Entertainment

Countryfile Magazine, November 2010

Britain’s most romantic ruins
Countryfile Magazine is searching for Britain’s most romantic ruin. With John Craven at the helm, our panel of judges has whittled down the candidates to just ten. Now it’s your turn to vote for your favourite….

12 moments of magic
After sifting through thousands of entries to the 2010 Countryfile Photographic Competition, judges Chris Packham, Jo Brand and John Craven finally agreed on the fantastic winners. Here, we reveal the 12 winning images that will feature in Countryfile’s 2011 calendar.

Red sky at night...
For millennia, country people have predicted the weather by looking for clues in the sky and in the animals and plants around them. This month Countryfile Magazine investigates whether this weather lore works – or not.

Great days out: Enjoy autumn
Forage for wild mushrooms, watch the sika deer rut and delve into a medieval forest – here’s our guide to 20 of the best autumnal days out.

Enchanted hills of East Riding
Looking for peace, beauty and the perfect English village? Then head to the Yorkshire Wolds – a land seemingly forgotten by the modern age.

Top 10… Conservation breaks
From tree planting to mammal surveying, here’s our pick of the best working holidays around the UK.

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Good Food
November issue on sale now
This month’s issue comes with a 16- page special pull-out book of recipes to make ahead for Christmas.

Great British Treasures – Continuing our new series, Gerard Baker, BBC chef and food historian, takes a nostalgic look at traditional regional recipes. This month it’s fidget pie

Get baking for Children in Need –Whether you’re holding a cake sale for charity or making treats to share at work, help raise funds for BBC Children in Need with these wonderful bakes

Bonfire night buffet –John Torode’s relaxed please-everyone spread is perfect for entertaining a crowd

Nigella’s roast beef – Nigella Lawson’s simple roast beef is great for having friends over, whilst still being able to relax and enjoy your evening

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olive
November issue on sale now
This month’s issue of olive is a Masterchef special, including an insider’s guide, with all the need-to-know facts about the show

The Wallace Collection – Masterchef judge and pudding enthusiast Gregg Wallace shares a few of his favourite recipes

The perfect... gnudi and ragu – Masterchef judge John Torode cooks an Italian comfort classic

Masterchef cooking, great-value dining –olive reveals top-class restaurants you can afford

Olive investigates: veal – is it still cruel to eat veal and if not, why not? Joanna Blythman takes another look at this controversial meat.

Simple chic – BBC regular James Tanner creates a hassle-free dinner party menu

olive – recipes, restaurants, food lovers’ travel

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Homes & Antiques, October 2010
Into the blue
Make the most of fabrics and bring a fresh look to your home using this season’s coolest colour.

Awash with interest
Art doesn’t have to be about big names. The field of Victorian watercolours is as fascinating as it is vast, says Antiques Roadshow expert and Sotheby’s director Grant Ford.

Lofty treasures
Fittings from a lost palace, with furniture that belonged to a gambling duchess and an extravagant collector duke, the Chatsworth auction is an attic sale like no other…

Instant expert: Susie Cooper ceramics
As determined as she was creative, Susie Cooper has become an icon of modern domestic design. Will Farmer examines her legacy – and admires the enduring appeal and incredible variety of her pottery.

Judith Miller’s Object lesson
A good desk lamp has always been an object of desire, says Roadshow expert Judith Miller.

H&A’s essential guide to chic carpets
Gone are the days of cold, minimal flooring. Carpets are back, and they’re cosier – and more stylish – than ever.

Restoration project: bedside table
Bring a bit of autumn bling into the bedroom with a freshly embellished chest of bedside drawers. It’s easy to transform in a weekend.

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Gardens Illustrated, October 2010

A mellow mood
Follow Carol Klein’s great ideas for seasonal plant combinations to create a border that looks as beautiful in autumn as it does in spring and summer.

The perfect garden
The classic landscape at Rousham is full of brilliant design ideas to inspire you, no matter what size your garden, says Arne Maynard in the first of his new series on garden design.

Nerines
Bring some sparkle to your garden this autumn – choose the best of these spectacular African flowers with help from our detailed plant profile.

Nurseryman’s favourites: October plants
Summer may be over, but a few outstanding plants still look at their vibrant best, says Bob Brown.

Bright ideas for autumn decorations
Make the most of a sunny day to forage for pretty, natural treasures and use them to make lovely, rustic decorations for your home.

Grow it yourself: pumpkins, courgettes and winter squashes
This versatile group of vegetables tastes delicious and looks lovely growing in your garden, says Alys Fowler.

Garden history: the Dutch wave
Discover how plantsmen and designers from the Netherlands are helping to transform gardens and parks in Britain.

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olive October issue on sale now

olive’s alternative restaurant awards 2010 – olive celebrates the hidden gems, the great cafe?s and pubs, the most exciting chefs and the food heroes that are worth shouting about. There are over 50 awards in categories ranging from Glasgow’s Delizique for ‘most delicious deli’ to the Mall Tavern in London’s Notting Hill for ‘pubs with more than pie-and-a-pint’.

Food space – The internet has revolutionised the way we cook, shop and eat – confused about where to start? Let olive be your guide.

What to eat now – Chef Matt Tebbutt creates seasonal recipes using the best ingredients October has to offer.

The autumn collection – 20 brilliant new recipes, from restaurant-inspired dishes to home-comfort classics with a distinctly French flavour, perfect for relaxed entertaining.

10 lunches for £1 –Enjoy a week of meat-free lunches and save money with these budget-busting recipes.

olive – recipes, restaurants, food lovers’ travel

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Good Food October issue on sale now

Great British Treasures – Continuing our new series, Gerard Baker, BBC chef and food historian, takes a nostalgic look at traditional regional recipes. This month it’s colcannon, because no Halloween feast is complete without it

Autumn flavours : Pumpkins & Squash – BBC Saturday Kitchen’s James Martin makes the most of autumn’s harvest

No tricks, just treats! – Create something sweetly spooky for a Halloween party

Easy meals for students – clever twists on some staple recipes that fit a student budget

5 brainy breakfasts – start the day the right way, with these quick, easy and nutritious recipes

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Lonely Planet Magazine

October issue on sale now COMES WITH A FREE ROME OR NEW YORK GUIDEBOOK

Incredible Journeys – Tahir Shah encounters stunning scenery on his train trip through the Swiss Alps, while five authors recount their memorable trips including yachting across the Indian Ocean and motor biking in Sierra Leone.

The Perfect Trip to Morocco – Beginning in heady Marrakesh before escaping to the coast, we offer a complete guide to discovering Marrakesh and Fez.

Wellies at the ready for Autumnal walks in the UK – Lonely Planet author David Else looks at four countryside ambles – each with a pub at the end.

Somerset – Lonely Planet goes straight into the core of the West Country with a trip along the cider trail, from orchard to glass.

10 Easy Trips to book now – Hunting for truffles in Tuscany or flamenco dancing in Seville are just two of the short breaks to try this Autumn.

Anything to Declare?: interview with TV presenter Dom Joly – Joly talks about being banned from Libya, drinking tea at gunpoint in Syria and avoiding Brits abroad.

Mini Guides – Six free cut-out and keep guides to Nottingham, the Scottish Borders, Marseilles,Malta & Gozo,Transylvania and Beijing.

Also in this month’s Lonely Planet Magazine: Travel Pundit Tom Hall gives the latest travel news, guest expert foodie Nigel Slater recommends exploring all that Britain has to offer this Autumn, plus the third part of our exclusive preview of BBC’s Human Planet features the Bajau Laut sea gypsies of Malaysian Borneo.

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Countryfile Magazine, September 2010

Britain’s best railway journeys
Rail is the most enchanting and relaxing way to discover the countryside, says expert Paul Atterbury, as he reveals his 10 favourite rural routes in the UK.

In search of Swallows and Amazons
Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons books conjure thrilling childhood holiday adventures that many of us remember fondly. James Fair searches for the locations that inspired the series.

Wonders of the hedgerow
Gathering nuts and berries each autumn used to be a common custom, but today many people couldn’t tell a sloe from an elderberry. Andy Hamilton reveals the treats you can find in a hedgerow near you.

Delicious days out
Our guide to 20 of the best walks, nature reserves, heritage sites, gardens, villages, market towns and rural experiences that Britain has to offer.

Three days in Dumfries and Galloway
This month Countryfile Magazine takes you on a tour of this richly varied and beautiful corner of Scotland that is missed by most visitors to the country.

Top 10… Tipple tastings
Celebrate the UK’s brewing and distilling traditions with our pick of great drink-inspired experiences.

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Live from the Royal Albert Hall Clive Anderson introduces a Prom celebrating 75 years of classic MGM film musicals.

Synopsis: John Wilson and his hand-picked Orchestra celebrate with songs from unforgettable movie classics, including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St Louis, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, High Society, Gigi and Singin' in the Rain.

Amazingly, although all the original orchestral parts were lost when the studio destroyed its music library to make way for a car park, Wilson has succeeded in reconstructing the scores by painstakingly transcribing each soundtrack by ear. He is joined by starry singers from the classical and musical theatre worlds, as well as by the elite Maida Vale Singers.

The diverse line-up includes Curtis Stigers, who has one of the most distinctive voices in music, Kim Criswell (vocalist), Sarah Fox (soprano), Sir Thomas Allen, (baritone) and Seth MacFarlane (vocalist and star of Family Guy).

This amazing celebration of musicals will be available from 12th July priced £19.99.

A Celebration of Classic MGM Musicals [DVD] [2009]

Hot Brands Verdict
As we approach the BBC Proms season again, this is a fabulous collection of movie classics, with some wonderful vocals. If you like musicals you will love this collection. On a balmy summer evening, this is relaxing easy listening music. Put on your prom dress and prepare to go to the movies!

Synopsis: In Britain we’re blessed with four distinct seasons. Each has its own character, its own charms, idiosyncrasies, and beauties. The sights, pleasures and tastes we associate with each season are always worth waiting for. That’s what makes the seasons so important to life on these islands.

This series, presented by Alan Titchmarsh, aims to reconnect us to the seasons, and show us just how influential they still are on every living thing in Britain, and how they affect our mood and behaviour. The Seasons investigates the crucial influence of such basic factors as fluctuating light levels and changes in temperature, and how they transform our flora and fauna.

We see some of the most breath-taking, spectacular images that nature gives us in Britain: starlings swarming above Brighton Pier; the beauty of the blackthorn blossom; the fearsome autumn deer rut; sheep on the freezing Yorkshire Dales in winter; and the intricate and lovely mating rituals of our birds; the dance of the adders; ‘Mad March Hares’ boxing and the extraordinary sub-aquatic sight of toads wrestling to win a mate.

Produced by Tiger Aspect Productions for ITV, this series explores our ancient seasonal festivals: many of which are still celebrated today such as May Day, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and Hogmanay. The Seasons also takes a look at traditional seasonal activities, from ice-skating on the Fens to boating on the Thames.

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a wonderfully relaxing DVD, the photography is stunning, and Alan Titchmarsh’s easy style of presenting makes this a fascinating collection of facts, images and a delightful tour of our enchanting and spectacular country. A perfect gift for Father’s day, as well as a DVD to treasure. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

Buy The Seasons With Alan Titchmarsh [DVD] from amazon.co.uk

With an introduction by Sarah Jessica Parker
and Writer & Director, Michael Patrick King

Published on 27th May 2010

THE STORIES. THE FASHION. THE ADVENTURE.
Fast on the heels of the wildly popular companion to Sex and the City: The Movie comes this equally sexy and stylish companion to the sequel. SEX AND THE CITY 2 picks up two years after the first movie left off, where our four favourite friends are embarking on the trip of a lifetime to the exotic world of the Middle East. In the book readers will discover a treasure trove of information, such as:

All-access tour of the movie-making process, with exclusive behind the scenes stories from the stars of the movie and the director.

Insights into the filming process including notes on the challenges of filming both in New York and Morocco.

A comprehensive fashion section includes a scene by scene look at every outfit Carrie wears in the film, along with a commentary by Sarah Jessica Parker herself.

Full of exclusive stories and lush photos not available anywhere else.

This luxurious volume is a must-have for anyone who simply can't get enough of Sex and the City. So, grab a Cosmopolitan, kick off those Manolos and settle down for a treat!


THE AUTHOR: Eric Cyphers is a producer of the movie.

Buy Sex and the City 2: The Official Companion Book from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
We are very fortunate to have had an advance copy of this and already it is a very treasured possession. Beautifully produced, stunningly photographed, this is something that every Sex and the City fan will want to have, hold and keep. Published to coincide with the launch of the film, it is perfect weekend reading, see the film, and keep the memories alive with this fabulous companion. We absolutely adore it! Highly Recommended!

Synopsis: Trudie Styler’s Core Strength Pilates is a unique workout that uses the essential moves in Pilates and combines them to give you a complete head to toe workout that will strengthen and tone your core. Designed exclusively for Gaiam and available from 12th April, the DVD will help to increase energy, enhance well-being, relieve stress and maintain vitality.

Using the backdrop of her eco-friendly Tuscan villa, Il Palagio, actress, producer, environmental activist and UNICEF Ambassador Trudie takes viewers of all levels through a 55 minute routine, using a variety of dynamic positions.

Trudie enlists the help of fitness guru to the stars, James D’Silva, to guide viewers through the Core Strength Pilates routine, where poses flow one into another building strength, improving flexibility and maximizing relaxation.

Trudie said: “Pilates has been the perfect solution to maintaining strength and vitality in my life. The core is the most important muscle group in your body. If your core is not strong, the rest of your body is weakened too. The varied combination of easy, low impact manoeuvres make this an easy routine that just about anyone can use. Viewers will feel stronger and fitter than ever before. ”

James D’Silva was born and raised in Goa before moving to England to continue his training in classical and contemporary dance. Since opening his own Pilates studio in London ten years ago, he has worked with many other celebrities such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. James specialises in workout regimes to increase flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles and improve posture.

The DVD also includes a behind the scenes peek at Trudie Styler and her husband Sting's eco-friendly Tuscan estate with an in-depth look at the foods grown and prepared there and an organic cooking segment, so you can learn how to cook with organic foods that don’t have harmful pesticides or hormones in them. It also features interviews with Trudie, Sting and James D’Silva.

Work towards a stronger, more toned flexible body with Trudie Styler Core Strength Pilates when it is released on DVD on 12th April, available at all good DVD retailers.

Hot Brands Verdict
We were in awe as we reviewed this DVD as Trudie Styler and James D’Silva worked through the routines. They move seamlessly through an impressive series of movements designed to strengthen the core. The setting is stunning, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow, although sometimes a little challenging if your body is currently less flexible. If you are looking for a new way of creating a more toned and flexible body, this is an inspiring place to start.

 

 

 

Special Note
Most fitness DVDs have a health warning at the beginning which needs to be read, covering the normal advice about exercise videos, including not exercising after a meal, if you are on certain medications, after consuming alcohol, or have suffered a recent injury, or have not undertaken exercise for some time, you may need to consult your Doctor before undertaking exercise.

The Synopsis details are supplied to us by the production companies, or the agencies acting on their behalf, the opinions stated are personal views. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site or the content of DVDs.