Articles by Dominic Donaldson on ArticleSnatch.com

Tips For Relaxing Kids Holidays

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:03:05 -0500

Finding suitable places for kids holidays is not always easy. You cannot take them just anywhere; there are a wide range of factors to take into account before you select your holiday destination. Kids holidays require a certain amount of additional planning, but in this article we'll look at some of the factors you might want to consider in order to make the kids holidays as memorable as possible. Distance from your home. If you're planning to go a long way from home you should consider how much of a detriment, if any, that will be to the overall trip. Younger children especially will find long car journeys more difficult to bear. If you do plan on taking the kids for long distances, then you would be well advised to bring plenty to keep them occupied, as boredom will often be proffered by the little ones as the main reason for their ill-behaviour! The accommodation you choose will have a big impact on how enjoyable or relaxing your kids holidays are. It is best to ask as many questions as possible about the accommodation in order to ensure that it meets your family's needs fully. **End Summary** Topics: Kids holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a media expert. Find out more about Kids holidays and the many great deals available.

A Guide To Fire Risk Assessment In The Workplace

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:42:31 -0500

A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for anyone that owns, manages or operates a business. Every business needs to comply with fire safety regulations, which came into use in the UK in 2006. The Fire Safety Order places its biggest emphasise on reducing the risk of fire and how it can be prevented, here in this article we shall look at come of the key elements of a risk assessment. People that are responsible for commercial buildings, such as the owner or employer are expected to carry out a mandatory fire risk assessment that will look to identifying the different and risks and hazards that their premises hold. If you have more than five employees at a commercial building then legally this assessment needs to be recorded. The person that is responsible for this must also work out who is most at risk in the building and may need to take extra precautions. They must eliminate or reduce the risk of fire as far as it is practical and provide those in the building with fire precautions to deal with any risks. **End Summary** Topics: Fire Risk Assessment]]> Fire Safety Training]]> ]]> Fire Extinguisher Training]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a safety expert. Find out more about a Fire Risk Assessment and the services offered from UK Fire Training Ltd.

Should I Be Taking UK Holidays?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:50:26 -0500

Each year, more and more people are choosing to take UK holidays instead of travelling abroad in a return to the holidays of years gone by, and great news for the economy. Britain attracts approximately 32 million visitors from overseas each year, and this figure speaks volumes about the appeal of our island as a holiday destination. Britain is steeped in history and offers a truly diverse range of experiences; our multicultural, cosmopolitan populations means that there is plenty to engage even the most seasoned traveller. UK holidays can be as different from each other in Britain as holidays in countries on opposite sides of the globe, and there really is something for everyone. For families with children, there are all-inclusive adventure parks, providing endless entertainment and activities to keep the children occupied and having the time of their lives. For couples looking for a quiet retreat, there are thousands of cosy, beautiful cottages to reside in while you explore the idyllic local countryside or seaside, or why not enjoy a boating holiday and meander around the network of East Anglian canals, stopping every couple of hours for refreshment in a traditional British pub? **End Summary** Topics: UK holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a travel expert. Find out more about UK holidays and how to get the most from your break

Environmental? Consider Honda Cars

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:44:09 -0500

I sometimes feel like there is far too much choice in the modern world, take the dilemma I found myself in recently when I decided I wanted to buy a new car. I went to a car auction to see if I could catch a bargain and I realised just how many well-made cars are on the market, I looked at Mini Coopers, Ford cars, Jeeps and Honda cars. All of them would have been very suitable for me; all looked aesthetically great- so how was I to make a decision? If you are a car expert then a question like that probably seems pretty ridiculous, obviously as all cars have different selling points but a lot of this information means very little to me. As long as the car will get me from A to B safely and won't kill the planet in one journey then I am happy. I guess I am rather superficial as the looks of a car mean a lot more to me than what it can actually do for me. So being surrounded by all of these top cars, all different shapes, sizes and capable of driving different speeds left me feeling rather confused. **End Summary** Topics: Honda Cars]]> Honda]]> Used Honda]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a car expert. Find out more about Honda Cars and the services offered from Inchcape Honda.

Why Choose Your Lexus From Lexus Dealerships?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:52:16 -0500

Buying your car from a dealer is a good way of ensuring that a car that you purchase is going to be of a good quality, whether new or old. Recently I was looking for my own car and decided that I wanted a newer car but didn't want to buy brand new, as I believe that it's not very green. I decided to look at some of the top car dealers, from BMW, MINI, Land Rover and Lexus dealerships. Here in this article we shall look at why purchasing your car from a dealer is recommended over buying privately. The main reason that purchasing from a dealership is that you the consumer are protected by the Sale of Goods Act, which states that goods that are sold must be of an acceptable standard. When purchasing a vehicle privately this will not protect you. When looking for my own car at the Mini and Lexus dealerships I found that reputable dealers are members of a trade association and are all bound by codes of conduct. In the UK when looking for a suitable dealership look out for signs with the Retail Motor Industry Federation signs. **End Summary** Topics: Lexus Dealerships]]> Used Lexus]]> Lexus]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a car expert. Find out more about Lexus Dealerships and the services offered from Inchcape Retail Limited.

How Two Way Radios Could Save Your Life Today

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:14:14 -0500

Two way radios are very important today for emergencies; here in this article we shall briefly look at why they are so paramount within emergency situations. This equipment is probably overlooked a lot for importance, when in actual fact they are very important and one day, the communication that they provide may even save your own life. Typically two way radios make many people think of their childhood, or of children that use them to play with. However the majority of people that use this invention are government agencies that use them to save lives, communication being a crucial element to many life-endangering situations. The Police, Fire Service and Ambulances all use two way radios to communicate with one another and although you may not have ever considered it before, this invention has probably saved many lives. The two way radio enables instant communication between talk groups. An example of this would be that when the Police are using a certain frequency another officer could push a button on their hand held to make contact. This type of contact can be critical if an officer needs back up or medical help straight away. **End Summary** Topics: Two Way Radio]]> Walkie Talkies]]> Walkie Talkie Radios]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a radio expert. Find out more about Two Way Radios and the services offered from Brentwood Communications.

Buy Your New Car With Inchcape Lexus

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:01:09 -0500

Buying a used car can potentially cause some pitfalls that you do not want to encounter, however by following some simple guidelines the entire process should be rather pain free. I recently purchased a used Inchcape Lexus and have experienced first hand what you need to look out for when buying a used car. Firstly you need to do you research, research the type of car you want and understand about the model and the average going price. Create in your head your own budget and include insurance, road tax and running costs when you are working out your final figures. Look at online car sales and buy automobile papers to find out if the asking price you are given for your car isn't too high, and equally isn't too low. If you are buying a car from a private seller and not a dealer such as the Inchcape Lexus dealer I dealt with then make notes when speaking to them on the phone. Ask how long they have owned the car, if the car has had a recent MOT, is the vehicle taxed? **End Summary** Topics: Inchcape Lexus]]> Used Lexus]]> Buy Lexus]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a car expert. Find out more about Inchcape Lexus and the services offered from Inchcape.

A Look Into The National Lottery And Why The UK Love It

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:31:17 -0500

The National Lottery is the biggest lottery within the United Kingdom and is one of the most popular forms of gambling that is currently available. Part of the Camelot Group, the lottery was granted a license to operate in 1994, 2001 and 2007. Here in this article we shall look at some of the history surrounding the lottery and look to why it is so successful today. The first ever draw called 'The National Lottery Live: The First Draw' took place on Saturday 19th of November 1994. Broadcast on television live the programme received lots of praise from the media but also caused controversy that continues to follow it to this day. Some people claim that the lottery has made gambling far too accessible within the UK and others consider it a 'stealth tax' that affects the poorer members of UK society. Today the lottery is shown about twice a week with a draw on Wednesday evening and on a Saturday evening where it is combined into a game-show style set up. **End Summary** Topics: National Lottery]]> Lotto]]> Lottery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a lottery expert. Find out more about the National Lottery and the services offered from Take That Ltd.

A Short History Of Mulled Christmas Wine

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:10 -0500

As Christmas time comes upon us once more, the plethora of Christmassy foods and drinks appear again on our supermarket shelves. As December the 25th approaches, it might seem strange we don't eat and drink these foods all year round. One quintessential Christmas treat is mulled wine - for many, the ultimate Christmas wine. In this article we'll look at the history behind this festive tipple. As the king of Christmas wines, perhaps, it is little wonder that it has spread throughout the world as a top seasonal favourite. While it may be a globetrotting wine now, it actually started out in Europe, though where exactly is unclear. Germany, parts of France and England all seem to have some connection with it. Many centuries ago, if a wine turned bad, then those who owned the wine and really wanted to imbibe it once more - added honey and spices. This drowned out any ill-taste and meant wine merrymaking could continue. While it wasn't a Christmas wine when it came about, it has become such these days - often drunk throughout the winter months. **End Summary** Topics: Christmas wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Christmas wine the offers availabe for this Christmas

Tips For Buying Wine Gifts This Christmas

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:37:18 -0500

The practice of giving wine gifts is one that has grown in popularity over recent years, as for many people enjoying wine has become an integral part of celebrating this festival. Of course, it has many biblical connections and this only serves to make the Christmas-wine connection even stronger. Wine gifts are perhaps so popular as wine is considered a more respectable way to enjoy alcohol - unlike some drinks, wine lovers enjoy the taste of wine as well as the pleasant, fuzzy alcohol feeling that invariably results. While buying a single bottle of high quality wine is very popular, some people like to give a little more - perhaps several. If you know what kind of wine someone likes, then it is a good idea to buy that for them. But perhaps you feel they are a little stuck in their ways when it comes to wine - and so you might wish to give them some new wine to try over the festive period. French Wine The country that most other countries accept are the pioneers of fine wine - France - offers a bewildering array of top quality wines. **End Summary** Topics: Wine gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Wine gifts the wonderful gifts on offer this Christmas

Some Interesting Facts About Champagne

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:26:23 -0500

It's the time of year for celebration, and nothing gets a Christmas celebratory party off to a flying start like a bottle of ice-cold bubbly Champagne or two. Bubbly is best served very cold and in long flutes to show off the delicious bubbles, and can be enjoyed with a wide variety of food to complement meals. Bubbly is delicious when it is drank with seafood, and in particular salmon, both smoked and fresh, lobster, clams and oysters and sushi, as well as typically salty cuisine such as traditional Asian food including Thai, Chinese, Korean and Japanese food. Creamy food, like risotto, also goes very well with bubbly, with cream being an undertone of Champagne. It's fine to serve bubbly with desert, too, but make sure it's a sweeter bottle to really compliment it. You don't really need to abide by any rules when it comes to pairing food and wine, these are general guidelines only and it's down to personal taste how you have your Champagne. Take Marilyn Monroe for example. **End Summary** Topics: Champagne]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Champagne and where to buy the best

Bubbly Wine Gets Any Party Off To A Flying Start!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:25:16 -0500

Bubbly wine is integral to any celebratory occasion, be it a birthday party, wedding, Christmas or New Year. With Christmas just around the corner, everybody is stocking up on bubbly wine as all of the usual restrictions we place on ourselves are lifted and we are free to indulge in a little of whatever takes our fancy. Sparkling wine is particularly enjoyable when served with canapes and other light finger-food making it ideal for parties, but if every one of your guests is to be kept topped up all night, things can work out a little on the expensive side. For large parties, it's best not to stock up on huge amounts of Champagne as this will cost the Earth, and many people actually prefer the taste of a reasonably-priced sparkling wine compared with a cheap bottle of Champagne, but you can still refer to it as Champagne during the celebrations. **End Summary** Topics: bubbly wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a media expert. Find out more about Bubbly Wine and the great offers available

Christmas Wine: There's Something For Everyone

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:11:06 -0500

Christmas time means that all the usual rules that apply the rest of the year go out of the window. We love to over-indulge, and this means spending a little more on food and Christmas wine to make the festivities all the more enjoyable. Two types of wines are particularly vital at Christmas: mulled and sparkling. Mulled wine is fantastic on a cold wintery night in front of the fire, and sparkling wines kick start any Christmas celebration. It's worth buying Christmas wine online and ordering more than you estimate you will actually need. Order good quality bottles of wine and they will always keep for later, order too little and you may not have enough for those impromptu Christmas visits from friends, or for those friends and relatives who tend to consume a little more than they should at Christmas time. Make sure you order plenty of red wine for making mulled wine, as well as for drinking on its own. **End Summary** Topics: Christmas wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a media expert. Find out more about Christmas wine and the delicious Champagne alternatives

Why Choose Underfloor Heating?

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:57:08 -0500

Underfloor heating originally was widely used in Northern Europe but in recent years it has become popular in the UK. There are quite a few factors that need to be considered when choosing whether or not under floor heating will be appropriate for your home, here in this article we shall look at both the advantages and drawbacks of this type of heating. Under floor heating systems turn the floor itself into a heat emitter, heating the room from the floor up. Unlike radiators in a central heating system that emit heat from the radiator panels that are usually mounted on the walls, the room heating this way is heated from the ceiling downwards. With underfloor heating there are options for either electric of water-based heating. Both systems are very similar apart from the obvious heating cable or water piping. One benefit that people find with underfloor heating is that it is thought to be slighter cheaper to run than radiators in a central heating system. Whether this is true or not remains debateable, the logic behind this is that the under floor system keeps the water temperature lower than radiators. **End Summary** Topics: Underfloor Heating]]> Wet Rooms]]> Marmox]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a heating expert. Find out more about Underfloor Heating and the services offered from Tile Fix Direct.

The Brief History Of The Hot Air Balloon Flight

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:50:07 -0500

Have you ever seen London from the air? It is incredible! Recently I went on a hot air balloon flight over London in the early hours. It was amazing watching the city come to life as the sun rose slowly and the city shrunk from view. If you have always wanted to experience a flight then I would definitely recommend it. I always thought that countryside would be better to fly above but as it happens a city is just as stunning and interesting to watch. The balloon history is rich and pans out over two centuries, invented in France in 1783 the first ever hot air balloon rose into the sky. Designed by two French brothers the first journey in a balloon consisted of a sheep, rooster and a duck. The animals flew for a total of eight minutes and were watched by a fascinated crowd that consisted of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and the entire French Court. By the October of the same year the first human flight occurred, two men Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis d'Arlandes experienced a balloon in free flight, without a tether. **End Summary** Topics: Hot Air Balloon Flight]]> Hot Air Ballooning]]> Hot Air Balloon]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a historian. Find out more about a Hot Air Balloon Flight and the services offered from Balloon Safari.

An Experiment To Discover The Best Sparkling Wine

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:46:28 -0500

There is much snobbery around when the subject of sparkling wine is discussed, with many people declaring that they prefer Champagne. So I decided that it would be a good idea to do a blind taste test with my family, to see if anyone really knew what they were talking about when it came to bubbles. I decided not to completely put people on the spot and ask them to identify which drinks were Champagne and which were sparkling wine; my Nan had already declared that in no circumstances would she be able to achieve this and that she liked neither. I would only ask them to decide which drink was their favourite, before I revealed what the drink was. I selected a range of wines, all sparkling, from various countries in Europe, and gathered four family members. First, we sampled a lovely Prosecco from Italy. This wine is made in the North East of the country, and is usually light and dry. 'That's too dry for me,' said my cousin Amy, screwing up her face. 'I like that actually,' said my Nan, 'very... refreshing and crisp. **End Summary** Topics: Sparkling wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Sparkling wine and how it makes a delicious alternative to Champagne

Choose Peru Holidays For Adventure

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:44:21 -0500

If you are looking for a holiday that is like no other, then you may want to consider Peru, Peru holidays offer visitors a magical Indiana Jones setting. Imagine stone temples that have been long forgotten hidden in the jungle with ancient tombs tucked in baking hot desert sand. Wild rivers fall in the Cuzco whilst beautiful pumas stroll silently throughout the night. This South American country is truly an experience of a lifetime, from the Cordillera Blanca peaks that rise above 5000m down to the stunning deserts to the dream-like rainforests of the Amazon Basin. If Peru sounds like a country that you would like to visit then it is important to not be too enchanted by the stunning magical qualities of Peru holidays and understand some practical information about the country and travelling around in it. The currency that is used in Peru is the Nuevo sol, but carrying cash and a credit card that can be used in emergencies is recommended. When you receive the local currency do request smaller notes as the larger notes are hard to exchange in small towns or for purchases. **End Summary** Topics: Peru Holidays]]> Peru Tours]]> Peru Vacations]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a travel expert. Find out more about Peru Holidays and the services offered from Jacada.

Mulled Wine: Everyone's Favourite Christmas Tipple

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:12:31 -0500

Everyone's favourite tipple around this time of year, mulled wine tastes like Christmas in a glass; a real delicious beverage on a cold wintery night. While you can buy it ready-made, it's far more fun to make your own from red wine and a few other ingredients. There are many variations on recipes for mulled wine, and it really comes down to personal taste and the flavours you want to taste. The delicious beverage we know and love today was originally made to disguise the taste of wine that had gone bad so that it could still be consumed. Thankfully today we know how to keep wine properly and so can safely enjoy fresh mulled wine that won't upset our stomachs! A particularly delicious variation on the British version of the drink is to emulate Gluhwein, the wine made and consumed by German-speaking countries. They add vanilla pods to their wine and cloves, which give delicious flavours. To make mulled wine, select a mid-range priced red wine, one which you would comfortably drink on its own, but nothing too expensive, and pour into a large pan. **End Summary** Topics: Mulled Wine]]> Red Wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Mulled Wine at http://www.virginwines.com/wine-zone/mulled-wine

A Guide To Finding Balloon Rides

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:15:15 -0500

Many people have dreamt about the chance to go on a balloon ride and it is no surprise, they are seriously exciting, balloon rides offer an experience like no other. It's really easy to get involved in ballooning, sometimes you just need to follow the balloon see where it lands and see if you can get into this amazing hobby and treat. Here in this article we shall look at the different ways you can get into hot air ballooning and why it is so possible. Buying yourself or friends balloon rides is a good and direct way of finding out about the sport. On your experience ask if you can help with both the inflation and deflation of the balloon to add to your experience. There are many different companies available that offer balloon rides, most flights last around about an hour but the entire experience may take up to four hours. If there are local air balloon pilots in your area then they are usually good to ask about crewing. Most pilots are happy to accept new people. **End Summary** Topics: Balloon Rides]]> Balloon Flights]]> Hot Air Balloon Rides]]> Ballooning Flights]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a ballooning expert. Find out more about Balloon Rides and the services offered from the British School of Ballooning.

Champagne: The Grapes Involved In This Delicious Bubbly Wine

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:13:02 -0500

Champagne sales rocket at Christmas, as people rejoice in a chance to celebrate and enjoy the festivities. No Christmas party is complete without a bottle or two of the bubbly stuff; it's become integral to and synonymous with celebration. Champagne is named after the region in France in which it is produced, and it is so acclaimed and fiercely protected that a bottle of the wine must be produced in that region, and that region only, to be allowed to feature the word on its label. The Champenois, the French wine producers who make the drink, have been known to sue any company using the region's name on their label when the contents were not produced in the very region denoted. Many other countries have developed their own ways of making very similar wine products and, although these aren't technically Champagne, they are often used in very much the same way at celebratory occasions due to their high standard coupled with more affordable price tags. The grapes used in the process of making may be a little surprising to those who don't know. Chardonnay, a white grape, is the first; **End Summary** Topics: Champagne]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Champagne at http://www.virginwines.com/wine-zone/champagne

Champagne: How An Accidental Discovery Led To Wonderful Bubbly

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:10:07 -0500

Champagne sales have suffered during the recession because, as with most luxury goods, less people have been buying it as they make a conscious effort to cut back on luxuries to save money. Despite mixed reports, with some sources claiming that sparkling wine sales actually increase in times of recession, supermarkets this Christmas are endeavouring to temp us back towards the bubbles in the form of half-price deals on Champagne, with each store trying to out-do the other. Tesco has demanded from its suppliers that it be given access to 300,000 bottles of bubbly for 10 pounds each, Morrisons is selling big-name brands like Moet & Chandon, Bollinger and Black Label for less than half price. So has bubbly lost its fizz? It's very doubtful. This wonderful wine has a long and interesting history and, like many great historical inventions such as penicillin and fireworks, was invented partly by accident. The wine first made in the Champagne region was from vineyards planted by the Romans, which were cultivated around the 5th century. Hugh Capet became King Of France in 987, and was crowned in the region, which began the tradition for several subsequent monarchs to pass through the region. **End Summary** Topics: Champagne]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Champagne at http://www.virginwines.com/wine-zone/champagne

Guide To Used Cars From Inchcape Honda To Private Sellers

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:56:25 -0500

Recently I brought as used Inchcape Honda from a specialised dealer, however not all car sellers will be official dealers and will be private sellers, so here in this article we look at the top reasons to a looking at a car history check. If you are doing any research before buying a used car, this should be it. It is probably the smartest investment you will make on your car. A vehicle check will reveal some important information about the car that is recommended you know when buying a car from a private seller. So you have found your dream car from a private seller but it all seems a little too good to be true? Well for same price as a tank of petrol you can find out if the used car you have been dreaming of has been written off, stolen or has outstanding finance and therefore does not belong fully to the seller. A data check will first of all clarify if the car in question is stolen; cars that have been taken without the owners consent are listed on the Police National Computer. **End Summary** Topics: Inchcape Honda]]> Used Honda]]> Honda Cars]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is an car expert. Find out more about Inchcape Honda and the services offered from Inchcape Honda.

A Brief History Of The Cooper Mini

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:52:13 -0500

The Cooper Mini can trace its historical background to 1957 when Leonard Lord the president of the British Motor Corporation decided to develop a smaller car. At the time Britain was in an oil crisis and fuel efficient cars became a necessity. Most of the cars that were developed to be efficient had engines that were under 700Ccc and were known as micro cars or bubble cars. Most of these had been built in Germany and were rather unsafe to drive. Lord set the task to Alec Issigonis to create and British car that would fit in a box ten feet long, four feet wide and four feet tall. In addition to this the car also had to compromise the space of the car with a passenger area that would take up sixty per cent of the overall space. Issisgonis worked quickly and within two years the concept had become a production and the Cooper Mini had an amzing short production cycle. The secret to the Cooper Mini's size was the engine layout, which had never been done before. The engine was basically mounted sideways into the car; **End Summary** Topics: Cooper Mini]]> Mini]]> Used Mini]]> Mini Cars]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a car expert. Find out more about Cooper Mini and the services offered The Cooper Group.

Wine Gifts: They Taste Great And Boost Health

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:49:10 -0500

There's no need to fret about what to buy for family and friends at Christmas time when there are so many wonderful wine gifts on the market. Everybody likes to receive wine gifts; and there are gifts available to suit every budget and taste. Not only will you be providing a delicious tipple, you may even be improving your friends' health, too. The health benefits of drinking wine really came into the public eye during the 1990s when researchers investigated what was known as the 'French Paradox'; the situation in which the French, whose diets were typically very high in fat due to the amount of high-fat cheese and dishes such as Foie Gras they consume, had a low rate of coronary disease. Very high fat diets are known to be a large cause of heart disease, and so it was puzzling why the French nation was appearing to buck this trend and enjoy good health. It was soon discovered that the tendency of the French to drink a steady, moderate amount of red wine was the reason. Soon lots of medical studies were being conducted, and further health benefits were uncovered. **End Summary** Topics: Wine gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Wine Gifts at http://www.virginwines.com/wine-zone/wine-gifts

Mulled Wine: The True Flavour Of Christmas

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:22:09 -0500

Mulled wine is simply delicious around Christmas time, when it's cold outside it warms the belly and provides comfort, and it is ever so easy to make. If possible, buy red wine that you would drink happily on its own; but don't choose the most expensive bottle of wine you can find, because the added spices and ingredients will prevent you from being able to taste the subtle flavours of the wine. In a similar vein, do not choose a very cheap, nasty-tasting bottle, because it still won't taste particularly nice when you've mulled it! It's also best to choose a red wine which hasn't been oaked, because this can overpower other flavours such as the spices you've added. Mulled wine is easy to make at home; there are endless recipes and variations of the drink, so do experiment to discover a taste that really works for you. To get started, you will need a bottle of red wine, 60g of demerara sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, an orange cut into halves and some grated nutmeg. Put all of the ingredients into a pan and heat them all gently until the sugar dissolved. **End Summary** Topics: Mulled Wine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dom Donaldson is a wine expert. Find out more about Mulled Wine at http://www.virginwines.com/wine-zone/mulled-wine