Features

Given 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.

Smooth 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 **

 

The 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.

HARRODS

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Harrods is stocked with a wide range of special gifts for your loved ones. These are some of our top gift ideas from around the store that will be sure to please that special someone…

BEAUTY

Ralph Lauren Love EDP

The notes of Love were chosen to reflect the intense emotion; Bulgarian Rose, which blooms just once a year, blended with precious Chinese Magnolia and Amber. This romantic heart shaped glass flacon is available as a classic spray as well as two luxury editions; with an amethyst and 24k gold stopper, £2,000, or a crystal stopper, £480. A rare and beautiful gift with added sentiment.
£108 for 75ml.
Exclusively at Harrods.

Chloe Eau de Fleurs EDT

Following the success of their original cult scent, Chloe launches Eau de Fleurs- a trilogy of scents, each created by a different perfumer. Floral ‘Capucine’, androdgynous ‘Lavande’ and spicy ‘Neroli’ make up a unique collection symbolising a new, modern femininity. An innovative take on a bouquet of flowers, the Eau de Fleurs collection is a romantic alternative for Valentine’s Day.
£75 for 100ml.
Exclusively at Harrods.

Engraving by Givenchy

For a gift with a difference try Parfum Givenchy’s complimentary engraving service this Valentine’s Day. Purchase any Givenchy fragrance and a professional on-site engraver will instantly personalise the bottle with a message of your choice.
Available from 10th- 14th February at Givenchy in the Harrods Perfumery. Pre-booking is recommended on 020 7730 1234 EXT 2786.
Exclusively at Harrods.

FOOD HALLS

Wow with a Whoopie
Surprise your loved one this February 14th with the cutest cake in the country, the Whoopie Pie. New to the UK, these delectable pies comprise two cake-like pillows filled with homemade cream. Opt for the romantic Red Velvet, made with sumptuous chocolate pillows, strawberry cream and topped with pink sugar hearts – yum! Available at Harrods Food Halls, £2.50 each

Go Wild at Heart
This stunning bouquet from Wild at Heart is a Valentine’s exclusive to Harrods. Guaranteed to win any heart, the beautiful selection includes a scented knot of two dozen luxurious black, lipstick red, deep pink and pale pink roses with lilac and black berries. One of London’s most distinctive floral designers, Wild at Heart can also craft your loved one a bespoke arrangement and provide budding Romeos with expert advice in-store. Wild at Heart is located in Harrods Food Halls

http://www.harrods.com/harrodsstore/

Let Love Bloom
Godiva Chocolatier’s Captivating Valentine’s Collection

St. Valentine’s is a perfect day to celebrate flourishing loves and budding romances. To mark the occasion, Godiva Chocolatier offers an exclusive St. Valentine’s Collection to inspire lovers in search of something truly delicious and luxurious for the light of their life. Highlighting Godiva’s Belgian chocolate heritage and craftsmanship with a stunning new chocolate piece, the collection entices and captivates with an opulent range of heart-shaped and jewellery-inspired boxes in adoring reds; it’s Godiva’s most loving range yet.

Godiva reinforces its passion for chocolate innovation with a new limited edition chocolate recipe for the St. Valentine’s Collection, created especially in a celebration of romance. Cœur Fraise: This vibrant pink-hued, heart-shaped chocolate is filled with a velvety strawberry-flavoured ganache and enrobed in a white chocolate shell.

Discover True Love
Designed to delight lovers, Godiva offers three adorable paper heart-shaped boxes in romantic ruby shades, beautifully decorated with an embossed flower blossom on the cover. For tiny temptations, pick Godiva’s Miniature Heart filled with 5 chocolate hearts (£6.50) or the True Love Paper Heart with 11 chocolate hearts (£13.00). Both boxes are filled with delicious white, milk and dark chocolate hearts including the new Cœur Fraise. For a grander chocolate experience, choose the True Love Paper Heart with 29 chocolates (£29.00), this limited edition includes an assortment of Godiva’s beloved Gold Collection chocolates as well as the Cœur Fraise.

Satin Seduction
In the ultimate expression of love, Godiva has created three Romantic Fabric Hearts, luxurious fabric heart-shaped boxes in which gorgeous red satin twists and gathers to create a stunning rose atop the cover.

Shoppers can choose from three sizes including 15 chocolates (£33.00), 27 chocolates (£48.00) or 40 chocolates (£65.00); all of which include a selection of Godiva’s mouth-watering ganaches, pralines, caramels as well as the new Cœur Fraise.

Long Lasting Love
For a gift filled with mouthwatering style, give Godiva’s Valentine Long Gift Box. With an embossed floral bouquet on the cover, the box is inspired by a jewellery box. Sure to delight, the box includes 6 truffles from Godiva’s tantalising Truffle collection (£8.00).

My Main Squeeze
For a cuddly gift, give Godiva’s limited edition Valentine Bear (£19.00). This utterly soft and huggable white teddy bear has the year embroidered on his paw to always remember the special date and clutches the 5-chocolate Miniature Heart with Godiva’s Cœurs nestled within.

A Heart Of Gold
To capture the traditional spirit of St. Valentine’s Day, choose a selection of Godiva Gold chocolates. Contemporary gold rigid ballotins are hand-wrapped with luxurious crimson satin ribbons and roses. Each enchanting box comes with a selection of Godiva’s exquisite Gold Collection, a sensational range of 28 signature chocolates with a tempting palette of highly innovative tastes and textures. The Gold Collection displays the most beloved Godiva chocolates with rich pralinés, smooth ganaches and delicious caramels. The collection is available in 20 chocolates for £16.75; 40 chocolates for £32.00; or an ultimate 60 chocolates for £46.25.

For those who want to create a box of their own to indulge in or to share with someone special, chocolate lovers can visit Godiva’s chocolate counter where the Cœur Fraise and Truffe Whisky as well as an array of Godiva’s best loved chocolates are on display to pick and choose. Let love bloom from the 18th January 2010 when the collection is unveiled at Godiva shops.

Godiva boutiques are located at 141 Regent Street, W1; 150 Fenchurch Street, EC3; Harrods Food Hall, Knightsbridge, SW1; Selfridges, W1A; 17 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2 and online at www.godiva.be.

For Godiva stockists please call 0207 734 8113 or visit www.godiva.be

ROMANTIC JEWELLERY FROM KIT HEATH

British silver jeweller Kit Heath offers the perfect romantic gifts for Valentines Day. Make her smile and exude elegance with a timeless piece of jewellery.

 Kit Heath is available to buy online at new website www.kitheath.com or in selected stores nationwide.

THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY SHOE

Red satin cerise wedge decorated with Swarovski crystals and bow...

The Glamorous occasion shoe... Stunning, sophisticated, everlasting & a wow-factor evening shoe. One to treasure and fall in love with...

 

Glam red satin wedges. Stunning Swarovski crystal detailing and the finest grosgrain Aruna Seth signature bow

Added luxury comfort due to the Aruna Seth special padding cushion

Heel height 110mm

The perfect Valentine’s Day treat...
http://www.arunaseth.com

TIME TO DECIDE ON THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE

Looking for a timeless and unforgettable gift for your Valentine? British watch brand Accurist has launched its Spring/Summer collection just in time for Valentine’s Day. Renowned for their classic and sophisticated styles without compromising on quality, Accurist is a great gift for your Valentine.

For her, modern and stylish watches with Swarovski stone set and Mother of Pearl finishing. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life and loves anything with a bit of sparkle.

For him, the sleek and contemporary Chronograph watches are the perfect gift for the man who likes vintage style accessories.

For him: MB832R - Product description - Mr Valentines - Gents sporty stainless steel Chronograph watch with striking red date dial. RRP: £180

VALENTINE’S GUIDE
Looking for wonderful gifts for Valentine's Day? Look no further than this delightful selection, including special offers for HBCP readers.

WONDERFUL CHOICES FOR HIM AND HER FROM THE HANDPICKED COLLECTION

Find something inspired and thoughtful this Valentine’s Day from The Handpicked Collection’s selection of gifts chosen by their Expert Panel of journalists. They’re also offering FREE standard DELIVERY for any order over £25 until 12th February quote HBCP.

http://www.handpickedcollection.com/

CRUMPET


For Valentine’s this year think pink at Crumpet......The sumptuous cashmere ‘Chelsea’ cardi in bubblegum can be worn on its own or over the ‘Daisy’ mini jumper dress with some and accessorised with a gorgeous patterned Ikat stole in pink. Crumpet’s signature printed cashmere scarves are highly sought after as iconic additions to every fashionista’s wardrobe. www.crumpetengland.com

If you long for a romantic escape to get away from it all, here is a delightful selection of what’s on offer both at home and away.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT THE RADISSON EDWARDIAN MANCHESTER
Indulge a loved one this Valentine’s Day at the Radisson Edwardian Manchester. Choose to dine in Opus One with its vibrant red surroundings and soft sensual lighting, or enjoy a laid back, cosy evening in the Alto Restaurant & Bar.

With a stunning Valentine’s menu created by executive head chef Russ Brown served in both restaurants, whatever ambience you desire, you can guarantee love will be in the air!

The Valentine’s menu offers a wealth of flavours to tantalise your taste buds. Inspired by the finest British produce, the menu brings together the finest ingredients for your special day. Fresh and Smoked Salmon Terrine, served with Chard salad and citrus crème fraiche or Carpaccio of Smoked Venison, in a juniper and orange dressing served with textures of celeriac, offers the perfect start to the evening,

The main course offers choices of Goosenarge Chicken Supreme, served with mini field mushroom and leek pie, vanilla creamed potato and baby carrots, or a stunning Chateau Briand of Beef for Two, served with game chips, honey roast seasonal vegetables, duck fat roast potatoes and red wine gravy. For vegetarians and meat eaters alike A Trio of Pasta Dishes includes ratatouille cannelloni, goat’s cheese and sun blush pepper ravioli, butternut squash and cumin tortellini

NOUGAT BODY TO HOME


Nougat Body to Home have a wide range of beautiful and luxurious products which make ideal gifts for Christmas. From stocking fillers and secret Santa's to showing that special someone that they deserve to be pampered, Nougat Body to Home makes for the perfect gift.

Heaven Scent
Envelop yourself with this stunning gift set. Presenting Nougat’s fabulous Eau De Toilette with a selection of travel sizes. Containing a Nourishing Cream Bath enriched with Chamomile extract known for its ability to soften, stimulate and brighten the skin and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturise as you relax away the cares of the day. Moisturising Shower Gel enriched with Mallow extract, Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil. Nourishing Body Wash creates a soft cleansing lather that delivers long lasting moisture. (£40.00)

My Body
This divine gift set includes a collection of Nougat’s most beautiful products to completely pamper and indulge yourself leaving you with soft and subtle skin. Moisturising Body Wash is enriched with Mallow extract, Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil creating a soft and moisturising lather. Sumptuous Sugar Scrub is a unique dry scrub which gently exfoliates and hydrates when massaged onto wet skin. Moisturising body Butter contains over 35% Cocoa Butter blended with Organic Italian Olive Oil to completely hydrate your skin. (£36.00)

Christmas Book Guide

If you are looking for inspiration, here is a wonderful collection of books for Christmas Presents, or as a special gift for yourself !

SNOWFLAKES & SCHNAPPS
Jane Lawson

Synopsis:Join Jane Lawson as she takes you on a culinary journey through the magnificent cold-climate cuisines of the snow-cloaked regions of northern, central and eastern Europe. From the seaside towns of Scandinavia, to the alpine villages of Austria, from the ski fields of France, to the fairy-tale castles of Germany, and as far afield as the white-blanketed cities of Russia and beyond, comes this enticing collection of traditional recipes with contemporary flair.

Celebrate the season of winter and enjoy this irresistible selection of simmering soups, hearty meals and indulgent desserts that will warm you to the core. From humble and satisfying classics to glamorous feasts worthy of a celebration, you are sure to be inspired by the mythical winter wonderland of Snowflakes and Schnapps.

http://www.murdochbooks.com.au/snowflakes.htm

Hot Brands Verdict

What better way to open our Christmas Guide than this beautifully produced book. The photographs are absolutely stunning, the Dreaming of a White Christmas section will have you wanting to book a trip to the snow immediately! Full of warming recipes for nibbles, soups, main meals, desserts and piping hot drinks, this is a book to inspire winter cooking at its best.

CHRISTMAS AT LINLEY

Christmas at LINLEY: luxuriously indulgent gifts; imaginative designs; meticulous detailing; unique pieces - the perfect place for your Christmas gift shopping. As the time for Christmas shopping is approaching make sure that you are prepared for everything with perfect gift ideas from LINLEY.

Host the perfect Christmas Dinner party with LINLEY Backgammon and chess placemats and Celebration shakers. Christmas drinks will be complete with the new swirl martini glasses and dice coasters, and the perfect gift for the man who has everything; a crystal ashtray or stacking desk drawers in macassar, walnut or rosewood.

http://www.davidlinley.com/