MILLIE AND MANUKA DOCTOR

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Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh is supporting Manuka Doctor, innovators of the UK’s first ever Purified Bee Venom skincare collection, on their stand at this year’s Vitality Show.

On Saturday 24th March between 10am and 1pm Millie will be offering skincare advice to show visitors in support of her favourite skincare range.

Millie, brand ambassador for Manuka Doctor and a huge fan of natural beauty, suffered with acne in her teens and knows what it feels like to still get the occasional breakout. The heavy make-up required for filming and constant parties and events, means Millie needs something highly effective in cleaning the skin. Being a make-up artist she also understands how hard it is to keep skin looking clear and healthy.

“As a make-up artist I come across so many products and brands – I also get sent a lot of products to try – my absolute favourite at the moment is Manuka Doctor. I really like their ApiClear range. The Foaming Cleanser, Skin Treatment Serum and Moisturising Lotion are all really good for balancing troubled skin.” Millie Mackintosh

Millie’s not alone, since Manuka Doctor’s launch at the end of last year, hero products from the range have completely sold out through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. Other celebrity bee venom fans include Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Manuka Doctor’s ApiClear range is specifically designed to help balance troubled skin. Purified Bee Venom (PBV™) works alongside New Zealand Manuka Honey, known for its anti-bacterial qualities, and Propolis, to help eliminate the causes of blemishes, nurture cell regeneration and renew damaged skin cells.

A recent trial into the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Purified Bee Venom against acne inducing bacteria, conducted by Dr SangMi Han and published in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research[i] (2010), proved Bee Venom to be an effective alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy for acne. Try the ApiClear Treatment Serum (£18.99 for 30ml) to provide an antiseptic solution for inflamed troubled skin.

Manuka Doctor’s Purified Bee Venom is the result of a unique patented purification process that removes any unwanted particles after it’s been collected from the bees. The venom is extracted using a safe process that ensures that the bee’s lifespan, well being and performance are not affected.

The Manuka Doctor range of Purified Bee Venom products is sold exclusively through Holland & Barrett stores nationwide and online at www.hollandandbarrett.com.

Prices range from £3.49 to £49.99.

Boots Summer Show

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Boots Summer Show on Wednesday 29 Feb 2012.

Decked with sun-loungers, sombreros and coconut shelled piña coladas, the garden conservatory at the Barbican Centre was transformed into an oasis of tranquillity for the Boots Summer show.

The giant health and beauty retailer showcased its new range of products for summer 2012 with lotions and potions for work, rest and play.

With temperatures set to sore mid year, Boots’ new range provides functional yet appealing cosmetics and travel accessories whether you’re in an emergency or simply want to add a bit of glamour to your evening.

Highlights from the tropical event include the sweet-smelling self-tanning lotion, the highly glittered nail varnishes and the gorgeous 17 bronzing powder.

But here’s a summary of what you can expect in-store and online from May/June onwards.

Make-up

With its own range of make-up (17 and No.7), Boots has had to up its offering to the already populated cosmetic counter.

This year it seems to be all about getting a sultry, shimmering glow to the face and body and the new range is guaranteed to add a sparkle to your dull cosmetics bag.

The 17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder (£5.49 for 20g) is striking in terms of its looks; a leopard print design of multi-toned powder within an embossed palette. As well as adding warmth to the skin, the speckles of gold dust illuminate the face.

My favourite product from the summer preview was No 7 Stay Perfect glitter top coat (£8 for 9ml) which, unfortunately, is only on sale between 16 May – 10 July.

In either gold or silver, the nail varnish is perfect on its own or as the pièce de resistance on top of a bold statement colour.

Soltan Beautiful Bronze (£5.99 for 125ml) is the perfect medium for women who want to enhance their skin tone in a quick and affordable way. While promising to moisturise your skin and add a deep, rich tone instantly, this self-tan also leaves your skin smelling sweetly, unlike other tanning products. Another bonus is that you can wash it all off after you’ve dazzled and danced the night away!

Sun, Swim and Gym

This range is aimed toward both active women and those who prefer to relax on the beach and have a dip in the sea.

Our hair is exposed to UV rays, chlorine and salt and Boots has developed an intensive shampoo (£3.05 for 250ml) and conditioner (£3.59 for 200ml) that hydrates hair strands, leaving your bob sleek and shiny. It’s handy enough to pack into your gym bag or take with you on your summer holidays.

Another sure handbag favourite is Mark Hill’s Holiday Hair (£4.49 for 50ml) which adds nutrients to the scalp to stop it drying out and it’s especially good for coloured hair, preventing it from fading too quickly.

Food and Dieting

The Shapers products include a variety of not too naughty but nice snack bars and flavoured water packed with vitamins.

Under 100 calories each, the raspberry and white chocolate, and the rocky road crispie (55p for 24g) will be included in the Boots healthy meal deal options along with sandwiches for the weight-conscious. Perfect for women on the go.

Travel Medicine

I have to say, I was very excited about the Boots Pharmaceuticals Repel products for when you’re on your travels.

The bite and sting relief patches provide soothing remedy to bites and stings with its hydrogel pads, preventing you from scratching and irritating the infected area further.

But Boots hasn’t just thought about the necessary pills and pads for vacations away, it’s also come up with novel Allergy and Hayfever melt-in-the-mouth tablets (£4.99 for 14 one-a-day tablets). With millions of people suffering from Hayfever, these instant tablets should help you make the most of summer, rather than having to hide indoors once the pollen counters begin to rise.

A Magical Production

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Lost in the Dark presents Ondine by Jean Giraudoux

When I was a child, I used to make up plays.  They would often involve princesses, love stories and magical powers.  Ondine is exactly the type of play that child would have loved: the embodiment of the sense of wonder that draws us to drama in the first place.  To bring this off in a small fringe venue like the White Bear is no small achievement.  But bring it off to a very high standard is precisely what Lost in the Dark have done.

Ondine is the story of a supernatural creature who falls in love with a mortal man..When Hans and Ondine meet, the worlds of a mortal man and a magical creature of the water dangerously collide and she is forced to make an inexorable pact, which will change both their lives forever. Should he betray her, he must die and, along with her time on earth, be erased completely from her memory for her to return to the world of the lake forever.

The first thing to strike me when I entered was the set.  Auguste (Michael Eden) and Eugenie (Terry Diab) were already seated, she knitting, he reading, in a fisherman’s cottage, complete with daub walls and a working window.  The small oil lamps were a particularly nice touch.  Haunting music played from offstage.  The first act takes place in this kitchen, with Hans (Andrew Venning) and Ondine (Elizabeth Merrick) completing the cast for this part of the story.  The second set takes place in the Royal Palace, where Richard Hurst, Brice Stratford, Rob Leonard, Phoebe Batteson Brown, David Frias Robles, Marian Elizabeth and Hilary Hodsman make their debuts.  The final act takes place on a rock by the sea, where the story comes to its tragic, but inevitable end.

There were no bum notes in this production, although a personal preference would be for the actors not to turn their back on the audience quite so much, but apart from that they dealt with the small space admirably.  Everyone involved did a fantastic job: however, there are some who deserve a special mention.  Firstly, set designer Zanna Mercer has created three excellent environments for the play, which are spectacular by the standards of black-box theatre.  Andrew Venning grabbed my attention from the moment he came on stage, and continued to captivate the audience throughout, with his expressive, heartfelt delivery and physical presence.  Elizabeth Merrick was superb as Ondine, her opera training showing to advantage in her movement, her vocal range, and her portrayal of wide-eyed wonder, tragedy and love.  The final scene between Ondine and Hans was particularly poignant, with both actors showing marvellous emotional depth.  Marian Elizabeth gave a lovely, credible performance as Bertha, particulary in one scene, where I almost believed she had a live bird in her hand.  She played the part with charm and grace.  I would have liked to see more of Phoebe Batteson Brown (Voilante/Kitchen Maid).  She drew my eyes whenever she was on stage and although her parts were small, they gave indications of a much larger potential.  Finally, a play is only as good as its director, and Cat Robey must take a large amount of credit for this magical piece of theatre.

Ondine is running at the White Bear Theatre, London, SE11 4DJ, 28th February – 18th March 2012, Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 6pm.  For more information, visit www.ondine-lost-in-the-dark.com.

 

Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops {Recipes}

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Winter Slaw with Grilled Lamb Chops

Serves 4

This is a fresher, lighter version of your usual mayonnaise covered coleslaw that can be made
ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also serve this slaw with steak, grilled salmon or a jacket
potato

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

For the winter slaw:
¼ red cabbage, finely shredded
¼ white cabbage, finely shredded
4 carrots, peeled and grated
1 British red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 green apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp dill, chopped
Handful lightly toasted pine nuts

For the dressing:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tsp caster sugar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons walnut oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
For the lamb chops
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2-3 tbsp oil
8 lamb chops
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together in a jar – giving them all a good
shake. The dressing can be made ahead.
2. Place the shredded cabbages, carrots and onion in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Toss
the apple in the lemon juice and add to the vegetables along with the dill. Add the pine
nuts just before serving.
3. Add the dressing and mix well, allowing the flavours to infuse together.
4. For the lamb chops, mix together the cayenne pepper and the oil until well combined. Rub
the lamb chops all over with the mixture, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly
ground black pepper.
5. Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat; add the lamb chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on
each side, or until golden-brown on both sides and cooked, but still pink in the middle.
6. Serve the lamb chops with a serving of the winter slaw.

Onion Tart Tatin {Recipes}

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Onion Tart Tatin

Serves 2

This dish looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make! Serve with a sprinkling of goat’s
cheese and rocket for a starter or light meal to impress. You could also make this in two separate
tart tins for individual portions.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

2 British brown onions
1 British red onion
50g butter
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
A few thyme sprigs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
250 g ready rolled puff pastry, defrosted if frozen
Little flour for rolling

1. Preheat the oven, 200°C/fan oven 180°C, Gas Mark 6
2. Cut the onions into wedges from the roots to the stems. Melt the butter in a 20 cm (8
inch) frying pan with a metal handle. Add the onions and fry over a medium heat for about
5 minutes, turning from time to time until just beginning to brown.
3. Add the honey and vinegar and cook for a further 5 minutes, moving and shaking the pan
occasionally so the onions do not stick to the pan. Arrange the onions so they make a
pretty pattern, remembering you will be inverting the tart. Add the thyme stems and
season well. Leave to cool while you prepare the pastry.
4. Roll out the pastry on to a lightly floured surface and cut into a circle slightly larger than
the diameter of the frying pan. Lift the pastry over the onions and tuck down the sides of
the pan or tin. Make 2 small slits for the steam to escape.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is well risen. Leave to stand for 5 minutes. Turn
the pastry gently to release; you should be able to spin the tart tatin when it is ready to
serve. Cover the pan with a plate, invert then remove the pan leaving the tart now on the
plate.
6. Serve warm or cold, with a scattering of rocket and Parmesan shavings.

SSX Game Review

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If gamers are completely honest with themselves Extreme Sports games have been severely lacking in this generation of consoles. Yes, the XBOX has had the…erm, Motion Sports titles but come on, really now, all you have had to do is essentially strike a pose and look surprisingly un-cool. If we are completely honest, gone is the insane rush of pulling off trick after trick; gone is the feeling of utter wow whilst your mates go ‘did you really just do that?’ SSX Tricky on the PS2 was the last game to do that me, and not even being able to download it from the PSN store was going to make me feel that way again – until now.

SSX has exploded back on the scene in such a way that many of its competitors will just probably want to turn away from the starting line and hang their heads in shame. Such is the wealth of options, such is the banging-ness of the tracks, such is the literally obscene nature of the tricks, such is the colour and richness of the graphical nature, such is the sheer speed of the game and finally such is the seamless incorporation of all what games developers EA have learnt so far with their other titles such as Need for Speed and its Auto log that many other games just wouldn’t stand a chance.

EA Canada decided to show the world what happens when you don’t just put the game out every year, but instead put your heart and soul into it and take time crafting it, polishing it and the result is an  ultimate experience.

I’ll forget the storyline (is there ever a storyline?) and break this game down to you in the simplest of terms. You will go down mountains – admittedly fantastically rendered mountains. You will have an articulated lorry of tricks at your disposal and these tricks accumulate points which can be traded for speed. Like Need for Speed there are a range of different events – here classified as either “Race It,” in which you have to speed down the slopes against competitors, “Trick It,” in which you need to pull off tricks and outscore the competition, or “Survive It,” which is the final region challenge pitting you against one of the elements.

While there are only three basic modes, there’s a good mix of racers and racing conditions to keep things exciting. You will attempt to conquer slopes all over the world, be that in china or even the Andes.  Each location is interesting and each race has a lot going on.

“Survive it” is the real new addition to the series. Borrowing a lot from Motorstorm Apocalypse you take on the elements  for example thunderous avalanches will try to swallow you up, freezing cold temperatures and lack of oxygen will attempt to suck the life from you, jagged rocks and trees will threaten to turn your bones into mash potato. The skill level is graduated so you get a bit of equipment, like a headlamp, a wing suit or sonar goggles, and you can conquer the very different problems you face on the mountain in each location: the wing suit will help you cross substantial gaps, sonar goggles can help you find a path in whiteout conditions and the headlamp will illuminate even the darkest of caverns.

Control wise this game is quite good; making use of the analogue sticks as well as L and R buttons too to create smooth transitions between tricks. What I thought was really nice is that there is a classic button selection too. So if you were used to the old button setup of the last generation you can select it and pull of moves via the button mashing system of old. You also have a rewind button so if you wipe-out you can go back in time and alter your fate so to speak – although this does cost you points.

Whereas Need for Speed had Auto Log, SSX has Rider Net. It keeps track of your progress. Rider Net alerts you about what your friends are doing. Any scores posted or collectibles acquired pop up, and the game sets challenges for you based on your friend’s scores.

Multiplayer in SSX comes in the form of Global Events, a constantly updating series of challenges open to everyone in the world. EA has challenges going all the time and you can just drop in and try and post a high score or fast time.

As you’re racing through a course, other players doing the same will just show up alongside you in a crazy simultaneous event. For some, it may seem loopy but there is no denying that it keeps the edge and playability of the title top notch. Besides, what else can you do with a snowboard?

My Verdict?

SSX may not be a title for everyone but it is a title that has been long overdue in a genre that sorely needed it. If snowboarding is your thing, if racing games have been getting boring for you or you just want to try something fun, fresh and funky do check out SSX – it’s incredible.

9.2/10

Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows

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Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Shows take part on 18 & 19 February 2012

Fashions Finest LFW shows continue to grow from strength to strength attracting designers from across the globe from as far afield as India, Nigeria, Poland, Zambia and numerous emerging and established designers from across the UK.

Fashions Finest is not your ordinary London Fashion Week show as it continuously pushes the boundaries and gives opportunities to new, aspiring and emerging designers that would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to showcase during London Fashion Week.

This season Fashions Finest added an extra dimension to its shows by for the first time having solo shows alongside the group shows. John Peter and Yes London showed male and female collections
respectively. These two shows were absolute road blocks with guests being turned away in large numbers,
All of the shows attracted celebrities such as celebrity hair dresser Stuart Phillip and a lot of the top media outlets and buyers from across the world.

FF LFW Catwalk Schedule

Saturday 18th February 2012
Day 1
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Ocansey Bianchi (UK)
• Bukki (UK)
• Gruni (Scotland)
• BZion(UK)
• Rouge by Rachelle (UK)

5pm Show – Established Designers
• Beata Guzinska (Poland/UK)
• Smart Phiri (Zambia)
• Fee Uhssi Designs(UK)
7.30pm – Solo Show
• John Peter (Italy/UK)
9pm – Solo Show (Italy/UK)
• Yes London
Sunday 19th February 2012
Day 2
Venue: Westbury Hotel, London

Designers Showcasing:
3pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Motohiro Tanji (Japan/UK)
• Yola Walaszek (Poland/UK)
• Heart 365 Emporium (UK)
• LinmiR Millinery (UK)
• Chatenya Mittal (India)
• GUZOVAART (Scotland)
6pm Show – Emerging Designers
• Lakot Couture (UK)
• ODF Clothing (UK)
• AGR (UK)
• BZion (UK)
• Thre3e.ten Clothing (UK)
• Eva Cammarata (UK)
8.30pm Show – Established Designers
• Jan Knibbs (UK)
• Mia by Mia Nisbet (Scotland/Malawi)
• House of Silk (Nigeria)
• SVE (UK)

Detailed Information on the designers can be found on Fashions Finest

EVOLUTION FESTIVAL

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Looking for something to so this Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend?

If you are in Newcastle Gateshead Quayside there is a musical extravagance.

www.evolutionfestival.co.uk

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5, Maximo Park, Noah & The Whale plus many more confirmed for the North East music spectacular

A host of outstanding music talent across 2 days

No work on Tuesday (thanks Queen) so…
the perfect weekend to party

‘The biggest bargain of the summer’ NME

‘The UK’s model City Festival’ Clash

Evolution Festival returns to the North East on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend with a stellar line up of the most influential and exciting names in popular music. Evolution attracts 28,000 people per day to the Quayside, delivering an outstanding bill of contemporary live acts and dj’s at an unbeatable price. And the 2012 line up is the best one yet!

2012 is the ‘Return Of The Rascal” headlining the main stage on Sunday is the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal. The ultimate showman whose pop sensibilities seamlessly fuse Grime, House and Hip-hop Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audience and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco.

Not the first dead rodent to be found on the Quayside but certainly the biggest, famed for his notorious live shows, the mighty Deadmau5 brings the biggest production ever to Evolution with his jaw dropping audio visual spectacular. His set up will no doubt light up the Quayside for a perfect finale to the weekend. With an epic mix of EDM Deadmau5 is a genuine global star and this is his only North of England show this year.

The North East’s favourite sons Maximo Park will grace the stage as very special guests in support of Dizzee. Having blazed a trail around the Globe representing all that is good and infectious about the North East we are stoked to have them at Evolution and with the band currently ensconced in the Studio working on their new album we look forward to giving the boys a HUGE hometown welcome as they hit the stage for one of their legendary, incendiary live shows.

Noah & The Whale delivered the hugely critically and commercially successful ‘Last Night On Earth’ album last year and are undoubtedly one of the best live bands in the country as their recent sell out UK tour demonstrated. Variously described as anti-folk, nu-folk and folk-pop (a confusing multitude of pigeonholes) alongside like-minded souls such as Laura Marling and Emmy the Great. Both of whom were part-time members of the band at various points.

Rizzle Kicks have been the undisputed breakout act of the past 6 months seemingly coming from nowhere to top radio playlist and the charts and injecting some fun into proceedings wherever they perform. Rizzle Kicks are destined for superstardom in 2012 and their set will be one of the feel good moments of the festival.

Whilst touring with the Arctic Monkeys with The Rascals, Miles Kane developed
a strong friendship with front man Alex Turner. They shared a love of the same musical influences, such as Nick Cave. The pair began to play together backstage, and soon began writing new tracks. They realized that there was a future in their songwriting partnership, and the Last Shadow Puppets were born. Since his work with Turner Kane has shone with his solo material and his debut album has won millions of plaudits.

With artist such as Devlin, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Band Of Skulls, Spector and Jessie Ware amongst other confirmations on the main stage, Evolution 2012’s line up takes on monstrous proportions.

The Ballast Hills this year will be home of some of the most pioneering electronic music and all tastes are catered for with a truly amazing and eclectic bill across both days. DJ sets from DJ Fresh, SBTRKT, Jack Beats, Toddla T, Maya Jane Coles and a live set from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are certain to have the Evolution crowd partying into the night.

Evolution promoter Jim Mawdsley comments ‘We are very proud to bring such a strong and progressive line up to NewcastleGateshead for this years Evolution Festival. We look forward to partying with you all in June’.

Evolution festival continues to bring the best artists to the North East to perform in front of the UK’s most rapturous festival audience. At £25 for a day ticket or £35 for the weekend, Evolution continues its tradition of providing an amazing show for an unbeatable price.

Alongside hosting some of the biggest acts on the planet Evolution will once again introduce the crowd to a wealth of emerging local talent on the third stage – partnered with Generator the UK’s leading Music Development Agency this stage gives local talent a chance to get their foot on the ladder and play to the biggest crowd of their careers to date

For Hi Res Artist Pics / Biogs / Logos please visit: http://www.wearesoundproof.com/press.html

FULL LINE UP

Sunday 3 June
Spillers Wharf
Dizzee Rascal
Plus very special guests
Maximo Park
Miles Kane
Devlin
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Dog Is Dead
Lulu James
Theme Park
The Lake Poets

Ballast Hills
Turbulence & Metropolis present
DJ sets from…
DJ Fresh
Jack Beats
Shy FX
Friction
Toddla T
Dot Rotten
Citizen
Codename:Tyrone

Monday 4 June
Spillers Wharf
Deadmau5
Noah & The Whale
Rizzle Kicks
Band Of Skulls
Here We Go Magic
Spector
Jessie Ware
The Milk
Mausi

Ballast Hills
Wax:On presents
DJ sets from…
SBTRKT
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (live)
Maya Jane Coles
Eats Everything
Jackmaster
People Get Real
Mike Jones

Whilst the outdoor Bank Holiday Weekend extravaganza is the pinnacle of the Evolution programme we still have much more to announce – including the Evolution Emerging programme, Music Futures and the Jumpin Hot Club programme of shows that will be wrapped around Gateshead venues.

EVOLUTION FESTIVAL Online Links:

Website: http://www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EvolutionFest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evofest