Category Archives: Life & Style

Four Season’s Hotel create Diamond Jubilee Fizz Cocktail.

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To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, King of the Cognacs, Louis XIII, has collaborated with the Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane to create a cocktail worthy of The Queen herself. The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is a delicious blend of Louis XIII cognac, raspberry liqueur and rose essence, and is topped up with Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne. As if this wasn’t enough, each customer will walk away with a stunning Leviev Diamond!

The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is available from the Amaranto Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, throughout the whole of June for £10,000.

BBC Dragons’ Den star Kirsty Henshaw takes on the UKs top selling ready meals

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BBC Dragons’ Den star Kirsty Henshaw takes on the UKs top selling ready meals with a new range launching in Sainsbury’s, July 2012

Working mum Kirsty Henshaw, 26, shot to fame when her allergen-free dessert range – inspired by her food intolerant son, Jake – won over Dragons’ Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne in 2010.

Today, Kirsty is taking on the UKs top selling ready meals, introducing her range of healthier, irresistibly delicious and naturally nutritious chilled everyday meals.

The new range is super-charged with goodness; each meal is lovingly made up of nutrient-rich ingredients such as quinoa, aduki beans, brown rice and lentils to help you live life to the full.

Kirsty has created natural food swaps to provide healthier alternatives, and uses brown rice instead of white and sweet potato instead of white potato mash. Sugar has been replaced with natural Agave syrup for fewer calories. The meals are also free from wheat, dairy, lactose and nuts so they are suitable for everyone.

Kirsty adds: “A lot of ready meals on the market appear healthy however they are often packed with high levels of saturated fat, sugar or artificial flavours.”

“This new range is about providing people with something that is genuinely healthy as an alternative, and most importantly the meals taste fabulous!”

The meals have a low ‘green light’ for saturated fat and sugar content and have been designed to give a happy balance between salt levels and taste, they use natural sea salt and will at most register an ‘amber light’. At least one portion of your five day is provided for and the meals are low in calories (ranging from 276 to 420 for a Chicken Tikka Masala).

Kirsty’s chilled everyday meals will be available to purchase at Sainsbury’s nationwide from July 2012; the range includes:

ü Moroccan Vegetables with Brown Rice and Quinoa

ü Sausage with Onion Gravy and Carrot, Sweet Potato & Potato Mash

ü Chicken Tikka Masala with Brown Rice

ü Cottage Pie with British Beef mince and topped with Sweet Potato, Carrot & Potato Mash

The kirstys.co.uk website, which Kirsty has designed with her father, Darren a nutritionist and homeopath who runs health shop Aphrodite in Penwortham Lancs.

Minister Huw Lewis makes a Wish for Wales

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Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, took part in a Cauldrons & Furnaces Wishes for Wales workshop at Hay Festival, showing his support for Wales’s Cultural Olympiad celebrations.

Cauldrons & Furnaces, which launched last month by the Welsh Government to welcome a strand of the Cultural Olympiad to Wales, is a series of high profile events taking place at Cadw sites across Wales from 16 June – 17 July. Wishes for Wales is one element of the Cauldrons & Furnaces activity, involving young people from schools across England and Wales, who have been coming to St Davids in west Wales to take part in this creative heritage project.

Through Wishes for Wales, which is a joint project between Cauldrons & Furnaces and Farms for City Children in Treginnis Isaf, the young people involved are demonstrating what Wales’s history and heritage means to them by hand painting and embellishing in St Davids colours gold, black and white, a ‘golden stone’ with their own design and inscription of a personal message – their wish for Wales – which will then be left in St Davids Bishop’s Palace as part of a Celtic installation.

People visiting the Wishes for Wales workshop held on Cadw’s stand at Hay Festival were asked to draw a design that represents themselves and their connection to Wales’s heritage, and then write a wish for Wales on the back of the stone. Huw Lewis said: “This is a fantastic project and it’s great to see so many young people involved in celebrating Wales’s heritage and culture at such an important time. It’s such a simple idea, but will remain a lasting legacy of Cultural Olympiad celebrations in Wales.”

The Wishes for Wales stones created at Hay Festival, which were all painted using the red, white and green of Wales, will be on display at two Cauldrons & Furnaces events; at the beginning of the 22 day Pilgrim walk leaving from Llanthony on Saturday 16 June, and then moved to the Great Hall of the Bishop’s Palace, St Davids to debut the end of the Pilgrim journey on Saturday 7 July.

Cauldrons & Furnaces is a partnership between Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and the Arts Council of Wales. The project is part of Power of the Flame, and has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity which is creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Wishes for Wales is directed by artist Deborah Withey, who said: “Wishes for Wales has been a fantastic project to work on, with so many enthusiastic and imaginative young people involved. It was great having the Minister at the workshop today, as well as all the other visitors to the stand. It’s great to see such creative spirit and willingness to contribute to this lasting legacy of the Olympic celebrations here in Wales. I’m looking forward to seeing the collection of stones at the Cauldrons & Furnaces events later this month and in July.”

Those who wish to be become part of history and participate in Cauldrons & Furnaces can join the 22-day Pilgrim walk or the magnificent procession at St Davids and walk with the Pilgrims through the city to the Palace for a finale feast of music, dance and food.

For further information about the 22 day Pilgrim walk, visit www.ramblers.org.uk or www.pilgrimage2012.co.uk and for further information about St Davids Bishop’s Palace email info@orielyparc.co.uk or call 01437 720 392.

The other Cauldrons & Furnaces events across south Wales will also give locals and visitors an array of cultural experiences which will help bring Wales’s history to life.

For lovers of Wales’s stunning landscape and history, visitors can witness the reawakening of Blaenavon Ironworks in a multisensory musical celebration and also take part in enchanted adventure trails and tales in the grounds of Laugharne Castle.

Caerphilly castle is the inspiration for Awen – a festival of the arts, including dance, sculpture, poetry and film.

Cadw has set a challenge for people to attend as many events as possible to be in with a chance of winning one of five Cadw annual family memberships. For details of how to take part pick up a Cauldrons & Furnaces leaflet at a participating site or visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

For more information about Cauldrons & Furnaces and how you can get involved, visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, find Cadw on Facebook or Twitter. #CF12

Details of the Cauldrons & Furnaces events – all Wales (south Wales *)

*Saturday 16 June – Saturday 7 July

Pilgrimage walk, Llanthony Priory to St Davids

Trace the tracks of ancient pilgrims, kings, saints, madmen and paupers with a dedicated group of artists and storytellers on a 22-day Pilgrimage across South Wales. There will be special events, eye catching performances and educational workshops at key points along the route. FREE event, join at www.ramblers.org.uk / www.pilgrimage2012.co.uk.

Friday 22 June, Town Parade 5.00pm – 6.30pm

Saturday 23 June, Castle Performance 7.30-9.00pm

Spirits of Dragons, Flint Castle

Travel through the mists of time with a musical spectacle as your companion. Join the children of Flint as they tell the story from mythical beginnings through to Roman, Norman and English invasions with performances from dragons, giants and masked characters. FREE ticketed event. Book at www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk / 08453 303 565.

*Friday 29 & Saturday 30 June, 6.30-8.15pm

Elemental, Blaenavon Ironworks

A multisensory celebration of a unique landscape and the elements – witness the reawakening of this incredible World Heritage site, that once kick-started an industrial revolution, through creative and musical performances.

FREE ticketed event. Tickets available from www.head4arts.org.uk.

Sunday 1 July, 2.30-4.30pm

Cipio’r Castell, Caernarfon Castle

A spectacular musical procession to kick start a month of artistic celebrations – visitors can enjoy specially commissioned raps, orchestral and choral music, live theatre and a month-long series of innovative art installations within the castle walls. FREE with a wristband, available from 1 June at www.visitsnowdonia.info or from Caernarfon Tourist Information Centre or call 01286 672 232.

*Saturday 7 July, 1.30-6.00pm

Event starts – Oriel y Parc 1.30pm, procession leaves Oriel y Parc 2pm

Finale events at St Davids Bishop’s Palace 3.00-4.15pm (yellow wristbands), 4.30pm-5.45pm (silver wristbands).

Dewi Sant Pilgrims, St Davids Bishop’s Palace

One big walk, one small city – after a 22-day trek across Wales, the pilgrims are welcomed with fanfares, music and artwork. Visitors can join the last leg of the journey through the city ending at the Bishop’s Palace with a celebration of music, food and dance. FREE with a wristband available from 16 May at Oriel y Parc, St Davids, email info@orielyparc.co.uk or call 01437 720 392.

Sunday 8 July, 6.30-9.30pm

Mantell, Denbigh Castle

One legendary golden cape. Thousands of golden memories. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the castle and witness the story unfolding through storytelling, puppetry, animation, music, dance and fire sculpture – culminating at dusk in a magical and glowing finale. Booking essential. Tickets £2, available from 1 May from Denbigh Library call 01745 816 313 or visit www.mantell-aur.com.

*Wednesday 11 July – Friday 13 July, 6.30pm-9.00pm (10.00pm Friday)

Awen, Caerphilly Castle

Myths and legends have always been intriguing and Awen is no different. A three-day celebration of poetic inspiration through sculpture, film, dance, music and drama reflecting vibrancy and culture of the region. FREE ticketed events. For tickets visit www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com / www.visitcaerphilly.com or call 01495 227 206.

*Saturday 16 June – Sunday 15 July

Saturday 14 July – Promenade Theatre Event 2.00-4.00pm

Sunday 15 July – National Botanic Gardens 2.00pm.

Talacharn Trails & Tales, Laugharne Castle

The enchanted twelfth-century castle will play its part in an adventure trail laden with clues and riddles. By peering through the gatehouse or roaming the gardens, visitors will find answers to unlock the secrets of this literary town. Normal castle and garden admission prices apply; visit www.talacharntrails.com or www.cadw.wales.gov.uk or call 01437 720392 for more information.

Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 July, 8.00-9.30pm

Men of Harlech, Harlech Castle

Get ready to rock! Seven centuries of Welsh history brought to life with a creative bang. An anthem to stir the soul and provide inspiration for this two-night spectacular of music, song and dance – over 250 young people from Gwynedd tell the story of seven historic epochs through twenty-first century eyes. Tickets £8/£5 concessions / £20 family (2 adults + 2 children). Tickets available from www.cytser.com and Harlech Castle on 01766 780 552.

FORTNUM & MASON LAUNCHES VIVIEN SHERIFF ‘BRITANNIA’ COLLECTION

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In celebration of a momentous year, British Milliner Vivien Sheriff has created a unique new range of Britannia themed hats and headpieces, to launch in Fortnum & Mason at the beginning of June.

Staying true to Vivien’s iconic, ‘English heritage’ signature style, down to every last feather and detail, each piece from the Britannia collection encapsulates the colour palette of the Union Jack.

Fashion and accessories buyer at Fortnum & Mason Amanda Ware comments: “The pieces land in-store just in time for the start of the Great British racing season, all three styles make a statement, capturing the essence of British spirit. Vivien Sheriff Designs have always been popular at Fortnum & Mason so we’re really excited to see our customer’s reaction to the range; we’re expecting them to be a huge hit, particularly for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.”

Adding to Vivien Sheriff’s existing and eclectic collection of designs at Fortnum & Mason, the new pieces can be found in the millinery department on the Second Floor. The Britannia range is made up of three distinct styles:

· Calypso Britannia – feathered Union Jack style head piece £595

· Union Jack – Union Jack hat with feathers £730

· Fleur Britannia – Union Jack Fleur headpiece £99

Vivien Sheriff – RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, Ladies Day 19th July 2012

This year, Fortnum & Mason will once again be offering up a service of exquisite hospitality at one of the summer’s most iconic events, the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, 18th-22nd July. During Ladies Day on July 19th, Fortnum & Mason will host a Millinery Show, presented by lavish and award winning milliners Adrian Phillip Howard and Vivien Sheriff.

The Fortnum & Mason Ladies’ Evening takes the form of a cocktail party and exclusive dinner. An added bonus, to the Ladies’ Evening, will see Vivien Sheriff giving a captivating and entertaining speech during dinner.

Prices for Ladies’ Day start from £158 per person excluding VAT

Full package details can be found at:

www.fortnumandmason.com

Zaggora Hotpants Review: Do They Work?

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I have heard of leggings and tight with special technology that makes people slimmer or improves cellulite, but I have never heard of a product which claims it can do it that has such a following. Zaggora have over 250,000 likes on Facebookand have sold over 420,000 pairs of their ‘HotPants’

The Hotpants have Celu‐Lite™ technology which increases core body temperature while being active leading to increase in calorific expenditure during and after working out as well as short-term weight loss immediately following working out. The Celu-lite technology has specifically designed lining which insulates and increases heat generation during working out to deliver better results in the short and long-term.

So, that is the science over, but do they work?

I have been exercising to lose the last bit of extra weight I still had from Christmas (ahem) and there was just this bit from my stomach that would not budge. I tried everything; working out 6 days a week, not eating dessert, spanx, but it would not budge. Until the hotpant. I decided to do the two-week challenge, but to be honest, I did not need the other week.

All I did was exercising in them three times that week for one hour and wore them (underneath my clothes) for another day. I lost about 2 inches from my waist and an inch and a half from my hips. My legs are also slimmer. The little bit of annoying weight in my stomach has gone. The hotpants would also be amazing in winter: brilliant thermals!

I recommend these. I don’t know if you could just wear them and sit around the house, but as long as you exert yourself in them they definitely work. You can even wear them doing housework. They at least double the benefits of your workout.

Zaggoro Hotpants: Frost loves.

[Disclaimer: I received a free pair of hotpants to review]

Heretics launches with bold provocative collection

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Few things in life beat a cool T-shirt and Heretics, created by London based designer Tom Wells, are bold and provocative. They are being worn by not only men but also women as ‘boyfriend’ style tee’s.

Female icons Daisy Lowe and Lana Del Ray have been great ambassadors of the brand some of the tee’s (skulls and astronaut prints) are penned by celebrated artist, Alex Konahin.

New menswear brand, Heretics, launches its debut collection of striking and distinctive printed T-shirts aimed at fashion-conscious men. With T-shirt weather fast approaching and trend forecasts looking bright, it is the perfect time for Heretics to introduce its first range, its flashes of colour, intricate detailing and sometimes risqué images complimenting current moods perfectly. Priced reasonably between £25-£30 per t-shirt the Heretics brand is already stirring an interest amongst other discerning gentlemen, its success stamped as inevitable.

By definition, Heretics refers to anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle. In a time where people are celebrating individuality and embracing boldness (Adele’s flicking of the finger at the Brits recently, for example), the idea of expressing oneself is paralleled throughout the Heretics line. Controversial, sexualised images of women are the feature of some of the pieces, one of which focuses on a woman holding a diamond-encrusted gun to her head with the words, ‘It’s All About Me’ below. Patriots will appreciate that the range is made in the UK in London in a bid to keep the company local; something which few brands can claim.

Some t-shirts in the collection feature urbane-detailed artwork by “Biro Man”, an artist who spent over a month creating pieces used in the range with, as the nickname suggests, a biro pen. A closer look at the Mexican skull design reveals the meticulous nature of his artwork with all of the artist’s precise detailing in all its glory. Other pieces in the collection are embellished with vividly intense hues. Flashes of colour used in the “Lust” and “Imagine” pieces are particularly striking and is a modern take on artist of the 60s and champion of the famous pop art movement, Andy Warhol.

Calling all ‘Beliebers’! The Perfume Shop is preparing for a Bieber bonanza!

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Guard your girlfriends and lock up your daughters… Justin Bieber is coming to town! In anticipation of the Prince of Pops performance at the Summertime Ball, The Perfume Shop has prepared a specific Belieber action plan and sent bespoke ‘Extreme Justin Bieber SOS packs’ to stores to cater for the pandemonium. Key stores will be armed and ready with tissues for emotional outbursts and Bieber lollipops to increase the blood sugar levels of screaming fans!

The exclusive pack has been developed following phenomenal sales of his debut perfume ‘Someday’. The female scent which only launched in September last year came top out of 12 other perfumes and resulted in a third of overall celebrity scent sales for 2011.

Key stores including Westfield Stratford, Bluewater and White City are preparing for floods of Justin Bieber fans to accommodate the hysteria expected at the weekend. Similarly to a ‘flood’ contingency plan, The Perfume Shop has drafted in additional support to help the teams in store, including Justin Bieber cut outs, scented posters, masks and balloons!

National Advertising & PR Manager, Michelle D’vaz said, “Bieber fever is still going strong The Perfume Shop! ‘Someday’ has an incredibly successful launch and continues to be a top seller. We wanted to celebrate with our shoppers ahead of his visit to the UK and look forward to meeting all the young Beliebers in stores this weekend!”

More Justin Bieber news exclusive to The Perfume Shop coming soon!

So, How Do Charities Spend Your Money?

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Oxfam launches nationwide search to find a member of the public to see for themselves how money donated to the charity is spent

Oxfam is today launching a nationwide search to find a member of the public to travel to one of their projects and see for themselves how money donated to the charity is spent. The successful applicant of this unique opportunity will report back with their personal experience of Oxfam’s work helping communities out of poverty and will feature in a major advertising campaign.

Oxfam’s research highlights that uncertainty about whether donated money gets to where it’s needed or if it even makes a difference long term can be a major barrier to giving. The ‘See For Yourself’ campaign aims to dispel these myths and show how giving just £3 a month to Oxfam really can transform people’s lives. The core of the initiative is being open and honest about how donated money is spent by showing Oxfam’s work from an impartial point of view.

Earlier this year mum-of-two and Oxfam supporter, Jodie Sandford, became the first person ever to take part in ‘See For Yourself’ when she travelled to Zimbabwe to see Oxfam’s work first-hand. Now, in an unprecedented step, the charity is widening the recruitment for the next phase and is specifically looking for someone who is not an Oxfam supporter to travel with them to Malawi, southeast Africa.

Oxfam are looking for someone who is curious and not afraid to ask questions. They will need to be willing to embrace new experiences as the trip itself will be physically and emotionally challenging. The journey will take them to an Oxfam project, where they will meet the local people and share their personal account of their thoughts and feelings about directly witnessing Oxfam’s work.

The whole experience will be filmed as part of a TV, print and online campaign which will launch this autumn to encourage more people to donate to Oxfam on a regular basis.

Oxfam’s Paul Vanags, Head of Public Fundraising added: “Regular donations make Oxfam’s life-changing, life-saving projects possible but we urgently need to do more. We believe that the most powerful way to encourage more people to give is to show them our work through the eyes of someone impartial who’s never seen it before. This trip will not only offer an experience of a lifetime, it will also form the basis of a major initiative to help us find new regular supporters.”

Prospective candidates will need to hold a valid UK passport and be available to travel for up to two weeks in July or August 2012. Recruitment is open from 6-14 June 2012 and Oxfam will be interviewing short-listed applicants on 21-22 June 2012.

To apply go to www.oxfam.org.uk/apply