Latest news with #Christmases
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Best last minute gifts for dad this Father's Day
Father's Day is almost here, literally a week today, and with it comes the annual sense of panic that maybe we should have gotten something earlier. I've been quizzing my siblings on what would be the best thing to buy for our dad and been getting lots of not so subtle suggestions of things that they want for themselves. So I spread the net a little wider and decided it was time to look a little closer at what I think my dad might like other than a card and box of chocolates that the rest of us will no doubt eat ourselves. It can be a challenge thinking of something that hasn't been done before. Butlins revamp major holiday park with 'top quality' attractions and prices at £69 Tassimo coffee machines slashed to less than £40 in summer sale If dad is a foodie there are plenty of gadgets and goodies that can elevate life in the kitchen, from high-tech app-controlled meat thermometers perfect for upping your barbecue game through to a surprisingly budget friendly Ninja device to take the hassle out of chopping. For something a bit more unusual, why not zhuzh up the essentials? I was lucky enough to head out to France earlier this year to see behind the scenes of Peugeot's new salt mill mechanism - I even put together my own pepper mill. As a result my dad has been dropping constant hints that his kitchen is missing something special. There are so many options available but I think the Paris mills are the best. They've recently been released in a few gorgeous green shades, which I think makes them a great option for dads with a green thumb, but there's a massive range of colours. Notably the mills mechanism comes with a lifetime guarantee, so it's truly a gift that will last. Peugeot homewares also has a huge range of kitchen accessories from tart dishes and tagines to barware, typically all available in the same colour, so it's an easy way to have a matching and linked gift for birthdays and Christmases to come. Paris mills are available from £31.99 although the price is impacted by the height. It's a classic for a reason, there's something nice about dads looking at their children's faces when they make their morning brew. While there are plenty of generic mugs in the supermarket, Moonpig offers mugs for £11.99 with the opportunity to add your own pictures. Quite a few even offer five pictures alongside a sweet message so it's a great opportunity to get in siblings too. Emma Bridgewater also offers personalised mugs, from £19, but they're hand painted which means that there will be a name or initials rather than a printed image. For those who like the hand painted touch but want something more personal Pott'd Paintables Paint-a-Mug Kit is available on Amazon. It's £29 for a single mug or £34 for two, it could be a cute activity with dad or a fun surprise on the day. My dad has told me out right how cool he thinks the driving experience days look. Virgin has a massive range of them available up and down the country with prices from £25. It's important to read the small print though as some are only allowed on certain days Whether it's drivign an American Big Rig Truck (£148), a Lamborghini (£182.50) or simply classic cars (£25) there's quite a big variety of options. It's not just driving days though, there are stadium tours, cocktail masterclasses and more. What's more, if you are working on the really last minute you can get a virtual voucher so you don't even have to worry about how long it takes to get delivered. Whether it's a bottle of rum, whisky or a nice bottle of wine, booze tends to always go down a treat as a present. My dad prefers rum so I'll be reaching for a bottle of my favourite Project #173 Butterscotch Rum, which is currently £20.95 on Master of Malt, but there's a lot of other flavour options. At 42% it's on the strong side but great for sipping neat. It could also be a good idea to get drinking glasses to elevate the experience. For those who don't like darker liquors, Smirnoff recently came out with Miami Peach flavoured vodka which is available in premixed cans with lemonade as well as a 70cl bottle for £18.49. Inspired by the Miami beach lifestyle this peach vodka is ideal for garden parties and is even said to be delicious in a peach mojito. It's important to note that alcohol should be drunk responsibly. Candles can change the atmosphere of an entire room and while they might more often be first thoughts for Mother's Day, there's no reason dads can't also enjoy. WoodWick Renew Tomato Leaf & Basil is a great option, and currently £20.62 on Amazon. Terra Haze is also a new scent from the Woodwick Candles range at Yankee Candle. It's currently reduced to £24.74 at Boots and aims to replicate the scent of 'nature being stripped down to its molecules'. The candle has a natural scent that fills a room without being overpowering and the crackling wick adds a touch of ambiance that can't be denied. Bath and Body Works Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity (£32.99), is often described as 'smelling like a man' with woody notes and a touch of frosted lavender. It could be a nice option for dads who are looking for a relaxing moment to themselves.
Time Out
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Out
The best Sunday roasts in Melbourne
What is it? A three-course set menu consisting of sourdough and shared entrées, followed by the roast of the day or a vegetarian alternative. Why we love it: Similarly to other top picks in this guide, Neighbourhood Wine takes well-loved flavours and dials up both the taste and presentation in line with what you'd expect from a top Melbourne wine bar. The rotating menu changes according to what's in season, from porchetta, roast cabbage and potatoes (with a Yorkie pud and jus, of course) to velvety potato and leek soup followed by a porterhouse. We especially love that in this deal, dessert's icluded. Time Out tip: Missing the wintry, white Christmases of Europe and the UK? Book for Gitmas in July, a mid-year festive feast at the restaurant, and share in the nostalgia with expats.
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Conservative MP calls COVID mandates in Canada 'full communism'
Conservative MP Matt Strauss told MPs during his maiden speech in the Commons that Canada's pandemic mandates were "full communism." Photo by Matt Strauss Conservative MP Matt Strauss told the the Commons on Monday that COVID mandates were 'full communism,' according to Blacklock's Reporter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Strauss, an emergency care doctor, said in his maiden speech to fellow MPs that 'the zenith of all this top-down control came during the pandemic. The members opposite went full communism. 'They locked Canadians down in their homes, ruined weddings, funerals, Easters, proms and Christmases, closed the borders, kept mothers from children and brothers from sisters, deprived the House of its ancient rights, spent $600 billion of taxpayer money with no budget and doubled our national debt to pay healthy 16-year-olds to sit in their basement,' said the MP for Kitchener South-Hespeler. When the pandemic started, Strauss was an assistant professor at Queen's University's medical faculty. After he was dismissed, he filed a $600,000 claim against the university, alleging he was fired because he was critical of COVID mandates. 'At Queen's University where I taught, Jane Philpott herself, one of the only two cabinet ministers to speak truth to Justin Trudeau's power, informed me in her dean's office that 'the reason the administration had to harass me was that I criticized the government,'' he told the Commons. 'That is a direct quote.' During the pandemic, Strauss was appointed acting medical officer of health in Haldimand-Norfolk, Ont., and said he tried to save as many lives as possible without resorting to COVID mandates. Toronto & GTA Other Sports Soccer Ontario Canada
CBS News
20-05-2025
- CBS News
Andover woman dead in alcohol-related crash, charges say
Here's how an Andover woman is being remembered following a fatal crash Here's how an Andover woman is being remembered following a fatal crash Here's how an Andover woman is being remembered following a fatal crash Kristine Iskierka's kitchen table is full of memories, including photos of 74-year-old Alice Stack, who Iskierka said was more than a neighbor; she was family. "She was just a wonderful person," said Iskierka. "She was one in a million and the most kind-hearted, soft human, funny, quirky. Stack's life was cut short on Friday evening at the intersection of 165th Avenue Northwest and 7th Avenue Northwest in Andover. According to a criminal complaint, 48-year-old Aloysius Johnson was under the influence of alcohol when the two-vehicle crash happened involving Stack. Charges say Johnson was seen by witnesses leaving the scene. He was taken into custody displaying signs of intoxication, allegedly trying to race his wife home from a bar in Oak Grove, Minnesota, according to court documents. Johnson has now been charged with criminal vehicular homicide. He appeared in court Monday and was released on bond. "Choices made by one person can damage and shatter lives of others," said Iskierka. Iskierka said Stack was like a grandmother to her two children: Nolan and Rheanna. "Celebrating Christmases and birthdays, just my daughter's 22nd birthday, she was here and taking pictures of her, opening and eating cake," said Iskierka. The family left a cross at the crash scene to remind others of what happened that fateful day. "I want there to be justice for her," said Iskierka. "She was such a caring and lovable soul, and she wouldn't have hurt a fly."
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gwyneth Paltrow shares 'exact moment' she knew marriage to Chris Martin was over
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin famously announced they were 'consciously uncoupling' back in 2014 after 10 years of marriage - and now the actress has shared the moment she knew it was all over Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin made headlines in 2014 by announcing they were 'consciously uncoupling' - introducing a unique term that has since become synonymous with a very public way to reveal a relationship breakdown. Having been married for 10 years at the time, the pair have two children together, 21 year old daughter Apple, who celebrated her birthday earlier this week, and 18 year old son Moses. On the outside their marriage appeared solid until Gwyneth took to her lifestyle website Goop to share the unexpected news that she and Chris had decided to part ways, reports the Mirror. In a joint statement, the couple confessed: "It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate. We have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much, we will remain separate. We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways are closer than we have ever been." Requesting the public respect their privacy during "this difficult time," they acknowledged they were "parents, first and foremost" and elaborated, thereby popularising the break up phrase: "We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope to do that as we consciously uncouple and co-parent, we will be able to continue in the same manner." This public declaration not only shocked fans but also redefined the way celebrities chose to announce their break-ups. Since their separation and official divorce in 2015, Gwyneth and Chris have been spotted enjoying holidays together, celebrating birthdays and Christmases as a family, and both have found new partners. Gwyneth, 51, tied the knot with film director Brad Falchuk, 53 – the creative mind behind American Horror Story, Glee and Scream Queens - in 2018. Chris, 47, has discovered romance with 34 year old Fifty Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson, and they even socialise with Gwyneth. In March, it was reported that Chris and Dakota had become engaged after six years of dating. Although both are content in their new relationships - and also with each other - Gwyneth has since reflected on the moment she realised her marriage was over. Recalling a seemingly perfect day with her then-husband, the actress admitted she knew deep down she wasn't happy. In a heartfelt essay for British Vogue, she penned: "It was my birthday, my 38th. My ex-husband [Chris] and I were tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, on a hill in a beautiful cottage with a view of the forest. "Fall was coming; the leaves were just loosening their grip on bright green. Inside, the cottage was perfectly appointed in the way you dream of for a birthday trip: cosy living room with a fireplace, kitchen table overflowing with spoils from the farm nearby – peaches, tomatoes on the vine, basil, eggs. I don't recall when it happened, exactly." "I don't recall the exact day of the weekend or the hour. But I was certain – despite lengthy strolls and extended lie-ins, generous pours of Barolo and hand-holding – my marriage had reached its end." Gwyneth painfully kept this grim realisation to herself. She further disclosed: "It would be years before we voiced the words", but that weekend "a dam had cracked just enough to hear the unrelenting trickle of truth". This was a truth that would amplify until it became "all I could hear". She described her relationship with Chris as one where they had "always been friends", sharing laughter, the same sense of humour and "utter silliness". Gwyneth confessed: "We were close, though we never fully settled into being a couple. We just didn't quite fit together. There was always a bit of unease and unrest. But man, did we love our children." The Shallow Hal actress shared that they both made every effort to keep the family intact before deciding to part ways, stating that the divorces she witnessed growing up were "bitter, acrimonious, unending", which she wanted to avoid "with all my heart". Contrary to initial assumptions that Gwyneth and Chris coined the term 'conscious uncoupling', it was actually suggested by their therapist. They privately practiced this approach for an entire year before publicly announcing their separation. Explaining the logic behind it, Gwyneth elaborated: "Was there a world where we could break up and not lose everything? Could we be a family, even though we were not a couple? We decided to try." Despite causing a media frenzy, she observed that "the public's surprise gave way to a strange combination of mockery and anger I had never seen". However, nowadays, instead of ridicule, people ask her how she managed to do it. Wrapping up, she reflected: "It's very different for every couple but, for me, it meant, more than anything, being accountable for my own part in the dissolution of the relationship. There existed aspects of myself I was trying to heal through this relationship that I wasn't honest with myself about. I had been blind, guarded, invulnerable, intolerant." "I needed to acknowledge that and have the courage to share it. I know that my ex-husband was destined to be the father of my children, and I am certain that my current husband is the man I will grow old with. Conscious uncoupling allows us to understand that such divergent loves can exist simultaneously and enrich each other."
