Cara Delevingne Fronts I’m Not A Trophy Inaugural Campaign

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Every 20 minutes the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses at least one endangered wildlife species at the same rate. Celebrated supermodel and actress, Cara Delevingne is taking her compassion for animals to new heights and looking to end the unnecessary destruction of endangered species once and for all by becoming the inaugural brand ambassador for the first-ever I’m Not A Trophy campaign. Founded by renowned French artist and photographer, Arno Elias, I’m Not A Trophy is a global initiative that aims to bring awareness to endangered animals, and to the illegal and tragic acts of trophy hunting.

The campaign features original photographs of Cara shot by Arno with artfully imposed wildlife covering her body. The international movement is the first of its kind and is an ongoing initiative to amass a greater education and understanding for malicious acts of trophy hunting and poaching of lions, elephants, rhinos and more. Supporters of the campaign can contribute to a variety of foundations listed on www.imnotatrophy.org, and for those looking to take a little piece of Cara home with them, limited edition prints of the model are available for purchase on the site. Even better, all proceeds from Cara’s prints will benefit wildlife conservation efforts.

Cara’s comment on Arno Elias’ I’m Not A Trophy initiative not only supporting endangered species, but also aiming to empower women as well.

I want to highlight women as powerful figures within our society. Much like the species that are trophy hunted and displayed as prizes, women are often seen as possessions. It’s time for our society to end the treatment of humans and animals as trophies.

Cara speaks to the overwhelmingly increasing issue of poaching and trophy hunting

I knew that illegal poaching and trophy hunting was becoming an epidemic, but after meeting and working with Arno, he really enlightened me on how tragic and serious of an issue this truly is. I am extremely passionate about animals and am so honored to be representing an organization and cause that is fighting for the rights of these innocent lives.

Cara discusses how she met French photographer and artist, Arno Elias, who created the campaign and shot Cara for it.

I was introduced to Arno’s work after falling in love with the images he did for my friend and fellow model, Suki Waterhouse. Suki put us in touch and before we knew it we were in Paris shooting together.

Cara talks about her involved with the campaign’s initiatives

I plan on being very hands-on with the organization and will do whatever I can to help create awareness for the tragic poaching and trophy hunting that is occurring in Africa. I’m extremely proud to act as inaugural ambassador for the first-ever, international I’m Not a Trophy campaign, a cause that not only benefits endangered species, but empowers women as well.

Zingo Infuser Water Bottle Review

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Today we are reviewing the Zingo Infuser water bottle.

Root 7 say: “The Zingo is light, stylish and comes in many different shades to suit all personalities. The Zingo is the most recent addition to the Zingo family. It is made from state of the art BPA-free plastic that helps hide day to day wear and tear that could occur during your busy schedule.

Why not give your water a tasty Zing by adding fresh citrus fruits. Zingo brings the 21^st century to your water bottle by adding flavour to your water without any added nasty sugars or preservatives.

You can find details of the ‘Zingo‘ along with lots of other exciting products at https://www.root7.com/zingo.”

But what do we think? It is a good-looking water bottle. The citrus press is a good idea and makes the water more interesting. We like the thought of adding taste without any added nasty sugars or preservatives. It is sturdy but not cumbersome, and the plastic is BPA-free which is a must. It is easy to use and creates two full drinks per press. It is made from state of the art BPA-free plastic that helps hide day to day wear and tear that could occur during your busy schedule. We like!

How to Use Zingo

It’s so simple, easy and perfect for busy people on the go. Untighten the cup of the Zingo, flip the body onto the top cap, and press a citrus fruit half into the reamer. Then simply just tighten back on the bottom lid, add water through the cap opening, shake and enjoy.

National BBQ Week

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Christian Gott

Barbecue Diplomacy and the Most Important BBQ That Never Was – A Recipe for Walter Jetton’s BBQ Sauce

The culinary aware reader will know we are in the middle of National BBQ Week, you knew that didn’t you? I learnt that there is a National Hotdog Council over in America yesterday, so it really is never too late to learn and with that in mind I thought I would write a little about Lyndon B. Johnson. By nineteen sixty-three Lyndon B. Johnson had risen above the hurly-burly politics of the Lone star state to be vice president of the United States in the administration of the meteoric John F Kennedy. In a government of outstanding personalities including the president’s charismatic brother the attorney general, secretary of defense Robert McNamara and secretary of state Dean Rusk many saw Johnson’s role as mere window dressing. Yet this homely former school teacher established himself with quiet determination and pioneered what became known as barbecue diplomacy. As people relaxed due to the informal atmosphere of a barbecue around a pit or grill it was often easier for LBJ to talk business than in the rigid formal settings of a state banquette. My apologies as this is definitely an apolitical blog we need to talk more about the barbecue and not the man.

LBJ Photo.jpg

At his home on the banks of the Perdernale river, LBJ hosted an array of important barbecues for VIP dignitaries and most of these were catered for by Walter Jettson. He ran a local, well for Texas, catering company in Fort Worth and prepared the food at the LBJ ranch. On November 23, 1963 the staff of the ranch and Jettson were preparing for the biggest event of their lives the president was to visit and eat smoked ribs and brisket. As we all know he was never to make it. LBJ was sworn in as the thirty-sixth president of the United States on board Air force One carrying the body of President Kennedy back to Washington. Jettson was to become the President’s Pitmaster * and LBJ even flew him around the country to cater at political rallies. On the back of his celebrity, Jetton published a barbecue cookbook, which is unfortunately out of print but available on Amazon and other retailers.

Jetton catered for the first barbecue at the White House and continued to do so during LBJ’s term in office. When he decided not to stand for re-election LBJ hosted one last farewell barbecue on the White House lawns for over two hundred friends and supporters. The Texas style ribs must have been quite special as the Swiss-born, formally trained, White House head chef Henry Haller, wrote in his The White House Family Cookbook, ” He did a terrific job and I was most impressed with the results. His barbecue sauce avoided all of the common flaws (over sweetening, overcooking, excessive thinning) and by serving the sauce separately, he also avoided drying out the meat. ”

*Pit Master : An experienced barbecue cook, a skilled craftsman, who watches over the pit and can tell by sight, sound, smell, and touch, if it is running too hot or too cold, when it needs fuel, when to add wood, when to add sauce, and when the meat is ready.

For more information on Barbecuing visit www.joyofgrilling.com/glossary/

Here is my only slightly amended version of Walter Jetton’s recipe. As the full recipe is of authentic American origin it is measured in cups. A cup is between 200 and 250ml, providing one standard cup is used the proportions will work.

Walter Jettons’s BBQ Sauce

1 1/2 cups Water

1 cup Ketchup

1/2 cup Cider Vinegar

3 Stalks Celery, washed and chopped

1/4 cup Butter

1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 cup Onion, peeled and finely chopped

3 Bay Leaves

1 Large Clove Garlic, peeled and minced

½ tablespoon Sugar

1 teaspoon Chilli Powder

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

1/8 teaspoon Sea Salt

pinch of freshly ground Black Pepper

Mix all ingredients together. Place in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil and simmer for ½ an hour. Remove from heat and strain.

Walter Jetton’s LBJ Barbecue Cookbook– By the Caterer to the LBJ Ranch, Written with Arthur Whitman, 1965, Pocket Books.

Chandon Rosé Review & Cocktail Recipes

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Frost loves sparkling wine. But there is sparkling wine and then there is sparkling wine. Chandon Rosé is a particular favourite of ours. A combination of Chardonnay, pinot noir and Malbec have been expertly mixed together in this gorgeously lively dry wine. The aromas of red berries really add to the party and this Rosé has just the right amount of sweetness.This wine is perfect to remind yourself how amazing you are. It is nearly the weekend so go on, treat yourself and buy a bottle. There are two amazing cocktail ideas below if that is more your thing.

Whatever the weather this summer, Chandon is guaranteed to serve you a splash of sunshine with its gorgeous Brut and Rosé Argentinian sparkling wines. Crisp and dry on the palate with a hint of sweetness, Chandon is perfect enjoyed on its own or to add a touch of sparkle to a selection of simple, elegant Chandon cocktails. Chandon Brut and Rosé are available at Ocado.com and Majestic Wines from £14.99

#EnjoyTheSpark

Chandon Patagonia Punch

A fruity, fun cocktail with the fragrant hint of strawberries. The perfect serve for summer!

Ingredients

Chandon Rosé
2 strawberries
5 basil leaves
20ml rhubarb & strawberry cordial 15ml fresh lemon juice 30ml Belvedere
Ice cubes

Method

Muddle the fruit, shake and strain into a coupette glass

Chandon Evita Spritz

A wine spritzer with a twist – this simple, refreshing cocktail is the ideal accompaniment to your summer soiree

Ingredients

15ml Elder ower Cordial Top with Chandon Brut Orange Peel

Method

Pour ingredients into an ice lled cabernet glass and garnish with an orange twist

New Infographic Gives The Grave Facts About Dying

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Frostie

Dying is not something most of us want to think about. Problem is, it is unavoidable and not dealing with your affairs in advance can cause trouble for loved ones. While life insurance isn’t something that most would want to talk about, it’s rather important so those left behind won’t get into debt. Dealing with grief is hard enough, but according to this brilliant infographic which outlines the associated costs of funerals; 44% of people had to take out a credit card to pay for a loved ones funeral. Even worse, 27% had to resort to a payday loan. Having a child was the catalyst for myself getting my affairs in order, but this infographic shows that most of us are still woefully underprepared for the inevitable.

Assumptions don’t help either. Apparently 41% of people think that existing funds will cover their funeral costs, but the truth is that only 22% of people have the proper life insurance in place. Even more shocking is that only 32% of people have a will should something happen to them.

Over 50 life cover is important and helps to alleviate the financial strain that often comes with arranging a funeral, as letting those left behind know how you would like to be buried (or cremated), who you would like to leave your worldly goods to and any other last wishes. This funeral planning infographic from British Seniors Insurance Agency has lots of interesting statistics: average funeral costs are cheaper in Edinburgh and most expensive in Sheffield. Londoners are more likely to take out a credit card or payday loan, and Liverpool had the highest number of respondents wanting a religious ceremony. Different regions had different worries: Londoners were more likely to take out a credit card (40%) or a payday loan (39%) to pay for a funeral, while in Brighton 17% of people worried about future inheritance disputes among family members.

The thing about the costs are that they can catch you unaware. 31% of people said they did not know what costs to expect before they started planning a funeral. If you are lucky enough to have never planned a funeral then you will be blissfully unaware how expensive they are. The average funeral in Edinburgh is £3,947, but the average cost reaches a dizzy £5,469 in Sheffield. Londoners meanwhile pay an average of £4,543. A staggering amount of money, even for the cheapest funeral, and one that relatives might struggle to pay for.

The infographic shows that being prepared is important, but some of the findings are interesting and amusing. When it comes to the send off, 55% wanted to be buried, 22% wished to be cremated and 20% remained uncertain. However, a staggering 70% of respondents over 55 wanted to be buried. A lot of people thought creatively when it came to their final resting place. Some wanted to be buried at their favourite sports ground, some wanted to be buried in a haunte

d house, others wanted to be buried near or in the sea, while some people wanted to be buried with their spouse or their dog. No mention of other pets though.

Check out the infographic by British Seniors Insurance Agency life insurance quote provider out for yourself. Hopefully it will spur you to get your affairs in order.

An interesting concept comes to London in July

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Duncan Graham’s CUT has already taken the 2015 Adelaide Fringe by storm, and the good news is that CUT’s London premiere will take place at The Vaults in July.

Where? Yes, that’s right, The Vaults – under the Waterloo Railway arches. Set against a black backdrop with unsettling moments of complete darkness, a small audience is sealed in an atmospheric Vault under the Waterloo railway arches.

A woman prepares for work. Pursued by a man, she is hunter and hunted. CUT is a total work of art. A Lynchian dream that transports an audience deep into the heart of 21st century fears – the psychological equivalent of extreme turbulence. Part installation, part theatre poem, part noir thriller, prepare to be sealed into this intimate and unforgettable experience.

Part installation, part theatre poem, part noir thriller, this promises to be an interesting experience.

The fragmented storylines, technical wizardry and first class performance manifest into a theatrical trip you will find fascinating.

Writer Duncan Graham, comments: The idea for CUT was conceived in London, as I flew into the city, moved around on its trains, through its parks. Having had a season in Sydney at Belvoir, it’s so great to be presenting the work in what I consider to be its home. Hannah Norris is startling in the role, and she’ll haunt The Vaults with her breed of pure vengeance.

‘Hannah Norris’s ability to flicker from victim to predator in the blink of an eye truly sends shivers down the spine… If you enjoy taking a step into the darkness, then this award winning show certainly delivers the chill factor’ (Edinburgh Evening news).

When: Tuesday 5th – Sunday 31st July 2016 Tuesday-Friday, 7.45pm Weekend, 5pm and 8pm

Where: The Vaults, Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD

The Vaults are located underneath Waterloo station (on the Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee lines). Leave Waterloo Station via Exit 1 and they are a short walk away.

Tickets are available from £12.50 from http://www.thevaults.london/#!cut/c1e1t.

Pizzicotto my New Favourite Italian

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Kesh

Pizzicotto, sister restaurant to the Kensington gem ‘il portico’ has been causing a stir on the London Restaurant scene. Famous for their Charcoal Based Pizza this is not the only showstopper they serve here but they also serve up an unbeatable authentic and traditional Italian fayre. As a food writer, Italian cuisine can be hard to come by and get right. We live in a city which celebrates Pizza and Pasta and in a takeaway generation, there are many much-loved chains that consumer tend to stick to. However, when looking for Italian food at it’s finest we want to have it all and Pizzicotto delivers not only a menu which is true to Italy but an ambience and atmosphere worthy of a true Mediterranean experience.

Nestled at the quieter end of High St. Ken lies this hidden gem set behind a beautiful green frontage, this is not the stereotypical Italian trattoria but something light and airy and instantly welcoming. The restaurant is adorned with huge trees inside the building itself and an open wood fired Pizza oven and I genuinely feel like I’m a thousand miles from London. My guest is late but i’m pleased because this is somewhere I would gladly eat alone and soak up the atmosphere… and the huge Aperol Spritz my server brings over. The aperitif selection is typically Italian and it would be rude not to start my dinner with a glass of Aperol and have some Garlic Focaccia while i’m waiting. Normally i’m not one to fill up on bread but there is something light and more-ish about it.

The menu is ample and true to Italian style, everything you could want is on there. They serve up a wide range of Antipasti and Starters; Bruschetta, Speciality Cheeses and Meats and Primi Pastas, which can also be served as mains, our server helps our decision. She explains to us Culatello Di Zibello is a very fine cured ham like Prosciutto and extremely rare so we jump at the chance to try this out, and we also opt for the classic Pork Belly Tagliatelle. She’s right, the Culatello tastes as precious as it is and I can only describe it as a melt in the mouth, cured meat heaven and very much worth the journey to Pizzicotto just to try the Culatello. Always having tried Tagliatelle with Beef, the difference in flavour when made me with Pork Belly is remarkable. The texture is much more tender, the flavour richer and meatier and the portion size is perfect as a starter plate.

The Charcoal Based Pizza is what we really came here for but with a mammoth selection of toppings we spend a while deciding on this too. As well as this we decide to order one of their grilled dishes and opt for the Tartare Grade Tuna Steak served with Fennel Salad. We share both, but to be perfectly honest, the Pizza was so light that I could have polished off the Pizza as well as the Tuna they were that delicious. Don’t be put off by the burnt look of the Pizza, it’s all charcoal and if that doesn’t turn you on, the taste is no different and the benefits of activated charcoal speak for themselves. Having cut down on Pizza’s recently due to the effects of wheat in my body, activated charcoal base is a real blessing and we can talk about it as much as we like but the proof is in the pudding, or in this case the Pizza, there really is no bloat and the fact I could have easily have eaten the whole thing without undoing my jeans is evidence enough. The Tuna was grilled to absolute perfection and the Fennel Salad accompanied well. I had never thought to try Tuna with Fennel as it’s quite a heavy, meaty fish but the two combined to create the flavour of the sea harmoniously. We paired both dishes with a delicious Sauvignon Bianco which was crispy and fresh and served in a huge glass. Perfecto!

Finally we were treated to the specials on the Dessert menu which included Nutella Pizza!! I bet you can guess what we ordered, and thankfully it wasn’t a full-sized Pizza but one slice which we paired with a raspberry Ice Cream. Both were indulgent, heavenly but still light! How Pizzicotto have managed to balance the huge Italian Flavours with the light as air Pizzas and Pastas is nothing short of remarkable and this is certainly the type of Italian where you can appreciate the quality of the produce and not feel uncomfortably stuffed. The highlight was The Activated Charcoal Pizza so it’s definitely worth the trip here to grab yourself a slice of that but overall the entire menu was divine from start to finish. This is certainly an Italian I will be recommending. Cin Cin.

Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard – Bangkok correspondent

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Margaret Graham

When we came to Bangkok I really thought I would achieve so much. Nine months in I realize if you achieve one thing a day you are doing well. So when I have a week of back to back opportunities in which to experience the weird and the wonderful of Bangkok, I utterly relish it.

It all started with 2 nights retreat on the river in Amphawa – home of the original authentic floating market and many a temple. It was literally sunset yoga on the river; merit-making with monks in boats at sunrise, a completely beautifully serene and peaceful way to start the day; post-merits yoga on the pontoon on the river; spa treatments including acupuncture, a needle literally inserted in my third eye, hot herbal bath, probably my first and last bath in Thailand because it was SO hot and a Thai massage.

Later, a soaking in fizz, closely followed by a drenching in river water (in my remaining clean outfit so I travelled home smelling like a Thai drain puddle) and some rather spectacular firefly demonstrations on the river bank. The trees were lit up like Christmas trees. And a finale of sunrise om floating on the river and reiki. The whole experience was complete zen.

On returning home it was a back to back birthday extravaganza…first a 5 year old’s birthday welcomed us back to our Moobaan, more fizz, more fun, no soakings. Then my birthday: kids made fabulous cards and Mr P excelled himself on the present front; brunch with my BKK-Bessie’s and another amaze-balls gift; rooftop bar drinks with Mr P and a delish Indian tandoori dinner…lots of time to reflect that getting older is really getting more fun.

The following day my friend, Meghan and I headed off to Chinatown on the hunt for fabric. Despite better and wiser advise, that the last Friday before the Thai schools went back was a bad day to go, off we set. Bts, tuk tuk & taxi with intermittent footwork and we arrived in Little India. We were scouting through the rolls of fabric before 11am in Indian Emporium – a result in itself. Made a purchase: some cool linens for 100bht/m. Next stall…linen 50bht/m…fatal school girl error. Much friendlier proprietors so to compensate I went mad on a colour palette reminiscent of the river: khaki, slate, Air Force blue, ocra…I do love colour but my skin tone suits, well pond water shades.

On Saturday one of my 4 birthday twins invited me to a Grease night to celebrate her 40th. Once I realized the Mr’s weren’t invited it was game on for me. 50’s skirts and fitted tops were sourced. A pink wig was secured. I was good to go.

What a night. Slick smooth and stylish it was not. Fun, raucous and silly it most definitely was. We laughed, sang loudly, danced hysterically and it was fabulous. Never in a million years had I even anticipated the previous, as our look see in Bangkok came to an end, that a year later my birthday week would be ending like this. And I think that unpredictability is what I love most about Bangkok. Anything is possible and anything goes.

Afterwards we went to Titanium. I was totally expecting a mega club, but instead it is a small bar with a live band. We looked rather like a hen do, all dressed same and so unfortunately attracted attention in that vein. I had to keep myself in check as there were more than a few fat ugly Farang with their trophy Thai gals, a side to Thailand that challenges my non-judgemental yoga principles and my face muscles – I am completely transparent and you can tell exactly how I am feeling by the look on my face. The all girl live band were awesome. The bonkers Ozzie and his scary ‘tash, not so much. But we danced some more, drank some more and laughed a lot more. Then I journeyed all the way home, itchy ghastly wig still in situ if not a little wonky, with possibly the jolliest taxi driver ever – a real life happy Buddha.

And that’s how life is sometimes in Bangkok. Back to back experiences, sense overload, a fun-fest. And I love it, I absolutely love that life flits between the sublime and the ridiculous so effortlessly!and so regularly.

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