JOIN TODAY

Join today for our weekly newsletter, glossy online magazine and much more!
* indicates required

Just Joined!

Violet and George

Just Joined - Violet & George
Find out more >>

EXSUS

Just Joined - Exsus
Find out more >>

Dido and Bendigo

Just Joined - Dido and Bendigo
Find out more >>
 
 
Sweetpea

Just Joined - Sweetpea
Find out more >>

Tuscany Now

Just Joined - Tuscany Now
Find out more >>

The Oxford Ski Company

Just Joined - The Oxford Ski Company
Find out more >>

The Merchant Fox

Just Joined - The Merchant Fox
Find out more >>

opumo

Just Joined - Opumo
Find out more >>

Denisonboston

Just Joined - Denisonboston
Find out more >>

Peony & Moore

Just Joined - Peony & Moore
Find out more >>

Gautier

Just Joined - Gautier
Find out more >>

Celtic Manor

Just Joined - Celtic Manor
Find out more >>

Helpful Holidays

Just Joined - Helpful Holidays
Find out more >>

Red Savannah

Just Joined - Red Savannah
Find out more >>

Simply Retreats

Just Joined - Simply Retreats
Find out more >>

Gleneagles

Just Joined - Gleneagles
Find out more >>

April 2010

Sally BeeGiven your success how do you manage your life to keep it in balance?

The most important thing I do is eat well and rest well. I never eat on the run, and always stop my work to take a proper break, only if its for 30 minutes. I also have 3 children who keep me pretty grounded!

How did you take the step from fighting for survival to creating the recipes?

Part of my survival was based around food so it was an easy and life-saving transition. I was sent home from hospital with no positive prognosis for survival at all so any thing I could do to help me survive was an important part of my recovery. I had to feel in control of my life a little and by creating healthy meals that would give the best possible chance of getting better were such an important part of that. I also had 3 small children at home at the time and so wanted to make dishes that were enticing for them too!

What has been your most favourite part of your success?


The adventure I'm having is amazing. There is no one thing that I am enjoying more than the rest - the whole package is really good. I'm off to The White House next week which will be fantastic and I think its great to show the kids that nothing should stop you doing what you really want to do. Even with a heart condition `i make the best of everything I do.

 
Cross Advantage PenSmooth sharp style - the stunning new Cross Advantage Re-inventing the pen for 2010 with revolutionary Switch-it™ technology

Tapping into this season’s must-have monochrome trend, the new Cross Advantage combines iconic design with revolutionary Switch-it™ technology to form the ultimate stylish professional accessory for 2010.

Re-inventing the pen for 2010 – the new Cross Switch-it™ pen to pencil converter accessory means switching your Cross ballpoint pen to a 0.7mm pencil is now as easy as inserting a refill. The Cross Switch-it™ accessory, which comes free with every Advantage purchase, caters to your working schedule enabling you to easily switch between pen and pencil during your busy day.

The smooth, slim design of the Advantage features iconic Cross styling and exquisite chrome finishes – perfect for any fashion-conscious professional who likes to make an impression and keep their accessories looking as sharp as their wardrobe.

Available in Steel Blue, Black Lacquer and Chrome Mosaic, the Cross Advantage ballpoint pen is priced at £30 which includes the complimentary Cross Switch-it™ and comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee.

Cross stockist information:

Phone: 01582 422793 to find your nearest stockist

Website: www.cross.com where you can buy online!

Store: Bluewater

Hot Brands Verdict
A wonderfully stylish and innovative pen that easily converts to a free-flowing pencil, the essential writing instrument for all occasions. It has become our absolute favourite and we are delighted to select the Cross Advantage for our Editor’s Choice. Highly Recommended!
   

** If you have come here by mistake and were looking for Cool Canals Weekend Walks and Pub Days Out - click here **

 

Front CoverThe Poetry of Time

Van Cleef & Arpels have been long time favourites of Hot Brands, Cool Places, and The Poetry of Time is a celebration of all that we love about this iconic brand. The romance, the imagination and the exquisite designs of their jewellery and timepieces.

The Poetry of Time is an absolutely mesmerising book, beautifully photographed, breathtaking designs, it is something to treasure
for generations, and we are delighted to award it our Hot Brands, Cool Places Book of the Month.

‘Van Cleef & Arpels, like the alchemists of old instils a soul into its creations’

The Poetry of Time
Whether one sees it as an abstract concept or defines it as a strictly scientific principle, Time is part of life. Of all our lives.
We run after it, we try to hold on to it, to catch up with it or to run ahead of it... however hard we try, Time alone sets the pace.
For Van Cleef & Arpels, Time is synonymous with poetry.
Capturing its fleeting essence without ever restricting it, the Maison creates dreamlike timepieces with a bold creativity that never ceases to surprise.

Symbols of the alliance between the best of watchmaking and jewellery savoir?faire, they embody a heartbeat, a breath held back, an emotion, a memory or an instant of happiness, enriched with new and precious moments.

   

Spotlight on Homes & Gardens

Funky OliveFunky Olive
The original Funky Olive was founded by designer maker Sophie Handa back in 2004 and was born from her passion for colour, shape and texture...

Read more...

Spotlight on Pure Luxury

Forman & FieldForman & Field

Forman & Field has the country’s best selection of natural, seasonal and speciality British foods for home delivery. With a host of gourmet foods including fish, meat and poultry, pâtés, pies and quiches, and desserts, cheeses and liqueurs, the world is your oyster (and we sell those too when they’re in season).
Read more...