Hot Brands Cool Places - Taking Time to Relax - Sept 2015

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

Taking Time to Relax

SEPTEMBER 2015

EDITOR’S LETTER Here at Hot Brands Cool Places we are clinging on to the last sunny days, trying to keep that sunshine feeling going for as long as possible. If you are thinking about a late summer/ half-term/autumn break, we have lots of ideas for you in the listings from our lovely travel companies. Equally if you are looking ahead to Christmas, or 2016 holidays it’s never too early to be inspired.

As the evenings grow longer we have a bumper collection of books for you to choose from for crafting, cooking and also books that encourage you to stop and reflect.

We also have a lovely interview with Sophy Henn, children’s author and illustrator, her latest book, Pom Pom the Champion has just been published.

Until the next time………

Enjoy! www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com https://twitter.com/Hotbrands Picture Credits Front cover image courtesy of Milsom Hotels: The Pier http://www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier/ 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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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

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85Ëšall 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

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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

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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/numberone

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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/

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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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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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FEATURE 10

make the most of your weekends As we return to work after a summer break, many of us don’t quite feel ready for the darker evenings, colder weather and the lack of sunshine. However there is still time to enjoy the sunshine in so many ways.

Our seasons have changed over the years, we now often have rain in August, yet glorious sunshine in September! In February it is quite possible to have unexpected sunny days and even Christmas can be mild enough to take a trip to the beach.

What is important is to be flexible enough to take advantage of the sunshine whenever we can, but also to try and keep the ‘joie de vivre’ that holidays can give us throughout the year. Last minute breaks can yield some amazing reductions, but prices in general out of season can offer some wonderful opportunities to visit somewhere new and inspiring.

Many people have to travel frequently for business, and consequently have adapted their wardrobe for quick and easy departure, but if your business is more home based, adopt the same practice and have a bag and a collection of clothes that is easy to pack for a quick weekend getaway.

Even one night away can bring you back home refreshed if you choose your destination carefully. Most weekend travellers, however, do try to get away Friday night so that you have the benefit of a full day on the Saturday without travelling. If you work for yourself, you can have more flexibility in your choice of travelling, particularly with today’s mobile technology.

If you are looking to move to another area, staying for a number of weekend breaks can help you get the feel of the new location, and help you begin to build up local networks, this is particularly important if you are moving from the city to the country, or the seaside, what may seem idyllic on holiday, may feel very different out of season.

Staying at home can also be a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy time away from your normal working week. It is so easy to use weekends to catch up on chores and other unwelcome tasks including work! Try instead to build in treats like a pamper session, or a swim, or a meal out with the family. Find out what is happening locally, there are increasing numbers of artisan markets, exhibitions and fairs that offer the opportunity to find unusual presents for Christmas.

The autumn is also the time when new evening classes are offered, some of which are held at the weekend, and it is an excellent time to learn a new hobby. Alternatively as shown later in this issue, there are many delightful books to help you experiment with new recipes, or learn a new craft. The beauty of creating something is the joy in the making; it doesn’t really matter about the quality of the end product if you enjoy creating it, and you never know you might surprise yourself!

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RIVERSIDE LIFESTYLE Riverside Lifestyle is one hot brand cool place - it empowers you in spirit and mind – take a visit to the gorgeous self catering cottage in Hampshire positioned in 7 acres of blissful countryside and next to the River Dever (but never too far away from a pub or some retail / cultural therapy!). Smell, taste and enjoy Riverside’s lavender and olive oil scented luxury bath accessories or their award winning artisan foods including the scrumptious jams, marmalades and chutneys and mega trendy bucket of natural olive oil crisps. (the perfect gift btw!)

Riverside Lifestyle offers something for everyone - it gives you something creative, original and indulgent every time. Visit www.riversidelifestyle.co.uk

BOVEY CASTLE Bovey Castle is a five-star hotel set within a 275-acre private estate with its own championship golf course, offering guests the unpretentious grandeur and sumptuous dĂŠcor of true English luxury on Dartmoor National Park www.boveycastle.com

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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 2015/2016 getaway. To find out more, visit our website or give us a call. www.sykescottages.co.uk

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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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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

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/

Time for Reflection

As we leave the summer behind, the autumn is a great time for reflection and thinking about our plans for the next year. Rather than making New Year’s Resolutions, you may want to take time now for careful consideration.

For example you may want to ask the following: What is working in my life?

What would I like to do differently?

What is helping me?

What is getting in the way?

One of the difficulties in wanting to do things differently is actually having the motivation to start. It is so easy to put things off, particularly if what you want to do is more challenging.

But if you really want to achieve something special here are some key stages to help you get started: Overall vision One of the first stages is identifying what you actually want to change. The more specific you can be the more likely you are to be successful. There are a number of different approaches to setting a vision; you may prefer to take a practical approach, for example: ‘I like to think through all the practical implications before I start something new or different’ or alternatively you may prefer to spend time imagining how things could be, ’I like to dream of possibilities,’ whichever approach you use it is important to identify what you’re trying to achieve, ideally to write it down and to commit to achieving it within a timeframe. Actually creating a picture of your future vision can really help as a daily prompt.

Determination to Change Your determination to change can make all the difference between whether you achieve your goals or not. e.g. ’Although I set myself goals, I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to keep working towards them’ while others have a more direct approach, ‘If I want to do something differently, I often want to start right away’. As well as the desire there also needs to be an inner resilience to enable you to achieve the change. This can be critical because you need to be able to keep going despite lack of support, or even strong resistance to change from others, some of whom may be close to you. At this stage it is important to be focused, to be able to identify your hopes, dreams and aspirations and express them in a series of clear objectives, which can form the basis of a real plan of action. It is important to set goals which are realistic and achievable, otherwise you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Exploring options, developing alternatives Some people prefer to wait for change to happen to them while others want to be more in charge of their own destiny and can sometimes be guilty of instigating change for its own sake. Some are better at harnessing their own creativity and generating options and choices. ‘What someone else might see as an impossible problem, I see as an opportunity’, or ‘I often have more ideas than I can actually implement’. If you need extra support in the exploration stage a coach can act as a very effective sounding board enabling you to explore and chart your options.

Personal commitment, drive to make it happen Any change requires effort, of course it is possible to sit back and let it happen, but those who have the personal commitment and drive to make it happen will often find that the change is more fulfilling because they have a level of control over the pace and pattern of change by being able to negotiate how it happens.’ When I believe in something I become passionate about it’ or ‘ If I really want to do things differently I can make it happen’ It is important to recognise your own personal style, and to know whether you are able to move your dream from theory to reality. If your style is more cautious you may need extra support. ‘I sometimes give up

too easily’ or ‘I often find it hard to give myself permission to do things differently’ Gaining support, being resourceful This is another important stage, handing change on your own can be a lonely and challenging experience, building and using a support network can be a much more positive approach. It is important to recognise what you need when looking for the right support, e.g. ‘I often need personal space’ or ‘I prefer not to share my feelings with others’ while others are more collaborative in their approach, ‘I have a network of professional people that I use to help me achieve my goals’ or, ‘ I have a close group of friends to relax with’.

It is important to identify what works best for you and at what stage. If you prefer time to think things through on your own, be careful not to share your precious embryonic ideas with others who may be too judgmental.

At a later stage using someone with a more balanced perspective could be invaluable.

Responding to challenges, overcoming setbacks Trying to do things differently can often be challenging, it can sometimes seem much easier to accept the status quo, e.g..’If someone strongly challenges me I tend to back down’ ‘ When faced with a problem I often want someone else to solve it for me’ Alternatively a more proactive approach would be “If I commit to do something I will see it through to the end’, ‘I am prepared to take risks’ or ‘I really do see problems as an opportunity to find a solution’. An interesting contrast between the two styles is what happens if something doesn’t work out, ‘I can sometimes feel overwhelmed by defeat’ versus ‘ If I have tried every solution and it still doesn’t work I am not afraid to give up on an idea and look for other opportunities’.

Taking control in difficult situations is an important part of achieving what you really want to do in your life.

Taking time now to consider your options could make 2016 the year when you really achieve some exciting changes.

For more support see http://www.talentperspectives.com If you are looking to do things differently the following books offer positive ways of re-evaluating your life.

The Off Switch: Leave work on time, relax your mind but still get more done - Mark Cropley Synopsis: Work better not longer– learn how to be more productive by switching off from work in the evenings, worrying less and facing the new working day fresh, full of energy and ambition. Work is a big part of our lives, but it’s easier than ever to let it take over. Laptops, tablets and smartphones that are supposed to free us from the office actually bind us to it. If you’ve ever felt stressed as you checked your work email in the evenings, or found yourself unable to sleep worrying about tomorrow’s meeting, then this is the book for you!

Learning to flick THE OFF-SWITCH when you leave work is essential– not only for your sanity but also for your job. If you can learn to relax and rest effectively when you’re not at work, you can then get more done when you’re in the office. It’s a win-win solution! In this unique book, Professor Mark Cropley, a world expert in how we recover from the working day, blends engaging real-life case studies, clinical expertise and evidencebased techniques to provide a complete guide for how to switch off better – get more enjoyment from your free time, and still get more done. http://www.ebur ypublishing.co.uk/editions/the-off-switch-how-tounwind-and-de-stress-after-work-but-still-get-more-done/9780753556696

The Practice - Barb Schmidt Synopsis: The Practice provides simple tools for managing stress, finding inner peace and uncovering happiness.

The mind has an annoying way of interfering with our personal happiness, often causing stress and doubt, and preventing us achieving our life’s goals. But, it doesn’t need to be like that. With the help of The Practice, Barb Schmidt’s three-point plan to personal happiness, you can train your brain to dismiss ill-founded worries and cultivate a happy, purposeful life.

All it takes is just a few minutes of your day!

Specifically designed for those who live busy lives, The Practice guides you through a set of practical tools that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. The three-steps are: 1. Waking Up: Meditation – to set a peaceful tone for the day 2. Living Present: Sacred Mantra, Focused Attention, Reading for Inspiration – designed to focus your mind on the moment and provide comfort and support 3. Letting Go: Reflection – a wind-down period to put the events of the day to rest With Barb Schmidt’s daily mindful practices you too can discover the inner peace and strength that exists inside us all. A complement to any religious or spiritual practice, as well as standing on its own, The Practice is aimed at people who are looking for confidence, less stress, and deeper meaning in their lives. http://www.souvenirpress.co.uk/product/the-practice-barb-schmidt/ The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy- Jon Gordon, Ken Blanchard (Foreword by) Synopsis: None of us can expect to get through life without any challenges. Life isn’t always a constant daydream of unbridled pleasure and happiness. But that doesn’t mean you can’t approach everything with some zing – a big dose of positive energy is what you need to feel great, be successful and love life!

And the international bestselling The Energy Bus can help you live your life in a positive, forward-thinking way. Learn the 10 secrets that will help you overcome adversity and harness the power of positive, infectious energy, so that you can create your own success. International bestselling author Jon Gordon draws on his experience of working with thousands of leaders and teams to provide insights, actionable strategies and positive energy.

The Energy Bus: • Shows you how to ditch negativity and infuse your life with positive energy • Provides tools to build a positive team and culture • Contains insights from working with some of the world’s largest companies • Foreword by Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One-Minute Manager http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-111908914X.html

AMBERLEY HOUSE COTTAGES In Sussex, Kent or East Hampshire you soon realise nothing is far away whether you want to enjoy the local lanes and villages of the Sussex High Weald and Kent’s Garden of England, the sheer variety of our coastline from Whitstable to Chichester Harbour, or the splendour of the South Downs, you will find it all within easy reach and very accessible. We offer you over 170 hand selected properties to choose from. These range from modern apartments in Chichester to wonderful Victorian apartment conversions in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. www.amberleyhousecottages.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 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

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

QUALITY VILLAS Quality Villas was established back in 1986 by Margaret Rees, the current owner, with a handful of villa properties. Today, with the same attention to detail and regard for only offering the best and most sumptuous properties, all enjoying a ‘wow’ factor of some sort, there are close to 500 villas in the portfolio. www.qualityvillas.com

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

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

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/

ATTICUS & GILDA Atticus & Gilda is a children’s nightwear and accessories brand launched in 2013 by Conchita Scott and Lucy Gaiger . Both from a costume design background they met while working on Phantom of the Opera and have worked together many times since,latterly on Mamma Mia! Many of the trimmings you will find on the accessories are from past productions and will contain a little piece of theatre history. www.atticusandgilda.co.uk.

HOITY-TOITY Hoity-Toity enters the childrenswear market this season as a celebrated UK-made label that fuses a strong design ethos, with a sustainable approach to fashion. The 18-piece collection for girls, playfully embraces English eccentricity and charm. Limited Edition heritage prints and appliques, all produced exclusively by the small in-house design team. The creation of future heirlooms that are made to last, is the essence of this new British brand http://www.hoity-toity.co.uk/

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Sophy Henn, Author and Illustrator for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

We love your books, where does your inspiration come from?

First of all thank you very much! As for my inspiration, it can come from all sorts of places. Where Bear? popped out of my head while I was playing around with some acrylic paints (which I am still useless with!). I painted a picture of a white bear, but he was in a dark wood, looking very lost. This begged the question... where was he supposed to be? And that was how Where Bear? started.

Whereas Pom Pom was inspired by real life events...a usually lovely little girl was furiously stomping around the house telling everyone to “GO AWAY”, to this day no one knows why. Anyway eventually everyone did, at which point she got a bit sad and a bit worried, which I found ever so sweet and a little bit funny (incidentally laughing did NOT help the situation). But instead of drawing this character as a little girl (she’s bigger than me now and I didn’t want trouble!) I started thinking about different relaxed, happy animals and Pandas came to mind. The contrast of the fury and the Panda made me giggle and Pom Pom was born!

Which comes first the words, or the pictures?

To be honest they come in almost any order, but if I had to pick one I would say I tend to create the character first. Once I have drawn the character they start to exist in my head and that helps me with the story. My background is visual (I used to work as an art director in advertising) so the images tend to pop into my head more readily. Saying that, I wrote my next book Pass It On (February 2016) before I had any idea what the main character looked like. One day I will have a method!

I do try to get the words pinned down, spread by spread though before I start to sketch out and ultimately illustrate each page. It is a struggle sometimes as it’s all looking exciting in my mind and I can’t wait to get it onto the page!

What does a typical day in the life of Sophy Henn look like?

Probably a bit like a big multicoloured scribble! I seem to be out and about a lot more these days, at meetings or doing events at book festivals or book shops, which are always lovely. So days are getting much less typical at the minute, but a typical, head down and working day is as follows...

I like to get up early, which I am sure is a result of my daughter being a ridiculously early riser as a young child.

I try to go for a run as it really helps clear my head and this is usually the only chance I get! Then breakfast and the usual chaos of the school run, after which I make a big cup of tea, and set to work in my studio at about 8.30am. Quiet for writing but if I’m drawing I will have the radio tuned to Radio 2 or a good crime drama, I’m still hoping for a Miss Marple style retirement!

This goes on until dinner, punctuated by a dog walk, a leftovers lunch, an account of the school day and plenty more cups of tea. Dinner wise I am currently obsessed with Anna Jones A Modern Way to Eat and am itching to get my hands on a copy of A Modern Way to Cook. I hardly eat any meat, and have a boring raft of middle aged eating requirements so her book is fantastic!

Then a bit of telly, I loved Peter Kay’s Car Share, he is so brilliant at getting just the right level of sentiment and humour, so it never feels sickly or shallow. Also BBC 2’s The Game was marvellous, it was so stylish. But I would never say no to a Midsomer Murder! Then a nice early night (ready for that early start). I am reading Bridget Christie’s A Book for Her at the moment which is great, but hardback, so it hurts when it falls on my face as I nod off reading!

Will there be another adventure for Pom Pom? Yes! I am working on it right now! Pom Pom is on another voyage of discovery, but this time he gets a lot more help along the way from his friends, Baxter, Buddy, Scout and Rocco. I think we sometimes forget how tricky it is being a toddler. All these new emotions and situations that keep presenting themselves to you, then you have to work out how to respond to them, exhausting! I can’t tell you too much about the third Pom Pom though, but I will say everyone gets a rather spectacular costume!

What advice do you have for aspiring authors/illustrators?

Draw and write as much as you can! I realise this is me stating the obvious, but it’s true. Some days ideas or characters or whole books can pop into your head out of the blue. But quite often they will require you to have a pencil in your hand or a laptop at your fingertips and some space to let your mind wander. And some days it’s like getting blood out of a stone!!! Whatever day you are having, I believe that sitting down and writing or drawing will massively increase your chances of producing work you are happy with.

When I finally admitted I wanted to be a children’s writer/illustrator I decided to do a part time MA, this gave me the justification to sit and think and let those ideas come out. I have to say it was a very productive time and I still have ideas tucked away which I hope to use in the future.

What makes a perfect weekend for you?

First of all a satisfying work week makes the weekend all the sweeter. But when it comes to the weekend it’s got to be about family and friends. We spend a lot of time in Dorset on the coast and I have to say that when you go to the beach and look out to sea, it feels pretty soothing. BBQs on the beach, dog walks along the coastline that leave you with that slightly dazed, warm, windswept feeling, mooching around antique shops (there is an amazing second hand book shop in Bridport that I could spend hours in) board games (don’t take me on at Cluedo because I will take you down!) and lots of fresh seafood all make for a winning weekend.

But if it’s raining I’m just as happy with a comfy sofa, an old film and pot of tea! Oh and the Saturday Guardian, I’m a fiend for Sali Hughes brilliant beauty column, bring on the salves!!!!

Sophy was the official illustrator for World Book Day 2015, as well as being the exciting author/illustrator of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted Where Bear? and the highly acclaimed Pom Pom Gets the Grumps. Sophy’s new book, Pom Pom the Champion, publishes this September and is a sweet and funny take on how it’s now always about being the best, which will strike a chord with both parents and children alike.

Through Pom Pom, Sophy once again captures the emotions of being a child in a charming story that is told with both warmth and humour. No matter their age, everyone can relate to feeling like Pom Pom sometimes!

Recently described as a ‘Rising Star’ by the Bookseller, Sophy combines her stylish and contemporary illustrations with her witty and warm writing style. http://www.puffin.co.uk/books/pom-pom-the-champion/9780723299844/

AliOli Kids Established in May 2012, AliOli Kids burst into the online market and since built a reputation of supplying classic and timeless children’s clothes aged 0 -12 years old and accessories to clients all over the world.Online you will find beautiful baby, children’s clothes, accessories and the AliOli Kids signature sea creature swimwear, as well as a selection of other unique brands that complement the main collection. The products reflect the great design and high quality synonymous with Spanish clothes. http://www.aliolikids.com

WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is a luxury childrens’ brand founded in 2001 by sisters Charlotte Thompson and Victoria Sullivan. We design and manufacture lighting and interiors for the nursery and special gifts for little ones. Our award winning White Rabbit lamp represents perfectly the uniqueness and quality of both the design and manufacture of everything we do to create heirlooms of the future. “Designed by us, made for you, keep forever” www.whiterabbitengland.com

LITTLE LUCY WILLOW Little Lucy Willow creates beautiful bedrooms in perfect pastels. Boasting timeless, exclusive collections, designed in-house, there is something here to suit every girl, boy or teen. The Lancashire-based company also provide accessories, soft furnishings and gifts. www.littlelucywillow.co.uk

AURALEY Beautiful designer nightwear for girls and boys ages 2 to 8. The acclaimed signature is luxurious sustainable fabrics, tailored styling, gorgeous trim and embroidery, while always maintaining exceptional comfort. A piece from the Auraley collection is a wardrobe staple makes the perfect gift. www.auraley.com

RUFUS RABBIT Rufus Rabbit, the funny bunny whose gorgeously packaged baby gift range was lovingly created by Anna Danielle, co-owner of the family firm The Little Dog. Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, Rufus Rabbit always goes the extra mile to create a smile! www.rufusrabbit.co.uk/

CAPTURE AND KEEP We always ‘capture the moment’ with our photographs...why not capture the moment on personalised engraved charms and keep the memory forever! Individually personalised jewellery - commemorate that Special Event in your life by personalising charms and making them individual to you. www.captureandkeep.co.uk

LE MU Le Mu is a UK brand specialising in occasionwear and accessories that will excite and delight little girls aged 2-9 years. Instilling natural confidence and style, a Le Mu dress is a modern classic with sharp tailoring, comfort and elegance. www.le-mu.co.uk

REVIEWS Akaroa Cooking School Ant Bentley, Lou Bentley Synopsis: Lou and Ant were both climbing the ‘corporate ladder’ in London when they decided to give it all up to pursue their dream of working with food.

Seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle they decided that Akaroa in New Zealand was the perfect place to open a cooking school. It was an area full of an abundance of local produce and artisan food suppliers.

Akaroa offers around 20 classes, including Fresh from the Wharf, The Ultimate Barbeque and A day in Italy. This book is a collection of some of Lou and Ant’s favourite recipes so far, all are tested rigorously in cookery classes, they are simple to follow and use ingredients that are easy to find.

The Akaroa Cooking School has been named in Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 places to learn to cook local cuisine in the world! http://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781775540281/akaroa-cooking-school Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a beautiful book, the photography is stunning and the recipes are absolutely delicious! The recipes are a combination of classical, international and fusion cuisines. This book is an absolute inspiration not only about delicious food but also a way of life! Highly Recommended!

Chocolate Fit For A Queen By Historic Royal Palaces Synopsis This beautiful book is filled with over 35 exquisite chocolate recipes from Chocolate Orange Madeleines and Salted Caramel Brownies to White Chocolate Scones with Strawberries and Clotted Cream and of course the quintessential royal chocolate treat, Spiced Hot Chocolate. Through these delectable recipes learn the history of making, drinking and eating chocolate from its very beginnings to the royal chocolate kitchen at Hampton Court Palace right up to the present day. Discover why chocolate was considered a status symbol, how it was thought to have medicinal qualities, and the part that chocolate houses played in court life as pleasure haunts for the elite. Fascinating anecdotes about the infamous royals and their connection to the history of chocolate, this charming book provides everything you need to know to make your own chocolate recipes fit for a Queen. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/9781785031243 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict If you love chocolate you will love this book, its absolutely bursting with chocolate temptation! Including chapters on Chocolate Cakes, Pastries and Tarts, Teatime Bites and Biscuits, and Drinks and Sauces. Beautifully illustrated with gorgeous recipes, this little book is absolutely delicious.

0Highly recommended!

Naturally Sassy: My Recipes for an Energised, Healthy and Happy you by Saskia Gregson-Willliams

Synopsis ‘My aim is to make changing the way you eat easy, attainable and non-threatening. I want to take food back to basics: simple, healthy, plant-based recipes, full of unprocessed natural ingredients that taste great.

Just remember what you need to help you THRIVE (tasty, healthy recipes that increase vitality effortlessly).’ Saskia Be fit and strong not skinny, happy not guilty with 100 healthy recipes for every day, deliciously free from meat, dairy and wheat.

Saskia’s delicious, easy-to-make recipes will prove to sugar addicts, hardened carnivores and dairy lovers that plant-based eating is delicious, fun and satisfying - as well as really good for you.

Recipes are either quick and simple or can be made ahead, ingredients are affordable and easy to find, and you don’t need lots of expensive equipment to make this food.

As a ballet dancer, this diet gives Saskia all the energy and nutrition she needs to train, recover and perform but you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from this book.

These recipes will overhaul your health, leave your skin healthy and glowing, give you energy to tackle every situation and occasion from gym work-outs to that special occasion for which you need to look for best, and give your body all the nutrients it needs to be healthy. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/naturally-sassy-eat-your-way-to-a-fitter-healthier-and-happieryou/9781785030970 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is easy to use, with excellent advice, including 3 day meal plans to help you plan ahead and healthy lifestyle tips. There are practical examples of how to create the different dishes, and although this is a perfect gift for young people going off to university, it is also a healthy addition to any kitchen library.

Highly Recommended!

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/

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

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

CARRIER Carrier knows that to travel is to make aspirations comes true; our curated selection is the perfect starting point to explore some of the finest family holidays. Time together is precious - allow Carrier to create the ultimate family getaway in 2015/16. www.carrier.co.uk

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/

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

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 you. www.baileyrobinson.com

REVIEWS As we move into Autumn, here is a delightful collection of books full of projects for all the family.

Love to Sew: Little Bags & Purses

by Saskia Abel Synopsis: 20 little bags and purses to sew all accompanied by easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and templates. Includes a basic techniques section at the front of the book making it ideal for sewers of all abilities. Charming and colourful little bags and purses to sew. They range from the very easy to make to the more technically advanced – making them perfect for sewers of all abilities.

These bags make perfect gifts for friends, family or colleagues and are bound to create a lasting impression.

Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions - Full size templates at the back of the book - 20 beautiful designs to choose from http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781782212232/little-bags-purses Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict As well as the everyday items such as key rings and phone covers, this delightful book includes a practical bag organiser, a lovely make-up bag, glasses case, a cover for an e-reader and more.

The designs come in a variety of styles and are accompanied by stepby-step instructions, full size templates and a handy techniques section at the front of the book.

The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids- Kristin Nicholas Synopsis: Transform your plain stuff into awesome stuff with just a bit of fabric and thread! Glam up boring bookmarks, tote bags, and even your jeans! Bored during a road trip or on a rainy day?

Grab your favorite colour thread and get stitching! Learn and choose from different stitches to make each project exactly what you want.

Make presents that your friends and family will love. Put your own stamp on pillows and picture frames. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781607059738/amazing-stitchinghandbook-for-kids Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a brilliant book to encourage young people to sew. Using clear instructions and well illustrated, there are 23 different examples of gifts to make for friends and family. There are easy projects and 17 stitches that show how to personalise projects. This book is a great way to encourage young people away from technology and to make things. Perfect for Autumn and half-term holidays. Highly Recommended!

For Keeps Meaningful Patchwork for Every Day Living

by Amy Gibson This book features quilts that will inspire you with the stories they tell. This book features quilts that soak up meaning through our family times together; that become heirlooms, not because of their meticulous construction, but because of the stories they tell and the stories they inspire. Some of the projects in the book are inspired by specific activities in which stories can be created and memories made. Other projects fall into more of an inspirational category. They are beautiful, unique quilts that have been inspired by traditions that are meaningful to the author’s own family. These are lovely versatile patterns- but the inspiration accompanying each of them is meant to encourage and inspire readers to ponder new and fun ways to tighten and build their own relationships with loved ones. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781940655079/for-keeps Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict With 17 inspiring patchwork projects celebrating family moments and adorable block-based patterns using fresh, modern fabrics this delightful book encourages modern quilt makers to create patchwork projects that are inspired by and used for encouraging family time.

Beautiful colours, inventive designs, full of inspiration!

We adored this book,it is a really thoughtful addition to any home library.

Full of beautiful quotes and wonderful stories this book takes patchwork to whole new level. Highly Recommended!

MoMA Masterpieces Painting and Sculpture by Ann Temkin Synopsis: With extraordinary exhibitions and the world’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art, MoMA is dedicated to the conversation between the past and the present, the established and the experimental With 126 years spanning the time between the earliest and most recent works, MoMA Masterpieces offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the multitude of artistic approaches encompassed under the banner of modern art. This richly illustrated overview provides the perfect means to understand and enjoy the art of our time.

Legendary favourites, such as van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’, Picasso’s ‘Girl before a Mirror’ and Andy Warhol’s ‘Gold Marilyn Monroe’, sit alongside lesser-known masterworks such as Horace Pippin’s ‘Abe Lincoln, The Great Emancipator’ and Niki de Saint Phalle’s ‘Shooting Painting American Embassy’. Contemporary landmarks, such as Gerhard Richter’s ‘October 18, 1977’ and Kara Walker’s ‘Gone: A Historical Romance of a Civil War as It Occurred b’tween the Dusky Thighs of One Young Negress and Her Heart’ demonstrate the outstanding contributions of more recent art. http://www.thamesandhudson.com/MoMA_ Masterpieces/9780500239421 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is an absolute joy, providing a superb opportunity to view the outstanding MoMA collection. The examples included beautifully illustrate the amazing range of modern art included in the MoMA collection. If you want to be inspired, this book is a wonderful place to start.

Highly Recommended!

EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES Exclusive Escapes provide you with wonderful villas and boutique hotels all exclusive to them. All their villas offer a ‘hotel-service’ with welcome hamper, daily maid cleaning and car hire. Its coastal programme includes top-of-the-range seafront townhouses and a host of brand new opportunities to explore south west Turkey including the introduction of a new region and the launch of a brand new hotel Alavya, and four brand new super chic coastal villas, and guided trekking on a new long-distance path-the Carian Trail. www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com