Hot Brands Cool Places - The Travel Issue - March 2016

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

The Travel Issue

MARCH 2016

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our travel issue. In this issue we have a fabulous collection of wonderful places to stay both in the UK and further afield. We have an inspiring interview with Sarah Parker, Director of Sales, Bailey Robinson. We also feature highlights from Carrier, and their Luxury Travel: The Editor’s Edit 2016 – a definitive round-up of where to go in 2016, as chosen by a panel of experts at the forefront of luxury travel.

If one of your family has a significant birthday this year we suggest Taking a Step back in Time - how to plan a nostalgic trip for all the family.

We have delicious collection of healthy cookery books and while we wait for summer to arrive, we have a selection of delightful and inspiring books to help you learn new techniques and create beautiful projects, plus our usual Beauty Round-Up. As it is our 10th Anniversary this year we have also had a website rebrand, do take time to explore. http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Enjoy!!

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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BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson are a British based luxury travel company providing tailor made holidays across hand-picked global locations. Our experts will create a holiday to match your requirements and help you choose the best location for your holiday. www.baileyrobinson.com

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Sarah Parker, Director of Sales, Bailey Robinson for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 4

What is the inspiration behind Bailey Robinson?

To develop a travel brand based on integrity allowing us to build honest relationships with clients and share our knowledge and enthusiasm with them in order to create bespoke travel experiences with the very best service so they do not have to worry about a thing.

How do you help your customers/clients make the most of their holiday experience?

Getting to know our clients is our number one priority. Only by listening to them and learning their preferences can we understand their needs and prerequisites for any given trip. We tailor everything to the individual client ensuring they are able to get the very best experience and create memories wherever they decide to travel.

What changes have you seen in your customers/clients requirements from their holiday?

Every client and every holiday is different. Sometimes a client is just looking to escape and head to a beach and tranquillity, others want to utilise every spare moment getting under the skin of a destination and experiencing something new.

We don’t have a one size fits all mentality at Bailey Robinson, we appreciate that everyone is unique and consequently so are all of holidays we put together.

With regard to trends or the way in which people book, with every holiday a personalised experience and everybody wanting something slightly different, it is hard to generalise trends although some customers do leave planning their holidays even later especially those who can be flexible, although those who want a specific trip or set dates cannot afford to do so.

What is new in the Bailey Robinson portfolio for 2016?

We have invested in developing the Far East and in particular China with one of my colleague’s Vikki Perrett having recently returned from familiarising herself with Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an and who is now keenly imparting her knowledge and passion to prospective clients.

There are always new hotels popping up and we are particularly excited about Bawah Private Island in the Anambas archipelago, off Singapore which is due to open towards the end of this year. October sees the launch of Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island in the Seychelles and Miavana on Nosy Ankao off Madagascar.

Do you have personal favourite destinations?

The ultimate destination I yearn to return to is North Island in the Seychelles -private island luxury at its best. As a brand Six Senses never disappoints and for a long weekend break you cannot beat Six Senses Zighy Bay on the Musandam Peninsula, Oman…. easy to get to, fantastic service and food and wonderfully private pool villas on a secluded bay – what’s not to like?! I also love yoga and in this hectic world we live in a detox is always welcome; when I need to retreat and focus inwards Kamalaya on Koh Samui is my go to sanctuary, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

What do you always pack in your suitcase?

I always carry an eye mask and ear plugs when travelling allowing me to shut off completely when on planes or when staying in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a city, sometimes you just need to be able to block out your surroundings and sleep. I also ensure I have one complete outfit and bikini in my hand luggage just in case my suitcase arrives to my destination after me, there is nothing more frustrating than being unprepared.

Finally, I never go anywhere without a good LBD and shoes - you never know who you might meet or an invitation you might receive. http://www.baileyrobinson.com

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ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent Villas offer a wide range of luxury villas throughout Europe, from French chateaux to Tuscan farmhouses. As well as beautiful properties, we can also help organise the finer things that make your holiday complete with everything from private chefs to local hosts to help you make the most of your stay. www.akvillas.com

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POWDER BYRNE Powder Byrne is the luxury holiday company for parents. And kids. With over 30 years of experience creating inspiring getaways for active families, we’d love to put together the perfect holiday for you. www.powderbyrne.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 Winter sun just a short hop, skip and a jump away! Enjoy a fully staffed villa holiday at Villa Damali in Morocco. Quality Villas offer luxury villas with pools across the country, a perfect way to ditch the winter blues. Fully bonded members of ABTA: book in confidence. www.qualityvillas.com/morocco

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ELEGANT ADDRESS PROPERTY GROUP Introducing the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group - a Luxury Property Consultancy providing specialist knowledge, unrivalled British bespoke service and a vast portfolio of hand-picked luxury villas, five star hotels, chalets and apartments for rental and sale within some of the world’s most glamorous, exotic and characteristic locations. http://elegant-addresslpg.com/

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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FEATURE 12

image courtesy of carrier.co.uk

Carrier Launches Luxury Travel: The Editor’s Edit 2016 Featuring Expert Recommendations On Where To Travel In The Year Ahead And Why Luxury tailor-made tour operator, Carrier, has unveiled Luxury Travel: The Editor’s Edit 2016 – a definitive roundup of where to go in 2016, as chosen by a panel of experts at the forefront of luxury travel. From well-known personalities and in-the-know travel journalists, through to Carrier’s knowledgeable destination specialists, these are some of the hottest destinations for the New Year from Carrier’s latest guide.

The Caribbean 2016 calendar is filled with celebrations and continues to attract holidaymakers in their droves.

Barbados will mark 50 years of independence next year and St Lucia will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic Jazz and Arts Festival. As the region continues to improve inter-island air services, island hopping will also become an easier option for holidaymakers. Bermuda is located just a two-hour flight from New York, making it a great twin centre destination for a stopover in the hustle and bustle of a world class city followed by a laid-back beach holiday. The island has seen the largest growth in 2015 at Carrier, and all eyes are on Bermuda for the 2017 America’s Cup which is sure to attract further visitors.

With a new airport terminal having recently been built, Carrier predicts Antigua will continue to grow in popularity and, with the number of hotel rooms imminently set to double to meet demand, now really is the time to enjoy the island’s timelessness.

Gastronomic tourism will continue in 2016 and New York hopes to stand out when, in Spring 2016, Claus Meyer, co-founder of Noma in Copenhagen, will open a Nordic food hall in Grand Central Station which will also have a brasserie by Icelandic chef Gunnar Gíslason. Over in Bali, Maurice Terzini (of Sydney’s Bondi beach restaurant Icebergs) will introduce exceptional wood-fired pizzas at his new Italian beach club and Frank Camorra will open a Balinese branch of Australia’s favourite Spanish restaurant MoVida.

Exceptionally good value for travellers, South Africa continues to be Carrier’s top performing destination in Africa, with forward bookings up by a third compared to this time last year. A foodie heaven at the best of times, the value of the sterling against the rand is unprecedented, to the extent that fine wines in the top hotels can currently be found for under £10 a bottle and you would struggle to spend over £50 per couple on even the most extravagant meal.

With the reopening of Mombasa and beach resorts on the coast once again available to travellers from the UK, Carrier envisages an upturn of travel to Kenya in the coming year too. Also, with the recent opening of “game-changing” safari lodge, Angama Mara, the destination is rising to superstar status once more.

Just under three hours away, the Seychelles offers some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches in the world, boasting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a time difference from the UK of just four hours, the lack of jet lag is sure to appeal to holidaymakers looking to maximise their sunbathing in the New Year.

The National Park Service will be celebrating 100 years of protecting and maintaining America’s 59 National Parks in 2016, and with forward bookings more than doubled compared to this time last year, Carrier expects many will be choosing to visit during the centennial year. The parks are their busiest in the summer months so early booking is highly recommended.

For thrill seekers, a North America ski and snow holiday for the 2015/16 season will not disappoint, with rumours of an El Niño winter potentially meaning plenty of snow.

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In Canada, Whistler will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year with various events taking place both on the mountains and in the village to mark the occasion. Couple this with a favourable Canadian dollar exchange rate and this iconic ski resort is firmly on the experts’ radar. Meanwhile the launch of American Airlines new non-stop flights from Chicago to Aspen will make it that bit easier to combine the world class skiing of Aspen Snowmass with a US city break.

Thailand continues to be a key destination with the dedicated Carrier team having visited all featured resorts in the portfolio in the past 12 months alone. For those seeking an exotic family break during the summer school holidays, the island of Koh Samui is perfectly suited to the UK summertime and boasts numerous family friendly hotels.

Maxine Roberts, Head of Marketing, commented, “An authority on travel for many years, our specialist destination experts notice growing trends and shifts in customer requirements on a regular basis and we wanted to showcase our findings in a way that would be beneficial to our customers. Working alongside industry experts, we are proud to present our must-visit destinations in the Luxury Travel: The Editor’s Edit 2016 guide.”

Carrier has now released all seven of its 2016/17 destination brochures, bringing luxurious new hotels, fresh itineraries and unique experiences to discerning travellers.

For further information please visit: www.carrier.co.uk/edit or contact a dedicated specialist on: Africa: 0161 492 1353 Caribbean, Bermuda & Mexico: 0161 492 1354 Indian Subcontinent, Far East & Australasia: 0161 492 1355 USA, Canada & Mexico: 0161 492 1356 Europe & North Africa: 0161 492 1357 Indian Ocean & Arabia: 0161 492 1358 Luxury Ski & Snow: 0161 492 1359

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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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INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual holiday experience. From carefully crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays, to inspiring winter snow holidays, uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences along the way. www.inntravel.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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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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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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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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HINTLESHAM HALL Beautiful grounds, surrounding a graceful 16th Century Grade 1 listed Country House Hotel.

A warm welcome from friendly efficient staff, showing you through to a sumptuous lounge with a roaring log fires during the winter months, papers to read while you relax on deep sofas with a Traditional Afternoon Tea awaiting you after a stroll in the grounds. www.hintleshamhall.com

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Taking a step back in 22

TIME

In our busy lives we often find it difficult to slow down and really enjoy the special moments in our lives. As people get older, however, their minds often wander back to favourite places in their youth.

As people are living longer and staying fitter what a wonderful way to celebrate a significant birthday by arranging a surprise visit to a place that holds special memories for them.

Some families already have a tradition of returning to the same place for their annual family holiday, but for others there may be the opportunity to revisit a favourite location,which can bring back wonderful memories and create new ones.

If you are planning a surprise visit, looking back through family albums, or talking to them discreetly, or to other family members will soon reveal some special childhood memories. These details can be carefully stored away as you plan their special nostalgic trip.

It’s often the little things that bring back the fondest memories; fish and chips eaten out of paper on a windy beach, the wonder of their first Knickerbocker Glory, or Banana Longboat eaten in an ice-cream parlour, old fashioned sweets, magazines or comics bought specially for the journey.

The internet can often reveal if the B&B they stayed at, or the pub where they had a meal still exists.

One of the joys of our country is that despite progress and changes in some cities and towns, many of our seaside and rural areas retain a timeless quality, where buildings remain unchanged, or countryside walks take us to places we didn’t believe still exist.

While much of our life is digitized today, old postcards can also trigger memories, as can old maps or guidebooks showing how journeys were planned before GPS. You may also have old cine films, which can be transferred onto a DVD creating magical memories of past holidays.

In some areas you can even hire classic cars to make the journey even more nostalgic. To complete the visit why not create a special album gathering together old and new souvenirs, photographs, postcards.

While this can be something special for a grandparent, younger members of the family also have fond memories too. For these special birthdays you could extend the collection to include their birth tags, drawings from school, exercise books, photographs etc.

Current visits can also be captured by taking a photograph of a favourite view and arranging for it to be made into a canvas print as a more permanent record of a special place. Taking a step back in time can rekindle memories for all of us whatever age we are. Where is your special place?

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SUFFOLK COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Whether you are looking for contemporary chic or classic comfort, Suffolk Cottage Holidays’ stylish, luxury cottages are the very best in Suffolk. In the heart of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our coastal and countryside cottages are set in some of East Anglia’s finest locations. www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/

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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

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.kesgravehall.com

SYKES COTTAGES Give yourself something to look forward to with a holiday from Sykes Cottages. With over 4,000 self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK and Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your 2016 getaway. To find out more, visit our website or give us a call. www.sykescottages.co.uk

HEALTHY EATING Cook. Nourish. Glow by Amelia Freer Synopsis: Following the phenomenal success of her bestselling first book, Eat. Nourish. Glow, Amelia Freer returns with her much-awaited cookbook Cook. Nourish. Glow. Containing over 100 delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes, Amelia equips you with the skills and knowledge to improve your health while empowering you to cook with confidence. A professional nutritional therapist, she promotes a gluten, refined sugar and dairy-free lifestyle. Cook. Nourish. Glow covers cooking in the simplest terms, featuring step-by-step visuals designed for the novice chef; how to use and prepare staple pantry ingredients; eating clean on the go; a ‘naughty’ chapter - because living healthily is about consistency, not perfection - and a chapter full of dishes designed to combat gut-related issues. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cook-Nourish-Glow-Amelia-Freer/ dp/1405924187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457528728&sr=81&keywords=Nourish+and+Glow Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This very comprehensive book is full of delicious recipes and helpful advice about healthy eating. Chapters include Kitchen Confidence, It’s All About Taste, Eating the Rainbow, On the Go, The Naughty Chapter, Friendly Fats, Happy Tummy, Entertaining, Everyday Food.

An inspiring and feel good read!

The Genius Gluten-Free Cookbook by Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne Synopsis: Life is too short for gluten-free food to be dull. So, the founder of the no.1 free-from brand, Genius gluten-free, Lucinda BruceGardyne, shows us lots of tasty ways to keep it interesting.

Packed with tips, advice and knowledge gleaned from years of exhaustive research and experience – from how to read food labels, the science behind ingredients, the benefits of a gluten-free diet, and the essential gluten-free store cupboard ingredients explained – Lucinda creates great-tasting food every time. With recipes well within the range of cooks of all abilities, this book adds up to an indispensable family cookbook. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Genius-Gluten-Free-Cookbook-LucindaBruce-Gardyne/dp/1785040707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457627302& sr=8-1&keywords=Genius+Gluten-Free+Cookbook+Lucinda+BruceGardyne%2C Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The Genius Gluten-Free Cookbook include the following chapters, Understanding Gluten, Gluten Free Living, Your Gluten Free Store Cupboard, Breakfast and Brunch, Starters, Light Meals and Party Food, Main Courses, Puddings, Home Baking. There is a wide range of tasty recipes to help you to create delicious gluten-free food.

Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks Synopsis: The record-breaking no.1 bestseller eat more. exercise less. lose fat. In his first book, Joe Wicks, aka the body coach, reveals how to shift your body fat by eating more and exercising less.

Lean in 15 features a hundred recipes for nutritious, quick-to-prepare meals and guides you through Joe’s signature HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) home workouts - revealing how to combine food and exercise to ignite intense fat-burning. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lean-15-minute-workouts-healthy-ebook/ dp/B00Y33L2BQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457692130&sr=11&keywords=lean+in+15 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The book contains the following: A Little bit about Joe Wicks and his story, The Lean in 15 Plan, Getting Started, Reduced Carbohydrate recipes, Post-Workout Carbohydrate-Refuel Recipes, Snacks and Treats, Burn Fat and Lean Muscle with HIT and Results.

Based on his practice of meals being ready in 15 minutes and the videos being only 15 seconds long hence hashtag #Leanin15 is packed full of delicious recipes and inspiration.

Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics by Robin Ellis Synopsis: From the original Poldark, Robin Ellis, comes a food lover’s guide to eating well with diabetes.

Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics is a cookery book written especially for those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes – or those at risk of developing it – who love food and enjoy cooking and want to continue with those pleasures.

Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes himself, TV’s original Poldark Robin Ellis explains the dietary changes he made that helped him to bring his glucose levels down. In this book he shares the recipes that he has created, adapted and enjoyed as the basis of his Mediterranean way of eating.

They are reliable, easy to follow and, above all, delicious!

Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics is not a diet cookbook, to be followed for a while before resuming normal life. ht tp://w w w.amazon.co.uk /Mediter ranean - Cook ing - D iabeticsDelicious-Diabetes/dp/1472136373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=145769 1847&sr=8 -1&key words=Mediterranean+Cooking+for+Diabetics++Robin+Ellis%2C Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a book that shares recipes that are easy to create and that Robin believes are suitable for diabetics – and for anyone who wants to eat more healthily. Robin writes with a passion expressing the delight in where he lives and the cooking that he enjoys.

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/

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

GET CRAFTY

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

Simple Colour Knitting - Erika Knight Synopsis Under Erika Knight’s expert guidance, each of the 20 projects in this book teaches you a colour knitting technique or designer trick – from working motifs in intarsia in a graphic Missoni-inspired throw to creating Fair Isle patterns through stranding and weaving in the two-colour snood scarf. The required skills aren’t taught in isolation, but within the context of a project. All the while you are learning whilst making – and the results will be an enviable collection of stylish knitwear pieces.

In addition to the projects, Erika dispenses her designer tips on putting together different shades, whether they are primary colours or neutral shades, monochrome schemes or punchy accent hues. Putting the basic colour theory knowledge across in a highly accessible way, Erika conveys the wondrous world of working with colour in a way that every knitter will understand and relate to. http://www.quadrille.co.uk/books/craft/book/uk_1849492719/simplecolour-knitting Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Simple Colour Knitting is about ways of incorporating colour in your knitting, examining plying, phasing, slipping stitches, stranding, colour blocking, embroidering and embellishing to more expressive approaches. Throughout this delightful book the twenty projects build in skill level from the beginner to experienced knitters. If you love colour you will be inspired by this beautiful book.

The Cross-Stitch Garden - Kazuko Aoiki & Kazuko Aoki Synopsis: Inspired by her love of wildflowers, Kazuko Aoki has created a collection of more than 20 projects and over 70 individual cross-stitch motifs. Designs are included for all your floral favourites, such as viola, pansies, poppies and roses. These motifs are used to create traditional samplers, as well as bags, pincushions, pillows, coasters, aprons and tea towels. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782213314/the-cross-stitchgarden Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict The Cross-Stitch Garden is a brilliant source of inspiration, we loved so many of the exquisite designs. Instructions are presented in counted cross-stitch charts, plus step-by-step diagrams for constructing projects.

It contains over 70 individual cross-stitch motifs and instructions included for 20 projects.

We loved this book, it is absolutely beautiful, taking cross-stitch to a whole new level!

Once Upon a Time... in Crochet - Lynne Rowe Synopsis: This fun, quirky book contains 30 cute and whimsical characters from 11 of your favourite fairytales, from Puss in Boots and the Ugly Duckling to Snow White and Rapunzel, using gorgeous amigurumi designs.The book also contains an easy-to-use step-by-step techniques section, showing the reader how to pin out their crochet pieces before assembling, make moving arms and legs and create a range of hairstyles. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782212621/once-upon-a-timein-crochet-ukHot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is absolutely adorable, illustrating how to create cute amigurumistyle crochet creatures with easy-to-follow patterns that are suitable for crocheters of all abilities. Great fun and a delight!

Simply Stunning Crocheted Bags - Coats Design Studio Synopsis: Crocheters of all abilities will love the modern, colourful crocheted bags in this book. There are 23 to choose from, in a range of styles and colourways and using a wide variety of crochet stitches. For the less experienced crocheter, there are step-by-step diagrams at the back of the book explaining all the essential techniques. Each project is accompanied by clear instructions and diagrams, where appropriate. https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782212225/simply-stunningcrocheted-bags Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book lives up to its name, there are some stunning bags in this collection. It includes 23 bright, modern designs in a range of styles and uses a variety of crochet stitches and techniques. If you want to create an unusual and stylish bag for summer you will find fabulous ideas here!

Mandalas to Crochet - Haafner Linssen Synopsis: Crocheted mandalas are having a moment! And it is no wonder the mandala is in vogue: one evening is often enough to begin and finish something eye-catching. This book celebrates the sheer fun of making and showcases Haafner Linssen’s modern colour schemes and patterns.

With full patterns and inspiring photos, a review of crochet techniques that helps you create a perfect circle, a discussion of materials, colours, finishing techniques, and lots of project ideas, this book is a guarantee for many hours of happy mandala-making. https://w w w.searchpress.com/book/9781782213895/mandalas-tocrochet Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a beautiful book showing how to create a variety of mandalas, from the delicate to more substantial items like a bathroom rug. With detailed instructions and beautiful photography this book is an inspiration!

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/

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/

HIDEAWAYS Hideaways cottages provide the perfect escape from busy and stressful lifestyles. Located across the south of England from Cornwall to Kent and up to the Cotswolds and Welsh borders, Hideaways specialises in high quality properties – from idyllic, romantic retreats just for 2 to large barn conversions sleeping up to 22. www.hideaways.co.uk

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/

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/

Spring Beauty Feature ELEMIS British Botanical Hand and Nail Butter / 100ml This luxuriously nourishing hand butter harnesses the powerhouse of ingredients grown in the idyllic British countryside. Hands are left beautifully soft, hydrated and delicately fragranced.

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Neck and Décolleté Balm / 50ml Firm and smooth the delicate skin of the neck and décolleté with this powerful balm. Sea Buckthorn oil, one of the richest known plant-sources of Fatty Acid Omega-7, is expertly blended with the unique Mediterranean algae Padina Pavonica to help hydrate, nourish and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

ELEMIS BIOTEC SKIN ENERGISING CLEANSER / 200ml This energising wash-off cleanser kick-starts the BIOTEC system, preparing the skin for optimum performance. Charged with a trio of acids in an energising electrolyte solution, the deep cleansing action helps reduce surface oils and impurities, whilst helping to rebalance the skin. It leaves the complexion looking fresh, energised and beautifully revived. http://www.elemis.com KORRES WILD ROSE/ FACE OIL FOR BRIGHTENING & DEEP NOURISHING KORRES is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Wild Rose Advanced Brightening and Nourishing Face oil. Infused with real rose petals, the Greek skincare brand has reinvented its first apothecary beauty elixir – the Wild Rose Oil - to honor its original precious extract.

KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening & Nourishing Face Oil 30ml THE 20 YEARS EDITION • BOOSTED WITH SUPER C ACTIVE FOR 10x HIGHER ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN C • HIGHEST CONCENTRATION IN VITAMIN C • SKIN BRIGHTENING KORRES Black Pine Advanced Firming, Nourishing & Anti-wrinkle Active Oil 30ml An ultra-concentrated nourishing active-oil with a fast absorbing, silk like texture.Contains twelve key active ingredients with powerful anti-ageing action.

Available to buy online from www.MarksandSpencer.com from 23rd March 2015

On the 11th May, KORRES also launching the following: * KORRES Almond Cherry Shower Gel available to buy online from www.MarksandSpencer.com * KORRES Almond Cherry Body Milk available to buy online from www.MarksandSpencer.com CRABTREE & EVELYN Verbena & Lavender Sampler Discover the pleasure of a fresh and clean fragrance on your skin, thanks to theirconditioning soaps and beautifully scented colognes in our Verbena & Lavender fragrance set.

Hand Therapy (25g) Cologne (30ml) Soap (158g) Hand Therapy Paint Tin 12 x 25g Beautifully decorated with their Discover Garden design, this Luxury keepsake tin is a set of ultra-moisturising hand therapy creams in twelve best-selling fragrances Gardeners Hand Therapy 25g Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Hand Therapy 25g Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy 25g Summer Hill Hand Therapy 25g Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy 25g Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Therapy 25g Pear & Pink Magnolia Hand Therapy 25g Rosewater Hand Therapy 25g Evelyn Rose Hand Therapy 25g Lavender Hand Therapy 25g La Source Hand Therapy 25g Nantucket Briar Hand Therapy 25g SUMMER HILL BATH & BODY DUO Presented in their stunning discovery packaging, this Summer Hill bath and body duo features a matching shower gel and body lotion with a light, fresh fragrance that captures the perfect summer’s day. A sensuous white floral bouquet fragrance, blended with the romantic, soft scent of summer grasses and orchard fruits.

Contains: Summer Hill Shower Gel 200ml Summer Hill Body Lotion 200ml http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

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