Latest news with #Muffin
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Everything new in Aldi's middle aisle on Sunday, July 27
Shoppers might want to keep their kids at home when Aldi launches it's middle aisle toy event this weekend The supermarket only recently introduced a batch of new products a few days ago, but now it's time for a refresh. Every Thursday and Sunday, staff replenish the infamous middle aisle with new and interesting goodies for people to pick up alongside their usual food shopping. Known by some as the 'random aisle', Aldi is actually far from it. Every time there is a refresh, Aldi follows a selection of themes with its products. This weekend, the Aldi website has chosen toys as the main theme, which will make the kids excited (and maybe a few parents wince). The new items aren't from Aldi's popular toy range but bring a range of popular characters and franchises together under one roof. Some standouts include Gabby's Dollhouse, Paw Patrol, Pokémon, and Bluey. Parents might want to take a look (without the little ones begging) and stash a few of their favourite things away for special occasions. Some might even hold out until Christmas. It can be somewhat overwhelming to browse what's in stock during your weekly shop, and you might end up missing something. So, look ahead of time at what to expect with this roundup of new items coming into stores. Back in the middle aisle, Bluey is a sensation with toddlers and adults alike. The Heelers are no strangers to the middle aisle, as Aldi previously ran toy events with the character and even let the Aussie dog have her own event not too long ago. One standout item that once had parents scrambling was the popular Plush Bluey Chair (£24.99). It's now coming back again, with designs for Bluey, her sister Bingo, and their wild cousin Muffin. Aldi claims it will "make a great addition to any child's playroom or bedroom"—especially if they're big Bluey fans. Sticking with Bluey, fans can also grab smaller Soft Toys (£6.49) in a wide range of characters, including Bluey, Bingo, Muffin's sister Socks, Bingo's best friend Lila, and two new plush characters - Baby Bluey and Chef Bingo. Sure to stand out in the middle aisle due to their giant size, Pokémon fans can snap up 14-inch (35.5cm) tall Squishmallows that look like fan favourites Dragonite and Fuecoco (both £12.99 each). Pikachu also appears on a Travel Flask and Lunchbox (both £3.99). Paw Patrol fans can get their hands on all their favourite pups with special vehicles (£9.99 each) equipped for "exciting dino rescues". Gabby's Dollhouse is also a featured programme, with fans able to choose from different mini room playsets (£7.99 each), complete with authentic accessories and figures. There will also be a range of fun Play-Doh sets (£5.99). Kids can choose from a variety of jobs, including hairdresser, dog groomer, dentist, and an incredible 'ice cream' dispenser. Ideal for long car rides or just keeping kids busy at home, Aldi will also stock a range of Character Activity Sticker Book (£1.99), Story Board Books (£2.99), and a collection of 89p colouring books featuring characters like Peter Rabbit, The Dinosaur That Pooped, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Aldi Specialbuys are limited-time offers on unique items that appear in stores. The theme is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday, meaning shoppers tend to have a limited amount of time to get particular products. You can find details about upcoming Specialbuys by checking the Aldi website, picking up a leaflet in-store, or signing up for email alerts.
The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Irish parents rushing to Aldi for Bluey chairs in middle aisle & there's a new character too
IRISH parents are rushing to Aldi to get their hands on new Bluey chairs in the middle aisle - and there's even a new character in store. The bargain 4 Aldi Ireland is set to release new Bluey armchairs for children Credit: Alamy 4 The chairs are set to be a big hit with Bluey fans Credit: Aldi Ireland 4 There are three characters to choose from Credit: Aldi Ireland The Plush Bluey Chair will be available in stores this Sunday - a soft And shoppers can choose between three characters - Bluey, Bingo and the newly launched Muffin. Aldi chiefs said: 'This adorable, comfortable plush Bluey, Bingo & Muffin armchair will be perfect for your child to play, read or relax in! It will make a great addition to any child's playroom or bedroom. 'Made of high-quality plush with a soft filling.' READ MORE IN MONEY The character's features are built in to the design - such as ears and facial details which will make it a big hit with Bluey fans. The product is intended for indoor use in playrooms or bedrooms and features a low back and raised sides. This design allows for toddlers and small children to sit in while reading, playing, or watching And a non-slip material is attached to the bottom to help keep it in place on smooth floors. Most read in The Irish Sun The chair is lightweight and can be moved easily from room to room. What's more, the What are Aldi Specialbuys? Its materials are soft throughout with no hard frame or sharp edges. However, And there's also a warning label that advises keeping it away from fire or heat sources. The Plush Bluey Chair goes on sale nationwide on July 27 while stocks last. Meanwhile, Irish parents are set for a huge boost as Aldi brings back its popular BABY AND TODDLER EVENT From July 17, the retailer has stocked a range of must-have pieces to ensure The range, which includes car seats, The retailer is selling the Graco Myavo Stroller for a bargain price of €99.99. On the Graco website, it can cost anywhere from €130.00 to €149.00 - so parents can save at least €30 by shopping in This pram is suitable for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 4 years. It is lightweight and compact with an automatic stand-alone one-hand, one-second fold, which stays standing when folded in a huge boost for parents. And to pair with it, you can ensure every car journey is simple with the Graco Turn2Me i-Size R129 Midnight. HUGE SAVING This 2-in-1 convertible car seat is selling for just €129.99, and can go from rearward to forward facing with a 10-position recline. It has a 360 degree rotation, and Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection, with enhanced head and body protection. Or, pick up the Baby Changing Mat for €6.99, which has soft foam padding and can be wiped clean. You can get a range of storybooks to send them off the sleep from 99c, including Owl Babies, Handa's Surprise, A Quiet Night In, Handa's Hen, Five Minutes' Peace, All in One Piece, Mr Large in Charge or A Piece of Cake. 4 The product will land in stores this Sunday Credit: Aldi Ireland THE HISTORY OF ALDI The German discount supermarket chain came to Ireland in 1999. Aldi's first few shops opened in November 1999, with locations in Sandyford, Dublin, and Ballincollig, Cork. By the mid-2000s, Aldi bosses had opened numerous stores, focusing on providing high-quality products at low prices. As the recession hit 2008-2012, Aldi's popularity grew as consumers became more price-conscious. The supermarket giant continued it's expansion in Ireland between 2013-2018, while refurbishing existing stores. By 2018, Aldi had over 130 shops throughout the country. The chain began to focus on expanding its range of Irish-made products and supporting local producers. In 2023, Aldi had over 140 stores in Ireland. The store invested in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of organic and eco-friendly products. Aldi chiefs said: 'At Aldi we are committed to supporting Irish suppliers. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is designed to help the very best Irish suppliers develop their brand. 'To date, we've invested €10 million in our Grow with Aldi development programme in a bid to find the very best Irish suppliers. 'As a result, for a limited time only there are over 47 new products, from 27 Irish suppliers available in store.' Aldi have introduced technological advancements with self-checkout systems and contactless payment options.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Golden Retriever Playing Hide and Seek in the Funniest Way
If dogs could write rulebooks, games like hide and seek would look very different. Subtlety? Optional. Patience? Rare. Barking to give away your position? Absolutely required. That's the level of logic on display in a side-splitting video of one Golden Retriever who redefines hide and seek in his own not-so-stealthy way. Muffin, the Golden Retriever, has captured hearts on Instagram for his less-than-sneaky version of hide and seek. In the video, Muffin is seen attempting to 'hide' from his owner, but it's clear he doesn't fully grasp the concept. Rather than finding a well-concealed spot, Muffin plants himself behind a curtain, with his body, tail, and even his head still visibly sticking out. To make things even funnier, Muffin can't help but bark while hiding, like he's trying to give his location away instead of staying silent. It's almost as if he believes the game isn't about being hidden but about being found quickly. As the seconds tick by and his mom pretends not to see him, Muffin gets visibly impatient. He starts peeking out even more, wagging his tail and barking louder, eager for his owner to 'discover' him and end the suspense. Regular play is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog physically and mentally healthy. Games like hide and seek tap into a dog's natural instincts — like searching, sniffing, and tracking — while also providing movement and stimulation. Interactive games build confidence, help curb unwanted behaviors, and create a positive outlet for energy. Just as importantly, play strengthens the bond between you and your pet and helps them feel included and engaged, which is key to their emotional well-being. To keep playtime both safe and enjoyable, start with simple, easy-to-follow games. Use treats, praise, and lots of encouragement to help your dog learn. Stick with positive reinforcement and avoid pushing too hard. Let your dog set the pace, and adjust the difficulty gradually as they become more comfortable. The post Video: Golden Retriever Playing Hide and Seek in the Funniest Way appeared first on DogTime.
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Carbi the rice ball gains popularity in Hong Kong
Carbi the rice ball is a soft toy that is becoming very well known in Hong Kong. His round, huggable body and mischievous expressions have made him very popular. Carbi was created by a 26-year-old illustrator named Carina Wong. She said the toy's name was a playful nod to the word 'carbohydrates'. 'Rice is a staple across Asia and my personal favourite food,' the Hongkonger explained. Each Carbi plush tells its own little story through its unique expressions. Wong said her top three favourites are the 'sleepy Carbi', the 'smiling Carbi', and the 'slightly frustrated Carbi'. Wong created the character in 2020. She also has a full-time job as a graphic designer. Wong was inspired to create Carbi by the two loves of her life: rice and her nine-year-old Pomeranian, Muffin. 'The idea behind Carbi actually came from how much happiness Muffin brings me and my family,' she said. 'These cherished memories we create together are the foundation of Carbi's being.' Cuddles beat nightmares The character was very popular at the Pop Toy Show in Singapore. It is a major annual event in Southeast Asia for pop culture toys, collectibles and merchandise. Wong recounted how a young girl approached her at the event last August with her own Carbi plushie. The girl said it helped her feel safe at night and protected her from nightmares. 'I was touched ... I used to be this girl who found comfort in my soft toy when I was scared,' she said. Wong said young people in Hong Kong face a lot of pressure. In such times, characters like Carbi can provide a unique form of support. They can act as a silent friend when they need to process their feelings privately. Carbi the confidence booster Carbi has also helped Wong open up. 'A lot of people only know me as the rice ball girl. They did not know how I looked until very recently. I used to do only faceless [Instagram] reels as I am actually quite shy,' she said. Thanks to Carbi fans, she is getting more comfortable being on camera. 'The encouragement and support from the Carbi community gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone,' she said. The illustrator is preparing for another toy show in August. She also has new ideas for expanding the Carbi universe, which currently includes Carbina, Carbi's girlfriend. 'I hope that by sharing my own journey, it encourages others to also take chances,' she said.
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
'My neighbour had unhinged reaction when I told her she couldn't use my garden'
A woman has been left gobsmacked after her neighbour knocked on her door and demanded to be allowed to use her garden for an unexpected reason - and now things are very awkward A woman was left gobsmacked when her neighbour demanded to use her garden for an "unhinged" reason - and she wasn't too happy after being turned down. Keeping on good terms with neighbours is often key to a tranquil home environment. It can be quite the ordeal to navigate tricky or uncomfortable encounters with those next door, as they're rather difficult to avoid. Most people yearn for an uncomplicated life devoid of strife or squabbles. One lady has confessed she's at her wits' end with her neighbour following a bold request to let her use her charming garden for her dog's birthday party. The lady lives in a "townhouse complex where each unit has a small private backyard". These petite patches are "fenced off" and "clearly designated". Taking to Reddit's popular Entitled People forum, the lady said that her garden is "nothing fancy" but she has decked it out with "some patio furniture, a grill", and "a bit of garden space" that she's "been working on". Her neighbour came knocking a few weeks back, asking if she could hold her dog, Muffin's, birthday do in her garden. When the woman asked her why she couldn't just use her own outdoor space, the neighbour "rolled her eyes" and retorted: "Well, yours is nicer. You actually have grass. Ours is all patchy and ugly, and the pictures won't come out cute." Despite the woman's "polite" refusal, the neighbour took umbrage and stormed off in a rage. The woman said: "She responds with, 'Wow. It's not even a big deal. It's just a couple hours. Don't you want to help make a dog happy?' "She got super huffy, muttered something about 'some [people] are not just kind to pets ' and stormed off. "And the best part? That Saturday, she actually had the party in the shared front lawn area with balloons, dog party hats, music, and all. I'm just waiting for the HOA fallout now." Over in the comments section, Reddit users were quick to weigh in with their opinions. One user advised: "Liability issue if you let her. Always go with legal terms when saying no". The woman thanked them, saying: "Oh I thought as much, thank you." Another user mentioned: "Not to mention the mess you'd have to clean up." Which prompted another response of: "And THAT'S why your neighbour wants her dog's party at your place! "She'll be 'too tired' to clean up and she KNOWS how you are about your garden. She's flycasting with guilt-trip bait and hoping you'll snap at the hook." One savvy Redditor proposed she charge her neighbour and advised her to say: "Well, the fee for using my yard is £X. You'll also have to sign a waiver that I will not be held responsible if anyone gets hurt. You'll also have to clean up any mess made by humans and dogs." In agreement, another comment read: "[Better] yet, 'you also have to show proof of event insurance.' That way if anything did happen, you'd be covered." And another added: "What an unhinged demand!!!!" Others have cast doubt on the woman's account, suggesting it was concocted for Reddit karma and upvotes.
