Mums Family Christmas Survival Guide 2015

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Great advice and activities for you and your family

FAMILY SURVIVAL GUIDE 2015 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

www.mumssurvivalguide.net

SUMMER 2015

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

with our 40 page festive special – inspiration, savings, great gift ideas and delicious recipes!

BLAST OFF!

Follow UK astronaut Tim Peake’s adventures in space!

…plus much, much more inside!

WIN W I N WIN A Hotpoint Micro

w av e , a Dawes Duchess b ike and children’s b ook s

WIN

In this Issue...

P6 DESTINATION SPACE: THE GREAT BRITISH BLAST OFF British astronaut, Tim Peake, will be launching into space on 15th December. Follow Tim’s adventures and get involved in the many events taking place up and down the country as well as trying out some of the great space themed activities during the Christmas holidays

p20 P26 TEN TOP TIPS FOR A PRE-CHRISTMAS CLEAN!

With thanks to the experts at Dr Beckmann, getting your home looking festively clean, tidy and sparkling doesn’t need to be daunting and time consuming with these smart tips

p6

Win a Hotpoint Ultimate Collection microwave!

Hotpoint is revolutionising the microwave to become the ultimate cooking companion in the kitchen. The new Hotpoint Ultimate Collection microwave offers the power of a conventional oven, at the speed of a microwave, and has the ability to Crisp, Steam, Grill and Defrost thanks to Dynamic Technology.

The new Hotpoint MWH 33343B combination microwave, combines contemporary design with unbeatable cooking performance. Performing like a best-in-class oven, the new microwave features Hotpoint’s Multiwave Technology, which boasts two emission plates that guarantee full heat distribution for quick, evenly cooked food.

P12 NEW YEAR, NEW START UP?

Thinking of joining the growing army of mumpreneurs? Then make sure you read our top ten tips for surviving the first 18 months in business from Susan Payton, founder of The Business of Mums

P16 COOKING 21ST CENTURY STYLE

Ah, the humble microwave. Only useful for heating up cold cups of coffee and nuking a ready meal as a last resort? Wrong! Many of us have been underestimating this device. Jennipher Marshall Jenkinson, chair of the Microwave Technologies Association, shows us how we can cook more quickly and efficiently AND more healthily with a microwave than by any other cooking method

For your chance to win this fantastic prize, simply enter online at: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/hotpoint by 24th January 2016 No purchase necessary. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. The winner will be notified no later than 25th January 2016. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Whirlpool Corporation or their agents.

By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Whirlpool Corporation and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

Published by Lincolnbrody Ltd, 98 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JS EMAIL info@lincolnbrody.co.uk EDITOR – Victoria Howdle DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Daniel Josty (CREATIVE DPS) ADVERTISING MANAGER – James Martin

Copyright LincolnBrody Ltd No reproduction in whole or part is permitted without written permission. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty related to the promotions in this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change.

p26 P35 FUN AND GAMES

Don’t know your Forza Motosport from your FIFA 16? Fear not, we’ve got family gaming expert, Andy Robertson and GAME’S gaming guru, Gamer Claus on hand to lead you through the best video game buys this Christmas. Whether you’re buying for the children or for seasoned gamers, you’ll find something for everyone in our gaming guide

p35 P45 THE PERFECT GIFT

p16 P20 CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP

This year’s Christmas supplement is chock full of inspirational advice, savvy tips, great gift ideas and tasty recipes to make sure your festive season is one to remember with the minimum of fuss and a whole lot of fun! We pinpoint the best buys in books, video games, technology, home entertainment, children’s fashion and much, much more!

We love books at Mum’s and this year our friends at Waterstones pick the best children’s book buys for all ages

P54 MUM’S FESTIVE KITCHEN Enjoy our selection of scrumptious, seasonal recipes that are guaranteed to keep hungry tummies happy this Christmas

p61 WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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WIN a Dawes Duchess bike worth £349.99!

Discover your world with Dawes Cycles We all know that getting on our bikes is not only fantastic for our health and the environment, it’s also loads of fun and with thanks to our friends at Dawes Cycles, we’ve got a fabulous Duchess bike for one lucky reader to win!

Combining classic looks with modern styling the Duchess is the bike to be seen riding about town. It’s fitted with all the essentials such as a comfortable web-sprung saddle with matching grips, a rattan effect basket, kickstand and painted mudguards to complete the heritage look.

The 7 speed Shimano gears allow you to pedal your way around town with ease.

Available in 5 colour options and, 2 frame sizes in each, there’s a Duchess to suit anyone, from the Classic Black Duchess for the more reserved, right up to the “Red Hearts” Duchess that will certainly get heads turning!

For your chance to win, simply enter online at: www.mumssurvivalguide.net/dawes by 31st January 2016 The Dawes bicycle brand offers you the unique blend of British heritage and outstanding performance. The comprehensive range of bicycles and accessories deliver the highest quality, from its core of experienced, knowledgeable staff and excellent network of independent retailers.

www.dawescycles.com No purchase necessary. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. The winner will be notified no later than no later than 5th February 2016. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Dawes Cycles or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Dawes Cycles and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

WELCOME Welcome to Mum’s Family Christmas Survival Guide!

We’re on the last lap now and we are sure our special Christmas supplement starting on page 20 will give you a mix of inspiration, advice, savings and tips on some great presents for the whole family.

We know you love a good competition and our thanks go to prize partners Hotpoint, Dawes Cycles, Jennipher Marshall-Jenkinson, Hachette Children’s Books and Egmont Publishing who have guaranteed that some of you will get your hands on some fabulous goodies over the next couple of months!

Anything that saves time and effort in the kitchen has got to be worth a look and we’ve been bowled over by all the things we didn’t know we could do with our microwaves thanks to our feature on page 16. Those of you with any budding scientists (or even astronauts!) at home should check out Destination Space on page 6 – Tim Peake is the European Space Agency’s first UK astronaut. He’s up, up, up and away this month and we show how you and the kids can follow his adventures. Mmm, so he’ll be in a spaceship, missing Christmas, with no wrapping, cooking, kids, shopping, cleaning…..stop it, you know you love it really!!

As always, we’ve put together a selection of engaging features, great offers, tasty recipes, competitions and prize draws throughout the magazine that will help make winter and the festive season that little bit easier – that, after all, is why we created Mum’s Survival Guide!

Merry Christmas and see you in 2016!

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tion a c u d E l a v i v r Su

DESTINATION SPACE: Backed by the UK Space Agency, science centres across the UK have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide children and families all over the UK with a unique opportunity to join his crew, learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station.

Don’t miss the countdown to lift off!

Tim and the crew will be launching in Soyuz craft, via Soyuz rocket from Baikonour in Kazakhstan at approximately 11am on 15TH December and will be docking at approximately 6pm. Streaming of the launch is available here www.esa.int/esatv/Television and here

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www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

The Great British Blast Off

W

ith over 20 million visitors to UK science centres every year, Destination Space will give families across the nation the chance to learn about Tim Peake’s mission through hands-on experiments, rocket demonstrations, space equipment and video from the International Space Station.

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, the programme will celebrate the team behind Tim, highlighting great opportunities for young people within the science and space sectors.

Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “Human spaceflight is the ultimate in team effort with many committed individuals working to get an astronaut into space. We wanted the Destination Space programme to recognise the talents of the people who support Tim Peake and in doing so showcase all the fantastic career opportunities this sector offers young people.

“Our Destination Space family shows and school workshops at 20 science centres across the UK allow visitors to learn more about Tim Peake’s mission, get hands-on training and find out all about the great people that work behind the scenes in human space flight.”

Secure your place in the Destination Space Crew Online, Destination Space follows Tim Peake’s adventures in space and encourages the UK to get behind his mission through the inspiring figures who will be supporting his adventures. Everyone can sign up for training with Tim and share their endeavours via a social media command centre.

Pictures Top left: Tim Peake in EVA suit during Extravehicular Skills training in the NBL. Bottom left: International Space Station seen from Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Left: Destination Space crew on stand-by to support Tim Peake on his mission.

Top right: Liftoff of Soyuz ST-B flight VS12 carrying Galileo satellites 9-10 Middle right: Astronaut, Tim Peake with school children at Destination Space Bottom right: Children at the Destination Space Crew Training presentation.

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GOT TWO VERY FUSSY 12 YEAR OLDS COMING OVER FOR TEA? WE’VE GOT A RICE FOR THAT.

Kids eh? Who can keep up with what they do or don’t like? So why not keep a selection from our Heat and Eat rice range handy? The delicious flavours are always a hit, not only with the kids, but adults too.

For recipe ideas from Madras to Milan visit www.wevegotariceforthat.com

Pictures Destination Space Crew Training during a school workshop.

Destination Space shows are running all over the UK. Destination Space shows are running throughout Tim Peake’s mission so families can get hands-on and close-up to all the action while he is on the International Space Station.

National Space Centre

Leicester

Science Museum

London

Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow

Dynamic Earth

Edinburgh

World Museum

Liverpool

Thinktank, Birmingham Museums Trust

Birmingham

Centre for Life

Newcastle

Techniquest

Cardiff

W5

Belfast

Eureka! The National Children's Museum

Halifax

At-Bristol Science Centre

Bristol

Observatory Science Centre

Sussex

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Cheshire

Cambridge Science Centre

Cambridge

Satrosphere

Aberdeen

Techniquest Glyndwr

North Wales

Winchester Science Centre

Winchester

Dundee Science Centre

Dundee

Eden Project

Cornwall

Royal Observatory Greenwich

London

Sega Toys Homestar Original Get 60 000 twinkling stars from the skies to your ceiling!

Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Homestar Original from Sega Toys. The high definition planetarium with the ultrabright 3 watt LED and its rotating movement projects the Night sky throughout the year. Two interchangeable disks contain the fixed stars in the northern hemisphere will enable you to observe the night sky or the map of

constellations. And with the integrated “shooting star” function you can help your dreams come true even quicker.

Projection angle and focus are adjustable.

The handy timer lets you fall asleep while gazing at the stars turning off the planetarium automatically. www.segatoys.space

A unique personality tool (visit www.destinationspace.uk/meet-spacecrew/find-your-role-space-crew) has also been developed that allows people to secure their place in Tim Peake’s crew, assigning everyone a role based on their interests and preferences.

The Destination Space Programme has been created and delivered by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres in Bristol working in partnership with expert teams at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Science Museum in London and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire.

Dr Penny Fidler, the CEO of ASDC and Director of Destination Space said: “Tim Peake is the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut and we want WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Pictures Destination Space Crew Training during a school workshop.

Fun activities to try at home There a lots of activities for budding Destination Space crew recruits on the Destination Space website ranging from building your own rocket, making a space lava lamp and learning about astronaut toilet training.

Make your own space suit As long as you stay in Earth’s atmosphere, your spacesuit can be as simple or as complicated as you want.

What you need

✓ White top ✓ White trousers or Tyvek overalls ✓ Gloves ✓ Silver duct tape ✓ Coloured sticky tape ✓ Fabric glue ✓ Cardboard ✓ Cardboard tubes ✓ Cereal box ✓ Two 2-litre drinks bottles (alternatively use crisp tubes or lengths of poster tube)

children and families to feel they are truly a part of his exciting mission. His journey and time on the International Space Station provides a great opportunity to encourage children to be more curious, ask big questions and to enjoy science.

“By joining us for one of our science centre events or following Destination Space online, young people and families all over the UK can explore human space flight in a hands-on, fun and involving way.

“We want to show there is a huge crew of women and men from all areas of science and engineering who work to make space missions possible. This is a chance to celebrate their endeavours, giving young people the confidence and curiosity to explore and ask questions long after they leave the science and discovery centres.”

To find events near you, sign to join the crew and find out all about Tim Peake’s mission go to: www.DestinationSpace.uk M

✓ Double-sided tape ✓ Adhesive velcro tape If you have no spare white clothes (check first with whoever buys your clothes), Tyvek overalls are a good alternative. You can buy them online or from a good hardware shop for about £5.

Look carefully at the spacesuit to see where you might wear additional tubing around your limbs. Put on your white clothing and ask someone to help apply tape around the joints and along the zip lines like the Sokol suit Tim Peake and other astronauts wear.

Bend your legs and arms when doing this, or you may find it difficult to bend them afterwards!

Real astronaut gloves need to retain and deflect heat, but yours just need to look like they do. Take your gloves and use the duct tape to cover the knuckles and cuffs of the gloves.

The cereal box will be the air tank worn on your chest. The bottles will be fuel cylinders worn on your back. Paint the whole cereal box white. Line the 2-litre bottles with white paint, by pouring some inside and then rolling then carefully so they are completely coated. Leave to dry.

Lie the two plastic bottles down side by side and tape them together using two long strips of duct tape.

Use the velcro tape to attach and remove the the air tank and fuel cylinders to your space suit.

Make your own space Helmet For the simplest helmet, use a head-sized cardboard box, with a hole in one side to see

through. Cover in white paper or paint with PVA glue and white paint, and add plastic tubes and details to make it realistic.

Our spherical helmet takes longer to create, and you may need an adult to help with more complicated parts.

What you need

✓ Large balloon ✓ Black felt-tip pen ✓ Old newspaper ✓ Plain white paper ✓ Wallpaper paste (or flour and water paste)

✓ Optional extra: visor ✓ 2-litre plastic drink bottle (with smooth sides)

✓ Glue gun (adult supervision required) ✓ Wide sticky tape What to do Draw on the balloon where you want the visor. Draw another line around the balloon for the neck opening.

Sit the balloon in a jug or plant pot and cover the balloon with three layers of papiermâché, leaving the visor and neck holes open. Allow drying time between each layer of papier-mâché. If you don’t want a visor on your helmet, finish it off with a fourth layer of completely white papier-mâché.

If you want your helmet to have a visor, cut the ends off the plastic bottle to make a cylinder. Then cut a straight line down one side of the cylinder to make a rectangle. Trim as necessary so that it covers the visor opening of the papier-mâché.

Ask an adult to help put hot glue across the top of the visor opening with the gun. Allow the hot glue to cool so it doesn’t melt the plastic. Attach the visor by pressing the long edge of the plastic firmly against the glue.

Papier-mâché over the edges of the visor, and give the helmet two more layers. Make the final layer completely white.

Wait for the helmet to dry completely before popping the balloon.

Trim the base of the helmet so it fits over your head.

Remember to decorate the helmet with Destination Space and Principia Mission badges you can download from our Mission supplies.

There are loads more fun activities at www.destinationspace.uk/mission-modules

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ness Survival Busi

New Year, New START UP?

With well over a million ‘mumpreneurs’ already established in the UK and the number growing every year, we spoke to Susan Payton, founder of The Business of Mums, who has these top ten tips to help you survive the crucial first 18 months in business.

HOW TO SURVIVE THE FIRST 18 MONTHS IN BUSINESS

A

ccording to Bloomberg, a whopping 80% of start up businesses fail within the first 18 months. Research shows this is often down to critical factors such as lack of funds or lack of demand. So what measures can you put in place to increase the odds of you taking your business beyond the first couple of years?

1. Check out what business support is available in your area Get all the help you can. A good place to start is your local college, university and council, with some offering everything from desk space and meeting rooms to mentoring programmes, bootcamps and workshops. Much of it is heavily-subsidised or even free. Also consider getting a mentor. According to the Institute of Enterprise & Entrepreneurs, business owners with a mentor are 25% more likely to succeed.

Find your nearest government-backed mentoring programme at mentorsme.co.uk.

2. Make sure you will have customers Keep your costs low until you know for sure there is a market for what you are offering, and always stay on top of your numbers.

The Lean Start Up is a must read for anyone thinking about starting a business. Author Eric Ries suggests that, rather than traditional market research methods that rely on asking customers what they want (which they don’t always know!), a far more effective method is to continuously test, adapt, adjust and trial your products, continually monitoring feedback, to learn what customers will buy.

3. Partner up Partnering up with other businesses can work in so many ways and create excellent PR opportunities. Whether putting a package of goods or services together with another business to attract more customers, sharing stands at trade events, creating joint marketing materials, offering each other’s customers discounts or doing joint ventures together, collaboration can be hugely successful and beneficial for all.

4. Become an expert Most people understand the importance of having an online presence these days, but it is also critical that you know how to use tools like social media and blogging effectively. The focus needs to be on giving value, contributing and sharing useful information, writing great content and, in doing so, becoming an ‘expert’ in your field. Publishing good content allows your ideas to get seen and helps you create ownership and authority over your chosen niche.

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5. PR No-one is going to buy your product or service if they don’t know about it, but there are lots of low-cost and even free ways of marketing your new business and getting press coverage, including customer testimonials (preferably video), free editorial in magazines, social media, email marketing, newsletters, blogs, online directories, networking groups, business events & trade fairs, as well as giving talks and free samples. Getting PR will be even easier once you have mastered no.4 !

6. Where to look for funding There are more ways than ever now to raise finance for new ventures. Here are just three of them: Government Grants – see if you might qualify for one at ukbusinessgrants.org Start Up Loans – startuploans.co.uk is a government-backed initiative that provides affordable finance and free mentoring Crowdfunding (where a number of people put in small amounts to raise capital for a business) – an ever-popular source of finance for entrepreneurs, with more than 180 crowdfunding websites popping up in the UK in the last four years and over 9 million people investing in more than 650,000 projects across the country. See crowdfunder.co.uk

7. Hire smart It is impossible to do everything yourself, so it is important to know what your strengths are, what only you can bring to the business, and what you can outsource. Before outsourcing to anyone, make sure they understand your business and goals and that they are the right people to go on that journey with you. Consider using freelancers or hiring an apprentice. The government will fund 100% of the training costs for apprentices under 19, contribute towards the costs of training an apprentice 19 and over, and you may be eligible for a £1,500 grant if you are a small business.

8. Work productively Being busy is easy, being productive takes practice. If you get distracted by your phone constantly buzzing or facebook posts popping up, put it on silent and only check it every couple of hours or so. Declutter your workspace to help clear your mind. Use the times that you’re most productive to complete important tasks that need your full attention. Set deadlines to keep you focused.

9. Make room to grow It is easy to get so busy working in your business day to day, that you don’t take time out to track your progress and direction, keep an eye on trends and changes in your market, recognise if and when you need to change direction, get feedback from customers, collect testimonials and have sound strategies in place to retain customers and incentives to refer their friends.

There are growth accelerator programmes available from the government at gov.uk

10. When the going gets tough Keep clear about the results you are working for. There will be challenges and obstacles, but as long as you are clear on why you started your business and what you want from it long

term, you can get through the tough bits. Make time to switch off and relax so that you can come back feeling refreshed. Be kind to yourself and accept that things won’t always (and often don’t) go to plan.

Check out our Inspiring Stories of Success at thebusinessofmums.com to see how other ordinary mums are doing something they love, the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned.

For more information on all of the above topics, and lots of great resources and tips, see www.thebusinessofmums.com M

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Survival Food

Cooking 21st Century Style

You can cook food more quickly, efficiently, with the minimum of washing up and in the case of vegetables, retain more nutrients, by using your microwave oven than by any other cooking method  Would you like help preparing

Christmas dinner and all the extra food that goes with Christmas festivities?

 Would you also like to save money doing it?

Then make more use of your microwave oven!

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That’s the advice of Jennipher Marshall-Jenkinson, the Chairman of Britain’s Microwave Technologies Association (MTA), who has been a microwave cooking expert for the past 30 years.

Jennipher took over running the MTA in 2003 on her return to the UK after a 5 year stay in Australia. Whilst living there and working

as the Food Editor for a Nature and Health magazine, Jennipher was given the job of creating Australia’s newest magazine – ‘The Australian Microwave Magazine’ and helped to set up the highly successful MICA (Microwave Information Council of Australia) – and so her microwave story started.

She put away all her saucepans (and hasn’t used any since!) and for the next few years cooked all the food for her family in her microwave oven. She comments “Some dishes worked, others didn’t! Knowing how to make the most out of all the appliances in your kitchen is most important. After all, you wouldn’t boil a leg of lamb or grill Yorkshire Puddings!”

So after proving that microwaves are safe, Jennipher has dedicated her time to persuading us, through microwave cooking features in magazines and radio and television appearances, to use microwaves to cook the dishes that work well in them – vegetables, fish, sauces, cakes, eggs and breakfasts and much, much more.

With government assistance, she has been able to commission independent, unbiased research, which has also proven unequivocally that microwaves are safe to use, environmentally friendly and good value too! In the history of their use, there hasn’t been an accident of microwave leakage through the door or walls of the oven. Any that you may have heard about are purely myths!

Microwave – It’s the greener, healthier way to cook If you are one of the 90% of consumers that have a microwave oven in your home, why don’t you use it to cook with rather than using your conventional cooker? Not only will you be saving pounds in your pockets, you’ll be helping the environment as well as giving your family more nutritious food.

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family’s meals in a microwave oven instead of on a conventional electric cooker. An average family of four, boiling four saucepans of vegetables on top of the stove for 20 minutes along with grilling or frying meat for 10 minutes using a conventional oven would cost approximately 30p. To cook the same meal in a microwave oven would cost just 9p! That’s a saving of two thirds of the energy you would normally use to cook your family’s meals and two thirds off your associated fuel bills - not to mention the saving of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Recent research also found that vegetables cooked correctly in a microwave oven retain more nutrients than if they were cooked conventionally on top of the stove in a saucepan of boiling water!

Microwave facts A microwave oven operating at 500W for 9 minutes (medium setting for 1000 watt oven and working at 50% efficiency) costs approximately 2p to run and a microwave oven operating for 9 minutes (full power setting for a 1000 watt oven) costs approximately 4p to run. One electric hob ring operating for two hours costs approximately 19p.

So by using a microwave instead of an electric hob, you can use about five times less energy and it’s five times cheaper to run! Now that is a big saving not only for the family’s budget, but for the environment as well.

So, why cook with microwaves? Because they are the most economical, efficient, safe and convenient cooking method known in the Western World, and to date there has not been one accident known or recorded anywhere in the world that has been attributed to microwave leakage from a domestic or commercial oven.

Not only that – more nutrients are retained in microwave cooked food than by any other cooking method. In fact, correctly cooked, vegetables retain 85% of their original vitamin content, yet when boiled often they contain none! So children don’t need to eat as much to get a lot of vitamins. Top chefs have been using microwave ovens and combination ovens in their kitchens for many years and their customers have been delighted with the food they have been served. So isn’t it about time you joined the microwave cooking revolution?

Turn to pages 54 for some fantastic recipes and tips on how to make the most of your microwave! M

WIN

Hotpoint Ultimate Collection microwave!

Go to page 3 for your chance to win

Win one of 5 signed copies of Microwave Magic – The Heart of 21st Century Cooking by Jennipher Marshall-Jenkinson!!

If you would like the opportunity to win or buy one of Jennipher’s prize winning cook books – ‘Microwave Magic – The Heart of 21st Century cooking’, then send your name and address to MTA (Seriously Food Ltd), 23 Earlsfield, Holyport, Berkshire, SL6 2LZ, with a cheque for £12.95 (this includes £2.95 P & P), made payable to Seriously Food Ltd. The first 5 orders opened will receive a signed copy of the book and their cheque will be returned.

All books will be signed by the author and dedicated to someone special if requested.

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Guide l a v i v r u S s a Mum’s Christm

Christmas all

WRAPPED UP While we can’t guarantee to sort everything out for you, our bumper 40 page Christmas supplement is packed full of great ideas for creating a magic Christmas for everyone – and that means mums too. As well as inspiration for gifts, we’ve got top tips for staying on budget, keeping the house clean and tidy, saying no to stress and a selection fabulous recipes. So read on and enjoy loads of wonderful, festive family fun!

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On Christmas Eve Make reindeer food out of oats or carrots, with a bit of glitter mixed in. Let the kids put it in a bowl under the tree, then secretly tip it out once they’ve gone to bed, so in the morning the bowl is empty.

Make ‘Santa’s footprints’ with icing sugar or flour, by cutting out the shape of a shoe using a grown-up shoe or boot as a stencil. Easy to do, easy to clear up and magic for kids.

Cover the door to your living room in wrapping paper. On Christmas morning, kids will have huge fun tearing their way in.

On Christmas Day

Inspiration

In the run up to Christmas

With the right inspiration, you can keep Christmas fatigue down to a minimum. Sometimes we try too hard to create a special Christmas, when the answer is right under our noses the whole time. After all, Christmas spirit can’t be bought in the shops and doesn’t take 100 hours to create. All it needs is a sense of fun and a little imagination.

Make a ritual out of advent calendars. On the count of three, everyone has to open the door at the same time while making an ‘angels singing’ sound effect (“Laaa!”)

Get kids to make their own wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper and letting them loose with pens, paints, stamps or stickers. They’ll love getting creative, and the personal touch will make everyone’s gifts extra special.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Have fun with your food. Decorate a dish of mashed potato with a smiley brussels sprout face or break chocolate coins (with the metal wrapper taken off) in half and add ‘shark fins’ to the trifle.

For children just learning their letters, write gift tags with the initial instead of the full name, for example ‘M’ for mummy. Then make a game of matching the present to the person.

Arrange for Santa to bring everyone an inexpensive musical instrument. Then get your mini orchestra to play and sing something together every time they want to unwrap another present.

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The art of anticipation

5 ways to find your Christmas mood

We all know that half the fun of an event is the days and weeks leading up to it, and Christmas is no different. Set aside time for some fun activities to celebrate the build-up to Christmas and you’ll stay in the mood right up until New Year.

1. Set a festive email signature.

Five Fun festive family things to do in December 1. Go ice skating 2. Sing carols 3. Watch a classic Christmas movie 4. Roast some chestnuts (see how to do this in a microwave on page 57!)

2. Treat yourself to some flowers.

3. Embrace earmuffs.

4. Listen to a Christmas CD you actually like.

5. Add a dusting of cinnamon to ‘Christmas-up’ everyday foods (like yogurt). Yum.

Christmas stress survival guide Christmas is supposed to be fun, so how come we often end up so stressed? We take a look at the factors that create Christmas pressure, and our tips for sharing the load. Because mums deserve a magical time at Christmas too.

5. Wrap presents together

Don’t do it all yourself!

The glow of Christmas past

As mums, we often feel we’ve got to be the one who sorts everything out, from decorations and presents to shopping and cooking.

So this year, get the family on board and parcel out tasks to the people you’re sharing Christmas with.

Giving everyone something to do builds team spirit, brings people closer together and, often, keeps them out of mischief. The results might not be as perfect as you want them to be, but when you’re painting your nails instead of doing last minute preparations, we promise you won’t mind a bit.

A big part of Christmas magic is nostalgia, and doing something that connects our present with happy memories. So as well as concentrating on things the kids want to do, make sure you indulge your own Christmas associations, and one day they’ll bring back happy memories for your kids too.

Something for you When mum feels festive, it’s definitely contagious. So don’t forget to make time for all those little things that get you in the Christmas mood.

Do half-and-half: if you have a partner, ask them to sort out presents for their side of the family. Then leave them to it.

Let them do the legwork: older children can help research family Christmas presents on the internet, or help with some of the shopping.

It’s a wrap: have a family ‘wrapping party’, and plan a treat when you’ve finished, like hot chocolate with marshmallows or a trip to the local ice rink.

Horses for courses: if you’re having guests, give them a course to bring like starters, pudding or nibbles. That’s one less thing to do.

Taking turns: at mealtimes, make sure everyone does their bit. For example, half the family help with cooking and laying the table, the other half clear and wash up.

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Make it an online Christmas The internet has to be the best stress-busting invention for getting Christmas together.

Shopping online lets you:

 avoid the crowds.  shop around without the legwork.  stick to your list (and avoid impulse buys).  get it all delivered.

Mum’s Survival Guide Tips for Christmas shopping online Watch out for delivery costs: choose sites where you can buy several presents, spreading out the delivery cost, or where delivery is free.

Don’t leave it too late: delivery times get longer as Christmas approaches, so allow for that.

Book a delivery slot now: if you’re getting Christmas groceries delivered, book early to get a good slot.

Set a budget – then stick to it It’s not how much you spend on Christmas. The important part is deciding on an amount you’re comfortable with and sticking to it. Start by just choosing a figure that will work (factoring in your normal bills), then split it into the different areas you need to cover (see our budget breakdown below).

Once the festive mood takes hold, it’s far too easy to hit the shops, think ‘Oh, but it’s Christmas,’ and spend another £20 on things we don’t really need. This can add up to hundreds of pounds, so it’s important to take control. A budget will help you be more aware, so you can weigh up the buzz of Christmas spending versus the achievement of doing it your way (a way you can afford).

Try to avoid doing everything at once

Christmas budget breakdown

Get ahead

It’s easy to go overboard at Christmas by forgetting just how much there is to do. Make sure you include all of these areas in your budget.

One way to dilute the Christmas rush is to tick some boxes in the weeks, or even months, before. It’s a great way to spread out costs too.

Presents and wrapping

 Cards and postage  Decorations  Food and drink  Going out  Party clothes  Travel DO

 Stick to your budget.  Get guests and family to pitch in.  Shop around for the best deals.  Buy with cash or debit card  Factor in a little treat for yourself (you deserve it).

DON’T

 Take on debt you can’t afford (including

loans, overdrafts, credit cards, credit agreements and store cards).

Forget to pay your everyday bills.

  Buy on impulse.  Turn to unauthorised sellers for cut-price or knock-off items. They might be fake, stolen or unsafe.

 Feel guilty about doing the sensible thing.

Life is hectic as it is. Throw in a three-week sprint of festive shopping, catering and cardwriting, plus house guests and visiting, and it’s a miracle that Christmas happens at all. Although these tips may be too late for some of us this year, try to factor some of them in for 2016.

Shopping: shop for presents throughout the year. This is also a way to grab the best deals.

Just keep track of what you buy so you don’t overspend.

Frozen assets: you can buy or cook-andfreeze all kinds of Christmas foods, from stuffing and veg to canapés and cheeses. Start now and you’ll be well ahead come Christmas day.

Decorations: the best time to buy Christmas decorations is - of course - the January sales.

If you’re not in the habit already, start doing it this January and next year you’ll have that box ticked already.

Make it fun, not perfect Often, the idea of a ‘perfect’ Christmas is something only mums can see. We feel we’re letting people down if things aren’t special enough, but actually, they’re just happy it’s Christmas.

Ultimately, it’s about what brings you joy. If being the Christmas maker and scene-setter is what you love best, then embrace it and be proud. If not, then maybe we’re missing out on one of the most important things about Christmas, which is that it’s there to be enjoyed.

When else do you get to eat chocolate before breakfast, wear a silly paper hat and set fire to your dessert?

It’s Christmas. So have some fun with it!

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torial r e v d A s a m t s i Survival Chr

Ten top tips for a pre-christmas clean!

Dr. Beckmann’s top tips to get your house sparkling ahead of the festive season

W

ith all of the parties, cooking and shopping, Christmas is busy enough without having to do a big clean around the house. But if you’re planning on hosting the in-laws, it has to be done.

Getting your house back to it’s sparkling best might seem like a daunting task, but it needn’t be if you follow some basic steps. If you plan, prepare and stock up on the right products, you’ll be sitting down relaxing with a glass of mulled wine in no time at all.

So to make the big clean easier than ever, take a look at this guide from UK cleaning expert Dr. Beckmann.

1) Assess the mess Firstly, identify what is in need of a good scrub.

By investigating your house to find out what needs cleaning, it will help you prepare in advance.

Go around each room with a pen, paper and clipboard and note down everything that needs some TLC. By assessing the mess, you’ll also know which cleaning products you’ll need.

2) Make a list Not only will writing a list help you see exactly what needs doing, but it helps you work systematically and focus on one thing at a time.

When writing your list, begin by targeting tasks you’ll have to do in every room, for example windows, carpets and curtains.

Categorising what needs cleaning will make sure nothing is missed, and by working through a list you will get that satisfying feeling of making progress.

3) Date in the Diary Cleaning can be time-consuming, especially if you want to do a good job. But by the time the New Year has rolled in, money is tighter and we are all feeling those January Blues. This is the perfect time to set aside a whole day or even a weekend to give your home some TLC after the Christmas festivities.

You’ll need to tidy up first, so make sure you allow time for this. And remember, some

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appliances can take up to 24 hours to clean.

Scheduling a clean-up is the perfect excuse to tidy the house and even de-clutter. You don’t want to be tripping over clothes or objects, or even committing a cleaning sin by sweeping around them!

4) Gear up While a bad workman may be allowed to blame their tools, the same does not apply to cleaning. Make sure you have all the proper products at your disposal before you start.

No two stains are the same and, as such, they should be treated accordingly. When cleaning surfaces or furniture that is stained or dirty, make sure you source bespoke products to make them look as good as new. It might seem like it’s a time consuming and costly approach, but it’s well worth it if you want to do it right.

5) Get help The most efficient way to tackle a clean up is teamwork. Get the family involved by assigning roles for each member. Kids are more than capable of operating a vacuum cleaner, dusting the windowsills and shelves, and even helping to declutter.

Not only will everyone have contributed and feel great once the house is looking spotless, but it will also save plenty of time.

8) Work systematically When you tackle the big clean up, we suggest moving from task to task instead of room to room. That way you don’t have to switch between products or equipment so you’ll clean quicker.

We’d recommend beginning with the hardest and most time consuming tasks, and work towards the quickest and easiest.

Mentally, it makes the whole process less of a drag as the most daunting chores will be out of the way first.

9) Don’t forget appliances We suggest cleaning appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers every month. They are often overlooked but no big clean is complete without doing them – Dr. Beckmann’s Service-it Washing Machine Cleaner will make sure the machine is rid of bacteria and working at its optimum.

10) Keep on top of it Once the worst is out of the way and your house is spick and span, it may sound simple but set up a cleaning rota to be completed on a daily basis throughout the festive period.

This way, the responsibility can be shared between the whole family and you can all enjoy the good times together. M

6) Brush to a beat Be sure to blare out a killer housework playlist to make cleaning seem like less of a chore.

Who wouldn’t rather slow dance with their mop around their kitchen floor?

Our favourite tunes to tidy to are “Whistle While Your Work”, “Working 9 to 5” or anything from Mary Poppins. Be warned, though, you may actually extend time spent cleaning if participants are particularly talented at X Factorstyle vacuum singing!

7) Seek expert advice

✓ ✓

For further information about the Dr Beckmann product range visit www.dr-beckmann.co.uk

✓

ownload the NEW Stain Devils App for fast, D effective stain relief from Dr. Beckmann.

Available at Google Play and the Apple App Store.

F or a quick and easy scientific solution to your household stains visit Dr Beckmann’s Stain Clinic at www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/how-to-remove-stains

To make sure you do the best job possible, look for specific cleaning tips to help you out – especially if you’re unsure of what product to use.

Not only is YouTube awash with how-to videos, but the Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils App offers handy top tips for stain removal – it’s free to download from the Apple Store and Google Play.

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ASDA t a s d n u o S s a Christm

Listen to the

MUSIC! Listen to your favourite tunes on the radio, on vinyl or on the go with this cool selection of audio devices available at ASDA

 Crosley Cruiser Put down the iPod and mobilize your music with the Crosley Cruiser three-speed portable turntable.

Constructed of wood and bound in a leatherette material, the briefcase-styled record player is lightweight and easily transported from place to place. It features built-in stereo speakers so you can listen to your music without having to connect it to a speaker system.

Available in selected stores.

r HD 202 II DJ Style Headphones

v Jam Classic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker • Big sound, small size • Rechargeable

DJ Style Headphone. Combines precision components & remarkable sound isolation. Very Rugged & durable, yet lightweight in design with a very secure fit. Superb bass response.

515986 £36.99 £29 (SAVE £7.99)

• Wireless range up to 10 metres • Universal - works with virtually every smartphone, tablet, music player and PC • Up to 12 hours continuous use on a single charge using Aux-In • Up to 4 hours continuous use on a single charge using Bluetooth

 KitSound Swing The KitSound Swing is packed with many tricks and features to give you great functionality, expansive sound, and retro appeal. Featuring a practical carry handle as well as the option to be mains or battery powered, you can take the Swing anywhere.

Available in selected stores.

Visit ASDA.com

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Picture to come

 Goodmans Slate DAB Radio Enjoy the clarity of crystal clear high quality Digital sound with this Goodmans DAB/FM Radio. With a minimalistic design and superb build quality this DAB Radio is a perfect addition to any home and with the option between DAB and FM radio you will always be able to find the station you want.

Goodmans Copper DAB Radio  The Goodmans Canvas Digital Radio is smartly designed inside and out. Canvas makes it easy to listen to your favourite radio stations. Simple controls and portability lets you enjoy crisp, clear sound all around the home.

 Goodmans 45W 2.O Bluetooth Soundbar Bring the sound of your TV to life and play music from a smartphone or tablet device with the Goodmans 45w soundbar.

Visit ASDA.com

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Christmas Tech at AS DA r Lenovo Tab 2 A7 – £69 A versatile, affordable tablet that lets you take your music and video with you, it’s your ticket to anytime/anywhere entertainment. › Pocket size comfort – Thin and light at 269g the A7 is a perfect size for reading, listening to music, and websurfing. › Quad Core processing – Enables better multitasking, delivers a smoother Android experience and eliminates stutter when playing games or HD video.

› Dolby Digital Plus – This audio enhancement allows a louder, more natural, distortion-free sound, whether you’re using its speakers or listening with headphones. ›S atellite GPS – Never get lost with built in satellite GPS that works offline.

› 7” HD display – Offers a clear and colourful viewing experience whether indoors or outside.

PICTURE THESE UNDER YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE from the worlds #1 PC manufacturer

r Lenovo YOGA 300 – £249 (selected stores) The YOGA 300 provides 360 degrees of flexibility at an unbelievably low price. Whether for work, play, or something in between, the YOGA 300 adapts to you. ›A udio – Each YOGA mode has its own audio profile which maximizes Dolby Audio sound quality. ›H D Screen – Wide-range, anti-glare 11.6” multitouch HD display for stunning visuals, whether you’re browsing the web or watching movies. ›Y OGA Modes – The YOGA 300 features four ways to do almost anything: Laptop, Stand, Tent or Tablet.

›S torage – Up to 2GB DDR3L Memory and 32GB eMMC. ›D olby Audio – Each YOGA mode has its own audio profile which maximizes Dolby Audio sound quality, perfect for that cinema experience. ›P owered by Intel – Intel Celeron dual core processors for improved battery management.

Laptop mode: Laptop is the notebook mode. With YOGA’s integrated keyboard and touchpad, it’s easy to do a range of productive activities.

Stand Mode: Stand is designed for touch usage and socialisation. It’s easy to video chat with your friends through the YOGA’s integrated camera and mic.

Tablet Mode: The YOGA can quickly and seamlessly transition to tablet mode by rotating the screen back 360 degrees.

Tent Mode: In tent mode, the screen is very stable for touch use, making it a good choice for entertainment.

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at ASDA h c e T s a m t s i r Ch

Festive Entertainment Keep the whole family enthralled this Christmas with this fantastic entertainment range at ASDA Perfect gifts for the kid’s bedroom Polaroid Series 1 22inch TV & DVD Combi  • 22“ FHD display • Resolution: 1920*1080 • Support DVB-T/T2 MPEG4, CI • 2xHDMI and 1xUSB • Built-in DVD player • Accessories: Remote control, IB, 2xAAA batteries for RC 542310 £119

v Polaroid Series 1 24inch TV & DVD Combi • 24” HD display • Resolution: 1366*768 • Support DVB-T/T2 MPEG4, CI • 2xHDMI and 1xUSB • Built-in DVD player • Accessories: Remote control, IB, 2xAAA batteries for RC 536395 £129

Polaroid Compact DVD Player  • DVD Player • Compatible with DVD, DVD-R, RW, CD, CD-R, RW, JPEG Picture Disc • SCART Output 522244 £20

 7’’ Portable DVD Player Black, Pink or White • 7” Wide Screen Size, Multiple language subtitle & OSD • Support DVD, DVD+/-R/RW, CD-R/RW, JPEG, MP3 • Multi-Protection Built in Rechargeable Battery about 2hrs Playtime • Accessories: AC adaptor, RC, car charger, In-Ear Earphone

 9’’ Portable DVD Player • 9” Wide Screen Size, Multiple language subtitle & OSD • Support DVD, DVD+/-R/ RW, CD-R/RW, JPEG, MP3 • MultiProtection Built in Rechargeable Battery about 2hrs Playtime • Accessories: AC adaptor, RC, car charger, In-Ear Earphone 574076 £55

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Black: 574049 £40 White: 574065 £40 Pink: 574056 £45 Also available in pink and white

Visit ASDA.com

Perfect gifts for the family from Polaroid, Panasonic and NOW TV and many more in store Polaroid 32” HD Ready Smart LED TV  • 32” Direct lit LED TV, HD Ready • Smart TV • Integrated Freeview HD Tuner, 3 x HDMI , 2 x USB , 1 X Scart 523665 £199

v Polaroid 42” Full HD Smart LED TV • Full HD Smart LED TV • 1080p Full HD • Smart TV – BBC iPlayer, Netflix and YouTube • Integrated Freeview HD Tuner • Built in WiFi 542324 £289

Polaroid 50” LED TV  • 3 x HDMI, 1 x AV, 1 x Scart, 1 x VGA , 1 x Antenna, 1 x Mini YPbPr Socket, 1 x CI , 1 x USB Port, 1 x Earphone Socket, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x RJ45 543016 £349

Polaroid Soundbar  • High Glossy Front, Panel • Metal Speaker, Grill • AUX in/Bluetoot • Optical • Output Power 15W x 2 + 30W • Remote control 542149 £50  Panasonic VIERA TX-40C300B 40” LED TV • LED Edgelit screen • Resolution – 1920 x 1080, HDMI x 2 (ARC compatible x 1), SCART x 1, Composite input x 1, USB 2.0 x 1 • DVB-T2 Freeview HD Tuner • Dimensions Unboxed with stand: 588 x 923 x 220 mm (H x W x D) 547980 (Check in store for latest price)

v NOW TV Set Top Box with Entertainment Pass • NOW TV box with NO CONTRACT and includes 3 MONTHS ENTERTAINMENT PASS 553433 £25

 Panasonic DMP-BD83EB-K Smart Blu-ray & DVD Player • Plays Blu-ray & DVD • Dims 38.5 x 245 x 175 mm (H x W x D) • 1x HDMI output • Smart TV Services: BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Netflix, AccuWeather, BBC News, BBC Sport, Deezer 547140 (Check in store for latest price)

 NOW TV Set Top Box With Sky Sports Pass

 NOW TV Set Top Box with Movies Pass • NOW TV box with NO CONTRACT and includes a 2 MONTHS MOVIES PASS 553447 £25

• NOW TV box with NO CONTRACT and includes a 2 DAY SKY SPORTS PASS 553461 £25

Visit ASDA.com

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TM

Build the LEGO Gateway. ®

Command the action with the LEGO Toy Pad. ®

Collect your favourites for crazy combinations in game.

AVAILABLE NOW #BREAKTHERULES

GAME.CO.UK © 2015 The LEGO Group. ™ & © DC Comics. THE LEGO MOVIE © The LEGO Group & WBEI. © New Line. ™ & © SZC lic. to WBIE. ™ & © WBEI. (s15)

Survival C hristmas

Give the gift of gaming this Christmas

Fun and Games

V

ideo games are a source of great fun for the whole family but it is important to get the balance right. Andy Robertson, who is a freelance family gaming expert for the BBC and runs the Family Gamer TV channel (www.youtube.com/ familygamertv), says ‘I help families of all shapes and sizes get the most out of video-games. To enjoy them healthily, and get the best value from them, we as parents need to be present in our children’s game time. Actually, more than that; we need to be active in choosing what, where and when our families play games.

Toys-to-life games like LEGO Dimensions, Skylanders Superchargers and Disney Infinity offer a combination of physical and electronic play. Their collectible toy figures grant access to in-game characters by being placed on the plugged in portal peripheral. This year it’s all about proper toys with Skylanders and Dimensions both bringing toy vehicles into the mix while Infinity leans more on its Star Wars content.

My advice to you is dive in and play something together. Video-games are waiting to offer your family the ingredients for a healthy amount of fun.’

With so many items to choose from, picking the perfect Christmas present can be enough to send anyone into a cold sweat. Fear not – this year, we spoke to the experts at GAME where there mysterious gaming guru, Gamer Claus will be on hand to help pick out the real crackers, guiding and advising gifters and gamers on the best gaming deals, exclusives and bundles.

Gamer Claus will be making sure gamers get the best deals in the lead up to the big day, in-store or online at game.co.uk. With up to 50% off epic titles including Grand Theft Auto V and Forza Motorsport 6, gamers will be cruising into Christmas in style.

For those added extras to give gamers the edge, Gamer Claus is here to help both gifters and gamers get exactly what they want this Christmas. The GAMEware starter pack which features a stereo headset and a controller charging dock is the perfect gift for anyone taking their first steps into the gaming world, while the Kontrol Freak Call of Duty: Black Ops III control stick accessories will kit out the more seasoned gamer. What’s more, gamers can get their hands on extra loot unavailable anywhere else, by searching “only at GAME” at game.co.uk or looking for signs in store.

As if that wasn’t enough to kit gamers out this Christmas, GAME’s Xmas List app will

allow kids and adults to keep track of all their must-have gifts in one handy place. So whether it’s the latest FIFA 16, or any one of the many characters available from the Toys-to-life range, Xmas List will store your Christmas wish list and allows you to share with friends and family.

Existing GAME app customers looking for Xmas List should visit the Apple or GooglePlay Store to upgrade to the latest version of the app.

All this, plus the most rewarding gamer loyalty card and amazing trade-in offers means GAME has Christmas covered. Just head to your local GAME store or shop online at www.game.co.uk About GAME Retail GAME Retail is the UK’s leading videogames retailer. GAME is committed to delivering for the gaming communities of the UK online, in-store, on mobile and through its app.

With a market-leading reward proposition, incredible exclusive content and great deals, GAME is the number one destination for all gaming needs.

For more information, please visit www.game.co.uk or www.gamedigitalplc.com

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Games for the whole family  Lego Dimensions Starter Pack PEGI 7. Available on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 & WiiU Guaranteed to be a gift that keeps on giving, the LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack is all players need to begin – build the base and embark on a fantastic quest. Perfect for entertaining the family over the festive season and beyond!

Skylanders: Superchargers  PEGI 7. Available on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and WiiU, Wii, iPad & Nintendo 3DS Make sure Christmas is supercharged with this epic gaming gift for the kids! Players can venture on a journey over land, under sea and through the sky to stop the evil Kaos and save Skylands!

The fifth instalment in the Skylanders series, Skylanders: Superchargers includes new online multiplayer race and CO-OP modes.

 Disney Infinity 3.0: Play Without Limits PEGI 7+. Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, & WiiU What would Christmas be without a bit of Disney magic? Make dreams come true for all the family this Christmas with Disney Infinity 3.0.

The best-selling “hybrid toy/video game” of 2014, the all-new Disney Infinity 3.0 introduces the Star Wars™ universe to the game for the first time. It is the only place where families can experience characters from Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars and play with them together.

Guitar Hero Live  PEGI 12. Available on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 & WiiU GH Live mode puts you onstage, looking out: you get a heartstopping first-person perspective as a real crowd reacts to the notes you play. Or switch over to GHTV – a playable music video network, where you can play along in real time, discover new music, and challenge friends around the world.

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Sport and speed fans  NBA 2K 16 PEGI 3. Available on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 &PS3 For sports fans looking for something different, NBA 2K 16 will give players the chance to hone their basketball skills online, competing against gamers from around the world.

Featuring an all-new MyCAREER mode written, directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, NBA 2K 16 will impress any basketball fanatic.

 Forza Motorsport 6 Tony Hawk Pro Skater 5  PEGI 12. Available on Xbox One & PS4 An absolute must for any skating fan, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 5 will ensure both newbies and pros can get in the skate park regardless of the weather this Christmas.

Like its predecessors, Pro Skater 5 will see numerous skating professionals appear as playable characters, including Nyjah Huston, Riley Hawk, Aaron “Jaws” Homoki, and Tony Hawk himself so players can flex their skills as a pro skater.

PEGI 3. Available on Xbox One Give the gamer in your life a taste of life in the fast lane this Christmas with Forza Motorsport 6.

This game currently features in our ‘up to 50% off’ TV campaign. Keep an eye on the TV ads for the latest deals, in the lead up to Christmas.

Players can collect and customise over 450 Forzavista™ cars in the most beautiful and comprehensive racing game of this generation.

With £10.00 off this epic title, there has never been a better time to grab a bargain this festive season.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2016

 FIFA 16 PEGI 3. Available on Xbox One, PS4, PC, Xbox 360 & PS3 For footy mad fans, look no further than FIFA 16. Gamers can kick off the Christmas season in style with the latest instalment of the legendary football franchise.

With innovative gameplay features, FIFA 16 brings confidence in defending, control in midfield, and gives gamers the tools to create more moments of magic than all of Christmas put together!

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Football Manager is the most realistic, in-depth and immersive football management simulation available – it’s the closest thing to doing the job for real.

Taking control of any squad from more than 50 countries across the world, you decide who plays and who sits on the bench, deal with the media and solve player problems.

You’re in total control of tactics, team-talks, substitutions and pitch-side instructions as you follow the match live with the acclaimed 3D match engine.

Package includes Football Manager Touch for PC, Mac and Linux and network multiplayer options

For older gamers Star Wars Battlefront 

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 

PEGI 16. Available on Xbox One, PS4 & PC (TBC, Game not released yet)

PEGI 18. Available on Xbox One, PS4, PC, Xbox 360 & PS3

Star Wars Battlefront is sure to be a game on everyone’s wish list this Christmas. Transporting players to a galaxy far, far away to battle on some of the most iconic planets in the Star Wars universe including Endor, Hoth, and the previously unexplored planet Sullust, gamers will be able to play as some of the most iconic characters in the original trilogy such as Darth Vader and Boba Fett.

For an epic stocking filler, look no further than Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. Cutting-edge military robotics define warfare in the all new critically acclaimed Black Ops series.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III combines three unique game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer and Zombies, providing fans with the deepest and most ambitious Call of Duty ever. Customers that order at GAME will get the exclusive Nuketown bonus map.

 Fallout 4

 HALO 5: Guardians

PEGI 18. Available on Xbox One, PS4 & PC

PEGI 16. Available on Xbox One

The latest console from PlayStation is the perfect upgrade for any gamer, or an epic gift for those taking their first steps into the world of gaming.

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the latest instalment in this blockbuster franchise: Halo 5: Guardians.

With an incredible array of games to choose from – and many more set for release this GAME season, this next generation console is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving long after the festivities are over.

Players can experience the renowned Master Chief facing challenges and tests in a Herculean effort to stay alive in a galaxy where life is mercilessly hunted.

LEGO® Dimensions When a mysterious and powerful vortex suddenly appears in various LEGO® worlds, different characters from DC Comics™, The Lord of the Rings™ and The LEGO® Movie are swept away.

To save their friends, Batman™, Gandalf™ and Wyldstyle™ bravely jump into the vortex and quickly find themselves fighting to save all of LEGO® humanity.

Let creativity be the guide to a building and gaming adventure – journey through unexpected worlds and team-up with unlikely allies on the quest to defeat the evil Lord Vortech. Play with different minifigures from different worlds together in one LEGO® videogame, and use each other’s vehicles and gadgets in a way never before possible.

LEGO® Bad Cop™ driving the DeLorean Time Machine…why not?! The LEGO® Ninjago™ Masters of Spinjitsu fighting alongside Wonder Woman™...yes, please! Get ready to break the rules, because the only rule with

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LEGO® Dimensions is that there are no rules.

The LEGO® Dimensions Starter Pack is all players need to begin – build the base and embark on a fantastic quest. Included in the LEGO® Dimensions Starter Pack:

 LEGO® Dimensions videogame  LEGO® Toy Pad  Bricks to build the LEGO® Gateway  3 LEGO® minifigures (Batman, Gandalf, and Wyldstyle)

 LEGO® Batmobile vehicle Build the minifigure heroes and fire-up the

game to start the experience, then follow the in-game build instructions to assemble the loose bricks into the LEGO® Gateway, and place the structure on the LEGO® Toy Pad. Expand the adventure by collecting more minifigures, vehicles, gadgets, and new levels with the purchase of three different types of expansion packs. Use whatever minifigure with whichever vehicle or gadget – go ahead… break the rules!

PLATFORMS: Xbox One, Xbox 360®, PlayStation® 4, PlayStation®3, Wii™U

Consoles  PlayStation 4 1TB Console The latest console from PlayStation is the perfect upgrade for any gamer, or an terrific gift for those taking their first steps into the world of gaming.

With an incredible array of games to choose from – and many more set for release this GAME season, this next generation console is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving long after the festivities are over.

Xbox One Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardian’s bundle  A must-have for every Halo fan, the Xbox One Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardian’s bundle will prepare gamers for the next evolution of Halo combat.

Featuring a 1TB custom console, a controller and a full Halo 5 download, this only at GAME bundle will be at the top of every gamers Christmas list.

THE RAZER WILDCAT – the pro players’ gaming controller The Razer Wildcat is a fully featured, tournament grade Xbox One controller developed in conjunction with some of the world’s best eSports athletes. Packed with features, the Wildcat gives players that critical edge in-game.

The ergonomic design and weight, optional palm grips and reinforced wired connection are ideal for long gaming sessions, whether it’s casual play, intense online battles or a critical tournament.

The Razer Wildcat has four additional buttons – two shoulder bumpers and two removable triggers underneath. Positioned right at your fingertips, these Multi-Function Buttons can be remapped to any of the other controls, so you can double jump, reload and switch weapons without moving your fingers to different buttons, giving you a serious edge over your enemies.

The Hyperesponse ABXY buttons are ideal for intense gaming – the shorter push

means quicker reaction times for you and faster response times from the Wildcat – when it comes to split second reactions, the Wildcat won’t slow you down.

Ever wanted to rapid fire likes pros?

Trigger stops are the answer. Wildcat features optional trigger stops, allowing the standard left and right triggers to activate with a half-pull but still give you that tactile feedback.

When it comes to topping the leader board online, getting past that tough-as-hell level or winning a tournament, the Wildcat is the perfect controller – domination is just a button press away.

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Eat, sleep and wear gaming this Christmas:  GAME Christmas Jumpers There’s nothing like a new item of clothing to raise elf-esteem this Christmas. From Christmas jumpers featuring a span of iconic gaming themes, including Star Wars Battlefront and Street Fighter™, there are a range of winter woollies which will make an epic gift for gamers this Christmas.  GAMEware Starter Pack This GAMEware starter pack is part of GAME’s new range of top quality accessories launched in time for Christmas.

An absolute must for anyone venturing into the world of gaming for the first time, it will get players GAME ready. Featuring a stereo headset and a USB controller charging dock, this pack is the perfect starter gift.

Call of Duty: Black  Ops III Hoodie As one of the most anticipated games of the year, the Call of Duty: Black Ops III hoodie will be an instant hit for every gamer.

Players and gamers can emerge into the Call of Duty battleground decked out in this awesome hoodie.

 Call of Duty: Black Ops III Messenger Bag For a gaming gift with a difference, look no further than the Call of Duty: Black Ops III Messenger Bag. Perfect for carrying top secret documents when players aren’t busy battling zombies.

As well as Call of Duty, more accessories are available for other franchises, such as Fallout and Star Wars Battlefront. Customers are advised to check www.game.co.uk to check the full range.

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 FPS Freek COD BO3 Reveal Edition PS4– Exclusive KontrolFreek FPS Freek Call of Duty Black Ops III Reveal Edition is KontrolFreek’s first official Call of Duty Black Ops thumbstick accessory. A must-have for any keen gamer, this add-on is sure to give players the edge.

Visit www.game.co.uk

Survival C hristmas

The Perfect Gift Books make perfect gifts for children, particularly at Christmas, but with so many available choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield. With thanks to our friends at Waterstones, here we have their top recommendations for the festive season to ensure their eyes light up on Christmas morning!

0-5 years

Oi Frog – 9781444910865 One of the funniest picture books of the year, this is the rhyming tale of a frog trying to find a place to park his bottom. The cat says frog should sit on a log, but frog’s not so keen: he’d rather sit on a mat. But apparently only cats sit on mats, while gophers sit on sofas, hares sit on chairs, and – well, you get the idea. Lovely bright illustrations and a good dose of silliness makes this a highly enjoyable read.

Can You Say It Too? Jingle Jingle – 9780857633958 Mr. Noisy and the Silent Night – 9781405278751 In this new addition to the amazing Mr. Men series, Mr. Quiet is stressed about all the Christmas brings: crackers popping, carol singers screeching, the postman banging around delivering all those Christmas cards. And – yikes – the annual visit from Mr. Noisy. Can Mr. Quiet find a way to get a quiet Christmas and a silent night?

Practice your Christmas sounds and meet a host of Christmas characters in Jingle Jingle that are guaranteed to delight. Little ones love peeping under the flaps to discover who’s hiding in this great series – everything is nice and sturdy for babies to get their fingers around, and they have simple storylines with lovely bold illustrations.

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5-8 years

The Twits – 9780141346397 Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the nastiest, smelliest, most disgusting people you could ever imagine. They don’t like each other and they don’t like anyone else either.

Everything they do is so revolting it’s funny, especially the tricks they play on one another. Roald Dahl is an ingenious storyteller and this edition comes with brilliant scratch-’n’-sniff stickers.

Frankie’s Magic Football: The Great Santa Race – 9780349132099 Frankie has a magic football that takes him and his friends through time and into fantastical scenarios that young readers just can’t enough of. In this new standalone story, Frankie’s dreaming of a white Christmas that seems unlikely to appear, until his football awakens an evil penguin determined to create an endless, snowy winter. It’s up to Frankie to stop him…

Magic Faraway Tree Collection – 9781405240925 There are magical adventures galore in this three-book collection of Enid Blyton’s much-loved stories in which four children discover an enchanted forest with a tree that that transports them to amazing lands. These tales are as popular today as ever, and for good reason: they ignite the imagination and get children addicted to the world of reading. Which magical land will be their favourite?

Win a book with Hachette!

Hachette Children’s Group are giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win one copy of either Frankie’s Magic Football: The Great Santa Race or Oi Frog!

Frankie’s Magic Football: The Great Santa Race Publishing as a Christmas Special. A fantastic series for 5-9 year old readers combining magic and football, by superstar footballer Frank Lampard.

Oi Frog!

From the award-winning Kes Gray and the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Jim Field, this rhyming story is ideal for under 5s. An hilarious tale about a frog who discovers that all animals have their special places to sit!

We’ve got 5 copies of each title to give away – simply enter online at www.mumssurvivalguide.co.uk/hachette stating clearly which book you would like to win by 18th December 2015 No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 10 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 19th December 2015. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Hachette Children’s Group or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Hachette Children’s Group and LincolnBrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

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9-12 years Christmas with the Savages – 9780141361123 Set in the golden era of Christmas trees lit with candles and homes decorated with paper chains, Evelyn has been sent to stay with family friend Lady Tamerlane - and her twelve noisy, argumentative and imaginatively wild grandchildren. A story full of mischief making and shenanigans, extended family and sibling rivalries.

Grandpa’s Great Escape – 9780007494019 Jack’s worried about his Grandpa, whose memories are all muddled up, so when he confuses the home he’s living in with a prison camp from his fighting days in World War II, Jack joins in with the escape plan. David Walliams is basically the Roald Dahl of this generation, writing thoughtful, caring stories infused with humour and unforgettable characters. This one is up there with his best.

Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright – 9781447277897 Full of the finest detail, Goth Girl is a work of art, from the gorgeous cover and illustrations to the humour and clever twists in the story itself. Drama and mystery combine with puns and a gothic twist when Lord Goth opens Ghastly-Gorm Hall for a ‘literary dog show’, but something else is lurking in the shadows and young Ada only has until the next full moon to figure it out…

Old School – 9780141364728 The Wimpy Kid books entice both the most reluctant and most dedicated readers with their stylistic approach and high comedy factor. Greg Heffley’s mum has decided the old days were better and has outlawed not only gadgets, but modern conveniences like, um, electricity.

How on earth will Greg cope with this crazy turn of events and a weekend in the wilderness to boot?

Puppy Love – 9781471144578 Looking after seven energy-filled ‘adorkable’ puppies will be easy, right? Um, well, Nikki Maxwell is obviously about to be up to her ears in trouble, especially as she’s trying to keep the pups a secret from her parents. Told in diary format with ample use of sketches, doodles and daydreams, Nikki juggles all the ups and downs of growing up in hilarious style.

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Teenage fiction The End – 9780141362144 The last battle is on the horizon, and the young survivors of the sickness that’s so devastatingly struck the UK – twisting the minds of everyone over the age of fourteen – are gathered in London’s centre ready to strike. Who will survive, and will they get the answers they need? This zombie-like horror series asks all sorts of interesting moral questions and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Girl Online: On Tour – 9780141359953 Penny is joining her musician boyfriend Noah on his European tour, but is it going to be all romance and rock concerts? Between Noah’s snooty band-mates, jealous fans, and missing her family, Penny’s not so sure things are going to work out. This second novel from YouTube superstar Zoella has everything her first one did, from loveable characters to twisty-turny friendships.

My True Love Gave to Me – 9781447272816 A Christmassy collection of twelve stories from a raft of bestselling authors. Each tale has something different to offer, a different twist and a different focus, all linked together by the themes of love and friendship.

Guaranteed to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and perfect reading for the holidays, it’s also a great way to sample some authors you might not have read before.

The Shepherd’s Crown – 9780857534811 Something dark is stirring in Fairyland, an old enemy is gathering strength, and young witch Tiffany Aching balances on the precipice of light and dark, and the edge of a shifting power.

Can she bring the witches together and make a stand? Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is a place like no other: reality and escapism meld together, while his writing and characters overflow with charm, humour, and a pithy, subtle commentary.

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The Rest of Us Just Live Here – 9781406331165 Mikey is not the ‘Chosen One’ and is perfectly content to let someone else figure out how to stop this week’s apocalypse. He’s got enough real stuff to deal with after all, like getting through senior year and deciding whether or not Henna loves him. Funny, thoughtful and clever, Patrick Ness completely ‘gets’ his audience, and this exceptional book has both a serious side and pokes light-hearted fun at other teen novels.

For the family The Snowman Book & CD – 9780723293071 A timeless classic perfect for reading under the tree year after year (no matter how old you are), and the story that inspired the equally timeless animation. When a boy’s snowman comes to life, he’s taken on an extraordinary, midnight journey. This book is absolutely magical.

Stick Man – 9781407108827 A Christmas classic in the making, especially now the BBC’s animated it for this season’s viewing. Written in Julia Donaldson’s brilliant rhyming style, when Stick Man is mistaken for a stick he gets carried far and wide from his home and has to find a way back again. You’ll be asked to read it over and over – but it’s so good, you won’t mind.

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Win one of five copies of the Mr. Men and Little Miss Christmas Treasury book from Egmont!!

This beautiful Mr. Men and Little Miss Christmas Treasury will transport children to a wonderful world of snow, presents and magic. With 10 Mr. Men and Little Miss stories featuring the much-loved illustrations of Roger and Adam Hargreaves, your children will enjoy reading this Christmas Treasury again and again.

As the UK’s leading specialist children’s publisher, Egmont’s mission is to inspire children to read, which we do by bringing stories to life.

For your chance to win one of these wonderful books simply enter online by visiting:

www.mumssurvivalguide.net/egmont by 18th December 2015

No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 5 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 19th December 2015.

The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Egmont Publishing or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Egmont and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

Pierre the Maze Detective – 9781780675633 Mr. X has stolen the Maze Stone and is going to turn the whole of Opera City into a giant maze – help Pierre stop him by navigating him through the mazes, solving the puzzles and finding the hidden objects. Fully illustrated with amazingly detailed drawings, think Where’s Wally? with extra challenges.

Tonnes of fun, this is definitely a book the whole family can get their teeth into.

Slot Together Victorian Doll’s House – 9781409595434 Such a fantastic idea. Not only a brilliant gift for anyone desperate for a doll’s house, it’s fun to put together too.

Sturdily constructed for hours of play, it includes furniture, dolls, and a fascinating book about the Victorian lifestyle.

Waterstones is the UK and Eire’s leading high street bookseller with 280 shops.

Waterstones is the only national specialist book retailer of scale in the UK, with the average sized shop carrying a range of around 30,000 individual books and with over 200,000 titles in the largest shop.

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For more information visit www.waterstones.com

From brand new adventures to classic Christmas stories

Perfect for readers both young and old

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tmas s i r h C l a v i v r Su

Joyeux Noel!

The Vertbaudet Collection is packed full of party essentials for your little ones for the festive season ahead. Plus they are offering 30% OFF* full price items and free delivery to help make Christmas sparkle!

Y

ou’ll find products designed in France, with unique features and adorable style. For example: “The Adaptables” trousers range offering 3 hips sizes in 3 lengths so you can find the perfect fit for your child; “The Convertibles” range where you’ll find items such as the 3-in-1 parka to see you through the Autumn and Winter months; “The Indestructibles” range offering hard-wearing trousers with reinforced knees,

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reinforced hems, and extra-tough & hardwearing fabrics… because girls need hardwearing items too!

The Vertbaudet ‘Happy Price’ range offers a multitude of wardrobe essentials, offering you amazing value for money, while maintaining the quality Vertbaudet is exceptionally proud of.

Whether your little one is 2 or 14 years you only pay one price – helping your money go further!

SAVE 30%*

The offer is 30% OFF* full price items and free delivery with order code 3933 To claim your exclusive offer enter order code 3933 at

Vertbaudet.co.uk *Offers valid until 31/12/15 on full price Autumn Winter 2015 Collections. Offers not valid on already-discounted products. Free Delivery applies to Standard Delivery and Click and Collect only. Goods supplied subject to our terms and conditions. Order Codes valid for named addressee only; remain our property; are non-transferable and for single use only; and cannot be used with other offers.

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Kitchen Mum’s Festive

Microwave Magic!

Enjoy our selection of smart (and festive) microwave tips and recipes from Jennipher Marshall-Jenkinson and our friends at Sistema

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Christmas pudding A whole Christmas pudding will take 1 – 2 hours to steam on the top of the stove – but if cut into individual portions, each slice will only take 1 minute to heat up in the microwave oven. A great way to not only save energy but also prevent a hot steamy kitchen as well!

If you have a favourite Christmas pudding recipe – cook it in the microwave oven. It will only take 7 – 9 minutes on a MEDIUM HIGH power setting (70%) for a serving for 4 people.

Christmas Cake Your favourite Christmas cake recipe can also be cooked in the microwave oven. As it’s a dense mixture, cook it in a microwavable ring mould, on a MEDIUM power (60%) for 10 – 12 minutes, make sure that a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean to ensure it is cooked thoroughly – if not, cook for an additional 30 seconds at a time until cooked through. Remember though that by cooking it so quickly it won’t brown as it would do if cooked conventionally – so always use dark brown sugar to help colour it.

Instead of icing, cover the cake with a little honey while the cake is still hot, as the honey cools – it will glaze the cake with a beautiful shiny coat.

Mince pies Remember Mince pies are great served warm – but they only need 15 seconds for each one. Any longer – and they will start to re-cook and the pastry will go soggy.

For quick tasty lemonade or morning pick up Heat together 1 cup of water, a large piece of lemon peel, and 1 - 2 teaspoons of sugar on HIGH power for 2 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the water is steaming.

Stir in the juice of a lemon. Serve immediately hot or pour into an ice cube filled glass to serve chilled.

The ultimate juicer Get more juice from oranges and lemons by putting them in the microwave oven for 30 seconds before juicing – you’ll find there’s double the amount of juice inside.

Bring bread back to life Microwaves can often bring foods back from the brink of being thrown away.

Slightly stale dough-based foods, such as bread rolls, doughnuts or pastries may be returned to their original fresh condition, by heating one at a time for 10 seconds each.

Make cheap ‘plonk’ drinkable Cheap red wine can be as tasty as knocking back neat vinegar.

But with a bit of microwave magic, the cheapest wine can be made to taste better – helping to smooth out the flavour and remove the chill.

Rid the wine of any bitter after-taste by pouring half a bottle of red wine into a heat proof glass jug and heat for 30 seconds.

Refresh crisps or tortilla chips Spreading them on a microwave proof plate.

Heat for 30 seconds.

– Make them into a Mexican inspired tasty snack by covering them with some grated cheese and a dusting of paprika pepper – then heat for a minute, until the cheese melts..

To skin tomatoes or peppers Simply place 2 – 3 halved tomatoes or peppers on an oven proof plate, heat for 30 seconds, you will find the skins shrivel, enabling them to be gently peeled away from the flesh with a fork. M

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itchen K e v i t s e F s m Mu ’

We do hope our feature on page on page 16 ensures that you don’t forget your microwave this Christmas – it really is one of the most useful gadgets in your kitchen!

Simple, Scrumptious and Seasonal From a festive Christmas pudding to perfectly cooked chestnuts, your microwave can be used for complete meals and accompaniments to your main meal including vegetables and sauces this Christmas. Here are some fantastic microwaveable seasonal recipes courtesy of Sistema.

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et your Christmas off to a great start by using Sistema Easy Eggs to cook the perfect poached or scrambled egg, or even an omelette for breakfast; alternatively serve up warming oats with the Sistema Porridge Bowl.

For the perfect light lunch heat your favourite soup in the Sistema Soup Mug quickly and easily.

Whilst the turkey is in the oven and the hob is working overtime, the microwave is so useful for cooking vegetables and sauces. Use Sistema Microwave Plates, Steamers and Bowls for efficient cooking and to avoid unnecessary spills and splatters.

The Sistema range of Microwave products has been designed to help you get the most from your microwave. All steamers, bowls and plates come with a lid secured by Sistema KLIP IT

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clips and pressure release vent for splatter proof cooking and re-heating.

Made in New Zealand, all Sistema products are BPA and Phthalate free. Suitable for storing food in the fridge and freezer, sauces and vegetables can be prepared before the big day. When your family is full to the top and can eat no more, these microwave containers can be used to store leftovers and it is then easy to re-heat when the food is ready to be eaten.

No washing up involved! All Sistema products are Dishwasher (top rack) safe to reduce your clearing up time so you can spend more time with the family.

Sistema Microwave products are available in all good supermarkets, John Lewis, Lakeland and amazon.co.uk www.sistemaplastics.com

Brussels Sprouts, Chestnuts & Bacon A delicious way to prepare Brussel Sprouts Ingredients

How to cook the chestnuts:

550g Brussels Sprouts ü ¼ teaspoon of black pepper ü ¼ teaspoon of salt ü ¼ teaspoon of dried ü oregano ¼ teaspoon garlic granules ü 1 tablespoon of butter ü 2 rashers of cooked bacon ü (chopped into small squares) handful of chestnuts ü

Cooking times will depend upon strength of the microwave.

1. C ut each chestnut in half using a sharp knife.

2. P lace in Sistema Microwave Round Bowl and cook for 2-5 minutes depending upon the strength of your microwave.

For the Brussels Sprouts: 1. P our ¼ cup of water into a Sistema Microwave 3.2L Steamer.

Honey Glazed Carrots & Parsnips Ingredients 500g parsnips ü 500g carrots ü 30g butter ü 2 tablespoons honey ü Methord: Cooking times will depend upon strength of the microwave.

1. Cut and peel parsnips and carrots into finger lengths.

2. Pour 1 tablespoon of water into a Sistema Microwave Plate, position the tray and then add the parsnips and carrots.

4. C ook for 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

5. D rain and then add honey and butter. Cook for 2 minutes more.

6. S tir gently before serving.

3. S ecure the lid ensuring that the steam vent is open.

2. A dd brussels sprouts and secure lid ensuring the steam vent is open. Cook for 8 minutes.

3. A dd the pepper, salt, garlic granules, butter and oregano. Replace the lid ensuring that the steam vent is open, return to microwave and cook for 8 minutes more, or until tender.

4. A dd the bacon and chestnuts to serve.

Christmas Rice Ingredients 2 cup rice ü 4 cups of water ü 2 cloves garlic, minced ü 1 medium sweet pepper ü

(green), chopped 1 medium sweet pepper ü (red), chopped 1/2 medium onion, chopped ü 1 sprig celery, chopped finely ü 2 sprigs fine leaf thyme, ü chopped finely 1/3 cup raisins ü 2 tbsp butter ü Salt to taste ü Methord: Cooking times will depend upon strength of the microwave.

1. Put the rice and water into the Sistema Microwave Rice Steamer.

2. S ecure the lid ensuring that the steam vent is open.

3. C ook in the microwave for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. O nce the rice has cooled add the remaining ingredients and stir.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

Methord:

225g fresh cranberries ü 200g caster sugar ü 100ml water ü

Cooking times will depend upon strength of the microwave.

2. S ecure the lid and ensure that the vent is open.

1. I n a Sistema Microwave Bowl, mix together cranberries, sugar and water.

3. M icrowave on high power until the cranberries pop (about 7 minutes). Chill before serving.

Now it’s time for the grand finale – Dessert! Quickly and easily heat up the long awaited Christmas pudding or that Cranberry Sponge pudding using a Sistema Microwave Bowl.

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Great times are

Pyrex makes Christmas cooking easy. Our stylish range of Impressions red ceramic serving dishes are perfect for oven to table serving and save on the washing up.

Find your perfect Pyrex dish at stockists nationwide including The Range, Tesco and Argos online.

#pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com

Pyrex is a trademark of Corning Incorporated used under license by International Cookware.

homemade this Christmas

Mum’s Fest ive Kitche n

Seasonal Twists With thanks to the Pyrexperts, who celebrated their 100th birthday this year, try these two tasty twists to traditional Christmas dishes.

Roasted Vegetables with Maple and Sesame Seeds Method 1. Preheat the oven to Gas 6, 200C. Serves 4-6

Ingredients

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

2 large parsnips, peeled ü 250g Chantenay carrots ü 1 large sweet potato, peeled ü 1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil ü 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup ü 1 Tbsp sesame seeds ü

2. C ut the parsnips and sweet potato into large chunks and keep the carrots whole (unless large, then cut in half).

Place into the Pyrex dish with the oil drizzled over and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

3. T urn the vegetables over, drizzle over the maple syrup and sesame seeds and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes until lightly browned and tender.

TIP: The maple syrup adds a lovely flavour to the vegetables but if you haven’t got any it can be substituted with honey. M

Cranberry and Orange Tart This is a deliciously gooey pudding which is a great alternative to Christmas pud, and is best served with cream Serves 6-8 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 55-60 minutes Ingredients 320g pack of ready-made ü shortcrust pastry 250g jar cranberry sauce ü 4 medium eggs ü 200g softened butter ü 200g caster sugar ü 200g ground almonds ü 1 large orange ü 2 Tbsp marmalade ü

Method 1. P reheat the oven to Gas 4, 180 C. Grease the Pyrex dish.

2. R oll out the pastry on a floured surface and use to line the pie dish. Spread the cranberry sauce over the base.

3. P ut eggs, butter, sugar, almonds and finely grated orange rind into a bowl and mix well together until light and fluffy. Spread the mixture over the cranberry layer and level the top.

4. C ook in the oven for 30 minutes. Whilst it is cooking, cut the pith off the orange with a sharp knife and cut the orange into thin rings, remove any pips.

P

5. Q uickly arrange the orange on top of the tart and then continue to cook for a further 25-30 minutes until the filling is golden and almost set in the middle. Turn off the heat and leave in the oven for 10 minutes to firm up a little more.

6. W arm the marmalade and brush over the surface of the tart. M

yrex makes Christmas cooking easy. These stylish red Impressions serving dishes are perfect for oven to table serving and save on the washing up! Their glass range of measuring jugs and bowls are also essential when prepping for the all-important Christmas dinner. Find your perfect Pyrex dish at stockists nationwide.

For further information about Pyrex visit www.pyrexuk.com WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDE.NET

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Mum’s Fest ive Kitche n

Seasonal Bakes If you can’t treat yourself at Christmas, then when can you? With thanks to Wright’s, here are four baking treats to enjoy.

Christmas Cupcakes Makes 18 Ingredients C UPCAKES

W ü rights Ginger Cake Mix 500g Water 200ml ü Vegetable Oil 60 ml ü FRUIT MIXTURE Dried Apricots (chopped) 150g ü Sultanas 150g ü Currants 100g ü Glace Cherries (chopped)100g ü Dried Cranberries 150g ü Brandy 75ml ü Zest and Juice of 2 oranges ü TOPPING Apricot Jam 2 tablespoons ü Golden Marzipan 250g ü Icing sugar to dust ü

Method 1. P lace all the ingredients under “FRUIT MIXTURE” into a bowl.

2. Mix and leave for 24 hours.

3. P lace the ingredients under “CUPCAKES” into a bowl and mix to form a smooth batter beating for 1-2 minutes.

4. A dd the fruit mixture to the batter and mix well.

5. D ivide the mixture between 18 muffin cases, approximately 80g in each.

6. B ake in a preheated oven 180°C (360°F, Gas mark 5) for 20-25 minutes until firm to the touch.

9. K nead the marzipan to soften using icing sugar as required and roll out to about 5mm (¼” inch) in thickness.

7. Allow to cool completely before decorating.

10. U sing “Christmas Design Cutters”, cut out marzipan shapes and place on top of the cakes.

8. H eat up the apricot jam gently and brush on the top of each cake

11. D ust with icing sugar. M

Festive Cake Method 1. Line a 19 cm (7 inch) round deep cake tin with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.

2. P lace prune juice, vegetable oil and Carrot Cake Mix into a mixing bowl, followed by all the fruit listed under “CAKE” and sprinkle over the plain flour.

Makes 1 x 7” cake Ingredients CAKE: Wright’s Carrot Cake Mix 500g ü Currants 100g ü Sultanas 150g ü Dried Apricots (chopped) ü 100g Glace Cherries 50g ü

Cut Mixed Peel 50g ü Glace Ginger 50g ü

Chopped Walnuts 50g ü Plain Flour 50g ü Vegetable Oil 60ml ü Prune Juice 200ml ü DECORATION: 16 Walnut Halves ü 12 Whole Cherries ü 6- 8 Whole Brazil Nuts ü Brandy (optional) 3-4 ü tablespoons

6. L eave to cool for 2 - 3 hours before removing from tin.

7. M ake a few skewer holes and feed the cake with brandy.

TIPS ›B est wrapped in foil or cling film and allowed to mature for about one month.

3. B lend together and beat by hand for 30 seconds or slow speed if using an electric mixer to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

› I f the cake is browning too much, loosely cover with foil for protection until baking is complete.

4. P our mixture into the prepared cake tin, smooth over top and decorate with nuts and cherries.

› T he Festive Cake recipe is not just for Christmas, but for Easter or any celebration and can be made up to a month before being eaten. For best results, skewer with a few holes for feeding the cake with brandy. Then wrap in foil or cling film and mature for up to one month. M

5. B ake in lower half of a preheated oven 160°C (325°F Gas Mark 3) for approximately 90 minutes. A skewer inserted in the centre of the cake, comes out clean when baking is complete.

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Pecan Passion Bundt Cakes Method 1. Place the cake mix, water and oil in a bowl and mix together to form a smooth batter.

2. Add the grated parsnips and mix well.

3. D ivide the mixture between a well greased 12hole mini bundt tin.

4. B lend together the ingredients under “Streusel Mix” and sprinkle on top of the individual cake batters.

Makes 12 portions Ingredients CAKE: Wright’s Carrot Cake Mix (½ pack) ü 250g Water 125ml ü Vegetable Oil 30ml (2 tablespoons) ü Parsnips (grated) 1 medium ü

STREUSEL MIX Pecan Nuts (finely chopped) 50g ü Dark Muscovado Sugar 50g ü Cinnamon ½ teaspoon ü TOPPING Icing Sugar (sifted) 200g ü Water 45-60ml (3-4 tablespoons) ü OR White Chocolate 200g ü

5. B ake in a lower half of a pre-heated oven 180°C (360°F, Gas Mark 4) for 18 minutes until firm to the touch.

6. R emove from the tin after 5 minutes and cool on a wire tray.

7. F or the “Topping”, mix the icing sugar and water together to form a paste and then drizzle over the cakes as per the illustration.

8. A lternatively, melt the white chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and then dip each bundt cake into the chocolate. M

Apricot & Almond Stollen Bars Makes 1 tray – 14 portions Ingredients DOUGH: Wright’s Premium White or Ciabatta Bread ü Mix 250g Caster Sugar 150g ü Mixed Spice 1 tsps ü Butter (softened) 75g ü Full Fat Cream Cheese 200g ü Ground Almonds 75g ü Egg x1 medium ü Dried Apricots (chopped) 100g ü Sultanas 100g ü Golden Marzipan (cut into 1cm cubes) ü 275g Blanched Almonds (toasted)100g ü Zest and Juice of 2 Oranges ü TOPPING Melted Butter 75g ü Brandy (optional) 2 tbsps ü Icing Sugar 2 tbsps ü

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Method 1. P lace the caster sugar, butter, cream cheese, orange zest and juice and mixed spice into a bowl and beat to a smooth paste.

5. G rease and line a tin measuring 30x20cm (12x8 inches) and pour in the stollen mix.

2. Add the egg and mix well.

7. B ake in a preheated oven 180°C (360°F, Gas Mark 4) for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

3. A dd the bread mix, ground almonds, sultanas, dried apricots, toasted blanched almonds and mix to a soft dough with a wooden spoon.

4. A dd the chopped marzipan and mix through.

6. U sing the back of a wet spoon level the mixture down in the tin.

8. M ix the melted butter with the brandy and brush on the stollen as it is cooling.

9. D ust with icing sugar and cut into slices. M

Give your baby a head start in life!

Gymbabes classes are tailor made for babies from 6 months who are just discovering their own bodies and all the wonderful things they can do with them.

• A fun filled session of exploration in a safe, secure and caring environment • Exercises and colourful equipment to encourage your baby to sit, crawl, stand and eventually walk!

• Learning how to use specific exercises to enhance your child’s muscle development • Being given the opportunity to play with other babies of the same age range, helping the development of social skills

The springboard to confidence for your child Tumble Tots is Britain's leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 years • A structured programme designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills • Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment • Using specifically designed equipment your child will learn agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination skills appropriate to their age

Find out more about Tumble Tots, Gymbabes or Gymbobs classes by calling: 0121 585 7003 or visit

www.tumbletots.com

Established

1979