The Dandelion Dog is written in catchy and rhyming verse, has vibrant illustrations and a dancing font which will mesmerise children as they discover the Dandelion Dog’s powers, his amazingly handsome demeanour and unexpected magical prowess.

Written to encourage children to let their imaginations run wild, children (and those reading to them) will be hoping that this most extraordinary of hounds has plenty more adventures to share. But let me tell you more about this particular adventure:

This dandiest dog of them all pays a visit to a little girl who, unknowingly, has summoned him after wishing on a dandelion flower. Together they embark on a wonderful adventure through the countryside with the help of the Dandelion Dog’s powers, but will the little girl’s wish really come true? Gracious, I wouldn’t dream of telling you.

Before we go on, just look at the fabulous font and welcoming tone of the artwork:

I was as entranced as the 6 year old who read it to me. It has robust and energetic illustrations, which ooze with fun, and a bouncing rhythm to the rhyme. So much so, I simply can’t resist sharing a paragraph with you: (copyright Nathalie Warriner-White)

They let out a great big bellow! Then were saved when they landed in the meadow in a bed full of yellow.

‘Well thank you my marvellous fellows!’ said the Dandelion dog to the bed full of yellow. Which turned out to a sea of Dandelion flowers so wild and free.

I simply had to ask Nathalie how on earth she arrived at this wonderful creation, the Dandelion Dog.

Nathalie Warriner-White who lives in Kent with her husband and crazy Jack Russell dog loves to both write and draw ‘My inspiration comes from my cheeky crazy dog, the many camping adventures that I have been on, and all the places I have visited. I am a self taught artist, and have always loved to draw since I was 5 years old. My first recollection was drawing Tweety Pie at school and I carried it on throughout my life, doing pictures for all my friends’ children which they have hanging on their bedroom walls.’

So, has she always been a career artist, toiling in a studio? Well, not quite, she toiled in a bank and is now working for the council. However the creative urge was always present, as was reading. Her absolute favourite was that most original of authors, Roald Dahl.

But what brought about the birth of The Dandelion Dog? I asked. ‘I had reached a stage in my life when I needed to do something I absolutely loved which I could run alongside my job as a second string. After a conversation I had with my Dad, in which he asked if I had ever thought about illustrating childrens books, I realised that, as I loved to write, why not create my own illustrated children’s book? That was it and within days The Dandelion Dog magically elbowed its way into my life, insisting on being written – in rhyme. Then I drew the illustrations, colouring them in pastels before buying an iPad Pro to do all the pictures again digitally as they translated better when printed on paper.’

This second string is our children’s gain as we enjoy the birth of The Dandelion Dog series. Do read it, it’s fabulous.

The Dandelion Dog is available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/2H5pd0H

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I must be honest, I don’t like prosecco – I’ve always found it too sweet, so I’m delighted to have found a soulmate in Katherine Jones, creator of ThinK Wine Group. Keen on reducing unnecessary sugar in her life and having failed to find any palatable low-sugar sparkling wine, in 2020 she decided to create her own, and I’m so glad she did.

In fact I’m very excited about ThinK Wine Prosecco. It’s made in the Treviso region of Italy, from the finest Glera grapes, thus earning its right to the Prosecco name. But this isn’t just ‘another prosecco’ – oh no – it’s organic and vegan, and lower in sugars, carbohydrates and sulphites.

But now for the exciting bit, unlike some low sugar wines, ThinK Wine haven’t relied on ‘cheats’ such as artificial sweeteners. Through arduous trial, error, and more trial, ThinK Wine have developed a method which allows nature to express itself. The ThinK Wine Prosecco process majors on the natural flavour and sugars in the grapes to create the alcohol and the fizz. As someone with a passion for the healthy benefits of natural, unadulterated products and the power of nature, this is a joy to learn.

So that brings us to the million-dollar question – how does it taste? Well my verdict is … exquisite. The lower sugar allows the natural flavours of the grapes to shine, and I now have a new respect for the Glera grape – pear and citrus, delicate and exciting – a real pleasure to sip slightly chilled. Thanks to a guest appearance of the sun today, I can confirm that ThinK Wine Prosecco is perfect for a warm afternoon in the garden with friends. And this isn’t just my opinion, it won silver at the world-renowned Glass of Bubbly Awards.

But there’s more. ThinK Wine have developed a great sparkling rosé too – ThinK PinK, made from Pinot Grigio grapes, also from Treviso, an area with a great reputation for this type of wine. Like the Prosecco, ThinK PinK is vegan and organic with reduced sugar, calories and sulphites. And yes I did test this in the garden today too, although only the one glass, I promise. It was simply delicious – light and distinctive – classic pinot grigio. And like it’s Prosecco sister, it also has the validation of a silver win at the world-renowned Glass of Bubbly Awards.

Both wines have just 75 calories and 0g carbs with just 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml (classed as zero sugar by UK standards), while still retaining an ABV of 11%. 

So if you’re tempted, and you should be, these super sparkling wines are available from ThinK Wine at a very competitive £20.99 for a 75cl bottle. Handy 20cl bottles are also available. So think summer, ThinK Wine.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

As someone who loves cocktails and coffee in equal measure CAFÉ SOLO are pretty much pushing at an open door with their latest offering.

CAFÉ SOLO ORIGINAL is the first in a range of full-bodied super premium cold brew coffee liqueurs, carefully combining their exceptional blend of cold brew espresso -strength coffee, with premium vodka and natural sugar.  In restaurants I have been known to forgo pudding in exchange for an Espresso Martini, but one soon learns that the quality can vary, so thank goodness that CAFÉ SOLO realised the market is missing a premium coffee liqueur and crafted the ultimate Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. 

CAFÉ SOLO Original is a premium espresso strength cold brew coffee liqueur. The cold brew coffee brewing process retains the natural flavours and oils from ethically sourced coffee which is mixed with British vodka and natural sugar and boasts a full-bodied flavour profile, rich acidity, and a refreshingly clean finish. It boasts a robust ABV of 25%, delivering a bold, rich flavour profile with hints of dark fruit acidity, chocolate and vanilla notes, culminating in a subtle sweet finish.

In the interest of balance, I felt that despite any personal hardship, I would follow the Espresso Martini recipe on the website visit: www.solocoffee.co.uk (it’s a tough job but someone has to do it.) and I can report that it is pretty much perfect, not too sweet and not at all harsh I would happily order this is a restaurant, so making it at home seems to me a great alternative and cheaper too. From my experience it takes practice and a fair amount of exertion to achieve that foam on the surface, but practice makes perfect.

I was keen to try the CAFÉ SOLO Negroni recipe as I consider myself something of an aficionado although previously my experimental urges only extended to adding a teaspoon of Limoncello to the traditional recipe. It had never occurred to me that coffee could also be added, and I can report that this is a game changer, although there is room for both.

Irish coffee is a little too retro for me as I well remember it from the 1970s, though I am sure that this would make one even better than the original, but I didn’t attempt to make it. However, in my homage to Affogato do try the coffee liqueur poured over vanilla ice cream. You can thank me later.

CAFÉ SOLO Original is available on Amazon at an RRP of £30 for a 70cl bottle.

For more information on CAFÉ SOLO visit www.cafesolo.co.uk and @CafeSoloLiqueur Instagram

 www.solocoffee.co.uk and @SoloCoffeeUK Instagram

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British sculptor Laurence Edwards’ striking bronze figures, Walking Men (2018-2022), have taken up residence in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, where they will be on display until 10th June.

​Laurence Edwards said of his creation: “These five 8ft ancient bronze figures pass through an iconic English view, on their search for a place, where have they come from, where are they going, what are they thinking?”

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The 8ft tall figures are seen to be anti-heroic and seem to have come from the earth itself. Branches, leaves and clods of clay are woven through them, making it unclear where human and ground begin and end. 

​The raw materials from which they have been cast, have been pushed, pulled and gouged into shape ‘with a visceral energy that makes the artist’s act of creation palpable’. 

​Heather Carter, Managing Director, Blenheim Palace, commented: ”We are delighted to welcome Laurence Edwards’ five Walking Men to Blenheim Palace.  

​Images courtsey of Pete Seaward

“These remarkable pieces set against the backdrop of the Palace allow our visitors to experience art at its most incredible within an awe-inspiring setting. This installation is with us until 10th June 2024, and we encourage people to visit us quickly to enjoy and appreciate

Blenheim Palace is home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough’s triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

​Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries. Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the ‘finest view in England’.

​

Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a Russian novelist towards the end of the 19th-Century, famous for such works as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. Amongst his shorter stories is The Dream Of A Ridiculous Man, about an ordinary man who finally realises that nothing matters so decides to shoot himself. Beforehand, he falls asleep and has a dream which, upon waking, has changed his view of the world and life as a whole. In the story, he tells us of his vision for the future.

Billed as a ‘thought-provoking yet hilarious exploration of human nature’, sadly the play sets itself up for a fall. It stumbles through far too many genres and styles like a tipsy drinker weaving through tables and chairs whilst heading for the bar…

But there is much to like! It’s a one-man show, calmly performed by Greg Hicks. He is assisted by a wonderful armoury of lighting and sound effects, along with original music and graceful choreography.

Herein lies its weakness – the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ comes to mind. So much artistry is thrown in with so little coherence that it dilutes the message and dulls the sharpness of the point of the production, which must surely be the short story upon which it is based. It lacks the urgency which the man’s vision deserves. After all, he is trying to tell us something he believes to be important, to keep us listening, to persuade us… the whole feel is one of cosiness and safety – there’s no shock or peril, very little variation of dark and light… it is, dare I say it, beige.

It may gain some edge as the run continues. I really do hope so, because there is so much quality on show here.

Paul Vates.

Photography Mark Senior

Writer/Director Laurence Boswell

Designer Loren Elstein

Lighting Designer Ben ormerod

Sound Designer Gary Sefton

Movement Director Gary Sefton

Composer Harrison White

Running Time 75 minutes – no interval

Dates until Saturday 20th April 2024

Check with the theatre for show times

Venue Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT

Box Office Tickets are £26.50 and available from:

www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/the-dream-of-a-ridiculous-man

Instagram @marylebonetheatre

Twitter @MaryleboneTHLDN

Facebook @MaryleboneTheatre

Margaret and Dick were walking Rosie and Polly along a country track on the way to the little stream.

‘Why,’ stamped Margaret, staring ahead. ‘Do people do that? Poo bag, please Dick. Now.’

‘Really, they should pick it up,’ said Dick, groping. ‘Oh no, I have used all mine.’

Margaret fumbled in her pockets, tissues out, dog treats out, old co-op receipt. old post office receipt now. 2nd class book of stamps out.’ ‘Why,’ Asked Dick, ‘don’t you empty your pockets, from time to time?’

‘Never mind that. I have found my stamps. This could be a good morning after all.’

‘And a poo bag?’

‘I have two more pockets,’ soothed Margaret, knowing that Dick has a special pocket for poo bags, a special pocket for tissues, an inside pocket for receipts, and a second inside pocket for phone. Margaret doesn’t know how she came to live with someone with such a tidy mind. Sometimes she hears Dick asking the flagpole how he came to live with someone who was so dreadfully, awfully untidy, and who empties her pockets sometimes, but then filled them up again, in no particular order.

Finally Margaret found her poo bag, tucked up her jumper sleeve beneath her waterproof coat. She realised she had put it there, instead of her pocket, which was why there were so very many tissues in every pocket.

She gave Dick Polly’s lead to hold, and approached the poo. It was rather a large one. She felt cross all over again. She turned back to Dick, and started to say, ‘Really, it is too bad.’

But Dick was pointing, wagging his forefinger at the poo. (Margaret is sorry to keep saying poo, but needs must). His mouth was working, but no words.

Margaret turned back to the poo. It seemed it was once more, women’s work. But … Lord … Arrrgh … The poo … was moving, yes it was. Just a bit, then it sort of fell on its side. It had a little hand – yes it did, and another. Then there was a sort of shiver (not not from Margaret and Dick, but they felt like shivering.)

‘I’m holding the dogs,’ Dick said. ‘You’d better check things are …’

‘Are what?’ said Margaret creeping forward, poo bag in her hand. But what good was a poo bag if there was a sort of hand. The pile was back as it had been.

Urghh. Ooooh. How. Whaaat?

Margaret reached it, she bent over, she really looked. Was it a frog? But … There was another. Yes, two frogs, but there was another, sort of lying over the heads of the two frogs, and then, when she tried to count the legs, there was another set of legs and arms, all with hands, these two were sort of wrapped round the head of the two frogs.

Margaret breathed in. She put her poo bag back in her pocket. ‘Frog stack,’ she said in a matter of fact voice, because she had read about it, and she liked to be a know it all. But f-o-u-r frogs.

‘What are they doing?’ Dick said.

Margaret didn’t like to even think what they were doing, but she expected it was naughty. It was spring. She told Dick what she thought.

Dick looked at Polly and Rosie. ‘Not in front of the little ones,’ he said, his mouth looking as though he had sucked a lemon. ‘This is not our business, it really truly is not.’ Best just leave these four to ‘it’.’

So Margaret and Dick did as ‘it’ resonated for quite some distance. They left them to ‘it’ too, on their return, and as they stepped over them, the frogs sort of shivered again. (sorry if this is too explicit)

‘Well, it is spring,’ Margaret said to Dick.

‘Stop talking,’ said Dick, and hurried on back to Margaret and Dick’s garden, and Margaret did not make the coffee for a little while, for Dick would need a few moments… Yes, you know don’t you … with the flagpole.

I confess to being a quiz show fanatic. I freely admit to spending far too many hours staring at the TV and wracking my brains for that elusive answer, buried somewhere deep in my aging memories.

So I’m super-excited about Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win game –an impressively close match to the TV show experience.

Those who know the show won’t need an explanation, but for others, in brief: firstly there’s a real Money Ladder – yes there is – which you can hang up and then use the Score Trackers to climb up the ladder, just like on TV. The first part of the game is to answer questions to win lives, then you progress to the next stage when you must answer your way through 10 question cards by giving either the exact answer or a lower number, and bank as much money as you can – there’s no limit how much you can earn, but if your answer’s wrong you lose lives, and if it’s too high, you lose everything you’ve banked and lose the game. There are other neat features, such as life-line cards to be earned too. I love that a QR code is provided which allows you to play digitally, automatically keeping track of your scores.

I’m impressed how Ginger Fox have captured the spirit of the TV show and made it accessible to all. The game is for anyone from eight years old and above, and the questions range from easy to hard as you progress up the Money Ladder. The box is small enough to take on holiday without any problem and you can even play it by yourself if you are a serious quiz show addict.

At just £24.99 from Ginger Fox this is a great game.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

I love HeyDoodle and so does my four-year old grandson – like all the best toys, the concept is simple and well-executed. There’s a wide range of educational colouring mats and books to choose from and each comes with a set of lovely brightly-coloured pens. As the mats and books are all made of silica, they can be wiped clean at the end of the day – no mess at all.

Certainly my grandson was absorbed for hours, keeping in the lines of the different animals and fish in the Habitats Above & Below book. Not only did it help him to colour neatly, but this book, in the new vertical format, has one page for creatures of the sky, one for mountain-dwellers, another featuring lions and giraffes living at ground level and finally a page for underground animals – a simple way for children to learn a great deal through simply colouring. But there’s more – on the other side were sea creatures – ranging from those living just below the surface (the Sunlight zone), those which swim in the deeper Twilight zone, then the Midnight zone-dwellers and finally the Abyss at 5000m below sea level, including of course sunken pirate treasure (I learned a lot myself looking at those pages).

Like all the books, it was presented with the colouring pens in a very neat keepsake box which is super easy to store and takes up almost no room. The books would be perfect for a long car journey, thus limiting the number of ‘Are we there yet?’s. Other titles include Natural Wonders and Old MacDonald Had A Farm. At £24.99 these make a really special gift for kids and can be used again and again.

Frost has featured the Dinoroars colouring mat before and these are still just £14.99 for the A4 size and £21.99 for the A3 size. But don’t take my word for it, check out the HeyDoodle website for lots more great ideas.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.