Women Talking

A Foodies Delight

Poppy Watt — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 18:57:05 +0000

A Foodies Delight

How often have you arranged to meet friends, booked a restaurant with great expectations and been disappointed with the end result? I certainly have and it can be an embarrassing let down.

I am not the best cook in the world, however, with some careful planning entertaining at home can have a range of great benefits.

Budget - You are total control of the cost of your meal, allowing you the freedom to choose your menu to suit your purse.

Many supermarkets reduce the price of items at the end of the day; it's the perfect place to pick up a bargain.

Check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to see which products you need to use up.

Grains such as rice, pasta, barley, and couscous are inexpensive and can be used in many different recipes.

Look for seasonal recipes, as fruits and vegetables are cheaper when in season.

Avoid recipes that need special ingredients that you may only be used once.

Suit all dietary requirements – Whether you have invited vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or meat-eaters at your dinner party, once you know your audience, you can prepare a menu to suit all dinner’s requirements.

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Cocktails – who can resist! Making cocktails is good fun and most people enjoy trying out different mixtures and creations. If anyone doesn’t drink alcohol offer an alternative and make it a mocktail.

Wine pairing– Crack open the Champagne! Admittedly, pairing your wine with each dish can notch up the pennies in a restaurant environment, however, at home you have to freedom to be as inventive as you like on a more refined budget.

Have a quiz - If the night is still young, get your guest involved with a fun and exhilarating quiz. With one person acting as quizmaster, you can play individually or in groups. What a great way to check out who your smartest friends and family members are!

Takeaway night – If cooking is not for you, get a group together and throw in a little money each, then order from a few different takeaways or just your favourites.

If you happen to have some leftovers, you have the joy of enjoying your culinary delights again tomorrow!

Poppy Watt

Relaxation and Wellness

Lilly Light — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 13:42:02 +0000

Relaxation and Wellness

It can be human nature to feel a sense of guilt when we are trying to relax. The pace of life has changed so much over the years, our brain is continually on overdrive and it can be hard to slow down and take some much-needed time out.

If the opportunity arises to slow down, we may find this difficult and feel anxious or guilty. Therefore, for our health and wellbeing, it is important to put life in perspective and put yourself first.

Go for a walk – It’s time to embrace the environment we live in. You can walk down the same street time and time again and see nothing. However, practice a little Environmental Wellness and the same street can open may new doors. It will inspire you to be respectful of your surroundings, to promote interaction with nature and to live in harmony with the earth and take action to protect it.

Enjoy the things you love – online gaming has become increasingly popular for both women and men. Not only does this give you some relaxation time, but it can also be done in the comfort of your own home, which means you don't even have to go out of your front door. SlotAdvice is one of the most popular game providers, offering the most popular slots collections, UK casino reviews, free spins, and no deposit offers, all in one place. Giving you the freedom to navigate slots online with ease.

Read a book – if reading is inspiring to you, there is a huge selection of books available in an array of subjects to bring pleasure as well as education to your life.

Not only will reading reduce stress and anxiety, but it will also help to enhance sleep quality, increase memory, creativity, and problem-solving.

Socialize – Another great benefit of reading is the possibility of improving your analytical, writing and conversation skills. This goes hand in hand with the art of socializing, especially if you could tie this up with joining a book club.

Socializing can provide a number of benefits to your physical and mental health. It will increase your self-esteem, cognitive function, and gives you a sense of purpose and meaning. It has also been said that connecting with friends may also boost your brain health and lower your risk of dementia.

Here are some ideas on how to build your social circle:

Use Skype or Facetime to catch up with friends and family.

Volunteer at your favourite charity organization, they are always looking for helpers and would be glad of the additional help.

Sing in the local church choir, or take up an exciting new hobby like Bell Ringing.

Make friends with your neighbours, they may require a babysitter or dog sitter or just a friendly face to converse with.

Play cards or board games with others, look for your local groups – you may be surprised how many like-minded people are local to you.

Indulge in a facial – I really appreciate the luxury of a facial. Not only does it make me feel special, it is relaxing, reduces stress and will also help to relieve psychological distress too. Naturally, the additional benefit is leaving my face refreshed, glowing and rejuvenated.

Don’t feel guilty about having some downtime; it is important for us all to enjoy life to the full.

Lilly Light

How To Be A Master Of Your Time

Poppy Watt — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 09:57:06 +0000

How To Be A Master Of Your Time

However much we manage to squeeze into our day, often our biggest pitfall is time; and that is we don't seem to have enough of it!

Therefore, simple changes to our lifestyle to reclaim more time and accomplish our goals faster could possibly be of great benefit, particularly to me.

The way to achieve this is to take out the activities that are not being put to good use.

Make a List – On a day-to-day basis, we may be thinking more about what we should be doing than actually achieving those goals. It can be overwhelming. Therefore, I find by making a list it puts all the things of the day into perspective, so I can see, approach and deal with them more efficiently.

Television and the Internet can be fun, necessary as well as time-consuming. For both, once you have finished what you are doing, switch it off. It’s too easy to sit through the next TV show or mindlessly search for another site when not completely necessary. If you use the internet for gaming I have recently found Casino login online, this site offers round-the-clock services ensuring I have access to my favourite online casino website every time I need to, hassle-free.

In my limited moments of relaxation, playing a game or two can be problematic if common login problems arise. This could be that I have forgotten my password. (Generally, the password recovery procedure can be a frustrating one, to retrieve and chances are, I will move onto something else.) Being locked out of my account, having cache or cookie login issues, or generally having difficulties connecting, as you can imagine instantly take the joy out of the moment!

Casino login finds the fastest sites to connect to with their technical analysis of top UK casino brands, as well as offering interesting bonuses of sign up offers, free spins, and bonus codes.

Delegate – I often think it is quicker to do something myself than explain it to someone else to carry out the task. This is both at home and at work. However, there is no harm in asking a family member to carry out simple tasks or pick up the slack when my time should be as valuable as everyone else’s.

Work –Focus on being more productive in your work hours, not necessarily doing things faster, just more productively. Measure and be aware of the actual value each of your work activities brings. This way you can simplify or eliminate those that do or don’t, enameling you additional free time at the end of the day.

Cooking - Cooking meals in advance, or ordering a subscription service not only offer inspirational meals, but there is also less food wastage and needless trips to the supermarket.

House Chores - keeping your environment tidy and maintaining an organised system in the home will help to reduce the need for overhauls, which will cut down your time usage.

Exercise – as we all know, exercise is an important factor for general wellness. However, why not plan your workouts in advance and schedule wisely into your day. Perhaps even split your routine, between other activities, giving a greater variety to your day.

Poppy Watt

5 Tips for Choosing a Cheltenham Business Accountant

Poppy Watt — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:58:31 +0000

5 Tips For Choosing A Cheltenham Business Accountant

Choosing a Cheltenham accountant is just like picking a business partner. Choose the right accountant and you will gain a trusted partner, someone you can rely on, someone who will take care of practicalities and someone who will also be able to advise you as your business develops.

But what do you need to look for in Cheltenham tax accountants? It’s important to carefully consider your decision so that you know you are getting the best accountants for your needs. Here are a few of the things you should consider when you are looking for a Cheltenham accountant or tax adviser.

1. Choose Local

This tip may not immediately be top of your list, given how easy it is to conduct business relationships online. At first glance, the exact location of an accountant seems to matter less nowadays when digital accountancy is on the rise, and most tasks can be accomplished without meeting face to face. However, choosing a local firm of Cheltenham accountants has its benefits. You may not want to meet very often, but you will be able to quickly connect whenever necessary. A local accountant will also be able to attend business meetings with you and is more readily available for strategic consultations. You will also be able to get recommendations for a local firm of accountants from your contacts in the area.

2. Look For Relevant Expertise

It is important that your accountants are familiar with working alongside businesses in your industry and location. It is helpful if they understand the needs of your particular business as they will be able to offer more relevant and useful advice on business strategy and direction. It is also important to consider the size of the businesses they tend to work with. It helps if you have a firm of accountants that can grow alongside you as your business develops.

3. Find Someone Proactive

The best accountant for your business is one that is proactive about saving money. You can always hire an accountant who will simply complete your tax return, but it is much more useful to hire a firm that will also help you to develop your business by identifying ways you can save money. Accountants should be able to help you see areas where you can streamline processes or use tax laws to your advantage, not your disadvantage.

4. Compare the Options

Make sure you carefully consider a shortlist of potential candidates to make certain you are getting the best accountant for your business. Interview potential accountants so you can get a good feel for how well you will be able to work together.

5. Check the Fees

Take a close look at what you will be paying for. Is there any way you can get a cheaper deal by doing some of the tax procedures yourself? Check how much the accountancy firm will charge and what you will get for your money. The cheapest firm will not necessarily be the best, but you do need to make sure you are not paying over the odds for accountancy work.

Lee Bastin

The Best New True Crime Stories: Serial Killers

Poppy Watt — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:38:54 +0000

The Best New True Crime Stories: Serial Killers
edited by Mitzi Szereto

Listed in "Top 5 True Crime Books to Read" by CrimeReads!

If you are looking for a thrilling book to get your teeth into over the festive season, look no further!

Edited by acclaimed author and anthologist Mitzi Szereto, The Best New True Crime Stories: Serial Killers reveals all-new accounts of true crime serial killers from the contemporary to the historic. The international list of contributors includes award-winning writers, true crime podcasters, journalists, and experts in the dark crimes field such as Martin Edwards, Lee Mellor, Danuta Kot (Reah), Craig Pittman, Stephen Wade, Richard O Jones, Marcie Rendon, Mike Browne, and Vicki Hendricks.

This great read is now available from Amazon UK, WHSmiths, Apple Books and Waterstones and certainly well worth picking up a copy.

Serial killers can be anywhere. And scarier still, they can be anyone.

“Serial killers. They make the headlines. They give you nightmares. They make you afraid to leave your house. Yet according to statistics, you’re more likely to be murdered by someone you know than by a complete stranger. When a murder is committed by a stranger, it’s usually in connection with a burglary or robbery. But serial killers are a different entity. They’re the wildcard you never see coming.”—Mitzi Szereto (from the Introduction)

Serial killers. Names like Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer are often the first ones that spring to mind. But serial killers have been around for a very long time—and they’re not just limited to the male gender either. Some of these predators have been caught and brought to justice, whereas others have never been found, let alone identified.

What critics are saying:

“True Crime addicts will devour this book.”—Aphrodite Jones, bestselling true crime author

“This compelling collection of serial killer stories is more than its beautifully told parts—it adds up to a clear and startling portrait of murder as an addiction and the very human demons that haunt the lives of killers and victims alike.”—Deborah Blum, author of The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz-Age New York

“An engrossing and multi-faceted anthology for a new era of true crime writing. This fascinating collection goes beyond the procedural to raise important questions about how man’s darkest impulses both threaten and consume us—as individuals and as a culture.”—Piper Weiss, Author of You All Grow Up and Leave Me

“From the virtually crime-free suburbs of Japan to the mean streets of South America; from the peaceful, but forever-tainted English cathedral town of Gloucester, to a Native Indian Reservation; from the fjords of Norway to the idyll of a Midwest farm, this book travels the world, examining the history and psychology of some of the world’s most gruesome serial killers.”—Robin Bowles, Australia’s true crime queen

“Chilling, very moving (those poor victims), but above all, essential reading.”—Peter Guttridge, critic and crime fiction author

“Can’t get enough true crime? This thought-provoking, highly readable collection will scratch that itch.”—Alma Katsu, author of The Hunger

“Wonderfully written, these stories will take you on a journey that will chill you to the bone, horrify you, even terrify you but it’s a journey you will be compelled to finish. Amazing book, one of the best true crime books I’ve read in a long time.”—Readers Favourite

Read our interview with Mitzi Szereto here

Poppy Watt

What’s happening at Historic Royal Palaces, January - March 2020?

Poppy Watt — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:16:56 +0000

What’s happening at Historic Royal Palaces, January - March 2020?

As we head into a new decade, celebrate 2020 in style with a variety of exciting events and activities across the palaces.

In February and March, Kensington Palace invites guests to immerse themselves in the drama of the court of Queen Caroline and Henrietta Howard (her husband’s mistress!) as Historic Royal Palaces partners with renowned theatre company Les Enfants Terrible on a ground-breaking after-hours immersive theatre experience; United Queendom.

Meanwhile, during February Half Term at Hampton Court Palace, an ageing Queen Elizabeth I needs help to uncover treasonous plots and is recruiting spies for her mission! Visitors will have the chance to uncover and decipher puzzling codes and clues to help the Queen in this family-friendly activity. To celebrate LGBT History Month in February, at the Tower of London Historic Royal Palaces is launching a new series of after-hours LGBT+ tours. These intimate evenings explore the history of London’s most famous fortress through the lens of changing attitudes to gender and sexuality, sharing stories of figures from this iconic building’s history from the Medieval period to the present day.

Highlights

United Queendom

Selected dates in February and March

Kensington Palace

Experience the premiere of a unique after-hours immersive experience at Kensington Palace, created with Olivier nominated theatre company Les Enfants Terribles. Delving into the world of political intrigue, court games, high drama, scandalous gossip and smiling through gritted teeth, this theatrical experience presents two separate journeys highlighting the stories of Queen Caroline – a former resident of the palace - and her husband’s mistress, Henrietta Howard. It will bring to life two brilliant women who might have otherwise been lost in the shadow of their king, exploring how they made their mark on their world and ours.

Tickets: £55, £35 for Historic Royal Palaces members. Ticket includes a drink.

LGBT+ Tours at the Tower

Sunday evenings 9 February – 15 March

Tower of London

Discover 1000 years of queer history on this immersive evening tour at the Tower of London. This intimate after-hours experience explores the history of the Tower of London through the lens of changing attitudes to gender and sexuality. Uncover King Edward II’s close male friendships and examine how King Henry VIII’s criminalisation of homosexual acts shaped viewpoints for over 400 years. Moving on to the 20th Century, the tour will shed light on how the alleged homosexuality of prisoner Roger Casement was used in Parliament to build a case against him, and the real danger posed by queer sexual slander.

Tickets: £25

Celebrating 500 years of the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula

Selected dates 8 January – 17 November

Tower of London

In 2020 the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London celebrates its 500-year anniversary. Built-in 1520, the Chapel is perhaps best known as the burial place of some of the Tower’s most famous prisoners, including three Queens of England: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Jane Grey. To mark this very special milestone there will be a series of commemorative events running throughout the year, from lectures exploring the fascinating history of the Chapel to intimate choral performances by one of the nation’s finest chapel choirs, the Choir of the Chapels Royal, HM Tower of London. Guest speakers will include Tracy Borman, who is delivering a lecture on Henry VIII and the men who made him on 11 February.

See the Historic Royal Palaces website for more details on events and timings.

Knight School

15 – 23 February, daily 11:00 – 16:00

Tower of London

Become a knight for the day at the Tower of London. In the shadow of the imposing White Tower kids will learn all the essential components of a knight’s arsenal; from manners, etiquette, and entertainment, to martial skills and fitness. Curious knights-in-training will see how heavy plate armour really is, design their very own coat of arms, test their new-found knightly knowledge and much more.

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Elizabeth I and her Spy Masters

15 – 23 February

Hampton Court Palace

Queen Elizabeth I is in residence at Hampton Court Palace this February half term and is on the hunt for trainee spymasters to solve clues, uncover evidence and stop potential treasonous plots! Little ones will have the chance to become a spy, meeting some of the suspects in her court along the way, whilst deciphering mysterious codes and listening in on secret conversations. It will then be time to report back to the Queen on the discoveries about her wayward courtiers! Visitors can also pay a visit to The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I display, which showcases what is believed to be the only surviving item from her wardrobe.

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Events

Story Time

19 January, 9 February and 8 March, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45 and 14:45

Kensington Palace

Story Time is a lively interactive storytelling session perfect for under 7’s and their families. Each month, visitors can experience a different picture book, and discover new stories, with songs, rhymes and more. January’s story, Wild, by Emily Hughes, tells the story of Peter the Wild Boy who came to live at Kensington Palace and will see those gathered around getting to grips with their wild side!

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Rainbow Stories: Parties, Poetry, and Pride

15-23 February – 11:00 – 15:30

Kensington Palace

This half term, join us as we celebrate LGBT+ history at Kensington Palace. Meet Queen Caroline as she hosts a party in the absence of her husband King George II, with the outrageous Lord Hervey as the guest of honour. Fellow party-goers will hear about his relationship with Caroline’s son and help to restore his reputation as one of the greatest poets of the era following a character assassination by his contemporary Alexander Pope. Inspired by Lord Hervey’s poetic flair, there will be drop-in poetry sessions throughout the week, and to truly blend in with the Georgian crowd, guests will have the opportunity to create their own look. Expect exciting attendees, plenty of colour, and plenty of flair!

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Your Day at Court

17 January – 31 March (excluding 15-23 February)

Kensington Palace

Experience the court of George II at Kensington Palace in all its splendour this spring, with a chance to meet some of the characters who called Kensington their home and discover the intrigue and etiquette of their daily life. The witty and intelligent Queen Caroline is in attendance, holding court in her husband’s absence.

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Life in the Medieval Palace

2 January – 14 February, 24 February – 31 March.

Tower of London

Step back in time to 1278 as King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile enjoy their newly built apartments at the Tower. Meet characters from the past and enjoy live drama exploring the Tower’s rich Medieval history.

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members

Storytime Adventures

12 January, 2 February, 1 March, 11.45, 13.00, 14.15 (20mins)

Hampton Court Palace

Settle down and get cosy inside the palace’s historic State Apartments as our expert storytellers regale visitors with tales that bring the history of Hampton Court Palace to life.

Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.

Hillsborough Castle Inventors’ Club, in partnership with NI Science Festival

22 February

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle is no stranger to inventors, with America’s Founding Father visiting the Castle in the 1770s. Inspired by Franklin’s famous kite experiment, which revealed the electrical nature of lightning, families can explore some of history’s other ground-breaking inventions; from Edison’s kinetoscope to Harry Ferguson’s pioneering flight, in this fun and interactive workshop hosted in partnership with the NI Science Festival. Budding little brainiacs can even have a go at making and designing their own inventions!

Admission is free with a castle or gardens ticket. All children must be accompanied.

An Evening of Drink and Drugs at Hillsborough Castle, in partnership with NI Science Festival

22 February, 7 pm

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

For thousands of years, people have partaken in a variety of state-altering substances; from tobacco and alcohol to laudanum and cocaine. Discover an expert insight into legal highs through the ages in this fascinating discussion evening held in the castle’s spectacular Throne Room, followed by cocktails and even cabaret entertainment.

Admission £18 including a beverage

Poppy Watt

Gluhwein And All That…The Taste Of Christmas

Mrs Foodie — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:01:48 +0000

Gluhwein And All That…The Taste Of Christmas

We went to Berlin last weekend for a long weekend. It was a city we hadn’t visited before, but it is definitely one we will be visiting again. We were very pleasantly surprised at the beautiful architecture, (we stayed in the old East Berlin) and the vast range of fabulous restaurants, delis, and bars; they were well priced too!

Luckily (actually, we planned it) the Christmas markets were in full swing. In our four days there we visited three different ones, as well as the most incredible farmers’ market. Needless to say, we drank a fair amount of gluhwein in the markets – there was the choice of red or white, which we don’t often see here in the UK. A good gluhwein is, to me, the very essence of the festive season (oh, and a whisky mac is too, of course!).

There were stacks of stalls everywhere selling Bratwurst and in particular, we were told we should try a Currywurst. To be honest I was rather underwhelmed by the latter but glad I tried it. It is pretty easy to do at home – just smother a German sausage with curry ketchup (Stokes makes one or check out Aldi and Lidl) or you could just add curry powder to tomato ketchup and sprinkle more on top.

The food in the delis and markets included lots of different – and really delicious – spreads that are often served with pretzels or rye bread. We tasted a range of different ones: aubergine; pimento; spinach; and curry & mango, as well as herring and beetroot.

For a taste of Germany this Christmas, you could head to the Alpine market in Kingston, or Aldi or Lidl.

But the easiest - and one of the tastiest - alternatives is to book yourself into Stein’s Restaurant in Kingston for a really authentic German festive feast or if you are up in London, visit Stein’s Berlin which is in South Kensington.

To put you in the mood for the festive season, here is a recipe for gluhwein (courtesy of BBC Good Food) that will go down a treat in this cold winter weather.

GLUHWEIN

PREP: 5 MINS

COOK: 15 MINS

EASY, SERVES 8-10

1 orange, halved and sliced

1 bottle red wine

200g caster sugar

5 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

3 slices fresh ginger (peeled)

150ml brandy, rum, amaretto or schnapps

Method

Put the orange slices, wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and ginger in a large pan. Warm gently for 10-15 mins, being careful not to let the mixture boil. Add the alcohol, pour into glasses and serve warm.

Mrs Foodie

Twickenham & Richmond Tribune

Getting Rid of Wrinkles: When to Start Getting Botox

Poppy Watt — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:01:54 +0000

Getting Rid of Wrinkles: When to Start Getting Botox

Like most medical procedures, the use of Botox is not something that should be taken lightly. While plenty of technological strides have been made, it is still vital to note that Botox can have unforeseen consequences for those who are not prepared. It might be considered a generally harmless procedure, but it always pays to err on the side of caution.

Even if you are unhappy with your wrinkles, it is still better to be safe than sorry. A better understanding of the treatment and what you are getting into will eventually lead to a more informed decision. Here are a few things to consider before getting Botox.

Ensure that your chosen doctor is a reputable one

It might come as a surprise, but there have been plenty of situations where a Botox procedure went wrong due to a lack of preparation - not necessarily on the part of the patient. There are some doctors who are more than happy to make use of Botox toxin from less than reputable sources, which increases the risk of counterfeit materials. The use of the toxin from any other source is illegal, which means it is never a bad idea to only seek an appointment with trusted dermatologists with a track record of success. Reputable services include Botox London, among others.

Preventative Botox is useful, but there are risks

Some people choose to make use of the Botox procedure even if the lines on their faces have not entirely set. It is a process known as preventative Botox, and it is often quite useful, but it is still crucial to understand what it entails. After all, Botox is a temporary procedure, which means that the most effective use of preventative Botox is to schedule appointments multiple times throughout the years; otherwise, you will still likely end up with unwanted wrinkles.

That said, it would not be a good idea to start too early. At most, people who are in their late thirties and early forties would be a good starting point, depending on specific circumstances.

When to consider making use of the Botox procedure

Effective use of Botox depends on a number of factors. For example, if you are fond of making faces and have a habit of smiling, it could eventually end up in wrinkles even if your face is at rest. The moment you start noticing that you have lines, even with a rested facial expression, is typically a good time to begin preventative Botox. On the other hand, if you have a job that involves continually being exposed to the sun such as a lifeguard or a truck driver, you will likely notice deeper wrinkles early on in life. In such cases, the use of Botox even in the early thirties is not unheard of, and perhaps also ideal.

While the decision rests with you, it is still essential to understand what getting Botox entails. Keep in mind that your health must always be the top priority, no matter the scenario.

Lee Bastin

The Heavenly Scents of Christmas.

Lilly Light — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:57:33 +0000

The Heavenly Scents of Christmas.

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas and one of the best things about the festive season is the scent of it.

Nothing evokes memories like a scent. Certain scents trigger wonderful memories of Christmas past, whether it's pine trees, your grandmother’s fresh-baked gingerbread, or spicy mulled wine.

There are many fun ways to give your home a festive fragrance. Scented candles come in all the Christmas fragrances you can imagine. Pot Pourri a pretty dish is an easy way to add a seasonal feel to a room, reed diffusers, incense, herbal wreaths, and natural oils. Or why not do it yourself with a homemade orange and clove pomander ball?

Make this festive season one to remember with a scented home that will put everyone in a holiday mood.   

Here are selections of my favorite smells that bring my Festive Season alive.

Christmas greenery -Surely nothing says Christmas like the smell of fresh evergreens, in wreaths and swags as well as fresh-cut trees. It’s the best argument I know to buy real and not artificial trees and wreaths.

Balsam or pine incense– Incense sticks bring instant Christmassy fragrance to any room for those of you who do not have an open fire or log burner.

Frankincense - Our German friends burn cones of frankincense incense in their Santa smokers at Christmas, and we love the treasured fragrance. Not having a Santa Smoker I prefer to use oil in an oil burner for this fragrance.

Woodsmoke – whether it’s from the garden bonfire or an open fire in the home this fragrance certainly triggers an abundance of happy memories. Christmas Eves of childhood, with a fire in the living room fireplace and my stocking hung by the chimney with care.

Real beeswax candles- Few things smell as heavenly as beeswax, with its potent honey scent enhancing the rich gold color of the candles.

Cinnamon - Few things bring out the warmth and comfort of the Christmas season like the smell of cinnamon: cinnamon sticks in mulled cider or hot chocolate, hot cinnamon buns or coffeecake, even the cinnamon-infused pinecones in bags as you walk into the supermarket. When the cinnamon sticks come out at your house, you know it’s Christmas!

Orange and cloves- The delicious combination of orange and cloves first imprinted itself on me as a youngster when we would stick whole cloves into oranges every December to make pomanders to set out in bowls at Christmas. The whole house, as well as the airing cupboard where we would dry them, was filled with their wonderful fragrance.

Mulled Wine– An all time favorite for me, nothing puts me in the mood more than a warming, scented glass of fruity mulled wine – delicious.

Fresh baking– whether you like it or not, Christmas time generally creates an excess of baking! Hot bread, cookies, mince pies, cakes you name it, we will give it a go… The heavenly smell of baked goods promises a very, very merry Christmas for everyone.

Make this festive season one to remember with a scented home that will put everyone in a holiday mood. Why not try the traditional scented Pomander Ball for starters…

For me, few things say Christmas quite as much as the scent and sight of an old-fashioned orange and clove pomander ball. I clearly remember making these as a youngster, with my mum and sister, often leaving little dents in our fingers from the sharp cloves. The dismay when you would break the bulbous clove head, seeing it drop and leaving an angular star in its place was heartbreaking but never enough to stop you filling your orange until it was complete.

This is an authentic Christmas smell and is so easy to make with your kids or just for yourself.  

For a straightforward pomander, take:

One orange

Half a cup (or a good handful) of whole cloves

A festive ribbon

Your or your children will need to decide on the pattern for your cloves. The easiest way is to just dot them all over the orange or use a lattice pattern.

The more artistic might want to add the cloves in lines, or even use them to make a face!

If you want to hang your pomander, be sure to leave a nice clear section for your ribbon. The picture shows how this will look once you've added it.

As orange peel can be tough and cloves may break, it can help to make holes first using a sharp object (adults and responsible older kids only!) and then push the cloves into these holes (kids can do this!).

Once you're happy with the look of the pomander, tie on the festive ribbon and make a loop at the top so that you can make a hanging decoration for your Xmas tree or window. Or you can leave the ribbon off and place it on a mantelpiece or shelf.

Lilly Light

Eco Garden December

Lilly Light — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:55:51 +0000

Eco Garden December

Winter has arrived, with frost, heavy rain, and chilly winds. Sunshine hours are much reduced and there’s always the risk of snow. All of this may keep us indoors, but when there’s a little sunshine we need to get out in the garden, catch up on tasks, keep an eye on winter protection and make sure any greenhouse heater is working.

Things to do…

Flowers, Fruit & Vegetables - Alpines can be sown from seed this month. They need a period of cold to wake them up. A sheet of glass can be positioned over the sown area to protect it. Alternatively, the seeds can be stratified in the fridge, for sowing next spring, if you have room with the turkey!

Root cuttings can be taken now. Papaver (perennial poppies), Verbascum (mullein) and Phlox are great examples.

This is also the ideal time to clear up weedy beds ready for spring mulching. Get warmed up and finish with a glass of mulled wine.

Improve the drainage of heavy clay soils by working in plenty of bulky organic matter, such as composted bark.

Trees and shrubs - Protect newly-planted trees, hedges and shrubs from cold winds and frosts, with a windbreak made from supporting stakes and fabric like hessian. This will stop the old loosening and lifting the roots.

Tie wall shrubs and climbers onto their supports to protect them from wind damage.

Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls)

Prune Acers, birches, and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding (when sap leaks from a wound or pruning cut on a tree, shrub or woody climber)

Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted.

For a super gadget idea for a keen gardener, I have spotted a classic pair of Orla Kiely Pocket Pruners. Practical as well as stylish, the secateurs are crafted in stainless steel and have sturdy wooden handles with an embossed stem, making a delightful gift for Christmas.

Houseplants - Check that light levels are sufficient for houseplants to carry on over the winter. Don’t leave them neglected in a back or spare room that receives little natural light, or with the curtains left drawn.

Reduce watering of houseplants - more die from overwatering than any other cause. Adjusting your watering routine once plants are moved back inside the house is essential for continued survival.

Most plants benefit when the soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This dryness ensures that oxygen penetrates to the plant's root system, oxygen that is just as essential for good plant growth as water. Often a plant can be allowed to wilt slightly before it is watered, this gives an indication of when water is needed.

Poinsettias are a traditional festive plant but can be difficult to keep. Avoid buying those that have been accidentally chilled, particularly from street stalls on cold days. Once home, place them in a warm, light place, away from drafts, to ensure they last for as long as possible.

Greenhouse - Put up insulating material such as bubble wrap on the inside of the greenhouse for added protection.

This is a good time to clean all your old pots and seed trays so that they are ready for next spring’s flurry of activity.

Lawns - Grass will continue to grow in temperatures above 5°C (41°F), so if the weather remains mild you can use the mower to keep the lawn in trim.

Watch your lawn for signs of waterlogging, as the weather gets wetter. You may be able to remedy this with some maintenance, clear the leaves and spike to let the water drain away.

Recycling – There are so many fantastic recycling ideas for fire pits, I was particularly drawn to the Fire Pit and Grill made with Recycled Car Parts from the 1001gardens.org website, not only does it look great it's the perfect excuse to socialise the night away whatever time of year.

Birds & Wildlife - Drinking water entices birds but keeping it ice free is not as critical as many people believe. On freezing days, birds should use baths for drinking only—not bathing. The simplest and probably the safest and most environmentally conscientious way to provide water in winter is to set out a plastic bowl at the same time each day and bring it in when ice forms.

If you do want to keep a birdbath ice-free during sub-freezing days, you have several choices. Manufacturers now offer birdbaths with built-in, thermostatically controlled heaters.

A less expensive alternative is a light bulb set in a flower pot under the water basin. The light bulb will provide enough heat to keep the water from freezing. Ideally, plug your heater into a ground-fault interrupted circuit (available from hardware or electrical supply stores) to eliminate the chance of electric shock.

Lilly Light

December Birthstone – Turquoise

Lilly Light — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:54:43 +0000

December Birthstone – Turquoise

Each month of the year is represented by their own special gemstone. Turquoise is the birthstones for December.

Cultures around the world have admired the distinct colour of turquoise since ancient times.

The earliest evidence comes from ancient Egyptian tombs, which contain elaborate turquoise jewellery dating back to 3000 BCE. Egyptians set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, used it as inlay and carved it into scarabs. Most notably, King Tut’s iconic burial mask was extravagantly adorned with exquisite turquoise.

The word turquoise dates back to the 13th century, drawing from the French expression pierre tourques, which referenced the “Turkish stone” brought to Europe from Turkey.

Colour

The colour of turquoise ranges from sky-blue to shades of blue-green and green.

Turquoise is found in arid regions where rainwater dissolves copper in the soil, forming colourful nodular deposits when it combines with aluminum and phosphorus. Copper contributes blue hues, while iron and chrome add a hint of green.

Unique Properties

Some turquoise contains pieces of host rock, called matrix, which appear as dark webs or patches in the material. Although this can lower the stone’s value, the uniform “spiderweb” pattern of turquoise can look particularly attractive.

Spiritual Meaning

Turquoise is thought to be a protective stone against evil, danger, and disease that has been used for amulets for centuries. Rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits, and because of this, turquoise stones represent a happy life filled with good fortune.

Ancient practitioners believed that turquoise would actually change colour when the wearer was ill or in danger.

It is also said to dispel negative energy and provide protection against pollutants in the environment. The birthstone of December is also thought to enhance intuition, as well as release inhibitions and prohibitions, which allows the soul to express itself. It is a promoter of self-realisation. Associated with the throat chakra, turquoise helps you give voice to your wisdom, assist creative problem solving and calms the nerves when speaking in public.

Healing Properties of Turquoise

Turquoise has long been considered a great healing stone. When worn near a body part that's in pain, this energetic stone is said to absorb negative energies.

A bracelet of turquoise is believed to detoxify the blood as it flows under it.

Hanging a turquoise stone from the neck can help heal asthma, lung, and throat ailments.

Headaches and ear infections are said to improve if a turquoise stone is worn in the appropriate spot.

Turquoise, considered feminine in nature, has been used to treat many female disorders.

How to cleanse your birthstone

It is important to cleanse your birthstone regularly since the gemstone absorbs negative energy from your body and your surroundings. Holding it under running lukewarm water for a short period of time, once a day can do this. You could also visualise a white or golden light surrounding your gemstone and clear away any negativity, as you rinse the birthstone. Do this every morning or evening – especially if you wear your jewellery on a regular basis. To charge your gemstone a little extra, leave it in the direct moonlight during the full moon.

Lilly Light

Find your birthstone here

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Poppy Watt — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:43:11 +0000

Commence your festive celebrations with a visit to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

With festive treats and stocking fillers galore, the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is the perfect place to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

6 – 8 December 2019

The first full weekend of December sees the return of the popular Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre. Held in the palace’s atmospheric courtyards, visitors can sample treats that would receive the royal seal of approval from Hampton Court’s most famous resident, and notorious foodie, King Henry VIII. The fayre is included in the regular admission price and free for members of Historic Royal Palaces.

The historic courtyards and East Gardens will be filled with over 120 mouth-watering stalls, with plenty of new exhibitors this year offering everything from luxurious hot chocolate and mulled wine to gift-worthy coconut rum. They also promise a treat to suit every festive craving, from warm artisan sausage rolls to soft, gooey brownies. The Humble Country Courtyard returns this year.  As well as the array of artisan producers and gifts, a star-studded line up of chefs are also on the menu, including Michel Roux Jr and Alex Hollywood. The culinary experts will be cooking up a storm in The Kitchen, and with all the demonstration sessions also included in the ticket price, visitors will leave inspired and ready to create their own yuletide treats to wow hungry family members.

When appetites have been sated, visitors can soak up the Fayre’s festive atmosphere, with the Courtyard Bandstand playing Christmas classics to entertain shoppers of all ages, as well as performances by a range of talented vocalists covering everything from folk and jazz to traditional carol singing. For evening present hunting, a Twilight Shopping ticket is available on Friday and Saturday evening from 16:00 – 18:00. This provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on foodie gifts, with the ticket costing £5 and excluding palace entry. Alternatively, upgrade to a VIP ticket to truly get the star treatment, with the opportunity to relax in the exclusive VIP lounge, enjoy complimentary Champagne PIAFF and receive a goodie bag complete with a cook book packed with scrummy ideas to take home.

Tickets, which include entry to both Hampton Court Palace and the Festive Fayre, are on sale now at www.hrpfoodfestivals.com Free for Historic Royal Palaces members Adults: from £19.20 / Children: from £9.60

Festive Fayre Twilight Shopping Ticket: £5 VIP Ticket: £75.

Poppy Watt

What is Bruxism?

Poppy Watt — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 17:31:32 +0000

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that makes people clench, grind and chatter their teeth, normally while asleep. It is closely related to stress and anxiety. In most cases, it can go undiagnosed and overlooked without any serious harm. However, there are people who will suffer painful side effects such as headaches, jaw pain, and migraines.

Bruxism symptoms

The pain symptoms of bruxism are relatively easy to spot. There is clenching of the jaw that can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and migraines. These pains can be onset in the morning after grinding the teeth during the night.

Bruxism treatment

Bruxism treatment is not always necessary, especially in young children as they usually grow out of it. This too is the case for adults, as it can stop with a change in lifestyle that reduces stress and anxiety levels.

However, in some cases, the pain is severe and does require treatment. There are a variety of treatments available to help stop the further damaging of the teeth and suffering. The most common treatment is mouthguards that soften the pressure that is applied during clenching. They are worn overnight and help reduce the pain in the jawline and headaches, whilst also reducing the damage done to the teeth.

Stress and anxiety related to bruxism

Bruxism is closely related to suffering from sleep issues, anxiety and stress. Teeth grinding can be a consequence of high stress or anxiety levels for many people who suffer. A change in lifestyle can help reduce the stress, and there are things to do before going to sleep that can help with a goodnight’s sleep and reduce the teeth grinding:

READING

LISTENING TO MUSIC

CONTROLLED BREATHING

Essentially, anything the bruxism sufferer finds relaxing. This way, it is possible to go to sleep more relaxed and reduce the clenching.

An alternative is to find the cause of such high-stress levels and tackle that issue.

Does bruxism have a cure?

There is no definite cure for bruxism beyond it passing or identifying what causes anxiety and stress and helping the patient find a solution. Prevention is the best recommended way to go. Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene are great ways to stay on top of it. Mouthguards also offer protection and are a sound solution.

Suffering from misaligned, cracked, missing or crooked teeth is a reason to visit your local dentist, as these can lead to further oral problems such as bad breath, a bad bite, and other oral issues.

Bruxism is treatable; consult your dentist for further information

Suffering from bruxism is not serious, as there are treatments and help to reduce the effects of clenching and grinding teeth. Because it is stress and anxiety-related, the best help is to make a change in lifestyle and identify what is causing the stress in order to reduce or eliminate it. This will help with reducing bruxism.

If you think you suffer from bruxism, consult with your dentist. Have regular checkups to prevent any damage being caused and for a healthy mouth.

Poppy Watt

Hosting family on Christmas Day? Three tips to help it go smoothly

Poppy Watt — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:08:59 +0000

Hosting family on Christmas Day? Three tips to help it go smoothly

Hosting brings with it a lot of responsibilities. Whether it’s having the neighbours over for drinks or putting on a children’s birthday party, a lot of thought goes into prepping your surroundings for the occasion – and even more so on Christmas Day, one of the biggest days of the year.

Preparing for Christmas Day requires heaps of effort, especially when you’re the one hosting everybody else at your house.

In fact, a recent campaign by retailer Next found that in December 2018 alone, 110 people Googled the phrase “how to tell the family you’re not hosting Christmas” – an increase of 100% from the year before!

Nevertheless, Steph Baker of events company Eventa says that hosting an unforgettable family Christmas doesn’t need to be overly expensive or extravagant. “Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones and enjoying a day that’s filled with delicious food and fun.”

If you do find yourself playing host on Christmas Day, with a house filled with tipsy adults and kids high on sugar, we’ve come up with three top tips for making sure the day runs smoothly.

Tip 1: Plan everything in advance

If you haven’t got a plan in place or a checklist printed, you may end up forgetting to do or buy important things. If you want your Christmas Day to run smoothly, plan ahead several weeks in advance so you know when to tackle each task – from prepping the table display to picking out a turkey.

It’s a good idea to order the turkey as soon as you can and stock up on veg and trimmings a few days before the big day to ensure they stay fresh. When it comes to drinks, you can buy these a few weeks in advance as they won’t go off and can be stored in the garage if you haven’t got space in the fridge.

On Christmas Day itself, create an itinerary (it sounds pedantic, but it’ll really help!) so you know what to put in the oven when and what to prep first. The Internet is a treasure trove for this kind of thing – there are printable checklists and resources galore that’ll help you structure your day and stop you from forgetting anything.

We recommend doing the bulk of your prep before the guests arrive so you have time to mingle with them when they get there.

Tip 2: Make sure you have more than you need

If you’re ever unsure whether you’ve got enough of something, err on the side of caution and buy more than you need. Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry after all – so you’ll want to be generous with the top ups!

Nothing should go to waste; anything leftover can be eaten or drunk a few days after. Alternatively, find a food bank or donate your leftovers to the homeless. This could even include unwanted gifts (let’s face it, there’s always a couple).

Tip 3: Seek help from others

Although you’re the host, there’s absolutely no reason for you to do everything on the day. Cooking, in particular, will be the most time-consuming activity. Steph suggests: “If you’re the host and find cooking the entire festive meal stressful, then why not allocate a starter, side or dessert option to each adult in the family? Not only will it ease the pressure of cooking on the host, but it’s a great way to get other members of the family involved in the Christmas lunch or dinner.”

It definitely shouldn’t fall to one person to do the bulk of the cooking – this is certainly not the case in presenter Emma Willis’ household:

“Christmas lunch is an all hands on deck affair. Everybody kind of chips in to help out with the cooking, but it's just traditional turkey roast.”

And when it comes to tidying up, it’s totally fine to accept help from a couple of your guests if they offer.

We hope we’ve given you some tips for hosting a great Christmas Day. Want to have a giggle at more of Next’s campaign findings? Have a look at some of the nation’s funny Google searches here.

Poppy Watt

Christmas Carvery at the Tilyard Café, Hampton Court Palace

Poppy Watt — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 09:16:10 +0000

Christmas Carvery at the Tilyard Café, Hampton Court Palace

Enjoy a festive feast at the Tiltyard café at Hampton Court Palace with a Christmas carvery option, available at weekends.

From Saturday 30 November until Sunday 23 December, from 1130 – 230pm, the café will be serving up a traditional carvery for £14.50 per person, with vegetarian options and children’s portions available.

Other winter warmers will include mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive coffees mince pies, cakes, and sandwiches available all day.

The Tiltyard café is set in the free to access gardens at Hampton Court Palace and adjacent to the car park. Group bookings in advance on 0203 166 6975 or 07903 972864

Poppy Watt

Festive Foodie Gifts For Far Flung Friends And Family

Mrs Foodie — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 09:08:24 +0000

Festive Foodie Gifts For Far-Flung Friends And Family

It’s that time of year again when you start making endless lists and stocking up for the forthcoming festive season. Many of us have family and friends whom they won’t be able to visit over the holiday season…and with queues in the post office and threatened strikes, it makes sense to organise some online gifts for those far-flung recipients. I’m all for supporting our local retailers – particularly the smaller independents - but there are necessary exceptions.

Here are a few suggestions for some foodie gifts that can be delivered directly to the beneficiary.

First of all, particularly for an elderly relative who might skimp on their Christmas dinner, you could treat them by arranging a Donald Russell Chateaubriand Dinner a Deux. For £48 they’ll receive a Chateaubriand (500g), packs of smoked salmon, Alpine fries, leaf spinach in béchamel and a pair of white chocolate & ginger cheesecakes. All frozen, so you can warn them in advance to keep space in their freezer and you pick the delivery date. Or perhaps just send some delicious smoked salmon? Again Donald Russell is good (the whisky infused one is divine) but also have a look at companies such as Kings Fine Food that offers a 1kg side of excellent smoked salmon from Severn & Wye Smokery for £35.45 delivered. Kings offer a veritable treasure trove of festive delights from award-winning chocolate to caviar and champagne.

Or how about sending a gift that grows?

A product from the range of edgy, cool gift seed kits by Sow Lush makes the perfect present. With seven different kits to choose from, there's something for everyone. Mixologists can grow herbs to use in their favourite boozy beverages or experiment with the thoughtfully-provided recipes. Foodies will love cultivating their own salads, herbs, and colourful veggies.

The kits contain everything needed to grow the seeds successfully: 12 starter pots, 450g nutrient-rich compost, 12 plant markers, and easy to follow, wittily written instructions. The Chillies ‘n’ Spices one is hot stuff! Prices are either £12.95 or £12.95 depending on variety, and Sow Lush gift seed kits are available via Amazon.com (UK and EU delivery only) and are eligible for Amazon Prime (ideal for last-minute shoppers). Last orders for Christmas: December 23rd.

And on the subject of hot stuff, check out Mr Todiwala’s range of spices, recipe books, and chutneys. This much-loved TV chef and successful restaurateur also produce some fabulous chutneys and pickles which will liven up any Boxing Day cold meats. The cookbooks are each individually signed by chef Cyrus and his Mr Todiwala’s Christmas Box is selling like the proverbial hotcakes. This isn’t surprising as it is £20 (plus P&P) and contains all manner of spicy little treats for your loved ones (or yourself of course!)

Another company that does online orders of its extensive range of Italian fine foods is Vallebona, which has been supplying top chefs for years with exceptional Italian produce. You can make up a gift box of your own selection of items from the Vallebona Pantry with your personal message. For delivery anywhere in the UK mainland (except Scottish Highlands). Delivery is free for orders over £100

Mrs Foodie

Twickenham and Richmond tribune

Spice Genius

Mrs Foodie — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:18:23 +0000

Spice Genius

Well, the cat has been placed firmly among those proverbial pigeons in Twickenham’s Church Street. The opening, a few months ago, of Tsaretta Spice (in the old Pincho’s site with the terrace overlooking St Mary’s Church) has definitely raised the bar locally for Indian cuisine. In fact, I think the place may soon become a destination restaurant, and judging by the feedback from friends and our meal there the other day, it certainly deserves to!

The original Tsaretta Spice opened in Meribel, in 2016. Head chef Yousuf Mohammed quickly established its reputation and, amazingly for an Indian restaurant in a French ski resort, it soon secured (and still holds) the No 1 spot there on TripAdvisor! I don’t think it will be long before it scales similar heights locally.

We started with a beer and a cocktail – mine the Cardamom Chai Mojito – a refreshingly different mix of rum, ginger ale and spices.

We tried a number of the tapas dishes with our starters (tapas served at lunchtime only). These included: a delicate spiced beetroot ‘patty’ with quinoa; minced goat with pickled onions on a mini naan; Goan spiced soft shell crab deep fried with chilli, kaffir lime leaves and Goan vinegar; and grilled scallops with pink peppercorns and roasted tomato chutney. Everything was amazingly good – the goat subtly spiced, the crab had a gentle warmth and hint of sweetness, and the scallop was slightly caramelised, smoky with a gentle kick of spice afterwards. There is a highly skilled spice merchant on hand in the kitchen here!

We were recommended the Tawa sea bass, served on a bed of curry leaf infused mashed potato with a mango and coconut sauce. Reader, this dish was seriously good; a veritable tower of deliciousness!

We also shared Kashmiri Rogan Josh, a good example of a more classic dish, with melt-in-the-mouth lamb and a gradual heat in the sauce that builds in the mouth afterwards. Truffle naan was good, but the Peshwari a triumph; piping hot, moist and packed with coconut, almonds and mango. A side of Achari Baigan (aubergine cooked in pickled spices) made me think I’d died and gone to ‘aubergine heaven’. My favourite vegetable reached dizzy new heights here – it was sweet and fragrant.

Not surprisingly we had little room for anything else. But a shared light dessert of green apple jelabi with saffron sorbet was an excellent finale. The sharpness of apple offset the sweetness, and the inherent bitterness of the saffron in the sorbet balanced it perfectly.

With a fairly priced drinks list (House wines £18.50 bottle / £4.50 glass) you can see why Tsaretta Spice is fast building a loyal following locally. We will be back very soon!

Mrs Foodie

Twickenham & Richmond Tribune

November Birthstone – Topaz

Lilly Light — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:54:10 +0000

November Birthstone – Topaz

Each month of the year is represented by their own special gemstone. Topaz and Citrine are the birthstones for November.

Yellow Topaz, has been warming hearts since the days of ancient Egypt and has been revered by many cultures. The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning, “fire.” The Egyptians believed the yellow topaz received its golden colour from the sun god Ra, and the ancient Romans associated the topaz with their god of the sun, Jupiter. Hindus believed the yellow topaz to be sacred, and in Africa, the topaz was used for healing rituals to commune with the realm of the spirit.

Although it was once believed that all topaz stones were yellow, actually the topaz exists in many colours, including clear, blue, green, sherry, brown, and pink.

Unique Properties

The yellow topaz is considered a stone of strength, power, and protection. Because it is ruled by the sun, it bestows abundance and practicality. It also aids in stimulating intelligence and creativity. The heat of this fiery gemstone imbues a strong sense of true love and passion, as well as compassion, kindness, and empathy.

Spiritual Meaning

It is said that the topaz symbolises love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect. Yellow topaz stones are associated with strength and healing for both body and mind. They offer protection to travellers and support good mental health.

Topaz is also linked with wisdom, strength, courage, and serenity. It soothes physical pain, promotes peace and calms emotions. Topaz also promotes forgiveness and discourages negative emotions.

Healing Properties of Topaz

As a healing stone, the yellow topaz is believed to bring a sense of balance to the wearer by relieving tension, calming stress, and harmonising emotions. It also aids in tissue regeneration, counters aging, strengthens the liver, and detoxifies the body. This soothing gemstone also helps inspire a restorative sleep.

Topaz aids digestion and combats eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. It fortifies the nerves and stimulates the metabolism.

How to cleanse your birthstone

Lilly Light

Find your birthstone here

The Language of The Bingo Numbers

Poppy Watt — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 21:11:38 +0000

The Language of The Bingo Numbers

If you are a regular player of Bingo, you will know many of the numbers have their own personal nicknames. This can be for a number of reasons, to bring some additional fun and personality to the game as well as confirming a number being drawn in a noisy room.

To prevent any chance of missing those all-important numbers we looked at 21.co.uk Casino Review, this is one of the top UK online casinos offering you the opportunity to play your favourite game of bingo any time of day without the fear of not hearing your lucky numbers being called.

But, where did this bingo lingo originate?

The truth is that while most of these bingo terms are known, some others are a little unclear.

Certainly, the military is responsible for many of the calls. This is no surprise considering that bingo began as a gambling game popular in the early Army and Navy.

There are many nicknames for the numbers, but here are a few to ponder over:

1 Kelly’s eye: All sources suggest it is military slang. It may originate from the outlaw Ned Kelly. Or the music hall song “Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?” But neither has anything to do with only one eye.

2 One little duck: The shape looks a bit like a swan.

3 One little flea: Looks a bit like a flea.

6 Tom Mix: a cowboy film star from the silent movie era.

7 One little crutch: Looks like a crutch.

8 One fat lady: Resembles the two halves of a large lady.

9 Doctor’s orders / doctor’s joy: number 9 was a laxative pill issued in the army and navy. Supposedly because 9 pm was the latest time in the day when a doctor could be seen.

10 David’s den: changes depending upon the Prime Minister at the time. So has variously been Maggie’s den, Tony’s den, etc.

11 legs: looking like a pair of legs.

13 Bakers Dozen: Bakers in olden times used to make one extra piece of bread/cookie etc to the dozen ordered by a customer so they could do a taste test before it was sold to the customer, hence the phrase.

17 Dancing queen: “You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen” – ABBA.

21 Royal salute: referring to a 21 gun salute.

22 Two little ducks: the number 2 looks like a duck.

28 In a state: ‘two and eight’ is cockney rhyming slang for ‘in a state’.

30 Dirty Gertie: a 1946 film.

39 steps: from the John Buchan novel & Alfred Hitchcock film “The Thirty-Nine Steps”.

42 The street in Manhattan: ’42nd Street’ was a 1933 film.

44 Droopy drawers: looks like a pair of drawers halfway down.

45 Cowboy’s friend: a Colt 45 revolver.

50 Hawaii five oh:an American 70s police drama.

52 Danny La Rue: a 60s / 70s drag artist.

53 Here comes Herbie: The number on the bonnet of the Walt Disney car.

54 House with a bamboo door: “Number fifty-four, the house with the bamboo door” – Earl Grant.

56 Was she worth it? – 5/6 was supposedly once the price of a marriage license (the same story goes for 7/6).

57 Heinz varieties: ‘Heinz 57 varieties’ is a famous company slogan.

59 The Brighton Line: refers to the London to Brighton bus service. It was either a 59 bus or cost 5/9.

62 Tickety-boo: an army phrase meaning “everything’s alright sir”.

64 The Beatle’s number: “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?” – The Beatles.

65 Old age pension: ‘Pension’ age in the UK is at the age of 65.

77 Sunset Strip: an American TV show from the 50s/60s.

88 Two fat ladies: looking like two ‘wobbly’ fat ladies.

Bingo is played all over the world in halls, churches, and homes and nowadays it is a very popular pastime online. For additional online entertainment, you can try a multitude of online casino games with free spins and no deposit bonuses.

Poppy Watt

Tips on preparing the nursery for your new baby

Poppy Watt — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:30:42 +0000

Tips on preparing the nursery for your new baby

We put a lot of effort into making sure our children’s nurseries offer a stimulating yet relaxing environment – in fact, UK parents are willing to put an average of 20 hours and £853 into decorating these nurseries, according to a recent survey commissioned by Next.

Knowing how much time and money is spent on nursery décor, Women Talking has put together a few tips and time-saving hacks on how to prepare your own nursery for your newborn…

TIP 1: CHOOSE A NEUTRAL COLOUR SCHEME

Shifting away from traditional gendered colour schemes, parents of this generation tend to steer towards greys, yellows or other neutral shades to decorate a nursery – according to Next’s survey.

June McLeod, colour psychologist, agrees that this is a good approach, “Babies are happier when surrounded by calming soothing pastel shades; following birth they have a lot of adjusting to do and thrive in a calming coloured environment for the first few months”. She also advises, “Avoid busy patterns and strong colours in their rooms initially to avoid hyperactivity and sleepless nights”.

Next also found that “Animals”, “Jungle/Forest” and “Princess” were the most popular choices of nursery themes with UK parents.

TIP 2: USE LIGHTING TO SET THE MOOD

Complement the muted colour scheme of your baby’s nursery with appropriate lighting. A baby’s exposure to light is much stronger in the first few months.

You can help your baby naturally feel sleepy in the evenings by reducing activities and excitement along with investing in a dimmer instead of an off/on switch. This will allow the baby’s body to understand it’s time to sleep. When doing any midnight check-ups on the baby, this is especially helpful to allow parents to see, but not disturb the baby when sleeping (because we all know how hard it is for them to fall back to sleep!).

Alternatively, night lights provide a soft amount of light but not enough to keep the baby up at night. Due to new advances, some night lights double up as calming sound machines and most come in different shapes and sizes to suit any child. However, avoid any lamps or lighting that can be within their reach as lightbulbs can get extremely hot, especially when turned on for a long period of time.

TIP 3: SEEK OUT SECOND-HAND FURNISHINGS

The research from Next suggests that parents tend to buy a mix of old and new items for the baby with a heavy weighting on new items. However, by switching to second-hand furnishings you’ll not only be positively contributing to the environment but also saving money.

Hand-me-downs save parents a lot of time and expense, especially if the goods are being passed down from one generation to the next. If that’s the case, the sentimental value of these items is retained too.

Learn more about other trends in spending habits for nursery décor here.

Poppy Watt