• food,  Gift Guide,  London,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Americans crave a taste of Britain as US tea and candy orders soar under lockdown and travel restrictions

    British tea, cookies, chocolate bars and candy have topped a shopping list of food and drinks that Americans customers can’t live without during the pandemic, with millions of dollars of orders flooding a UK website.

    Ever since many US States locked down in March, the BritishCornerShop.com website, that ships UK treats to customers all over the world, has been inundated with orders from the USA where demand for UK drinks and confectionary has risen dramatically.

    The company is reporting record sales over the past six months as American nationals and British expats who have made their home in the States stock up on tea and biscuits to see them through lockdown. Sales of tea, biscuits and confectionery are filling care packages the UK-based website as favorite British brands such as Yorkshire Tea, McVities, Cadbury, Crawfords and PG Tips have all seen sales sky-rocket.

    Almost 700,000 Brits currently live in the USA and bosses at the online business, which launched in 1999, estimates it sells its goods to a customer base comprising 75% expats and 25% US nationals who love British foods. The website offers over 12,000 British food and drink products from much-loved UK brands and products ranging from Ambrosia custard and Warburtons crumpets to Branston pickle and Heinz baked beans.

    Sales of the most popular item – the ‘Brit Kit’ favorite British ‘biscuits’ collection are up a staggering 1,840%.  The heart-warming collection of cookies (known in the UK as biscuits) weighs in at almost 4 pounds, and contains brands such as McVitie’s Ginger Nuts, Rich Tea, Chocolate Digestives and Hobnobs, and Crawford’s Custard Creams and Bourbon Creams.

    The Top 5 tea sales to the USA are:

    1. Yorkshire Tea Bags – 926% increase
    2. Yorkshire Gold Tea Bags -598% increase
    3. PG Tips Tea Bags – 367% increase
    4. Yorkshire Tea Biscuit Brew 40 Pack – 350% increase
    5. Tetley Tea Bags – 311% increase

    Top 5 British biscuits in the USA:

    1. McVities Milk Chocolate Digestives – 332% increase
    2. McVities Digestives – up 324%
    3. McVities Ginger Nuts – 214% increase
    4. Crawford’s Bourbon Creams – up 165%
    5. Crawford’s Custard Creams – 120% increase

    Peter Howarth, marketing director at British Corner Shop commented: “The demand we’ve experienced from America this year has been unprecedented meaning we’ve had to work around the clock to fulfil the influx of orders. Lockdown has prompted a huge surge in sales as many Americans haven’t been able to travel to the UK and stock up on their favorites or have visitors bring them over in person as would usually be the case.

    “Demand shows no sign of easing as we are increasingly selling more produce to American citizens who have developed a real sweet spot for traditional British goodies. There’s no doubt that this year Americans and British expats have been craving their favorite British treats with tea, biscuits and chocolate bars the most sought-after items,” he added.

    The Bristol, UK-based business specializes in hamper style ‘Brit kits’ – bumper packs of British brands which offer shoppers a comforting and familiar taste of home.  Total Brit Kit sales have leapt by a total of 800% indicating that a growing number of Americans are developing a taste for British brands together with many expats who are missing home more than ever in 2020.

    Demand from those with a real sweet tooth have led to a 1,685% jump in sales of the Haribo sweets, many not available in the US Sales of so-called ‘retro sweets’ are also up 1,664% with a nostalgic variety of Swizzels Matlow, Barratt Candyland, Maynards and Chewits confectionery that were staples in the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. Visit www.BritishCornerShop.com to see the full range of items available.

  • Beauty,  London,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    EBORAH MITCHELL AND HER HEAVEN SKIN CARE LINE FEATURED ON NEW NETFLIX SERIES “(UN)WELL”

    Episode of Docu-Series, “Bee Sting Therapy,” Examines the Potent Use of This Extract in Beauty and Health Treatments, including Lyme Disease

    Bee venom has been known to tighten, lift and firm skin while targeting frown lines and wrinkles. Now, the treatment is getting its moment in the spotlight in a new Netflix documentary that features its pioneer: Deborah Mitchell, the UK-based skin care expert and founder of the Heaven skin care line. Known as the celebrity aesthetician to celebrities and Royals, Deborah invented the ABEETOXIN serum, which uses a bee’s Melittin to painlessly trick the skin into believing it’s been stung, which then triggers “repair mode.” The body instantly increases blood flow to the face, stimulating collagen. That in turn strengthens connective tissue and elastin. The Netflix series “(Un) Well” follows people looking for alternative treatments and medicines after traditional healthcare did not meet their needs. The documentary follows Deborah as she treats clients with the serum and shares its benefits.

    “I have been using Bee Venom for years and the results speak for themselves,” says Deborah, whose Heaven skin care line features face and eye creams as well as masks that contain the extract. “This revolutionary ingredient is a powerful weapon is keeping skin looking healthy, relaxed and natural, repairing tissue and elastin through collagen.”

    Otherwise known as apitoxin, bee venom is an odorless liquid released from a honeybee when it stings. It consists of more than 20 known compounds, most prominently, the peptide, melittin. Melittin boasts powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The extract cannot be created synthetically: beekeepers collect the venom through an elaborate process that keeps the bees safe.

    In addition to skin care, bee venom is being used by wellness practitioners for ailments including Lyme disease.

    Debora enjoyed participating in the documentary and sharing the serum and technique.

    “Netflix did a very good job in showing bee venom treatments from all angles,” says Deborah. “It was a great opportunity to talk about this incredible ingredient and the benefits to your skin care regimen.”

    Otherwise known as apitoxin, bee venom is an odorless liquid released from a honeybee when it stings. It consists of more than 20 known compounds, most prominently, the peptide, melittin. Melittin boasts powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The extract cannot be created synthetically: beekeepers collect the venom through an elaborate process that keeps the bees safe.

    ABOUT HEAVEN SKINCARE

    Heaven by Deborah Mitchell is a luxurious range of anti-ageing, skincare containing organic, natural and results driven ingredients, which have been developed for a radiant, flawless complexion and to help heal skin conditions, from blemishes to eczema.

    Deborah Mitchell began her career as a beauty therapist, creating her own organic, natural and results driven product range to accompany her beauty treatments over twenty-five years ago. From its roots in local business, Heaven is now a worldwide success, with products and treatments available nationwide and around the world in Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia, Dubai and America to name but a few.

    Throughout the years, Heaven’s award-winning skincare has amassed a celebrity following for its range of products and treatments, including Dannii Minogue, Emilia Fox, Michelle Pfeiffer and even royalty who love the mixture oforganic, natural and results driven skincare & treatments.

    Now the winner of more than 25 Stevie Awards and patent owner of Bee Venom ‘Abeetoxin®’ products, formulated for any skin type, Deborah has created products that offer the potent power of nature in perfect harmony with the latest breakthroughs in beauty technology.

    Heaven’s extensive range of products for face, body and hair include cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and face and body oils. All developed with the best ingredients nature and technology has to offer and without the controversial Methylparaben which can cause allergic reactions.

    Deborah has created an oasis of calm in her flagship salon in Shifnal, which houses her elite beauty therapists and her natural products. She has recently acquired Morgan House; her coveted Covent Garden sanctuary where she treats London’s elite and some of her longest-standing clients.

  • Beauty,  London,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Gorgeous Summer Look with Lottie London

    The UK-based makeup brand is bringing all of its glitter and glamour to the US and we’d love to share with you about their beautiful and affordable products.
     
    Lottie London is the go-to brand for the straight talking and forward thinking beauty bosses, dreaming big, never taking no for an answer and always making it happen.
    They are always bringing the latest beauty innovations, and are inclusive and affordable. Always keeping it conscious, they are 100% cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Here are some of my favorite items that I want to introduce to you!
    lottie x laila loves neon palette – ibiza
    Get ready to turn up the heat and meet the lottie x laila loves neon palette in ibiza! from super sparkling shimmers and glitters, to rich and creamy mattes, with bold and bright yellows, to shimmering pinks & oranges!
    Each pigment is buttery soft, allowing you to create a look thats bold, bright and 100% you, wherever you are! pack on the pigment with your finger, or use a brush to softly blend and get a look that guaranteed to help you slay the summer. And for a great deal, you can get these looks for a discounted price with a coupon from Ulta here.
    diamond bounce highlighter

    Meet the highlighter just as extra as you! this unique, gel-powder highlight is a game-changer – ultra-fine silver mica has been suspended in a transparent base for a blinding diamond dust shine, perfect for a frosty winter look. Let’s get icy, babes!

    ombré blush

    Meet lottie london’s ombré blushes, perfectly blended blushers for the ultimate soft flush. Lightweight and smooth, these blushers come in 4 shades, two matte & two shimmering shades for a healthy flush and sheen in an instant.

    Use for a natural flush or make a statement with and go bold AF. Totally tailor your look!

    • vegan friendly
    • paraben free

    lottie palette – the rose golds

    Mix and match ultra-metallics, smooth sparkling shimmers and creamy mattes with Lottie London’s Eyeshadow Palettes.

    Packed with 9 shades designed for every occasion, these compact palettes are perfect for on-the-go glam!

    velvet skin tint foundation

    Achieve a lightweight soft-focus finish with Lottie London’s Velvet Skin Tint Foundation. Create a smooth, natural matte canvas without that heavy foundation feel in a few drops. Blendable with long wear, this foundation evens out skin tone whilst letting your natural skin shine through.

    Available in 8 shades that cater to several skin tones, Velvet Skin Tint is the ultimate barely-there veil.

    • hyaluronic acid & coconut extract
    • vegan

    gloss’d

    Pump-up your pout game with Lottie London’s Gloss’d, a unique gloss-oil hybrid.

    Packed with moisturizing ingredients, this lip saviour hydrates and nourishes whilst adding a light wash of colour for fuller-looking lips, delivering explosive shine without the stickiness! One luscious swipe of Gloss’d and your Lottie London lips will feel as good as they look.

    HOW TO USE:

    Drench lips in the supercharged lip gloss alone or apply over lipstick for the ultimate finishing touch to every look

    Available in 8 shades including Glass, Drenched, Iced, Outshine, Glazed, Slick, Frozen & Glow

    Lottie London is currently available at Ulta- selected stores & online, https://www.ulta.com/.

  • London

    Staycation travel guide: what you need to know

    Are you thinking about enjoying a staycation this year? Wondering where to go, what type of holiday to go on, and what to take with you? We’re here to help. We’ve put together this handy guide exploring the fantastic holidays you can enjoy in destinations across the UK.

    Where are some of the best staycation destinations in the UK?

    The UK is packed full of stunningly beautiful towns, cities and natural landscapes – so you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. Those that want to walk in nature may love a trip to the Lake District, where you can discover vast lakes, trickling waterfalls and charming country villages. If you love the coast, you could head to Cornwall to sink your toes into golden sands and enjoy fish and chips on the beach. Or those interested in architecture could visit Edinburgh, Durham or Bath – with plenty of stunning buildings on offer.

    What types of trip can you go on?

    There are many different types of holidays you can enjoy in the UK, depending on the location you’re heading to. If you’re setting off to the countryside, you may want to get back to nature by setting up camp. You could either bring your own tent and camping equipment, or head to a ready-to-go “glamping” site. Or hire a cool campervan and stop at several destinations along your chosen route, taking your own food and drink to lower your holiday costs.

    If camping or caravans aren’t for you, then why not head to a luxury hotel for the ultimate rest and relaxation? You could even hire a beautiful holiday property with your own private garden and kitchen to enjoy a home away from home. Ultimately, the type of holiday that’s right for you will depend on several factors, including your overall budget.

    What should you take with you during your trip?

    No matter what type of trip you decide to go on, there are a few must-have items for any holiday in the UK. The first is a decent anorak/raincoat and an umbrella. Unfortunately, the weather is never guaranteed in the UK, and even in summer you may experience some showers – so it’s good to be prepared.

    It’s also worth bringing a good quality camera along with you to get snaps of the beautiful landscape and your family adventures. We think taking a camera separate to your smartphone is wise to avoid draining your phone battery taking photos. Finally, it’s worth taking a decent pair of walking boots or trainers. You’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring by foot no matter where you go, and your feet will thank you for wearing a supportive pair of shoes.

    It’s fair to say there are many fantastic holidays to be had across the UK. Which you choose will ultimately depend on your overall budget, so it’s important to consider your personal finances to establish how much you can spend. You should also think about how far you’re willing to travel and the type of accommodation you’re keen to stay in. Why not start researching fantastic staycation destinations for some inspiration today?

  • Gift Guide,  London,  Technology,  WorldWide

    Urbanista Launches “London” ANC Earphones for Sleek “Sound & Silence” Experience

    Silence the outside world
    or let the sound in
    with Urbanista’s new active noise cancelling earphones

    Urbanista, the Swedish lifestyle audio brand, announces the launch of Urbanista London, an active noise cancelling true wireless earphone, designed to put the listener in control. London is the latest in the brand’s true wireless headphone line-up and lives up to their tagline: “Designed for Life in Motion.” Boasting an in-ear style that combines secure fit and crystal clear, isolated sound with comfort, simplicity, and reliability, Urbanista London allows listeners to either completely block out the outside world or hear their surroundings without interruption to their listening experience.

    Priced at $149 MSRP,
    London is available in four stylish colors
    and boasts full compatibility with iOS, Android and Windows devices.

    A Sound Experience Under Your Control

    Urbanista London is designed to provide the perfect fit and is comfortable for long periods of wear. Sound design for Urbanista London was developed by industry-leading acoustical engineer Axel Grell. “We have worked incredibly hard to perfect and fine-tune the sound of Urbanista London. The tiny details make for an earphone with incredible clarity and natural sound reproduction with ground-shaking bass and smooth highs,” said Grell. “The micro-speakers I have selected are at the acoustical heart of these earphones. Urbanista London boasts a wide frequency range with very low distortion, an important feature especially for an active noise cancelling earphone.”

    Whether you feel like blocking out the noise of a busy morning commute or would like to hear what is around you, Urbanista London puts the listener in control. With the new active noise cancelling (ANC) feature, at the press of a button, users are able to completely switch off the outside world. Listeners can otherwise remain conscious of their surroundings while enjoying a strong audio experience with Ambient Sound Mode. This feature enables listeners to switch to a voice-enhancing mode while listening to music or podcasts, allowing outside sounds in and ensuring the ability to hear any surrounding voices, loud and clear.

    Urbanista believes earphones should be intelligently designed and complement the user’s lifestyle. This is why Urbanista London earbuds have a built-in ear detection technology that is programmed to pause when the sensors detect that one bud has been removed from the listener’s ear. The music will stop playing completely when both earbuds are removed.

    Inspired by the City

    Urbanista London is packed with style and creativity, and its earphones are inspired by the vibrant and busy city. So that listeners can express their personal style, London is available at launch in Midnight Black (black), Rose Gold (pink), White Pearl (white), and Dark Sapphire (blue), and comes with a sleek and slim color-matched charging case. London has an IPX4 waterproof rating and is therefore protected from splashing water from any angle.

    Designed for Life in Motion

    Staying connected is easy with London. The latest in 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity means London is compatible with iOS, Windows or Android devices and allows users to have a voice assistant available at the touch of a button. While on the go, the built-in noise cancelling dual microphone allows users to make or receive stereo phone calls, adjust the volume, play, and stop.

    London provides a playtime of five hours, and with four additional full charges from its case, for a total playtime of 25 hours. The indicator lights let users know when they are out of charge. Users can conveniently charge the earphones in less than one hour on any Qi-certified pad or via the USB Type-C cable, straight out of the box.

    Anders Andreen, CEO of Urbanista, comments:  “London is a truly special product and we are very excited to welcome this model to our true wireless family. The small and ergonomic design provides the perfect fit that looks great, and with the active noise cancelling and ambient sound features, London is perfect for life in motion.”

    Urbanista London will be available online at www.urbanista.com as of May 25 2020.

    Key Features of Urbanista London

    • Active noise cancelling (ANC) feature
    • Built-in ear detection sensors
    • Ambient Sound Mode
    • Wireless charging in under one hour on any Qi-certified pad
    • Slim, color matched charging case carrying 4 full charges
    • 4 indicator lights showing battery capacity
    • 25 hours playtime: each playtime runs up to 5 hours. The pocket-sized charging case is ready for another 4 full charges recharging house
    • IPX4 protected – protected from splashing water at any angle
    • Bluetooth 5.0 connection
    • USB Type-C
    • Silicone earbuds – different sizes available for a more personalized in-ear fit
    • Four stylish colors: Midnight Black (black), Rose Gold (pink), White Pearl (white) and Dark Sapphire (blue).
    • Volume and music control
    • Voice control (Siri and Google Assistant)
    • Stereo phone calls
    • Full iOS, Android and Windows compatibility

    About Urbanista

    Urbanista has been making audio products rooted in Scandinavian tradition since 2010. their products are inspired by cities, freedom and with the urban lifestyle in mind.

    Urbanista team designs for life in motion and dedicate their products to urban people, no matter where the people call home. Urbanista is available online as well as in 30,000 stores and 90 countries around the world.

  • Bitty,  London

    CHILDRENSWEAR THAT SPEAKS WITH A CONSCIENCE

    A consciously colorful kidswear collection derived from ocean plastics

    Quirky, sustainable, durable, and laced with imagination, Joseph & Alexander is fashion with a conscious. Specializing in childrenswear, specifically, shorts, Joseph & Alexander’s environmentally conscious pieces are designed to inspire the imagination and provoke curiosity. With each piece designed to spark an “educational conversation”, critical world issues and championing environmental action are at the heart of the brand. Operating consciously using recycled fabric from ocean plastics, eco-friendly ink, and reusable packaging, each collection depicts awareness-raising narratives of minimizing our environmental footprint and having fun whilst doing so.

    Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman’s son, Eric, is already doing his bit to save the planet.  He was recently spotted on the beach in Barbados sporting stylish JOSEPH AND ALEXANDER swimming shorts.

    Joseph & Alexander Founder, Alana Sorokin, said she felt compelled to launch a brand which made a “true difference” after learning of the devastating effect of ocean plastics and subsequently chose to work with recycled fabric created from plastics found floating in the world’s oceans as the foundation of her playful collections.

    “It is predicted that by 2050 there will be more pieces of plastic in the ocean than fish1. The world has been aware of the detrimental impact of plastic in the ocean for decades, but not until recent years have communities begun to mobilize for the great collective fight to stop plastic waste from finding its way into the sea and waterways. Creating children’s clothing that really has something to say was part of our strategy to incite raised levels of awareness. Every Joseph & Alexander piece also tells a story, encouraging an educational conversation between adult and child around important world topics,” she said.

    The Joseph & Alexander collections of shorts, polo shirts and loafers are designed for practicality to take children through from day to night, perfect for little ones who love to keep active. The combination of design and quality is developed uniquely from paper to print, and Joseph & Alexander works with a range of underground designers to create its eclectic mix of modern styles to suit all tastes.

    For children fascinated with the sea and marine life, the Trapped shorts inspire depths of conversation. In bold blue, the shorts feature animal drawings combined with a net-like background to tease out discussions surrounding the effect of human activity and plastic pollution on the oceans. For budding conservationists, the Sea Activist shorts make a bold environmental statement with their design. The short collections, including MonacoSuperyachts, and Planting A Seed, tell stories of environmental awareness while remaining fashionable in their vibrant color ways and detailed drawings that kids will feel great in. Jacob (Joseph) and Alexander also host easy slip-on loafers Bleu Marine andNoir, alongside polo shirts in the finest Pima cotton.

     

    The limited edition “father and son” shorts are designed with a nod to that special bond between father and son. The collection encourages discussion around meaningful stories that children can be part of, with the pieces designed to ignite their imagination or spark curiosity and investigation. With each piece “transitional”, father and son can sport their shorts from beach to restaurant and are available in designs Yeti & StarfishPortofino DreamingMonaco, and Planting a Seed.

    Available from www.josephandalexander.com  Prices start at £45.59