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AMG Newsletter Archive 2008 NewslettersDecember 2008 Newsletter
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| The AboutMyGeneration December Newsletter |
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Information, Inspiration, Motivation |
Hello and welcome to the AboutMyGeneration December Newsletter
Hello and welcome to the AboutMyGeneration Newsletter
With the countdown to Christmas now in full swing, you will find lots to help with the preparations on AMG. There are recipes, food suggestions from steak to oysters and discounts on unusual gifts.
Theres still time (just) to take advantage of the special 4 for 3 ticket offer at the Gordon Ramsay Taste of Christmas Show at Londons Excel.
If you cant think what to buy for a special person in your life why not give them a place at the celebrity chefs famous Novelli Academy where AMG members can get a 20 per cent discount on cookery course bookings until the end of this year?
The AMG Theatre Club is a great source of gifts, as well as an affordable and memorable night out, offering discounts on lots of Christmas Shows and musicals over the festive period.
As Christmas is such a wasteful time, why not look at eco-friendly alternatives this year? From 8th December www.tree2mydoor.co.uk will give a discount of 20 per cent to AMG members ordering any of their wonderful range of trees online. As these can be delivered all over the UK with a personal greeting, what could be a simpler gift solution? There are also plenty of eco friendly and novel stocking fillers and Christmas decorations and cards from Ecotopia.
Give someone the gift of a good nights sleep with our new offer of 20 per cent off all Coolsleepwear nightwear and bedlinen. Like the rest of the range, the new Chocolate Rose collection keeps the wearer cool and comfortable at night, but feels even softer.
We also continue our offers on the fabulous Cooking Book and the Christmas Book from Dorling Kindersley as well as the Christmas titles from Transworld Publishing, Anti-Allergy mattresses and Alpaca duvets and pillows from www.welovesleep.com, and on the latest anti-ageing supplement, Pure-XP GliSODin®.
And, to cut the cost of your Christmas shopping, we have included a list of the discount vouchers from MyVoucherCodes where you can save money with many of the big name retailers.
We have a bumper selection of Christmas competions but do note that many of these close early to allow more time for pre-Christmas delivery. These include Christmas CDs from Demon and the Christmas DVD Comedy Survival Kit from Fremantle Home Entertainment as well as the the new deluxe edition of Rod Stewart's Greatest Hits.. On the booze front there is a case of Rioja from Bodegas Faustino and a case of Cordon Negro Cava from Freixenet. Loads of quizs, games and toys including the Family Fortunes Game, three interactive DVDs Golden Balls, Beat the Intro and Fingers on Buzzers. Rubik's Cube makes a welcome return and you could be a star in the Lyric Singing Quiz Game. There is also a fantastic hamper of vegetables from Rooster Potatoes, your chance to leave something for future generations with Plantatree in the National Forest and last but not least a super basket of Hand Care Goodies from Carex.
And finally, don't forget that if you want that extra special Christmas Card for a special friend or loved one, take a look at the information below on Moonpig as they have come up with some really great ideas this year.
Scroll down for more details on the news, discounts and special offers on AMG this month
All that remains is for me to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year from us all here at AMG.
New this Month
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 The Editor's Diary
updated 5th December 2008
In this edition, Chris goes back to her childhood to watch the energetic Geno Washington and his Ram Jam band. And despite a lot of effort she did not get snapped by the paparazzi while falling out of Boujis nightclub. Two trips to Docklands revealed firstly a way to find inner peace and secondly what the Italians drink to celebrate. Another trip down memory lane reveals that the Cumberland Hotel, since the Seventies, has gone from Carvery to Cool. Why was she cooking her own food in a restaurant and on the home front her daughter's wedding, after a red wine ban at a potential venue, may now be, after going round the houses, at home.
To read the diary click here...
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The AboutMyGeneration Theatre Club
AMG has teamed up with westendtheatre.com to give you some great offers on spectacular West End shows.
There are also theatre and dinner packages from as little as £35 and 50 per cent reductions on many popular plays and musicals.
Brand new offers this month include savings on Christmas shows such as TREASURE ISLAND, THE SNOWMAN and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS; special meal and ticket deals for OLIVER! and WICKED; and up to half price off shows over the Christmas period including WE WILL ROCK YOU and BLOOD BROTHERS.
Click here... to find out how you can see great West End shows at bargain prices.
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Novelli Academy
Warming Winter and Christmas Cookery Classes
With a 20 per cent discount for AMG members
Are you searching for a Christmas gift for someone very special? Would you like to polish up your own cookery skills or would you just like a really fun and creative day out? Then why not take advantage of our very special offer and book a place at the cookery school of celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli?
For more information click here...
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Cut the cost of Christmas Shopping
Check out these discounts from big name retailers
One upside of the credit crunch is that, in the run up to Xmas, many of the big retailers are issuing discount and voucher codes. To help you cut the cost of Christmas shopping this year myvouchercodes.co.uk have compiled a list of discount codes that you can use online and in many major stores throughout the UK.
These include discounts from Hamleys, House of Fraser, Red Letter Days, Thorntons, Hotel Chocolat, Warehouse,The White House and many more.
To see the full list click here...
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 Grana Padano
A 1000 year old Italian Secret
When you think of a hard Italian cheese to use for cooking and sprinkling over your favourite pasta dish, the word Parmesan springs to mind. But, in fact, the best selling cheese in Italy for cooking and garnishing is Grana Padano. It is the Worlds number one selling P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese.
Although little known in the UK, Grana Padano has a 1000 year history. It's a healthy cheese and its subtle flavour can be used to enhance a whole range of Italian dishes.
Top chef Theo Randall is a great promoter of Grana Padano. Click here... to read about a recent event where Theo demonstrated how to use the incredible versatility of this cheese in Starters, Mains and Puds.
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 Bring the beauty of nature into your home this winter
5th December 2008 at 14:00
Winter's here, it's the ideal time to get busy and have fun transforming your home into a welcoming oasis of colour and beauty in the midst of a cold grey outdoors. Sarah Holland of the Flowers & Plants Association is your green-fingered host in an exclusive webchat that will show you how just a little floral savvy can help you to do just that. Not only will Sarah's creative advice bridge the gaps in your inspiration, she'll explain how keeping flowers and plants in the home has major benefits not just aesthetically, but for your whole family's health.
Click here... to watch the Webchat.
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 Dream on with special offers from We Love Sleep
Dreamy website company We Love Sleep has made it their mission to ensure everybody adores sleep just as much as they do! With over 50 years of experience in dealing with some of the UK's biggest and best retailers they have scoured the world for the best sleep-related products available. With great care, love and attention they have put together a virtual store of products to make the sleep experience for the whole family more healthy, restful and luxurious. We Love Sleep is offering a 10% discount to AMG members on its new Anti Dust Mite Mattresses and their exclusive Alpaca Duvets and Pillows.
For more details click here...
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 Stop the Clock with Pure-XP GliSODin®
Our AMG reviewer gave this product her seal of approval and by popular demand we are again offering a 20% discount on the latest anti-ageing supplement.
Do you wish you could stop the clock and slow down the ageing process? Well Pure-XP, has produced a capsule that promises to do exactly that. GliSODin is a natural, vegetarian Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) supplement that triggers the body into releasing its own internal super antioxidants to protect cells against the ageing process.
To read the review and how to get your 20% discount click here...
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 How to... with Oysters
A Lesson in Oysters by Billy Reid from the
St Pancras Grand Restaurant and Oyster Bar
A lot people have been talking in recent weeks about getting away from the traditional Christmas lunch. Well how about starting off with half a dozen Oysters for a luxury beginning to the lunch on the day or for a pre-Christmas meal?
Problem is that people are always quite nervous about how to store, prepare and eat Oysters. So we asked expert Billy Reid, Head Chef at the St Pancras Grand Restaurant and Oyster Bar for some tips on storing, cleaning and serving oysters to ensure that you and your guests enjoy them in tip top condition.
Click here... to read more
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 The Cooking Book
20% discount for AMG Members
Perfect your flair in the kitchen with the help of The Cooking Book by expert chef, Victoria Blashford-Snell. Whether you are looking to expand your horizons or master an age-old technique, this book will help you on the path to culinary excellence.
Included with the book are a set of printed shopping lists and a 90-minute DVD, that will ensure you never go wrong in the kitchen again. The unique pull-out, handbag-sized Shopping Book lets you take your ingredients list with you to the supermarket so youll never be missing that one crucial component again.
Click here... for more information and how to order your copy with a 20% discount |
 Gordon Ramsay presents
Taste of Christmas
4-7 December ExCel
Special Offer
Gordons getting ready for Christmas.
Enjoy Taste of Christmas with friends and colleagues - you can take advantage of the special offer of 4 for 3 on standard tickets See the Christmas Theatre and Chef Book Signings, Dine at London's Top Restaurants, enjoy Gordon's Wines and Spirits, Fantanstic Festive Shopping and the Tante Marie Cookery School
Click here... for more information and booking details
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 Booze Newz
Peter Morrell, Food and Drink Editor of AMG reports on the latest liquid surprises and delights.
In the latest report, Freixenet's new LBB can up your SQ (Style Quotient) this Christmas. Bubbles on a budget at Lidl and Bodegas Faustino launch a new style Rioja as an easy entry point for aged, oaked wines. We meet God, that's the lager, from Sweden and news of a good result for Viña Errazuriz in Chile. And finally taste a great aperitif at the Docklands Bar and Grill.
Click here... to read Booze Newz and find out more
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Ecotopia
Gift ideas that are eco-friendly
If you are looking for unusual Christmas presents or eco friendly stocking fillers look no further than Ecotopia You will find plenty of novel ideas such as a fruit powered clock, a grow-your-own Christmas Tree Kit, a solar powered helicopter or a recycled cardboard playhouse. As well as gifts ideas there are Christmas decorations and cards as well as a whole range of ecologically sound products to use around the home and garden and for self pampering.
Click the banner above to view the entire Ecotopia range of innovative green products
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Give someone the gift of a good nights sleep this Christmas
20 per cent discount for AMG members on all Coolsleepwear nightwear and bedlinen
The new Chocolate Rose collection from Coolsleepwear.co.uk is an attractive range of lace trimmed sleep shirts, chemises, camisoles, capri pants and robes made from a bamboo-mix fibre that is extremely soft next to the skin. This new fabric uses the same proven Heat Release Technology as the rest of the Coolsleepwear range to keep the wearer cool and comfortable at night, but with an even softer feel. It is the ideal solution for dealing with the unwelcome effects of night sweats and hot flushes, making The Chocolate Rose collection the perfect gift to snuggle up in this winter.
For more details and to claim your discount click here...
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Send a tree that will last for ever
The natural gift for the person that has everything
Save up to 20% when ordering online
Christmas can be such a wasteful time, so this year why not do something green and send a gift that will last for many years to come? What could be simpler and more eco-friendly than sending a tree to make someone feel truly special? Tree2mydoor has a wonderful range of Christmas gifts that are just perfect for the friend or relative that has just about everything!
AMG members can take advantage of a special 10 per cent discount in addition to the 10 per cent discount on online orders - on any trees ordered during December.
For more details of this very generous offer starting on 8th December click here...
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 Christmas presents are not a problem
Special offer for AMG members on any of the titles in this fantastic collection of Christmas books
Solve your Christmas present headaches in one move with this fabulous new collection of books. There's something here for everyone - from green-fingered friends to the football fanatic, those with a sense of humour and even the downright miserable.
AMG members can purchase any book in this collection at a discount of £2.00 off the RRP. For more information click here...
Offer closes 31st January 2008
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 Make your Christmas Cards personal with Moonpig
Have you spent ages looking for Christmas Cards for special friends or loved ones and still you cannot find one that is just right. You need look no further than Moonpig. There are loads of cards to choose from - many of which you won't have seen on the high street - and there's something to suit all tastes and types of humour. You can customise the card with the name of the recipient and can also include a photograph and a unique message. It is then delivered promptly to you or an address of your choice. Cards cost from just £2.99. Not only is this a real time saver, but the recipient will really appreciate such an exclusive and personal Christmas greeting.
Since we affiliated with Moonpig, numerous Members have used this personalised card service. Feedback has been very positive and a typical comment is "Usually I spend hours searching for the right card but at Moonpig I found one that was just perfect in minutes"
To visit the Moonpig website and order your card click on the animated banner, top right.
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Answers to you Computing Problems
AboutMyGeneration / PlusNet IT Clinic
AboutMyGeneration has teamed up with internet and phone providers, PlusNet, to help you overcome all your IT and broadband issues.
So if youre having problems with that new computer, printer, or wireless network that you got for Christmas PlusNet is on hand to answer all your queries.
Founded in 1997, PlusNet has grown to one of the UKs best-value internet and home phone providers. It has built its business on innovative products, excellent customer service and low-priced broadband services. The company now offers broadband and voice services to over 300,000 customers across the UK.
Just email your question to our PlusNet expert on ITAnswers@aboutmygeneration.com
For more information on PlusNet visit www.plus.net
To read the answers to questions already sent in click here...
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 The Christmas Book
This book is the antithesis of that instant last-minute Christmas Eve dash through the crowds to the shops
I hope it will inspire you to take a different approach to Christmas, and spare the stress of excess consumerism Sheherazade Goldsmith
Everyone loves the ritual of Christmas buying a tree, wrapping the presents, hanging stockings but for many, this special time has lost its way and has ended up as a symbol of our throw-away society. The Christmas Book encourages you to escape the modern-day commercial Christmas and enjoy a simpler, more homespun way of celebrating. From home-crafted gifts and cards to festive baking and unique decorations, it brings together over 90 inspirational and practical ideas for a simpler greener Christmas.
AMG members can buy a copy of The Christmas Book at the special offer price of £13.99 (RRP £16.99) with free postage and packing. To find out more click here... |
Latest Competitions
| Will it be a White Christmas? |
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 Will it be a White Christmas?
Eight Stylish Sand and Snow Weather Stations to win
Lexibook has teamed up with About My Generation to give away 8 of its stylish Sand & Snow weather stations, worth £19.99, just in time for Christmas! These fun household gadgets have a contemporary and stylish design, ensuring theyll fit perfectly into your home.
Available in two funky shades, the Sand & Snow weather stations will help you successfully plan days out over Christmas and decide what to wear, using five animated symbols, that display the weather forecast on a large backlit screen. To ensure youre out of bed in time during the Christmas holidays, the weather stations also include an alarm with snooze function, as well as showing the time, day of the week and the date.
Click here... for more information and to enter
Closes 7th December 2008 |
| Fantastic selection of Christmas CDs |
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Demon Music
Win a fantastic selection of Christmas CDs
To celebrate the Christmas season, Demon Music Group is offering one lucky AMG member the chance to win a bumper collection of CDs embracing just about every type of music for the festive season. Featuring Carols, classics, pop and party music this fantastic selection has Christmas covered for everyone whatever their age and taste.
For more details click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| Give your sense of humour a Christmas Treat |
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 Give your sense of humour a Christmas treat
Win this fantastic DVD collection of comedy favourites
Whether you cant wait to get the family together for Christmas or are dreading the invasion, its a good idea to stock up on laughs to keep everyone amused and to give yourself a break!
We have teamed-up with Fremantle Home Entertainment to offer two lucky AMG members the chance to win a fantastic selection of comedy DVDs that will keep you laughing well into 2009.
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| Win a case of Faustino Wine |
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Win a case of Faustino Wine
For years, portraits by Rembrandt and El Greco, and of Gluck, the composer, have gazed out of Faustino's classic bottle labels. Their art has been the inspiration of one of Spain's greatest family owned bodegas since 1861. The new Faustino Crianza has a more streamlined look, but reassuringly still features a familiar old master on its label.
Faustino Crianza is a modern wine from Bodegas Faustino, one of the best known quality Rioja brands. It shows a new style of Rioja winemaking, but will still please those who adore the satisfying, full-bodied, flavours characteristic of all Faustino wines that go so well with Sunday roasts. Faustino Crianza has a lighter finish than the classic reserva styles, so is ideal for entertaining during the sociable festive season.
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
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 Family Fortunes
We surveyed 100 people and asked them what their favourite interactive DVD game was...
The best-selling, ever-popular interactive DVD game based on the long-running and hugely successful TV series Family Fortunes is back for a fourth outing with a brand new set of 'Survey Says' questions and answers, meaning the fun can begin all over again. AMG has five DVDs to give away.
Hosted by Vernon Kay, star of ITV1's "All Star Family Fortunes", this latest edition of the Family Fortunes interactive game brings everyone's favourite family game show 'live' to your home TV, allowing you, your family and your friends to take part. It's the next best thing to actually appearing on the show - and all you need to play is the DVD remote control!
Click here... for more information and to enter the competition
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| A gift that grows into The National Forest |
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 Plantatree
A gift that grows into The National Forest
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one that has just about everything? This year why not give a very special gift that lives on beyond Christmas? Plantatree is a life-affirming gift that contributes to The National Forest - a new wooded landscape at the very heart of England and one of the boldest environmental initiatives in the country. We have five Plantatree gift vouchers to give away.
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| Fantastic Vegetables from Rooster Potatoes |
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 Fantastic Vegetables from Rooster Potatoes
Win a hamper packed with delicious vegetables worth over £50
As the festive season approaches, Albert Bartlett, one of the UKs largest root vegetable producers and creator of the famous Rooster potatoes, is giving you the chance to win a selection of their finest products. The hamper is packed full of delicious root vegetables, including parsnips, carrots, onions and Rooster potatoes enough to feed the whole family this Christmas!
For more information and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
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The LYRIC Quiz Game
Sing! And you could be a winner
Do you know your Elvis from your Oasis, your Robbie from your Rod?
Can you sort the James Brown from the James Blunt?
The LYRIC board game from Drumond Park, is a sure-fire hit, already topping the favourite adult board game charts! Songs can define our lives, giving us the chance to relive those moments and feelings again thats why everyone will love LYRIC. Its a fast-paced quiz that challenges players - in teams or individually - to remember the lyrics to their life. The questions call for diverse skills not just quick-fire recall of the lines of their favourite songs, but also the ability to perform them or describe song titles in charades or doodles.
For your chance to win one of four copies of Lyric click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| Rubik - Back to the future
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Rubik - Back to the future
Win the come-back Cube!
Do you hark back to the times when men sported braces and kipper ties, women had beehive hairstyles and everyone had a Rubiks Cube? The Cube was fun, it was endlessly challenging and, for most of us, it was extremely frustrating!
Well, the big surprise is that The Cube is back in fashion. Being obsessively good at something is now really cool amongst the younger, web-fed generation and the Rubiks is again the most popular cube on the planet. 12 million of the little fellas were sold worldwide last year, with 15 million projected for this year.
For the uninitiated, once it has been scrambled you solve the Cube by twisting its six coloured faces around the ingenious central axis until all six consist of solid blocks of colour. Sophisticated computer programmes have been used to work out that any scrambled Cube can be reconstituted in not much more than 20 moves, known in Cube-speak as Gods number.
For more details and how to enter click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
| Maintaining Health and Vitality through the Ages |
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 Fingers on Buzzers - The interactive DVD game
The game that will keep everyone entertained this Christmas
The smash-hit multiplayer game that revolutionised the interactive DVD market last year is back by popular demand, with the release from 4DVD of the completely revamped Fingers on Buzzers: Second Edition, featuring improved game play, great new features and offering stacks more enjoyment for all the family. This easy to play game is loads of fun and will appeal to anyone hungry to test their knowledge and skills.
We have three copies to give away.
For more details and to enter the draw click here...
Closes 14th December 2008
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Golden Balls - Brand new interactive DVD game |
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Golden Balls - Brand new interactive DVD game
Presented by Jasper Carrott
Ever watched Golden Balls and thought you could outwit the other contestants? Well now you have the chance to put your bluffing skills to the test with the launch of the Golden Balls interactive DVD game. Playing the game will test your intuition, luck and nerve in a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
We have three copies of this fantastic DVD to give away.
To find out more and enter the draw click here...
Closes 14th December 2008 |
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Beat the Intro - The brand new interactive DVD |
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Beat the Intro - The brand new interactive DVD
Have fun with the family this Christmas
Get ready to test your musical know-how this Christmas in the the ultimate interactive music DVD quiz game, Beat the Intro: Multi Buzzer Edition, released by 4DVD. Pit yourself against your friends and family in the ultimate test to be crowned the biggest music boffin. Appealing to all ages and abilities all you need to get guessing is a TV, DVD player and your 4 multi-buzzer handsets We have three copies of this brand new interactive DVD to give away.
For more information and to enter the draw click here...
Closes 14th December 2008
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| Freixenet Cava adds sparkle to Christmas! |
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 Freixenet Cava adds sparkle to Christmas!
Win a six bottle case of Cava
You may like your Christmas traditional: red, gold and green with Santa and his little helpers; natural with holly, ivy and red berries; or perhaps you prefer it fashionable: plenty of bling with black, purple or is it turquoise this year? Whatever your taste, a little sparkle always completes the day. So, this Christmas, why not add a little flair and something different Freixenet Cava, including the famous black bottle. And if you would like to add some bubbly fun to your festive season, you can enter our competition and be in with a chance of winning six of Freixenets iconic black bottles of Cava.
Click here... for more information and to enter
Closes 18th December 2008 |
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Get a helping hand from Mother Nature |
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Get a helping hand from Mother Nature
Win a lovely Bathroom Hamper containing the new range of Nature Protect hand washes from Carex
Nature has its own unique way of combating bacteria and these highly effective essential defences have been included within Nature Protect, a range of new hand washes from Carex.
There are three products in the range Nourishing, Sensitive and Hydrating - that combine proven natural antibacterial ingredients for hands. Key to this protection is the inclusion of the antibacterial complex Nectarol , derived from Manuka Honey and natural plant sources.
To celebrate the launch of Nature Protect, AboutMyGeneration has teamed up with Carex and is giving away four Nature Protect bathroom hampers comprising a Willow and sea grass basket, an embroidered Nature Protect hand towel, a wooden nailbrush and the entire Nature Protect range.
For more details and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 31st December 2008 |
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| The new deluxe edition of Rod Stewart's Greatest Hits |
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 The new deluxe edition of Rod Stewart's Greatest Hits
With exclusive unreleased tracks
We have some very good news for Rod Stewart fans. Rhino records have just released a brand new selection of his greatest hits and we have two copies of the deluxe edition to give away to AMG members.
The new collection features 2 discs with all the hits and favourites from this enduring music legends long career and the deluxe edition also includes a DVD with 14 of his best-known videos.
For more details and to enter the competition click here...
Closes 31st December 2008
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