#online sweet shop uk | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sweetparadiseuk · 2 years ago

Text

Website: https://www.sweetparadise.co.uk/

Address: 4 Cross Keys Mews, St Neots, United Kingdom

Sweet Paradise is a traditional sweet and gift shop, located in St Neots, Cambs, selling over 200 varieties.

At Sweet Paradise, we have a passion for sharing our love of confectionery with everyone we meet. Since we first opened our doors back in 2000, we’ve been devoted to offering the highest-quality products at affordable prices.

Thanks to our food-conscious consumers and amazing suppliers, with whom we’ve built such special relationships, Sweet Paradise has become a hugely popular Sweet Shop in the heart of St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Along with a vast assortment of traditional sweets and confectionery, we also have a growing range of gifts and homeware available. Our stock changes regularly so make sure you pop in often to find our latest selection of hand-selected items.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetparadisestneots

Keywords:

sweet shop sweet shop near me candy store sweet shops sweet shops near me sweet bouquet online sweet shop sweet shops online the sweet shop candy stores old sweet shop sweet shop online sweets shop sweet gift box sweet shop uk empty sweet boxes sweets shop near me traditional sweet shop boxes of sweets sweet box plant candy store near me online sweet shop uk sweets shops the old sweet shop uk sweet shop empty boxes for sweets sweets gift box candy store heathers candy stores near me personalised sweet box chocolate store chocolate store near me boxes for sweet bouquets sweet box delivery sweet boxes empty sweet selection box sweet bouquet boxes the candy store sweets in boxes treat box sweets bouquet of sweets chocolate stores near me store chocolate box of sweets uk boxed sweets cheap sweet boxes empty box for sweets halal sweet boxes sweets for kids hotel chocolate stores london candy store uk candy store jelly kids sweet dreams heathers candy store soft chewy cat treats online candy store kids christmas sweets candy store uk candy stores oxford street japanese candy store online candy store uk sweet shop gift kids party sweets chocolate stores candy store new york rays candy store candy store online candy store oxford street petes candy store us candy store sweet shop gift set bulk candy store candy online store candy store strain candy store sugar cotton candy store japan candy store gifted sweet shop sweet gift shop sweet peas gift shop sweet shop gift boxes traditional sweet shop gifts a candy store best candy store best candy stores in the world best online candy store big candy store biggest candy store candy cane store my little sweet shop gift set personalised gift shop sweets body shop candy cane gift set body shop peppermint candy cane gift set candy sweet shop gift box red candy gift shop

1 note · View note

nerdygirlramblings · 11 days ago

Note

Hello! Ive been binging poly!141 and I keep coming back to your writing for my fix (because by now its basically an addiction😅)

I had this idea that the 141 are together with a civilian reader. And civilian reader works in retail, part time, and is mostly at home. Normally, they would be home by the time their boys came home, welcoming them with open arms, a hot plate of food, and time to rest and relax. But this time, the 141 get home early and realize where reader works: Walmart (or equivalent). Reader has been keeping this a secret cause they know its not cute like a coffee shop or cool. Its just their job. And now the most important men in their life know. Im thinking the 141 found out because they went grocery shopping and happened to come across reader or something similar to that.

I work at Walmart and it sucks🥲 thought that maybe something like this might help😅

Tysm, nonny! So happy to hear you like the writing. I hope this does your idea justice. (Walmart doesn't have stores in the UK, but they own ASDA.)

Also, thank you for my first request! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

pure fluff, bad accents (per usual)

Your boys find out you work part-time at ASDA on a random rainy Thursday in March.

You don't really need a job. All four of your lovers are officers with the British army. Prior to you, they all lived in base barracks. Prior to you, they lived fairly Spartan existences. Prior to you, most of their income sat in the bank, quietly accumulating.

They have plenty of money saved up that they love using to spoil you, when you let them. You know that if you asked, they'd give you everything, but you draw the line about asking them for an allowance like some tradwife. You want some pocket money of your own. Thus, the part-time job at the ASDA in town.

You're a people person, good at handling big personalities. You need to be to keep up with your boys. Between John's need for control, Simon's stoic dominance, Johnny's aggressive enthusiasm, and Kyle's blinding charisma, you aren't some shrinking violet. Within a week of your hire, your manager watches how you weather a nasty piece of work trying to demand concessions you aren't permitted to give and immediately puts you in customer service.

You're nearly unflappable in the face of frustrated pensioners and harried parents and entitled young professionals. Over and over, you're the one they call when a customer is going spare. Which is how your boys find out about your job.

They've been deployed for over two weeks, and you have no idea when they'll return. John had originally said they'd be gone for at least a month, so you aren't expecting them home any time soon. However, they'd come home much earlier than anyone thought, and they wanted to surprise you.

You're always so good about making the house feel like a home, with your bright smile and warm laughter, your home cooked food and soft touches in decor. You make them feel like people, not weapons, and they want to return the favor. This last deployment had been hard, and all four of your boys were missing your sweet voice and tender care. They wanted to show you that they loved and cared for you the way you always showed your love and care for them.

It was Johnny's suggestion to prep a meal for you as both a surprise and a thank you. After debrief, they pile into the car and decide to stop at ASDA for everything they need before heading home to surprise you. It's John who causes the code call.

You hear Susan's voice over the store-wide address system. "We could use a little Sunshine in the floral department." That's your cue. You finish with the pensioner at your till as Jacob, your manager, comes over to relieve you.

You take a deep breath and square your shoulders. In your experience, a Sunshine call in floral is a man angry the store doesn't have the fancy arrangements listed on the website. You wish the signage on the site would be more clear that the beautiful bouquets are online orders only. It would save you having to explain why the offers in store are so limited.

You hear him before you see him, smokey voice grumbling, "But if they show the bloody thing on the site as available, you should have it hear." You'd recognize the voice anywhere. He's not angry, not really, but Susan doesn't know that. Add in the sheer size of him, and Simon looming over his shoulder, it's no wonder she called for support.

You have never wanted to walk away from a situation as much as you want to right now, but before you can make an escape, Susan notices you over John's shoulder. Her little wave is enough for your men to notice, and they turn as one to see you coming towards them. Immediately their demeanor shifts. Simon's back sags as though his strings were cut, leaving him loose-limbed. John stands a little straighter, chin up as if to impress you. They've both broken out in smiles, though Simon's are only evidenced by the laugh lines you know to look for. It's only as you get close do they zero in on the badge on your shirt.

"I've got this, Susan," you say to your co-worker. "Jacob's on my till. Can you cover?"

Susan wrings her hands. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay and-"

"They're nothing I can't handle," you tell her, cutting off her worried rambles. There's a cheeky glint in your eye as you flick your gaze at your men. You clap your hands together and say, "Right, let's get this settled, then."

Susan takes one quick look between you and the now slightly less intimidating men and heads towards the front of the store.

Once she's out of earshot, John's face breaks into a frown. "What're you doing here, love?" He glances at your name on your chest again. "You work here?" He sounds almost hurt by the revelation. You can tell Simon wants to reach for you, and the only thing stopping him is you working.

You hear heavy footfalls behind you as Johnny's Scottish lilt reaches your ears. "Och, Cap! Ye said ye'd only be a moment. Gaz and I had a hell of a time getting the trolley on its lift ta find ye. How hard is it to buy bon..." His question dies on his lips as you turn around. "Bonnie?" He, too, sounds hurt to find you working here.

You can see Kyle over Johnny's shoulder, confusion written across his features. This is not how you wanted your boys to find out about your job, if you ever wanted them to actually find out. You thought maybe you'd surprise them with tickets to Hereford FC's opening game in a few months. And if they asked how you afforded them, you could handle this conversation then, but it's out of your hands now.

And as much as you don't want to have this conversation, especially not in the middle of the floral department, you can't stop the wide grin at seeing your boys again, home and whole.

"Hi, boys," you say, opening your arms. Disappointed he might be about finding you here, Johnny's no fool. He immediately steps into your embrace, and the others quickly follow suit. You're swallowed up by the smell and feel of them. The hug lasts one minute. Then two. Then they all slowly step back.

You can see the questions and cut them off before they get started. "I have another three hours before I'm off. We can talk at home, and I'll tell you anything you want to know."

John nods first. He recognizes your tone. You won't let them derail you for answers now, and they would be wasting their breath to try. "You heard the lady, lads. Let's get home."

They start to walk away when you tease, "Captain? Was there a reason you were arguing with Susan about the flowers?"

He halts his steps and turns to you, flush creeping up his neck. He brings his hand up to rub it as he says, "Er, I, we, wanted to get ya something nice, but they don't have the same ones as online."

You melt a little, watching the way your men shift nervously behind their captain. You smile softly and reach over, plucking a bouquet of rainbow poms from the rack. "These are what I usually get for myself when you're away."

John takes them gently from your hand and passes them to Gaz to put in the trolley. "We'll see you at home, love," he murmurs, leaning over briefly to kiss your cheek. Simon kisses the top of your head, fabric brushing your hair. Johnny pulls you in for another bruising hug and kisses your other cheek. Gaz puts his hands on your waist, drinking in the sight of you, before taking your hands in his and kissing your palms.

You watch them leave, wondering how you'll make it through the rest of your shift.

Three hours and fifteen minutes later, you cross the threshold of your shared home to the most delicious scents wafting from the kitchen. After slipping your shoes off next to the piles of boots at the door, you follow your nose back to the kitchen and the spread laid out on the large wood-topped island. There's a roast and mushy peas and mashed potatoes and stewed carrots and battered cod and crisps and spinach all surrounding the flowers you'd suggested, nestled in the vase you love most, the Caithness one Johnny'd bought you on your first trip with them to Scotland.

At the table, your men sit, plates made for everyone, waiting on you. They've changed since you saw them. Gone are any traces of fatigues and tactical gear. Instead they're all in casual civvies, truly home for the first time in nearly three weeks. Simon stands as you come in and pulls out your chair, smile on his scarred lips. "Come sit, doll," he tells you, not quite an order.

You look quickly around. "Let me change," you say, tugging at your uniform top. "I won't be but a minute." You back out of the room before they can stop you. You hurry to your bedroom, pulling your top off as you go. Once behind the door, you slip from your trousers into comfortable leggings and a large jumper, one of Kyle's you think.

By the time you make it back to the kitchen, your men are more than a little antsy. Simon's smile is a little strained, Johnny is fidgeting, Kyle keeps glancing between you and John, and John is staring at you. Your chair is still out. He waves a hand at it, and gently says, "Come sit, love." It's couched as request, but you know a command from your lover when you hear it.

You take your seat at the table. "Listen-" you start, but John cuts you off.

"Are we not providing for ya, love?" You see the hurt in his eyes, how much it bothers him to think he, they, aren't doing enough for you.

"Oh, John, dear, no!" you reply, putting your hand over his on the table. "It's not that at all."

"Then what?" Simon asks.

You look at them all, the expectant faces waiting to hear how they failed you. "I get restless sometimes. I love you, and I love our life. I'm happy to take care of the house and make sure you're all fed after a long day. But I wasn't built for sitting around doing nothing. I like people; being home on my own all day can get lonely. Especially when you're deployed. I also like having my own pocket money."

John opens his mouth, and you know what he's about to say, so you continue. "I know you'd give me any money I need or want, but I like having my money. Money I earned myself." You look around at them, willing them to understand. "It's only part time. Helps me keep a little busy and have a little extra to spoil you and me with."

Johnny is frowning, but you see Kyle, head cocked, looking at you as a puzzle. "I think I understand," he says softly. "You were making you way just fine before us, and you gave up everything for us."

At his words, the crease between John's brow deepens, and you're sure he's remembering the job you had, that you'd somewhat enjoyed, when you'd first met them. You'd been working at RAF Lakenheath, living in a cozy flat in Cambridge, near The Backs, when the 141 had been coming through the base after an op. An injury had put Kyle in the med center for a week, and while he could have been transported to Hereford once stable, Laswell had worked it out for the whole team to have some R&R near the base.

You'd quite literally run into John one day, rushing to your office, after which he suggested lunch as an apology. You quickly became close with all four, smitten with them from the start. In turn, they fell hard for you. They wooed you over the course of several weeks, stopping through Lakenheath on deployments to spend some time with you. Six months in and you were completely gone on all four of them, so when they'd asked you to move to Hereford, you did without ever looking back. But it meant giving up the life you'd led.

Somewhere along the way, your happiness overshadowed all you'd left behind. After a few weeks, being home alone while your men worked started to feel isolating. You liked being a little busy, and there weren't enough projects around the house to keep you busy enough. You'd always been independent, but you didn't want to be stuck in a job with long hours anymore. You wanted to be home for your men. So you'd found the job at ASDA.

Kyle reaches over to where you hand is still on John's. "I'm sorry we didn't ask how you were coping us being gone all day," he says. He looks you in the eye as he continues. "I understand wanting to do something, wanting to be a little busy, and if this makes you happy, then I'm all for it, doll." He gives you a small smile and squeezes your and John's hand.

"Gaz is right," Simon rumbles. "We were so happy to have you here we didn't think about what you did all alone all day." He puts a heavy hand on your thigh, the warmth of him seeping through your thin leggings. "'m glad you have something to keep you from getting lonely."

"Sorry, hen," Johnny murmurs, just above a whisper. "We didnae think a' ye enough." You smile widely at him.

"Johnny, you think of me all the time. This isn't about neglect at all!" You try to catch his eye, but he's looking hard at the table in front of him. "You did nothing wrong, love," you tell him gently.

He looks at you, blue eyes bright. "Ye sure?" You've never seen him this nervous before, and you break a little.

"I'm sure love."

He smiles then, a little smile, but it brightens his face and shifts the mood in the room. You look at John who's been surprisingly quiet this whole time.

He's smiling, but it's a little sad. "I know ya said we didn't do anything wrong, but we feel like we did. We didn't notice you were bored, didn't ask if you were lonely." He flips his hand over under yours and threads your fingers with his. "Yer giving us a gift by not blaming us, and we'd be stupid not to take it, even though it feels like yer giving us an out. Thank you." He brings your hand to his lips and kisses it softly.

"Thank you. I was worried you'd be mad," you admit.

"Never could make us mad with something like this, hen," Johnny reassures you. "I'm sorry we had to spoil your day is all."

You turn back to look at the food on the island. "You didn't spoil my day. You made it. You're home early, and you made such a lovely spread. I think we should tuck in, yeah?"

Simon chuckles. "Point made, doll," he says, scooping a heaping helping of mash onto his fork. The rest take it as a sign to start eating too.

The room is silent save for the sounds of food savored until John pipes up, "Why'd ya come to florals, love? We might have missed ya altogether if not for that."

You giggle. "The sunshine call, John."

"Yeah?" He clearly doesn't understand.

"It's the shop call for a difficult customer. When I'm on shift, it's my job to handle those." You look at each of your lovers in turn. "Seems I've got a knack for dealing with muppets," you tell them with a smirk.

#nerdygirl answers #cod #poly!141 #poly!141 x reader #tf 141 #tf 141 x reader #kyle garrick #johnny mactavish #john price #simon riley #nerdygirl says

400 notes · View notes

puppys-tiny-space · 1 year ago

Text

🩷shops for smols and bigs🩷

Just a small selection of shops I can recommend (mainly) from personal experience!

🍼pacis and similar:

🐰 @pacisbybunnie (insta, Tumblr, website) bunny has pacis, bottles and chewie bracelets, they have super cute items and great customer service, plus u can use my code "bunnybab for a discount" UK based

🧸 @cozypacicorner (insta, vinted, website) milk has incredible products, they sell pacis, paciclips and chewie bracelets, their customer service is great and she is just the sweetest, u can aslo use my code "bunnybab" here Based in France

🌸 @dreamydecos (insta, TikTok) Lily has super cute pacis, bows and sensory jars, their customer service is great and shipping time is fast! Based in Netherlands

🧃 @punkiepacis (insta, website) punkie has super cute products, great customer service and fast shipping! They sell pacis and bundles! US based

🩰 @florameow.co (insta, website) em has super cute pacis, I didn't buy from her yet but when I had questions in the past she was very nice! Also she is having a huge discount on a lot of pacis rn! UK based

🩷onesies and clothes:

🦕 @onesiesdownunder (insta, website, resellers) onesiedownunder has amazing products with a high quality and great sensory feel, they sell onesies, bloomers, paci-clips, bows, dungarees and dungaree dresses, they are 18+ and not all of their designs are sfw so keep that in mind! Australia based but resellers in europe and other countries

🩰 @babyyourdollco (insta, website, Etsy) babyyourdoll has super cute products, they have plain pacifiers, onesies, bibs, clothing and reusable fruit squeeze pouches. They are 18+! US based but some non-us shops offer customs with their bases

🚀 @everkidcouk (insta, Etsy, website) they have adorable products but I didn't try them (yet) their shop is completely sfw! They sell onesies and other clothing articles. UK based

🖍️stickers and art:

👑 @moomis_didney_castle (insta, Kofi, Patreon) moomi sells adorable stickers, their customer service is great and the products are amazing and durable! UK based

🧃 @nymphsgarden (insta) nymph makes adorable commissions usually based around fursonas, they r rly sweet and fun to work with! Online based

🦕 @littlessproutart (insta) sprout makes super cute commissions, they work fast and are super kind! Online based

🍼 @tny.preschool.bun aka me (insta, TikTok, Tumblr) you can always message me about commissions and find examples of my art on my insta and here! Insta is 18+ but non-sexual for personal reasons(The stuff in the picture at the bottom is also from me!) Online based

Fun fact of the day: artificial banana flavoring is based off of an extinct kind of banana, which got wiped out in the 50s

919 notes · View notes

expatesque · 2 months ago

Text

At the demand of no one, please allow me to present...

S's 2024 Gift Guide

A gift guide with no coherent theme, just vibes, under the cut.

Starting out with anything from Bully. Do you have an extravagant person in your life? A brother that needs a touch of sophistication? Or a difficult aunt? Please allow me to recommend: anything from Bully. Luxe versions of normal things in the most spectacular packaging, truly the pick for anyone hard to shop for. I'm particularly drawn to the personalized combs, or the metal room diffuser, or any of their garden scents.

A cute calendar from a local artist. For the UK, I personally love this one that shows you what's in season each month.

A stupidly gorgeous candle (had to be done).

Take something off their plate - know someone who's overwhelmed, has so much going on, and could use a breather? Get them the gift of taking something off their plate. Whether that's babysitting the kids for an evening so they can have the night to themselves, building that new bookshelf they've had in a box for six months, helping organize their 30th, or buying them a deep clean with a local cleaning service, sometimes the nicest thing you can give someone is capacity.

For your local aesthete who's also a bit of a clutz (🙋‍♂️), metal champagne coups or martini glasses.

Know someone chic who has to take medicine throughout the day (or just really loves an ibuprofen)? A steel pillbox (and anything else from Rebecca's consistently stunning collections).

Know someone really into ruffles? Gorgeous pillow cases (pro tip: while initials are always chic, consider 'sweet' on the left pillow case and 'dreams' on the right for a fun alternative).

An (affectionately) insane swan juicer.

The person in your life that cares about fashion but is feeling a little lost in their style or wants to dress more intentionally: The Creative Pragmatist.

Your local espresso aficionado: this steel cup set and a bag of really good local beans.

Pope socks. I don't know who exactly to recommend this for, but if there's anyone who pops into your head when I tell you that the Pope's tailor sells online and you can buy the exact socks that all cardinals and bishops have to wear, get them Pope socks.

If you have a cook on your list who lives in a small space, get them a minichop (trust me, we all want one).

A lipstick lover who's open to trying new shades? Try the Dries Van Noten refillable lipsticks.

Books are always good. In addition to just a book you think they'll like, consider a lovely edition of their favourite (folio or any cloth bound classics). If you're really stuck, a coffee table book from Phaidon or Gestalten is a good bet.

For your dad, or grandma, or pretty much anyone: gorgeous, 100% cotton Italian pajamas at quite reasonable prices.

Really beautiful jewelry for your edgy, hard to impress cousin.

For the elegant person that has everything, the insanely beautiful kettle.

And lastly, a double gift, for you and the recipient: get a kid impacted by foster care exactly what they want this year via One Simple Wish. While I totally support the kind of gift drive where you buy a generic present for a 7yr old boy, I was a kid with niche interests and so the idea of getting someone exactly what they've asked for really appeals. There's usually gifts as low as $20, so you can support whatever your budget.

#gift guide #gift ideas #aesthetic #gifting #gifts #mine #personal shopping

31 notes · View notes

wetcatspellcaster · 1 month ago

Text

get to know me game!

tagged by @dwarfsized so thank you!!! :3

last song: honey whiskey by nothing but thieves (current on-repeat banger)

favorite color: turquoise

last book: last book I finished was Ministry of Time by Kalianne Bradley (sometimes public fanfiction is insane actually, what a BOOK!)

last movie: gosford park (2001), which is a whodunnit by the guy who also wrote Downton Abbey so there's a lot of upstairs/downstairs politics

last tv show: the traitors uk 😌😌😌

sweet/spicy/savory: i am a sweet girlie overall but i got a stick blender for christmas so currently in my 'soup' era (savoury)

last thing I searched for online: lmfao. "types of fun house mirror" (I am making a D&D mirror puzzle)

current obsession: aside from all the standards (bg3, the traitors, veilguard if it was good, etc.) I am currently 70% into Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell which means I'm sort-of-technically into the home stretch. and oh dear lord. what a good book (derogatory). I hate that i'm obsessed with it, bc it means i have to keep reading! the worldbuilding is flawless and the story is amazing, it just takes so LONG and there's SO MUCH. I could talk about it for hours, which is good bc it's a book for a reading group :'))))

looking forward to: i start a new job next week (i am not excited for the new job, I am excited for the fucking stellar sandwich shop 10ft from my new job). i have a boozy soju sleepover with pals next weekend. i'm excited to get back into a routine of posting fic again, and i'm excited for it to not be -7C in the city I live in :'))))))))))))))))

tagging: @caffeinewineo, @pouroverpaloma, @sitting-in-the-sink, @pricemarshfield, @violacae

#tags #tag games #the traitors is truly what gets me through january tbh #personal tag

6 notes · View notes

ilkivaloplushies · 4 months ago

Text

Vectis

WWF Gray Wolf by Build-A-Bear (2009)

Bought from a charity shop in Newport, Isle of Wight, UK in 2024

Origin story time!!!

Vectis was a super lucky thrift find I picked up while on honeymoon with my wife. We don't have Build-A-Bear in Finland and while I guess it's not totally impossible to find a wild BAB that's lowkey on your wantlist here, it's impossible enough that I kind of thought I'd never own him (without paying all the extra expenses of an online purchase). But lo and behold, there he laid on top of a plush pile in the corner of a charity shop while we where on IOW! And he cost only £1.20!!! He even had all his tags, though the hanging one is worn out (I kept it obviously).

I visited the Westminster Bridge BAB workshop before I left home and bought him a tweed cap and a matching coat.

I named him Vectis after the Latin name of Isle of Wight. I love my wife, we had a great honeymoon and I also love Isle of Wight so it's cool I have this sweet lad as a keepsake!

#T: Vectis #build a bear #plushblr #plush #wolf plush #wolf

10 notes · View notes

bi-writes · 3 months ago

Note

hiii b :) hope you're doing well

just wanted to say that i love your mob series so so much. when i was reading about how mob likes pretty dresses it honestly reminded me of this online shop in uk called frilie. i always imagined mob to wear dresses like that lmao.

idk, i just wanted to dump my thoughts here about it and tell you how much i love the mob series 🖤🖤 i love your writing always :)

(using anon bc i'm kinda shy sorry lol. also, sorry if my english isn't good, it's not my first language)

hey, i love hearing your thoughts. especially about things i write. <3

thanks so much. you're really sweet. and your english is wonderful!

#ask #ask b #🐝's anons

4 notes · View notes

rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

Text

National Hot Chocolate Day

Made with creamy milk and yummy cocoa, this sugary sweet treat is delicious when enjoyed by itself, or can be a great basic recipe that can then be used to get creative with by adding unique flavors, spices and even liqueurs.

Oh the joy of a cup of steamy hot chocolate on a cold winter day! Hot chocolate provides a delicious and sweet treat that warms the body and the heart.

It’s time to learn more about and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day!

History of National Hot Chocolate Day

Hot chocolate has a long and delightful history that goes along with the history of the cacao bean. In fact, the first way that chocolate was enjoyed was as a beverage, although quite different from the way people drink hot chocolate today. When cacao beans were first used by ancient people groups, the beans were likely ground coarsely and placed in hot water to create a bitter drink that was used in religious ceremonies.

As chocolate beans and sugar both became more accessible in Europe, the cocoa solids were then used to make chocolate bars and chocolate candies. But a favorite continues to be the warm, sweet milky beverage that is known as hot chocolate!

By 1828, powdered chocolate was made that made it much easier to stir into milk. And when Nesquik was invented in 1948, the first chocolate milk powder made a quick and tasty addition to milk that could also be heated up into hot chocolate.

National Hot Chocolate Day was established to show appreciation for and encourage the celebration of this delicious drink that soothes and comforts the youngest and oldest of souls – and everyone in between!

National Hot Chocolate Day Timeline

1500 BC Earliest traces of cocoa beans

The Olmec, Mayan and Aztec peoples all may have incorporated chocolate drink into their religious ceremonies.

1657 London opens its first chocolate house

Near Bishop’s Gate, a Frenchman opens the first house serving “an excellent West India drink”.

1968 The band ‘Hot Chocolate’ is formed

This band from the UK brings an eclectic mix of reggae, soul, rock and disco over the next several decades.

2004 Starbucks begins serving hot chocolate

Catering to those non-coffee drinkers, the coffee mogul places hot chocolate on their menu.

2004 Polar Express film features hot chocolate

The train taking children to the North Pole serves hot chocolate along with a delightful song.

How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day

Anyone can join in on the fun and celebration of National Hot Chocolate Day, whether keeping it simple or making a big deal out of it! Take a look at some of these fun ways to bring joy and delight in honor of the day:

Enjoy a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Whether using a powdered mix, making it at home from scratch or going out to a coffee shop, the most important task of the day is to drink and enjoy a delicious cup of toasty hot chocolate. The easiest way, of course, is to add a pre-made mix to hot milk, stir it up and drink. Adding marshmallows or whipped cream on top can turn it into an extra delicious treat.

For a more sophisticated hot chocolate drink in honor of National Hot Chocolate Day, try using an online recipe that is often used in many different coffee shops and cafes. Typically, these recipes will include whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and vanilla extract. The ingredients are mixed together, cooked on the stove, melted and whisked to a creamy hot chocolate perfection.

Learn the Health Benefits of Hot Chocolate

Although the most popular versions of hot chocolate typically do contain quite a bit in the form of sugars and carbs, some homemade varieties that contain actual dark chocolate and milk (or plant-based milks) can provide some interesting health benefits. Check out some of these ways that hot chocolate might be good for you:

Good for heart health

Brain power booster

Rich in antioxidants

Helps with the memory

According to Harvard research, hot chocolate contains flavanols and phytosterols, which are able to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can be an indicator of heart disease. Plus, the antioxidants are helpful in the fight against heart disease as well.

Scientific research suggests that the flavanols in cocoa tend to increase the brain’s oxygen levels and activate neurons at a higher rate – equaling better brain performance and improved cognitive function.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, like polyphenols and flavonoids, which can help reduce the negative impact of aging, as well as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

One study has shown that drinking hot cocoa twice a day could not only give a memory boost, but may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in some people.

Get Creative with Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is certainly tasty when it is enjoyed on its own, but it also offers a ton of options when new varieties are made with just a bit of creative flair in the kitchen! Check out some of these ideas for taking National Hot Chocolate Day to the next level:

Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate. Cinnamon, chili powder and dark chocolate turn this hot chocolate drink into something extra special.

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint. This one can be made using either peppermint flavored extract or with chopped up peppermint sticks or peppermint candies.

Boozy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate. Add some pumpkin pie spice to a hot chocolate recipe and then toss in a bit of winter warmth using Kahlua, bourbon, peppermint schnapps or a bit of cinnamon whiskey.

Nutella or Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. One fun and easy way to add a bit of flavor to hot chocolate is to simply stir in a scoop of peanut butter or Nutella to give a smooth and creamy flavor. This is a fun one that kids can easily take part in as well!

Gift Some Hot Chocolate to Loved Ones

Perhaps National Hot Chocolate Day is a time to not only enjoy some hot chocolate on your own, but to spread the love and cheer by sharing in the day with some friends, coworkers or family members. It could be something as simple as surprising a coworker with a cup of hot chocolate picked up from the local coffee shop on the way to work.

Or maybe celebrating the day means creating special handmade packets of hot chocolate mix. Put them in decorative bags, add some candy kisses or peppermint disks and place it inside of a cute new hot chocolate mug. Make it special by tying a little colorful ribbon around the gift or placing a bow on top, just for this fun and festive occasion.

National Hot Chocolate Day FAQs

Is hot chocolate good for you?

Hot chocolate made with real chocolate contains flavonoids and antioxidants which may be healthy, but it also can have a lot of sugar and carbs.

How much caffeine is in hot chocolate?

Powdered hot chocolate mixes may contain from 0-5mg of caffeine while hot chocolate made with real cocoa powder may have up to 25mg of caffeine.

How to make hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate can easily be made by heating up milk and adding cocoa powder, sugar and melted chocolate.

Does Starbucks have hot chocolate?

Most Starbucks stores serve hot chocolate made with milk and chocolate syrup.

Does hot chocolate help you sleep?

The milk and cocoa in hot chocolate may be soothing and help you to fall asleep.

Source

#hot chocolate is made with milk and not with water #always with milk #churro #Viveiro #snack #street food #original photography #National Hot Chocolate Day #31 January #Spain #Northern Spain #Southern Europe #summer 2021 #travel #vacation #NationalHotChocolateDay #drink #national day

2 notes · View notes

katiajewelbox · 1 year ago

Text

Happy National Tree Week in the UK!

Can Black Friday be green? It can if you go on a shopping spree at @jurassic_plants ! The average tree absorbs around 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of atmospheric carbon per year, so planting many trees on your property can add up to an positive impact on reducing your carbon footprint in the long term.

Here is my haul from the Black Friday sale at Jurassic Plants, one of my favourite online plant shops in the UK. Late autumn is a great time to buy seedling trees since the deciduous species are less likely to be damaged in transport because they have already shed their leaves and are dormant. In addition, the trees can be planted in larger pots so they are ready to start growing as soon as they break dormancy in spring. In a plant biology context, dormancy is a temporary period of slowed growth which usually coincides with the winter season. Dormancy can also occur in plants living in environments with designated dry seasons or other times of the year that are generally unsuitable for growth. For most deciduous trees, the trigger is falling temperatures and shorter day lengths.

This year, I welcomed the following species to my ever-expanding family of trees: Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut Acer sterculiaceum - Himalayan, Pungent Maple Zelkova serrata - Japanese Zelkova Zanthoxylum piperitum - Japanese Pepper Tree Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree Toona sinensis - Onion Tree, Chinese Cedar, Chinese Mahogany Sorbus domestica - True Service Tree, Sorb Tree Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweet Gum Tree Ginkgo biloba - Maidenhair Tree Cydonia oblonga - Common Quince Cornus mas - Cornelian Cherry Cercidiphyllum japonicum - Toffee Apple Tree, Katsura Tree Cephalotaxus harringtonia - Japanese Plum Yew Aesculus glabra - Ohio Buckeye Aesculus californica - Californian Chestnut Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala - Amur Maple Acer monspessulanum - Montpellier Maple Acer cissifolium - Ivy Leaved Maple

3 notes · View notes

thefinewinecompany · 1 year ago

Text

The Winemaking Process Behind Your Favorite UK White Wines

Introduction

White wines have become increasingly popular in the UK, captivating wine enthusiasts with their crisp flavors and diverse profiles. Amidst the myriad options available, The Fine Wine Company Ltd stands out as a trusted source for quality wines, offering a curated selection that reflects the artistry of winemaking.

Types of White Wines in the UK

As wine aficionados know, the world of white wines is incredibly diverse. From the citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc to the buttery richness of Chardonnay, the UK has embraced a variety of white wine styles. The Fine Wine Company Ltd, as wine merchants, takes pride in presenting a collection that showcases the unique characteristics of each variety.

The Vineyard Journey

The journey of a white wine begins in the vineyard, where factors like location and climate play a crucial role. The Fine Wine Company Ltd carefully selects vineyards with optimal conditions for cultivating grapes that will contribute to the exceptional quality of their wines. The choice of grape varieties is equally vital, ensuring they are suited for the production of high-quality white wines.

Harvesting: A Pivotal Moment

Timing is everything in winemaking, especially when it comes to harvesting white wine grapes. The Fine Wine Company Ltd emphasizes the significance of handpicking, a meticulous process that ensures only the finest grapes make their way into the production process. This attention to detail contributes to the superior quality of the wines they offer.

The Art of Crushing and Pressing

Once harvested, the delicate grapes undergo a gentle crushing process. The Fine Wine Company Ltd recognizes the importance of this step in preserving the nuanced flavors of the grapes. Different pressing methods are employed to extract the juice without compromising the integrity of the grapes, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful base for the wine.

Fermentation Magic

Fermentation is where the alchemy of winemaking truly takes place. The Fine Wine Company Ltd meticulously controls fermentation temperatures to bring out the best in each batch of white wine. This careful process ensures that the flavors develop harmoniously, creating a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.

Maturation in Barrels

Maturation is a transformative period for white wines. The Fine Wine Company Ltd carefully selects barrels that complement and enhance the unique characteristics of each wine. The duration of maturation is a crucial factor, influencing the final taste, aroma, and overall complexity of the wine.

Blending: Crafting Complexity

The art of blending is where winemakers showcase their expertise. The Fine Wine Company Ltd skillfully blends different batches, creating a white wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. This process allows for the crafting of a complex and layered flavor profile that distinguishes their wines.

Filtration and Bottling

Prior to bottling, white wines undergo filtration to remove any remaining sediments. The Fine Wine Company Ltd understands the importance of this step in ensuring clarity and purity in the final product. Bottling techniques are carefully chosen to preserve the integrity of the wine, allowing it to mature further in the bottle.

Quality Assurance and The Fine Wine Company Ltd

Quality is paramount in every step of the winemaking process, and The Fine Wine Company Ltd is dedicated to upholding the highest standards. Their commitment to excellence ensures that each bottle they offer is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion behind the winemaking art.

The Convenience of Online Wine Stores

For consumers, the journey from vineyard to glass is made even more enjoyable by the convenience of online wine stores. The Fine Wine Company Ltd, as an online wine store, provides a seamless experience for enthusiasts to explore and order wines from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the entire wine appreciation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the winemaking process behind your favorite UK white wines is a fascinating journey of artistry and precision. The Fine Wine Company Ltd, as wine experts, brings this journey to your doorstep, offering a selection that embodies the passion and dedication of winemakers. As you explore the world of UK white wines, consider the intricate process that transforms grapes into the delightful elixirs that grace your glass. Cheers to the art of winemaking!

0 notes