Shopping News -Sixtyplusurfers

Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Anthony Tesselaar International to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a stunning Tropicanna® watch.

Why not add a touch of Tropicanna® flavour to your accessory collection, with this simply stunning watch, ideal for both men and women, on behalf of Anthony Tesselaar International.

There is no better plant to inspire the watch design, which boasts a black leather strap, and stainless steel watch face with an image of the renowned Tropicanna® imprinted onto it. It is also water resistant so ideal to wear whilst tending to the garden.

Anthony Tesselaar International, an international horticultural management and marketing company, is renowned for the successful sourcing and introduction of high quality plants, and the Tropicanna® is no exception.

The Tropicanna® has dramatic, chromatic topical foliage and it prospers in both garden and pot, making it perfect for any garden no matter how big or small.

The Tropicanna’s® tall and exotic profile is sure to make a strong statement - when planted in the ground it will grow to 1.2m in height in its first year and up to 1.8m in following years. It is a great way to create some informal structure into your garden.

The Tropicanna®

The stunning rich colour of the Tropicanna® is also an eye-opener. The Tropicanna® has rich burgundy striped leaves which fan from a vibrant chartreuse centre vein. These look particularly gorgeous when backlit by the sun.

Anthony Tesselaar International, an Australian based company, visit the best plant breeders around the world to find new and exciting plants that are first and foremost exceptional, have long flowering periods and are easy to grow almost anywhere. These plants are then made readily available to home gardeners, landscapers and horticulturists everywhere - tying in with Anthony Tesselaar International’s philosophy to de-mystify the act of gardening for those who don’t happen to have the knowledge, but would like to enjoy the satisfaction and rewards that come from a garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a keen green-fingered beginner, Anthony Tesselaar International offers an array of exciting and exotic plants, including the Agapanthus Bluestorm, Agapanthus Snowstorm, Festival Grass, Begonia Bonfire and Bellfire.

For further information on Anthony Tesselaar International, the company and plants on offer please visit www.tesselaar.com

To the Enter the Competition

Just tell us the name of the famous gardener featured at the top of the page, then send in your name and address to the Sixtyplusurfers inbox by clicking on the hotmail address below: sixtyplusurfers@hotmail.co.uk

* This competition is open to
our UK visitors only

Celebrate Halloween With Superstition Whisky

Jura Superstition Whisky

Can’t decide whether to offer your guests a trick or a treat at your haunted Halloween party this year? Why not give them the best of both with an after dinner dram from Jura Superstition?

The chance to sample this award winning whisky will be sure to go down a treat with your friends and family. And as its smooth flavour evokes the whisky’s tranquil coastal home; with just one sip your guests will be tricked into thinking they’ve escaped to the magical island itself.

The unique Jura Superstition hails from the charming Scottish west coast Isle of Jura – an island steeped in myths and folklore, with islanders telling tails of witchcraft, black magic and ghosts from the past. Jura Superstition has been deliberately crafted to bring to life the island’s ghostly history – and even the distillery itself is said to be haunted.

Continuing the island’s traditions, the bottle bears the hallmark of the Ankh cross – deemed to have life giving properties. And to add an extra hint of black magic, Jura Superstition is made from a 13 year old and a 13% heavily peated Jura.

First blended on Friday 13^th September and finally bottled on Friday 13^th December, Jura Superstition really does live up to its spooky name.

Jura Superstition is priced at £26.99 and available to purchase from the website at www.isleofjura.com and from all leading stores.

Drink to London's History with
a Colourful Mug

Drink to London's history with a colourful mug

London's history speaks through its street names – if shoemakers worked there, they called it Shoe Lane; if they sold fish, they called it Fish Street.

(We're not entirely certain what went on up Cock Lane?). And it is London’s colourful history that’s provided the inspiration for Street Speak® mugs from Tosh.

All occasions can be celebrated with this unique and witty range of mugs.

The range includes street name combinations such as: Bacon Street (E2)/ Sandwich Street (WC1), Fish Street (EC3)/ Chip Street (SW4), Barking Road (E12)/ Nutter Lane (E11), and Love Lane (EC2).

The collection includes small and large sized mugs featuring real London street names on bright, contemporary coloured fields.

All mugs are made from fine bone china and are produced in the UK. The Street Speak® Small Mug retails at £7.95 and the Large Mug retails at £9.95.

The mugs are available from over forty retailers including Liberty, Bentalls, Foyles and online at www.thelondoncompany.net

Shopping & Gifts

Buying Gifts and Presents Safely

Buy gifts and presents safely

As the cold weather sets in, many of us will now be starting to look for our Christmas presents in good time to get the best bargains. But beware, as shopping in haste can often have its pitfalls.

With this in mind, Consumer Direct has put together twelve top tips to help you get started with your Christmas Shopping and get the best deals.

1. Presents

When buying presents, always keep receipts just in case there is a problem with the goods and they need to be returned.

Check that presents are in working order as soon as you've bought them rather than wrapping them up immediately, as faulty goods should always be returned as soon as possible after purchase.

There is no legal right to a refund or replacement if an item is the wrong size, colour or style, or it's an unwanted present. The main exceptions are if the seller specifically agreed to a refund or exchange on return of the goods and for certain home shopping purchases which can normally be cancelled for up to seven working days after delivery.

Check whether you have any additional rights, over and above your legal rights, under the seller's 'goodwill policy'.

2. Goodwill policies

Many shops will have 'goodwill policies' of their own. This means the retailer may provide a 'no quibble' refund, credit note (often valid for 3, 6 or 12 months) or allow you to exchange goods within a specified period, even if they are not faulty.

Check with the shop if it has a goodwill policy before you buy, particularly if you are purchasing the item for someone else. This will help prevent problems if the goods aren't suitable.

Many stores will also offer a gift receipt, which reveals all the details of the purchase other than the price, and can make it easier for the recipient to exchange the gift or seek a refund after Christmas.

3. Sale of Goods Act

The Sale of Goods Act says goods must be:

· 'of satisfactory quality' which means 'standards that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable', bearing in mind the way they were described, what they cost and any other relevant circumstances.

· 'fit for purpose', which includes any particular purpose mentioned by you to the seller, for example, if you buy a computer game and say to the trader that you want to play it on a particular console, it must be compatible .

· 'as described' on the packaging, display sign or by the seller.

4. Faulty and misdescribed goods

If goods are not of satisfactory quality, fit for their purpose or as described, you have a right to return them and get your money back, provided you inform the shop you want to return the goods within a reasonable time. While there is no set time limit, the quicker you report the problem, the easier it will be to obtain a refund.

If gifts are not of satisfactory quality you have a right to get your money back

You are not obliged to accept a credit note, vouchers or the offer of a repair if goods are faulty or misdescribed and they are returned within a reasonable time.

With presents, usually it is the person who bought the goods who should take them back, but in practice it is normally proof of purchase - such as a receipt - that retailers will insist on. While you have the same rights even if you lose the receipt, it is useful evidence of where and when you bought the goods, although credit or debit card receipts could also be used as proof of purchase.

5. Manufacturers

While the law says that it's up to the seller to deal with complaints about defective goods, you may have additional rights under manufacturers' guarantees. You are usually required to send off details such as your name and address and date of purchase to validate the guarantee so if you want this additional protection, make sure you have fulfilled all the necessary requirements.

6. Sales goods

Your rights apply equally to goods bought in a sale. You should ignore any signs which say otherwise as they have no legal effect. Some sales goods may be reduced because of slight defects so check carefully.

Customer rights apply to items bought in a sale

The seller is not obliged to give you your money back if you are complaining about faults pointed out prior to purchase, for example, on signs or labels.

7. Gift vouchers

Many people don't realise that gift vouchers are only valid for a certain time, typically 12 months from the date of purchase, and they aren't normally exchangeable for cash. You may be offered vouchers when returning faulty goods, but you don't have to accept them, as you are entitled to a cash refund. It is up to you.

8. Second-hand goods

When you buy on the high street you have the same rights, but you must take into account that second-hand will not be of the same quality as brand new. Examine goods carefully before you buy.

Examine goods carefully before you buy them

You can still claim your money back or the cost of repairs if the goods are faulty, unless the faults are the wear and tear normally to be expected with second-hand goods, were pointed out to you or were obvious when you agreed to buy the goods.

You have fewer rights when you buy privately. In a private sale, the goods must only be 'as described', and don't need to be 'of satisfactory quality' or 'fit for their purpose'.

9. Home shopping

If you buy goods or services from a catalogue, on the internet or by any other form of 'distance selling', you normally have the right to:

·   clear information before placing an order written information about a purchase, including a description of the goods, the price and any ordering or delivery charges.

·   a 'cooling off' period during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made - this is typically seven working days from the day after the consumer receives the goods. There are some exceptions, for example, for perishable goods, goods made to order or CDs, DVDs or computer games if you remove the packaging.

·   a full refund if goods are not provided by an agreed date or within 30 days of placing an order if no date was agreed.

10. Credit card protection

If you have bought goods on a credit card and the cash price of the item is more than £100 (and not greater than £30,000) both the supplier and the credit provider have the same liability to you. This means if the supplier goes bust before you receive the goods or the contract is broken, you can make the same claim against the credit provider that you would have brought against the supplier. This also applies to purchases made overseas.

11. Amazing offers

Always be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, because they probably are. Misleading advertisements or sales pitches typically include false promises about what products can do, conceal or leave out important facts or create a false impression in some other way.

Always be wary of offers that seem to good to be true

Use your common sense, ask questions and ask to see the goods. Also consider whether you'll be able to easily contact the seller if there is a problem. Don't rush into a purchase you might regret.

12. Complaining

Go back to the seller, with proof of purchase, keep calm and be sure of your facts. Explain your problem, what you want done and set a deadline. If you are not satisfied, write a letter of complaint to the company's head office, consumer complaints department or Chairman. Persevere, as you may need to send a follow-up letter. If this fails, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

For more information about Consumer Direct just click on www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Pretty in Pink

Le Cafetière from West-Way

This pretty pink Le Cafetière set is the perfect size for coffee with friends. The gift set includes an eight cup Pink Rainbow Polka Dot Cafetière and two matching cups. Packaged in a sturdy pink and white polka dot gift box, price is £24.99.

For more details click on www.west-way.com

Go Fairtrade Nuts with Harry Hill

Go Fairtrade Nuts with Harry Hill

Harry Hill, a long term supporter of Fairtrade, has come up with the idea for his own Fairtrade salted peanut product and approached 100% Fairtrade nut company Liberation to manufacture and market the brand. Liberation is supported by Comic Relief and is 42% owned by nut farmers, including growers in Malawi and Nicaragua who are supplying the nuts for Harry’s Nuts!

Harry will make no money from this venture so that as much revenue as possible will go back to the smallholder farmers in Africa and Latin America .

The BAFTA award winning comedian has recently travelled to Malawi with his brother Rod Hall, an organic farmer, and met some of the peanut farmers who are benefiting from Fairtrade.

Harry says, “I love salted peanuts myself and feel I am doing a service to snackers everywhere who want to know the farmers who grew what they are eating have been paid a fair price. I’m working with Liberation because all of its products are Fairtrade and the company is solely run to benefit the farmers and their families.”

Harry has been heavily involved in getting the taste right for the nuts and with the pack design. The nuts will be sold on a backing card which features a cheeky design penned by Harry himself.

The nuts, which have been extra roasted for additional crunchiness and taste, will be available in 50g packs at a recommended retail sales price of 59p, an eminently affordable Fairtrade munch at this time of credit crunch.

Liberation is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which means it is 100% run for the benefit of the community it serves – nut farmers and gatherers from poorer parts of the world. It supplies its own Liberation branded nut snacks - a high-end range of baked cashew and peanut mixes - to Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Oxfam shops and health food stores nationwide.

Liberation also supplies leading UK supermarkets with most of the nuts for their own brand Fairtrade products, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and The Co-operative. It is a ‘sister’ company to well known Fairtrade brands Cafédirect, Divine chocolate and Fairtrade fresh fruit specialists AgroFair UK.

Harry visited Fairtrade banana and cocoa farmers in Ghana in 2002, and also launched the international FAIRTRADE Mark for the Fairtrade Foundation in that year. He was one of the well known personalities photographed by Trevor Leighton for a photo exhibition of people having fun with Fairtrade products, organised by the Fairtrade Foundation in 2006.

Ceri Willmott, Managing Director of Liberation, says, “Liberation is dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers in poorer countries through developing and marketing irresistible nut snacks. We are delighted to be working with Harry on this project which will be of tremendous benefit to farmers in Malawi and Nicaragua . Look out for Harry’s Nuts! at convenience stores, pubs, off licences and at ethicalsuperstore.com from October onwards.”

For more information about Liberation click on www.chooseliberation.com/harry

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation adds, “This significant move will give people the chance to enjoy snacking on Fairtrade nuts while helping nut farmers survive. Too often in the main market farmers face huge fluctuations in market prices but, by choosing products with the FAIRTRADE Mark, we can all make a real difference to the lives of farmers, workers and their families in developing countries.”

Cool Craft Kits for Barbie Girls

Barbie™ Bead Bonanza

If you're looking for a gift to inspire your daughter, niece or granddaughter to get creative then check out the funky new Barbie™ craft range from Galt.

With ten products to choose from, the range features something for everyone, from jewellery to fashion accessories and stationery, using skills such as knitting, sewing, painting and designing. Each fun and creative project results in a Barbie themed item that can be worn or used and shown off to friends.

The range includes fashion accessory kits such as Brilliant Beads, Fashion Braids, Knit a Bag and Purse, Fabulous Felt and Bead Bonanza. Craft and design kits include Sewing Fun, Fashion Cards, Paint a Tea Set, Sassy Stationary and Secret Diary. Each kit includes everything needed to complete the project so girls can just open the box and lose themselves in a world of Barbie™ creation

Tried and Tested

We tried the Barbie™ Bead Bonanza and were very impressed with the set. This generous box includes over 500 assorted beads, a pretty heart shaped jewellery box, a neck purse and key ring. My daughter loved the set and found the jewellery box extremely useful. Priced at just £14.99, the set is suitable for girls aged from 4+.

The Barbie™ range is currently available from Amazon, Hamleys, Selfridges, Waitrose and good independent retailers nationwide.

For further stockist information click on www.jamesgalt.com or call 0161 428 9111.

Apple introduces the new iPod touch

Apple introduces the iPod touch

Apple® has introduced the second generation iPod® touch featuring an amazingly thin contoured metal design, a gorgeous 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, a built-in speaker for casual listening, a built-in accelerometer and other advanced sensors, and Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface.

The iPod touch is now available for just £169 (inc VAT) for the 8GB model, is perfect for playing music, movies and games, with millions of songs, thousands of Hollywood movies and hundreds of games available on the iTunes® Store.

“iPod touch is the funnest iPod we’ve ever created,” says Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Users can listen to millions of songs, watch thousands of Hollywood movies and now, thanks to the App Store, download and play hundreds of great games on their iPod touch.”

The new iPod touch is smaller and lighter than the original, with a sleek new design that features a contoured metal enclosure with integrated volume control buttons and a brilliant 3.5-inch widescreen glass display. With its rounded edges, flush display and curved, more compact design, the new iPod touch is more comfortable to hold and more portable than ever.

iPod touch users can choose from hundreds of exciting game titles such as “Spore Origins” and “Scrabble” from Electronic Arts, and “Real Football 2009” from Gameloft available on iTunes or directly through the App Store application on the iPod touch. The revolutionary App Store works over Wi-Fi, enabling users to browse, purchase and wirelessly download applications directly onto their iPod touch and start using them instantly. The App Store features an incredible array of applications in a wide variety of categories, including games, travel, entertainment, social networking, sports and much more.

iPod touch works seamlessly with iTunes so you can import, manage, and then easily auto-sync your favourite content. With up to 36 hours of music playback or six hours of video playback on a single charge, the new iPod touch is the ultra-portable way to enjoy your favourite music, video and games on the go. The 32GB model holds up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 40 hours of video; the 16GB model holds up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos or 20 hours of video, and the 8GB model holds up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos and 10 hours of video.*

The new iPod touch works with the new iTunes 8 Genius feature, allowing customers to automatically create playlists while on the go. Users can preview the playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and save Genius playlists to enjoy again later.

The new iPod touch also features built-in Nike + iPod support making it an incredible workout companion. Users simply place the optional Nike + iPod sensor (£14 inc VAT) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with the new iPod touch to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment.

The iPod is the world’s most popular family of digital music players with over 160 million sold. Apple’s incredible new lineup includes the iPod shuffle in four vivid new colours starting at just £32 (inc VAT); the iPod classic in one slimline model with 50 percent more capacity for the same great price—120GB of storage for just £179 (inc VAT); the fourth generation iPod nano featuring a gorgeous curved metal and curved glass enclosure, in nine vibrant colours starting at £109 (inc VAT); and the second generation iPod touch now starting at just £169 (inc VAT).

iPod owners can choose from a vast ecosystem of accessories with over 5,000 products made specifically for the iPod including speaker systems, fitness accessories, fashionable cases and iPod connectivity available in over 90 percent of new car models sold in the US.

The iPod touch comes with a vast ecosystem of accessories

The new iPod touch is available immediately for a suggested price of £169 (inc VAT) for the 8GB model, £149 (inc VAT) for the 16GB and £289 (inc VAT) for the 32 GB model through the Apple Store® at www.apple.com/uk as well as Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.