Digital SHOPLOCAL 2023 Christmas Gift Guide

I S S U E 0 2
SHOPLOCAL 2023
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
# S H O P L O C A L C H E S H A M A M E R S H A M C H A L F O N T
# L O V E L O C A L
F A C E B O O K . C O M / # S H O P L O C A L C H E S H A M A M E R S H A M C H A L F O N T

A very warm welcome to the 2023 #SHOPLOCAL
Christmas Gift Guide. We take great pride in
supporting our independent businesses, artisans and
high streets. Enjoy our guide featuring an abundance of
fabulous talent right here on our doorstep ensuring your
festive gifts are unique, locally sourced and
sustainable.
Our guides are distributed by hand, again ensuring no
carbon offsetting required, and of course once finished
shopping you can just pop this straight in your
recycling!
We will again this year run our online Christmas Market
on our FB page, we look forward to seeing you there!
Merry Christmas!
Tina
#SHOPLOCALCheshamAmershamChalfont

Closer Crystals founder, Samantha Liebenberg talks
about life, business, and of course, crystals...
Crystals; more than pretty stones, do they really have power?
I get asked this a lot and I will try to give you my most concise answer.
Imagine, you wake up on the morning of a big presentation and look at
your tumble stones. You decide to pop a piece of Blue lace Agate into
your pocket (associated with voice, confidence and public speaking) and
head off to the event. Before the event you touch it and feel calmer.
Whilst speaking you may hold it and feel your breathing relax. Did the
crystal do that or was it a placebo effect? If it has the desired effect then
does it matter which?!
Do you have to be rich to buy crystals?
Not at all. Our main range of tumble stones cost £1.50 each and our
prices go from there. Palmstones average price is £12.50 and our towers
begin at £15. All our pendants are £9.50 boxed.
What do you recommend for a starter kit?
Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Citrine, Aventurine and Rose Quartz are probably
the first five I would suggest. But it really doesn’t work like that. For
example if you came in and said you were having trouble sleeping - I
would recommend Smoky Quartz or Celestite. For lack of focus and
feeling nervous in groups of people, Hematite. If you are down on yourself,
and look at every task with ‘I can’t do that’, then Obsidian is the stone for
you.
Continued...

So then how do people know what to buy?
We will help you choose if you want to ask, but we label all our stones
so each item you buy comes with ‘words’ which explain in brief the
meaning associated with that particular stone. Additionally, when you
express interest in a crystal - either because you like how it looks or
feels - we will give you a copy of the words to read.
What is your best seller?
Well, I suppose it has to be our tumble stones - they are priced at
£1.50 each and make really lovely sets. I like to think of them as
wishes. When you give someone Rose Quartz you are wishing for them
a life of peace and harmony. Tourmaline to ward off negativity and
Tiger’s eye is a traditional gift of good luck. Citrine is wealth and
material success, and Amethyst represents good health.
Do you have a favourite stone?
I wish I could pretend that I love them all equally - but I don't. I have a
firm favourite as Smoky Quartz simply draws me in all the time. It
tends to be what I buy more often than not. I do also have a wonderful
Amethyst cathedral that I would save in an emergency!
We are open Tuesday-
Saturday 9.30-4.30
Galleria On The Green in
Chalfont St Giles HP8 4QF
Tel: 07736830923

Christmas Tree Farm, Chesham was founded by brothers Robert and
John back in 1991. Their passion for real trees and farming lead them in
their pursuit to try and grow the perfect tree and they soon began
selling their trees. After a while they had saved enough money to buy
the land they needed to expand their small business and start
Christmas Tree Farm, Chesham at the bottom of the hill leading out of
Chesham towards Amersham. Later on they bought the land just off the
A41 at Berkhamsted and Christmas Tree Place, Berkhamsted was
founded.
While it’s still very much a family affair with their wives and children all
helping out these days, over the years the business has grown and
grown with more people realising the huge benefits of buying locally
grown real trees. For example, Robert and John are confident that their
trees are among the freshest you’ll find since they cut them daily
throughout the season rather than having to buy in a bulk load that
have been sat on pallets for weeks, there is very little in the way of
carbon miles since all of their trees are grown on the farms and in their
fields just outside of Chesham and Berkhamsted and you can rest
assured that for every tree they sell, they plant at least two more. Not
to mention that, as with other local businesses, they create job
opportunities within the local community in fact many Chesham and
Berkhamsted youngsters have started their working career with a
Saturday job at the farms. (Continued...)

Continued...
Christmas trees take around 10yrs to reach 6ft, during this time the
trees are capturing carbon and helping to keep our air clean as well
as providing a natural habitat for an abundance of wildlife such as
deer and a huge variety of birds and insects. Each tree is cared for,
fertilised, watered and pruned from the day it’s planted it in to the
day you choose it and take it home to be the centre piece of your
Christmas celebrations.
They grow thousands and thousands of trees on their farms their most
popular tree is the Nordman Fir which is a full and bushy low drop
variety and there is still a high demand for the beautifully fragrant
traditional Norway Spruce so you’ll find plenty of those beauties there
too.
As well as the Christmas trees you’ll find a treasure of Christmas lights
and tree decorations, homemade wreaths, water holding tree stands,
mistletoe and their own apple juice and honey for sale at the farms.
There is no need to book, both farms have plenty of free parking and
they will wrap the tree for you for it’s journey home. Robert and John
would love to welcome you to the farms this year and help you get
your Christmas off to a wonderfully festive start.

Unlock Your Creative Potential with Suzanne Raffellini's
Glass Art Classes
For over two decades, Suzanne has been a master of glass artistry, not
just creating stunning masterpieces herself but also helping countless
individuals tap into their hidden wellsprings of creativity. Her students,
guided by her expert hand, have not only experienced remarkable
artistic growth but have often embarked on the exciting journey of
launching their own creative businesses. Suzanne's passion for glass is
not just her career; it's her life's calling.
Igniting a Lifelong Passion
Suzanne's journey into the enchanting world of glass artistry traces
back to a pivotal moment in her childhood. On a school trip to an
engineering department, she had her first encounter with glass in its
mesmerizing liquid form. The experience left an indelible mark on her,
igniting a lifelong passion for this captivating medium. This fascination
eventually led Suzanne to pursue formal education in glass art. She
embarked on a path of continuous learning, earning a City and Guilds
certification followed by NCFE levels 2 and 3 qualifications. Building
upon this foundation Suzanne's dedication to mastering her art has led
her to invest further with courses by leading glass artists and reflects
her unwavering commitment to the world of glass.
A Legacy of Creative Excellence
Suzanne's journey took a remarkable turn when she received her very
first public commission – the creation of a magnificent front door
surround for St Michael's and All Angels Church in Amersham. This
achievement marked a significant milestone in her career, setting the
stage for her transition into a full-time professional glass artist. Her
pieces, known for their intricate details, vibrant colours, and timeless
beauty, have graced numerous homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Sharing the Art of Glass
While Suzanne has achieved great success as a professional glass
artist, she remains firmly rooted in her passion for teaching. She
believes in nurturing the next generation of glass artisans and
enthusiasts. Suzanne's classes and workshops offer a gateway to the
world of glass artistry, providing opportunities for individuals to explore
their creativity and unlock their artistic potential.
Her classes cater to a diverse range of interests and skill levels.
Whether you're a beginner looking for a one-time experience or a
seasoned artist seeking to expand your capabilities, Suzanne has a
course designed just for you. From traditional lead work to cuttingedge
fused glass techniques, her classes offer a comprehensive
learning experience that will empower you to create your own glass
masterpieces.
Join the Glass Art Revolution
Suzanne's dedication to the art of glass extends beyond her own
creations. It's a commitment to fostering creativity in others and sharing
the joy of working with this extraordinary medium. If you've ever
dreamed of creating your own glass masterpieces, now is the time to
embark on this thrilling journey.
Unlock your inner artist, explore the limitless possibilities of glass, and
discover the satisfaction of turning glass in various forms into timeless
works of art. Suzanne's classes are not just about learning a craft;
they're about discovering a new way to express yourself and forging a
connection with a medium that has captivated artists for centuries.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the glass art revolution guided
by Suzanne, a seasoned artist and mentor who has dedicated her life
to the magic of glass. Enroll in one of her classes today and embark on
a creative adventure that may lead you to uncover talents and passions
you never knew existed. Suzanne is here to help you turn your artistic
dreams into dazzling glass reality.

Gingerbread Traybake Cake
Makes 20cm x 30cm traybake
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
200g unsalted butter + 40g for icing
150g light brown sugar
4 tbsp black treacle
2 eggs
300g self raising flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
150ml milk
75g cream cheese
200g icing sugar
Crushed gingerbread men, to decorate
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer
20cm x 30cm traybake tin,
lined with parchment
Palette knife or spoon.
1. Preheat the oven to 160°c (fan).
2. In the mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light
and fluffy. Add in the treacle and eggs, followed by the flour, ginger
and milk, mixing after each addition until a thick, smooth batter is
formed.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes
until risen and springy to the touch. Allow to cool completely.
4. Make the icing by combining the 40g butter, cream cheese and
icing sugar until no lumps remain. Using a palette knife or the back
of a spoon, spread evenly on top of the ginger sponge and sprinkle
with crushed gingerbread men.
Recipe from the Easy Peasy Baking campaign, launched by UK Flour Millers, making baking
simple. You can find more Easy Peasy Baking recipes and information on the campaign over on
the Fab Flour website https://fabflour.co.uk/or on social: @fab_flour on Instagram or @fabflour
on Facebook.

The introduction of Christmas trees in the UK is often credited to
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1848, an illustration of the
royal family celebrating around a Christmas tree was published in
The Illustrated London News.
The popularity of Christmas trees grew throughout the Victorian
era. Initially decorated with candles, fruits, nuts, and homemade
ornaments. However, as the years passed, the decorations
became more ornate and commercially produced baubles
and tinsel were introduced.
During the early 20th century, the demand for Christmas
trees increased, leading to a rise in tree farming.
Many farmers started growing conifers specifically for
the Christmas market, ensuring a steady supply of trees.
In modern times, the tradition of decorating Christmas
trees has become deeply ingrained in the holiday
season. It is customary for families to purchase or
cut down their own tree, decorate it with lights,
ornaments, and tinsel, and place presents
underneath it.
Artificial trees have also grown in
popularity due to their convenience and
reusability but both these and fresh can be
equally sustainable.
The tradition of Christmas trees in the UK
is a testament to how different
cultures and traditions can influence
and shape the celebration of the
holiday season.

The Festive Miracle of Moringa Oleifera, ‘the miracle tree’ -
Revitalise, detoxify & strengthen immunity with our lip smacking
moringa tea blends this Christmas and Winter!
Superlife Infusions is a range of New and Improved superpowered
functional cocktail, wine, dessert and rum tasting flavour tea
beverages, combining extraordinary fruit, vegetable, flowers and other
natural ingredients with the wholesome nutrients of Moringa Oleifera.
Often called “the miracle tree”, Moringa is a sustainable nutrientpacked
superfood whose history derives from the Ayurvedic medicinal
tradition and has been used for hundreds of years to treat a range of
diseases and ailments like fatigue and stress, as well as aiding Gut
health and boosting immunity whilst providing an abundance of natural
energy, known as adaptogens. Let’s say, ‘Bye bye’ to caffeine addiction
this New Year! Moringa revitalises the entire body, apart from providing
vitamins or Natural energy (adaptogens) led ingredients like many of
the tea blends on the market, moringa, distinguishes itself as one of the
most nutrient dense plants in the world due to its provisions of
superpowered compounds such as Niazimicin (Boost against cancer,
info in last article) and Quercetin an inflammatory (brain) fighting
compound.

Moringa contains 46 antioxidants, Vitamins & minerals some being:
quercetin, beta carotene, chlorogenic acid, and vitamin K. Quercetin
is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and it modulates immunity. It
improves disease resistance and is anti-carcinogenic. Beta carotene
is converted to vitamin A in the body, it lowers cancer risk, ageing
signs, supports immunity, and reduces risk of heart disease.
Chlorogenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the
brain. It reduces oxidative damage in the brain and can improve
memory. Moringa is anti-inflammatory and has anti-cancer properties.
Check out our great ‘Hangover’ cures for the festive season, find out
why Moringa is great for eradicating those Christmas ‘Hangover’
blues!
Go to https://superlifeinfusions.com/blog/the-perfect-new-yearhangover-tea-brew/
to find out more...
Our Gift to You, Use Code: METROLAND20

Top tips for an eco friendly sustainable Christmas
Eco-friendly decorations
Instead of using traditional plastic or non-recyclable decorations, opt for
sustainable alternatives such as homemade ornaments made from natural
materials like wood, dried fruits, or recycled paper. You can also choose LED lights,
which are energy-efficient, and decorate with potted plants that can be replanted
after the holidays.
Zero-waste wrapping
Embrace creative and eco-friendly gift wrapping alternatives to reduce waste. Use
reusable fabric gift wraps, scarves, or even old newspapers or maps. You can also
tie gifts with twine or natural ribbons instead of plastic-based packaging materials.
Encourage recipients to reuse or recycle the wrapping materials after unwrapping
the gifts.
Sustainable feasting
When preparing the Christmas feast, choose locally sourced, organic ingredients,
and consider planning a plant-based or vegetarian menu to reduce the
environmental impact of meat production. Minimize food waste by planning
portions carefully and utilizing leftovers for new dishes. Serve drinks in reusable
glasses or opt for compostable and biodegradable tableware over disposable
options.
Charitable giving
Instead of exchanging physical gifts, consider donating to charitable causes in the
name of your loved ones. Support environmental organizations, sustainable
development projects, or local community initiatives that align with your values. This
way, you can make a positive impact while celebrating the spirit of giving during
the holiday season.

Vegan Yule Log
Makes 1 x 12” yule log
(12 portions)
Ingredients
1. 200g caster sugar
2. 265g plain flour
3. 35g cocoa powder + 70g for the icing
4. 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
5. 100ml vegetable oil
6. 200ml water + 5 tbsp for the icing
7. 50ml lemon juice
8. 180g vegan spread
9. 700g icing sugar + extra for dusting
10. 1 bar dark chocolate for shavings
Equipment
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. 30cm x 40cm baking tray (lined with parchment)
4. Palette knife or spoon
5. Peeler
6. Large chopping board or cooling rack
7. Teaspoon

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan).
2. In the large mixing bowl, combine the caster sugar, flour,
bicarbonate of soda and 35g cocoa powder.
3. Add in the vegetable oil, 200ml water and lemon juice and mix with
the whisk until no lumps remain. Pour the batter into the lined baking tray
and spread evenly using the palette knife or back of a spoon before
placing in the oven to bake for 10-15 minutes, rotating half way through.
4. While the sponge is baking, make the buttercream by combining the
vegan spread, 700g icing sugar, 70g cocoa powder and 5 tbsp water in
a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth.
5. Once the sponge is baked, allow to cool in the baking tray. Place a
sheet of parchment over the top of the sponge, then place your large
chopping board or cooling rack (upside down) on top of the parchment.
Flip the whole thing over and remove the baking tray and the parchment
from the base of the sponge.
6. Take your buttercream and spread it evenly over the surface of
sponge, then using the parchment underneath to help, roll up the sponge
from one shorter edge to the other.
7. Place your rolled-up sponge on your chosen serving platter then use
the remaining buttercream to cover the outside in a rustic fashion, either
with a palette knife or the back of a spoon.
8. Hold the bar of dark chocolate above the yule log and run the peeler
backwards and forwards along the edge to create chocolate shavings,
guiding them to fall evenly over the top of the log.
9. Dust with icing sugar and serve.
Recipe from the Easy Peasy Baking campaign, launched by UK Flour Millers, making
baking simple. You can find more Easy Peasy Baking recipes and information on the
campaign over on the Fab Flour website: https://fabflour.co.uk/easy-peasy-baking/or
on social: @fab_flour on Instagram or @fabflour on Facebook.

The UK’s top ten Christmas films
Which of these festive flicks will you be watching? And where is
Die Hard? The most debated ‘Christmas’ film of all - is it or isn’t
it?
1. Love Actually (2003)
2. The Holiday (2006)
3. Elf (2003)
4. The Nativity Story (2006)
5. A Christmas Carol (2009)
6. The Snowman (1982)
7. Arthur Christmas (2011)
8. Scrooge (1951)
9. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(2005)

#SHOPLOCAL with
Bertie the Hare is thrilled with his
berry bouquet in this beautifully
illustrated scene.
This cheery gonk design Christmas
card is sure to brighten up your loved
ones' sideboards and mantlepieces.
Die cut to enhance the shape of the
gonk.
Available in packs of 10 or 20
cards, with envelopes.
From £2.99.
Packs of 10 - £2.99.
Adorable Finlay the Highland Cow is
ready for the festivities with a very
fetching Santa hat and a few
feathered friends!
Available in packs of 10 or 20
cards, with envelopes.
From £2.99.

Potato stuffing Christmas wreath
SERVES: 6 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
5 cloves garlic
400g white potatoes
100g mixed chopped nuts
3 sprigs each of fresh
rosemary and thyme
Large pinch of salt & pepper
1 tbsp tomato puree
80ml water
1 tsp each of dried:
Rosemary, thyme, sage
Top with 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
1.Start by preheating the oven to 200ºC, drizzle olive oil onto a large
baking tray, place in the middle of the oven to heat up.
2.Quarter the potatoes, then add to the pan with the hot oil, sprinkle in
salt with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary then bake for around 25 minutes.
3.Prepare the filling by dicing the onion, add to frying pan with a drizzle
of olive oil for around 4 minutes.
4.Finely chop the garlic cloves then add to the pan with the onion, toss
in the dried rosemary, sage and thyme, mixed chopped nuts and fry for
around 6-7 minutes.
5.Add the tomato puree with a dash of water and mix until combined
and set aside.
6.Once the potatoes have roasted, add to the pan then roughly mash
together before adding to a greased baking sheet, mould to the shape
of a wreath and bake for a further 20 minutes.
7.Take out once crispy, then drizzle a little cranberry sauce over the top
and a few sprigs of thyme leaves.

DIY Christmas decor ideas
by Tina Reading
1. Christmas Wreath: Create a personalised wreath using foliage,
berries, ribbons, and decorative ornaments. You can also
incorporate natural elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or
dried orange slices for a festive touch.
2. Ornament-filled Vases: Fill clear glass vases or jars with
colourful Christmas ornaments. Arrange them in clusters or in a
line down the centre of your dining or coffee table for an eyecatching
centrepiece.
3. Paper Snowflakes: Cut out intricate snowflake designs from
white paper. You can hang them on windows, create a garland,
or even use them as table scatter for a winter wonderlandthemed
table-top.
4. Mason Jar Candle Holders: Paint mason jars in festive colours
or wrap them with glittery ribbon. Place tea light candles inside
and line them up on your mantle or as a centrepiece.
5. Handmade stockings: Create personalised stockings for each
family member using felt, fabric, or even old sweaters. Decorate
them with names, buttons, or festive appliques.

6. Pinecone Decorations: Collect pinecones and spray paint them in
metallic or white colours. Attach strings or ribbons to hang them on
the tree or create a beautiful pinecone garland.
7. Twinkle Light Branches: Gather a few branches and wrap them
with fairy lights. Place them in a sturdy vase or hang them from the
ceiling for a whimsical and cosy atmosphere.
8. Christmas Card Display: Hang a length of twine or ribbon on a
blank wall and use mini clothespins to attach your received
Christmas cards. This not only adds decoration but also serves as a
lovely way to showcase cards from loved ones.
9. Festive Mason Jar Snow Globes: Fill mason jars with fake snow,
tiny ornaments, or miniature figurines. Screw the lids tightly and
upturn the jars for a delightful snow globe DIY.
10. Holiday Pillows: Decorate your living room or bedrooms with
festive pillows. You can choose to either sew your own using
holiday-themed fabrics or purchase ready-made ones and add
embellishments like pom-poms or sequins.
Personalise these ideas to match your own style and preferences.
Have fun getting creative and enjoy the process of making your
home feel warm and festive this Christmas!