HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE
DECEMBER 2012
The Christmas Issue
EDITOR’S LETTER Looking for ideas for Christmas? Here is our biggest ever Christmas issue packed full of fabulous ideas for Christmas, we also have more lovely suggestions in our Directory in our main website. Don’t miss our special selection of Christmas offers. We are also supporting the launch of a unique, luxury gift in memory of Seve Ballesteros to raise money for brain cancer research. Do also take time to look at this plus other gifts from Cancer Research UK. Also in this issue we have our usual collection of inspiring interviews including Ali McNamara, best selling author of From Notting Hill to New York . . . Actually. Ashley Todd, Founder of the very successful Ella James Living and Lee Simmonds co-founder of the innovative Farmison & Co. We also encourage you to draw breath and think about you for a change, in our It’s all about You! We also have reviews of some delightful books including Bake and Decorate by Fiona Cairns Incomparable Women of Style by Rose Hartman, Monica’s Kitchen by Monica Galetti and Learn to Knit, Love to Knit by Anna Wilkinson. As this is our last magazine for 2012 we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to both our magazines and newsletters, to the fabulous companies in our Directory, the PR companies who always respond to our requests so promptly, and to YOU, our wonderful readers who always give us such positive feedback. There will be weekly newsletters up until Christmas, but in advance we wish you all a very Happy Christmas holiday and a peaceful and happy 2013. Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team xxx www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front cover and back cover images courtesy of Sass and Belle http://www.sassandbelle.co.uk/ Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.
Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.Inclusion in this feature does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site. 2
IN WATER FLOWERS In Water Flowers is a London florist specialising in flowers for events, flowers for corporate clients and flower contracts. In Water love wreaths, here are a variety of some of our favorites. They can be funky, modern or just simply beautiful and traditional. They should be chosen to reflect a person’s home. www.inwaterflowers.co.uk
3
LITTLE LUXURIES Little Luxuries Wrapped With Love create exquisite, luxurious treats for all of your gifting needs. Gorgeous hampers for every occasion and inclination. Bespoke, Personal and Corporate Gifting. They will even give you an exclusive ‘Hot Brands Cool Places’ 10% discount off of your order by typing in the TENLUX voucher code at checkout. Visit them at www.littleluxurieswrappedwithlove.com/
4
LINLEY British design company LINLEY prides itself on its dedication to the pursuit of excellence in the design and creation of fine furniture and interiors. At LINLEY we push the boundaries in design and creativity, aiming to delight and inspire. We are experimental and innovative, and even idiosyncratic, in that very British way. www.davidlinley.com
5
Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Ali McNamara, best selling author of From Notting Hill to New York . . . Actually.
INTERVIEW 6
What prompted you to revisit the life of Scarlett O’Brien? Is there to be a third novel about her? I just love Scarlett. She was my first heroine to make in to print and she’ll always be very special to me. There was so much more of her story to tell at the end of the first book, that writing a sequel was an easy decision to make, and setting it in New York was an automatic choice for me, and for Scarlett! A third Notting Hill book? Hmm, what can I say but ‘watch this space….’ ;-) Are there any similarities between Scarlett and you? I think there’s a little bit of me in all my heroines, especially because I write my stories in first person. But Scarlett is definitely the most like me. I’m a dreamer just like she is! We loved your guide to New York, which are your favourite locations? I love the peace and open spaces of Central Park in amongst all the hustle and bustle of the city, and Battery Park – the view looking over towards the Statue of Liberty is awesome from there. What are your hopes for your writing in 2013? What can you tell us? I’ve just completed my fourth novel due out in November 2013, to be called Step Back in Time. It’s a rom-com with a difference. It’s has music theme and it’s set in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. How do you like to celebrate Christmas? We usually spend it at home with family, but this year we’ve hired a cottage in St Ives, Cornwall for a week. So they’ll lots of fresh air, sea walks and Cornish pasties over Christmas, instead of the usual lazing on the sofa with a mince pie! What would you like to find under the Christmas tree this year? Film Star, Bradley Cooper in a tux, holding two glasses of champagne… ;-) Ali McNamara www.alimcnamara.co.uk Twitter @alimcnamara Image of Ali McNamara copyright of Dan Martland From Notting Hill to New York . . . Actually by Ali McNamara Synopsis: The third fabulously fun romantic comedy from Ali McNamara, bestselling author of Breakfast at Darcy’s and From Notting Hill with Love . . . Actually Scarlett O’Brien, utterly addicted to romantic films, has found her leading man. She’s convinced Sean is Mr Right, but the day-to-day reality of a relationship isn’t quite like the movies. With Sean constantly away on business, Scarlett and her new best friend Oscar decide to head to New York for the holiday of a lifetime. Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We are always delighted when a new book arrives from Ali McNamara, we loved Breakfast at Darcy’s and From Notting Hill with Love...Actually and From Notting Hill to New York ...Actually is another absolute joy. A heartwarming and utterly delightful romantic story, we loved the characters, loved the location, perfect for winter’s evening reading. Another brilliant success for Ali McNamara! Highly Recommended! http://www.amazon.co.uk/
7
BOVEY CASTLE Gather family and friends and head for Dartmoor, where Christmas and New Year’s Eve are fast approaching. The three-night Christmas break and twonight New Year’s Eve break include accommodation in one of the hotel’s 64 bedrooms or within a luxury lodge, with dining, entertainment and a selection of activities included. Prices start from £750 per room, per night for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, based on two adults sharing a Classic bedroom. www.boveycastle.com
8
THE MERCHANT FOX The Merchant Fox sells a collection of some of the finest luxury goods being produced in Great Britain today. Owned by Deborah Meaden, the collection is split into Home & Interiors, Work & Travel, Style & Accessories. Each item has been selected for its exquisite design, beautiful craftsmanship and interesting provenance. www.themerchantfox.co.uk
9
9
BRAYBROOK & BRITTEN Jewellery for your Christmas tree, sterling silver for your cake and the magic of fine gems to make a Christmas gift special. Braybrook & Britten designer jewellers and silversmiths bring a new dimension to ideas that make Christmas memorable. www.braybrook.co.uk/christmas
CHH DESIGN
Caroline’s homeware and gift collection is conceived for modern living and celebrates life through colour and design. In a return to traditional skills, highest quality porcelain and bone china is intricately hand painted in her dynamic and original designs. The range constantly evolves with new and sophisticated pieces, all stunningly gift boxed. www.chh-design.com
11
INTERVIEW
Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Ashley Todd, Founder of Ella James Living for an exclusive interview What inspired you to set up Ella James Living? I had left London and a hectic job in fashion retailing. My husband changed jobs and we moved to Market Harborough in Leicestershire. This finally gave me the chance to run my own business which I had always wanted to do after years of travelling too much in my old buying job ! I also wanted to move away from fashion and into homewares which I am more passionate about. I started Ella James Living with my twin sister, Alison who lives in Dublin. We both love decorating our homes and collecting interesting pieces both vintage and contemporary. Alison has four young children and is a master party planner and enthusiastic gift giver so she specializes in sourcing and developing the children’s products. I like sourcing homewares, especially quirky unusual pieces that you can’t find in the shops. I worked for an American company for many years and I did a lot of shopping over there and found some really innovative quirky products, which we have sourced for our range. Your product choices are beautiful, how do you know if something is right for you? We gravitate towards products that we would buy for our children or put in our own homes. Our tastes do differ a little so that makes for a more eclectic range. I live in a very old rambling cottage and Alison lives in a city townhouse so we are on the look out for different pieces that suit our homes. We lived in France when we were young and that has also influenced our tastes. We prefer traditional wooden toys and accessories with a vintage feel. How has your business developed since you started? Our business is all online so the start was slow, you think people will just start shopping with you but of course it takes a long time for people to find you. Now we have a good following of customers and of course Christmas is a crazy time for us as we sell lots of Christmas decorations and traditional children’s gifts. We now employ full time staff and outsource our accounting and other technical web related work. That has given us more time to concentrate on sourcing and developing new products. What are your hopes for your business in 2013? In 2012 we started working with some of our suppliers to create unique products for our Ella James range, this has been working really well for us and we intend to continue with this next year as we have lots of ideas! How do you like to celebrate Christmas? We love to get together as a family, this year it is our turn to travel to Dublin for an Irish Christmas. We are going ice skating on Christmas Eve and then we will have an early meal with the children with crackers and games. Then Alison and I usually spend hours filling stockings and getting the table decorations ready for Christmas lunch. After the stocking openings on Christmas morning we all go for a big walk with our dog, Monty before lunch and more present opening and then we usually all fall asleep happy in front of the TV or play games. What would you like to find under the Christmas tree this year? I love antiques so a vintage piece for the house would be perfect! We have just moved into a lovely cottage and I am having lots of fun decorating it. www.ellajamesliving.co.uk
Christmas Special Offers! OSKIA Skincare Oskia Skincare British luxury skincare brand OSKIA launches its series of stunning Limited Edition Gift Boxes. Showcasing a variety of their awardwinning products, these make perfect pampering presents for her, for him or for you. OSKIA's Gift Collections range from £60 to £125. OSKIA is offering 20% off their entire range (excluding giftboxes and 15ml sizes). Use code “MISTLETOE12” at checkout, not to be used in conjunction with any other offers, offer ends 23rd December. www.oskiaskincare.com/ Little Luxuries Wrapped With Love Little Luxuries Wrapped With Love create exquisite, luxurious treats for all of your gifting needs. Gorgeous hampers for every occasion and inclination. Bespoke, Personal and Corporate Gifting. They will even give you an exclusive 'Hot Brands Cool Places' 10% discount off of your order by typing in the TENLUX voucher code at checkout. Visit them at www.littleluxurieswrappedwithlove.com/ Ancienne Ambiance Ancienne Ambiance Hand-poured luxury candles with exquisite fragrance oils inspired by ancient times, natural beauty, jewellery & gifts. Ancienne Ambiance produces superior quality goods in the UK, presented in beautiful packaging. "The most beautiful perfumed candles to burn in your home" VOGUE. 15% discount- Code HBCP expires 21st December (applicable on all goods). www.ancienneambiance.com Gift Atelier www.giftatelier.com has launched its Christmas gift selection, featuring gifts for ladies, gents and the home. Focusing on sourcing the best of British products and a line-up of designers including Vivienne Westwood and Tom Ford, this is the ultimate online Christmas shopping destination. 10% discount by using the following code TGA001A, or free postage until Christmas with code FREEPOST (nb. only one code can be applied 10% or freepost) www.giftatelier.com Peony & Moore Peony & Moore are British designers of luxury handbags providing Practicality and timeless shapes to suit the modern woman for whom both fashion as well as price is very important. 10% discount- Code HBCP expires 21st Dec. www.peonyandmoore.com
Farmison & Co. FESTIVE VEG BOX WORTH £14.95 ON US* with Any Christmas Purchase of £60* or more. *Terms and Conditions: Spend £60 or more to receive a complimentary vegetable box worth £14.95. Suitable for 4 people and contains: potatoes, parsnips, carrots, sprouts, onions and mixed herbs. Enter voucher code HOTXMAS at checkoutor quote the code if ordering over the phone. This voucher is valid until midnight, Sunday 9th December 2012. There is no cash alternative or alternative products given for this offer. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Farmison & Co offer or promotion. Only one voucher code per household. You can view our Christmas ordering and delivery dates online at www.farmison.com. Dorothy & Theodore Dorothy & Theodore is an online shopping boutique offering beautiful, practical products and gifts for parents, grandparents and children. Enter code HBCP at checkout to get £5 off when you spend over £50.00 Offer ends 20 December 2012. (Excludes delivery & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.) www.dorothyandtheodore.com Rufus Rabbit Tis definitely the season to tuck in with all the brand new Rufus Rabbit melamine dinner and cutlery sets which are now in stock. Rufus Rabbit is created by the family run card and gift company The Little Dog. 15% discount, code Rabbit, expires Wed 19th 2012 www.rufusrabbit.co.uk Opumo Opumo is an online destination for unique men’s accessories from bags, wallets and belts to cufflinks, sunglasses and ties. Featuring pieces sourced from exclusive brands across the globe all with traditions of fine craftsmanship, innovative design and distinctive heritages. 20% discount - Code: HBCPXOPUMO12 - Expires 18/12/12 www.opumo.com
Ella James Living Ella James Living, simple yet stylish products which are beautiful to look at and useful in a modern home! We love the quality and timeless appeal of traditional toys , home accessories and children's clothing and we have tried to reflect this in our collections. 15% off till the 25th December using code HBCP12 www.ellajamesliving.co.uk Sweetpea Sweetpea is a new on-line baby and childrenswear shop that has been inspired by children, fashion and design. Enter the promotional code hotbrands12 for 15% off. www.shopatsweetpea.com Handpicked Collection Find everything you need for a memorable Christmas! From gadgets to make wine lovers gasp, to personalised olive wood boards and indulgent pure luxury cashmere, everything in The Handpicked Collection is unusual and special. A unique expert panel selects only the best gifts, they shop so you don’t have to, to ensure every gift has wow factor. 15% discount. Code: HBCP. Expires 20 December 2012. www.handpickedcollection.com My Heart and Home My Heart and Home offer a charming range of beautiful, traditional cotton nightwear and keepsake gifts for children. Claim a £5 gift voucher to spend on the website and to be deducted at the checkout. Code HBCP5 expires 18th December 23.59pm www.myheartandhome.co.uk Idyll Home Idyll Home, stylish, Vintage and Eclectic Home Accessories. At Idyll Home we have always been excited about finding beautiful and interesting furnishings for our home. Enter the code HBCP for a 15% discount with expiring 20th December. www.idyllhome.co.uk/
BELLE & BOO Welcome to the world of a bob haired little girl called Belle and her adorable bunny friend Boo – a charming world of innocence, warmth and adventure. Belle and Boo is a British lifestyle brand known for original, nostalgic ‘story book’ illustrations of children created by the artist Mandy Sutcliffe. The collection includes gift items, books, framed artworks, stationery, home wares and a beautiful collection of girls’ clothing. www.belleandboo.com
Hot Brands Cool Places talked to Lee Simmonds co-founder of Farmison & Co for an exclusive interview
INTERVIEW
What inspired you to set up Farmison & Co? A couple of Christmases ago myself and John (Pallagi, co-founder) were so disappointed to find that our favourite British Rose Veal joint sold out from our local butcher. Not to be dissuaded we went on a mission to track down the farmer and bought it and fetched it directly from him but the whole process was a little bit of a palaver. It was because of that experience we realized the unsatisfied appetite for online orders of excellent food with sound provenance. Our mission then became to create a place where people who love great tasting food could go to buy outstandingly good produce from small specialist suppliers - and the Farmison & Co website was born! We love the photograph on your website of the two of you with your laptop and tablet in the field, how important is technology to your business? As an online farmer’s market, technology is integral to our business, our customers are confident to buy luxury over the internet and with our experience in this market we ensure we give it to them by providing the best produce available in the country - a lot of our suppliers provide produce for top Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the country - at a click of a button, direct to their door. Why are you passionate about rare breeds? We look on them as crown jewels in our food heritage and believe that rarebreed meat has better eating qualities than meat from the handful of modern breeds that have come to dominate farming. We also have a genuine admiration for great British artisan farmers and want to support them anyway we can. What are your hopes for your business in 2013? We’re looking to expand our offering into smoked goods (we’ve just started offering some for Christmas and they’re flying off the “shelves”) and pantry items. At some point we’d also like to look at offering wines too. How do you like to celebrate Christmas? Christmas to me is all about being around family and friends so we’re having a big gathering filled with lots of fantastic food - we’re plumping for Free Range Yorkshire Wolds Goose this year toasted with plenty of good wine and ale. What would you like to find under the Christmas tree this year? An excellent carving set for roasts and a big chunky wooden board - also for said roasts. www.farmison.com
HANDPICKED Find everything you need for a memorable Christmas! From gadgets to make wine lovers gasp, to personalised olive wood boards and indulgent pure luxury cashmere, everything in The Handpicked Collection is unusual and special. A unique expert panel selects only the best gifts, they shop so you don’t have to, to ensure every gift has wow factor. www.handpickedcollection.com
MOLLY B COUTURE Anniversary gifts to woo, luxurious birthday keepsakes and romantic gifts to treasure, as well as a fine collection of elegant staples; unparalleled in simplicity and loveliness. Our jewellery collections house an exquisite range of sophisticated and feminine jewellery in sterling silver, gold, cultured pearls, diamond and gemstones. www.mollybcouture.com
JANE DAVIDSON Named as one of Vogue.co.uk’s top 100 shops outside London, celebrated Edinburgh designer clothing shop Jane Davidson brings the boutique shopping experience online with their collection of international designer brands at www.janedavidson.co.uk. The directional yet elegant collection offers a stunning range of showstoppers this Christmas, with designer dresses from Temperley, Roksanda Illincic, Issa, Escada and Collette by Collette Dinnigan, and luxe gifts from La Perla Studio, Diane Von Furstenberg and M Missoni, amongst much more. www.janedavidson.co.uk
GIFT ATELIER www.giftatelier.com has launched its Christmas gift selection, featuring gifts for ladies, gents and the home. Focusing on sourcing the best of British products and a line-up of designers including Vivienne Westwood and Tom Ford, this is the ultimate online Christmas shopping destination. Claim free-postage until Christmas, simple use the code FREEPOST www.giftatelier.com
SCARLET & ARGENT Scarlet & Argent is a timeless collection of lifestyle accessories created for the home. Taking inspiration from our rich British heritage, we weave together our love of luxury, passion for design and fresh, modern thinking to create what we like to call, contemporary classics. www.scarletandargent.co.uk
OSKIA SKINCARE LUXURY LEATHER TRAVEL ROLL - ÂŁ120 Handmade in the UK from the finest croc-printed leather, this luxury roll contains all you need for a weekend away: 15ml Perfect Cleanser, 15ml Bedtime Beauty Boost, 15ml Renaissance Mask. www.oskiaskincare.com
FIONA CAIRNS There’s plenty of food for thought for gift shoppers at the Fiona Cairns Online Shop. Browse an exclusive range of handmade and hand decorated Christmas cakes, biscuits and gifts. UK delivery and gift wrapping is free of charge. www.fionacairns.com/christmas-cakes-and-gifts_from-the-bakery
Bake and Decorate Fiona Cairns
REVIEW
Synopsis: Fiona Cairns is bursting with new ideas for making delicious, visually stunning cakes and biscuits easy – even for the least experienced cook – and for far less money than you thought. From an eye-popping gold leaf-encased torte for a special celebration, to wickedly sophisticated chocolatechilli cupcakes, Fiona shows every aspiring hostess how to achieve glamorous, fun entertaining from her own kitchen, using easy techniques and tricks that make cake decorating achievable for all. Fiona’s cake recipes have the sensual deliciousness often lacking in the sterile creations of other cake decorators. Be transported to a summer garden by the whole crystallised roses on top of a cake filled with the heady flavours of orange blossom and pistachio, or celebrate springtime with a white chocolate cardamom truffle cake, adorned with sugar eggs and fresh spring leaves. Children and the young at heart alike will adore the warmth of Fiona’s cakes baked inside ice-cream cones, topped with pastel buttercream that won’t melt in the sun, while anyone, regardless of diets, can enjoy her delicious vegan fruit cake recipe. Here, finally, is the cake book where every recipe is a keeper and each stunning creation made easy to achieve. Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is an absolute feast for the eyes, we love the structure of the book, which is divided into the baking section and then the decorating section. The decorations are absolutely exquisite, with seasonal offerings such as Melting Snowmen, or Christmas gifts, along with the most beautifully decorated cakes such as Crystallized Flower Fairy Cakes Rosebud Fairy Cakes, or the delicious Battenberg cake. All this plus information about ingredients, equipment, baking and decorating basics. We loved it! Highly Recommended! www.amazon.co.uk
ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Ancienne Ambiance Hand-poured luxury candles with exquisite fragrance oils inspired by ancient times, natural beauty, jewellery & gifts. Ancienne Ambiance produces superior quality goods in the UK, presented in beautiful packaging. “The most beautiful perfumed candles to burn in your home� VOGUE. 15% discount- Code HBCP expires 21st December (applicable on all goods). www.ancienneambiance.com
COCOONU Buy a natural and luxurious Christmas gift from CocoonU Organic. Gorgeous, 100% organic, bath/shower, body and hair collections for him and her. Made with the finest ingredients, replenishing, gentle and divinely aromatic. Handmade in the UK. SLS and Paraben free. www.cocoonu.com
Christmas Beauty Guide Elemis Pro-Collagen Queen Advanced Skincare This dazzling collection of award winning product favourites is a complete anti-ageing skincare system scientifically formulated for beautiful skin every day. Presented in a royal purple vanity case for travelling in style, it promises the gift of glowing radiant skin. Includes: – Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 150ml FULL SIZE – Soothing Apricot Toner 200ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 100ml SUPERSIZE – Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 30ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment 15ml FULL SIZE – Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask 50ml FULL SIZE RRP £195 www.timetospa.co.uk Michael Kors Christmas Set Exclusive red cosmetics bag from iconic designer Michael Kors containing an edited selection of Pure Color makeup. Features: Blush Compact with three Pure Color blush shades 11g each Pure Color Lipstick in Coral sun 3.8g Pure Color Lipgloss in Pink kiss 4.6ml sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Black 2.8ml New Pure Color intense kajal Eyeliner in Blackened Black 0.8g Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Hot Coral 5ml RRP £48.00 www.esteelauder.com Clinique Black Tie Violets From violet hued limited edition eye shadows and eye-opening mascaras via a luscious lip colour, skin reviving moisturiser and ultra flattering eyeliner, this pink pouch has all you need to look sensational this Christmas. Contains: Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara Bottom Lash Mascara Cream Shaper for Eyes in Mink Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief & Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Woppin’ Watermelon RRP £55.00/€70.00 www.clinique.co.uk
The Body Shop Chocomania Bath & Body Collection Guaranteed to plunge and pamper skin and senses into chocolate heaven without a single calorie passing your lips. The collection also helps to change the lives of communities around the world with its high levels of Community Fair Trade ingredients. The Chocomania Body Butter alone contains 12 Community Fair Trade ingredients in every pot making it the most lavish Body Butter from The Body Shop to date leaving you not only feeling guilt-free but looking and smelling delectable! www.thebodyshop.co.uk Clarins Multi-Active Skin Smoothers Gift Set - All Skin Types Begin your skincare ritual by smoothing the Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum all over the complexion to restore a luminous, youthful glow. Layer this with an application of the Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream, a smoothing and soothing formula, and finish by restoring the pliancy and efficiency of skin at night with the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream. The Clarins Multi-Active Skin Smoothers gift set contains: - Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream 50ml - Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream 15ml - Clarins Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum 10ml Special Price of £33.15 www.escentual.com For the Guys Clinique Great Skin for Him Packed with essentials from the number one prestige grooming brand; this kit promises to give any man’s skin the kick start it needs to face the new year. Contains: Skin Supplies for Men M Shave Aloe Gel, Face Scrub, Post Shave Healer, Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel RRP £30.00/€43.00 www.clinique.co.uk EAU SO…KORRES AFTER SHAVE BALM 150mL/ 5.07 Fl.Oz. VETIVER ROOT/ GREEN TEA/ CEDARWOOD [POUR HOMME] A light-textured balm for after-shave care. Ginseng extract enables the delivery of water and nutrients to the skin thus improving its tonicity and firmness. Marigold’s antiseptic properties and Witch Hazel’s astringent action provide effective protection from irritation. Active Aloe® and provitamin B5 soothe post-shave rash whilst effectively moisturising the skin. RRP: £15.00 www.feelunique.com
LITTLE BEVAN Little Bevan’s enchanting boutique offers a wonderful choice of their own occasion wear, and an enticing selection of seasonal ready-to-wear for babies, boys and girls. Visit our Pimlico shop and get your Christmas shopping off to a merry start! www.littlebevan.co.uk
RUFUS RABBIT Tis definitely the season to tuck in with all the brand new Rufus Rabbit melamine dinner and cutlery sets which are now in stock. Rufus Rabbit is created by the family run card and gift company The Little Dog. www.rufusrabbit.co.uk
RYDER CUP EUROPE LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE SEVE BALLESTEROS GOLFING GIFT SET An exclusive and limited edition 2012 Ryder Cup golf clothing box set has been launched in tribute to the legendary golfer Seve Ballesteros and to help raise vital funds for the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, in partnership with Cancer Research UK. The unique box sets which are priced at £150 each are a must- have buy or Christmas gift for any passionate golfing fan and with only 2012 in circulation, keen golfers are encouraged to get in there fast! Furthermore, as £60 from the sale of each set is going directly to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, it is hoped that the box set will raise in excess of £120,000 to help fund, world class brain cancer research. Inspired by the homage paid to Seve by the entire European team each stylish set includes a shirt and sweater in Seve’s iconic blue and white Sunday colours. The garments not only feature the Official 2012 Ryder Cup Match Shield embroidered on the chest but also the unique ‘Seve Tribute’ embroidery on the left arm, which so inspired Europe to such great heights on that legendary final Sunday in Medinah. The Seve Tribute embroidery incorporates the Spaniard’s trademark silhouette of his celebration at the 1984 Open Championship, his name, the years he lived and five stars signifying each of his Major Championship victories and is identical to the embroidery worn by the 12 players who produced the greatest European comeback in Ryder Cup history. The sequentially numbered limited edition 2012 box sets - in recognition of the year of the match - have been supplied by Glenmuir. The boxes are available to buy at http://euroshop.rydercup.com/
Christmas Gifts
Here is a selection of Christmas gifts from Cancer Research UK Wooden decorations, set of 12, £5. Winged mug, £8. Birdcage cloche glass cake-stand, £20. 100 per cent of the profit from all these Christmas gifts goes to Cancer Research UK’s life saving work All Christmas products are available online from www.cancerresearchuk/shop with selected items also available in Cancer Research UK high street shops across the UK.
DOODLE BY STITCH “If you’re looking for quirky and different gifts that are fun and even practical, look no further than the doodle range of textiles to personalise and re-design endlessly... it all washes out!” The range includes bedding and kitchen linens, all great gifts and available at www.doodlebystitch.com
CONDE NAST JOHANSENS From castles in Scotland to exotic spas in the Indian Ocean, Condé Nast Johansens recommends an unequalled collection of the very best luxury hotels, luxury spas and luxury villas throughout the world. Our gift vouchers make the perfect present and can be used at any of the recommended properties in our guides on everything from accommodation, to fine dining and relaxing spa treatments. Plus to help the lucky owner decide where to spend them, for every £100 worth of vouchers you purchase, we’ll send you a guide book of your choice absolutely free! Order your Condé Nast Johansens Gift Vouchers http://www.johansens.com/gift-vouchers
Condé Nast Johansens - from the publisher of Condé Nast Traveller, Vogue, GQ, House & Garden
REVIEWS Incomparable Women of Style Rose Hartman Synopsis: • Features more than 200 photographs, including rare vintage silver prints developed by Hartman in her home studio, as well as a group of never-before-seen images of New York City’s underground style icons • Chronicling a world of beauty and style, photographer Rose Hartman has captured fashion’s trendsetters for three decades, and in so doing has helped to define what we remember most about glamour and those who create it Incomparable Women of Style is a book for fashion aficionados, photography and popular culture fans, and those fascinated with celebrity. This gorgeous volume spans more than 35 years and includes both iconic and rarely seen pictures of celebrated women known for their unparalleled taste and style: Nan Kempner, Jerry Hall, Marisa Berenson, Jackie O., Brooke Astor, Grace Jones, Anna Wintour, Paloma Picasso, Lauren Hutton, Diane von Furstenberg, Candace Bushnell, and Daphne Guinness among many others. Rose Hartman’s lens has given order to the chaos of openings, runways shows, and couture’s triumphs and tragedies, by letting the viewer see the substance behind the form. With her photographs appearing worldwide in books and magazines, she has distinguished herself as a photographer whose eye is so keen, even her candid work has the finish and insight of portraiture. What one fails to realise is that many of the photographs associated with a style, an event, and an era, have belonged to Hartman, whether it is Bianca Jagger on a white horse as she enters Studio 54, or Isabella Rossellini at a private dinner in the Hamptons. http://www.accdistribution.com/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Rose Hartman’s personal account in the introduction shows how her career started and how over thirty years she has photographed New York Society and chronicled the changes. The photographs are stunning, a unique behind the scenes social history of fashion and style icons, and as Coco Chanel said, “Fashion fades, only style remains forever’ Monica’s Kitchen Monica Galetti Synopsis: Monica Galetti shows how to serve up great-tasting food at home, every day, easily and effortlessly. Her food is lively, interesting and contemporary, reflecting the many and varied influences on her cooking, from her Samoan and New Zealand upbringing to her travels in Europe and Asia, and her experience in a high-end London restaurant. Easily accessible, good-quality ingredients, simple techniques and enticing flavour combinations are the characteristics of her cooking. To Monica, cooking at home must be fun, easy and relaxed, whatever the occasion. Here she presents her favourite recipes in chapters that reflect different meal situations.
‘From work to the table’ offers exciting weekday meal solutions that are nutritious, quick and adaptable, such as Honey and soy glazed duck breast with pak choi. ‘A leisurely weekend’ features recipes that give you time to relax away from the kitchen: undemanding slow-cooked food, easy-to-prepare special lunches and suppers, and delectable, prepare-ahead desserts. ‘A time for friends’ enables you to host an impressive dinner for friends without stress or fuss, while ‘Something different’ is the chapter to turn to when you want to serve something totally unexpected, such as Blue cheese pannacotta or Honeycomb lollipops. Every recipe is beautifully photographed in Monica’s home kitchen. Essentially this is a book for those who have limited time to cook, but who enjoy great food, and are constantly looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen. www.amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a delightful book and very accessible, the recipes are delicious, and inviting, they make you feel that you want to cook them. It is also lovely to find out more about Monica, and her very natural way of cooking. We particularly loved ‘From Work to Table’ and the ‘Leisurely Weekend’ recipes, delicious and easy to prepare. We were also impressed with the range of recipes in ‘A Time for Friends’ giving us the opportunity to create something special. The book concludes with “Something Different’ which is great fun. Highly Recommended! Learn to Knit, Love to Knit Anna Wilkinson Synopsis: Anna Wilkinson is a young, fresh talent in the world of craft and her book Learn to Knit, Love to Knit is a collection of patterns for 20 contemporary garments and accessories starting with simple projects, the easy striped scarf and mittens and progressing to a more advanced cabled cardigan and lace collar. Colourful, fun and highly desirable, Anna’s designs are flattering and exceptionally easy to wear. Throughout the book, Anna is on hand with a ready-reference of techniques and tips to guide you on how to start knitting. So, if you have ever really wanted to learn to knit but you have yet to find the right beginner’s projects to tempt you, then Learn to Knit, Love to Knit is the book for you. www.amazon.co.uk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is the time of year to get the knitting needles out and this is a very imaginative and creative book for people looking for to take their knitting to the next level. Beautifully photographed this book is full of delightful designs from the simple to the more challenging. If you are looking to combine a hobby with fashionable designs this is a perfect book!
PAPERCHASE
Paperchase is a brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK. Much of our merchandise is exclusive which you will only find in Paperchase stores. New products arrive in-store every month, making Paperchase the perfect place for birthdays, weddings and special occasions from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and everything in between. www.paperchase.co.uk
CHRISTMAS DIRECT
Christmas Direct has a huge range of lighting which includes both indoor and outdoor options to suit even the most unusual of venue. They are renowned for proving great quality, atmospheric decorations for settings of all kinds including marquees, garden receptions, churches and halls. www.xmasdirect.co.uk
All about You!
(and your family, friends and the community!)
It’s been an amazing year of achievement, but for many people it has also been a tough year, either financially, or because of the flooding caused by the weather, unemployment, or facing a personal difficulty. When the Christmas break arrives, it may be the first time for many months that you have a chance to relax, and yet there may still be the challenge of just getting through Christmas! So many people juggle so much, particularly working parents, and Christmas brings even greater demands with finding time to attend school events, organising the food/extended family for Christmas, or managing childcare. We often forget to congratulate ourselves on what we do manage to achieve! So this year why not celebrate what you have achieved during 2012? In amongst all the planning and preparation, try and find a little time just to say ‘I did it, I got through that challenge’. It’s also a time of reflection, thinking back over the year, making plans for next year. What would you like to do differently in 2013? So much of what frustrates us is caused on the surface by lack of time, but dig a little deeper and there are often underlying issues that eat into our time. e.g. Being prepared Christmas seems to get earlier every year, so buying early the items that sell out gives you more choice and saves the frustration of not finding what you want. Online shopping is now so convenient and has so much choice, as you will see in this issue, that so much can be done from the comfort of your own home, freeing you up to actually get the best of both worlds. Instead of fighting your way through the Christmas shoppers for the elusive present you can search online, and confident that most of your shopping has been organised, you then have the freedom to spend time visiting local Christmas fairs, or enjoying other Christmas events. This Christmas, why not try to make Christmas Day easier, many people have to walk through a minefield of family politics, not to mention the actual day itself, but if you do have an element of control, try and find ways of preparing food before hand, start wrapping presents before Christmas Eve, also try and remember where you have hidden them! Think about going out on the day, or on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, get tickets booked for ice-skating, or the pantomime, and perhaps even a pamper session for yourself!
Above all enlist help, some of the loveliest family times can be making decorations, writing cards, or preparing Christmas food, with Christmas music in the background. Even if it seems chaotic it’s these moments that build memories. Doing it differently in 2013 As we go into 2013, pause for a moment, and really think about what you want to achieve in 2013. If you find yourself with a little free, go for a walk, go for a coffee, or when everyone else has fallen asleep, curl up in a corner away from the noise and bustle, and start building your dreams. If you finding it hard to get started you may want to identify answers to the following questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
What is stopping me? What should I do differently? What could I do today to help me take the first step towards achieving my ambitions? What help will I need? Who do I know that I trust to talk to about what I want to achieve? How can I develop more independence and confidence. Where can I delegate some of more current workload? What can I do to identify intelligent risks? What is realistic and attainable for me? How committed am I to really doing things differently?
The answers to these ten questions could help you to move forward to achieve your dream. There may be a very valid reason why now is not the time for you to get started. This does not mean that you have failed, or are not going to be successful in the longer term. By understanding why you are waiting and identifying the potential consequences you are taking control of the situation and making a realistic assessment of your current circumstances. Wherever you are in your life it is never too late to take control, to identify what you could do differently and to recognize your own talents. Acknowledging what you could achieve is the first step towards realizing it. Could you make a real difference? The huge growth of small businesses has led to the need for people who understand small business and who have a more entrepreneurial perspective. If you have ambition, and drive and are excited by the small business market place there are plenty of opportunities, for you to either work for yourself, or to join businesses who are successfully working in this dynamic marketplace. Each month in our magazines we feature interviews with lovely people who have taken the step to set up their own businesses. Putting it into Practice In this short space it is impossible to fully cover all the steps you need to take to try and do things differently, but it can help you to make a start. In your journey of discovery, make connections, find others who think like you, or who can help you grow, recognise the power you have to make a difference to others, from the smallest donation to an ongoing commitment, or offer to help. There is more and more emphasis on the importance of caring for our communities, our world, and each other. The greatest gift we can give to someone is to show a genuine interest in them, their dreams, hopes and aspirations.
‘If you have built castles in the air, your work is not lost, that is where they should be, now put foundations under them.’ Henry David Thoreau
HOTEL CHOCOLAT
If you’re on the trail of the perfect Christmas gift, then look no further! Our biggest ever range of Christmas presents is here to inspire you with must-have Christmas chocolates and stocking fillers, Christmas corporate gifts and much more. And don’t forget your FREE gift – when you spend £60 or more we’ll send you a Winter Treasures chocolate gift, worth £11. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/
GLENEAGLES Christmas at Gleneagles Hotel is a truly unique experience – an all inclusive luxury break at a time of year when the historic 5 star hotel comes alive with a magical air... crackling fires, twinkling lights, and the finest Scottish hospitality. In a beautiful setting in the highlands of Scotland, Gleneagles is the ultimate Christmas retreat for four days of festive luxury. www.gleneagles.com
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com