It’s always a welcome gift, when I get something for the kitchen that I didn’t even know that I needed, especially when it immediately becomes a must have.
Such is the Microplane Spice Mill which is a thing of beauty. I tested the grey one, but there is pretty much a colour for every kitchen. It is undoubtedly a kitchen must-have for grating and storing hard spices.
This spice mill is light, smooth and beautifully engineered, each of the three pieces fitting together with a crisp locking action. The Microplane Spice Mill features razor-sharp stainless-steel blades, ensuring ingredients are effortlessly and precisely cut, whilst releasing all of the full aroma and flavour.
As you would expect, it grates Nutmeg and Cardamom like a dream, and come Christmas I will be testing it out on Cinnamon and Cloves, but the real surprise was just how much of a joy it is to use.
An integrated compartment in the top also allows for light-protected storage of the spices for future use, and a secure silicone lid ensures clean and safe storage whether it’s on the counter or in a cupboard.
I won’t use it on a daily basis, but when I do need it, I’ll know exactly where it is. A perfect gift for the chef in your life or if you are very organised a lovely stocking filler. The Spice Mill 2-in-1 is dishwasher safe for fuss free cleaning, although a quick rinse under the tap is often sufficient. Available in a range of pastel shades, including Cashmere Beige, Dusty Rose, Lipstick Pink, Sage Green, Eucalyptus, Green, Sky Blue, Denim Blue and Dark Grey.
RRP £29.95 available from independents such as Trevor Mottram microplanintl.com, @microplaneintl #microplaneint
The Williams Handbaked team have taken the most popular of their luxury biscuits and shrunk them! (Let’s say straight away that this is a painless process for the biscuits!) Wonderfully, though these mini biscuits are small in stature… they’re simply massive on taste and of course one can eat two if so desired. Just look, you can see there are plenty in each beautiful glass clip jar and as a mum, I can vouch for the fact they make an ideal present. Of course, the jars can be used afterwards for anything needing to be kept in pristine condition, and they look right at home on a kitchen shelf. Furthermore, and yes, I know I do harp on about calories, but for one such as this writer who starts the day with good ‘diet’ intentions, then falls at the first taste of the BIG Williams’ biscuits, these minis do save things from going terribly wrong.
Look at these Mini Chocolate Chip Biscuits – one of my favourites. I bet mums will like them too. You can send an order to any address in the UK (including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). With any order you place, you can always include a complimentary gift note; just add your message on the cart page prior to checkout.
Some like ginger, so no sooner said … than done. They can come with chocolate too. They do look very scrumptious, do they not.
Moving on to my particular favourites:
and:
I find they simply seem to melt in the mouth, and are of course, crammed full of flavour.
All Williams Handbaked Hamper Boxes are packed and sent from Williams Handbaked Lancashire bakery via 48 Hour Tracked delivery with Royal Mail. This gloriously bustling bakery aims to deliver all orders within 7 days, although this isn’t always guaranteed. However, the vast majority of orders are delivered within two or three days of being placed.
If you would like to speak to Williams Handbaked before placing an order, or if you would like more information, please email online@williamshandbaked.co.uk or call them on 01772 724 888. Or go to Williams Handbaked
I do despair during my weekly supermarket shops these days. Why do they all seem bent on offering an infinite assortment of poor quality, processed, pretend food. There, I’ve said it. I saw a recent TV programme, demonstrating how ‘ham’ can be formed by mincing the worst scraps of animal parts, mixing with numerous chemicals and holding the whole thing together with ‘meat glue’. Apologies if you’re having lunch dear Reader, but seriously, our grandmothers would be turning in their graves. They may not have had a lot of spare money, but they knew how to cook proper meals for their family, using real vegetables, and, when finances allowed, some real meat too.
So, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, thank goodness for Tracklements. As regular readers will know only too well, this Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses – just like Grandma used to make.
So it’s always a guilty pleasure to road-test their inspired creations, and their latest, Tracklements NEW Special Edition Sweet Carrot & Pink Peppercorn Relish, is no exception. How do they think up such innovative, delicious and healthy ideas? Although called a relish, Tracklements describe it as a clever twist on a traditional Bengal pickle. The ingredients make my heart sing – naturally sweet, earthy carrots (57%), Bramley apples, cider vinegar, raw cane sugar, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, pink peppercorns, sea salt and red chillies – simply pure good food and the taste reflects this – a crunchy sweetness, from real fruit and vegetables with raw cane sugar, balanced by the subtle heat of just enough chilli and peppercorn, plus liberal complementary spices for the most amazing flavour. It’s vegan and gluten-free too.
Tracklements suggest this as a perfect accompaniment for an Indian meal, but it’s just as perfect with a ploughman’s so, wherever the mood takes you, make sure you take this great relish with it.
This would make a super special treat for Mother’s Day – either a gift, or for the celebratory lunch (so you can enjoy it too). But frankly, at just RRP £3.95 for a generous 200g jar, spoil mum and yourself – you both deserve it.
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
A Toast to Treachery: a new dp Publishers novel: cozy small-town woman sleuth mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 4) by J. New Kindle Edition A wedding full of secrets. A family in turmoil. And a murder that only the glorious Lilly Tweed can unravel in the latest Tea Leaf Mystery.
Lilly, a former Agony Aunt, purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth is hired to organise and cater a local wedding. She sees it as the perfect chance to expand The Tea Emporium into events. But as the bride’s family step back from responsibilities, one by one, Lilly finds herself taking on far more than she had bargained for. Thankfully, a friendly café owner steps in to help with the food. All seems to be going so well – the wedding rehearsal brings nothing more alarming than spilled wine and tense family bickering. But the big day ends – not in celebration… but murder … Read on, I beg you. £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GL7JSLYC/
Secrets of Burnham House | The gripping historical mystery in the regency era (The Sinclair Mysteries Book 1) by Bethany Swafford. Kindle Edition
She entered Burnham House to find the truth. But behind every locked door lies another lie …The first book of the captivating historical whodunit series set in Regency England. London, 1816. Juliet Sinclair was raised a lady—but whispers of treason stain her family name, so, posing as a servant, she steps into the shadows to clear it. She enters Burnham House, opulent house of her father’s associate, with a false identity and a singular mission: uncover the truth behind the allegations that destroyed her family. But so much is not what it seems – vanishing servants, locked doors, and … Nope, read it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. @ £0.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQCCN6BR/
A Turn In Time: A time-travel romance in the Highlands (The Bridge Through Time Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Jennae Vale, (fabulous image) Torn from the man she loves, she must choose between the past that betrayed her and the stranger who may hold her future … A spellbinding Highland time-travel romance filled with forbidden love, betrayal, and second chances
Summoned by his father to return home immediately, Dougall MacRae knows he cannot leave without his beloved Helene. He asks her to marry him and accompany him back to Castle Treun unaware that his father has plans for him to wed another in an attempt to strengthen clan alliances. He can keep Helene as a mistress, but not as his wife. Helene has lived her whole life at Breaghacraig and has left it all behind to marry Dougall. She refuses, however, to remain at Castle Treun as his mistress. Fleeing in the dark of night she pleads aloud for someone to help her and, strangely, she is engulfed in a thick fog and when it clears she finds herself in the year 2016 in San Francisco. Intriguing? I should say so. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GHMXLGG1/ @ £0.99
Content warning: there is audience participation and magical peril. Watch this production at your own risk!
However, it is very funny. Rufus Hound (who I last saw co-starring in a national touring production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, either on its way to the West End or fresh from it – can’t remember) is so affable and watchable, it’s amazing we don’t see more of him. Especially on tv.
Rufus Hound
Yet, in the intimate Palace Theatre, he holds this solo show together. And it’s all about magic, illusion and mesmerism. A full-on, large-scale magic show that has wit, improvisation and topicality thrown in for good measure.
It seems odd to have to say that I can’t really explain what happened during the show. There should be no spoilers! However, it’s enough to know that Rufus recently discovered that his estranged grandfather was a touring showman called The Mesmerist. Gaining access to all the props and instructions, he has recreated what the show would have looked like with the assistance of consultant magician Scott Penrose. So this is his take on his grandfather’s show.
Rufus as The Mesmerist
Overall, I do think there just needs to be a tiny bit more showmanship about the illusions. Many times the audience were unsure whether to applaud at the trick’s climax, or whether there was more to come. We so desperately wanted to appreciate him and we needed guidance with a few more ‘Ta-Daas’. It’s a lovely production and certainly one that will have audiences discussing it long after they have left the theatre.
Rufus Hound pictures Ross Kernahan
Poster Design Watford Palace Theatre
Writers Maheni Arthur, Georgia Crowther, Lancelot Ellis, Christopher York
Director Steve Marmion
Set & Costume Design Jasmine Swan
Magic Consultant Scott Penrose
Dates until Saturday 21st March 2026 Times Show times vary, check with website for details
The days are getting longer and snowdrops and daffodils are smiling from the borders – which all means that Mother’s Day is rushing towards us.
As a card-carrying mother, this always fills me with excitement. So what hints to drop to my lovely children? (After all I wouldn’t want them wasting their money on anything other than the perfect gift).
Well, I’ve just one word for you, Readers – Superdrug. That’s because Superdrug are running an unbelievable set of special offers for this Mother’s Day. There are fantastic savings across their premium fragrance range, with big-name brands for under £40 and discounts of up to 65% off.
I want to give a shout out to one of my favourite fragrances (kids are you still reading?), it’s L’Imperatrice Eau de Toilette by Dolce & Gabbana – discounted by 50% to just £33, how amazing is that? For those who haven’t tried L’Imperatrice, it’s classical Dolce & Gabbana, with a wonderful blend of sensual musk, exotic flowers and fruits – top notes of rhubarb, red currant and kiwi; heart notes of pink cyclamen and watermelon; and base notes of musk, sandalwood, grapefruit and wood. I’ve had so many people stop me and ask what I’m wearing.
But don’t stop at the fragrance bargains, there are some fantastic deals on makeup and beauty products too. Seriously my dear Reader, stop what you’re doing right now, and head straight to the Superdrug website. After all, your mum deserves it (and so do you).
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice
At the end of a long day I love to massage my feet with a good cream. There is nothing quite like it to relax. Lotil nourishing foot cream smells gorgeous and has a great, cooling, sensation. It sinks in beautifully and leaves feet feeling great.
Tried and trusted for over 100 years, Lotil Cream is a true household hero and they now have a new cream especially for your feet… The new Lotil Nourishing Foot Cream will really give your feet an invigorating treat! The rich cream seals in moisture and helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier for up to 12 hours*, leaving your skin feeling nourished and soft.
Specially formulated with Aloe Vera extract to moisturise, soothe and protect. Suitable for all dry skin conditions, easily absorbed and fragrance-free. *Independently tested
Under Snowflake Skies: A heart-warming seasonal contemporary romance (Seasons of Love Book 1) by Kristina Beck Love sparkles brightest under snowflake skies. A glittering holiday romance filled with snowstorms, sapphires and star-crossed sparks under the New York City lights. And don’t you just love the jacket.
When a winter storm blows Sophia Krose into jeweller Drew Devlin’s store, neither of them expects such sparks – in a good way. She’s only in town for six months, chasing new experiences but guarding her heart. He’s the talented but cautious designer whose latest creation – a snowflake-and-sapphire collection – suddenly has a muse. What about the twinkling sparks, though? Will hearts be damaged or soar to the stars? For now, this lovely kindle is FREE, so cheer yourselves up, especially if it’s still raining. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G24SJM1S/
If I Were You is quite different, no sparks, no melting snow, but is equally gripping – by Helen Matthews – a domestic thriller with a heart-pounding twist (Kindle Edition)She needs your help. But the truth she is hiding could destroy you both. A jaw-dropping thriller about two sisters that will keep you up all night
Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and herself. But the situation grows murkier. Hang onto your hats. @ £0.99 instead of £4.99 for a limited time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64HJ23M/
The Torch Betrayal:A high-stakes WWII espionage thriller (A Conor Thorn Novel Book 1) by Glenn Dyer. Kindle Edition:A disgraced agent… A missing battle plan… Will he find redemption or damage the Allies beyond repair? A high-stakes WWII thriller inspired by true events.
London, 1942. OSS Agent Conor Thorn is desperate for a second chance. After a botched mission in Tangier, Thorn knows failure is not an option. When confidential directives for Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, go missing, the agent must recover the plans before the Nazis thwart the crucial mission. Thorn teams up with MI6 agent Emily Bright to seek out the traitor in their midst… My kind of book, it romped along, fingernails were chewed. @ £0.99 instead of £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Torch-Betrayal-high-stakes-espionage-thriller-ebook/dp/B0FLJTHDY7/
Ex and the City: A fun and flirty second chance Romantic Comedy (The Logan Brothers Book 4) by Sally Clements. Kindle Edition Her career is on the brink. Her ex-husband holds the key.A fun, flirty second-chance romance that starts with a singing squirrel – and changes everything.
It’s a leading role? As the voice of a singing squirrel? Stacy Gold will take it – because she has no other choice. Her manager has betrayed her, her home is gone, and the career she built from nothing is slipping through her fingers but this isn’t the height of it, surely… @ £2.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GL4FT4DJ/
King of My Scars: A romantic suspense of desire, lies and second chances (The Kingdom Book 1) Kindle Edition
“He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body.”An exciting blend of spice and thrill marks the beginning of The Kingdom series. Arianna has left everything behind: her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again. Until she meets Denham King. He is dangerous, yet her safest haven… @ £1.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDVZQVZ/
