recipe the other day, offering a pretty unique form of making the punch which you will not find anywhere else online. (Yes, I have checked)

I’m also partial to a Pina Colada or a Freddy Fruit Fly, and indeed, my manly roots are really beginning to diminish more and more by the second.

My Pina Colada recipe is pretty simple actually.

  • 2 Measures White Rum
  • 4 Measures Pinaaple Juice
  • 1 Measure Coconut Cream
  • 1 Measure Cream

I like to add sugar to sweeten it up; but if you don’t, that’s OK too. As for the Freddy Fruit Fly, well if you can find a good recipe then by all means, hook me up. Because of the lack of recipe, I am forced to drink the FFF while out in Mexican restaurants - which isn’t actually that often.

But what drink will you be drinking over the coming 10 days or so? And no, Whiskey and Coke does not count as a cocktail!

Discuss: Your Christmas

December 24, 2010 By In Christmas

How was your Christmas? Those four words can either be the beginning to a long and very joyous conversation, or they could open a can of worms. So at the risk of sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, I put it to you, the readers, how was your Christmas celebrations?

Whether your day went perfectly without a single hitch, or whether your turkey spontaneously combusted setting light to your Christmas tree and incinerating all the presents, we want to hear about it.

I don’t really have a set Christmas ritual, but the day is broken down into four parts; the night of Christmas eve, Christmas morning, evening and the bit in between.

Christmas eve is when I usually open a present or two – due to my German heritage. In recent years, though, I would only open one present as I understand my heritage doesn’t reflect that of my other half.

Christmas morning will see me wake up at my girlfriend’s house with her sisters jumping on the bed at ridiculous-o-clock. As a kid I always enjoyed opening presents in the morning, I just couldn’t wait. But as an adult – so be it a very childish one – I find opening the gifts in the evening to be much more of an enjoyable experience. There is something about the dark that makes it seem extra special; to me, at least.

The bit in between is sitting down to Christmas dinner, but not before everybody does their bit towards the preparations. My preparations go as far as eating chocolate and drinking a few alcoholic beverages. This is usually the point that I head off to my family where my entire Father’s side meet and party hard.

However, since the passing of my Aunt, Christmas has never been the same. She kept the family together and subsequently, everybody drifted apart and began to do their own thing. – my Dad for example, who has travelled to New York to spend with family. So this year I will be spending the entire day with my girlfriends family.

The evening is perhaps my favourite part. Everybody congregates in the front room and enjoys their gifts while simultaneously watching TV and playing board games. It is organised chaos.

Of course, the worst part of Christmas is when you wake up the next day and realise it’s over; but I rest in the knowledge that I have a Christmas part two to follow, and a part three to follow that. Indeed, the 25th to the 27th sees me mingle with many families.

As for presents, I have no idea what I am getting and frankly, it would be a little silly for me to post on a public domain what I will be giving people. So this can wait until after Christmas. I will update and let you know if all goes to plan. Fingers crossed!

MVC Christmas Song Advent Calendar: 24 & 25

December 24, 2010 By In Top 10

By now, you will all be getting tired of hearing how excited I am at the prospect of an alcohol fuelled, food induced Christmas. Well fret not, the eve is upon and you will no longer have to put up with my constant jabbering regarding the festive period.

Today we have a double edition of the MVC Christmas song advent calendar, simply because I do not expect anybody to be on the Internet tomorrow. Well, except maybe Bill Gates and Al Gore.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Noddy Holder screaming it out loud for all to hear.

The worst part of Christmas is the knowledge that although the period extends past the 25th, Christmas technically only lasts a day. And while wishing it could be Christmas EVERYDAY may be a bit extreme – and become very tiresome – there is no denying that the prospect is an appealing one.

If only there was some sort of magic that could make this possible. Perhaps some sort of Wizzard… well, you know where I am going with this.

Number 25.

And that is it for this MVC Christmas Song Advent Calendar. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Merry Christmas.

MVC Christmas Song Advent Calendar: 23

December 23, 2010 By In Top 10

The time is approaching in which you can label a day as Christmas, whether it be eve or the big day itself. Excited? I sure am!

Christmas eve is now under 10 hours away and it is becoming a struggle to contain the ever present excitement that is building and building and building…

Come Christmas morning I will be like Domsuvius; no longer being able to contain the excitement, thus erupting into a Christmas frenzy. I – cannot – wait.

I must admit, though, I have grown slightly tired of having to traipse through the shops and purchase countless Christmas gifts. Regardless, I am simply having a wonderful Christmas time…

Perfect Christmas Gifts from Astley Clarke

December 23, 2010 By In Christmas, Guest, Top 10

Friends come into your life for a reason, a season and hopefully a lifetime. So why not treat the friends which mean the most to you this Christmas, with a gorgeous friendship bracelet from Astley Clarke?

They are offering free next day UK delivery until Wednesday 22nd December (that’s a saving of £7.95) so you still have plenty of time for your gift to arrive in time for Christmas day. And they offer free returns – just in case it isn’t perfect.

Your chosen jewellery will arrive in the softest polishing pouch, protected inside an exquisite dressing-table-worthy box. And you can also choose to have it Gift Wrapped for just £5 extra. Vogue describes Astley Clarkes wrap as “the prettiest gift wrap I’ve seen this year” – indeed it’s the finest handmade wrapping paper tied with a satin ribbon.

Here’s a few of our favourites from the Astley Clarke Friendship Bracelets Collection:

HAMSA CHARM BRACELET – £195

The Hamsa Friendship Bracelet (in faceted red agate and 18ct gold vermeil chain wrap) is available from AC Biography exclusively at Astley Clarke. This charming gemstone bracelet features an 18ct yellow gold vermeil and micro pave Hamsa charm. The Hamsa charm will protect its wearer, whilst the red agate provides strength and calm – a perfect jewellery gift for someone important to you.

SHINE BRACELET – £45

The beautiful Shine Bracelet is inspired by a much beloved locket that Bec Astley Clarke inherited from her own Grandmother, offering a modern twist on the traditional star setting. This sterling silver piece is available from AC Silhouettes – designed by Astley Clarke’s creative design team, the fine chain bracelet features a delicate star charm with moonstone cabochon.

FIJI COURAGE BRACELET – £88

An ideal gift for a friend or a loved one, the Fiji Courage Bracelet is designed to be layered with varying colour combinations from Monica Vinader’s addictively collectible Fiji bracelet collection. Symbolising Courage, the navy silk features a fine 18ct yellow gold vermeil half bangle measuring 4mm in width, finished with an adjustable rich navy silk cord.

LOVE AND HEART CHARM BRACELET – £125

These stunning gemstone bracelets take inspiration from the Buddha bracelets Bec Astley Clarke has collected on her travels. A perfect gift for your best friend, the 18ct gold vermeil charm features a heart motif and ‘Love’ engraved on its underside. Symbolising confidence, trust and loyalty the devotional heart is mirrored in the symbolic meaning of rose quartz.  This piece which will really show how much that special person means to you this Christmas.

VIEW ALL ASTLEY CLARKE FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS.

MVC Christmas Song Advent Calendar: 22

December 22, 2010 By In Top 10

It is currently, as I begin to write this blog entry, 2 Days 9 hours and 57 minutes until Christmas. The entire year has seemed to fly by, yet as we approach the big day the minutes have become sluggish as time seems to move very lethargically. In other words, I am truly in the Christmas mood and cannot wait for Saturday.

Yesterday I found myself watching a Top of the Pops 2 Christmas special – remember that program? And one of the songs that came on was Shakin Stevens. What a great song.

But what makes this song even better is the dodgy dance moves bettered only by the Christmas jumper he is wearing.

I had always intended to have this song in this list, but after seeing the live showing from 1985, I was intent on spreading the joy, the dancing and the novelty jumper.

SMARTBOX: The Ultimate Gift Idea

December 22, 2010 By In Christmas, Guest, Top 10

Free gifts with every order

-              1 FREE gift sleeve
-              1 FREE customised photo calendar!
-              5% exclusive discount with the code: SBXMVC

Gift experience expert Smartbox™ has your Christmas wrapped up this year with a brand new collection featuring 14 themes and more activities than ever before; and for the first time sees Smartbox partnering with travel specialists in the UK and Europe.

There are four new Smartbox gifts in the range, including three luxury boxes from exclusive partners Condé Nast Johansens, Relais & Chateaux and Golfbreaks.com. In addition, Smartbox has launched Kids Adventures, its first box containing a range of creative and exciting activities especially for kids.

This Christmas, whether you’re after an affordable gift for a friend, a quirky idea for that tricky-to-buy-for family member, or a luxury treat for somebody very special, you’re sure to find something perfect in the new Smartbox range.”

Great Christmas Gift Ideas from Smartbox:

Under £50 – Perfect for discerning foodies, the Tastings Smartbox contains 95 mouth-watering tastings experiences, including wine, chocolate, cheese and rum. £39.95

Enjoy it Together – For the ultimate luxury Christmas gift, treat yourself and a partner to the Enchanting Nights Smartbox. Spend a night under the mistletoe in a French chateaux, a 16th Century Italian villa, or in a queen’s country hideaway. Each of the 25 experiences on offer also includes complimentary extras such as champagne, welcome flowers and full breakfasts. £389

For Dad – New Golfing Getaways Smartbox, in partnership with Golfbreaks.com, is every golf fanatic’s dream gift, including a night in luxury accommodation and a round of golf on a choice of 30 beautiful courses across the UK. £169

For Mum – Treat deserving mums to a bit of pampering with the Zen & Spa Smartbox. With 200 gorgeous treatments on offer, and a luxury makeover and photo shoot, you’re sure to be the family favourite this year. £69.95

For Him – Rev up his engine with one of 180 high-octane experiences from the Adrenaline Smartbox. With extreme activities including high speed driving, aerobatic flying and rafting, this gift will create lasting memories well beyond Christmas day. £129

For Her – Sweep her off her feet with the new Romantic Retreats Smartbox, in partnership with Condé Nast Johansens. From breathtaking country hideaways to uber-luxurious city escapes, Romantic Retreats is the perfect way to spoil a special lady. £229

For the Kids – Tired of giving toys and books to nieces, nephews and godchildren? Try brightening their day with a helicopter ride, Harry Potter tour or a farm visit from Kids Adventures Smartbox. £39.95.

Christmas Giveaway Winners – Week 5

December 22, 2010 By In Christmas, Competition Winners, Competitions

Keep winning this Christmas with MyVoucherCodes.

The MyVoucherCodes ‘Shop, Share & Win’ Draw has now ended! We are one week closer to Christmas and we have the final set of winners for week 5. If you didn’t win in the “Shop, Share, and Win” giveaway, don’t fret! MyVoucherCodes has a brand new Competition, where there are more chances to win a fantastic holiday prize all the way through to the end of January! The Getaway Giveaway starts on Thursday the 23rd of December. To enter, visit our Getaway Giveaway homepage.

Now to announce the winners of week 5!

The lucky winners for week 5 are:

Golden Ticket

First Prize: M. Gooding from Wiltshire

Second Prize: L. Curtis from London

Facebook Giveaway: Maxwell Maki from our Facebook page

Bonus Shopper Giveaway: J. Withnall from Hampshire

Congratulations to our lucky winners! Here are the great prizes you have won:

Golden Ticket: First prize – Prizes worth £3,000:

  • iPad 3G and Modu T Touchphone with accessories from Purely Gadgets
  • Hot Diamonds Earings, Necklace and Bracelet
  • One Week’s Ski Accomodation from PV Holidays
  • £300 BHS Hamper
  • £250 Beauty Products from Feel Unique
  • £200 Debenhams Gift Voucher
  • £100 Fashion Union Gift Voucher
  • SmartBox Unusal Escapes Experience
  • SmartBox Zen and Spa Experience
  • Hotel Chocolat Signature Box
  • £40 Bundle from Dealtastic
  • UK Paintball Gift Box Experience

Second prize – Prizes worth £2,000:

  • £1000 Hamper from Liberty
  • Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Laptop
  • £250 Designers Guild Gift Voucher
  • £250 Warehouse Gift Voucher
  • £100 Kickers Gift Voucher
  • T-Mobile Nokia 5230 with Unlimited Music
  • Hotel Chocolat Signature Box x2
  • SmartBox Adventure Experience
  • Segway Rally for 2 from Buyagift
  • £40 Bundle from Dealtastic

Facebook Giveaway: Prizes worth £1,000:

  • £500 Radley Gift Vouchers
  • T-Mobile Nokia 5230 with Unlimited Music
  • 2 for 1 Hotel Break from Buyagift
  • £100 USC Gift Vouchers
  • Bungee jump x 2 from Buyagift
  • £50 HotelVoucherShop Gift Voucher
  • £50 Kickers Gift Voucher
  • Hotel Chocolat Signature Box
  • £40 Bundle from Dealtastic
  • Signed Super Mario Galaxy II Sleeves

Bonus Shopper Giveaway: Prizes worth £1,000:

  • £300 USC Gift Voucher
  • T-Mobile Nokia 5230 with Unlimited Music
  • Lamborghini Thrill from Virgin Experience Days
  • 2 Gift Vouchers worth £50 from Clarks
  • Buyagift Triple Whammy Experience
  • UK Paintball Gift Box Experience x2
  • SmartBox Adventure Experience
  • £55 Bundle from Dealtastic
  • £50 HotelVoucherShop Gift Vouchers
  • £50 Kickers Gift Voucher
  • Hotel Chocolat Signature Box
  • £40 GAME Gift Vouchers
  • Signed Super Mario

More fantastic prizes up for grabs in The Getaway Giveaway which starts on Thursday the 23rd of December!

Don’t miss your chance to Getaway in our brand new giveaway this Christmas and new year with MyVoucherCodes.

Good luck!

Maxi-mise Your Look This Christmas With Coast

December 22, 2010 By In Christmas, Fashion, Guest

If you haven’t got your party outfit sorted yet, don’t panic! There is still time for you gorgeous ladies to wow everyone over the festive period with a dazzling frock from Coast. With up to 50% off a huge selection of dresses, skirts, jackets, jewellery, accessories and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Coast offers party-wear that is both original and timeless, complimenting all figures and all tastes. However, if you can’t choose between all of the lovely offerings then take a look at some of the top outfits on offer:

The Yelena Dress is almost edible due to its satin fabric, coloured champagne. The ruffled shoulders and deep v back make this beauty a definite eye catcher. If you have a cocktail party lined up, or drinks in a swanky bar, then this dress is perfect, but not so much if you’re planning on going out for dinner!

The Alana Maxi Dress is a simple understated design that would suit a more casual evening. With long sleeves and made from soft fabric in black, this dress would suit a lunch or dinner celebration and also keep the chill at bay!

The Anna Feather Dress is a real party number, so if you are getting your dancing shoes on the New Year, this little frock is just the ticket. With a detachable feather belt and shoulders on show, this look is smouldering.

The Nina Ruched Skirt offers a sophisticated option, which would suit after work drinks. In black or navy, this fitted silhouette skirt can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for ladies on the go.

The Divianna Dress comes in a beautiful royal blue/purple and oozes style. Working with your curves and silky soft against your skin, this dress will make you feel gorgeous. Wear to any party this Christmas and feel amazing.

Ladies, there’s no excuse not to find the outfit of your dreams at Coast. Take advantage of saving yourself some money this Christmas, but hurry as the sale ends on 29/12/10!

Win with MyVoucherCodes and the Getaway Giveaway

December 21, 2010 By In Other, The Getaway Giveaway Winners, Travel

Win with MyVoucherCodes and the Getaway Giveaway

MyVoucherCodes always saves you money on your travel and holiday bookings, and following our fantastic Christmas Draw, we wanted to make sure there were more lucky people enjoying a perfect start to the New Year! Take part in the Getaway Giveaway to be in with a chance of winning a £1,000 holiday or a holiday worth over £250 every week for 5 weeks!  We will be holding a draw where we will select 2 winners; first prize will be drawn from the Entry Tickets and second prize will go to one of our facebook fans. Beat the winter blues and win yourself something to really look forward to!

If you would like to take part in this great competition, visit the Getaway Giveaway homepage on Thursday the 23rd of December.

In each weekly draw we will draw one entry ticket and someone will win a £1,000 holiday. We will also select a facebook fan at random from those who have entered the draw to win a holiday worth over £250.

The two ways you can enter are:

1. Share and Win

Share and win is the name, and telling your friends is the game! Tell your friends about the amazing savings they could be making and we will reward you with Entry Tickets for entry into the first prize draw to win a holiday worth £1000. The more people you tell the more chances you have to win.

2. Facebook Giveaway

During the competition, we wanted to reward our fantastic army of followers on facebook with a chance to win as well. All you have to do is enter the Getaway Giveaway Draw and ‘Like’ our facebook group, once this has been done you are in with a chance to win a holiday worth over £250.

Fantastic Savings:

We have negotiated some amazing savings with your favourite travel retailers. All of the retailers displayed on the draw page have given us great money saving deals for you to use for your shopping. Saving this sort of money means everyone’s a winner!

Login to Win

In order for us to award you with your Entry Tickets, you must login. If you haven’t registered before, the process is really simple and absolutely FREE. If you have signed in before then just click the enter button and follow the instructions to login.

Thousands of pounds worth of Holidays!

The first week of the competition prizes will be for the week of the 23rd of December until 29th December.

Prizes for the first week of the Getaway Giveaway:

1st Prize

2 return tickets to the sunny beaches of Miami with Virgin Atlantic

2nd Prize

A week in a Pierre & Vacances studio or 1 bed apartment for up to 4 people in top beach resort in France. Not available in school hols and subject to availability

Due to the Christmas holidays the draw for the first week and second week will be on the 7th January 2011, so don’t forget to check back here to see if you are a winner.

The MyVoucherCodes Getaway Giveaway Draw starts on 23rd December. This is the place to find out if you are one of the lucky winners. Good Luck!

If you would like to take part in this great competition, visit the Getaway Giveaway Homepage on Thursday the 23rd of December.