Category Archives: Life & Style

Win a £5,000 Holiday or a Kindle.

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Recession biting? In need of a holiday? Frost Magazine knows how you feel, so we thought we would let you know about this competition Yakult are doing.

BRITISH MEN NEED A BREAK!

(And Yakult’s £5,000 holiday giveaway is here to help)

68% of men in the UK are in need of a holiday, according to a new survey[1]. Whilst that might not be overly surprising, it is revealing to learn the extent to which British men are desperate to get away: when asked to name their one material desire for 2012, a dream holiday came only a very close second to a new car.

However, with purse strings being tightened across the country, it seems that many will be going without their longed-for break – for this year at least. 29% of men questioned stated that, due to economising, they would be cutting down on holidays abroad in 2012 – and over a third (35%) will not be holidaying abroad at all this year.

And yet a desire to discover more about the world remains as keen as ever – 68% of men questioned stated that they were curious to learn more about different countries and cultures across the globe. Despite this, over half state that they have yet to experience a ‘dream holiday’– and so it seems high time that British men got a chance to experience the break they so desire.

And that’s where Yakult’s brand new competition comes in! Showcasing the fact that Yakult is available in 32 countries across the globe, ‘Around the World with Yakult’ is offering one lucky winner the chance to jet off on a £5,000 dream holiday. Another five winners will each receive a Kindle, complete with £20 credit.

To enter this exciting competition, would-be jetsetters simply need to visit www.yakult.co.uk/world and guess the location of the ‘mystery Yakult country’.

Each month, a Yakult employee will give a personal insight into a fascinating Yakult project taking place in their particular country – and offer clues as to the location. (The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary.) Every month until August, one lucky winner will receive a Kindle (plus £20 credit) – and then in September, all correct entries will go into a draw for the £5,000 grand prize!

Warwick Castle Review – An Underestimated Hidden Gem!

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School holidays are well underway and with so many various attractions prying for your attention via different media and even social networks, one could be forgiven for overlooking Warwick Castle as being far too historic for children. But to do so would be a huge mistake. As I discovered on a recent visit to the castle, it is a place of wonder, mystery and magic. A place where young girls can become princesses and young boys can pull the legendary sword from the stone and be declared King to rapturous applause. Where knights fight gallantly to defend the kingdom and where dark secrets are kept hidden away in dungeons.

Warwick Castle represents an interesting combination of a modern visitor attraction in a historic location. A real medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire it takes just 1 hour 15 minutes to get there directly by train from London Marylebone station and is only a 10-15 min walk from the station.

The surrounding countryside and castle are incredible to see. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 the castle simply oozes regality and by itself represents a remarkable piece of English heritage, but to stop there would be to miss out on some of the core attractions that will keep both young and old imaginations enthused like wildfire. I have tried my best to capture some of the amazing experiences I had the pleasure of enjoying but in truth, there is more to see than is capable in one day. Nevertheless taking the little one out to Warwick castle proved an impeccable treat. Highlights included:

The Castle Dungeon

Dank, pungent and scary this was very much akin to The London Dungeon experience.

I guess the dark colours mean she isn't joking...

One bears witness to perhaps one of the most frightening times in history: 1345 a time of the plague. A period of real hopelessness and fear, a time where people suffered relentlessly and prayed for redemption. Walking though the gates you are transported into the castle dungeon, greeted by scary monks, castle cooks, decaying bodies, torturers, court room judges, execution and where you can literally got lost  in ‘the labyrinth of lost souls’. I won’t give away anything from the storyline but for me personally the final room proved the most scary, representing something from a scene of both Blair Witch and Paranormal activity, it was very unnerving. A foreboding sign outside does say ‘Not suitable for under 10′s and there was some brave children who came inside and were very brave. However, for wussies like me, I found myself covering my eyes most of the time and praying the rest of the time. It has to be said that the actors were first class professionals, truly bringing this horrible part of history to life.

Merlin: The Dragon Tower

Based on the BBC’s hit series Merlin; this real life tour gave my little one and I the chance to experience the magic of Merlin first hand. Beginning in a book shop where a young apprentice has been told to guard the secrets of the Elders’ magic we follow her to the magical mirror through which we could talk to The Great Dragon. This was a fantastic treat for all the kids and it was amazing to see their eyes light up at actually being able to interact with the character from the television show. The technology used really shone; this wasn’t some pre-scripted video we were watching the dragon asked questions of the audience, repeated a couple of people’s names and even told us our destiny; to be future warriors of the kingdom apparently. It was incredible, however I found the experience to be short-lived. It would have been great if more had happened to extend the encounter.

Warwick Warriors display –

Warwick Castle has a number of different events happening dependant on the day, the weather and the

The sword fighting is amazing

season. Rolling alternatively to the Jousting Knights is the Warwick Warriors. My advice is to always check the time of key events as you arrive and plan your day accordingly so as not to miss anything. The Warriors perform once daily and are a feast on the eyes. Why? Because they are the closest any of us will get to actually seeing a real life sword fighting display in person. Again the quality of the acting, the atmosphere, everything works together to give quite a profound experience and one where the actors will break any misconceptions that you might have had about knights and sword fighting.

The Princess Tower – 

The Princess Tower represents probably the real life dream of every young girl and maybe a few adults too. Going through what is perhaps the largest doorway I’ve seen, the little ones were enthused to actually sit in a throne and have their pictures taken. Going up a long spiral staircase took us to the tower adorned with picture frames of different princesses all over the world. Going through to an adjoining room we were greeted by a princess who taught us exactly what it means to be one. Can you feel a pea under your bed? Can you kiss a lot of frogs? Well I sure have anyway. Finally a magic mirror opens up and we get to choose a wedding dress for the princess’s bestest friend. Like all the other experiences I found the acting to be first class and if anything it is their belief in what they are doing that means the children are thrilled and follow into the fantasy.

Birds of Prey – 

There was an impressive flying demonstration of some of the most amazing birds in the castle demonstration.

The Bird display is pretty incredible - the birds get real up close to visitors...

The bird handler was knowledgeable and seemed to make even the most mundane information sound fun. I saw Harris’ Hawks, Eagles with incredible wing spans and a huge Owl that seemed to have his own diva moment. It was fun to watch and because the birds are so well-trained they get right up close and personal. To see them fly is astounding.

Food and Drink –

Next on our stop was a bite to eat and we were pleasantly surprised to find quite a few venues within easy walking distance of the main attractions all with a different range of food and drink. There are quite a few marquees within the landscaped grounds but we opted for the 18th Century Coach House, which offered a pub style menu and we were pleased to see healthy snacks shown on the menus by the ‘Healthier Choices’ logo. We were also provided with free fresh fruit salad for the children’s meals which I thought was a real nicety.

Sword in the Stone Show –

Here the legendary tale of Arthur came to life. Within the gathering crowd the forces of good and evil stirred. Was the power of Good, justice and a bright new future going to befall the kingdom or was its destiny going to be ruled by darkness?  According to the story only the new King Arthur had the pureness of character to pull the legendary sword Excalibur from the stone. Again this was another real treat for the family; the acting first class, drawing you into the world of fantasy – very good indeed.

The Kingmaker – 

This is more for the history buffs amongst you, more like a museum than anything else. Here you can find out how weapons were made, how armour was crafted and see what mediaeval life was really like through sights, sounds and even smells. Like most of Warwick Castle this is history without barriers, and without ‘do not touch’ signs; you can get right up close and personal with your experience, try on helmets and touch and hold swords that would have been used in battle.

The Towers & Ramparts – 

Taking a well deserved rest from fantasy lands full of Princesses and stories of Merlin I decided to explore and check out the tower. Outside a sign warned me ‘One Way Only’ I wish I had taken heed; there are so many steps involved in getting to the top of the castle I needed a much-needed rest. However in truth it was all worth it as the view was awesome to see and I took loads of unbelievable shots of the surrounding countryside and the rest of the tower which, it has to be said is marvellous.

The Grounds & Gardens – 

I thought I would mention this if only to reiterate the fabulous layout of the grounds. My partner and I belong to the National Trust and getting away from it all is something we frequently relish as we live in the heart of

Besides the attractions - the castle grounds too are there to be enjoyed...

London. First built in 1068 on the orders of William the Conqueror, it formed the most important part of the Norman castle’s defence system. The hill by the castle has been described as the perfect vantage point, not for defending against marauding troops but for taking in the beautiful unfolding views of these peaceful grounds.  Walking around the gardens is incredibly tremendous and peaceful. Animals such as peacocks and birds are so well-kept that they just move freely. On our visit two peacocks went into their own fashion display in getting the visitor’s attention.

Firing of the Trebuchet –

The last thing we had time for was the demonstration of the castle’s Trebuchet. Effectively an old-fashioned manpowered catapult, used to keep enemies at bay. Again brought to life by first class actors and the Duke of the Castle who was more than happy to share useful info as to how it all worked and came about.

My Verdict

In one word: incredible.Warwick Castle has earned the term The Ultimate Castle but in reality the words don’t do it justice. There is so much to see that you probably won’t fit it all in one visit. Throughout our entire trip I saw many happy faces; children fulfilling their fantasies, adults with that tell-tale look on their face and not just because they had stayed at the hotel (it’s haunted apparently). I’m not sure but it has that rare effect of tapping the imagination that the bigger parks with all their big rides and commercialism seem to miss and what’s more it does it all simply, whether that is swords, whether that is soldiers on horse back whether it is Merlin and tales of magic. All staff I met were fantastic, whether actors or working on the gate, in the cafe, or the shop, it all added to making the visit more enjoyable.

Things you need to know:

Book online 7 days in advance

If you book online 7 days in advance you can save 30% off admission fees; book 48 hours in advance and save 20%: purchase a Warwick Castle Kingdom Ticket for entrance to Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon (over 10s only) and Merlin: The Dragon Tower for adults from £21.42; children aged 4-11 years from £18.06

For more info check out: http://www.warwick-castle.com/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx

or their booking line on – 0871 265 2000

Travelling by Train

It takes from as little as 80 minutes to get to Warwick Station from London Marylebone.   To book your ticket, just visit  www.chilternrailways.co.uk  and remember, when you go by train you get 2 for 1 on entry to Warwick Castle.

Double check everything – Check the timings of trains, events, costs, even the weather before you get there and plan accordingly. Some of the attractions are outside and on our day it was quite nippy – be prepared. Also some shows are not repeated so it makes sense to plan ahead.

Have some spare cash – there is only one cash-point that I saw inside, and some of the attractions you have to pay for and kids always want snaps which cost too. When you plan ahead take these costs into consideration.

If you have the guts do try to stay over – the hotel is apparently a treat for the senses (so I am told) and lets face it there is too much to do in one day.

For more info check out

http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/

As if you needed any more convincing – you should check out the video below

http://youtu.be/BJGPTSyRGBk

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

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COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS PARTNER TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Sculpture exhibition open to public: 3 May to 30 September 2012

London: Cheltenham’s infamous Cowley Manor and Private Bank Coutts have partnered to create a unique and inspiring sculpture competition for post graduates from the Royal College of Art. Of the 27 submitted concepts, eight have been awarded funding to bring their designs to life. The sculptures will then go on to be displayed at Cowley Manor from 3rd May through to 30 September, with the winning sculpture taking up permanent residence in the 55 acre grounds of the manors grade II listed gardens.

With an alumni boasting Tracey Emin, James Dyson, Philip Treacy and Erdem as well as David Hockney and Aston Martin designer Marek Reichman, the world-famous Royal College of Art’s post graduates are tipped for success. The winner of the award is being announced at an event to launch the exhibition in the grounds of Cowley Manor on 2nd May.

The sculptures, based on the brief: ‘Cowley Manor and its rich history, grounds and reputed contemporary design’ in the exhibition include:

o Ben Fowlers – 8ft tall wire ‘Tornado’;
o Claire Poulter – Underwater Mirrored balls;
o Cradeaux Alexander – garden plaques with a twist;
o Emma Alonze – Carrot trousers cast in brass;
o Lauren Kelly – brightly coloured geometric sculptures;
o Lucy Tomlins – Concrete Country in Blue – 2.5 metre concrete stile;
o Wonwoo Lee – 3 metre steel sign interpretation titled ‘Hey’; and
o Zoe Paul – 2.4m wide Palace of Aegae sculpted rock.

The judging panel includes many art collectors, artists and entrepreneurs hand-selected by Cowley Manor and Coutts from across Gloucestershire. With many millions of people expected to descend on the UK over the summer for the Jubilee and Olympics, and many of these expected to visit the world-known beautiful British Cotswolds, the unique exhibition is the perfect day out or mini-break hotspot just 70 minutes out of London.

Christine Wadley, Client Partner for Coutts in Cheltenham commented: “Coutts has a long-standing history of championing the creative industries, and have looked after many clients from within the art and design world for many decades. Today we recognise and support British design excellent in order to aid growth and foster future British talent. This partnership with Cowley and the RCA is further evidence of that.”

Peter Frankopan, owner and founder of ‘A Curious Group of Hotels’ including Cowley Manor commented: “In its 10th year, Cowley Manor has long been in support of emerging British talent with many original works of art, textiles and bespoke furniture created by British artists, artisans and craftsman displayed throughout the manor and its 30 bedrooms. By partnering with Coutts, the future support and awareness of young artists trained at the Royal College of Art has been made possible.”

Steve Bunn, RCA Sculpture Tutor said: “Having the opportunity to work with Coutts and Cowley Manor on this exhibition has been a fantastic experience for our students. Site specific art like this is a great way to showcase the work of some very talented young artists.”

Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy the exhibition at Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. Many of the pieces will be available for private sale with the proceeds going towards the young artists.

The exhibition, featuring all of the post graduate first and second year student submissions, will open on

Thursday 3 May and run through to 30 September.

#couttscowley

BAG A FUTURE MASTERPIECE FOR A BARGAIN!

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An incredible opportunity to buy affordable art specially chosen by experienced art critics
and be on TV

This is your chance to see and buy the work of some of the country’s best amateur and professional artists.  From thousands of applicants, the judges from the BBC2 TV series ‘Show Me the Monet’ have selected the very best artworks to appear in a one-off exhibition and sale that takes place in the capital next month (12-14 April 2012).

Hosted at the Mall Galleries, in London’s West End, the exhibition will showcase work from 36 specifically selected artists. The work includes photography, sculpture, ceramics and paintings and were chosen by the BBC2 Show me the Monet judges Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton. These experienced art critics and connoisseurs have selected the very best artworks from thousands of entries to the popular TV series and amongst them could be a future masterpiece!

The exhibition will take place on Thursday 12th April from 10am – 6pm, Friday 13th April from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 14th April from 10am – 6pm. With the huge increase in the interest in affordable art, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved and with guide prices starting at around £300, you could bag yourself a bargain.

On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th April you can buy any of the work on show by sealed bid. This means that no-one will know what anyone has bid until the big reveal to the artists on Saturday 14th. Buyers may offer more or less than the guide price and the highest offer above the guide will automatically win the work. If no offers come in above the guide price then the artist will decide whether they still wish to sell their work to the highest bidder.

Be on TV! On Saturday 14th April from 10am-6pm, Show Me the Monet presenter, Chris Hollins (BBC Breakfast, Cash in the Attic, Watchdog), will reveal to artists whether or not their art has sold and if so, for how much.   This will be filmed for inclusion in the series so come along and be part of the action as Chris reveals the news (whether it is good or bad!) to the artists.  Please note that it will not be possible to bid to buy any artwork on the Saturday.

Numbers are limited for the filming on Saturday 14th so two hour entry slots must be pre-booked.  Please email us with your preferred entry time: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm or 4pm and include your name and telephone number. 

Email: exhibition@luckydaytv.co.uk (maximum 4 tickets per person).
Venue:  The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1 (near Admiralty Arch)
When:
Thursday 12th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Friday 13th April 2012, 10am – 5pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Saturday 14th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, PRE-BOOK BY EMAIL

ADMISSION IS FREE ON ALL DAYS

Worldwide Easter traditions

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Worldwide Easter traditions

Brought to you by Frost Magazine and Vyke

Users of Vyke – the UK-based provider of low-cost international calls over the internet (VoIP) – have shared their Easter traditions on its blog and Frost magazine. From food to religion, bells to bunnies, paragliding to water fighting, each country’s custom shows why this holiday is truly an international one:

· Ukraine – a traditional dish of egg and yam is served each year

· UK – hot cross buns, filled with dried fruits and spices with a cross on top (symbolizing the crucifixion) have come to mean as much as the traditional chocolate Easter egg

· France – tradition states the ringing of the Easter Bells on Sunday morning is what makes chocolate eggs magically appear in children’s baskets

· Nigeria – it’s a traditional family pursuit to decorate the simple every day breakfast egg between parents and their children

· Poland – ‘lany poniedziałek’ or ‘śmigus-dyngus’ – Poland has the Easter Monday custom of water fights! This began innocently by sprinkling young ladies with a bit of perfumed water, and developed into regular water fights in the streets

· Ghana – Every family gathers for a feast known as ‘the picnic’. The holiday is also quickly becoming renowned for the Annual Ghana Paragliding Festival, the sixth of which is this year

· Ireland – all of the public houses shut (!) and the country observes a no meat eating policy on Holy Friday, enjoying fish in its place

· Austria – between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday morning mass, there are no church bells ringing. According to religious lore, they all fly to Rome so altar boys use ‘Ratschen’ (wooden rattles)

· Philippines – Easter involves little girls dressed as angels and a procession that usually starts very early in the morning, before dawn

· Romania – Children take part in Government organised contests such as ‘The Easter bunny gives you a gift’

· Brazil – Locals construct straw renditions of Jesus’s betrayer – Judas, beat them up, and then set each ablaze

· Australia – No Easter bunny for our antipodean friends. In pest conscious Australia it’s the Easter bilby instead. The bilby is an endangered Australian animal with long soft ears

· Sweden – it’s the Easter hare and not the bunny that delivers Swiss chocolate delight

· U.S – although now widespread, its believed the egg-hunt originated in the US

Commenting on the response: Vyke Chief Executive, Tore Hellebo said:

“Our user base is right across the world, so we thought a nice way to bring everyone together, whilst celebrating differences, was through a universal holiday like Easter.

“We were right, as everyone celebrates it, but in much localised ways.”

Gwyneth Paltrow chooses crack over canned food

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Gwyneth Paltrow chooses crack over canned food

Gwyneth Paltrow would rather “smoke crack” than eat unhealthy food.

The 38-year-old actress is well known for her unusual dietary habits, previously being on the extremely strict macrobiotic eating plans, she revealed she was not a fan of tinned snacks.

She said: “I’d rather smoke crack than eat cheese from a can.”

The ‘Iron Man’ star – who has her own cook book ‘My Father’s Daughter…’ – also revealed she wouldn’t take her kids to fast food restaurant McDonalds, but may find it difficult if they knew about the toys that come with some meals.

Gwyneth – who has two children, daughter Apple, seven, and son Moses, five, with her husband, Coldplay singer Chris Martin – added: “I take them to Pizza Express because I think that’s much healthier. Don’t tell them there are toys!”

However, not all of her habits are so positive, and she admits drinking wine is a favourite past time of hers.

She added: “I drink wine constantly while I’m cooking. Wine, either colour.”

Despite not being a fan of calorific treats from a can, Gwyneth has previously revealed she loves “well-made” cheese, and prefers it to chocolate.

She said: “OK, it may not be the healthiest of indulgences, but cheese, really beautiful, well-made cheese, has to be one of the best things on the planet. Give me a slice of Camembert over chocolate cake any day.”

Spotted! | Professor Green and Millie Mackintosh at Dorsia London

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Professor Green and Millie Mackintosh at Dorsia London

Professor Green and Millie Mackintosh at Dorsia London last night. Prof spent the entire night teaching Millie his snogging skills, while singing to hits along side the cast of Made in Chelsea. Could he be auditioning to appear in the show…

Who: Prof Green, Millie Mackintosh, Spencer, Jamie Laing (who was Djing), Oliver Proudlock, Hugo Taylor and his new gf Natalie Joel.

What: Launch of Motown Mondays at Dorsia in association with Serge DeNimes (Proudlocks t shirt company)

Where: Dorsia London, 3 Cromwell Road, London, SW3 2HR

Photo credit: James Fox, ShowbizLondon.com

X Factor’s Louis Walsh Joins Humane Society International Campaign To End Animal Testing

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X Factor’s Louis Walsh Joins Humane Society International Campaign To End Animal Testing for Cosmetics

Star adds name to charity’s 142,000-strong petition

X Factor judge and music manager Louis Walsh is the latest celebrity to speak out against testing cosmetics on animals as part of Humane Society International’s star-studded CrueltyFree2013 campaign.

Louis joins stars such as Leona Lewis, Sir Roger Moore, Ke$ha, Ricky Gervais, Melanie C, Dame Judi Dench and Mary McCartney in signing HSI’s petition to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Europe. More than 142,000 consumers have also signed the petition. With a ban in place, any cosmetics tested on animals after 2013 would be banned from EU shop shelves.

Louis Walsh said:

“Animal testing is the ugly face of the beauty industry and I want it to stop, now! Animals deserve our respect and compassion, and as they can’t speak up for themselves I’m speaking up for them by signing Humane Society International’s CrueltyFree2013 petition for an end to animal-tested cosmetics. Let’s take the cruelty out of beauty.”

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned across the UK and European Union, but ingredients can still be tested on animals in other countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States and then sold in EU shops. Animals can have chemicals forced down their throat, dripped in their eyes and applied to their skin. Sometimes pregnant females and their unborn babies are exposed to cosmetic chemicals.

A ban on selling these animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013 and would act as a major financial incentive for companies to kick their animal testing habit. However, the European Commission is now considering a proposal that would give cosmetic companies a loophole to continue profiting from animal suffering.

Troy Seidle, director of research & toxicology for HSI/Europe, said:

“It is shameful that in laboratories around the world animals are still suffering to produce new lipsticks and face creams sold in Europe’s shops. So we’re delighted that Louis Walsh has joined Humane Society International in calling for an end to the cruelty. Caring consumers have waited long enough, they want shop shelves to be cruelty-free by 2013 so it’s time for EU policy-makers to honour their pledge.”

HSI supports the international Leaping Bunny cruelty-free standard. Companies that carry the Leaping Bunny logo are subject to independent audits to guarantee no animal testing, and include Urban Decay, Montagne Jeunesse, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and the Co-operative. To shop cruelty-free, download our Leaping Bunny Compassionate Shopping Guide<http://www.leapingbunny.org/images/globalguide.pdf>.

To join Louis and sign the CrueltyFree2013 petition, go to Posted in Life & Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,