Hot Brands Cool Places - We Love Summer

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE

We Love Summer!

AUGUST 2010

EDITOR’S LETTER Thank you to everyone for all your lovely comments about our first glossy, which received a tremendous response. This issue is about Summer, we have a review of the stunning Alex Polizzi’s Little Black Book of Hotels. Interviews with the very creative Kelly Doust author of The Crafty Kid and Nellie Shepherd designer of fabulous parties. We also have our latest Beauty Round-Up and if you are looking to change direction we have our featured article Make September the start of something new….

As we cling on to the hope that the sunshine will last, if you are taking a break have a wonderful time and if you are the last one left in the office, we hope you can take time to relax and enjoy some time outside too.

Until the next time……… Kaye, Louise and the Hot Brands,Cool Places Team xx Front Cover Image Courtesy of Odd Limited creators of the fabulous Odd’s ‘Old Rocker’. www.oddlimited.com Image below courtesy of The FB Collection featuring their wonderful signature beach accessory FB Frescobol. www.fbcollection.com Images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.Inclusion in this feature does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

2

Experience the taste of summer with Häagen-Dazs’ new Limited Edition Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet! The Häagen-Dazs Shop in Leicester Square is the only place in the UK to enjoy this refreshing flavor, which available until October 2010. The flavour is also on offer in three special Eat-In creations – Fruit Journey, Sorbet Sensation and Pomegranate Crush.

Join the Häagen-Dazs Leicester Square Facebook page to find out all the latest news, competitions and how you can get 10% off the delicious Pomegranate, White Peach & Orange Blossom sorbet Eat-In creations during August! www.facebook.com/haagendazsleicestersquare

3

For Wonderful Eyes: Clinique New High Lengths Mascara Provides length and volume upon immediate application. Its unique ‘willow’ applicator captures and coats all lashes to the very tip. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Opthalmologist Tested. For best results, use with Lash Building Primer.

Clinique High Impact Mascara is a multi-benefit mascara that adds maximum volume with definition and length. Specially developed brush and formula work together to dramatically thicken lashes while separating. www.clinique.co.uk

SUMMER BEAU

To Feed Your Skin

We receive many fabulous beaut some of our latest favourit

Estee Lauder Hydrationist Keep skin hydrated all day long and strengthen its resistance to signs of premature aging. Instantly, feel a rush of fresh moisture-a wave of intense hydration that lasts 24 hours. With continued use, our exclusive Sustainable Moisture Complex with Revival Plant extract helps boost, balance and maintain skin’s optimum moisture levels. Leaves skin youthful and healthy looking. Soft and super hydrated. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic. www.esteelauder.co.uk

For All Over Beauty & A Good Cause Elemis Everyday Beauty Essentials The perfect collection for super nourished skin this summer. Worth over £100!

Elemis asked mothers, daughters, grandmothers and mothers-to-be for their Elemis favourites and created this limited edition Mothers4Children charity.

Includes: * * * * * * *

Full size Maximum Moisture Day Cream Full size Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt New Skin Nourishing Shower Cream 100ml New Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 125ml S.O.S Emergency Cream 15ml Blue double sided wash bag

Elemis is proud to support charity Mothers4Children, with £1 from each sale going towards helping vulnerable children.

Find out more about Mothers4Children. www.elemis.com

UTY ROUND UP

ty products for review, here are tes, for top to toe beauty.

One Versatile Little Pot Trilogy Everything Balm The Everything Balm is Trilogy’s multi-tasking beauty tool, which combines pure plant ingredients to soothe, soften and condition all skin types. It is the perfect moisturiser for all over skin nourishment and protection; try it on dry, cracked heels, elbows and hands, chapped lips and to look after baby. (RRP £12) Available from www.trilogyproducts.com and selected Boots and John Lewis stores.

5

A Holiday Multi-Tasker Collection LOVE THE PLANET Cocoa Butter Balm (£5.95 – 50ml) This fantastic all-rounder gives thirsty holiday skin a welcome moisture surge. It’s ideal for facial use, for soothing chapped lips, and to give a silky feel to sun-baked hands and feet. Just rub a little between your palms to calm post-beach frizzy hair too.

For those with oilier skin, often prone to spots in the sun, LOVE THE PLANET TEA TREE MOISTURE CREAM (£6.25 – 50G) is the ideal all round skin saver. Containing pure tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and skin soother, this lightly whipped cream is also rich in cocoa butter, and healing skin-regenerating vitamin E. It provides sun-dried skin with much-needed moisture without clogging pores – it is particularly effective on peeling noses, as well as dehydrated hands, and on a parched ‘décollétage’ Long days in the sun can be hard on the skin – overdosing on UV rays, sight-seeing in pretty, but impractical shoes, shaving your legs in a hurry etcetera, can all result in problems. Luckily LOVE THE PLANET TEA TREE & LEMON GEL (£4.25 – 18g) can provide first aid for distressed skin. Containing inflammationeasing organic aloe vera gel, as well as naturally antiseptic pure tea tree and lemon essential oils, this multi-tasker can soothe sunburned skin, calm spots, and heal cuts, chafing, scrapes, or shaving rashes. If you have sensitive skin make sure this summer’s little helper is in the bag! To check out the entire LOVE THE PLANET range go to www.lovetheplanet.co.uk

For Sun-Kissed Skin HAMPTON SUN® SPF 30 LOTION - With UVA/UVB sun protection, designed to provide maximum protection while leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized. Infused with Vitamins A through E, powerful anti-oxidants, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, and Walnut Oil moisturizing agents. Our proprietary formula rejuvenates your skin, while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.

• Hypo-allergenic & Dermatologist tested for safety • Contains natural and organic ingredients. www.blinkbeach.com 6

For Summer Freshness Bronnley’s Orange and Jasmine Collection for vibrant summer freshness comprising a selection of handmade soaps and toiletries, guarantees to indulge, pamper and invigorate any beauty regime this season.

This rejuvenating collection mixes Bitter Orange and Sweet Mandarin to create a floral heart of Jasmine scent with undertones of Peony and Lily of the Valley. The luxuriously creamy Body Lotion combined with orange extract will help refresh and tone your skin and add a touch of elegance with the fresh and delicate aroma of the Eau Fraiche.

Bronnley collections are available from leading department stores and independent chemists nationwide.

They are also available to view online at www.bronnley.co.uk or by calling 01280 702291 for stockists.

A Light and Fresh Fragrance Monsoon Elation Feminine and opulent. Monsoon Elation combines the freshness of sparkling citrus top notes and aromatic white tea with the floral scent of freesia.

Undertones of crisp rose and apple blossom combined with base notes of warm woods and sheer white musk add an underlying feminine feel to this sophisticated and vibrant fragrance.

We also loved the packaging and the bottle.

Elation was developed in partnership with H Bronnley and the fragrance is available in Monsoon stores, Superdrug and Boots Nationwide.

7

Treat yourself to award-winning Belgian chocolate from Galler UK. Galler’s artisan chocolate pralines make the perfect centre piece for an elegant summer picnic whilst fabulous filled or plain chocolate bars provide an indulgent snack to keep you going during the summer season. If you are looking for presents for a summer wedding or birthday Galler has a range of innovative chocolate gifts such as Kaori – the Japanese Chocolate Calligraphy Set, the Elements Collection and decadent chocolate hampers.

Visit www.gallerchocolates.co.uk and get chocolate gifts from Galler delivered straight to your door.

n o i t i b m A

MAKE SEPTEMBER THE START OF SOMETHING NEW

M

any of us start the year with a list of resolutions about what we want to achieve. But if it is cold like January was this year; our good intentions often wither as we struggle to keep warm and try to travel to and from work. Starting to do things differently in September however, is a much more practical solution.

Approaching Autumn with the sunshine still around us, the memories of a holiday fresh in our minds, and with many opportunities to learn something new available locally, can make it a wonderful time to start doing things differently.

There is a well known saying ‘If you keep on doing what you always did, you always get what you always got’ Trying to break the pattern of what you’ve always got requires time and effort, but the payback is you get something different. In the Hot Brands, Cool Places ‘An Interview with….’ we often ask the question, If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of changing their career what would it be?

Jo McGivern – Founder & MD of The Handpicked Collection www.handpickedcollection.com gives the following advice:

‘If you are not enjoying what you are doing, then do seriously look at something new because doing something you believe in and enjoy makes a huge difference. You are far more likely to be successful at something you enjoy.’

Sarah Curran- Founder of my-wardrobe. com www.my-wardrobe.com echoes this sentiment

‘Do what you’re passionate about. It can be hard work, and the more it doesn’t feel like work, the better.’

We have seen a huge growth in entrepreneurial women; their motivation is often wanting a better life for themselves and their families, as Jo states;

‘I want my children to have all the opportunities I have had and more. I think the hardest thing I have done has been juggling a new business 9

with three children under the age of 5 and I do feel proud that the business is growing whilst I have managed to maintain a decent (though never perfect) work / life balance.’

It’s also about recognising that for a while you will be doubling up on your activity, most people looking to change direction often have to carry on doing the ‘day job’. If you are juggling with bringing up a family and trying to develop a new career it will seem that there just are not enough hours in the day. This is when your passion can help you keep going, for many people trying to achieve an ambition work and relaxation blend together, as Sarah Curran explained when asked how she unwinds after work.

‘I don’t really unwind. I often work when I get home and catch up on emails. But it never feels like work. I love what I do, and I feel lucky that I do what I do every day.’

For most successful people, it’s about finding something that they are passionate about and then focusing on achieving their goal. From a little spark brings hope; if you keep focusing on it suddenly you have a flame.

So how do you start?

Create a picture When you are in the exploring stage, visualization is a very powerful tool in helping us to see alternatives. Although the dreaming stage can be very enjoyable, it can also be frustrating; one of the roles I had for many years was a talent coach, helping people to identify what they wanted to do in their careers. For every person who had a clear idea there were just as many who knew that they wanted to do something different, but didn’t know what.

When you are in this position, it can help to let your mind explore options, and in this case, using a tried and tested method of exploration, the mood board, can sometimes reveal unexpected options.

This can be used for almost any activity, but is most effective when it is about something meaningful for you. A mood board is a made up of pictures and images to create a ’mood’.

Ask yourself the question:

If I had my dream role how would I feel?

Gather together a collection of old magazines, glue and scissors and a large piece of paper or card, and choose a time when you are relaxed without any pressures. The secret is to encourage your mind to wander, just go through the magazines selecting the words and images as they appeal. At first just cut out the images, but do not attempt to put them in any order.

Take your time; let your thoughts create their own path. When you have gathered enough images start laying them on the card, see if you can also find appropriate words, look for positive, upbeat words or statements. Don’t stick them down until you feel that you have started to create a ‘mood’ and you are happy with their positioning.

Really let your creativity flow, imagine what your life would be like if you achieved your ambition, its not necessarily about money, its more about what you might like to do on a day to day basis. If you think about the role, imagine yourself in that role, what would you wear, what would you do, imagine a documentary team following you around, what would they see.

Describe a typical day. Think about people that you know who are in this role, what do they do, what does success mean for them?

The mood board technique can be used to explore anything that you want to achieve; creating visual images can be a powerful reinforcement of what is possible. When you have finished put it somewhere as a positive daily reminder you of what you want to do. You could also take a picture of it in your mobile phone, to encourage you to keep focusing on what you want to achieve.

Put your ambition chart somewhere visible. Be inspired by what you see, and focus each day on doing something however little, that helps you work towards achieving that goal. Each week do something specific that is part of your overall plan, timetable it in, and devote enough time to actually achieving something substantial, that can be ticked off an action plan. Plan it Sunday night; celebrate its achievement on Friday night.

Importantly, live with the ideas for a little while before you make a firm commitment to start moving in that direction. If you are very creative you may have difficulty settling on one idea, if this is the case see if it is possible to combine any aspects of your ambitions. Investigate the practicalities and pros and cons of each idea, is one idea more possible to achieve now, and perhaps work towards a bigger ambition later?

Experiment with some aspects of the dream. If you are thinking of moving somewhere new, spend some weekends there; see if it’s practical to drive there after work, what will your commute be like?

If you are thinking of changing career, talk to the people who already work in that industry. If you are thinking of being self-employed really explore the upsides and the downsides of running your own business. Explore the practicalities of financing such a business. Above all in the early stages keep your ideas to yourself; so many people have their embryonic dreams crushed by others who may have their own agenda for keeping you in the same place.

10 Steps to achieving your ambition:

1. Assess the Risks With any ambition you need to assess the risks. No ambition should be attempted without careful thought of the potential impact on you and your family, particularly in the case of major career change.

However having explored the impact you then need to assess the risk and then make careful decisions based on what is involved, including exploring some worst case scenarios so you are prepared for all eventualities.

It is important to create the best possible environment in which to achieve your ambition. What this means is planning as much possible. Any major ambition requires careful planning, and yet we sometimes launch into actions without thinking it through.

2.Achieving a Balance Sometimes while we are pursuing our ambitions there are times when things do not go according to plan, or we have to wait for answers, or results. If it is something that you really want, or need to achieve before moving on to the next stage it can become almost an obsession. We stay in waiting for phone calls, we hold back on doing other things because we know the answer whether positive, or negative could have a huge impact on our lives.

Sometimes the waiting game can take months and as a result we live in a state of suspended animation fearing to make decisions because of the impact the result could have on our subsequent decisions. Then finally you realise that you still have a life and you start going out and enjoying yourself again and then when you have almost forgotten about it you get the result and by that point you care much less!

The important point is that you need to achieve some kind of balance between normal everyday activities and fulfilling your ambition. Importantly you need to apply all the principles of preparing for a big challenge with the achievement of smaller ambitions. You need to be physically fit, you need to get the right amount of sleep and you need to eat the right foods.

3. Use pockets of dead time more productively We waste hours of our lives being unproductive. Focused, motivated people multi-task, they use time productively, invest in a small notebook, either electronic, or paper and use spare moments to work on your own action plans, when travelling, or waiting for meetings to start. All the most creative people have ideas books, to capture those fleeting moments of brilliance!

4. Do something else!

Sometimes we make our lives too hard. We try to be creative when we are too tired, we stare at a blank screen, or a piece of paper hoping for inspiration, when in reality inspiration often comes when we least expect it, so if you are finding it hard to focus, go for a walk, feed the ducks, go running, swimming, play with your children. Even when doing mundane chores round the house the solution to problems will often pop into your mind.

5.Socialise with others, be proud of who you are.

Taking time out, relaxing with people we like, or love can make us feel better about ourselves, caring for others, doing something for someone else, laughing, smiling, being happy are great energisers. Find support, network with others, there are numerous groups both online and offline where people can share ideas and be inspired by others. Join a library, read the biographies of other people who have achieved their goals. Use as much support and help that you need-see it as a positive investment.

Cherish and nurture your self-esteem, whatever your ambition, you will find it easier to achieve if you believe in you. Feedback from others can be important, but more important is that inner confidence, that self-belief that can overcome any setbacks along the way. You may not get it right first time, but it doesn’t matter, what does matter is that you learn from the experience.

Everyone who is successful often has examples of earlier situations when things didn’t work out quite as they planned.

6. Get physically fit Eat the right foods, take the right exercise; our minds work better when we feed them correctly, we have more energy to do things when we are physically fit and looking good helps our selfesteem. Build good habits into your overall action plan. Find time each day to get fresh air, ideally with some exercise. Recognise your highs and lows during the week; identify when you feel at your best and when you are less energetic. Plan your actions around the times when you feel most motivated. Identify when you are at your best during the day to do your most important or creative work. Use this knowledge to plan the best time to work on your action plan.

7. Clear the clutter that surrounds you Feng shui experts believe that if we have cluttered spaces we are sabotaging our opportunities to achieve success. A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. Be motivated to simplify your life for you. Do something each day to achieve something from your list of “chores” Use every technique possible to file, sort, minimise clutter, avoid wasting time.

8. Find time each day just for you Help organise others to make your life easier. Distinguish between urgent and important. Don’t be afraid to say “No” but do it with good grace. Empty your mind at the end of each day.

Create “To Do” lists and gain satisfaction from ticking things off the list. Start each day feeling positive, and try and do something good for someone else too.

9. Breaking the cycle - what to do if you are stuck One of the reasons why people do not achieve their goals is that they never really focus on doing anything about it. It is often much easier to do nothing than to set yourself a plan to achieve your goals.

10. Celebrate the successes you achieve along the way Remember to recognise your achievements while you are planning and working towards your ambition. Most people have heard the Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” meaning “seize the day” but how many of us really do use each day to the best advantage? If you really want to change your life, a good place to start is valuing what you have already achieved and building on this to achieve your ultimate goal. That way you celebrate life’s little successes as they come and build a more positive mindset to help you achieve you bigger goals.

A NOTE OF CAUTION Your career choices can be some of the most significant decisions that you take in your life, never make impulsive decisions about your career without carefully thinking through all the implications. When you are impulsive you may be lucky and get it right first time, but it is better to plan enthusiastically, explore new options with energy and then proceed with care and support!!

Resources Below are a collection of books to help you achieve your ambition, from motivational ‘Ask and it is Given’ to practical help in time management and parenting, each of these books can help you complete your jigsaw of actions. Visit our website to find out more www.hotbrandscoolplaces.co.uk/business-reviews © Kaye Thorne 2010

Perfect for the boat, beach and summer picnics GREAT YELLOW canvas bag. Also available GREAT WHITE. GREAT RED. GREAT BLUE. Size approx 60cms high (not including the handles) 60 cms diameter. All made from 100% cotton, water and rot resistant. Cost is ÂŁ49.00 Available to purchase from www.oddlimited.com +44(0)1993 830674

FB Collection was founded in Rio de Janeiro, in the spring of 2005, with the launch of the brand’s signature beach accessory FB Frescobol. FB Collection has brought Frescobol and now its luxurious shorts to beaches across the globe. The range is stocked in some of the world’s finest stores including Selfridges, London, Rockshop at Eden Rock Hotel St Barts, Le Club 55, Saint-Tropez, Mood Beach, Mallorca and select One and Only hotels. www.fbcollection.com

t f a r C Min

INTERVIEW

ty nx

Hot Brands Cool Places caught up with Kelly Doust author of The Crafty Minx and The Crafty Kid for an exlusive interview.

We loved Kelly Doust’s The Crafty Minx, so we were delighted when Kelly’s most recent book The Crafty Kid landed in our office. We caught up with the inspiring author on a recent visit to the UK. 1. As a busy working mum, how do you fit in time for writing?

When my little girl was first born she used to sleep really well, and I wrote while she was asleep. As she has grown older, she goes to day care a couple of days a week and I write then. I also write for Vogue and Australian Women’s Weekly.

2. When is the best time of day for you to write?

Mostly in the morning, I’m not great in the evening! If I wake up early it is sometimes 4.30 a.m. until 7.30 a.m. more often it will be from 6.00 a.m. until 7.30 a.m. Other times it may be over lunch-time or whenever I can grab some time.

3. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

Literally from everywhere, in the beginning I would look at magazines, blogs, and then trying to design things that were useful, but also that were simple and easy to make.

4. Which of your designs are the most popular?

From the photographs that people email me, it appears to be the doorstops, hot water bottle covers, throws and duvet covers.

5. Which of the designs are the most challenging?

None of the designs are difficult, but in terms of the amount of time taken, the tepee and the duvet cover.

6. What plans do you have for any other books?

I have a memoir coming out in February; I wrote an article for Vogue called A Soundtrack to my Life, which was about the music that I grew up with and how it had influenced me. My memoir is called My Life in Frocks; I find fashion so inspiring. I am also working on a Vintage book which will be out towards the end of 2011, or early 2012.

7. Do you see any difference in the way your books are viewed in Australia or the UK? In the UK they tend to be categorised as craft books but in Australia, they are seen more as lifestyle items.

8. How would you like people to use The Crafty Kid? I wrote the book to stimulate creativity in both adults and children.

I believe that if children are steeped in creativity from an early age, it stays with them for life. Some craft books for children are quite basic and I wanted to encourage Mums to make things with their children that were useful, attractive and fun to make.

Also by making the designs simple and easy to make it wouldn’t be intimidating for people who have never made things before.

For example the oilcloth aprons are so easy to make and yet are one of my favourite gifts for any small child.

9. How important is recycling to you?

Very important, I have been recycling and re-inventing since I was a girl and half the fun of making things is re-using something that has already had a useful life.

10. Describe your perfect weekend I love spending the weekend with James and Olive, just relaxing at home or shopping for cooking ingredients and flowers. But no weekend is complete without an early morning scoot around my local flea markets, weather permitting!

Please visit my website & blog at www.thecraftyminx.com.au Thank you for taking part in this interview

‘Me tabl

There matter childre unfortu this. A fe marie c from all o Appliq family me This is an parties, an

6T

ip

This tabl ec who’ve ju loth m st had an

The Crafty Kid by Kelly Doust Synopsis: The Crafty Kid shows just how easy it is to make irresistible items both for and with children, from recycled or inexpensive materials. Written especially for those who want to hand-make their own beautiful gifts, and to steep children in the creative life from an early age onwards, The Crafty Kid is full of fun, simple ideas for rainy-day entertainment and passes on the sensible adage: make do and mend.

Including more than 50 projects, from cotton book bags, super-cute felt egg cosies and oilcloth aprons to deliciously soft lambs wool cushions and practical picnic blankets, The Crafty Kid offers new ways of looking at the treasures within our own homes, thrift stores and local flea markets, inspiring you to make gorgeous, functional items for every aspect of a child’s life.

Buy the book from Amazon: http://tiny.cc/q3fc1 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Now the school holidays are here, this book is an absolute inspiration for parents looking to create handmade treasures with their children. With more than 50 projects there are ideas that will appeal to everyone whatever your skill level or interest.

On the loose in the kitc hen

eet the f lecloth amily’

e's not m uch new under th r, don't yo e sun whe u think?). n it comes I was rum en as w to crafts inating on ell as won (or anythi how to m dering w ng for th unately sta ake supp hat I coul at ined) dam ertime m d do ask tablec ore fun fo to recycl ew days e lo r th recent later, I op our love ly ly en , ed the late when I ca white (b claire idée ut m st e issue of th s, to find up with th e super-in something e idea fo over the spiring Fr r similar w place seem ench mag ithin. It's to come to qué pret azine, interesting creative co tily-pattern to me that nclusions ed ‘plate people embers ab s' to a pl at the sam ove each ai e time. n tablecloth place at especially , and stitch the table nice idea as a paea the names for specia nd will m n to your of l occasions ake a nice favourite like Christ addition to people. mas dinn the linen er and bi cupboard rth day for many years to co me.

What we loved about the book was the opportunity for parents to create with their children, and make beautiful and practical items. Our favourites include; The keep it clean painting smock, Mini-me aprons, ‘Meet the family’ tablecloth, which is an inspired idea! We also love the opportunities to personalise items like the ‘My name is…. pillowcase’.

We love Kelly’s final comment in the Epilogue, ‘There is something very special about childish whimsy that just brims forth in objects like these, I think they should be cherished, and held on to, because too soon childhood is over. Wouldn’t it be gorgeous if these items could help them reflect on this time happily, for the rest of their days? We can only hope.”

This is another fabulous book from Kelly Doust, an absolute essential for parents and children wanting to have creative fun. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

makes a brill nother ch iant gift for any family. W ild, or to hy not m celebrat e a hous ake one for frien ewarming ds ?

43

INTERVIEW

Alex and Alexa - The Summer holidays are here and AlexandAlexa.com is the place to go for all coolest clothes for those mini fashionistas.Shop the new season now! Check out our look book online and be the first to shop the new Autumn/Winter ‘10 collection from www.alexandalexa.com.

Funky Moose is the online home of beautiful products for the summer - for expectant mums, new babies, young children and families. With everything you need for stressfree holidays & days out, to fabulous picnics & parties, to keeping the kids entertained over the holidays.

Exclusive discount code: HBCP10 www.funkymoose.co.uk

We took some fun time out to talk to Nellie from Nellies for an exclusive interview.

1. What inspired you to set up Nellies?

A wonderful lady called Maggie Colvin. She is an interior designer and when I was a teenager she kindly gave me lodgings in her London home.

I slept in her attic, which was filled with paints, ribbons and all things creative. She encouraged me to teach her little boys art and before long I had all her Notting Hill neighbours round for Nellies art class in the kitchen! It grew from there.

2. How have you grown your business?

From two little boys in the kitchen! No money! AND lots of hard, hard work and dedication. Never giving up really. Getting a book deal with Penguin helped me enormously and completely inspired me to think of loads of ideas for children’s creativity.

Nellie - The Fabulous P 3. Lots of parents are just getting ready for the summer holidays, do you have some inspiring ideas for ways to entertain their children?

Yes! Loads of ideas.

Most can be found on my new shop www.nelliespartyshop.co.uk I have a special holiday section at the moment. Everyone’s loving my pink teepee art kits, they are cardboard and the kids love to decorate them and play inside. Great for the garden and they come with everything you need to have a brilliant time with.

4. What do you think are the key components of the perfect children’s party?

People make parties! Kids can have fun with a load of cardboard boxes and nothing else, other than praise and encouragement. However, my parties are completely OTT! I love balloons, it would not be a Nellie party without them and LOTS of them. I once spent £9000 on the balloons alone!! But seriously, I love creative parties, most kids love art and I really think an hour or so of art, followed by tea and some fun old fashioned games - you can’t beat it.

5. Where do you get the inspiration for your party ideas?

Children give me loads of ideas. Sometimes I even go to the zoo!

6. What has been your most unusual party?

Emmmm...I do a lot of princess parties and space parties., but sometimes I do get asked for quite bizarre combinations.

Party Designer

INTERVIEW

7. What are you most proud of in your career, or life to date?

A very famous author ringing me up! (I can’t say who!) Oh and designing and mc-ing Madonna’s English Roses launch party was pretty cool. But my most proud moment was appearing on the London West End stage - it was an ambition since childhood, so when I acted in Ray Cooney’s company for 10 months, it was the best time of my entire life!

8. Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?

From 5 years old, I always wanted to act for the RSC. But sadly they never even gave me an audition! I learnt most of the woman’s roles for 20 years but never got the chance! Oh and I really want to pass my helicopter pilot’s licence – don’t ask me why!!! I’ve had a few lessons in a Robinson 22 and it was amazing!

9. Describe how you relax I don’t much! I find tennis, chess, skiing and sailing pretty relaxing 10. Information about Nellies Throwing amazing parties for the special little people in your life should be a piece of cake from now on thanks to some genius ideas from the A-listers’ favourite party designer Nellie Shepherd.

Nellie’s parties ALWAYS amaze and excite people, from the very young to the very old and EVERYONE remembers them. Nellie Shepherd is probably the best children’s party designer in the country and certainly has the experience & clients to warrant this title. Nellie’s client list amazes!

‘Nellie just being in the world, doing what she does, does SOMETHING for me’! Jonathan Ross.

If you want the most creatively stunning party for your child, then The Nellie Team have ALL the answers. Having run over 2000 parties and won awards it’s not really surprising! They run creative children’s birthday art parties, weddings, fun days & workshops all over the country and also create the perfect art party DIY packages, taking away all the stress of running your own children’s birthday party at more affordable prices.

Nellie’s LOVE craft parties and are constantly designing and creating new wonderful themes.

With Summer being here Nellie’s have come up with some gorgeous ideas for outdoor parties and holiday activities, such as funky Teepees to decorate and play inside or The Secret Garden Party, a magical creative package to keep the kids busy the whole summer long!

When it comes to being creative Nellie has endless fun and inspiring ideas. There is NO children’s theme they will not strive to create. Take a look at Nellie’s spectacular 3D mega size castles (25 kids can fit inside!), space ships, igloos, wigwams and puppet theatres to make alongside many other themed crafts. These form SENSATIONAL party centre pieces, as well as being great for all the party guests to paint and decorate - FANTASTIC for imaginative play!

Visit the Nellie shop at www.nelliespartyshop.co.uk Or call the Nellie Team on 01625 533247 / 07710479852 Alternatively email us at: info@childrensartparties.co.uk Thank you for taking part in this interview

Blink Beach was founded in 2005 by Fiona Hodges after returning from a trip to India where she had spent much of her childhood. The inspiration to create the label came from India’s rich tapestry of colours, fabrics and embellishments. Blink Beach now has four factories around India producing their collections. www.blinkbeach.com

FEATURE

Alex Poliz zi’s Li Synopsis Are you sick of trawling the internet or combing through guidebooks desperately searching for that somewhere special for a break away, only to be disappointed when your chosen destination doesn’t live up to its promise? In this must-have guide Alex Polizzi, presenter of Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, takes the hassle out of hotel selection, revealing her pick of the very best places to stay in Great Britain.

Whether you’re searching for a boutique city bolthole or luxurious country house, cosy bed & breakfast or Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, you’ll find it here. And you can rest assured that all 52 of the outstanding destinations, featured one for every weekend of the year, live up to award-winning hotelier Alex’s famously exacting standards.

Each of the hotels is described in absorbing detail, allowing you to really get a feel for the place and your hosts. In every case Alex makes it compellingly clear why it is so very special. In each entry her advice encompasses everything from which room to choose and what to eat, to where to go in the local area, ensuring that every aspect of your perfect British escape is covered.

With its winning combination of expert advice, insider tips and sumptuous photography, Alex Polizzi’s Little Black Book of Hotels makes compulsive reading for the armchair traveller, as well as essential reference when planning any trip away.

Buy the book from Amazon.co.uk: http://tiny.cc/42yrc

ittle Black Book of Hotels

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict We love this book! Taking four simple headings; An introduction, Which room? What to eat?, and What to do? together with beautiful photography Alex comprehensively describes wonderful escapes up and down the length of Great Britain.

We have stayed, or eaten at many of the hotels that Alex recommends, including enjoying many delicious Sunday lunches eating outside on the terrace at the Hotel Tresanton, we love the chic style of Browns Hotel, and the welcome that you always get at The George of Stamford.

From this book we love the look of the beautiful pools at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, and are intrigued by the décor of the Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh, and can’t wait to experience the tranquility of The Lime Wood Hotel in Hampshire. But there is so much more to be enjoyed; this unique collection of delightful places to stay, as well as Alex’s commentary makes this a perfect guide for anyone who wants to experience her pick of the best hotels in the country. Essential reading for all travellers! Highly Recommended!

Images reproduced with permission from Quadrille Publishing Ltd. and supplied by the hotels mentioned.

Quintessentially Travel is a bespoke luxury tour operator which creates tailor-made itineraries to the globe’s most glamourous, sought after and remotedestinations, providing access to the most elegant and elite hotels, whilst offering value-for-money travel experiences with a service and benefits package unrivalled in the luxury travel market.

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, Quintessentially Travel will cater to all personal requirements and types of holidays. When a holiday is booked with us we don’t just provide a travel service but also the Quintessentially service and its vast knowledge and access into the global luxury lifestyle market, making us your passport to the very best that life has to offer.

To experience an unforgettable tailor-made holiday contact travel@quintessentially.com or call +44 (0) 845 224 6915. Alternatively visit www.quintessentiallytravel.com