Hot Brands Cool Places - The Travel Issue 2017

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

FEBRUARY 2017

The Travel Issue

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our Travel issue, packed full of wonderful escapes both at home and away for 2017.

We include highlights from Luxury Travel: All-time Favourites created by Carrier in recognition of its 35th anniversary this year– a nostalgic round-up of where to go in 2017, as chosen by a panel of experts at the forefront of luxury travel, including in-the-know travel journalists, well-known personalities and Carrier’s knowledgeable destination experts.

We also have an inspiring interview with one of our favourite authors, best selling romantic novelist, Katie Fforde.

As we approach the half-term holiday, we share ideas of places to visit, to start enjoying the fresh air of spring as well as ways to kick start the new year with healthy eating.

We also have a selection of delightful and inspiring books to help you learn new crafting techniques and create beautiful projects, plus our usual Beauty Round-Up. If you haven’t yet visited our website, do take time to visit our Directory, see our Valentine’s Day Round-up, or our latest book reviews.

Enjoy!! http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front Cover courtesy of CARRIER http://www.carrier.co.uk

Other 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 magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent has been offering exceptional travel experiences for over 50 years.

For the last decade, the experts at A&K Villas have been channelling their knowledge and passion for providing memorable holiday experiences into an extraordinary portfolio of more than 400 luxury villas throughout Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Croatia and the UK. What’s New in 2017 for Abercrombie & Kent Villas New Concierge Packages: http://www.akvillas.com/experience/villa-rental-options.cfm A New Destination – Santorini, Greece: http://www.akvillas.com/luxury-villas-greece/luxury-villas-santorini/ www.akvillas.com

BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson is a luxury travel company that aspires to evoke the golden age of travel when people were treated as individuals and the world was waiting to be discovered.

At Bailey Robinson our priorities are to listen and to understand what matters to you so we can tailor an itinerary that exceeds your expectations. Our passionate team has over 180 years collective experience and in depth, first-hand knowledge of the destinations that we cover. By focusing on the detail and with our special contacts, you can trust us to create your perfect holiday. www.baileyrobinson.com

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NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH Founded by Paul Carberry in 2003, New Zealand in Depth specialise in creating tailormade holidays to New Zealand. Paul has spent more than a year of his life on the ground in New Zealand and offers a genuine personal service, taking the time to understand his clients, their interests and their needs. This is the only way to create a truly bespoke honeymoon experience. http://www.newzealandindepth.com/

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QUALITY VILLAS Contemporary, farmhouse, multi-generational holiday, romantic honeymoon stone cottage‌ we curate a collection of exceptional villas in incredible destinations and provide supreme personal service. Use our free concierge service to bolt on treats such as cooks and massage in Italy France and Morocco. https://www.qualityvillas.com

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EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP Enriching the lives of the world’s most passionate travellers. Bespoke, luxury experienced based holidays in Asia. Experience is everything! www.experiencetravelgroup.com

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FEATURE 8

image courtesy of carrier.co.uk

Carrier’s Luxury Travel All-time Favourites In recognition of its 35th anniversary this year, luxury tailor-made tour operator, Carrier, has unveiled Luxury Travel: All-time Favourites – a nostalgic round-up of where to go in 2017, as chosen by a panel of experts at the forefront of luxury travel, including in-the-know travel journalists, well-known personalities and Carrier’s knowledgeable destination experts.

Fond memories of favourite destinations shape the latest guide, with 35 destinations, 130 travel ideas and excellent savings including some offers negotiated exclusively for Carrier clients. The timeless classics, the world’s most iconic destinations and hotels, the all-time favourites are showcased prominently however, in keeping with Carrier’s reputation for unrivalled knowledge, the guide also highlights the hottest new hotel openings, and destination news for the year ahead.

With a number of luxury hotels having recently opened or imminently debuting, including Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Carrier predicts the Maldives will continue to thrive over the coming year.

The ‘Beckham effect’ has seen enquiries for Amilla Fushi soar over the New Year; Carrier’s guide includes an exclusive offer at the resort with savings of up to £4,530 per couple. Much-loved hotels such as Baros Maldives and One&Only Reethi Rah are featured alongside newcomers such as Milaidhoo Island, one of the hottest openings of 2016.

In Europe, Spain is recommended for its universal appeal. Carrier has witnessed continued strong demand for Tenerife due to its year-round temperate climate and perceived safety. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is an enduring family favourite with seven swimming pools and excellent Ritz Kids Club. This year Carrier will feature Ibiza for the first time with the opening of Seven Pines Hotel & Spa. Having already been approved to join the Leading Hotels of the World, the property has secured a tranquil cliff-top location on the west coast and will bring new levels of luxury to Ibiza upon opening in June.

Just a stone’s throw away and one to watch for 2017, bookings to Portugal have also been steadily increasing with Carrier witnessing a 20% increase year-on-year. Perfect for a short haul dose of vitamin D and boasting impressive beaches in the Algarve, Anantara Vilamoura Resort Algarve – the hotel group’s first foray in Europe – is due to open in April 2017, where it joins Six Senses Douro Valley.

Carrier’s sales are 80% up year-on-year to Croatia and Montenegro; it’s outside the Eurozone, perceived as being very safe and of course attractive for its characterful Old Towns and scenic coastline. All combine to attract increasing investment from luxury hoteliers; Aman Sveti Stefan and Villa Orsula are the current forerunners, with One&Only Portonovi on the horizon for 2018.

Further afield, HRH Prince Harry’s recent tour of Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Grenada and Barbados has put the Caribbean Islands in the spotlight. Included in the guide, The Grenadines includes all-time favourite The Cotton House. The oldest building on Mustique opened as a boutique hotel in 1968 and has welcomed a huge number of Carrier’s loyal clientele over the years. Its Garden Cottages and Suites were recently renovated and re-opened in November last year. In Canouan (new to Carrier’s portfolio for 2017) the highly-awaited newcomer, Pink Sands Club, which welcomed its first guests in October, is one to watch for 2017. As one of the first tour operators to be invited to experience Pink Sands Club first-hand, Carrier arranged the earliest trade trips from the UK, hosting 14 agents on two educational and investing in ten members of the Carrier team to personally visit the resort.

As part of the destinations’ 150th birthday celebrations, there’s free admission to Canada’s National Parks this year, whilst for those travelling to Whistler, Air Canada is offering free carriage of skis/snowboards and boots for all flights between Europe and Canada until 30 April 2017.

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What’s more, the ski resort has announced an investment of C$8 million on enhancements including expanded beginner-friendly terrain, high-speed lift, night skiing, a mountain rollercoaster and new restaurants and bars.

Maxine Roberts, Head of Marketing, commented, “As we celebrate 35 incredible years of operation, we decided to produce a guide that showcases some of the most enduring hotels around the world, those that we have been proud to work with and send guests to over the years. Ensuring we remain at the forefront of luxury travel, the book also includes some of the hottest new openings and destinations for 2017. Working alongside some of the most trusted authorities in the world of travel, Luxury Travel: All-time Favourites has both nostalgia and innovation in spades. We are confident it will assist travel agents to inspire their clients with this year’s holiday choices”.

For further information contact Carrier please visit: www.carrier.co.uk/favourites

INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual holiday experience. Uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences in Europe and beyond, journeying by foot, bike or train on Inntravel’s self-guided Slow holidays. www.inntravel.co.uk

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AUDLEY TRAVEL Audley Travel is an award-winning tour operator that specialises in tailor-made trips and small group tours to over 80 countries around the world. Using their extensive, first-hand knowledge, Audley’s country specialists build itineraries that match their client’s individual interests, budget, pace and accommodation preferences to create unique holiday experiences. www.audleytravel.com

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OLIVER’S TRAVELS Oliver’s Travels do everything but the ordinary. A small team of globetrotters who are more than a little obsessive about where they stay. Each of their villas are hand-picked by their award-winning team, and the end result is an extensive portfolio of quirky and unique holiday homes bursting with character, across Europe and the Caribbean. Fancy staying in an enchanting chateau in Dordogne, a weekend partying in Spain, or spending a week basking in the Italian sunshine with your own private pool? It’s a cliché, but Oliver’s Travels really has it all. http://www.oliverstravels.com

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SYKES COTTAGES Sykes Cottages offers over 7,500 handpicked holiday cottages across the UK & Ireland.

Having grown to be one of the nation’s leading independent holiday cottage agencies, we have more than 25 years’ experience helping you find your dream holiday home. www.sykescottages.co.uk

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NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, see more at www.dartmarina.com/NUMBER-ONE

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CARBIS BAY HOLIDAYS Carbis Bay Holidays specialise in luxury 4 & 5 star self catering accommodation in St Ives and Carbis Bay, they are proud to offer a selection of over 150 properties. Short breaks available. enquiries@carbisbayholidays.co.uk 01736 630015 www.carbisbayholidays.co.uk

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QUALITY COTTAGES The tight knit family business based in North Pembrokeshire represents over 300 fabulous holiday properties throughout the most stunning coastal, countryside and mountainous regions of Wales. Quality Cottages was the first company to be awarded a gold medal for services to self catering holidays in Wales. http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk

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Half-term Escape

January was gloomy, but suddenly, February arrives and there is hope on the horizon, spring flowers are appearing and there are wonderful opportunities up and down the country to see splendid displays of snowdrops.

The National Garden Scheme will host their Snowdrop Festival in February again this year: http://ngs.org.uk/gardens/snowdrop-festival.aspx.

The full list of gardens participating and dates/times can be viewed here: http://ngs.org.uk/gardens/snowdrop-gardens-2017.aspx#resultsbookmark Welford Park http://www.welfordpark.co.uk/snowdrops in Berkshire, most famous as the location for the Great British Bake Off tent, is also home to a magical snowdrop display, which they believe were planted by the Norman monks to decorate their Church for the feast of Candlemas, and also for medicinal use. The Snowdrop Garden is open from 1 February to 5 March 2017. 2017 prices tbc.

More information is available from https://www.visitengland.com There are also snowdrop displays at many National Trust properties, including Stowe National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/features/snowdrops-and-winter-in-the-gardens-at-stowe 18

With half-term approaching there are plenty of opportunities to leave behind the stuffy central heating in our homes and offices and get out in the fresh air and visit all the places that are often more crowded in the summer. Beaches are full of interesting changes caused by the autumn and winter winds and tides.

Many shops and galleries in seaside towns either stay open throughout the winter, or open up for half-term and Easter and there is nothing quite like drinking a hot chocolate walking on a blustery beach. There are also many special offers for accommodation for either a short stay, or a week out of season.

English Heritage http://www.english-heritage.org.uk also have special events over the February half-term, everything from climbing ramparts of vast castles, discovering woodland trails, to just visiting the properties.

We also love the National Trust’s 50 things top activities to do in winter: “Winter is the perfect time for playing in the snow, stargazing, bird watching, cooking on a campfire and lots more. You’ll just need to wrap up warm and you can take them all on.” https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/50-things-top-activities-to-do-in-winter Further inland most towns and cities often have special events for half-term, more information can be found in local area websites or Tourist Information Centres.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the week for many children, there are lots of fun romantic things that you can do as a family, everything from cooking through to creating special cards.

Half-term also presents a perfect opportunity to encourage everyone be creative either with crafts or cooking in the kitchen and we have a range of creative books to help inspire all the family later in the magazine.

So whether you are out and about flying kites, or inside being creative this half-term we hope you have a fun and relaxing time!

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QUALITY UNEARTHED Something a little different... unusual holiday accommodations such as Treehouses, gypsy wagons, off-grid places, or cool glamping abodes are our passion. And these alternative, ecologically sensitive holidays are something more of us are seeking out. Increasingly we want things in life that are authentic and unique and our choice of holiday accommodation is reflected in this. www.qualityunearthed.co.uk

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TOAD HALL COTTAGES With over 600 wonderful holiday cottages throughout Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, we’ve got something for everyone. For nearly 30 years, we’ve welcomed guests to the West Country and now also proudly offer over 100 properties in The New Forest, too. Over half of our properties welcome dogs, making us one of the ‘dog-friendliest’ holiday companies in the country, so, head over to our website today and find your perfect property for 2016. http://www.toadhallcottages.com/

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BEACON PARK BOATS Beacon Park Boats is a family-run business offering luxury narrowboat holidays on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales.

Alasdair and Sarah Kirkpatrick combine their love of design, craftsmanship, boating, engineering and hospitality to give you the very best in canal boat holiday experiences. https://beaconparkboats.com/

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FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS Personally owned and run by Ian and Suzanne Newman, Footpath Holidays has been providing high quality walking holidays in Britain since 1983. Holiday options include guided walking as part of a group, self-guided holidays based in a single centre and self-guided holidays moving on each day and having your luggage transported. Every year Footpath Holidays organises a number of ‘tailor-made’ itineraries e.g. walks associated with pilgrimage routes, James Herriot’s Yorkshire, Daphne Du Maurier’s Cornwall, or the Arthurian Legends. http://www.footpath-holidays.com/

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WILDERNESS COTTAGES Wilderness Cottages offer a variety of self catering holiday properties throughout Scotland. These range in size from small cosy cottages, ideal for honeymoon couples and romantic holidays, or larger holiday cottages to sleep from six to twelve. From remote crofts to stays in luxury apartments we have properties to suit all tastes. Many cottages are open all year, have log fires and make pets welcome. http://www.wildernesscottages.co.uk/

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SUFFOLK COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Suffolk Cottage Holidays can guarantee a tailor-made recommendation to suit your holiday requirements. Whether you’re in need of dog-friendly accommodation or properties suitable for young children, our experienced team are always on hand to find the ideal property for you. www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/

ST MAWES RETREATS Boutique collection of private holiday houses sleeping 2 to 12 in unrivalled luxury in Cornwall on the idyllic Roseland peninsula. Our properties are ideal for 2 to 12 guests, couples looking for a relaxing holiday together or larger groups of families and friends gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend break of 3 nights, midweek break of 4 nights or a week or two week holiday we would be delighted to welcome you to St Mawes Retreats. http://www.stmawesretreats.co.uk/

UFFORD PARK Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more! http://www.uffordpark.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with best selling romantic novelist Katie Fforde for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What was the very first book that you wrote, and what inspired you to start writing?

The first book I wrote was called Ripples on the Water. It was never published and sadly I managed to throw away all the copies. I’d love to have a look at it now. I think there were many small things that made me want to write. It runs in the family on both sides and my sister is a writer. But what made me get down to it was a writing kit given to me by my mother one Christmas. It was a ‘put up or shut up’ kind of present. I didn’t think I had time to write with three small children and animals to look after, and a husband away at sea half the time. But my mother had other ideas and so I got on and started.

Do you have a routine for writing? How does an idea for one of your books evolve?

My routine is to start first thing, the earlier the better. I always spend quite a lot of time fiddling around before I actually get going so it’s good if I’m actually writing before 9 am. My books start with a setting or an idea. Then I work out the characters mostly by asking questions.

‘What sort of woman would do this? What would her motivation be?

What does she hope to achieve?’ etc.

Your novels are so evocative, are you ever tempted to revisit any of your books for a sequel?

While I haven’t done sequels as such, I have revisited a house and it’s owners for three books. These characters are old friends now and while they’ve never had a book of their own, they did have a Christmas short story.

But I might do a sequel one day. Never say never!

Do you think it is more difficult for writers to get published in today’s market? What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I do think it’s difficult to get published in today’s market, but then it always was. But people have many more forms of entertainment than they did when I started so there are fewer readers. And there are more writers these days. My best advice is to read a lot, learn to work out why some books work better than others. Is it the characters you don’t warm to? Is some of it unrealistic? Is the plot too slow? If you love a book, force yourself to work out why.

What makes a perfect holiday for you?

A perfect holiday for me always involves a bit of writing as I’m always inspired by different spaces. I also like to have my family around. Good food is important and good weather is a lovely extra.

What do you always pack in your suitcase?

If I’m travelling by car, in this country, I take my pillow! I always take my laptop and my kindle. The thought of running out of reading material makes me panic! http://www.katiefforde.com Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict of A Summer at Sea Katie Fforde is one of our favourite authors and A Summer at Sea is an utterly charming and delightful book.

Set on a ‘puffer’ boat just off the Scottish coast, it’s an atmospheric and beautiful read, perfect for escapist reading over the weekend! We loved it! A Secret Garden will published at the end of Feburary 2017 - we can’t wait to review it!

ST BRIDES BAY COTTAGES St Brides Bay Cottages offers delightful cottages in superb locations around the North Pembrokeshire Coast. “Welcome� might be a small word, but here it has a very big meaning.

The scenery is spectacular, the air is crystal fresh and the villages are full of character. The rugged beauty offers the perfect backdrop for a real get-away-from-it-all holiday. www.stbridesbaycottages.com

THE PIER The Pier stands proudly overlooking the picturesque harbour and the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. Long established in Harwich, the hotel boasts four stars with two rosettes for cooking. The Harbourside on the first floor of The Pier, is renowned for using locally caught seafood, much of which is landed in the harbour opposite. Head Chef, John Goff takes much of his influence from the sea so Harwich lobster and crab are nearly always on the menu served whichever way you’d like. Stay over and capture the ambience of this delightful old town, a night in The Mayflower suite, complete with telescope is a must! http://www.milsomhotels.com/thepier

GET CRAFTY

While we wait for spring to arrive, here is our selection of delightful and inspiring books to help you learn new techniques and create beautiful projects.

From Sketch to Watercolour Painting, Pen, Line and Wash - Wendy Jelbert Synopsis: Everything you need to know about transforming a rough sketch into a perfect painting, and how to enjoy the looseness of sketching as an art form in its own right.

Whatever type of artist you are a professional, a serious amateur, a weekend artist, or a beginner a few crucial lines, some written notes and, maybe, a couple of photographs, will help capture forever a fleeting moment of time that sparks your interest. You never know when these moments are going to occur, so you must be prepared.

Personally, I never leave home without a small sketchbook and a pen or pencil in my pocket; I might forget my keys, but never my sketchbook!

Remember that you only have a brief time in which to record a scene, so it is important to get all the right information down quickly and accurately. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782213062/from-sketch-towatercolour-painting Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We love the detail in this book, through a series of step-by-step projects, Wendy demonstrates how to develop your sketching skills and to transform a sketch into a finished painting. Everything is covered from capturing detail, composition and texture to making the most of your sketchbooks. Many of Wendy’s beautiful finished paintings and the sketches that inspired them are included throughout the book.

Sketch Your Stuff – Jon Stich Synopsis: Artist and teacher Jon Stich teaches you how to draw 200 everyday objects using a variety of methods - whether you learn through simple shapes, detailed annotations or step-by-step, the drawing process is made simple, clear and fun.

The book contains 200 things to draw which are used to help budding artists build up strong art skills as they work through the book. In addition the subjects are small enough to be quick to draw so they can practise little and often, so that picking up a pencil and sketching out a drawing becomes a real pleasure. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782215141/sketch-your-stuff Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict For those who want to learn to draw, but stuck for how to get started, Sketch Your Stuff shows readers how to turn everyday objects that fill their home into subjects for their sketchbooks - allowing them to work on their drawing skills at any moment of the day.

A Line is a Dot that Went for a Walk An Inspirational Drawing Book by Jo Fernihough Synopsis: Inspired by the Paul Klee quote, this is an unconventional drawing book, in which readers are encouraged to think outside the box in terms of making drawings and art. Each beautiful page contains instructions that can be open to interpretation, allowing for maximum creative freedom. There are no rules and no artistic skills are required all that is needed is a free mind and simple drawing and colouring pens and pencils to get started. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781910552162/a-line-is-a-dot-thatwent-for-a-walk Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Perfect for a creative activity, this book really frees your mind. Drawers can consider such ideas as ‘What would it look like if yellow had an argument with blue?’ or ‘What does a line look like if it’s skipping?’. They can also be inspired by creative drawing tasks such as drawing themselves from their imaginations and creating shapes that have emotions.

Stitch, Fabric & Thread - An inspirational guide for creative stitchers Elizabeth Healey Synopsis: An inspiring, creative and practical exploration of stitch, fabric and thread. This creative book encourages people to experiment with stitch, fabric and thread to create their own unique textiles. It is created for people who are who are interested in embroidery and stitch generally, who are uninspired by the usual ‘beginner’s guide’ or ‘how to’ style of book, and are looking for a book that is heavy on content, but presents the material in a way that is visually exciting and stimulating. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782212850/stitch-fabric-thread Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We love this book, packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains ‘behind the stitches’ features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee’s Bend quilting and Dorset buttons. It is an absolute inspiration!

Let’s Start Beading- Carolyn Schulz Synopsis: Now anyone can begin making attractive, wearable jewellery straight away, with very little specialist equipment. Expert designer, Carolyn Schulz, has based this book on her hugely popular absolute beginner’s course, and there is a pictorial glossary of equipment, twelve step-by-step projects to build skills and design tips to inspire creativity. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782212584/let-s-start-beading Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Clear instructions, step-by-step photography and diagrams where necessary create a user-friendly guide. Projects will take no more than a couple of hours, making them achievable in an evening. Learn how to use memory wire, beading wire, stretchy cord, chain and jump rings to make desirable jewellery pieces. Design tips throughout will encourage beginners to get creative and become jewellery designers in their own right. We loved it!

KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with head chef Stuart Oliver championing all that is great about Suffolk produce. www.milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall/

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85 degrees all year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car. www.milsomhotels.com/maison

BE INSPIRED 2017 Lean in 15 - The Shape Plan: 15 Minute Meals With Workouts to Build a Strong, Lean Body – Joe Wicks Synopsis: Lean in 15: The Shape Plan introduces a new way of eating and training to build lean muscle and burn more fat. Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has helped hundreds of thousands of people transform their bodies and feel amazing. In the Shape Plan, he shares 100 delicious recipes and four new workouts to take your fitness to the next level. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Lean in 15 - The Sustain Plan: 15 Minute Meals and Workouts to Get You Lean for Life – Joe Wicks Synopsis: Bestselling author Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has inspired thousands to transform their bodies by shifting unwanted fat and building lean muscle. In Lean in 15 - The Sustain Plan he reveals how to SUSTAIN incredible results while still seeing progress week on week. Fully illustrated and with a hundred quick-to-prepare meals and four workouts, the plan is perfect for busy people who don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen or gym. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We reviewed Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks last year and here are the latest in this series, very motivational and positive healthy information with delicious recipes.

Wake Up! Escaping a Life on Autopilot Chris Baréz-Brown Synopsis: Over 80 per cent of our waking time is spent on autopilot.

We all know the feeling of driving a long distance and arriving at our destination with little memory of the journey. That’s because when we are doing routine activities our subconscious takes over to save energy: we are on autopilot.

This doesn’t just happen when we drive. It happens every day when we are at work, with our loved ones, or simply living our lives. Wake Up! is a series of experiments designed to help you break free from this trap. From climbing a tree to writing a letter, here are a year’s worth of balanced, playful experiences that will engage your imagination and stimulate your senses. By escaping autopilot more often you’ll feel tuned in, tap in to who you really are, and make every day count. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict In Wake Up! Escaping a Life on Autopilot, Chris Baréz-Brown has created a series of different daily activities. With space to write notes, this book is a perfect way to kick-start the New Year.

ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Discover sublimely fragranced gifts for yourself or someone special at Ancienne Ambiance, award-winning purveyors of superb perfumes, candles, home fragrance and bodycare, inspired by antiquity.

Visit the Ancienne Ambiance boutique in the heart of Chelsea, or shop online with complimentary worldwide delivery. https://www.ancienneambiance.com

Spring Beauty Feature

Kat Von D ‘Lock it’ Foundation Creamy and pigmented, ‘Lock-It’ foundation is a long-wear liquid formula to create a perfect canvas. With one pump it will even out discolouration, stop shine and hide blemishes, offering amazing coverage that’s so long-wear you can go a full 24 hours without re-applying.

Kat Von D ‘Everlasting’ liquid lipstick This ‘Everlasting’ liquid lipstick features a creamy formula which glides over lips like a gloss and sets to a true matte finish. Along with 24-hour wear and 26 striking, high-pigment shades, this nextgeneration formula is packed with natural moisturisers including vitamin E and sunflower seed wax. For perfect results shake the bottle well before application and apply a single layer in a smooth, even motion.

Kat Von D ‘Tattoo Liner’ liquid eyeliner A true cult favourite, this ‘Tattoo’ liquid eyeliner boasts an innovative, superfine flexible brush tip for fluid, effortless and precise application. This paraben-free, high-pigment, waterproof liner also features a non-fraying brush tip and is available in two shades.

Kat Von D ‘Shade And Light’ eye shadow palette Inspired by an artist’s palette and loaded with twelve matte shades that capture the true hues of shadow and light, this ‘Shade and Light’ eye contour palette is arranged by undertone for neutral, warm and cool shades. Use deeper contour shades to add natural shadow and depth to the face, then accentuate best angles with the brighter highlight shades. These silky, buildable powders blend effortlessly into the skin with a formula so incredibly fine, it’s like brushing on powdered silk.

All exclusively available from Debenhams/Debenhams online. http://www.debenhams.com BED HEAD by TIGI BEACH FREAK MOISTURIZING DETANGLER SPRAY This moisturising spray detangles beach hair leaving it ready to style for hot summer-nights.

BED HEAD by TIGI AFTER PARTY SMOOTHING CREAM FOR SILKY, SHINY, HEALTHY LOOKING HAIR! The perfect party favor. After-Party hair creme for silky, smooth, shiny, healthy looking hair. Control the funky flyaways and silk-ify your hair.

BED HEAD by TIGI SUPERSTAR QUEEN FOR A DAY THICKENING SPRAY Feel like a queen, look like a Superstar!! Get volume, body and lift that just won’t quit!!

BED HEAD by TIGI NEW COLOUR GODDESS OIL INFUSED SHAMPOO THERAPY FOR COLOURED HAIR Colour Goddess™ shampoo, with pro-vitamin B5 and essential nutrient vitamin E, cares for coloured hair and is infused with nourishing sweet almond oil, coconut oil and keratin, hair’s key protein. Oil defence for electrifying colour. Bed Head® Colour Care Official stockist is salons nationwide or http://salonfinder.tigihaircare. com Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy After a long day of handling thorny situations, our Gardeners Hand Therapy is just the help you need. Containing a blend of nutrient-rich shea butter, moisturising glyercin, deodorising clover and soothing bisabolol from camomile our hand therapy will help nourish and condition work-roughened hands.

Fragrance: Fresh green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme.

Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage Hand Therapy Lock in lashings of moisture with our Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage Hand Therapy. Infused with shea butter, macadamia nut oil, and extracts of Tarocco orange, bitter orange, eucalyptus and sage, this intensive cream nourishes skin so it’s noticeably smoother after each luxurious use.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy Our Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy - a shea butter-rich moisturiser with Ceramides 3 and 6 II - improves skin’s barrier function to reduce moisture loss for extraordinary softness and hydration.

Crabtree & Evelyn Evelyn Rose Hand Therapy Beautifully soften and enrich your hands with our award-winning, shea butter-rich Evelyn Rose Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy formulated with ceramides 3 and 6II to reduce moisture loss while promoting your skin’s hydration level.

Available from http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/home/ KORRES Lavender Blossom Shower Gel Soft moisturising shower gel, ideal for everyday use. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its regular hydration level.

KORRES Lavender Blossom Body Milk Moisturising body milk with an exceptional powdery texture. Rich in trace elements that awaken the epidermis, offering an energy boost.

Available to buy online from www.MarksandSpencer.com

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