Enter The Prestigious Blogger Awards

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blog, awards, enter, now, Exciting news: The UK’s most prestigious blogger awards are back to celebrate the very best talented industry professionals and individual bloggers from the lifestyle industry. What are you waiting for? Enter from Monday 1 September 2014.

Entries for the National UK Blog Awards will open on Monday 1 September 2014 and provide a unique opportunity for bloggers from the lifestyle industry to be recognised nationwide.

 

The first ever National UK Blog Awards took place in April and achieved huge success with over 900 bloggers entering the awards and 16,000 members of the public voting to determine which blogs deserved a finalist spot

 

Alongside the category for the lifestyle industry, bloggers will have the chance to enter into 13 other categories including automotive, education, health and events, whilst members of the public can also nominate their favourite individual or company blogger.

 

Gemma Pears, director of the National UK Blog Awards, said: “The UK Blog Awards provide a unique opportunity to be acknowledged and recognised as a true knowledge provider within your industry.

 

“Blogging is growing increasingly important in the UK; it’s a great way to position yourself as an expert in your field to build your credibility, as well as being able to showcase your knowledge whether you’re blogging as an industry professional or simply because you love to write.

 

“Awards are a hugely powerful marketing tool. They give you and your business immediate credibility and set you apart from the industry norm.

 

“Whether your blog is your business, a hobby or it’s part of your daily working tasks, a good blog can really help develop your client’s trust and helps close the gap between the ‘you’ and ‘ them’.”

 

You can enter your own blog or nominate a blog at www.blogawards.co.uk from Monday 1 September 2014, with entries closing on Friday 31 October.

 

The UK Blog Awards are on the look-out for expert judges from the lifestyle industry to help decide which bloggers will be announced as finalists prior to the awards evening in April 2015.

 

 

Norm MacDonald’s Touching Tribute To Robin Williams

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Robin Williams’ death left a world in mourning like no other celebrity before him. The laughter and joy he brought to people in childhood and beyond made him an international treasure.Robin Williams tribute

 

 
One of the most touching tributes I saw was from Norm MacDonald, I am not embarrassed to say that it even made me cry. Rest in peace to Robin Williams, who will be sorely missed. Here is Norm’s amazing tribute. Let us know what you think.

Norm MacDonald

Norm MacDonald

Samaritans is available round-the-clock on 08457 90 90 90 or email: jo@samaritans.org

Millie Mackintosh, Jessie Ware & Louise Thompson Pledge Allegiance To Cath Kidston

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Cath Kidston has a new campaign this season all about women and their handbags – something which is very personal to every woman, and can be a real storyteller in terms of personality and personal life and we love it.

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With a particular focus on the universal truth of the two tribes women fall into on the subject of the size of their handbag – either being the kind of girl who carries everything but the kitchen sink or the kind that only carries the bare essentials, Cath Kidston will launch a photographic exhibition called ‘Do You Like Yours Big or Small?’ at their flagship store 180 Piccadilly, featuring high profile friends of the brand including Daisy Lowe, Jessie Ware, Nicola Roberts, Millie Mackintosh, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Cath Kidston herself pledging their allegiance to being either a #totesbig or #totessmall kind of girl and revealing what they carry in their everyday bags.

Daisy Lowe, Jessie Ware, Nicola Roberts, Millie Mackintosh, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Cath Kidston annafriel

The exhibition will run for two weeks in the 180 Piccadilly Store, London and will be open to the public, who can also get involved by submitting their own #totesbig and #totessmall images for a chance to be featured in the exhibition. In addition there will be an interactive Ames Room, which distorts the users perception creating a #totesbig or #totessmall effect depending where you’re stood.

 

The Cath Kidston Ames room will be touring the UK bringing modern vintage British fairground fun to the below spaces:

 

o    Southampton – 6th & 7th Sept

o    Meadowhall – 13th & 14th Sept

o    Bluewater – 20th & 21st Sept

o    Westfield – 4th & 5th Oct

 

 

 

Zoe Saldana: I Am ‘Expired’ at 36 Because of ‘Ageist’ Hollywood

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Guardians of The Galaxy star Zoe Saldana has called Hollywood out on its ageism, saying that the same ageist standards are not applied to men.

Zoe said it is “f**king ridiculous” that she is considered “expired” at the age of 36. She told The Sunday Telegraph’s Stella Magazine that she was offered the role as a love interest of an actor who was 30-years older than her. “I said ‘Eurgh, no f**king way’, they said ‘But Zoe, he’s the hottest actor’. I don’t give a  f*** how hot he is, I’m not going to endorse that — not until the day I see more romantic movies with Diane Keaton, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep with young hot actors working as their sidekicks. Only then will I say yes.”

Go Zoe!

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If you want to be an actor, check out our editors book on How To Be a Successful Actor here.

 

 

Alexanda Burke Wears MyriamSOS Jewellery

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Celebrity Songstress Alexanda Burke Chooses to Wear MyriamSOS Jewellery for her Performance at Charity Event “Heroes at Highclere”

alexandraburke alexandraburkegetthelook

 

Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke chose to wear jewellery by award-winning designer Myriam Soseilos for  her performance at the Charity Event, which recently took place at the grounds of the real Downton Abbey. The inspiring event commemorated the 100th anniversary of the First World War and raise money for various armed forces charities as well as humanitarian causes.

 

The songstress kept it stylish and edgy in a silver and black bodycon dress accessorised with MyriamSOS white and black earrings and paired with the Loop Ring in white gold and white diamonds and beautiful bracelets in white gold, all from the Naked Square Collection by designer Myriam Soseilos. The pieces chosen by Alexandra are in line with the current  season’s monochromatic craze and white gold trend, as jewellery in white gold is the hottest trend for this summer.

 

“Seeing Alexandra wear my jewellery pieces and have fun with them is a great pride for me. I am most inspired by strong women worldwide. My collections were “born” out of my desire to create contemporary pieces that would appeal to women with busy lifestyles and that could be both elegant and versatile. The thought of creating beautiful accessories for women with hectic lives is a continuous source of inspiration. It’s essential to me that women can have fun with my jewellery”, said Myriam.

 

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Myriam Soseilos is without doubt one to watch in the UK and has chosen to lead the industry to new heights with her two stunning, avant-garde collections.

 

Recently shortlisted for the ‘New Designer of the Year’ Retail Jeweller award, and winner of the ‘Treasure Designer of the Year 2013’, the Cypriot jewellery designer’s visionary brand MyriamSOSfeatures a range of avant-garde statement pieces. Sophisticated, simple and stunning, her exquisitely crafted artistry is an emblem of style and contemporary elegance.

 

You can recreate Alexandra’s style by choosing the beautifully minimalistic and avant-garde pieces in black and white gold and diamonds from her Naked Square Collection.

 

The Naked Square Collection, currently stocked at Wolf & Badger in Mayfair, is a celebration of diamond jewellery and is characterised by age-old, handcrafted techniques and unique designs. This collection is based upon geometry and the ‘grammar of shapes’. Myriam finds her inspiration in the ‘square’, in an effort to discover its inner, deeper meaning, across a voyage over the centuries. By creating dark toned pieces in silver and gold, the designer has given a fresh and modern twist to diamond jewellery making the pieces relevant for women today, while capturing the classic and timeless elegance of diamonds.

 

Myriam’s art is constantly evolving. Guided by her innate talent and her adventurous spirit, the designer has created stunning collections characterised by clean lines and high-quality materials which re-define the concepts of  versatility and individuality. From romantic designs to minimalistic statement pieces, her creations reflect her love for beautiful objects and colours.

 

 

Pickled Fork Pop Up Restaurant Review

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Salt Beef ‘Sandwhich’, Grilled Corn Bread, Home Smoked Streaky Bacon, TPF’s Grain Mustard, Kohirabi & Cucumber Slaw

We recently went to a pop up restaurant in the Barmouth Kitchen hosted by the Pickled Fork chef Alex Motture. If you haven’t been to a pop up restaurant you should try it, it’s great fun.

You bring your own alcohol and the focus is entirely on food. Alex grew up in Australia and he has cooked in kitchens all around the world.

The first course were these delicious meat balls you can see below, all washed down with a glass of ale from the local brewery. A great combination and it got our taste buds tingling for the next course.

Next was a Salt Beef ‘Sandwhich’ with grilled corn, smoked bacon, mustard and a kohirabi (turnip cabbage) & cucumber slaw. The beef was delicious and Alex’s combination of flavours and textures was exceptional. Passion and attention for detail were immediately apparent. He had clearly gone to great lengths to source the right ingredients.

Next up is a dish I will remember for a very long time. A beautiful piece of Hake, not a fish I eat regularly but this was something particularly special. The Hake was salty firm and incredibly succulent. Combined with the tomatoes, tomato liquor, Dill Granois and Dill Mayonnaise it was a beautifully balanced combination full of incredible flavour. A total triumph and a dish which really showed off the chef’s incredible skill.

The third course was pork belly with cherries, crushed courgette & watercress relish. Alex had cooked his pork belly perfectly a difficult feat many chefs often get it wrong. It was crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. It went beautifully with the sweetness of the cherry.

For pudding we had Beetroot & Carob parfait, redcurrant smoothie and beetroot crunch. It was another unique experience and unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The beetroot parfait was earthy yet sweet and very tasty.

It was a wonderful experience of fantastic food. This was very high end cooking by a very talented young chef. We liked the food so much we hired Alex as the caterer for our wedding. If that’s not an endorsement I don’t know what is.

Alex’s food was exceptional but he’s incredibly easy going and friendly. He spent a lot of time out of the kitchen talking with all the guests. His passion for food was clear. I highly recommend you make a booking for his next event or even hire him out if you are having a party. He can cook just about anything at very reasonable prices. http://www.thepickledfork.com/

The pop up event we went to was held at the Barmouth Kitchen, a meeting place set up by local families. Below is what they say about themselves

2 Years ago, 10 local families opened Barmouth Kitchen to provide our community with a local coffee shop and meeting place. When we opened Barmouth Kitchen the aim was not to make a profit, but enough to keep us open…. And we’re still here! We DO need your continued support to ensure our little hub stays open for many a year yet.

2 Barmouth Road
Wandsworth
London
SW18 2DN

Tel: 020 8704 4413

info@barmouthkitchen.co.uk

The Pickled Fork – https://twitter.com/thepickledfork

http://www.thepickledfork.com/

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Heritage Tomato Cured Hake, Tomato Liquor, Young Tomato Leaves, Dill Granois & Dill Mayonnaise

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Cherry Roasted Pork Belly, Pickled Cherries, Crushed Courgette, Courgette Flowers, Runner Bean & Watercress Relish

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Beetroot & Carob Parfait, Beetroot Crunch, Redcurrant Smoothie, Fresh Redcurrant & Basil Salad

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Alex – The Chef

Summer Drinks Review

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We got sent some summer drinks to review from Sainsbury’s: two cordials, Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée, Ginger & Lime and a sparkling cocktail: Elderflower, Mint & Lime Blended Sparkling Cocktail. Let’s break them down.

Taste The Difference Grapefruit & Pink Guava, made with Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée.

Absolutely delicious, summery and refreshing. The pink grapefruit mixed with the guava tastes great and really works. This is a perfect summer drink.

Taste The Difference Mexican Lime  & Ginger Cordial.

This is also excellent. It tastes very fresh and the two ingredients really work together. Quite addictive too.

Elderflower, Mint & Lime Blended Sparkling Cocktail.

This yummy cocktail is only 4% volume so you can enjoy it without worrying about hangovers or those awful headaches some people get when they drink in the sun. This cocktail is white wine mixed with elderflower, mint and lime. It is zesty, fresh and refreshing: a perfect summer cocktail. Recommended.

To celebrate the launch of two brand new seasonal Taste the Difference cordials, Sainsbury’s has created three delicious punch recipes for sharing with friends and family while entertaining this summer. The new cordial flavours; Grapefruit & Pink Guava, made with Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée; and Ginger & Lime, made with Mexican limes, add to the existing range featuring Taste the Difference Elderflower Cordial. These cocktails have been especially designed as long drinks for pitcher measures to be easy to make and refreshing on a hot (or overcast) British Summer’s day.

First up is a citrussy, sparkling, Vodka based cocktail, Sunrise Fizz, which will transport drinkers to the tropics; even if the British Summer is more likely to be torrential than tropical:

To make:
• Pour 180ml of Sainsbury’s Vodka into a jug
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Spanish Pink Grapefruit & Guava Cordial
• Top up with fizzy water
• Finish with the juice of one grapefruit and garnish with slices of pink grapefruit

If you fancy the taste of an English country garden, then try Sainsbury’s English Garden Cup. This gin and elderflower based drink is the perfect refreshment for a lazy weekend afternoon:

To make:
• Pour 180ml Sainsbury’s Dry London Gin into a pitcher
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Elderflower Cordial
• Top up with fizzy water
• Finish with the juice of two lemons and garnish with slices of lemon

And finally, Shoot the Breeze, a delicious Rum, ginger and lime punch. Aromatic and spicy, this cocktail will really help to get the party started:

To make:
• Pour 180ml Sainsbury’s Superior White Rum into a jug
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Mexican Lime & Ginger Cordial
• Top up with ginger ale
• Finish with the juice of two limes and garnish with slices of lime

For an even easier way to enjoy these summer flavours, Sainsbury’s has also launched two new sparkling wine cocktails in the Winemakers’ Selection range; Elderflower, Lime & Mint Fizz Sparkling Cocktail; and Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Cocktail. These are low in alcohol and blended with fruit extracts and Spanish white wine for a refreshing ready-to-drink option.

Pricing details:
Taste the Difference Mexican Lime & Ginger Cordial 500ml £1.85
Taste the Difference Spanish Pink Grapefruit and Guava Cordial 500ml £2
Sainsbury’s Winemakers’ Selection Elderflower Lime & Mint Fizz 75cl 4% ABV £3

 

 

Refreshing Cocktails from Tom’s Kitchen

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Frost Magazine has teamed up with Tom’s Kitchen to give you some excellent, refreshing cocktail recipes. They are all delicious and we just can’t work out which one is our favourite. Enjoy!

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SUMMER BREEZE

SERVES1

INGREDIENTS

50ml Vodka

25ml Frais de Bois

Fresh Strawberries

Topped with Soda

 

METHOD – Put all the ingredients into a glass and top with soda

 

CLEMENTINE BUBBLES

SERVES1

INGREDIENTS

15ml Orange and Lemon mix (made from orange zest, lemon zest, sugar and juice)

Topped with Prosecco

 

METHOD – Put all the ingredients into a glass and top with Prosecco

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JAX COCO COCKTAILS

Inspired by the latest health trend, Tom’s Kitchen has partnered with Jax Coco, the 100% pure coconut water, to develop a selection of vibrant non-alcohol and alcoholic cocktails perfect for the warmer months.

 

The cocktail menu is the refreshing addition to brunch and includes:

 

·         Coco Fizz – a light mix of lemon juice, jasmine syrup, egg white and Jax Coco

·         Jax Diamond – a fruity combination of strawberries, lemongrass, agave syrup and Jax Coco

·         Jax Caipirinha – a playful twist on the Brazilian classic featuring high quality Cachaca, Jax Coco, caster sugar, lime and cherry bitters

Chef/Patron Tom Aikens adds: “I am a huge fan of coconut water and Jax Coco ticks all the boxes – aside from fantastic quality, all the coconut water comes from their own fully sustainable coconut plantation. Try the Coco Fizz and Jax Diamond for a quick pick-me-up or linger longer with the Jax Caipirinha.”

ABOUT TOM’S KITCHEN:

Tom’s Kitchen has 3 locations across London including, Canary Wharf, Chelsea and Somerset House which features a stunning terrace facing the Thames. A fourth location in St Katherine Docks will also be opening on 18th August.

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TURKISH INSPIRED COCKTAILS FROM KITCHENETTE

 

This Summer Kitchenette, a recently opened Mediterranean cafe, restaurant and bar in Putney, are bringing cocktails home with a selection of inspirational recipes perfect for quenching your thirst in the summer sun. Drawing inspiration from Kitchenette’s Turkish heritage the cocktails include an array of traditional ingredients such as Pomegranate seeds, Turkish delight vodka and the sweet essence of rose water.

 

POMEGRANATE LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS

100ml Absolute Citron

50ml Lemon Juice

50ml Gomme

175ml Pomegranate Juice

100ml Sparkling water

2 x Orange, Apple, Lemon and Lime Slices

 

METHOD

Add all ingredients into a 500ml Glass Jug and stir until well mixed

Decanter cocktail mix into 2 inverness glasses and garnish with pomegranate seeds

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OTTOMAN DELIGHT

INGREDIENTS

25ml Turkish Delight infused Vodka

25ml Vanilla Vodka

2 drops rose water

5ml honey

 

METHOD

Stir the honey & Vodka until the honey is completely dissolved.

Add all the remaining ingredients and shake well until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Divide into 2 chilled martini glasses and serve with a sprinkle of chocolate for an extra sweet version

 

 Which one will you make?