Wine Smash has announced the launch of The Wine Smash Game, the world’s first wine-tasting game, designed to make learning about wine fun and accessible to all, from beginners to enthusiasts.
Traditional wine tastings can often feel formal and intimidating, but Wine Smash has turned this concept on its head. They’ve created an exciting and engaging wine-tasting game that combines fun with education, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Inspired by popular party games, The Wine Smash Game encourages friendly competition and interaction, ensuring players learn about wine while having a great time.
With the help of a mobile device, participants sample six wines, answer trivia questions, and compete for the title of Champion. The game box contains everything required for a memorable evening, including a welcome drink, an instruction leaflet, a curated selection of wines, wine information cards, palate-cleansing popcorn, trivia cards, a tie-breaker question, and a winner’s medal.
The game is suitable for everyone, from newcomers to wine tasting to seasoned wine lovers. It offers a relaxed way to learn about different varieties and styles of wine without any pressure. Whether it’s a small night in with friends or a larger party, the game’s simple instructions and trivia keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.
Wine Smash has launched four unique game boxes, each featuring a different range of wines to help players discover various flavours. Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce more game boxes tailored to different local markets and tastes.
As experiential activities become more popular, Wine Smash is leading the way in this trend. The company is also in talks with vineyards to offer exclusive wines and enhance the wine-tasting experience even further.
Dr. Hande Ulusal, a leading dermatologist, shares that non-surgical rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as the non-surgical nose job, offers patients natural-looking enhancements with minimal downtime, making it an increasingly popular choice.
The demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments has surged in recent years, as more individuals look for ways to achieve youthful, natural results without invasive surgery. Dr. Hande Ulusal, an expert in dermatology and non-surgical aesthetics, highlights the effectiveness of treatments such as lip fillers, pigmentation correction, and laser skin rejuvenation.
This growing interest is part of a broader shift towards quick and effective treatments with minimal recovery time. According to research published by the PMFA Journal, non-surgical facial rejuvenation has experienced rapid growth over the past 20–30 years, meeting the needs of patients looking for fast results that fit into their busy lives. The UK non-surgical aesthetic market is estimated to be worth approximately £3.6 billion annually.
Rising Popularity of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, or the non-surgical nose job, has become one of the most popular non-invasive procedures for individuals wanting to reshape their nose without surgery. The treatment is particularly effective for correcting the nasal bridge or lifting the tip, offering patients the benefit of minimal recovery time and lower costs compared to traditional rhinoplasty. Lip fillers are also in high demand, especially among younger individuals, as they offer natural fullness and hydration to the lips.
Laser skin rejuvenation is another popular option, helping to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and tighten the skin. With advancements in laser technology, treatments are now more personalised, targeting specific concerns and achieving noticeable results. Treatments for pigmentation, including laser therapy and chemical peels, effectively address issues like sun damage and ageing, providing quicker, longer-lasting outcomes.
Importance of Choosing Qualified Practitioners for Non-Surgical Nose Jobs
Dr. Hande Ulusal advises that it is essential to choose experienced professionals for these procedures to ensure safe and effective results. “While treatments like non-surgical rhinoplasty do not involve invasive procedures, they should only be performed by qualified professionals. Proper training and experience are essential to achieving the best results and avoiding health risks in non-surgical nose jobs,” she warns.
Non-surgical rejuvenation provides a straightforward and accessible option for patients seeking youthful, natural enhancements without surgery.
Independent boutiques and high-street retailers alike offer an impressive range of Christmas gifts for the home. Whether you’re supporting small businesses or browsing the high street for festive finds, our guide has something for everyone.
And let’s be honest—there’s always someone who says, “I don’t need anything.” For them, a thoughtful home gift can be the perfect choice.
While there’s something special about giving a handmade or unique item, we’ve also included options for last-minute shoppers in need of reliable, quick-delivery gifts in time for Christmas Eve.
So, without further ado (yes, we know it’s only Bonfire Night), here are some fantastic gift ideas to suit every budget:
Hokan bowls
For the most versatile cook, they will absolutely adore these Hokan bowls – sustainable, stackable and stylish. Available in a range of gorgeous colours (we love yellow) and in sizes small (400ml), medium (600ml) and large (1000ml), these dishes can happily be used in the microwave, dishwasher or oven.
And what is really clever, because the contents is determined by the height, every lid fits every size, so they can be swapped around to suit and used as a side plate or to cover in the fridge – genius.
The bowls heat evenly and retain heat efficiently, while cooking with the lid on keeps moisture in and the temperature stable.
Hokan are proud to partner with The Felix Project who help to feed local communities in London by rescuing surplus food from suppliers and redistributing it to over 1,000 frontline charities and schools. For every small bowl sold, Hokan donates 1.5 meals; for every medium bowl, 3 meals; for every large bowl, 4.5 meals; and for every set of three, 9 meals.
Available to buy: hokanbowls.com individually or as a set, starting at £24
Smart scales
For someone into nutrition, the Aeno KS1S Smart Kitchen Scale is a handy and stylish prezzie. With a nifty tempered glass surface, you can weigh hot or cold ingredients – and with a database of 10,000 products and meals, it can be used to get handy nutritional analysis for a wide range of foods.
And for those waiting for the post-Christmas slump, this is an excellent tool for weight loss, thanks to its smart app funtionality, precise measurements and nutritional tracking. Slim and easy to store, the LED screen is bright and easy to read. It’s an absolute winner for us!
For a nostalgic look back at a favourite character, we absolutely love these beautiful pictures featuring characters from the Peanuts gang. We stumbled upon these exclusive and super cute frames featuring original vintage Snoopy playing cards, double mounted in cream and black, within a black wood box frame.
What is super cool, is that the cards are from the 1970s, ensuring each gift is one-of-a-kind. SO with 60 designs featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, these gifts are timeless and thoughtful! There are also fridge magnets and Christmas baubles available.
Arighi Bianchi’s Rise & Play is the ultimate bedside digital alarm clock and Bluetooth speaker. More than just an alarm clock, it’s a wireless entertainment hub that will brighten any bedside table.
Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and wake up with your favourite tunes, while staying on track with the intuitive digital display. Rise & Play combines style and functionality with three alarm modes, customisable brightness, and optional date and temperature display. Available in three fun colours – yellow, orange, and purple.
For the ultimate relaxation aroma, why not treat your loved ones to a gorgeous scented candle from the Copenhagen company? Perfect for any lounge, dining room, bathroom or bedroom, we just love these signature smells, especially the grapefruit which is an elegant citrus fragrance centred around the zingyness.
The signature hotel collection sizes are available in classic, medium and large – and are made from a natural wax blend and cotton wicks, to deliver a clean burn all day long.
There’s nothing better than getting into a freshly made bed. So why not welcome in the festive season with the Catherine Lansfield Cosy Soft Christmas Tree Bedding Set? We love the super cute design – mini Christmas trees on a luxuriously soft velvet base. And better still – the reverse is lined with a warm sherpa fabric for extra comfort.
Transform your bedroom into a cozy Christmas wonderland while enjoying the classic touch it adds to your decor. This set is available in single, double, kingsize and super kingsize with matching pillow cases.
It can be washed at 30 degrees as well as tumble dried, making it the perfect couch companion or bed spread – and it’s just the most gorgeous gift for Disney fans old and young.
Locational Astrology is fast becoming a major trend in the travel industry, with Forbes, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan featuring it as the latest must-have experience. Specialist consultancy Destination by Design has now launched at the World Travel Market in London, offering a new way for businesses and individuals to benefit from this growing interest.
Destination by Design is the first dedicated Locational Astrology consultancy to offer business-to-business services, alongside individual client consultations and training programmes.
Supporting sectors such as travel, real estate, retreats, event planning, and weddings, Destination by Design helps businesses integrate Locational Astrology and AstroCartography into their offerings. This provides these organisations with a unique opportunity to enhance their services by using this cutting-edge tool to better serve their customers.
VerDarLuz, the founder of Destination by Design, has 17 years of experience in consulting astrology, specialising in Locational Astrology. He has personally travelled to 47 countries, using his expertise to make strategic decisions about where and when to travel to meet specific objectives.
VerDarLuz, Founder & Director of Destination by Design, said: “Destination by Design brings the profound wisdom of locational astrology to wider audiences. Through my professional work with clients and my own travels, I know the power to strategically choose what experiences and opportunities you want to invite into your life through astrolocality. Partnering with providers across a range of industries that involve both short and long-term travel, we are very excited to scale the impact of Locational Astrology and help organizations leverage this incredible tool for their customers.”
VerDarLuz and co-founder Tara Land will be present at the World Travel Market in London from 5-7th November, engaging with travel professionals to explore how Locational Astrology could shape the future of the industry.
Nodem Capital, a newly established secondaries firm, has launched with the aim of addressing the pressing need for liquidity solutions in emerging markets.
The firm will focus on providing secondary liquidity to holders of venture capital-backed assets in regions such as Emerging Europe, Turkey, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India. These regions, collectively known as Next Wave markets, are defined as all countries outside of the world’s ten major advanced economies, including North America and Western Europe.
Nodem will offer partial liquidity through preferred equity investments, allowing ‘non-sellers’ to maintain exposure and control while unlocking liquidity for distribution or growth.
Nodem is currently pursuing FCA authorisation, with investments expected to begin once regulatory approval is granted. Initial investor funding is already secured, and the firm plans to start investing in the first quarter of 2025.
A launch event is scheduled for January 2025, after which Nodem will host monthly online panel discussions featuring key investors from Next Wave markets.
The company was founded by Alex Branton, who previously worked at Sturgeon Capital, an emerging markets investment firm managing over $300 million. Alex also brings experience from Cambridge Associates, where he advised major institutional investors.
Alex Branton stated: “Having spent my career as both a General Partner and Limited Partner in emerging markets, I feel uniquely qualified to solve the liquidity needs of our stakeholders.
“We’re building a firm that investors can rely on for speedy solutions tailored to the specific needs of LPs and GPs active in our markets.”
Data from Pitchbook highlights the rapid growth in venture capital fundraising across Next Wave markets, with nearly $57bn raised in 2021, driven by early successes in the US, China, and mobile internet advancements in these regions.
However, while early fund vintages are maturing, large-scale exits have been slow, with up to 20 times more companies being financed by VCs than exited.
Alex added: “Many investors are now seeking, and struggling to find, liquidity solutions for their Next Wave holdings, resulting in LPs being reluctant to commit to new funds until value is released from earlier vintages.
“Nodem is launching ahead of an expected ten-fold expansion in the investable universe, with assets held in venture capital funds older than 10 years expected to reach around $130bn. This provides a clear opportunity for us to meet client needs in these markets.”
Police officers in south east London have sentenced three men following a Met crackdown on mobile phone robbery and theft.
A man and two teenage boys were brought to justice for their involvement in 35 separate incidents in Bermondsey and Greenwich.
Thirty-two mobile phones were recovered, with 30 of them successfully returned to their rightful owners. The total estimated value of the stolen phones amounts to more than £20,000.
Kie Joyce, (21) of Neckinger Estate, was sentenced to three and a half years’ imprisonment in September, at Inner London Crown Court for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving offences.
A 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to six months on November 1, at the Old Bailey for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving.
A second 16-year-old boy – who also cannot be named for legal reasons – was sentenced to a nine-month supervision requirement in February at South London Magistrates’ Court for conspiracy to commit theft and handling stolen goods. He was also subjected to a youth rehabilitation order, curfew requirement and is required to pay compensation of £425.
Targeting of hot spots
Officers have been listening to community concerns and using data and technology to target hot spots where offending is more likely to take place.
As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is focusing on improving community policing, with officers patrolling busy areas and town centres to help deter offenders and ensure they are present to act on anything suspicious. Local residents have fed back the increased presence has provided a sense of safety to residents and visitors.
The Met is employing CCTV in busy areas to monitor and identify people involved in mobile phone thefts, allowing them to capture real time footage for analysis and evidence gathering.
PC Alex Earley, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased our investigation has brought three offenders to justice for their part to play in a spate of phone thefts in our local area. This demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns from those living and working here.
“Our top priority is to drive down crime that impacts our communities the most, creating neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe.”
The Met investigation was launched in 2023 and focused on the three individuals who used electric motorbikes to steal phones from unsuspecting victims. They targeted individuals by aggressively riding their bikes on pavements and approaching people at high speeds, creating an intimidating environment that made it difficult for victims to react or escape.
Making the capital safer
Commander Owain Richards added: “We understand the impact of mobile phone theft can have on victims, it’s an invasive and sometimes violent crime- and we’re committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer.
“We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working phone firms to ‘design out’ the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft.
“We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly”.
World Travel Market London – one of the world’s influential travel and tourism events – is set to contribute around £200 million to the London economy.
Held at Excel London (pictured), more than 40,000 travel professionals are set to attend the 44th show which takes place tomorrow, running until November 7.
On track to host the most exhibitors the event has ever seen, WTM London has reported a 7% growth in exhibitor numbers this year, with more than 4,000 global tourism boards, hoteliers, transport services, technology brands, associations and experiences set to take part.
It’s estimated that in excess of £2.2 billion worth of business deals will be signed at this year’s event.
According to VisitBritain data, international delegates visiting the UK for a trade show on average spend £352 per day, which estimates a total visitor spend of £71,215,218.
In a recent report from Deloitte, they suggested that for every £1,000 spent, a further £1,800 is generated in direct tourism gross value, totalling an impressive £200 million injection from WTM London into the economy.
WTM London estimates that 82% of attendees are international visitors who are spending money on transport, accommodation, and entertainment during their time in the city. 40% of visitors are spending three days in London for the event, 33% are spending at least seven days in city and 9% of international visitors are staying in the capital for at least nine days.
Juliette Losardo, exhibitor director, WTM London, said: “While the travel trade are busy curating that £2.2billion worth of travel and tourism deals during World Travel Market, we’re proud that WTM also has such a significant impact on our host city of London. The range of accommodation, world-class dining and wealth of attractions the city has to offer, are a real draw for our attendees, many of whom use WTM London as an opportunity to tag on leisure days and, in doing so, boost spend for the economy.”
Luxe is excited to unveil its latest collection of Audemars Piguet watches, featuring three bespoke timepieces crafted in diamond and frosted gold. This exclusive series showcases Luxe’s dedication to combining precision engineering with innovative design in Haute Horlogerie.
The collection highlights Luxe’s philosophy of fusing modern technology with the highest standards of craftsmanship. Each watch is tailored for collectors seeking a balance of elegance and functionality, reflecting the artistry that has made Luxe a respected name in luxury watchmaking.
Setting a New Standard for Precision
Luxe’s three new watches are a testament to intricate design and engineering excellence, using only the finest materials. With ethically sourced gemstones and top-tier components, every detail speaks to Luxe’s unwavering focus on quality.
“With these new watches, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in high-end watchmaking,” said a Luxe spokesperson. “We’ve taken our design principles and elevated them to meet the evolving needs of our clients, delivering watches that are exquisite and designed to last a lifetime.”
Collection Highlights
Each of the timepieces in this new collection showcases Luxe’s expertise in crafting watches that blend beauty with practicality:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 42mm (26473BC): A modern masterpiece featuring a skeleton dial that reveals the intricate inner workings of the watch. This model includes the latest in timekeeping technology and offers water resistance up to 100 metres.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Quartz 41mm (67543BC): With a diamond-encrusted bezel and sapphire hour markers, this classic watch is ideal for formal occasions, combining Luxe’s signature elegance with robust functionality.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted (15410BC): Designed for adventurers, this chronograph includes a tachymeter and stopwatch, delivering both style and precision for those who seek high-performance luxury.
A Tradition of Timeless Elegance
The launch of this collection reinforces Luxe’s reputation as a leader in the luxury watch industry. Each watch is designed to be cherished and passed down through generations, making them a symbol of lasting value and personal style.
Luxe continues to lead the way in Haute Horlogerie, upholding the principles of precision, artistic craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For further details about Luxe’s new watch collection, visit Luxe.
Adana has recently hosted Türkiye’s first summit on social gastronomy and agriculture, which took place in October as part of the 8th International Taste of Adana Festival. Supported by the Adana Governor’s Office and organised in collaboration with the Switzerland-based Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM), the event tackled essential issues surrounding food sustainability, soil health, local farming methods, irrigation, and agriculture’s environmental impact. Experts from countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines were in attendance, including chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
The summit was coordinated by Chef Ebru Baybara Demir, the first Turkish chef to win the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize and a recognised UNFAO Global Food Hero. The event brought together international experts with Çukurova’s local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs, with a focus on how agriculture must adapt to meet global challenges and promote sustainability.
A significant highlight of the summit was the Universal Plate initiative, an SGM project launched in 40 countries at once. In celebration of World Food Day, chefs and participants in Adana prepared and distributed meals to 2,500 people, joining global efforts to ensure access to healthy food for all.
Collaboration for food sustainability
“Our mission with this summit is to bring together key figures in food sustainability—farmers, chefs, scientists, and community leaders—around a unified vision. Through our collaboration with the Social Gastronomy Movement, we aim to show how deeply interconnected agriculture, food, and social impact are,” explained Ebru Baybara Demir. “This summit, I believe, will set the stage for future partnerships to address issues such as soil health, food security, and sustainable development.”
The summit’s theme, “Taste of the Soil,” brought together a diverse group of participants, including local farmers, international experts, government officials, and students from agricultural faculties. Discussions centred on finding new ways to address the agricultural challenges of today and tomorrow.
Key topics included soil health and sustainable farming practices, with experts highlighting the importance of maintaining and improving soil quality for long-term agricultural success. The fertile lands of the Çukurova region were identified as an ideal location to implement sustainable farming methods that could be applied globally. Efficient water management and irrigation systems were also central themes, with experts pointing out the critical need to conserve water in the face of climate change.
Nicola Gryczka, SGM’s co-founder, stated, “Sustainability in food goes beyond farming and cooking; it’s about creating an ecosystem where every person has a role, from farm to plate. Through education, diversity, and collaboration, we can build resilient food systems that benefit everyone.” He added, “Adana’s Agriculture Summit is the beginning of a journey. We hope this collaboration strengthens our efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable food future.”
Regional perspectives and future plans
Regional leaders underscored the summit’s significance for Adana and its broader agricultural potential. Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Governor of Adana, remarked, “Adana’s diverse agricultural production is a testament to our region’s fertile soil. Ensuring a smooth process from soil to plate is our priority.”
Mayor Zeydan Karalar highlighted the region’s agricultural strengths: “Adana has some of the most fertile plains in the world, supported by its rivers. As climate change increases risks to agriculture, it is essential to protect and harness our lands. Every crop must retain its value, and we are committed to making sure this happens.”
For further details on the summit and its initiatives, visit the Taste of Adana Festival’s website.
Platform aims to reshape the industry with innovative technology and a transformative business model
The Code Registry, a pioneer in AI-based software asset management, has announced the launch of its new, free software code escrow service. This pioneering offering is expected to transform the industry by enabling businesses of all sizes to access secure code escrow, supported by advanced technology and a progressive business model.
Typically, software code escrow services have been costly and challenging to implement, often accessible only to large corporations. The Code Registry’s new service eliminates these obstacles, providing a free, user-oriented platform to ensure the security and reliability of software assets for both developers and end-users.
“Our mission has always been to democratise access to essential software services,” stated Mark Purdy, CEO of The Code Registry. “By offering a free code escrow solution, we’re empowering businesses to protect their software investments without the prohibitive costs typically associated with these services. This is more than just a product launch; it’s a call for industry-wide change.”
This platform uses advanced encryption and AI to secure source code, while also analysing its structure to deliver undeniable proof of ownership and authenticity. Through a user-friendly interface, users can deposit, manage, and retrieve code, staying fully compliant with legal standards.
The purpose of this new service is to provide business leaders with the security and intelligence necessary to play an active role in their software management.
Key Features:
Free Access: No fees or hidden costs, making it accessible to start-ups and small enterprises.
Sophisticated Security: Advanced encryption and AI-powered anonymity protect intellectual property.
Intuitive Interface: Straightforward processes for managing code deposits.
AI-Driven Insights: Move beyond security with insights on risk, compliance, and output.
“The industry has been stagnant for too long, burdened by outdated practices and exorbitant fees,” added Purdy. “Our innovative approach not only disrupts the current market but also sets a new standard for how software assets are secured and managed.”
This launch highlights The Code Registry’s dedication to innovation and commitment to a more secure, equitable software industry.
