Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Thursday 21 September 2023

Aldi launches latest Autumnal and Winter months range. And it's 67% cheaper than other brands

Make your home cosy this autumn and winter with Aldi’s latest interior and homeware range. Available in-stores from 28th September with prices beginning from as little as £2.49. 

Shoppers will be able to pick up a whole host of stylish essentials and save up to £134 compared to brands like John Lewis & Partners and H&M Home.

Featuring must-haves including tablecloths, rugs, bedding and even decorations such as gonks and wreaths the range is certain to be a sell-out, but as with all Specialbuys, shoppers need to be quick, as once they’re gone, they’re gone!

For a statement entrance, shoppers can add the Autumn Wreath (£9.99) to walls and doors. Choose an orange, pumpkin style for a seasonal upgrade or for a more subtle look, the white eucalyptus will achieve a Scandi aesthetic. 

A must-have to keep hallways clean after long autumnal walks, the Entrance Mat (£2.49) and Extra Long Entrance Runner (£12.99) are both available in dark grey, light grey and light brown, combining style with practicality. Meanwhile, the Large Felt Storage Basket (£5.99) is great for storing hats and scarves, whilst also keeping areas of the home neat and tidy.

Elevate table settings with Aldi’s new stylish Autumn Tablecloth (£8.99). Available in on-trend, neutral colours of brown, cream, grey or terracotta and made from 100% cotton, the tablecloth offers a sophisticated touch to living spaces. For added ambiance opt for the Ceramic Tealight Holders (£3.99). Available in three designs including a cute pumpkin, a matte black house and a white house, these tealight holders are the perfect table decoration to set the scene for long cosy dinners.

Ensure your bedrooms are warm and inviting as the cold weather draws in with Aldi’s latest selection of quality bedding. Available in double and king styles, the Brushed Cotton Duvet Set (Double, £14.99, King £16.99) provides extra warmth and will keep heat in throughout the night. 

Choose from seasonal patterns including ditsy floral, geometric patterns and navy woodland. Lucky skincare fanatics can find the Copper Infused Pillow (£9.99) in the middle aisle this autumn. With proven anti-bacterial and anti-aging qualities this is a must-have beauty buy. Made from super soft material and available in charcoal, cream, green, or rust, the Boucle Throw (£12.99) is the perfect finishing touch, whilst also being the perfect companion for movie nights in. Ideal for wooden floors, the Faux Fur Rug (£8.99) is available in a range of neutral colours and will add extra warmth to bedrooms.

For low-effort touch-ups and updates to the home, shoppers can choose from a selection of autumnal décor. Available in three seasonal styles with a shiny battery-operated LED nose, the Autumnal Gonks (£7.99) are great for mantle pieces or as front door decorations. Perfect for year-on-year use the Autumn Cushion Covers (£4.99) come in four stylish patterns including green leaves or rust triangles and will add depth to sofas and armchairs.  Or why not get Halloween-ready with the adorable Pumpkin Cushions (£4.99).

Shoppers will be able to save a whopping £133.56 (67%) compared to brands such as John Lewis, H&M Home and Habitat:

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That's Christmas believes these items will be really good for making an impactful and beautiful Christmas at your home this year, so please check them out!

Wednesday 9 August 2023

Cosy Autumn and Winter Bliss Awaits you and your family at the Collective at Woolsery

Dreaming of an Autumn or Winter staycation full of country strolls, roaring fires and hearty pub lunches? Then you need look no further than The Collective at Woolsery. Located off the beaten track in a stunning part of North Devon, it's the perfect place to escape for truly sumptuous and cosy weekends in the country.

After a blustery and exhilarating walk along the South West Coast Path or in the delightful surrounding countryside, you can snuggle up in one of The Collective at Woolsery's design-led rooms or suites, with super soft beds, sofas and soft furnishings. 

The Collective at Woolsery offers a collection of three cottages, two suites, and two rooms within the village, each showcasing its own unique character. 

Carefully crafted by Hannah Lohan of New Heritage Designs, these accommodations pay homage to the village's history and heritage, with nostalgia permeating every corner, creating an ultimate sanctuary to relax, unwind and embrace the art of slowing down.

The interiors are adorned with beautiful artwork, while vintage pieces lend an air of authenticity to every room. The meticulously curated décor pays homage to the village's long farming history, providing guests with an immersive experience that transports them to a bygone era of rural life.

Surrounded by open countryside and a mere stone's throw from the romantic and dramatic Hartland Peninsula coastline, The Collective at Woolsery is a peaceful haven where the stars shine bright and the darkness of night envelopes and cocoons. 

Guests will be able to explore nearby tracks, footpaths, and lanes, or take a short drive to the rugged South West Coast Path. With fires aplenty to warm chilly toes after any adventure, guests will be rewarded for braving the elements. Alternatively you can stay in, kick back and truly relax and go nowhere with everything you need at your fingertips. 

The food at The Collective at Woolsery is worth travelling for. Guests can choose between dining at The Farmers Arms or savouring a gourmet takeaway of fish and chips. Executive chef Ian Webber, in collaboration with head gardener Josh Sparkes and livestock manager Chris Jenn at Birch Farm, crafts a menu that exemplifies integrity and celebrates local produce. 

The contemporary offerings draw inspiration from the traditional fare of farming families, ensuring a nourishing and comforting dining experience that perfectly showcases the season.

Breakfast at The Collective at Woolsery is a remarkable and utterly extraordinary affair, unlike anything you'll have ever experienced before. Served in-room, with guests selecting their meals the previous night, the breakfast menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options. From honey-glazed hams and hoggett to homemade porridge and yoghurt, from freshly baked muffins, sourdough, and crumpets to farm-fresh eggs, each dish is a testament to the kitchen's dedication to flavour and wholesome nourishment.

A stay at The Collective at Woolsery is an unparalleled experience that transcends mere ordinary luxury. Every tiny detail is meticulously crafted and embellished with love and comfort, redefining the concept of a truly indulgent cosy retreat.

More information about accommodation options is below. To find out more about The Collective at Woolsery please visit the website here https://woolsery.com

Suite 1 - sleeps 2

Curated with wonderful pieces of furniture that capture the essence of the 1930s and 1940s, Suite 1 has a large sitting area and sumptuous bathroom, with a backdrop of bold wallpaper and ornate light fittings. Here you can curl up with a book on a chaise long, snuggle down into a plush velvet sofa, or enjoy the rain shower and freestanding bath. 

Price per night: £325

Suite 2 - sleeps 2

This retro-styled room oozes opulent romance with gold embossed Art Deco-inspired wallpaper, a free standing bath, and a rain shower. Throw off your shoes and sink into the sofa, play some tunes on an old record-player, or delve into the bar. 

Price per night: £325

Room 3 - sleeps 2

Vintage feminine charm pervades in this room which is built into the rafters of the building and features a huge skylight that frames the mediaeval church. This room is filled with glamour and charm with soft pastel colours and pretty pinks and a primrose yellow bath that will call you like a siren for a long, hot soak. 

Price per night: £275

Room 4 - sleeps 2

You'll be absolutely amazed by the stature of this room where floor to ceiling windows let volumes of light dance through and provide views right across the north Devon countryside to Dartmoor. Dark wood, rich fabrics and Art Deco pieces have created a masculine vibe that oozes comfort and relaxation. 

Price per night: £275

The Old Smithy - sleeps 2

Steeped in rich history, The Old Smithy is country cottage living with a welcome contemporary twist. A neutral palette against the warm, rich tones of the furniture and soft furnishings, exposed beams and polished cement floors emanate a sense of warmth and welcome. With two wood burners and sumptuous sofas, this is a place to unwind, switch off and relax. 

Price per night: £450

Rosehill Cottage - sleeps 4

This stunning space reflects the eclectic aesthetic of The Collective at Woolsery, with rich tones, opulent furnishings, and stunning artwork at every turn. It's a space that will make you stop in awe, and wonder at the cleverness of brilliant interior design that seems to wrap you up, and want you to stop and stay and savour every moment. 

Price per night £550

Hillside Cottage - sleeps 6-8

Gather your gang for a stay at Hillside Cottage which sleeps six to eight people. This is a cottage designed for entertaining with four roomy bedrooms, and beautiful well-appointed social spaces both inside and outdoors.

Prepare a feast in the fully equipped kitchen and dine at the banquet style table, where the original well is an incredible glass covered feature, or head outside for some delightful al fresco dining. 

Price per night as a 3 bedroom: £650 Price per night as a 4 bedroom: £750

Sunday 30 October 2011

Don’t be left in the cold this Christmas!- Get ready for winter

• Initiative follows problems caused by freezing temperatures last winter
• Record property insurance claims
• Government departments, Local Resilience Forums, Water UK and voluntary sector back campaign

With memories still fresh of the problems caused by the freezing winter of 2010/11 which affected many people and communities, government departments, industry bodies and the voluntary sector have joined forces to urge everyone to Get Ready for Winter.

Launching the campaign today Anne McIntosh MP, Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Water Group and Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, said the disruption caused by the extreme weather last winter highlighted the need for a co-ordinated campaign to foster greater resilience by encouraging home owners, businesses and other organisations to protect their health, homes and the vulnerable by following some simple and practical advice.

“The freezing temperatures caused severe hardship to many people and communities,” said Miss McIntosh. “In some ways we were not prepared – both individually and collectively – for the severity of the weather. The government and other agencies have taken action to ensure our infrastructure, particularly transport, is better prepared this winter.

“We must become more resilient to these extremes of climate which, with climate change, appear to be becoming more frequent.”

Travel arrangements, vehicle checks, home protection, heating, the health and wellbeing of relatives and the elderly, are all areas covered by the Get Ready for Winter campaign.

Referring to the fact that the onset of winter will be heralded by the clocks going back on Sunday, Miss McIntosh said people might like to “use the extra hour to Get Ready for Winter”. She announced that as part of the initiative a Get Ready for Winter page had been set up on the DirectGov website to offer simple tips and advice. It links to other web sites providing more information.

“It’s worth checking it out,” said Miss McIntosh. “For example, should you have a flu jab? Is your home vulnerable in some way?

Jean Spencer, Regulation Director for Anglian Water, said the freezing temperatures last winter caused a record increase in burst pipes across the UK – both in water company networks and homes.

“The biggest increase in bursts was in properties,” Mrs Spencer said.” Thousands of homes were flooded by burst pipes. It ruined the Christmas/New Year period for many people.”

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has revealed that during December its members dealt with £900 million in property damage claims. This was the highest pay out yet made for damage caused by a bout of freezing weather and heavy snow in the UK. December was the coldest since records began in 1910.*

Of the property claims, 103,000 were for burst pipe damage, totalling £680 million.

“So beware of the hidden danger in your loft,” said Mrs Spencer. “A collapsed ceiling or coming home to water running down the stairs is a nightmare and can be a costly winter experience.”

Mrs Spencer said while UK water companies have taken particular care to make sure they are fully prepared for the possibility of another sever winter, “we are keen to ensure our customers are made aware of the dangers now and know how to take preventative action. We also want to make sure they get the right sort of help when they face a problem. This is why we have created a special Get Ready for Winter page on our websites offering advice. We hope our customers will check it out and the DirectGov site.”

Miss McIntosh said she was “delighted and much encouraged” that so many government departments were actively promoting the Get Ready for Winter campaign – others will join in as we enter winter – together with Water UK, the Local Resilience Forums and, from the voluntary sector, the British Red Cross, WRVS, St John Ambulance and Salvation Army. They are being joined by a host of other organisations from regulators to companies.*

Simon Lewis, Head of UK Emergency Planning and Response for the Red Cross, said emergency response teams battled through the snow to provide life-saving treatment to critically ill patients, responded to emergency 999 calls, delivered much needed medicine and medical equipment, and transported patients and vital NHS personnel.

"Although we can never fully protect ourselves against extremes of weather, being prepared makes a vital difference, minimising the disruption caused to families and communities and even saving lives,” said Mr Lewis.

"That is why we are backing the ‘Get Ready for Winter’ initiative and urging everyone to take steps that will help to prepare them for the disruption caused by snow or plummeting temperatures."

Volunteers also became ‘snow friends’, visiting the homes of vulnerable people to ensure they were ok and to offer extra help during the bad weather.

“This imaginative yet simple initiative will only succeed if people respond to the messages,” said Miss McIntosh. “All the information in the world won’t help if it’s just floating around in the ether; so we are getting the messages out in as many ways as we can – from the grass roots involvement of volunteers to press conferences like this one.”

The threat posed by unprotected water pipes was graphically illustrated at the Press Conference by eco-engineer and television personality Dick Strawbridge who froze a pipe so it burst and then thawed it out to demonstrate how they can flood a home, business or other property. Film of the demonstration will be uploaded onto Water UK and water company websites.

FACTFILE:
*The Get Ready for Winter campaign is being sponsored by the Cabinet Office and Water UK . It is supported by:
Government departments – Defra, Environment Agency, Department of Health, Health Protection Agency, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Transport, Highways Agency, Met Office and Department for Communities and Local Government.
Local public bodies including – Local Resilience Forums. health professionals and community groups
Voluntary sector – British Red Cross, WRVS, St John Ambulance and Salvation Army
Commercial and independent sector – CBI, IOD, Association of Insurance and Risk Managers (AIRMIC), RAC, AA, chambers of commerce etc
Regulators – Ofwat, CC Water
The peak activity for Get Ready for Winter will happen during the week of 24-30 October but there will be other campaigns during November, including ones from Department of Health and Department for Transport, which will make reference to GRFW.

*Freezing Facts

The initiative follows concerns that last winter was the third cold winter in a row (albeit much colder – temperatures reached -21C) and there are predictions that the trend may continue. Britain’s road, rail and airport services have spent tens of millions to ensure they are better prepared for freezing temperatures this winter.

ABI figures show that during the December 2010 period:

• Insurers dealt with 467,000 claims for damage to homes, businesses and vehicles.
• 190,000 claims were for damage to homes and businesses, at a cost of some £900 million (75% domestic; 25% commercial). In Scotland, which was particularly hit, there were 31,000 property damage claims costing some £90 million.
• Of the property claims, 103,000 were for burst pipe damage. The cost of these claims, at £680 million, (average claim costs from £6,500 to £7,200) was up 35% on the amount paid out for burst pipes during the whole of last winter. The large number of burst pipes in Northern Ireland resulted in 6,400 claims worth £40 million.
• There were 278,000 claims from insured motorists for vehicle damage costing £530 million. Many of these claims were for low speed collisions, as motorists struggled on icy roads