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Ikea LightsIKEA AND UNICEF LIGHTEN UP CHILDREN’S LIVES IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Here’s a real sunshine story! Starting in June 2009, for every SUNNAN solar-powered lamp sold in IKEA stores worldwide, one lamp will be given to UNICEF to light up the life of a child.

The first shipments are destined for Pakistan, helping children in refugee camps and remote villages in Balochistan and the North West Frontier province who had to flee their homes, as a result of the 2008 earthquake.

IKEA has made an especially sturdy SUNNAN for the developing world, designed to resist the wear and tear of difficult living situations, including a battery capable of withstanding high temperatures.

This unit will enable children to play, read, write and study at night, even if their homes have no electricity.

“Millions of children can’t draw, write or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures,” said Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative. “We hope our lamps are a small but important contribution to improving the lives of children in developing countries.”

“Especially girls are often required to help out with household chores after school, and their only chance of doing their homework may be at night,” she said. “SUNNAN can make a huge difference to them. If they can keep up with the homework, their school attendance will likely increase and their achievements improve.”

Priced at only £17.99, SUNNAN comes in five bright colours and is available in an IKEA store near you.

About the IKEA Social Initiative
The IKEA Social Initiative, established in 2005, manages IKEA’s social involvement on a global level.
The mission is to improve the rights and life opportunities of the many children. The main partners are the two leading global child right organisations; UNICEF and Save the Children. IKEA Social Initiative invests in a range of programs with a holistic approach, aiming to create substantial and lasting results.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

LIZ MCCLARNON TEAMS UP WITH ANDREX® SHEA BUTTER TO HELP WOMEN FEEL FABULOUS
Former Atomic Kitten and winner of Celebrity Masterchef, Liz McClarnon has teamed up with Andrex® to launch their exclusive Andrex* Shea Butter Knickers and help women everywhere feel fabulous! Created by up and coming British lingerie designer Ayten Gasson, these limited edition knickers have been designed to celebrate the launch of the most luxurious toilet tissue ever, Andrex® Shea Butter.

Made from the finest silk with a panel of Shea Butter enriched fabric on the back, the Andrex* Shea Butter Knickers have been designed to give you an extra luxurious feeling. The new toilet tissue, Andrex® Shea Butter, has silky smooth sheets, and luxurious dark brown packaging, which is mirrored in both the look and feel of the knickers – making you feel fabulous.

Says Liz McClarnon, “I am really excited to be involved with the launch of the new Andrex* Shea Butter Knickers. Not only are the knickers beautifully designed by Ayten Gasson to feel extra soft and gorgeous but it’s a real privilege to be able to support such a worthy cause at the same time. The knickers are really luxurious just like Andrex® Shea Butter and just make you feel fabulous the moment you put them on!”

Available from www.andrexsheabutter.com for only £10, Andrex® will be donating fifty per cent (£5) from the sale of each pair of knickers to ‘Look Good…Feel Better’ a charity for women who have been diagnosed with cancer. The charity holds free skincare and make-up workshops to help combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment and, in turn, boost confidence and wellbeing.

COME ALONG, DISCOVER ELEMIS AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT OFFERS…
In celebration of the Queen’s birthday luxury British skincare and spa brand, Elemis is holding a ‘Best of British’ events during next week, 8th-14th June exclusively at all Elemis counters at your local Debenhams store

Be greeted with delicious British Strawberries whilst discovering all about Elemis products and spa-therapies with the professional Elemis therapists

• Complimentary Elemis Pro-Collagen Wrinkle Smooth Pen worth £38 with any two or more Elemis Pro-Collagen purchases

• Enter a competition to win an Exclusive Champneys spa break for 2 worth £750

• Take advantage of £10 off when you book an Elemis Power Booster Facial throughout the week

• Exclusive Gift With Purchase worth £36 with any 2 or more purchases

Available at all Elemis counters at the following Debenhams stores:
• Russell Place, Brighton - 12th June 2009
• Browns of Chester, Cheshire - 12th June 2009
• Oxford Street, London - 10th -13th June 2009
• Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield - 10th-13th June 2009

Elemis retail customer care: 0845 279 5005

Surrender to Elemis Anti-Ageing Amnesty exclusive to John Lewis
Visit your participating Elemis John Lewis counter: Bluewater, Kent Basnett Street, Liverpool Victoria Centre, Nottingham Wilmslow, Cheadle, Cheshire 10 Downing Street, Cambridge Peter Jones, Sloane Square, London Oxford Street, London WestQuay Shopping Centre, Southampton Terms & Conditions: Each customer must surrender a moisturiser. This can be any brand, any size, empty or full. Valid Friday, 19 th June and Saturday 20 th June. One 15ml Pro-Collagen Marine Cream per customer. Whilst stocks last. Elemis retail customer care: 0845 279 5005

FRESH FOR THE SUMMER - WAGAMAMA LAUNCHES NEW MENU
wagamama has just announced its summer menu. packed with exotic ingredients, mouth-watering dressings and wagamama goodness, the new range of pan-asian inspired salads are sure to tickle your taste buds

Created around the light and fresh flavours of the far east, its salad menu features a host of seasonal ingredients and five tasty new dishes. so there is no excuse not to drop in for a quick bite after a long day enjoying the sunshine

In an unusual twist on the traditional, the smoked salmon salad has a strong japanese influence with crisp pepper, tangy beetroot and the unmistakable flavours of miso and wasabi. if you fancy a summer sizzler, try the spicy cumin chicken salad. crunchy red onion and pepper are stir fried with cumin chicken and served on a bed of baby spinage and lots of fresh chillies. alternatively the popular mandarin and sesame chicken salad prepared with coriander, mangetout and cashew nuts is still has pride of place on the menu

Noodle lovers can still get their fix with a range of soba based salads. the scallop and bacon green tea noodle salad is bought to life with a vietnamese nuoc cham sweet and sour dipping sauce. tuck into the ebi noodle salad, mixed with prawns, mushroom, carrot, mooli, cucumber and a spicy citrus ponzu dressing and for a vegetarian treat try the wild mushroom, asparagus and tofu salad, prepared with a pepper, red onion and a mustard dressing

For more goodness, why not accompany your meal with a freshly squeezed juice. alternatively relax with a glass of wine, sake or asian beer

wagamama prides itself on the quality and speed of its service. dishes are prepared immediately, ensuring they arrive freshly cooked. although dishes may be delivered at different times, the wagamama philosophy is: don’t wait – just tuck in and share!

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR UK'S BUSINESSES TO TAP INTO LOCAL TALENT
As the recession bites, the race is on for the UK's businesses in to sign up for the summer work placement programme which matchmakes SMEs with bright young students. With just under a month to go until the 6th July 2009 deadline, businesses should step forward now to avoid missing out.

Shell STEP creates bespoke work experience packages for small businesses and students and has an impressive track record of delivering substantial financial rewards. In 2008, almost half (48%) of Step students added more than £5,000 worth of value to their host business, while 17% have added more than £30,000.

This year's pool of talent includes graduates and undergraduates from a wide range of backgrounds including marketing, product design, engineering, business studies and IT. Placements are individually tailored to the businesses' needs and students' skill and career ambitions to bring tangible benefits to both parties.

Students will benefit from the opportunity to gain relevant and meaningful work experience tailored to their individual skills and career ambitions. The chance to generate results for their host business could give them an edge in an increasingly competitive graduate employment market.

James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, said: "Shell Step has been boosting businesses' bottom lines and students' employment prospect for the last 23 years. I hope that SMEs which may find themselves stretched in the current economic climate will step forward and sign up."
Shell Step is a leading creator of tailored work placement programmes for students in small and medium-sized businesses. A national network of skilled agents matches student applicants, from all academic backgrounds, to predefined business projects that take place over the summer during an eight week period. The programme, part of Shell's wider commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK, has delivered more than 22,000 projects in SMEs since it began in 1986.

To find out how to get involved in the scheme businesses can visit www.shellstep.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 6th July 2009.

PLAY LIKE A PRO ON THE TWENTY TEN COURSE
Walk in the footsteps of Wales Open stars on the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor Resort
Rooms from just £138 based on two people sharing including breakfast*
Championship golf, fishing, mountain biking, tennis, shooting and caving close by, Celtic Manor Resort is the perfect place for an active getaway
If you are a golf enthusiast and missed the Wales Open this year 4 – 7 June 2009, take advantage of Celtic Manor’s preferential rates at the five star resort hotel and walk in the footsteps of the best. Book a stay at Celtic Manor Resort, home of the 2010 Ryder Cup and host to the prestigious Wales Open 2009, with rooms from just £138 per night based on two sharing.

Celtic Manor is a five star resort nestled in the Usk Valley, South Wales, just two hours from London by train and boasts three award-winning golf courses – including the Roman Road and Montgomerie courses - tennis courts, The Forum Spa and Clarin’s Spa, five restaurants, mountain bike trails and clay pigeon shooting. Stay in the five star resort hotel from just £138 per person* including breakfast and tread in the tracks of golfing heroes for your ultimate active, short break stay.

One of the leading events on the European Tour, the Wales Open had its second year on the spectacular Twenty Ten course, the first in history to be designed and built to host The Ryder Cup. Some of the biggest names in golf competed, taking on the challenge of The Twenty Ten course. Now, you could do the same.

Guests at the resort will enjoy a traditional Welsh breakfast in the Olive Tree restaurant as well as full access to the facilities offered by the Forum Health Club. These include the swimming pool, spa bath, steam room and sauna as well as a state-of-the-art fitness suite.

To book, visit www.celtic-manor.com or call 44 (0)1633 410 262

Upgrade Options:

· Family room (two adults and two children) supplement from £30 per room, per night – 3rd night free

· Children’s own connecting room (up to 3 children) supplement from £75 per room, per night – 3rd night free

*based on two sharing a double room

Rates subject to availability.

WORLDWIDE KNITTING IN PUBLIC
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2009
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2009
Needles all over the world will be click-clicking in unison as part of the "Worldwide Knitting in Public" on weekends 13th and 14th June and 20th and 21st June 2009.

Alison Murray, textile designer of both the World's Largest Christmas Tree, which has toured the UK, and the World's Largest Gingerbread House has organised her own "knitting in public" event to help with her next project, an amazing underwater scene, filled with lots of knitted sea life.

Alison is a passionate textile designer who wants to introduce knitting to all ages. She says, "Knitting doesn't have to be just about jumpers and socks, you can knit anything you fancy and any age can learn to knit. We named our current knitting project, "Above and Below the Waves". Our team of knitters has been busy creating and following patterns for fish, shells, lighthouses, RNLI lifeguards, octopi and many more."

The first day kicks off at The BIG Sheep, Bideford on Saturday 13th June. "I chose the BIG Sheep because of the synergy between sheep and wool" says Alison and adds. "Visitors to the attraction can learn about where wool comes from and the process it goes through before ending up in the shop". Visitors can also pick up tips from Alison and the "Knit and Natter" team of knitter. Alison says "Knit and Natter is a group of knitters who meet every Wednesday evening at the BIG Sheep, we get together and do just as our name says, we knit and natter! When I heard about the Worldwide Knitting in Public events, I thought it was a perfect opportunity for us to get more people involved in the "Above and Below the Waves" project whilst all getting together and having fun!"

Alison has an array of knitting equipment to share with all the visitors to The BIG Sheep. Both, children and adults, beginners and experts can enjoy French knitting, finger knitting and experimenting with a giant pair of knitting needles. Alison says "I love using the giant knitting needles with children, they are much easier for the children to use and they help me to show them exactly how to knit and how very easy it is."

Alison and her team will also be sharing their skills on Sunday 14th June in the in the beautiful setting of Tapeley Park and Gardens in Bideford and on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June visitors will be able to explore the wonderful garden of RHS Rosemoor in Torrington and get inspiration for their knitting.
Money raised from "Above the Waves under the Sea will go to the RNLI

‘UNADULTERATED REAL CHOCOLATE’ - 90% TASTE, 100% TANTALISING PLEASURE -
Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa is the latest flavour creation from the Lindt Maître Chocolatiers. Delivering an exceptional and surprising taste experience, it is to be savoured with all your senses like an exquisite red wine.

A full-bodied dark chocolate, perfectly balanced to reveal all the strength and the richness of the cocoa beans, this tablet is a further testament to the innovation and craftsmanship that the Lindt Maître Chocolatiers put into creating new recipes.

D. Vignan, Lindt Maître Chocolatier comments: “As a fine Cabernet Sauvignon is to a wine connoisseur, Excellence 90% Cocoa is the ultimate dark chocolate experience for any chocolate lover. Itdelivers an explosion of aromas and subtle flavours on your palette – it truly is unadulterated real dark chocolate.”
Excellence 90% Cocoa unveils a seductive appearance with its brilliant ebony colour and silky reflection. The fine cocoa scent reveals a powerful, yet delicate taste: the lightest aromas of dark chocolate contrasting with subtle notes of vanilla from Madagascar.

This most recent addition to the Lindt Excellence collection may entice you to also sample one of the other pure dark chocolate varieties in this range: 70%, 85% or 99% Cocoa. Lindt Excellence is also available in other exquisite recipes including: Orange Intense, Mint Intense, Coffee Intense, Chilli, Ginger and Roasted Almond - all blended with sumptuous dark chocolate, as well as Extra Creamy bathed in milk chocolate. RRP £1.56

Lindt Mousse Au Chocolat is Light-‘Air’ than anything else you have ever tasted before. Lindt Mousse Au Chocolat Recaptures Your Senses. The latest innovation from Lindt.

Exquisite chocolate perfectly capturing the experience of the Lindt Master Chocolatiers. New chocolate technology whipped mousse encased in the finest chocolate. The Lindt Master Chocolatier comments ‘The Challenge was to keep the mousse in the bar as light and airy as any dessert. We have made our dreams come true.’

Ideal for sharing with your friends, Mousse au Chocolat is available in three delicious flavours, Milk, Hazlenut, and Dark . RRP £1.99 This was our favourite in the Hot Brands office, a really delightful mouth watering experience.

RELAX IN STYLE IN BMI’S NEW INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE, BMI NUMBER ONE HEATHROW

  • Tom Dixon chairs
  • An art installation by award winning artist Phil Shaw
  • Custom-made black AGAs where steaming hot soup made throughout the day
  • A sophisticated British pub environment
  • Service, style and a uniquely British welcome
London, 10 June 2009: bmi, the number one airline out of London Heathrow’s Terminal 1, has opened its new international lounge, bmi Number One Heathrow. The flagship lounge offers a quintessentially British environment in which to work, relax, dine and refresh.

bmi Number One Heathrow is the perfect stop for bmi customers connecting to any of bmi’s international destinations where they can choose to relax, refresh or rehydrate between flights and enjoy some homely British comforts.

bmi has created a new series of partnerships for the opening of the lounge that showcase Britain’s finest. Mark Hix, renowned and award-winning champion of British food is exclusively featuring his new line of salad dressings and ice creams on bmi’s midhaul Business Class menus and in bmi Number One Heathrow. The Hix branded ice-cream will be stocked in a freezer where bmi customers can help themselves to Hix’s generous pots of either ‘Credit Crunch’ (caramel and honeycomb chocolate), Rhubarb Crumble or Blueberry and Dorset Honey flavours. What better way to spend an idle hour waiting for your connecting flight than enjoying a sweet treat in the comfort of bmi’s flagship lounge?

A highlight of the lounge is The Café, which is centred around two stunning custom-made black AGAs where steaming hot soup is available all day as well as a range of delicious food around the clock. In sleek black enamel with polished chromed handles, the AGAs have been built to order to include a soup kettle to keep soup at the correct temperature throughout the day. The units within the kitchen area of the lounge were also made at Coalbrookdale, AGA's foundry and centre of excellence for cast iron, to match the style of the iconic range cookers.

From 1 July bmi will be launching its new dining-on-the-ground service for its evening flights where customers can choose to enjoy a tasty evening meal in bmi Number One Heathrow enabling them to relax and sleep once on board.

An informal, but sophisticated British pub environment is created in The Local where customers can unwind around a welcoming leather-buttoned horseshoe shaped bar and enjoy a choice of branded beverages including Fuller’s London Pride ale and English rosé wine in keeping with the strong British theme.

The styling and design throughout the lounge also emphasises Britain’s best, both traditional and contemporary. Chairs are by Tom Dixon – an innovative UK designer, while there are original works of art by an award-winning graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, Phil Shaw. Materials and colours are rich and sensual – reinforcing the indulgent, yet welcoming atmosphere.

bmi Number One Heathrow is open to bmi Business Class, Diamond Club (Gold and Silver) and Star Alliance Gold customers travelling to bmi international destinations. Located above Gate 5 in Terminal 1, bmi Number One Heathrow has a unique layout. It does not feature a reception desk – instead customers are welcomed inside by members of the Lounge Team. The space is divided into informal zones that cater to the varying needs of the international traveller – the emphasis being on providing a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Customers are welcomed in to bmi Number One Heathrow where style and comfort are paramount. A range of different chair designs allow travellers to rest, work or even nap in daybeds. Great views over the runway add to the experience.

The Study offers a work oriented environment with desk seating as well as a boardroom-style table and free Wi-Fi is available.

The new international lounge is the latest in a series of innovations from bmi. The airline recently launched its new Chauffeur Drive and Premium Check-in area at London Heathrow’s Terminal 1 to provide a fast and hassle free check-in service for Business Class and Premium Economy customers as well as bmi Diamond Club Gold and Silver card holders.

bmi is the only airline at London Heathrow to offer Business Class customers a 30 minute check-in promise, enabling them to arrive at check-in as little as 30 minutes before their flight departs with the guarantee that they will make their flight. Premium leisure customers can also experience a more personal service when using the Premium Check-in area with bmi staff collecting luggage and travel documents from customers on arrival so that they can complete the check in formalities whilst they sit back and relax.

All bmi flights operate from London Heathrow Terminal 1 – the home of bmi. In addition to benefits including online check-in, travellers will also be able to take advantage of Diamond Club, the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme, and bmi’s Company Rewards programme for SMEs (small and medium enterprises). Diamond Club destinations miles can be spent on flights with Star Alliance member airlines, hotel accommodation and on a range of gifts and treats.

PETER ACKROYD UNEARTHS TREASURES OF THE WEST END AS COVENT GARDEN LAUNCHES WALKING TOUR
Covent Garden has collaborated with world-renowned historian and novelist, Peter Ackroyd, to unveil the captivating history behind London’s most famous Piazza. The Covent Garden Walking Tour, launching this summer, is a self guided journey across the UK’s first ever public square, built in 1630, which brings the area’s rich history and enthralling heritage to life.

Visitors will be guided past historical sites such as the café where legendary author Charles Dickens wrote his weekly magazines, the eerie site of the first plague victim’s burial and the Lamb & Flag pub where ferocious bare knuckle boxing once took place.

The Covent Garden Walking Tour highlights the area’s fascinating heritage, breathtaking architecture and details enthralling events the area has witnessed throughout its history. The Walking Tour will be downloadable from the Covent Garden London website (www.coventgardenlondonuk.com) and a hard-copy version will be available from the Market Building.

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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