Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

The Titan Prophecy. The New Harry Potter? {Book Reviews}

Posted on by

The Titan Prophecy: Rise of the Dark One is a blockbuster fantasy novel aimed at young adults, steeped in Greek Mythology and tales of Greek gods and dragons. I am not a young adult but I still loved it. It is Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings. The book educates and entertains as it uses real Greek mythology and stories, it then entwined them with the story of Charlie, his sister Emily, and his friend Max. Two boys and a girl, sound familiar?

This is not just some Harry Potter rip-off. It is dazzling and original. It is hard to put down and actually a little bit scary. Not sure if I am supposed to admit that…The book includes current world issues like climate change into the fabric of the novel. It also has some killer lines like: ‘Thinking? Surely you can do better than that?”

It has a familiarity for anyone who is a fan of history due to the real mythical historical figures in it. It is a blockbusting action-adventure-fantasy-time-travelling- novel. A real triumph for A.M Crawford, a former political journalist. This book is the first in a series and I will be reading the other ones, even if I am not 11 and outside of the demographic.

This book received the ultimate stamp of approval from me; I got some of my friends to buy it so they could read it too.

A.M Crawford commented: I have tried to weave a tale that will engage the imagination of boys and girls from the age of 11 onwards so they will grow older with Charlie, Max and their friends and remain engaged throughout their teens. The combination of elements of Greek mythology with an adventure story set in a quintessential English village is a magical mix.”

Buy it here: The Titan Prophecy: Rise Of The Dark One

http://www.facebook.com/thetitanprophecy

High profile celebrity supporters back campaign for Fairtrade in 2012

Posted on by

High profile celebrity supporters back campaign to ‘take a step’ for Fairtrade in 2012

Sarah Brown, Harry Hill, Alistair McGowan, Alex Jones, Christine Bleakley, Lorraine Kelly, Dan Lobb, Sue Perkins, Jessica Hynes, Francesca ‘Cheska’ Hull, Kate Walsh, Natalie Pinkham, Di Dougherty, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, Louisa Lytton.

With individuals, groups and businesses up and down the country ‘stepping up’ the action for Fairtrade throughout 2012, a host of celebrities have committed to take their own steps in 2012 to help the world’s poorest farmers get a fair deal for the products they grow.

Sarah Brown will be reaching for the Fairtrade tea each time she goes to the supermarket. She said:

‘If you care about the people behind the food that ends up on your plate, or what clothes you wear, then please reach out to the poorest farmers around the world by taking a step for Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight.

‘By taking a step you will contribute to the start of getting millions of farmers and producers around the world a fairer deal. I will be taking my step for them when I do my weekly shop and reach for the, tea, coffee, bananas and chocolate that all show the famous FAIRTRADE Mark.’

TV presenter Christine Bleakley (ITV Dancing On Ice) saw what a difference Fairtrade can actually make when she visited a coffee farm in Uganda. She said: ‘The question isn’t ‘why do you buy Fairtrade?’ but ‘why don’t you?’ Ever since visiting Oliva Kishero, who farms coffee on the remote slopes of Mount Elgon in Uganda to support her own children and several orphaned cousins, I have been buying Fairtrade because I’ve seen first-hand what a difference it can actually make. I shall make sure that all my friends and family are doing the same during 2012’.

Comedian Harry Hill (ITV TV Burp) has visited Fairtrade banana and cocoa farms in Ghana and the peanut farms where they grow ‘Harry’s Nuts!’ Fairtrade peanuts in Malawi. He saw how the extra money or premium which goes to the farmers from Fairtrade sales helps them to improve their lives – to educate their children, for example, and put proper roofs on their homes. He said: ‘I shall be eating more of my favourite snack Fairtrade Harry’s Nuts! salted peanuts – yum yum!

It’s great that by going NUTS for Fairtrade such big changes can be possible within just one African country.’

Impressionist Alistair McGowan and TV presenter Sue Perkins (BBC Great British Bake Off) have both been bitten by the baking bug and have vowed to cook up a storm with cakes made with Fairtrade ingredients. Alistair said: ‘This year, like many people, I’ve been introduced to the joys of baking. And, as an ethically-minded shopper, I try to include as many Fairtrade ingredients as possible in my new creations. There are many tasty Fairtrade products to bake with; from ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to raisins, honey, dried fruits and vanilla. There’s even Fairtrade wine for the more adventurous!’ Sue Perkins said: ‘I’m no stranger to eating delicious cakes. I will be taking my step knowing they taste even better if they’ve been made from Fairtrade ingredients.’

Chocoholics Alex Jones (BBC One Show), Natalie Pinkham (BBC Five Live / Formula One) and Di Dougherty (Sky Sports) will be treating themselves with more Fairtrade chocolate. Alex Jones said: ‘During 2012, my step will be to enjoy my Fairtrade chocolate knowing that every bite will deliver a little bit of extra magic, supporting the farmers who grew the cocoa to invest in a brighter future.’

Early birds Lorraine Kelly and Dan Lobb will be joining actress Jessica Hynes and TV presenter Kate Walsh in making sure that their first steps of the day throughout the year will be to drink a Fairtrade cup of tea or coffee. Lorraine Kelly said ‘I cannot go without a cuppa first thing in the morning. So I will be making sure I drink Fairtrade tea and coffee this year. It’s an easy way to make a difference to the lives of farmers in developing countries.’ Dan Lobb said: ‘Buying a Fairtrade banana or cup of coffee is a tiny step on my part. But by switching to these products during Fairtrade Fortnight, it’s like a butterfly effect and ends up making a massive difference in the fight against global poverty.’

Strictly’s Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will be starting their days with a glass of Fairtrade orange juice. They said: ‘A Fairtrade breakfast is our first step of the day. We always try to have a refreshing glass of Fairtrade fruit juice because we know this guarantees that the orange farmer has received a fair deal.’

Committed shopaholic and fashionista Made In Chelsea’s Cheska Hull is vowing to add more Fairtrade cotton to her wardrobe. She said: “Ethical fashion doesn’t have to mean boring. Even the most fierce fashionista can find something gorgeous to wear made out of Fairtrade cotton.”

Ex-Eastender’s actress Louisa Lytton will be hoping to receive more Fairtrade flowers on special occasions in 2012. She said: ‘A step for Fairtrade is an easy way to make a difference to the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries. So, next time you want to surprise a loved one, why not give Fairtrade flowers?’

Through the ‘Take A Step for Fairtrade’ campaign, the Fairtrade Foundation wants to see more individuals and businesses buying and selling Fairtrade products in the UK. The public are being asked to think about what they can do every day, every week or every month throughout 2012 and take a step to make a difference to the lives of farmers in the developing world who produce the products they buy.

With a wide range of products, from supermarket own label to top brands – great products offering good value and decent values too – a step for Fairtrade can be as simple as trying a new Fairtrade product like buying a Fairtrade coffee on the way to work, or making sure the weekly shopping basket contains one or two more Fairtrade products like Fairtrade tea or bananas, or encouraging their friends and family to switch to Fairtrade.

With Fairtrade every step counts.In Malawi, for example, sugar farmers earn a fair price for the sugar they sell on Fairtrade terms. As a result, farmers in Chinangwa village have been able to bring clean water and electricity to their homes, afford roofs for their houses and school fees for their children.

The more people that support Fairtrade, the more farmers and workers will be able to improve their lives through the better terms of trade it offers. The Fairtrade Foundation encourages everyone to start their journey at www.fairtrade.org.uk/step

MILLIE AND MANUKA DOCTOR

Posted on by

Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh is supporting Manuka Doctor, innovators of the UK’s first ever Purified Bee Venom skincare collection, on their stand at this year’s Vitality Show.

On Saturday 24th March between 10am and 1pm Millie will be offering skincare advice to show visitors in support of her favourite skincare range.

Millie, brand ambassador for Manuka Doctor and a huge fan of natural beauty, suffered with acne in her teens and knows what it feels like to still get the occasional breakout. The heavy make-up required for filming and constant parties and events, means Millie needs something highly effective in cleaning the skin. Being a make-up artist she also understands how hard it is to keep skin looking clear and healthy.

“As a make-up artist I come across so many products and brands – I also get sent a lot of products to try – my absolute favourite at the moment is Manuka Doctor. I really like their ApiClear range. The Foaming Cleanser, Skin Treatment Serum and Moisturising Lotion are all really good for balancing troubled skin.” Millie Mackintosh

Millie’s not alone, since Manuka Doctor’s launch at the end of last year, hero products from the range have completely sold out through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. Other celebrity bee venom fans include Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiClear range is specifically designed to help balance troubled skin. Purified Bee Venom (PBV™) works alongside New Zealand Manuka Honey, known for its anti-bacterial qualities, and Propolis, to help eliminate the causes of blemishes, nurture cell regeneration and renew damaged skin cells.

A recent trial into the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Purified Bee Venom against acne inducing bacteria, conducted by Dr SangMi Han and published in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research[i] (2010), proved Bee Venom to be an effective alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy for acne. Try the ApiClear Treatment Serum (£18.99 for 30ml) to provide an antiseptic solution for inflamed troubled skin.

Manuka Doctor’s Purified Bee Venom is the result of a unique patented purification process that removes any unwanted particles after it’s been collected from the bees. The venom is extracted using a safe process that ensures that the bee’s lifespan, well being and performance are not affected.

The Manuka Doctor range of Purified Bee Venom products is sold exclusively through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide and online at www.hollandandbarrett.com.

Prices range from £3.49 to £49.99.

Boots Summer Show

Posted on by

Boots Summer Show on Wednesday 29 Feb 2012.

Decked with sun-loungers, sombreros and coconut shelled piña coladas, the garden conservatory at the Barbican Centre was transformed into an oasis of tranquillity for the Boots Summer show.

The giant health and beauty retailer showcased its new range of products for summer 2012 with lotions and potions for work, rest and play.

With temperatures set to sore mid year, Boots’ new range provides functional yet appealing cosmetics and travel accessories whether you’re in an emergency or simply want to add a bit of glamour to your evening.

Highlights from the tropical event include the sweet-smelling self-tanning lotion, the highly glittered nail varnishes and the gorgeous 17 bronzing powder.

But here’s a summary of what you can expect in-store and online from May/June onwards.

Make-up

With its own range of make-up (17 and No.7), Boots has had to up its offering to the already populated cosmetic counter.

This year it seems to be all about getting a sultry, shimmering glow to the face and body and the new range is guaranteed to add a sparkle to your dull cosmetics bag.

The 17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder (£5.49 for 20g) is striking in terms of its looks; a leopard print design of multi-toned powder within an embossed palette. As well as adding warmth to the skin, the speckles of gold dust illuminate the face.

My favourite product from the summer preview was No 7 Stay Perfect glitter top coat (£8 for 9ml) which, unfortunately, is only on sale between 16 May – 10 July.

In either gold or silver, the nail varnish is perfect on its own or as the pièce de resistance on top of a bold statement colour.

Soltan Beautiful Bronze (£5.99 for 125ml) is the perfect medium for women who want to enhance their skin tone in a quick and affordable way. While promising to moisturise your skin and add a deep, rich tone instantly, this self-tan also leaves your skin smelling sweetly, unlike other tanning products. Another bonus is that you can wash it all off after you’ve dazzled and danced the night away!

Sun, Swim and Gym

This range is aimed toward both active women and those who prefer to relax on the beach and have a dip in the sea.

Our hair is exposed to UV rays, chlorine and salt and Boots has developed an intensive shampoo (£3.05 for 250ml) and conditioner (£3.59 for 200ml) that hydrates hair strands, leaving your bob sleek and shiny. It’s handy enough to pack into your gym bag or take with you on your summer holidays.

Another sure handbag favourite is Mark Hill’s Holiday Hair (£4.49 for 50ml) which adds nutrients to the scalp to stop it drying out and it’s especially good for coloured hair, preventing it from fading too quickly.

Food and Dieting

The Shapers products include a variety of not too naughty but nice snack bars and flavoured water packed with vitamins.

Under 100 calories each, the raspberry and white chocolate, and the rocky road crispie (55p for 24g) will be included in the Boots healthy meal deal options along with sandwiches for the weight-conscious. Perfect for women on the go.

Travel Medicine

I have to say, I was very excited about the Boots Pharmaceuticals Repel products for when you’re on your travels.

The bite and sting relief patches provide soothing remedy to bites and stings with its hydrogel pads, preventing you from scratching and irritating the infected area further.

But Boots hasn’t just thought about the necessary pills and pads for vacations away, it’s also come up with novel Allergy and Hayfever melt-in-the-mouth tablets (£4.99 for 14 one-a-day tablets). With millions of people suffering from Hayfever, these instant tablets should help you make the most of summer, rather than having to hide indoors once the pollen counters begin to rise.

Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops {Recipes}

Posted on by

Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops

Serves 4

This is a fresher, lighter version of your usual mayonnaise covered coleslaw that can be made
ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also serve this slaw with steak, grilled salmon or a jacket
potato

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

For the winter slaw:
¼ red cabbage, finely shredded
¼ white cabbage, finely shredded
4 carrots, peeled and grated
1 British red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp dill, chopped
Handful lightly toasted pine nuts

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tsp caster sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons walnut oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
For the lamb chops
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2-3 tbsp oil
8 lamb chops
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together in a jar – giving them all a good
shake. The dressing can be made ahead.
2. Place the shredded cabbages, carrots and onion in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Toss
the apple in the lemon juice and add to the vegetables along with the dill. Add the pine
nuts just before serving.
3. Add the dressing and mix well, allowing the flavours to infuse together.
4. For the lamb chops, mix together the cayenne pepper and the oil until well combined. Rub
the lamb chops all over with the mixture, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly
ground black pepper.
5. Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat; add the lamb chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on
each side, or until golden-brown on both sides and cooked, but still pink in the middle.
6. Serve the lamb chops with a serving of the winter slaw.

Onion Tart Tatin {Recipes}

Posted on by

Onion Tart Tatin

Serves 2

This dish looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make! Serve with a sprinkling of goat’s
cheese and rocket for a starter or light meal to impress. You could also make this in two separate
tart tins for individual portions.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

2 British brown onions
1 British red onion
50g butter
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
A few thyme sprigs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
250 g ready rolled puff pastry, defrosted if frozen
Little flour for rolling

1. Preheat the oven, 200°C/fan oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6
2. Cut the onions into wedges from the roots to the stems. Melt the butter in a 20 cm (8
inch) frying pan with a metal handle. Add the onions and fry over a medium heat for about
5 minutes, turning from time to time until just beginning to brown.
3. Add the honey and vinegar and cook for a further 5 minutes, moving and shaking the pan
occasionally so the onions do not stick to the pan. Arrange the onions so they make a
pretty pattern, remembering you will be inverting the tart. Add the thyme stems and
season well. Leave to cool while you prepare the pastry.
4. Roll out the pastry on to a lightly floured surface and cut into a circle slightly larger than
the diameter of the frying pan. Lift the pastry over the onions and tuck down the sides of
the pan or tin. Make 2 small slits for the steam to escape.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is well risen. Leave to stand for 5 minutes. Turn
the pastry gently to release; you should be able to spin the tart tatin when it is ready to
serve. Cover the pan with a plate, invert then remove the pan leaving the tart now on the
plate.
6. Serve warm or cold, with a scattering of rocket and Parmesan shavings.

Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows

Posted on by

Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows take part on 18 & 19 February 2012

Fashions Finest LFW shows continue to grow from strength to strength attracting designers from across the globe from as far afield as India, Nigeria, Poland, Zambia and numerous emerging and established designers from across the UK.

Fashions Finest is not your ordinary London Fashion Week show as it continuously pushes the boundaries and gives opportunities to new, aspiring and emerging designers that would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week.

This season Fashions Finest added an extra dimension to its shows by for the first time having solo shows alongside the group shows. John Peter and Yes London showed male and female collections
respectively. These two shows were absolute road blocks with guests being turned away in large numbers,
All of the shows attracted celebrities such as celebrity hair dresser Stuart Phillip and a lot of the top media outlets and buyers from across the world.

FF LFW Catwalk Schedule

Saturday 18th February 2012
Day 1
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Ocansey Bianchi (UK)
• Bukki (UK)
• Gruni (Scotland)
• BZion(UK)
• Rouge by Rachelle (UK)

5pm Show – Established Designers
• Beata Guzinska (Poland/UK)
• Smart Phiri (Zambia)
• Fee Uhssi Designs(UK)
7.30pm – Solo Show
• John Peter (Italy/UK)
9pm – Solo Show (Italy/UK)
• Yes London
Sunday 19th February 2012
Day 2
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Motohiro Tanji (Japan/UK)
• Yola Walaszek (Poland/UK)
• Heart 365 Emporium (UK)
• LinmiR Millinery (UK)
• Chatenya Mittal (India)
• GUZOVAART (Scotland)
6pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Lakot Couture (UK)
• ODF Clothing (UK)
• AGR (UK)
• BZion (UK)
• Thre3e.ten Clothing (UK)
• Eva Cammarata (UK)
8.30pm Show – Established Designers
• Jan Knibbs (UK)
• Mia by Mia Nisbet (Scotland/Malawi)
• House of Silk (Nigeria)
• SVE (UK)

Detailed Information on the designers can be found on Fashions Finest

EVOLUTION FESTIVAL

Posted on by

Looking for something to so this Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend?

If you are in Newcastle Gateshead Quayside there is a musical extravagance.

www.evolutionfestival.co.uk

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5, Maximo Park, Noah & The Whale plus many more confirmed for the North East music spectacular

A host of outstanding music talent across 2 days

No work on Tuesday (thanks Queen) so…
the perfect weekend to party

‘The biggest bargain of the summer’ NME

‘The UK’s model City Festival’ Clash

Evolution Festival returns to the North East on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend with a stellar line up of the most influential and exciting names in popular music. Evolution attracts 28,000 people per day to the Quayside, delivering an outstanding bill of contemporary live acts and dj’s at an unbeatable price. And the 2012 line up is the best one yet!

2012 is the ‘Return Of The Rascal” headlining the main stage on Sunday is the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal. The ultimate showman whose pop sensibilities seamlessly fuse Grime, House and Hip-hop Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audience and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco.

Not the first dead rodent to be found on the Quayside but certainly the biggest, famed for his notorious live shows, the mighty Deadmau5 brings the biggest production ever to Evolution with his jaw dropping audio visual spectacular. His set up will no doubt light up the Quayside for a perfect finale to the weekend. With an epic mix of EDM Deadmau5 is a genuine global star and this is his only North of England show this year.

The North East’s favourite sons Maximo Park will grace the stage as very special guests in support of Dizzee. Having blazed a trail around the Globe representing all that is good and infectious about the North East we are stoked to have them at Evolution and with the band currently ensconced in the Studio working on their new album we look forward to giving the boys a HUGE hometown welcome as they hit the stage for one of their legendary, incendiary live shows.

Noah & The Whale delivered the hugely critically and commercially successful ‘Last Night On Earth’ album last year and are undoubtedly one of the best live bands in the country as their recent sell out UK tour demonstrated. Variously described as anti-folk, nu-folk and folk-pop (a confusing multitude of pigeonholes) alongside like-minded souls such as Laura Marling and Emmy the Great. Both of whom were part-time members of the band at various points.

Rizzle Kicks have been the undisputed breakout act of the past 6 months seemingly coming from nowhere to top radio playlist and the charts and injecting some fun into proceedings wherever they perform. Rizzle Kicks are destined for superstardom in 2012 and their set will be one of the feel good moments of the festival.

Whilst touring with the Arctic Monkeys with The Rascals, Miles Kane developed
a strong friendship with front man Alex Turner. They shared a love of the same musical influences, such as Nick Cave. The pair began to play together backstage, and soon began writing new tracks. They realized that there was a future in their songwriting partnership, and the Last Shadow Puppets were born. Since his work with Turner Kane has shone with his solo material and his debut album has won millions of plaudits.

With artist such as Devlin, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Band Of Skulls, Spector and Jessie Ware amongst other confirmations on the main stage, Evolution 2012’s line up takes on monstrous proportions.

The Ballast Hills this year will be home of some of the most pioneering electronic music and all tastes are catered for with a truly amazing and eclectic bill across both days. DJ sets from DJ Fresh, SBTRKT, Jack Beats, Toddla T, Maya Jane Coles and a live set from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are certain to have the Evolution crowd partying into the night.

Evolution promoter Jim Mawdsley comments ‘We are very proud to bring such a strong and progressive line up to NewcastleGateshead for this years Evolution Festival. We look forward to partying with you all in June’.

Evolution festival continues to bring the best artists to the North East to perform in front of the UK’s most rapturous festival audience. At £25 for a day ticket or £35 for the weekend, Evolution continues its tradition of providing an amazing show for an unbeatable price.

Alongside hosting some of the biggest acts on the planet Evolution will once again introduce the crowd to a wealth of emerging local talent on the third stage – partnered with Generator the UK’s leading Music Development Agency this stage gives local talent a chance to get their foot on the ladder and play to the biggest crowd of their careers to date

For Hi Res Artist Pics / Biogs / Logos please visit: http://www.wearesoundproof.com/press.html

FULL LINE UP

Sunday 3 June
Spillers Wharf
Dizzee Rascal
Plus very special guests
Maximo Park
Miles Kane
Devlin
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Dog Is Dead
Lulu James
Theme Park
The Lake Poets

Ballast Hills
Turbulence & Metropolis present
DJ sets from…
DJ Fresh
Jack Beats
Shy FX
Friction
Toddla T
Dot Rotten
Citizen
Codename:Tyrone

Monday 4 June
Spillers Wharf
Deadmau5
Noah & The Whale
Rizzle Kicks
Band Of Skulls
Here We Go Magic
Spector
Jessie Ware
The Milk
Mausi

Ballast Hills
Wax:On presents
DJ sets from…
SBTRKT
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (live)
Maya Jane Coles
Eats Everything
Jackmaster
People Get Real
Mike Jones

Whilst the outdoor Bank Holiday Weekend extravaganza is the pinnacle of the Evolution programme we still have much more to announce – including the Evolution Emerging programme, Music Futures and the Jumpin Hot Club programme of shows that will be wrapped around Gateshead venues.

EVOLUTION FESTIVAL Online Links:

Website: http://www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EvolutionFest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evofest