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Crazy about cupcakes and chocolate?

If you’ve always fancied having a go at cake decorating, then come along to Squires Kitchen 24th Annual Cake Decorating, Chocolate & Sugarcraft Exhibition, taking place on the 12th-14th March at the Farnham Maltings in Surrey.

Among the shopping, stunning displays, mini-classes and more, there will be free demonstrations all weekend from top experts sharing their tricks of the trade.

Get expert guidance in the Chocolate Room with Squires Kitchen’s master chocolatier and tutor, Mark Tilling, and Beverley Dunkley from Callebaut who will teach you how to temper and colour chocolate, cover cakes and make chocolate decorations.

Ever wondered how the professionals get their cupcakes so perfect? Learn the secrets with talented cake decorator, sugarcrafter and food stylist Ann Skipp. Ann will be sharing her tips and techniques for amazing miniature cakes over the weekend and author Fiona Cairns will teach you two cupcake designs from her new book.

The third day of the exhibition falls on Mothering Sunday so bring your mum along for a great day out. For Mother’s Day only, there will be a special cream tea available so you can rest your feet after all that shopping and enjoy a scone and delicious Cornish clotted cream from Rodda’s.

There are also complimentary bags packed with sugarcraft and baking goodies for the first 100 visitors per day.

Whether you make cakes for fun or for a living, come along to be inspired!

To find out more about what’s on at the exhibition or to buy tickets, visit www.squires-exhibition.co.uk or call 0845 22 55 671/2.

One day ticket £10
One day, bring a friend £18
Group of 10 or more (one day, per person) £9
Two day ticket £18
Three day ticket £26

Opening hours: Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

 

 

How to Hula

 

Want to help set a new world record?
Watch this video with La Clique star Marawa the Amazing to learn how.

Who better to teach you how to hula than Marawa the Amazing, star of the sensational cabaret and circus act, La Clique. In this fun video she takes you through the basics of hula hooping and gives some top tips for being able to keep it going for the two minutes needed to help set a new world record at the Hula Hoops Hoopathons for Sport Relief.

The public are being encouraged to register for a place at one of the 16 nationwide events where thousands of people will simultaneously hula hoop across different locations for two minutes to set a new hula hooping record.
The Hula Hoops Hoopathons are taking place at the 16 Flagship Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events across the UK on Sunday 21st March. Book a place at www.hulahoops.com and get sponsored to raise loads of cash for this fantastic cause.

Click here to watch

 

 

 

Chinese New Year with Bottlegreen

Join in with the Chinese New Year celebrations this February and cook up a flavour explosion to impress your friends and family with. This year is the year of the tiger and Bottlegreen Drinks Co. have created a fiery dish using bottlegreen's Ginger and Lemongrass cordial to tantilise your tastebuds. What's more, this tasty number takes only 15 minutes to prepare leaving you more time to get your fortune cookies ready and find out what this year is going to bring for you....
Seafood in Coconut, Ginger and Lemongrass Sauce

Serves 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

* 200g of baby corn and mange tout
* 2 shallots, finely chopped
* 1 tbsp sunflower oil
* 2 tsp Thai red curry paste
* 2 tomatoes, skinned and chopped
* 400ml canned coconut milk (use reduced fat if preferred)
* 400g salmon fillet, skin removed
* 300g peeled raw tiger or king prawns (thawed if frozen)
* 3 tbsp Bottlegreen Ginger and Lemongrass Cordial
* Juice from ½ large lime
* 2 spring onions, shredded, to garnish

Method:

1. Cut the baby sweet corn in half lengthways. If the mange tout are large, halve them. Bring a pan of water to boil, add the vegetables and boil for 3 minutes. Drain the vegetables and rinse under cold water to retain colour, and then drain again.
2. In a deep frying pan (or sauté pan), gently cook the chopped shallots until softened. Stir them into the curry paste, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced by half when the tomatoes are pulpy.
3. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into 4cm chunks. Pat the prawns dry on kitchen paper. Add them to the sauce with the Ginger and Lemongrass cordial and lime juice, and then stir together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the prawns turn pink and the salmon is cooked.
4. Add the blanched vegetables and gently let the heat through.
5. Scatter over shreds of spring onion and accompany with basmati or Thai jasmine rice. Ready to serve.

 

 

Brits follow formula to make their own luck in 2010

 

 

Four out of five Brits will use the power of thought and a positive mental attitude to ensure 2010 is luckier than last year. That's according to a new report from Galabingo.com which shows a full 84% say avoiding a negative outlook will improve their odds.
It seems the over 50's are the most likely to use positive thinking to influence their luck, with a score over 5% higher than the national average. But however much we're going to be 'thinking ourselves lucky', it seems we're still a superstitious lot. Over a fifth (22%) of people hope a charm will work for them and a similar amount rely on lucky numbers (18%).

Surprisingly, commonly cited ways of bringing luck on yourself seem to have waned in popularity. Only five per cent believe a four leaf clover will do anything for them and even less (2%) see the value in a so-called lucky rabbit's foot.
Thankfully, while superstition evidently still plays heavy in our minds there is room for more practical ways of thinking. Over a third of us (36%) believe hard work will bring us good luck.

Galabingo.com conducted the study to find out what the nation thought after noticing interesting habits from their users once they had enjoyed a win; such as always playing at that same time of the day, sitting in the same place in the club, or using the same coloured dabber. They've even invented a formula factoring in aspects like positive thinking, patience and an adventurous spirit to help improve your luck during the year:

Being luckier all year = PMA + (365 X -N) + (52 X R) + (12 X +N)

PMA develop a positive mental attitude to life.
-N become less negative to little everyday occurances (one a day, all year long).
R take time to reflect on the week and to think about things. Make it a new year's resolution to allow 15 minutes each week to stop and let your mind mull over the past few days. You'll find ideas and memories will pop into your head that enable you to take more chances and invite luck your way.
+N once a month make an effort to try new things and explore new places - even if it's just doing the weekly shop in a different supermarket. Accept the next unexpected offer, or even invite neighbours you've never got to know properly in for a new year's drink. You never know what's around that next corner!

Chartered psychologist, BBC3's, Felix Economakis, says: "With 84 per cent of us already thinking positive this year, we're on to a winning formula. Although we're a superstitious lot, there is no real mystery to 'thinking yourself lucky' in 2010. A luckier life is achieveable for us all. Having a positive mind set will enables us to keep an open mind. Grabbing opportunities as they arise, keeps us looking on the bright side when bad things do happen."

Regardless of numbers, it seems we do still adhere to some old wives tales. According to the report, four in ten of us (37%) admit to touching wood to bring ourselves luck, around a third (30%) still believe finding a penny is lucky and a similar amount (28%) feel lucky when they see a shooting star.
Click here to hear more about making the formula work for you from Felix Economakis.

For more information visit www.galabingo.com

 

Here's One I Saved Earlier...

 

 

Savvy Brits keep gifts in 'reserve'

Do you find yourself keeping generic gifts in the cupboard for use in emergencies? Well you are certainly not alone!

According to a new survey by 3V Visa Internet Shopping Gift Cards, four in ten of us have the foresight to keep presents in reserve for when they've forgotten an occasion or need a gift at short notice. A third of people say they look out all year round for hints about what presents they can buy for people.

But while these reserve gifts may save the giver some embarrassment - they may not always go down so well with the receiver. Just under half of us admit to recycling unwanted gifts and 20% of us have sold unwanted gifts to gain some of their monetary value.

While most of us would love to be given a wish list from our nearest and dearest to help us with present choices, we don't always get one. The obvious solution if we really get stuck is to buy the omni-purpose gift of gift cards - that way we're assured the receiver can get something they really want. With a whopping 64% of us intending to avoid crowded shops and freezing temperatures by shopping on the internet during the festive and New Year sales - online gift cards are proving an increasingly popular present choice this season.

 

 

Mistresses of Multi-tasking
Modern women living twice as fast as their mothers did
The Twice As Fast Generation report, which launched today, paints a clear picture of how modern women balance the demands made on their time. Work, home and family life have all been explored, with comparisons made to the lives of their mothers.
One of the main conclusions from the report released by Nurofen Express relates to the pressure to succeed at work and having children. Only a third of today> '> s over 50s re-joined the workforce within a year of having a baby, compared to twice as many women doing so nowadays.
For lots of women this is a positive choice, enabling them to progress their career while raising a family. However, two thirds of women admit to prioritising work over families. Perhaps unsurprising when you consider more than a third feel expected to rise through the employment ranks twice as fast as the mothers did.
All this extra workload leaves little time for anything else though. But when asked, most women would choose to spend any illusive extra time socialising or with their family. Over half would spend time with their families, whilst two thirds would spend more time with friends.
Psychologist Corinne Sweet says, "It's interesting to see how our lives are differing from those of our Mothers, but it just highlights what a fast-paced society we live in where we're under such pressure to perform quickly, and results are expected twice as fast."
For more information visit www.nurofen.co.uk



Indoor Allergy Week

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops our home becomes a safe haven where we can retreat from the chilly outside world. But whilst we may see our home as a safe place to be, it actually might be making us feel under the weather as keeping the windows shut and putting on the central heating all contribute to our home feeling stuffy and stale.

Indoor Allergy Week (17 – 21 November 2008) supported by Ambi Pur Puresse, is designed to raise awareness of the allergens in our home and how we can make our home a kinder and happier place to be this winter.

Ambi Pur Puresse, the official supporter of Indoor Allergy Week, is the first ever allergen reduced air freshener designed to care for the air in your family’s home. The range is specially formulated by minimising 26 known skin allergens, whilst at the same time retaining the essence of Ambi Pur’s superior fragrances. All of the products in Ambi Pur’s Puresse range have been awarded the highly coveted Allergy UK Seal of Approval, and remains the only air freshener to be accredited.

The lighter fragrances of Puresse are available in a single perfume plug-in (Cotton and Lotus), an aerosol (Air, Bamboo, Cotton and Lotus) and in the latest addition of the revolutionary 3volution plug-in (Air Sensations and Cotton Sensations).

Ambi Pur 3volution combines three alternating but complementary fragrances, which are released in a continuous cycle, one after the other, every 45 minutes, so you can always notice the fragrance and enjoy it again and again and again. Puresse 3volution is available in two lighter fragrances; Cotton Sensations, inspired by luxurious angora, delicate blossoms and soft clean cottons, and Air Sensations, inspired by a fresh clean peaceful morning, the awakening of nature and the fresh fragrance after summer rain.

Ambi Pur Puresse is available from all good supermarkets and independent retailers nationwide. Prices start at £2.49 (RRP)
So you can help make your home a kinder place this winter, why not try some of these top tips to reduce allergens indoors:

1. Wash curtains every three months at the temperature of 56 degrees or above or alternatively use a roller blind that is easily cleaned instead of curtains.

2. In the kitchen, choose easy to clean flooring and ensure that it fits tightly around bases of the cabinets. Also, immediately clean up spills and food that has been dropped.

3. If you like ornaments try and keep them in a glass cabinet to reduce the surface area that dust can cling to, which also makes it easier and quicker to 'damp' dust.

4. Keep wardrobe doors closed to avoid collecting dust and place folded garments on wire racks rather than shelves to avoid mould and mites.

5. Vacuum daily but remember dust can stay airborne for 3- 4 hours. If you have wooden flooring and mats, use cotton rugs, which can be washed.

6. Use low odour or water based quick drying paint when decorating and make sure you ventilate the room well and do not sleep in the room until all fumes have dispersed.

7. If you are sensitive to sprays and cleaning products, choose your everyday household products carefully. Look for products that are accredited by the Allergy UK Seal of Approval.

8. It is estimated that the average bed has over 10,000 house dust mites living in it, which results in there being over two million droppings. Wash all bedding at over 60 degrees.

9. Remember that central heating too high helps to create an ideal environment for the house dust mite. Try turning the heating down a degree and, also, regularly vacuum underneath and behind the radiator.

10.Use washable cotton rugs in the bathroom rather than carpet that becomes damp and encourages mould and house dust mite growth.

 

A Festival of Colours from Pants to Poverty

The legendary Indian Festival of Colours – a dazzling, energetic and fun celebration of abandonment, vitality and goodwill – is the inspiration behind the latest range of vibrantly coloured pants from ethical underwear brand, Pants to Poverty.
Pants to Poverty Festival of Colours range is made to feel good in every sense of the word – they’re fun, ferocious and fair trade. These pants are made from exceptionally good quality organic cotton which has been sourced from one of the world’s most beautiful supply chains. Pants to Poverty underwear is completely free from pesticides, chemicals and exploitation.

The Festival of Colours pants come in a bountiful array of colours: radical reds, yummy yellows, pretty pinks, gorgeous greens and terrific turquoises. All are available in classic Pants to Poverty designs – women’s hipster shorts and men’s trunks with the irresistible Pants to Poverty slogan emblazoned around the waistband. The cotton is alluringly soft and the brilliant colours won’t fade in the wash.
The Pants to Poverty brand is on a mission to rid the world of bad pants. Ben Ramsden, the founder of this spectacularly ethical underwear brand is crazy about the new colours, “Inspired by the beauty of the Indian Holi festival, these pants recognize that we have a lot to do to make our planet a fairer and safer place but celebrate the fact that we have the power to do something about it. The challenge is ours and the power is in our pants!”
Pants to Poverty Festival of Colours pants are available in small, medium and large, for both men and women, and can be purchased at www.pantstopoverty.com for £12.50 each including postage and packing.

 

12% OF BRITS BRUSH THEIR TEETH OUT OF HABIT

Research by Colgate reveals that over one in ten (12%) of us brush our teeth out of habit rather than for the benefit of our oral health. Thankfully it’s not all vanity, with almost half (47%) of the population believing having healthy teeth is more important than having shiny hair (8%) or glowing skin (16%).

Having a healthy mouth is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, whatever your age and thankfully we seem to appreciate this. Over half of us (57%) Brits realise that looking after our teeth throughout every stage of our lives is important. Although, almost one is five (17%) of us feel that it’s more important to look after your teeth when you’re a child and worryingly only 2% of people think looking after your teeth post 60 should be a priority.

The research also reveals we’re a nation keen to impress. Morning breath is a key trigger for us to think about a healthy mouth (51%) while seeking out romance makes us more aware of our oral health regime - over half of the population (53%) admit they are more conscious of having a healthy mouth before going on a date or an evening out (45%).

To help raise awareness that good oral health is as vital to wellbeing as a healthy diet and regular exercise, Colgate Oral Health Month, in partnership with the British Dental Association (BDA), will kick-off a month-long, nationwide tour of the Colgate Oral Health Month ‘tooth brushing stations’ on the 1st September. Dental hygienists will be at the tooth brushing stations, giving demonstrations and expert guidance, offering support and advice for people of all ages who want to brush up on their oral health routine.

The nationwide tour will also be raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), for every old toothbrush donated Colgate will donate 10p to help fund the BHF nursing programme. This is part of a fundraising partnership between the BHF and Colgate which aims to raise over £300,000 whilst highlighting the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle.

 

 

In the bedroom with Justin and Colin

Just as we tend to seasonally adjust our bedrooms for the winter by adding fluffy blankets and rough knitted throws, then so too should we create our ‘look’ this summer. And TV’s interior design duo Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister have a few tips to get you started:

Colours for the bedroom

Make sure you tie any changes into this season’s hottest colour - pink! But, if required, tone it all down a wee bit with smart grey masculine fabrics. Darlings, it’s all in the balance! Think Ying and Yang to create perfect results every time.

Benjamin Moore, one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers, has broken down this season’s ‘direction’ into three main categories: Modern Tranquillity (think whispery, beach inspired shades with a splash of watery turquoise), Organic Comforts (take your cue from Mother Nature and employ earthy delights such as fern and olive), and finally Pure Opulence (be inspired by indulgent shades like French Violet and Teal). We love each of these options, but there’s no reason why you can’t marry different categories together - French Violet from Pure Opulence would look great combined with Fern from Organic Comforts. Our best advice is to buy sample pots and paint large sections of card to find a look you love.

Discrete Technology

If you can, try to hide away TVs and computers so as not to detract from the feeling of ‘domestic haven’. Big bulky TVs are a definite no-no, although cooler, wall mounted, wireless media screens (that look more like art) are good as far as we’re concerned. If you want to elicit a more traditional feel then most department stores have a selection of TV cabinets.

Traditional Values

Traditional crafting, summer quilting and delicate lace work will all be big news this summer because, these days, they’ve all become veritable art forms. Although quilts look particularly at home in bedrooms, they’re now moving into all areas of home décor so, with this in mind, try quilted panels as wall hangings, or add quilted throws and pillows to enliven a plain sofa. More sophisticated looks are also emerging, with today’s styles being sassier, more urban and more unique to the creator. The new ‘direction’ doesn't follow a set or standard pattern, which means there’s room for self-expression and creativity on the part of the designer.

Hotel Style

Don’t we just love that ‘hotel at home’ feel? All about luxury and indulgence, and not simply décor. We predict that, as the summer months roll forward, we’ll be maxing up the thread count of sheets, adding comfy seating and really going to town with designer detailing. Yup, bring on the fluffy dressing gowns and pour that glass of bubbly! And where once there were ‘after thought’ ensuites, we predict that Britain will soon be adding eye popping bathing facilities to really evoke the feeling of ‘spa at home’. Come on, why pay for Champneys when you can do it all yourself!?

Wallpaper

Wallpaper will continue to grow in popularity with the emphasis being on big, bold and confident patterns. Personally speaking, we’re using less ‘accent’ walls and, instead, letting our decorating confidence run wild by covering every wall! Our top tip is - if you’re opting for a seriously dramatic colour scheme then perhaps opt for a less in your face pattern, and vice versa.

Understated ‘soft’ luxury

More is more! But… be careful; ensure your design is seriously elegant though not too ‘showy’. Luxury is a summer holiday byword but, to properly indulge, opt for less in your face glitz and instead select quality fabrics and simple, beautiful items that ‘whisper‘ high spend, rather than shout it from the roof tops like some crazed Joan Collins! High-count cotton sheets, cashmere throws and smart, tailored glamour are the way forward!
Keep it light, fresh and dreamy with cosy, natural, breathable cottons so you can really keep your cool. Relaxation is simple with Lavender so why not try Ambi Pur 3volution Relaxing Countryside; a treat for your beak in the best in olfactory fashion! Ambi Pur 3volution combines three complementary but alternating perfumes, which are released every 45 minutes, so your nose never gets used to the aroma and you can always smell it. And Relaxing Countryside is made with lavender essential oils for a superior fragrance, making your bedroom a calm haven. Ambi Pur 3volution is available from all good supermarkets for £7.99 (RRSP).

Scandinavian Style

Pine plank chairs, organically shaped stools, timber framed light shades, elegant hall stands and cute little treasure boxes are all characteristically blonde and beautiful and a great way to indulge your home! Try framing your rooms by using simple tongue and groove (T&G) panelling on the bottom third of the wall, and top it all off with a cute shelf to display treasures and ornaments. Create a lived in look by keeping furniture ‘time washed’ white and consider a soft duck egg shade for your T&G woodwork. Remember our motto; KISS - Keep It Seriously Simple.

Clean and Fresh

Summertime in the bedroom is all about floaty fabrics, fresh laundry and sunshine! So, with this in mind, paint walls in softest green and add natural timber elements to elicit a cool, casual feel. But please take our advice; avoid a ‘deliberately co-ordinated’ shop bought look - we tend to advocate mixing furniture to create surprising designer juxtaposition. Try a timber bed but, rather than opting for timber bedside tables, jazz it all up by selecting mirrored nightstands. Select lightweight satin throws and cushions and keep the atmosphere perfect with Ambi Pur perfume plug-in Innocence, just £3.99 (RRSP) for a primary unit. A pure and light fragrance inspired by fresh linen, Innocence is designed to lift and invigorate.

 

 

Cath Kidston designs Eco Shopping bags to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care,
exclusively for Tesco

Cath Kidston has designed a stunning range of collectable, re-usable shopping bags. The fabric of the bags is made entirely of recycled plastic (PET) bottles and they will be available exclusively in larger Tesco stores, across the UK, from early July. The purpose of the new range of bags is to increase awareness of and change consumer dependency on the use of single-use plastic bags, while raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Unique Selling Point of the bag, from an ecological point of view, is that it is made of a waste material, therefore diverting waste from landfill and avoiding the extraction and processing of raw materials.
Tesco is committed to reducing the number of single-use plastic bags used and has given out 1.3 billion fewer bags since launching Green Clubcard Points in August 2006.
In addition, the funds raised from the sale of the bags will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Tesco Charity of the Year 2008. A minimum of £250,000 will be raised, funding an additional 12,500 hours of nursing care at home for terminally ill patients and their families throughout the UK. Neither Tesco nor Cath Kidston are profiting at all from the sale of the bags.
The first two designs of the collection – the ‘multi floral fashion’ print and the ‘classic blue spot’ print - will be launched in July 2008. Four more classic prints will then hit the shelves over a six-month period.
The number of bags to be produced is limited so hurry while stocks last!

Sagem Launches ‘Green’ ECO Set Top Boxes

No. 1 Set Top box manufacturer Sagem Communications today announced the availability of its ITD58NG and ITD59NG Eco Set Top Boxes. So if you can’t bear the thought of missing out on this summer’s Big Brother live coverage, but want to help save the environment then one of these Freeview boxes is the gadget for you – and just look at the price! It’s a bargain that can’t be missed this season.

Recently awarded the EST recommendation, these set top boxes provide connection to over 30 Freeview channels while being energy and cost efficient. These units ave a power consumption of less than 5 watts while in operation and less than 2 watts in standby mode.

Sagem’s Set top boxes provide a high performance, enhanced TV experience. Quick and easy to install, you can be enjoying great quality, additional channels in no time. Connected to your TV via SCART leads, both units are ultra-slim (dimensions 150x135x40mm) and will sit on top of many TV sets, or into a unit leaving additional space for any other home entertainment units.

The ITD58NG ECO has the Now/ Next Programme Guide feature which enables you to view TV listings for the current day. If you want to plan a whole week ahead, then the ITD59NG ECO is the Set top box for you – with a 7 day Electronic Programme Guide for your added convenience.

Available from all good retail outlets and some major supermarkets, the ITD58NG ECO is priced at the amazing low price of £24.99 with the ITD59NG ECO being only £29.99

 

Everyday Luxury at Home with New Filippo Berio Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Italian family run olive oil specialists, Filippo Berio, is set to delight olive oil connoisseurs everywhere with the launch of its pure Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Containing the rich, natural fruity flavour of green olives with the scent of fresh herbs, Filippo Berio's new 100% natural Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect addition to any avid foodie's store cupboard.

Using decades of expertise selecting only the finest olives, Filippo Berio has created a unique unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Unlike Filippo Berio's signature olive oil range, the new Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil undergoes no filtration process and because of this, the unfiltered extra virgin olive oil contains tiny particles of fruit which gives the oil a lovely light green, slightly cloudy appearance.

For those who love the taste and versatility of olive oil, Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect choice. Its mild peppery finish enhances and enriches the taste of your dish, whether it is used as a condiment for salads and soups or drizzled over cooked meat, vegetables, pasta or used simply as a dip for fresh bread.

Filippo Berio Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1L) is available in Sainsbury's from 7th April, priced £6.99 RRP. To view the entire Filippo Berio Olive Oil range, recipe ideas and cookery hints and tips go to the official website www.filippoberio.co.uk

 

 

Eco-over your home!

Lower your environmental impact around the home with Ecotopia.co.uk’s full range of DIY products

Using natural DIY materials in the home can lower your impact on the environment and at the same time, minimise your exposure to potentially hazardous substances. Green DIY can save you money, as well as adding value to your home. With all the bank holidays coming up, this is the ideal time to give your home a green makeover.

Ecotopia.co.uk stock the whole range of AURO decorating products. These stand out among manufacturers of natural paints and wood finishes because they are totally committed and uncompromising in their environmental standards.

AURO make the most natural paints you can buy. They have good coverage, are water-based and microporous allowing your walls to breathe. The natural ingredients contribute to a fresh and comfortable interior environment, creating a healthier living space for you and your family.

Prepping walls to be wallpapered? Then check out our great range of Auro wallpaper pastes, strippers , adhesives and glue. For painting, try our extensive range of interior wall paint, gloss paint, primer and undercoat.

Ecotopia.co.uk also stock a whole range of Cleaning and Wax Care. Products include care oil, all purpose thinner and mould stop – this is especially good for helping to stop mould growth in window recesses, bathrooms and high condensation areas with poor ventilation.

Looking for a natural wood stain – check out Auro’s water based natural oil timber treatment. Auro’s oil for garden furniture is a great product to protect exterior garden furniture against the effects of weathering.

Spring Cleaning? From Ecover to Clearspring we offer a comprehensive range of ecological cleaning products. From Ecover room fragrances to our Clear Spring multi-surface cleaner, we currently stock many products that are ecologically safe and which can easily replace your existing cleaning products. Each and every one of the cleaning products purchased here at ecotopia.co.uk contain no harmful chemicals and are completely eco friendly and natural. Every eco cleaning product is non-damaging to the planet as they use the amazing power of nature to provide natural degreasers and none of our products are made from petrochemical ingredients but from natural plant based materials.

 

 

Safe and sound
Major breakthrough for retailers, online retailers and parents in challenge of age verification

An innovative new combined ID and debit card is launched today with Government backing aimed at keeping young people safe either out on the street or surfing online.

The UreLife card is a first. It's a prepay debit card which incorporates a colour photo of the cardholder, date of birth, alongside the Government approved PASS (proof-of-age standards scheme) hologram.

It allows those over 18, or increasingly those over 21, to prove their age when they want to buy a drink and allows them to pay for that drink with the same card.

Its unique identification number also means it can also be used to provide proof of age when purchasing age-restricted products online.
Parents can get peace of mind by using the scheme to track their children's online spending habits.

As the cards are available in different age categories, parents of younger children will also be reassured that the same identification scheme can be used by chatrooms and social networks to set an upper limit on those joining and
prevent unwelcome adult visitors to those sites.

There are even cards with older age limits so that pensioners entitled to discounts on purchases can prove they are entitled while paying at the same time.

Mr Carl Horne, UreLife Spokesperson, added:
"We have developed a unique but uncomplicated way that allows online retailers to easily and automatically identify the age-group of cardholders for the first time. This offers online retailers and parents great peace of mind."

For more information visit www.urelife.com

 

 

FAMILY HOLIDAYS LEAVE MUMS FEELING THE HEAT!

- Planning a family getaway is one of the most stressful events for mums-
Far from being an enjoyable prelude to a relaxing break, planning the family holiday is likely to leave mums feeling stressed and tempted not to go away at all, according to new research from Holiday-Rentals.co.uk. The survey of over 1,000 UK mums has revealed that 84% are left to plan the family holiday by themselves, with 60% finding it a stressful experience. The problem has reached such an extent that many have considered not going away at all due to the stress of trying to plan the perfect getaway.
The research has found that, behind moving house and preparing for Christmas, planning a family holiday is the most stressful event in most mums’ lives. To help ease the pressure, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk has developed the “Mums Holiday Guide”, offering advice on everything from choosing the right location, to packing and how to get the rest of the family involved in organising the holiday. The Mums Holiday Guide is free to download from

www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk/MumsHolidayGuide and has been created with advice and top tips from real mums, allowing everyone to benefit from the nation’s collective experience!
The survey found that the journey to and from the holiday destination is the most stressful part of a family holiday, with almost a third (29%) of mums stating that long flights, cramped car journeys and claustrophobic ferry trips cause anxiety. Making sure that everyone has packed the right things and organising passports and paperwork also top the list of holiday hassles.
Although it is overwhelmingly mums (84%) that organise the family holiday, many do get a helping hand from the rest of the family once they arrive. When on a self-catering holiday nearly half (47%) of mums share tasks with the rest of the family, compared to a mere fifth (22%) when at home. Typically Dad lends a hand by barbequing, helping to prepare meals and washing up, while everyone helps to keep the place tidy.
Accommodation also proved to be a major bone of contention, with many mums complaining about inadequate facilities or arriving to find they hadn’t quite got what they booked!

One disgruntled mum commented; "My worst holiday ever was when we arrived and discovered, having booked two interconnecting rooms, we hadn’t got them. My two and half year old daughter was put in a room on her own with double doors to fire escape which didn’t lock and the heating didn’t go above 17 degrees!"

Another said, “Don’t assume anything! We thought going to a well-known family holiday camp would be fun. How wrong we were; the caravan stunk to high heaven, the camp was tacky and the entertainment was awful! We won’t be doing that again!”
With its easy to use website listing over 45,000 properties worldwide, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk makes finding the perfect accommodation easy, and has created the Mums Holiday Guide to help make the planning process smoother for busy mums too. With advice on destinations and tips to take the pain out of planning, the guide contains everything mums need to make sure they enjoy their holiday too!
Greg Grant, UK MD for Holiday-Rentals.co.uk says: "Based on the results of our research, it’s not surprising that mums can find holidays stressful! We can’t force other members of the family to help mum more on holiday, but we have done everything we can to help take the pain out of planning with our Mums Holiday Guide.”
“Renting a holiday home provides families more space, privacy, comprehensive facilities, and the flexibility to take time out for themselves. Unlike hotel rooms, holiday homes give kids space to breathe and parents freedom to relax in another room, but everyone is still under the same roof.”

With a wide range of accommodation available, users of Holiday-Rentals.co.uk can choose the type and size of property they want for any destination they’d like to visit. The website is easy to navigate and all properties have at least four colour photos and a detailed description of what guests can expect

 

 

Explore Beautiful Britain and Save a Packet

Why stress about flying away when you can have fun exploring what’s on your doorstep. Walkers Brit Trips offers £millions of savings on over 10,000 fun day trip adventures and holidays throughout the Bank Holiday period and beyond.

What’s more Walkers Brit Trips has something for everyone in the family. Savings range from half price tickets for fun days out at Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Centres to free family passes for National Trust visits; to hearty half price pub lunches, 2 for 1 golf passes (800 courses), free entry to RSPB centres and 2 for 1s on 1,000s of exciting local attractions. Some of the local participating attractions include (Names of relevant local partners to be inserted here e.g. for Manchester – Man United Stadium Tour, The Lake District Coast Aquarium and Chester Zoo).
For those wanting a city break or rural retreat Walkers Brit Trips offers savings of over £100 on hotel and cottage breaks along with discounts on action packed holidays at Butlins and Haven resorts. So get out there and discover what’s on your doorstep, whilst saving a packet in the process.

Some of the great savings include:

For 10 points, cost of just 5 standard bags (rrp £1.60 – 32p per pack) you can get:

· 2 for 1 on kitesurfing, wakeboarding; canoeing, dry skiing (saving £10)

· Other alternatives include a 2 for 1 pub lunch or half price entry to The London Dungeons or Warwick Castle
For 20-25 points, cost of just one 28 multipack (rrp: £3.49) you can get:

· Half price tickets to Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe park, Alton Towers, Legoland (saving £20)

· Free family day pass at any one of 200 participating National Trust sites
For 50 points, cost of just two 28 multipacks you can get:

· 2 nights for the price of 1 (saving over £100) at Ramada Jarvis, Best Western, Hastings Hotels, Jury’s Inn hotels
How does it work?

Each packet of Walkers crisps from March to June 2008 will feature Brit Trip points. Multipacks will carry one point on each packet (i.e. 6 points per 6 pack); while standard and big eat bags will feature two points. To redeem points on pack simply text (insert number) or register the pack code online at www.walkersbrittrips.co.uk where information about the number of points you have collected can be stored and redeemed against a range of offers (promotion redeemable until December 2008).

 

The Ultimate Tea Treat

Indulge in as much chocolate as you like without adding pounds to your waistline! Yes, it’s true. Newby has a delicious blend of delicate Sri Lankan black tea leaves with real, creamy white chocolate chips that will transport you to chocolate heaven with every sip.

Treat yourself or your friends to this guiltless treat. Available in 100g loose leaf caddies priced at £4.95, 100g loose leaf cartons priced at £3.60 and 25 tea bags in a carton, priced at £2.90 from selected delicatessens and mail order from Newby Teas (U.K.) Ltd (Tel 020 7251 8939) or for more information please visit www.newbyteas.com

 

 

 

Kick Start the Spring Cleaning Season with Acdoco!
With the harsh cold winter weather now a distant memory, it’s time to dust away those cobwebs and get the home looking spick ‘n’ span ready for spring. You don’t need to spend hours scrubbing the floor and dusting the curtains to make your home into a domestic haven. Cleaning professional, Acdoco is here to nip all your cleaning woes in the bud, with its cleaning marvels for the house and home, so you can put the ‘spring’ back into spring-cleaning!

For those pesky and troublesome stains left behind from hosting dinner parties and family dos, let Stain Slayer do its magic. Suitable for removing stains and spillages from carpets, upholstery and even clothes, Stain Slayer is a multi-purpose stain remover in an aerosol and is ideal for removing stains a plenty including red wine, chewing gum (!), grease, ballpoint pen, candle wax and tar – perfect for keeping your home and conscience clean!

Glo Care Net Curtain Whitener will also help to brighten the appearance of your home – giving your shabby, faded white net curtains a much needed face lift! Simply pop your white lace and net curtains into the wash, add a sachet of Glo Care Net Curtain Whitener and your dear old drapes will instantly be transformed back to their former glory. Suitable for machine and hand wash.

Now your carpets, upholstery and curtains are looking good, it’s time to tackle the dirty floors and all the multitude of sins they hide! The new Pro Glo range is ideal for giving your floors some much-needed TLC. Comprising three specialist floor cleaners, Pro Glo can be used to clean and revitalise Stone and Tile, protect Laminate flooring and nourish Hardwood and Parquet floors.

Pro Glo’s unique formula helps to form a protective stain resistant layer on stone and tile flooring which, when dry, protects your beloved kitchen and garden patio floor against those annoying everyday food and drink spillages and stains caused by mischievous children and merry partygoers. Whilst Pro Glo Laminate and Hardwood and Parquet cleaners protect floor joints and edges against moisture penetration that can cause unsightly damage and lifting.

For the ultimate wardrobe spring-clean, get your laundry looking tip top by removing those scary stains with new improved Stain Devils. Available in six stain removers - cooking oil & fat; curry & sauce; grease, lubricant & paint; tea, red wine, fruit & juice; ballpoint ink, felt-tip & mud and grass & make-up - each product has been designed to remove specific stains with ease within a three minute timeframe and is colour coded to make things that much easier when selecting the most suitable Stain Devil.

Finally, with your spring-cleaning now covered, why not give your washing machine some care and attention? Regular use of your washing machine can lead to a build up of detergent residue, dirt, grime and limescale. Glo Care Service-it efficiently cleans, freshens and maintains your washing machine – helping you to save hours of precious time and money on expensive call out charges. Spring-cleaning has never been so quick or easy!

 

 

 

Nicky Hambleton-Jones fronts new issue of At Home magazine

Star of Channel 4’s hit TV series 10 Years Younger, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, will front the March issue of At Home magazine. This special issue will be dedicated to style and beauty.

At Home Magazine introduces a top celebrity every month to give their expert views on different aspects of life.

From finest foods with Antony Worrall Thompson and property with Sarah Beeny, At Home Magazine is packed with loads of ideas on how to cope with both the fun and more serious sides of life.

Unlike numerous gossip titles At Home Magazine is dedicated to giving its readers the best possible practical tips and advice making it an essential read and everyone's 'lifestyle bible'

At Home with Nicky Hambleton-Jones is out 27th February

 

 

The Big Spring Clean? Think OxiClean

There’s no doubt about it, it always seems to be your new, favourite or most expensive items of clothing that manage to attract the most stubborn of everyday stains. Remember that expensive dress with the make up stain that remains hidden in the depths of your wardrobe? What about your favourite shirt with the ink stain on that you couldn’t bring yourself to throw away? Well, fear not fashionistas – help is at hand in the form of OxiClean, the latest ‘must have’ stain remover range that can help rejuvenate your old wardrobe from an ugly betty back to super-model condition this spring.

OxiClean gets to work straight away when in contact with water, releasing millions of tiny oxygen bubbles that powerfully but gently lift, dissolve and remove everyday dirt and grime, as well as the most stubborn of stains on household laundry. Scrub or soak, OxiClean is the perfect all round stain buster that can be used to revive your clothes and upholstery in a single wash.

Perfect as an in-wash stain remover, simply add a scoop of OxiClean to your normal laundry and watch as stubborn stains disappear and your washing is brought back to life. It even works effectively in a 30-degree wash helping you to save electricity and give you a cleaner conscience!

And, for those with sensitive skin why not add OxiClean Simple to your shopping list. With the all-powerful action of OxiClean, but 100% fragrance free and containing no dye or chlorine, OxiClean Simple is ideal for families with young children and for those with delicate skin. It’s simple – OxiClean Simple.

Finally, for stain mishaps that occur when you are out and about with the kids or away on a long weekend with your other half, make sure you have new OxiClean Spray-A-Way to hand. Using the power of oxygen, OxiClean Spray-A-Way goes deep into clothing fibres to lift and eliminate stubborn stains such as coffee, tea, wine and chocolate in just 3 easy steps. Simply dab the fresh stain to remove excess moisture, and then spray OxiClean Spray-A-Way over the entire stain before finally blotting the stain to remove any leftover residue. Then watch as that unsightly stain disappears out of sight!

 

Pizza Perfecto With Filippo Berio

Whether folded in half and eaten with your hands or cut into slices and served with a knife and fork – everyone loves pizza! The deliciously moreish flavours of hot bread coupled with rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella and fruity olive oil are a hearty combination at anytime of the year. So, pizza aficionados everywhere will be delighted to hear the news that leading Italian olive oil specialists, Filippo Berio is set to make their pizza experience even more pleasurable with its Extra Virgin Olive Oil sachets that can only be found in chilled PizzaExpress pizzas during February and March.

Crafted by Filippo Berio’s master olive oil blender, Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made using a carefully selected variety of olive oils that have been prepared from handpicked olives from across the Mediterranean. These are each tasted and judged by the master olive oil blender, who selects only 6% to make Filippo Berio’s signature olive oil varieties. The result is a deliciously rich, natural flavoured oil, which has been used by the chefs at PizzaExpress to help enhance and marinate the ingredients of their pizzas during the cooking process.

Caramelised Onion Pizza with Courgette, Tomato and Blue Cheese

For avid foodies who want to recreate their very own pizza parlour at home without any help, why not try the following appetising pizza recipe developed by Filippo Berio. Don’t forget to serve the pizza with a final drizzle of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil to bring out the mouthwatering flavour of the onions and Dolcelatte cheese – perfecto!

Serves 2.
Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus rising 45 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Base:
175g (6oz) strong, white plain flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp fast action yeast
150ml (1/4 pt) warm water
2 tbsp Filippo Berio Olive Oil

Topping:
450g (1lb) onions
3 tbsp Filippo Berio Olive Oil
2 tbsp Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp rosemary spikes, chopped
1/2 medium courgette
75g (3oz) Dolcelatte cheese
7 cherry tomatoes

Method:
1.To make the dough put the flour, salt and yeast into a bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil and stir the mixture by hand until it forms a soft dough. Continue to beat for 2 minutes.
2.Turn onto a floured surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes silky and elastic, place in an oiled bowl and cover with oiled cling film. Leave in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
3. To make the topping slice the onions and cook very gently in the 3 tbsp of olive oil with the sugar for about 25 minutes until soft and translucent, but not browned, stir in the balsamic vinegar, remove from the heat.
4. Heat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF or Gas Mark 7.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead again for 2 minutes. Divide into two, then roll out each piece to a diameter of approx 12.5cm (5in), making the edges slightly thicker than the centre, and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
6. Spread the onions over the dough, sprinkle with rosemary. Cut the courgette into small cubes and scatter over the onions with the cherry tomatoes, dot with small pieces of cheese. Drizzle each with an extra teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil then bake in the hot oven for 20 minutes or until the dough is well risen and golden.

Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil sachets can be found in all large (12”) PizzaExpress pizzas, available from all major supermarkets from February to March 2008 or until stocks last.

 

 

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK….

Almost half of the UK gives up on New Year healthy eating resolutions in just two weeks

New research from KitKat reveals that a staggering 72 per cent of people in the UK are likely to break their post Christmas healthier eating resolution before January is over, with almost half (43%) breaking their good intentions within the first two weeks of the New Year!

Eighty one per cent of people want to get back to a healthier lifestyle post their Christmas indulgences, with over half (58%) hoping to lose the excess weight gained over the festive season. But following faddy diets and banning certain foods may mean they are unlikely to succeed for long.

Dietician Jane Griffin explains: “When devising a healthier eating plan in the New Year people should set realistic goals and not starve themselves - this can cause people to feel extremely hungry and lead them to overindulge. One in 10 people never allow themselves a treat while they are trying to get back to eating healthily however, the most common reasons for people breaking their healthier eating resolution is boredom (29%) and hunger (19%)!”

KitKat’s two finger bar is a great occasional snack for people who are following healthier eating plans because it contains only 107 calories.

TV presenter Anna Ryder Richardson is one celebrity who doesn’t believe in faddy weight loss plans. “It’s great that people want to look after themselves and watch their diet in the New Year but people have to be realistic and not exclude the foods they actually enjoy eating. Anything can be included in a healthy eating plan in moderation and an occasional chocolate treat, like KitKat, is a great way to curb your hunger and subside those chocolate cravings without breaking your New Year’s resolution.”

 

 

 

Bertolli Puts The Life Back Into Bolognese

When it comes to family mealtimes, the word ‘chaos’ springs to mind before ‘cordon bleu’ - sometimes it’s enough just keeping your hungry mouths in one place, let alone feeding them all! It’s no wonder a popular secret weapon is spaghetti Bolognese, that simple Italian staple of fuss-free cooking. And now Bertolli is lending mums a helping hand in the kitchen, with the launch of five pasta sauces, ideal for Bolognese.

Packed full of natural ingredients and containing no artificial colours or preservatives, the new range is available in five flavours – Original, Basil, Garlic, Spicy and Creamy Tomato – so there’s something to suit all tastes. Plus new Bertolli pasta sauces come in a foil pouch to seal in natural flavours.

With recipes created by Italian chefs, Bertolli range blends tomatoes with fragrant herbs – so whether you’re catering for junior veg-a-phobes or spouses with more sophisticated tastes, Bertolli sauces are ideal for all the family to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

New Stain Devils are ‘Devilishly’ Good at Getting Rid of Stains
Make-up is a blessing for all women everywhere – it hides a multitude of sins and emphasises your best assets. However, your washing detergent would beg to differ as make-up is renowned for being the ‘devil’ of all stains to remove! Cleaning and laundry specialist Acdoco knows how frustrating it is when troublesome stains crop up and no amount of soaking or scrubbing will do. Stain Devils new improved range of stain busters combats a whole host of new modern day smears and troublesome marks such as make-up and chewing gum in three minutes flat.

The new Stain Devils range comprises of six magic formulas – cooking oil & fat; curry & sauce; grease, lubricant & paint; tea, red wine, fruit & juice; ballpoint ink, felt-tip & mud and grass & make-up. Each product has been designed to remove specific stains with ease within a three minute timeframe and is colour coded to make things that much easier when selecting the most suitable Stain Devil to tackle a specific mark.

When scary stains pop up at the last minute - before that all important meeting or romantic dinner date, you can rely on Stain Devils to be your wingman in your time of need in just three easy steps. Firstly moisten the stain with the solution, then leave the solution to work its magic*. Finally, using a damp cloth, dab the treated area continuously until all traces of the stain and the solution are removed. Voila – stain removal in three minutes flat!

The Stain Devils range is available in convenient 50ml bottles from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Homebase and Wilkinson and online at www.acdomart.co.uk, priced £1.79 (RRP).

*(Leave the solution for up to 10 minutes for large or really stubborn stains). Stain Devils is not to be used on leather, suede, acetate/rayon, carpets and upholstery.

 

 

 

Secrets Of Office Snacking Habits Revealed

Where you sit in the office could have a drastic effect on your figure, according to new research by new Multigrain Hula Hoops.

• A whopping 87 per cent of UK employees blame their bad snacking habits on their colleagues.
• More than two thirds say their neighbouring worker’s diet directly influences their own food-intake.
• One in ten folk admitted they were driven to devour chocolate, crisps and sweets when their desk buddy started tucking into the fatty foods.
• A greedy 57 per cent even said they ate their lunch earlier than planned because colleagues close by had started munching theirs.
• A third of workers admitted boredom was the biggest trigger for heading for the snack machine

It’s not surprising that the poll revealed that despite everything, a massive three quarters of Brits say they do go to work on a Monday intending to eat healthily at work, but many give in before the week is over. A weak-willed 18 per cent even give up on the first day while another 22 per cent have thrown in the towel by Tuesday.

The survey also revealed that construction and property workers are the worst when it comes to snacking at work, followed by those in IT. It’s not all bad news though as our workmates good eating habits can also rub off on us, with 22 per cent of folk saying they have gone on a diet to join in with a colleague.

A spokesperson for Multigrain Hula Hoops said: “The survey results are really interesting and show just how easily peoples diet habits can be influenced in the office. It’s only natural to crave food when others around you are eating but there are ways to enjoy healthier snacking at work with Multigrain Hula Hoops.“

Multigrain Hula Hoops extends the brand’s on-going health and nutrition kick, with saturated fat levels reduced by 80 per cent since 2005 and even the sodium levels have been reduced.

The new Multigrain Hula Hoops contain a total of 46 per cent cereals – made up of a combination of maize, rice flour and wheat bran. They contain no artificial flavours or colours and are free from MSG, so you can tuck into the snack knowing it’s better for you! And the good news is, they still have the great taste that you have come to expect from Hula Hoops.

 

Pot Noodle Team Extends Salt Reduction Programme

Pot Noodle, the iconic snack brand from Unilever UK Foods, is taking another important step in improving its formulations. The new improved Pot Noodle range now contain 50 per cent less salt than in 2005 across the entire range. The move comes as part of Unilever’s ongoing programme to reduce salt levels in all its products and builds on salt reductions made by the iconic snack brand last year.
In 2006 Pot Noodle introduced a Reduced Salt Chicken & Mushroom flavour. Following the extremely positive feedback from consumers about the salt reduction, Pot Noodle has reduced salt across the whole standard range, which is now lower than the original Reduced Salt Chicken & Mushroom variant. As a result, the reduced salt variant has been removed from the range. The new and improved Pot Noodle range will be hitting the shelves from the end of July.
The most popular flavour, Chicken & Mushroom, will see its salt content reduced to 1.9 grams per pot, (or 1.1 grams without the sachet), compared to 3.8 grams per pot in 2005. Meanwhile, Bombay Bad Boy reduces from 3.8 grams per pot to 1.4 grams per pot*.
This year’s salt reduction builds on improvements made in 2006 and takes the average Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) percentage of salt per standard sized pot from 57% down to 25%.
As proof that reducing salt does not mean compromising on taste, this year Pot Noodle is also introducing three exciting new flavours - Chicken Satay, Tikka Masala and Lamb Hot Pot. All three have salt levels consistent with the reformulated range, which is an average of 1.4g of salt in a standard sized pot.
Pot Noodle leads the nearest competitor in terms of salt content and Unilever is an active supporter of the Food Standards Agency’s salt reduction programme.
Wendy Barnaville, Nutrition Manager at Unilever UK Foods, says:
“We are continually assessing and improving the nutritional profile of our entire portfolio. The salt reduction in Pot Noodle snacks has been a huge initiative for us and we are really proud of the significant changes we’ve made. We hope consumers will continue to positively support the improvements being made to the range.”

 

 

 

Mum Matters

Modern mums are unmarried, older and refuse to give up work to become traditional housewives, according to new research.

In 2007, only 29 per cent of UK mothers gave up work when they had their first child.

The poll, which has been conducted by Pot Noodle to compare mums today with mums in 1977 when the instant hot snack first reached our shores. It also revealed that 53 per cent of mums gave up work altogether to look after their children in 1977.

But nowadays, a quarter of mums want to return to work and continue rising up the career ladder compared to only 12 per cent in the 70s.

More than half of mums are also ditching the traditional image of having children after getting married, with 45 per cent having their first baby before walking down the aisle.

But this is a stark contrast to 30 years ago when a staggering 82 per cent were married before giving birth.

Almost half of mums today are single when they start a family compared to only 16 per cent in the 70s.

Parents are also getting older as the poll of 2,000 women revealed that the average age for having their first child in 1977 was 23 while over a quarter of Brits are now waiting until hitting 30 plus before hearing the patter of tiny feet.

The extra few years can make a difference though as 56 per cent of people today considered themselves to be financially stable when they started their family, but only 45 per cent of parents from 1977 could say the same thing.

The poll also found that mums in the 70s spent seven hours a week doing the household chores – an extra three hours than women today.

Pot Noodle commissioned the survey comparing mums in 1977 to mums today to learn more about our constantly changing attitudes to everyday events. Now, in its 30th year, the Pot Noodle brand has also made some changes, having further improved its product formulation, which now contains 50% less salt across the range than in 2005.

Mums who had their children in the 1970s worried less with only 43 per cent saying they were concerned about the levels of salt in their child’s food compared to a staggering 76 per cent of parents nowadays.

 

 

 

Always tired? Pounds piling on as your body is hidden under snugly jumpers?

Take control of your health with a few easy steps. Keep hydrated and boost your anti-oxidant in-take (to fight ageing free radicals and build your immune system!) with the new, delicious Kenzai Organic Green Tea and Organic White Tea. Rich in added vitamin C, perfect to help protect against those winter colds, Kenzai is the perfect on-the-go, calorie free and low caffeine solution for those looking for a no-fuss, tasty and healthy drink.

Kenzai (meaning 'in good health') remains true to its Asian heritage by keeping things simple. The drinks contain absolutely no chemicals, additives or preservatives and are 100 times richer in antioxidants than vitamin C. They are the UK's first and only 100% organic ready-to-drink green and white teas and are brewed from organic tea leaves, rather than produced from extract. Just a tiny amount of organic agave syrup (from a Mexican cactus-like plant) has been added to the green tea for touch of sweetness. A great alternative to a glass of water!

In Asia people use green tea for just about everything - from a warm or cold, refreshing everyday drink through to a cocktail mixer! It is known for its health benefits such as building the immune system and is known to help reduce high cholesterol levels and boost weight loss. Fans in the UK have known it as a hot drink for a while, but can now discover new ways of enjoying green and white tea with Kenzai's ready-to-drink soft drinks.

"Some soft drinks are appearing on the market containing green tea, but with several other ingredients added such as flavourings and heaps of sugar in many of them! Kenzai wanted to keep it simple by offering green and white tea fans these Asian treasures in their purest form and in an easy, no-fuss format. White tea especially is such a delicate, light tea which is just starting to catch on here in the UK, so why go and spoil it with lots of fruit flavouring?" says Malinee Woeste, Kenzai managing director.

Look out for the new Kenzai Organic Green Tea and Kenzai Organic White Tea in its 330ml glass bottles at Planet Organic, Wholefoods, Fresh and Wild, Luscious Organic, The Organic Grocer and various cafés and restaurants nationwide. The teas are priced at £1.75 in retail outlets.

 

 

 

 

Discover the Tantalising Tastes of Thailand in Your Kitchen with Sharwood’s

A delicate balance of hot and sour, sweet and salty, lightness and richness – Sharwood’s NEW Thai range invites you to explore the diverse flavours of Thailand

Thai food has never been more popular and now, thanks to a new range of delicious and easy-to-use Thai food from Sharwood’s, everyone can cook up restaurant quality Thai meals at home using ingredients readily available from their local supermarkets. Sharwood’s has explored the many regions of Thailand in order to create a collection of flavoursome, authentic recipes containing typical Thai ingredients such as fragrant kaffir lime leaves, creamy coconut, spicy chillies and aromatic Thai herbs.

Using its years of expertise in blending Asia’s finest ingredients, Sharwood’s has created a truly mouth-watering range including curry pastes, stir-fry sauces, delicious curry sauces, dipping sauces and Thai crackers – ideal for creating an easy and delicious meal for all occasions, whether that’s a light lunch, a weekday dinner or a special meal.

Influenced by the traditional cooking methods and the bountiful variety of ingredients found in Southern Thailand, Sharwood’s has launched a range of authentic curry pastes to which you add fresh ingredients to create your own Thai curry. These pastes contain a blend of fragrant herbs, spices and garlic. They have no artificial colours or flavours and each sachet contains the perfect amount to make a mouth-watering meal for two – so there’s no waste! The expertly blended and aromatic Red Curry Paste makes an appetising dish when cooked with beef, duck or chicken. Sharwood’s has infused this light and fresh curry paste with the flavours of lemongrass, garlic and fruity red chillies. Ideal with chicken, prawns or a firm fish such as monkfish, Green Curry Paste balances a delicate combination of kaffir lime, galangal, lemongrass and hot green chillies.

For those wanting to indulge in these two popular dishes, but want a short-cut to a delicious Thai meal, a more convenient option is to create the dish using Sharwood’s new Thai curry sauce range which comprises four sauces – Red Curry Sauce, Green Curry Sauce, Yellow Curry Sauce, and especially popular with those who have visited Thailand, Mussaman Curry Sauce.

Sharwood’s has also created an exotic collection of stir-fry sauces which have been made in Thailand using fresh ingredients. Enjoy the sweet, spicy flavours of Sharwood’s Sweet Chilli and Lemongrass Stir-fry Sauce, the fragrant Kaffir Lime and Coriander Stir-fry Sauce and the rich savoury taste of Oyster and Thai Basil Stir-fry Sauce. Try using the sauces with stir-fried vegetables, seafood or meat - the perfect complement to Sharwood’s Pad Thai Ready To Wok Ribbon Noodles or Rice Noodles.

To round off their mouth-watering selection of Thai flavours and tastes, Sharwood’s has developed a deliciously fruity Thai Chilli Dipping Sauce. Traditionally served as a starter or as an accompaniment to a main meal, Sharwood’s new dipping sauce can be served alongside Sharwood’s Thai Spiced Crackers as a delicious starter. To give an extra dimension to side dishes use the sauce to accompany spring rolls, crispy vegetables or fish cakes. Alternatively you can add the dipping sauce to fried rice for extra flavour.

All of Sharwood’s new Thai products are free from artificial colours and flavours and offer the perfect way for people to discover the true, authentic flavours of Thailand in their own home.