Wife Appreciation Day: How to Pamper and Feed Your Wife Good Things

Did you know that the third Sunday in September is Wife Appreciation Day, also known as National Wife Day? 

It’s the perfect chance to pause, step away from the daily grind, and show your partner just how much she means to you.

While grand gestures are lovely, sometimes the most memorable tokens of appreciation are thoughtful, personal, and, best of all, involve good food.

Why Celebrate Wife Appreciation Day?

Life can be hectic, and even the strongest partnerships can slip into routine. Wife Appreciation Day is a reminder to express gratitude and affection for the little (and big) things your wife does every day—whether it’s keeping the family running smoothly, being a sounding board, or simply being your favourite person to spend time with.

Pampering Ideas to Make Her Feel Cherished

You don’t need to whisk her away to a luxury spa (though she might not say no to that). Small acts of kindness and comfort can make a world of difference:

Breakfast in Bed – Start her day with fresh coffee or tea, warm pastries, and maybe her favourite fruit. Bonus points for serving it on a tray with a little flower in a vase.

Run Her a Bath – Create a spa-like atmosphere at home with candles, soothing music, and a selection of bath salts or oils.

Give Her a Break – Take over household tasks for the day. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or managing the school run, giving her some breathing space is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.

Quality Time – Switch off the phone and focus entirely on her. A long walk, a cuddle on the sofa, or a shared hobby can be just as pampering as physical treats.

Feeding Her Love Language

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and if your wife enjoys good food, then this is your chance to spoil her tastebuds.

Cook a Romantic Dinner – Plan a three-course meal with her favourite dishes. Think candlelight, a bottle of wine, and her favourite dessert to finish.

Afternoon Tea at Home – Put together dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of her favourite tea. A simple but elegant way to celebrate.

Sweet Surprises – Bake her a cake or pick up chocolates from a local artisan shop. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just thoughtful.

Dining Out – If cooking isn’t your strength, book a table at a restaurant she loves, or one she’s always wanted to try.

Making the Day Extra Special

The key to Wife Appreciation Day isn’t necessarily extravagance, but attentiveness. Pay attention to the little things she loves—whether that’s a handwritten note tucked into her handbag, a playlist of songs that remind you of your relationship, or simply telling her how much she’s valued.

This Wife Appreciation Day, take the time to pamper, feed, and celebrate the incredible woman you married. After all, appreciation is the foundation of a happy marriage—and sometimes, it’s best expressed over a delicious meal and a whole lot of love.

B12 Awareness Day: Why We All Need to Pay Attention

Each year, B12 Awareness Day reminds us just how vital this nutrient is for our health and wellbeing. 

In the UK, thousands of people live with Vitamin B12 deficiency—many without even realising it. Left untreated, low levels of B12 can cause lasting damage, so raising awareness is crucial.

Why Vitamin B12 Matters

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

The nervous system – helping keep our brain and nerves healthy.

Red blood cell production – preventing anaemia and fatigue.

DNA synthesis – supporting cell growth and repair.

Mental health – with deficiency sometimes linked to low mood, memory issues, and confusion.

Without enough B12, daily life can quickly become a struggle, and in severe cases, irreversible nerve damage can occur.

Who’s at Risk in the UK?

According to the NHS, certain groups are more likely to be deficient:

Vegans and vegetarians – as B12 is mainly found in animal products. Many plant-based eaters rely on fortified foods (like breakfast cereals or plant milks) or supplements.

Older adults – absorption of B12 naturally decreases with age.

People with conditions such as pernicious anaemia, Crohn’s disease, or coeliac disease.

Those taking medications such as metformin (for type 2 diabetes) or proton pump inhibitors (used for indigestion and acid reflux).

Recognising the Symptoms

B12 deficiency symptoms can be wide-ranging and easy to miss. Watch for:

Extreme tiredness

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Mouth ulcers or a swollen tongue

Memory problems or confusion

Mood changes such as depression or irritability

Vision problems

If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and cause permanent damage.

Getting Tested and Treated in the UK

If you think you might be deficient, book an appointment with your GP. They can arrange a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Treatment usually involves:

B12 tablets or sprays for mild deficiency or those at risk.

Hydroxocobalamin injections (available on the NHS) for people who cannot absorb B12 properly, such as those with pernicious anaemia.

With the right treatment, symptoms often improve quickly—but ongoing monitoring may be needed.

How to Support B12 Awareness Day

Share information with friends and family—many people don’t know how common B12 deficiency is.

If you follow a plant-based diet, make sure you’re getting enough B12 through fortified foods or supplements.

Support charities and groups that campaign for better recognition and treatment of B12 deficiency in the UK.

On B12 Awareness Day, let’s take the opportunity to talk openly about this hidden health issue, encourage others to seek help if they’re struggling with symptoms, and ensure B12 deficiency gets the recognition it deserves.

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Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik

Chef Deik

London Book Publisher proudly announces the release of Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik, a cookbook unlike any other. 

Written by Emilio Deik, known to his readers as ChefDeik, this work blends carefully tested recipes with the rich stories behind them, brought to life through exquisite hand-painted botanical illustrations.

A Cookbook Four Years in the Making

This project took more than four years to complete, not because of the recipes alone, but because of the artistry that accompanies them. 

Each of the 80+ dishes is paired with a unique story and a meticulously painted illustration, some of which took over eight weeks to create. The result is more than a cookbook: it is a work of art that can be read, cooked from, and admired.

More Than Recipes

Recipes with a Story rests on three pillars:

Delicious recipes – well-tested and written with clarity for home cooks.

Stories with flavour – cultural histories and humorous anecdotes that enrich each dish.

Botanical-style illustrations – replacing conventional food photography with artwork that captures the soul of the recipe.

The book also introduces a recipe-building matrix system that allows readers to create countless variations of classics such as quiche, risotto, pizza, and sandwiches with freedom and confidence.

Why It Matters

In an age of quick food videos and fleeting trends, this book brings back the depth of culinary heritage. It explores identity, cultural memory, and the traditions that shape the way we cook today. Early readers and local chefs have praised its authenticity, heartfelt tone, and artistic beauty.

About the Author

Emilio Deik is an avid amateur cook who turned his passion for food into an online brand and now a book. Having a business and innovation background, he infuses storytelling, flavour, and creativity in each project. He has appeared on radio, podcasts, and on social media and will be conducting launch events and online sessions to reach readers.

Availability

Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik has been published in 2025 by London Book Publisher. The book will be available worldwide through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.chefdeik.com.

Purchase the book, visit www.chefdeik.com, and follow @chefdeik on Instagram for updates, events, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Elevate Your Dairy Brand: How Small and Medium-Sized Dairies Can Partner with Wares of Knutsford for Custom Milk Bottles

In the competitive world of dairy, first impressions matter. From the shelf to the fridge at home, your milk bottles are often the first point of contact consumers have with your brand.

For small and medium-sized dairies looking to stand out, partnering with Wares of Knutsford for bespoke milk bottle design, printing, and production is an opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Why Custom Milk Bottles Matter

Your milk bottle isn’t just a container – it’s a statement of quality and brand identity. Custom bottles can help:

Enhance brand recognition – A unique design ensures your milk stands out on crowded shelves.

Convey your story – Your bottle can reflect the heritage of your dairy, local provenance, or ethical practices.

Increase customer loyalty – Consumers are more likely to remember and return to a product with appealing packaging.

How Wares of Knutsford Can Help

Wares of Knutsford specialises in helping dairies bring their packaging vision to life, from initial concept to the final product. Here’s how the process works:

Design Consultation

Wares’ expert team works with your dairy to understand your brand, values, and target audience. They help translate this into eye-catching bottle designs that reflect your unique identity.

Printing & Labelling Solutions

Whether you’re looking for full-colour printed bottles, embossed logos, or sustainable labelling options, Wares can provide solutions tailored to your needs and budget.

Production & Delivery

With experience producing high-quality bottles in various sizes and materials, Wares ensures your products are delivered efficiently and ready for retail or direct-to-consumer distribution.

Why Small and Medium Dairies Benefit

Partnering with a specialist like Wares of Knutsford gives smaller dairies access to the same professional packaging standards as large brands, without the overheads or complex supply chains. Whether you’re a local dairy looking to strengthen your presence in farmer’s markets or an online subscription milk service, high-quality custom bottles make your brand memorable and trusted.

Take the Next Step

Investing in custom milk bottles isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about positioning your dairy as a brand that cares about quality, presentation, and the customer experience. Reach out to Wares of Knutsford today to discuss how they can help your dairy create packaging that truly stands out.

https://www.waresofknutsford.co.uk

The Chartered Institute of Brewers & Distillers launches updated Master Brewer and Master Distiller Programmes for the Industry

The Chartered Institute of Brewers & Distillers (CIBD) is delighted to announce the launch of updated programmes for its highest level of qualifications, Master Brewer and Master Distiller.

The CIBD is the established, trusted expert in developing education in the sciences of brewing, distillation and associated areas world-wide. Shaped by comprehensive input from business leaders, Learning & Development professionals, academics, and Masters candidates, the two new Master programmes are built to meet real-world needs. 

This engagement confirmed that the skill sets required by the industry have evolved and the relevance of key topics such as sustainability, digitisation, continual improvement and critical thinking are more important than ever in day-to-day brewing and distilling operations.

To ensure the updated Master qualifications are of the highest standards the CIBD engaged with a cohort of leading ‘unique contributors’, experts in their fields, to write the specialist content for the revised syllabi. 

An additional cohort of industry leading experts and academics was used to carry out a peer review process to ensure that the specialist content was ‘applied learning’ and relevant to the new industry skills and role requirements identified.

In addition to significant content changes the new Master programmes will also be assessed differently. This will involve a combination of controlled assignments, formal examinations, the creation of an ‘evidence of learning’ portfolio and will ultimately culminate in a viva with industry experts who will assess each candidates’ skills, knowledge and overall readiness to meet CIBD Master level qualification and be prepared for key roles in the workplace.

On this announcement, Deborah Kennedy, CIBD Chair of the Board of Examiners, who over the past 18 months has led the development of the two new Master programmes, told That's Food and Drink: “Today’s senior brewers and distillers must have an applied understanding of new technological advancements being made within brewing and distilling operations. 

"However, it is no longer enough just to have strong technical knowledge and competence, a successful leader, must be able to operationalise and lead across the end-to-end value chain.

The new qualifications test application and leadership, contain electives that reinforce expertise, and have new assessment methodologies that help examiners’ gauge candidate’s skills, knowledge, and overall readiness to lead within the workplace.

Knowledge of disciplines such as finance, procurement, and governance together with the opportunities presented by digital & AI technologies, sustainability and operational excellence will be how our successful Master candidates will differentiate themselves from others as they develop their careers”.

Dr Megan Sheehy, CIBD President added: “The input, and support, we have had from industry and academia in shaping the syllabi for the Masters, our flagship qualification, has been detailed and insightful and we are very appreciative of those who have been involved. 

"The new programmes have been developed by the industry for the industry to meet the needs of not only today but the future. This launch follows on from the institute being granted Royal Charter and reinforces how the CIBD is committed to continually raising the standards of scientific, technical and operational understanding within the industry”.

Join us for a live webinar on 29th September at 10am BST (GMT +1) to know more about the changes to the Master syllabi, the process we followed and how the changes affect you.

https://www.cibd.org.uk/

In a Market Lacking Innovation, Plamil Launches Bold New Vegan Chocolate Bars

Plamil Foods continues to thrive where other brands have disappeared, offering value-for-money 40g bars, innovative flavours, and a bold new contemporary look. 

Ethical chocolate pioneer Plamil Foods is breaking new ground with the launch of a range of innovative vegan chocolate bars that deliver on size, taste, and value.

At a time when chocolate prices have surged and many brands have shrunk their bars, Plamil stands out by offering these new generously sized 40g bars at an accessible RRP of £1.75. This makes them a smart, great-value choice for consumers looking for some indulgence without compromise.

The launch also reveals fresh, modern packaging that reflects Plamil’s move in a bold, contemporary direction, ensuring strong standout on shelves and reinforcing the brand’s reputation for innovation.

Among the highlights is the Hazelnot Praline Flavour Bar – a rich, nut-free creation that captures the indulgent taste of hazelnut praline without allergens.

Plamil Foods - prepare to be delighted

The full line-up includes:

● Hazelnot Praline Flavour Bar – A rich, nut-free indulgence with all the taste of hazelnut praline.

● Low Sugar Dark Chocolate Bar (72% Cocoa) – A sophisticated, intense chocolate with reduced sugar for mindful enjoyment.

● Salted Caramel Bar – A luxuriously smooth vegan “m!!ky” chocolate with golden, sea-salted caramel.

● Coffee Chocolate Bar – A bold, aromatic blend of robust coffee notes and silky vegan chocolate.

● Extra Dark Chocolate Bar (87% Cocoa) – An exceptionally deep, powerful cocoa experience for true purists.

Every bar is 100% vegan, dairy-free, and produced in Plamil’s nut-free UK facility powered entirely by renewable energy, using Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.

“In a market where many brands have disappeared, we’re proud that Plamil is still going strong” said Adrian Ling, Managing Director of Plamil Foods told That's Food and Drink. 

“We’ve drawn on our long heritage of innovation to develop products that look and taste great, offer value for our customers, and are uncompromising on taste, ethics, and size.”

Product Highlights

● Value for Money: 40g bars at RRP £1.75

● Innovative Flavours: Including the allergen-friendly Hazelnot Praline Flavour

● New Packaging: Modern, bold designs steering the brand in a new, fresh direction

● Allergen-Friendly: Made in a fully nut-free environment

● Ethically Sourced: Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa

● Sustainably Made: Produced with 100% renewable energy

Available now via plamilfoods.co.uk, select UK retailers and Independent Health Food Stores. Stockists - CLF, Suma, Dundeis, Green City and Independent Irish. 

This innovative new collection brings much-needed excitement to the plant-based confectionery market.

Incidentally Plamil, having being launched in 1957 is the same age as me.

Russell & Atwell Launch Cornish Dream New Limited Edition Fresh Clotted Cream Chocolates

Russell & Atwell has unveiled its latest creation - Cornish Dream, a luxuriously smooth chocolate made with fresh, rich real Cornish clotted cream from Rodda's. 

The new chocolates officially launch on 5th September. 

Encased in a silky milk chocolate shell, the centre blends thick white chocolate with the unmistakable richness of clotted cream, offering a uniquely indulgent chocolate experience. 

And, in a possible world first, these chocolates are designed to be enjoyed both chilled - like the rest of the Russell & Atwell range - and also frozen, straight from the freezer, where the clotted cream centres give them a deliciously rich and artisanal ice-creamy taste and texture. 

Steve Russell, co-founder and chocolatier at Russell & Atwell, told That's Food and Drink: “We've always believed that fresh ingredients make better chocolates, and with Cornish Dream, we've taken that to the next level.  

"Real Cornish clotted cream brings a depth of flavour and unmistakable richness that works beautifully with our blend of white and milk chocolate - it's decadently fresh and distinctly British, bringing everyone a touch of Cornwall to their every day. It's not just a new flavour, this is a whole new taste experience.“

Made with real foodie ingredients, and never with palm oil, Russell & Atwell's hand-finished fresh chocolates have an irresistible 'double crack' bite sensation. Each chocolate has a thin outer chocolate shell that once cracked open, leads to a smooth, scrumptious centre, packed with flavour and created with Fino de Aroma Colombian cocoa, finishing with a deeply indulgent bottom layer of chocolate.

Russell & Atwell use the highest quality sustainable ingredients from small ethical, predominantly British producers. Their chocolates are made from responsibly sourced cocoa, fresh organic British cream and butter, Essex Borage and Salisbury Plain wildflower honey and just a pinch of Dorset Sea Salt. This award-winning combination creates a moreish blend of taste and texture, making every bite a truly indulgent experience.

With British honey a key ingredient in their chocolate, Russell & Atwell also supports the Buglife charity which plants vital wildflower B-Lines for bees and other pollinators with every pouch sold.

Founded by former Cadbury and Godiva employees Giles Atwell and Steve Russell who have a combined 35 years experience of working on world famous chocolate brands and 103 years heritage in the industry, Russell & Atwell became a runaway success on BBC1's Dragon Den, securing investment from entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.

Russell & Atwell's full range is available online at russellandatwell.com or in select delicatessens including Panzer's and Booths supermarkets. 

Celebrate the Flavours of Autumn with Roly's Fudge

As the leaves turn and the weather cools, Roly's Fudge is delighted to introduce its new Autumn range of fudge - a collection of seasonal flavours which capture the comforting tastes of the season. 

The new range of fudge starts at £19.50 for a 300g gift box (inclusive of all postage and packaging) and is available from www.rolysfudge.co.uk/shop. 

This year's Autumn selection features rich and warming favourites, including classic Toffee Apple Fudge, indulgent Chocolate Sea Salt Fudge, and the very moreish Chocolate Orange Fudge. Each flavour is handmade using traditional recipes and the finest natural ingredients, offering that signature smooth, crumbly texture which is much loved.

Presented in beautifully designed gift bags, the Autumn range is perfect for sharing at cosy gatherings, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying a little seasonal treat yourself. Whether you pick up a loose selection or opt for one of the stylish gift bags, these flavours promise to bring a taste of autumnal warmth to every occasion.

Roly's Fudge is a family-run business that has been handcrafting traditional fudge since 1987. Using a classic West Country recipe, each batch is made in small quantities with natural ingredients, creating rich, crumbly fudge with a unique texture. With over 40 fudge pantries across the UK, Roly's Fudge makes fresh fudge daily, often in full view of customers. Their wide range of flavours has made them a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Find your nearest pantry at rolysfudge.co.uk/stores or visit rolysfudge.co.uk/shop for more information and to order online.

My wife and I love Roly's Fudge!