Category Archives: Life & Style

Guylian Belgian chocolate – New look, new taste!

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Guylian unveils brand new packaging and makes moves towards becoming a sustainability leader
chocolate

Guylian, the premium Belgian chocolatier, has announced a brand-new relaunch including beautifully designed green and copper packaging, which is also 100% recyclable; a new and improved recipe to make the chocolates even more delicious and is proud now to be 100% Fairtrade certified alongside many other sustainable changes.

CEO of Guylian, Tom Snick, said “This year will see many exciting changes in store for Guylian. From an improved flavour profile to our pioneering sustainability initiatives, and a fresh and luxurious new look design, we’re confident that these exciting changes will help us to continue as the world’s favourite Belgian chocolate brand.”

With consumers demanding more and more from their favourite brands, Guylian is delighted to be the biggest Belgian chocolate company to be 100% Fairtrade certified.

By working with Fairtrade, suppliers are guaranteed a fixed cocoa price, thereby improving their livelihoods, and positively impacting their communities. Fairtrade is supporting cocoa farming co-operatives in their push for living incomes and better terms of trade for their cocoa farmers. For companies, that includes paying a fair price for the produce, and for farmers, it includes workers’ rights and protection of the environment.

Mike Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, said “It’s great to see the distinctive Fairtrade logo now appear on Guylian packaging in stores nationwide, giving chocolate lovers another reason to enjoy an indulgent, ethically sourced treat that’s been produced with the planet in mind and where cocoa farmers have been treated fairly. Cocoa farmers and their families are struggling to make ends meet due to climate change, poor soil quality and long-term low prices. When you choose Fairtrade, you choose education, empowerment, fairer incomes and training to help farmers adapt to climate change.”

Renowned for its Sea Shells, which are a harmonious blend of dark, white, and milk chocolate filled with the signature praliné filling, Guylian has improved its time-honoured, traditional recipe using only the best hazelnuts, roasted in house in their shells to guarantee the best taste. The result is a more intense and less sweet hazelnut flavour, to make them even more irresistible. From relaunch, Guylian will offer a select range, focusing on Sea Shells and Sea Horses, as well as Temptations (individually wrapped seahorses), and its range of premium 100g bars.

Environmental responsibility is important to Guylian, which is why its new packaging is 100% recyclable. Two big steps have been the removal of the plastic windows from its gift boxes and the replacement its brown trays (which hold the chocolates) with clear trays which have had all dyes and carbon removed, making them easier for recycling centres to handle. Not content with just this, Guylian is also exploring ways of further reducing its use of paper and plastic. Consumers around the world will begin to see the gorgeous new, eco-friendly packaging on shelves from mid-May onwards.

Since the start of this year, the factory in Sint-Niklaas (the production home of Guylian’s delectable chocolates) is fully climate neutral, meaning that C02 emissions have been reduced to the lowest possible level and all other emissions are compensated. Guylian is proud that the 800 million chocolates they produce annually are now made entirely with a zero-carbon footprint, making their chocolates as planet friendly as they are delicious.

Guylian chocolates are available in all major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado and Sainsburys with 250g boxes of Sea Shells having a MRRSP £5.50.

My Baker launches new whimsical and magical cakes with delivery within 24-48 hours

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My Baker, who sell delicious artisanal cakes made by a network of independent bakers, have launched a brand new children’s cake range of 28 cakes and cupcakes suitable for a party big or small.  Bored of seeing the same cakes at every birthday party? My Baker’s range offers unique and exciting designs that can be delivered in 48 hours (24 at a push), meaning mums and dads who are running around getting the final details for a party can tick one major item off the “to do” list with a minimum of fuss.

And if you’ve any last-minute concerns or questions before placing your order, the team’s “Cake SOS” phoneline is manned 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm.

The cakes, that are always made freshly to order, go beyond your wildest imagination; the range includes a safari cake, a roaaaarsome dinosaur cake, a rainbow cake and many, many more.

“By offering such a large range, we’re pretty much catering for every age and every interest, from dinosaurs and diggers to rainbows and unicorns.  We know that the demand for beautifully designed, delicious, freshly baked children’s cakes that can be ordered and delivered across the UK is there.  We are excited to launch this line and can’t wait to see our cakes at birthday parties across the UK’ says My Baker CEO, Mark Sinjakli

Three of the new designs which the team at My Baker are predicting will be most popular include:

The Dinosaur cake; a towering cake made of layers of light sponge, covered with a generous coating of buttercream, and featuring your favourite dinosaur, and even an egg or two.

If you’d rather a more whimsical cake, the Somewhere Over The Rainbow cake is the one for your child. Cutting though the generous coating of sprinkle-covered vanilla icing will reveal six layers of vivid rainbow-coloured sponge, fit for any birthday celebration.

A party isn’t a party without a balloon or two!  My Baker’s Eat Until You Pop cake is adorned with balloons ready to get any party started.  Available in blue, pink, yellow or green buttercream, this cake will add the ‘wow factor’ to any birthday party.

The cakes are available in a variety of flavours including red velvet, vanilla, salted caramel, chocolate and many more, and most can be adapted to suit all dietary requirements. The cakes start from £78 and can be delivered widely across the UK within 48 hours, with next-day delivery available within the M25 as standard. A next day service may even be available in other locations on request (please call to confirm before ordering). For more information or to browse the full range of children’s cakes, head over to the website.

They also have delicious cupcakes which we heartily recommend.

Frost Loves Revlon’s Latest Styling Tool

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We were first in the UK to try the new Revlon One Step Volumiser Plus. It is a stylish and easy-to-use brush that makes your hair look amazing. Buy it now, you won’t regret it.

revlon one step styling brush

The sun is out, bank holidays are back, and we definitely have a spring in our step. So why not welcome the Spring season with the latest hair trend and go bold with layers.

This Spring, both hairstylists and the glitterati are loving layers and it’s perfect for this time of year as it removes some of the weight from your hair as the weather warms up. And for added plus, there’s a layered style to suit everyone. No matter your face shape, layers can help to create shape, give volume, movement and texture to any style.

Layers can create a dramatic change without the drama of a drastic haircut and if you want to recreate the layered looks of some of the most stunning celebs, then GET THE LOOK with Revlon’s NEW One-Step Volumiser Plus:

Short Layers – Kaia Gerber
This short layered look takes the weight out of the hair without losing the length and styling options. It’s also easy to maintain and allows you to add texture, bounce, volume and flow to suit your shape, suit your mood and to suit any occasion. You can look as effortlessly chic as Kaia Gerber whether you’re off to a wedding or just popping to the supermarket.

The Layered Lob – Olivia Munn
The lob is back! Previously popular as a sleek longer version of the bob, the look became a bit flat and went out of fashion. As you can see from Olivia Munn’s bouncy style, layering keeps the essence of the bob’s clear outline but throws in a whole new dimension. This gives you a new range of movement and versatility so you can style it out in so many different ways. It’s the perfect style if you love to change your look at the drop of a hat.

Face-Shaping Layers – Elizabeth Olson
If you’re looking for a softer look that shapes the face but maintains that long and flexible style you’ve come to know and love then add some layers at the front. Wispy and light facing-shaping layers are an excellent way to add shape and style to longer hair. Elizabeth Olsen shows you why this ‘90s throwback style is making a comeback!

INTRODUCING THE NEW REVLON ONE-STEP VOLUMISER PLUS

The perfect, versality styling tool for all hair types, the NEW Revlon One-Step Volumiser Plus will have your layers looking luscious with extra volume, more shine and less damage.

Other Parents by Sarah Stovell Book Review

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Some books make you think not only while you are reading them, but also long after you have finished. Other Parents is such a book. Other Parents is a multi-layered book that delves deep into people and their motives. I felt every emotion while reading Other Parents. It is a book that opens your mind to how other people live and what might make them act the way they do.

I found myself both respecting Rachel, while being infuriated with her. I was equally infuriated with Laura, but also felt for her. We live in an unequal society and Sarah Stovell is an outstanding talent who has captured the class disparates in our society and laid them bare. Other Parents is a fascinating novel that I did not want to put down for a moment. It is clever and entertaining. With characters who are vivid and real, and a plot that doesn’t let you go. Loved it.

other parents, sarah stovell,

In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret.

Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.

Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Max don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.

When the local school introduces a new inclusive curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.

But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what is happening in your own home.

Other Parents is available here.

 

 

Joffe Books have provided us with a feast of feisty reading again this week

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An excellent selection  of new crime novels this week  from Joffe Books, ranging from a brand-new serial killer thriller to a somewhat addictive character-driven police procedural, so let’s take a look at :

The Skin Code by Stephen Willams.

Joffe’s book of the week is one of the most chilling new crime thrillers you’ll read this year from internationally bestselling author Stephen Williams — THE SKIN CODE is out now for just 99p | 99c.

Seasoned detective Mary Hume finds herself on the trail of a vicious serial killer who leaves a baffling code carved into the skin of his victims.  CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE?

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SKIN CODE BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS FOR 99P | 99C.

                                   

I have a feeling you are going to be spoiled for choice. Take a look:

Killer on the Moors by Priscilla Masters   99p/99c

Missing nurse Marilyn Smith is dead. Spread-eagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Joanna Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.  Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.

Murder in Rome by Roy Lewis  £1.99/$3.99

Arnold Landon heads to Rome, ready to begin retraining for his own job. His first port of call? An ancient tomb.  Arnold treads the twisty path down to the burial chamber, expecting to find nothing but old bones. Instead, he stumbles on fresh blood and a much more recently dead body.

Can Arnold unravel the mystery before the ruthless killer strikes again?

Little Sister is the latest page-turning psychological thriller from bestselling master of suspense, Patricia MacDonald — available for pre-order now for £2.99 | $4.99.

Joffe Books Editorial Director Emma Grundy Haigh had this to say:

“LITTLE SISTER brims with all that makes Patricia MacDonald such a master of her craft: endearingly relatable characters, a brilliantly twisty plot and a taut undercurrent of tension that builds to a crescendo!”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER LITTLE SISTER BY PATRICIA MACDONALD FOR £2.99 | $4.99. 

But that’s not all.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

Devil’s Chimney is an utterly authentic new police procedural from debut author and serving police officer Adam Lyndon — available for pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant told us::

“This intricately plotted crime thriller introduces an intriguing new detectiveprotagonist in DC Rutherford Barnes.  Good-looking and intensely ambitious, Barnes’ all-consuming desire for promotion leads him to make a decidedly dodgy decision — and plunges him into a nightmare which threatens his career, his marriage — and ultimately his life.

A serving police officer, Adam Lyndon’s 20-year career in CID and special investigations ensures this outstanding police procedural offers  a unique insight into the inner workings of a high-profile murder investigation.”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

For more information Joffe Books

A nation celebrates by Alex Bannard Wellness and Wellbeing Editor

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This weekend we joined thousands others to line the Mall for Trooping the Colour. I have never done anything like this before & will probably never do so again.

I couldn’t help but reflect – there were after all hours of hanging around until the troops & cavalry arrived – on the similarities between our own Queen Elizabeth & the previous longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the esteemed and beloved King of Thailand.

Whilst we were living in Thailind the King passed away. He was beloved by his people, the nation was devastated.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej came to the throne  when he was 18 years old and like our own Queen, was much revered by his people as he was their champion. He once said, ‘My place in this world is being among my people, the Thai people.’

He spearheaded projects to support the poor and bring the nation into the 21st century, audubg Thailand in becoming one of the more successful Asian nations whilst still maintaining it’s cultural heritage and spirit and navigating political and social crises with grace and diplomacy.

Queen Elizabeth pledged,’ I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.‘ And she has worked tirelessly since then for her people & served us for 70 years. She has been a known & stable for us all throughout our lives.

What I also find interesting about the 2 longest regaining monarchs is that neither was born into their roles but nevertheless destined to be so.

It was our Queen’s destiny after her uncle abdicated for his love of Mrs Simpson, so it was for King Bhumibol as he only became King after his brother died.

I am grateful we went to London to play a very small part in Her Majesty’s celebrations. It was an amazing experience. I hope it will be an experience my kids will never forget.

My son certainly went from a petulant teenager hiding in his coat as he processed the 4am start to flag-waving & smiling. My daughter loved all the pomp & pageantry. We chatted to the crowds, played Uno, cheered & waved & so worth the early start!

Thank you, Your Majesty for your 70 year’s of dedication & service.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the decade, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace a practice of self-care.

If you would like more information on how to practice self-care message Alex at alex@alexbannard.com.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Alternatively please check out her website: www.alexbannard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

How to Work Toward Achieving Your Career Goals

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We all have goals in life whether these are lifestyle goals, health goals, or financial goals. Another type of goal that many people set themselves is career goals, and it can be a challenge trying to achieve these in what has become a very competitive world. No matter what type of industry you are interested in, you will face stiff competition. This means that you need to be proactive, plan ahead, and take steps to boost your chances of success.

There are various steps that you can take if you want to achieve your career goals with greater ease, and these are simple yet very effective methods that can make a huge positive difference to your success levels. By taking the time to create a career plan, you will be able to work toward your goals one step at a time, and this makes the process far less stressful. In this article, we will look at some of the steps you should take to work toward achieving your career goals.

Some of the Key Steps to Take

Of course, the first thing you need to do is to work out what your career goals are, what type of job you want to do, and what industry you are interested in. Once you have decided this, you can follow these steps:

Research What Is Needed and Gain New Skills/Qualifications

The first thing you need to do is to look at the skills and qualifications that are needed in order to get into your chosen job or career. If you do not currently possess these skills, you should research training and educational institutions where you can gain the skills and earn the qualifications that are required. You may even be able to do this online depending on the type of studies or training you need to undertake.

Get a Solid Resume Created

Once you have completed your training or studies, you need to ensure you have a solid resume so that you can impress decision-makers when you apply for suitable jobs. You can use a resume template online in order to help you create a resume that looks great and will make a huge positive impression on potential employers. When you send out an impressive resume, it can make all the difference in terms of getting a face-to-face interview, which then means a better chance of getting the job.

Make Use of Online Job Sites

One of the other things that you should do is to make use of online job sites, as this enables you to identify suitable job opportunities with greater ease and convenience. When you register your details on these sites, you can get the details of relevant and suitable jobs sent directly to your inbox, so you will not miss out and you can save yourself time, hassle, and inconvenience.

These are some of the key steps that you should take if you want to work toward achieving your career goals.

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

The Kings Arms, Sandhutton, is a pub/restaurant we stumbled upon while walking. Thank heavens we went that way. The sublime food and atmosphere was such a treat.

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It was a nice day, so togo for a walk seemed like a good idea, particularly as I was stuck on a difficult chapter. I must write a difficult chapter many times if a walk brings us as  great a treat as The Kings Arms.

Yes, they could squeeze us in, walking boots and all. so there we sat at a table for two, while conversation buzzed all around. We barely looked at the menu for it would be the usual fabulouspub fare:  North Yorkshire pies too large for us but how could we not finish them, and chips too delicious to be left. But no or rather yes, because there was everything from sandwiches to pub food … Oh, crikey, there was also food more commonly guzzled in rather special restaurants.

It seems that  Alex Boynton and his father Raymond plus some of the family  re-opened The King’s Arms in 2006 as a new venture,  Both Alex and Raymond have extensive experience of hotels and restaurants, and importantly, in creating fantastic food.

Raymond after all, was in the hotel and restaurant business for more than 50 years, including owning, with his brother,  a successful country inn and restaurant. This is where Alex pitched into the hospitality business, and over the years developed his individual cuisine and hospitality which is now, thank heavens, offered at The Kings Arms.

I kid you not, Alex creates quite superb meals, and thankfully his interest is in producing not airey fairy little bits of Nouvelle Cuisine, though I admit it is all beautifully presented, but his aim is to put before you simple well cooked meals from excellent locally sourced produce, (not hard in North Yorkshire). If that is his intention, then my friends, my waistline says he succeeds.

Whatever your taste, be it meat, fish or vegetarian then walk, cycle or drive – just go, feast.   Gluten free, dairy free and vegan – no problem. During the winter season pheasant, venison and duck is on the menu.

Private Dining is available for 8 – 16 people, and you can create a bespoke menu if you have a special party requirement. .

I have Dick at my elbow insisting I tell you about their ales (he’s fussy like that). The Kings Arms offers brewed real ales, and excellent wines and spirits. I can vouch for the wine and now to the grist of the piece.

                            

The question is, what did Dick and Margaret eat?

My friends, it was ambrosia, heaven on a plate. As always we ate a bit of one another’s – just to check out the opposition. All quite delicious.

I had Grassingham duck breast (cooked pink), sauteed mandarins, ginger and potato croquette, while Dick chose Slow roasted lamb shoulder, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, redcurrent reduction.

Honestly, it was superb. So carried away were we that we felt we could easily squeeze in a pud. So indeed we squeezed in white chocolate and raspberry creme brulee with homemade shortbread biscuit. There is no image, because I am a failure and was so busy scoffing I forgot. The shame. But truly it was excellent and I was assured by Alex that it contained absolutely no calories.

Needless to say we staggered home at a much slower pace, and much of the time the talk was off this absolute nugget of gold within walking distance of Thirsk. We will go again, and I promise to take a photo of the pudding.

You can find The Kings Arms  (which has bedrooms too)  near Thirsk, Northallerton and Ripon, York as well. In Thirsk there is the Herriot Museum, in York, the national railway museum … But enough, drive cycle walk, but just make sure you book a table – lunchtime or evening at The Kings Arms, Sandhutton.

Check them out here: Kings Arms, Sandhutton