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Cross Support Breast Cancer MonthPRETTY IN PINK – SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WITH THE GORGEOUS SENTIMENT PEN AND LEATHER POUCH FROM CROSS

To support Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, Cross has launched two beautiful new products – the Sentiment Breast Cancer Awareness pen and a gorgeous soft-leather pink pouch.

Perfect gifts for loved ones, or a special treat for you – these special limited-edition accessories embrace feminine style whilst supporting an important global cause. For every purchase, Cross will donate 10% to Breast Health International and their Fund for Living Programme.

The Sentiment Breast Cancer Awareness pen (RRP £50) is adorned with a pink enamel ribbon charm and glittering centre band, and comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee. The stunning leather pouch (RRP £40) comes complete with its own mini pen – making it the ultimate handbag accessory this Autumn.

Cross stockist information:
• Website: www.cross.com where you can buy online!
• Phone: 01582 422793 to find your nearest stockist
• Store: Bluewater

ghd IS IN THE PINK FOR BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER WITH THE NEW ghd PINK LIMITED EDITION BOX SET

pink ghd IV styler, bag, styler pouch, hairbrush and sectioning clips
This August, ghd launches an exclusive Limited Edition – the new, beautiful pink ghd IV styler, developed in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. In its sixth year running, the iconic pink ghd styler has had a stylish makeover for 2009. Rocking the current trend for playful pastels, the styler comes in a beautiful shade of baby pink with a vintage twist. It’s THE stylish beauty must-have for charitable and style conscious fashionistas across the UK.

This exquisite Limited Edition will also be accompanied by exclusive ghd styling accessories as well as your beloved styler:
• The iconic baby pink ghd IV styler with matching baby pink plates.
• Baby pink tote bag - to hold your hair and beauty essentials.
• Baby pink heat resistant styler pouch – protection for your beloved pink styler.
• Coordinating baby pink hair brush – great to throw in your tote or handbag.
• 2 x baby pink sectioning clips.
• A beautiful carrier box with rope handle - to carry your new ghd Pink Limited Edition box set away from the salon in style.

The pink ghd IV styler isn’t just beautiful – it’s clever, too… the rounder barrel allows you to curl, flick, wave and straighten. Create a whole new look as ghd brings you everything you need to tame troublesome tresses into a variety of glamorous looks.

The hotly anticipated launch of the new ghd Pink Limited Edition box set is already causing a stir amongst the international style conscious ‘fash-pack’.

The new ghd Pink Limited Edition box set will be available from approved ghd salons and www.ghdhair.com <http://www.ghdhair.com/> from August 2009 priced at £135. £10 from each sale will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

TIMOTHY WEST TALKS BLOOD PRESSURE ON RADIO 4

Actor Timothy West will be highlighting the tragic consequences of undetected high blood pressure and describing his own experience of the condition in a special broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

He is taking to the airwaves on behalf of the Blood Pressure Association for the BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal on Sunday 23 August at 7.55am and 9.26pm, and on Thursday 27 August at 3.27pm.

Timothy (known for The Day of the Jackal, The Thirty Nine Steps and TV series Brass) will be telling the moving story of our supporter Kathryn Howitt, who tragically lost her husband Glen to high blood pressure related disease at the age of 39.

We want to prevent tragedies like Glen's. Please listen in and donate whatever you can to the Blood Pressure Association so that we can help more people to detect and manage high blood pressure - for life.

Tune in on 92.4-94.6 FM/198 LW or you can listen again, from Sunday 23 August, on the Radio 4 website if you miss it.
http://www.bpassoc.org.uk/HelpingUs/Donate/Radio4Appeal

TEA-TORIALS AND CULINARY DAYS AT ROCCO FORTE’S BROWN’S HOTEL, LONDON


Following The English Tea Room’s recent ‘Top London Afternoon Tea 2009’ award by The Tea Guild, Fabien Ecuvillon, Head Pastry Chef of Brown’s Hotel, will host a series of ‘Tea-Torials’.

Each class will have a maximum of 6 people, offering participants the perfect environment in which to soak up the knowledge of one of London’s most talented pastry chefs. This is a unique experience with a professional but informal afternoon of culinary learning, topped off with the award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea in The English Tea Room.

Fabien Ecuvillon’s ‘Tea-Torials’ include:
• A demonstration on how to make Brown’s award-winning scones, a selection of cakes including their famous Victoria sponge and their signature macaroons.
• Full Traditional Afternoon Tea in The English Tea Room with Fabien, who will answer any additional questions guests may have.
• Recipes and sweet treats to take home.

Tea-Torials will cost £75 per person and will start at 2.30pm on the 23 August, 20 September, 25 October, 15 November and 13 December 2009.

To make a reservation, or for further information, please contact the hotel on 020 7493 6020. Gift vouchers are available if you would like to treat a friend.

Following the outstanding success of Executive Chef, Lee Streeton’s ‘Culinary Days’, he has added a series of new dates: 22 August (Summer ingredients), 17 October (Winter ingredients), 12 December (Christmas ingredients) and 7 February (Valentine ingredients).

Lee’s ‘Culinary Days’ include:
• Morning coffee with Executive Chef, Lee Streeton
• Private transfer to Borough Market with Lee to meet the hotel’s suppliers and learn how to select the very best local, seasonal ingredients
• A demonstration on how to cook all the ingredients bought
• Three-course lunch with Lee in The Albemarle, including ? bottle of house wine

Culinary Days cost £150 per person and will start at 9am for a maximum of 6 people.

To make a reservation, or for further information, please contact the hotel on 020 7493 6020. Gift vouchers are available if you would like to treat a friend.
Why not make a weekend of it, especially for the weekend of the 11 and 12 December when guests can enjoy both classes. Rooms start from £255+VAT per room, per night, excluding courses and incidentals.

Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 6020 Fax: +44 (0)20 7518 4064
Website: www.roccofortecollection.com

7 NIGHT CORNISH HOLIDAYS FROM JUST £83pp AT PARKDEAN’S LOOE BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Or…..Book Now and…..
Save £75 on Bank Holiday weekend breaks at selected UK parks, 3 nights (Fri to Mon) on 28 August

Save £50 on Bank Holiday mid-week breaks at selected UK parks, 4 nights (Mon-Fri) on 31 August

Save £100 on Bank Holiday, 7 nights stays at selected UK parks on 28/29 August

Book online and make extra savings

http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/latest-deals/bank-holiday-weekend.aspx <http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/latest-deals/bank-holiday-weekend.aspx

Parkdean Holidays has 24 fabulous parks set in the some of the UK’s most stunning locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Norfolk, Wales and Scotland.

To book a holiday or short break at one of the 24 superb Parkdean Holiday Parks visit www.parkdean.com or call 0871 641 0170

Please note: calls cost 6p per minute from a BT landline, and offers are subject to availability at the time of booking

SUITE DREAMS WITH HAND PICKED HOTELS


- Enjoy a 50% reduction on the price of a bedroom upgrade when you check in
- Available Sundays to Thursdays until 7 September 2009
Sleep soundly this summer at a Hand Picked Hotel, part of the award-winning collection of luxury country house hotels across the UK. Make the most of your stay and surround yourself in comfort and upgrade to an Executive Bedroom, Junior Suite, or Master Suite accommodation for half price until 7 September between Sundays and Thursdays.

Get away to New Hall Hotel and Spa in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, from just £95.00 per room per night including bed and breakfast based on two people sharing and upgrade your stay from only £10.00 to an Executive Bedroom or Junior Suite or £40.00 to a Master Suite. New Hall, which dates back 800 years, has a long history of providing discerning guests fine hospitality. Offering 60 bedrooms and set within 26 acres of mature, elegant grounds this luxury hotel is widely reputed to be the oldest inhabited, moated manor house in England.

Unwind with a stay at Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham, Kent, set within 22 acres of rural parkland in the heart of the Garden of England. Stays are from just £95.00 per room per night including bed and breakfast based on two people sharing. Upgrade your stay with supplements of just £7.50 for an Executive Bedroom or £50.00 for a Suite. With 53 bedrooms, this four red star luxury hotel is a unique Grade 1 listed manor house features original fireplaces, four-poster beds and antique furnishings.

Enjoy a stay at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa in Nantwich, Cheshire, with stays from just £95.00 per room per night for dinner, bed and breakfast based on two people sharing and upgrade to an Executive Bedroom from £7.50 or to a Junior Suite for £50.00. Set in 38 acres, Rookery Hall offers 70 luxury bedrooms and a 2 Rosette restaurant. More recently the hotel has been enhanced with a luxurious health club and spa, executive suites and grand conference and banqueting rooms.

Alternatively relax at Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, in Nutfield, Surrey, perched high on Nutfield ridge and overlooking the stunning landscape of the Surrey and Sussex countryside from just £120.00 per room per night including bed and breakfast based on two people sharing and upgrade your stay for £15.00 to an Executive Bedroom or £22.50 to a Junior Suite. A Victorian mansion house inspired by the neo-Gothic design of the Palace of Westminster dating back to 1872, the hotel is furnished with lavish artwork, sleigh beds and beautiful antiques. Guests can unwind in the hotel’s spa and health club, which offers a fully-equipped gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, squash courts, eight treatment rooms, a lounge, relaxation room and manicure area.

HEARTTHROB JAMES MCAVOY VOTED HOTTEST SCOTSMAN
Homecoming Scotland 2009 survey celebrates Sir Sean Connery’s birthday Over a million votes cast Screen legend Sir Sean Connery turns 79 next Tuesday, 25 August, and Homecoming Scotland 2009 is honouring one of the country’s best loved exports with a fun, light-hearted survey to discover the hottest Scotsman of the moment, with Sir Sean holding his own against the younger contenders.

Ten well-known male Scottish celebrities, including Sir Sean, who skyrocketed to fame as James Bond in 1962 with Dr No before hanging up the tuxedo following five more Bond films, were selected from the worlds of sport, music, film and TV for the survey.

In just over a month, the public smashed previous Homecoming Scotland 2009 poll records, with a staggering 1,390,052 votes cast via its website.

The actors stormed to the top spots, with Hollywood heartthrob James McAvoy steaming in at number one with almost 35% of the vote. David Tennant was second place with just over 30% of the vote, while Ewan McGregor and Gerard Butler attracted 18% and 16% respectively.

Sir Sean – who was voted People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1989 at almost 60 years of age - may have missed out on the top spot this time, but remains one of Scotland’s national treasures.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a year-long programme of more than 300 events and activities to welcome ‘home’ all Scots, those with Scottish ancestry and anyone who loves Scotland during the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.

As Festival month continues in Edinburgh, August is also a key month for Homecoming Scotland 2009 with the programme including Homecoming At The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (7 – 31 August), the 2009 Edinburgh International Festival (14 August – 6 September) and Festival of Politics featuring Annie Lenox (18 – 24 August).

Outside of Edinburgh, Homecoming Scotland is also celebrating Scotland’s historic links this month with the Vikings and the infamous 1263 Battle of Largs at the Largs Viking Festival (29 August – 6 September) and the Fyvie Homecoming Festival in Grampian (28 – 30 August).

For more information on Homecoming Scotland 2009 go to www.homecomingscotland2009.com

NEW ROAD SAFETY PACK COULD PROTECT YOU AND YOUR VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

100 people are killed on the hard shoulder every year[1] <#_ftn1> but a new survey reveals that 80% of people still don’t carry a high visibility vest in their vehicle [2] <#_ftn2>
A new road safety pack being launched today could save the lives of your family in the event of a vehicle emergency. Vispack® otherwise known as The Driver’s Hub contains five high-visibility reflective vests to be worn in the event of a vehicle emergency and also contains an essential information card for drivers to record life-saving medical and emergency contact information about themselves, as well as essential vehicle details and roadside assistance contact information. The pack also comes with a road collision form to record key information at the scene of an incident that would be required to make an insurance claim.

A new survey by Vispack® found that a staggering 80 per cent of vehicle drivers do not carry a high visibility vest in their vehicle; in addition, of the 20 per cent of drivers that do carry one, 58 per cent do not carry further vests for their passengers, leaving them at high risk of roadside death in the event of a vehicle breakdown or collision. In the event of such a situation, it is crucial that all passengers are visible to other road users. As soon as a passenger steps out of the vehicle onto a busy road or motorway, they are in danger.

Of those drivers that do carry a high-visibility vest, a worrying 75 per cent of respondents confirmed that they store it in the boot of their car despite the fact that they should be carried inside the actual vehicle and never in the boot, as the majority of car collisions occur by one car going into the back of another which could prevent the boot from opening and the pack becoming inaccessible, furthermore to access the vest would first mean getting out of the car.

The survey results highlight a serious lack of information available to vehicle drivers about the importance of high visibility clothing and roadside safety information, and 94 per cent of the people surveyed agreed with this statement.

Nick Mills, managing director, Vispack®, comments, “Having been unfortunate enough to have witnessed several roadside collisions over the past three years, I suddenly realised that most road users only realise how vulnerable they are when it’s too late and they are in a crash situation. Every road user who values the safety of themselves and their passengers should want to take this inexpensive, simple precautionary measure and ensure a Vispack® is on board. The affordable pack is a safeguard to all passengers, should they have to exit a vehicle at the side of the road for any reason. It is not only there to protect the passengers of a car, but also there is a social obligation to protect all other road users and as such the vests should be worn as needed whether day or night.”

To minimise deaths and injuries on Europe's roads, most European Community members have now adopted reflective vests as a legal requirement to be carried in all vehicles at all times. European countries are also rapidly developing 'on the spot' fines for drivers not carrying a reflective vest in the vehicle and this is being embraced right across Europe.

Mills continues, “Every month you hear news stories on the radio, both in the UK and right across Europe, of opportunities where lives could have been saved just by wearing a reflective vest at the side of the road. It is likely that the UK will adopt the same approach as the rest of Europe in the near future and Vispack® is keen to raise awareness to all road users of the importance of visibility in the event of an emergency.”

A ‘Vispack® on board’ sticker is also included in the pack and should be clearly displayed in the front windscreen of the vehicle below the tax disc so that it is visible for the emergency services. The sticker will play a major role in informing emergency services quickly, that crucial medical information is available on board.

Vispack RRP: £16.95
[1] <#_ftnref1> BRAKE

[2] <#_ftnref2> Vispack research, July 2009

CHOCOLATE BARBEQUE BLISS

Introduce a bit of Belgium to your Barbie with Galler. Visit www.gallerchocolates.co.uk for luxury chocolate gifts www.gallerchocolates.co.uk from Galler delivered to your door!

Sausages – check, spare ribs - check, potato salad – check, dessert - check out? Don’t go for the easy option and buy a cheesecake from the nearest supermarket, put on your chef’s hat, get inventive with your barbie and end on a culinary high.

Often overlooked but still the undisputed king of BBQ deserts is the chocolate stuffed banana. Simply take a banana slice it down the middle, fill with Galler’s Heritage Noir 70 or Heritage Lait (or both if you wish), wrap in foil and barbecue for about 5 – 10 minutes. Throw in a touch of camp fire nostalgia with an old classic, toasted marshmallows, then jazz them up with a drizzle of Galler’s Noir 85 Dark Chocolate Spread

Alternatively, if you are fed up with slaving over the hot coals we recommend Galler’s Caramel Spread poured over refreshing vanilla ice cream.

To order Galler chocolate online visit www.gallerchocolates.co.uk alternatively call 0207 351 1668 to order over the phone or visit the Galler retail outlets at Harrods and John Lewis Food Halls (Oxford Street and Bluewater branches).

BREAK AWAY FROM THE GARDEN THIS AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY
Enjoy the hard work of other enthusiast gardeners and fulfil your passion for the garden by savouring a break at one of the exceptional Warner Leisure Hotel locations, some of which open for the National Gardens Scheme raising money for charity. Alternatively be inspired to visit other local gardens opening specifically for the National Gardens Scheme during the Bank Holiday weekend.

The majestic Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa in Nottinghamshire, a Grade 1 listed mansion on the edge of Sherwood Forest, has welcomed NGS visitors throughout the summer to revel in the delights of the beautifully landscaped gardens designed by Sir Humphrey Repton and enjoy the tranquillity of the Victorian Rose Garden. With Thoresby Hall as your base, step out and visit two gardens close by. Gardeners Cottage at Kirkby in Ashfield offers the delights of a perfectionist’s mature garden whilst The Beeches at Tuxford mixes herbaceous areas with a vast Clematis collection, a wild flower meadow, raised beds of organically grown fruit and vegetables and swathes of Autumn grasses.

Herefordshire is the home of Holme Lacy House Hotel, a magical Grade 1 listed mansion nestling in the WyeValley. With 20 acres of landscaped parkland in a lakeside setting, the house is particularly famous for its exquisitely sculptured topiary. The exceptional gardens are continually appreciated by guests with an open invitation to NGS visitors on Sunday 30th August. Enhance your stay at Holme Lacy House with visits to other engaging gardens such as the eclectic and rather idiosyncratic garden at Aulden Farm, Leominster, an informally planted 3 acre haven for wildlife. A particular treat is the home made ice-cream served on Sunday. Alternatively enjoy a myriad of late summer perennials at The Picton Garden at Colwall that includes a display of the National Collection of Michaelmas daisies. Featured in ‘The English Garden’ magazine, this is certainly a garden not to be missed.

Nidd Hall Hotel, a Grade 11 listed mansion built in the 1820’s for a wealthy Bradford wool merchant, lies alongside Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales. Set in 45 acres of verdant parkland, the wonderful gardens are currently preparing for their National Gardens Scheme assessment. Relax in glorious tranquillity, a feature echoed in the nearby, large peaceful garden of Cold Cotes, Kettlesing. Open to visitors on the Sunday, and offering the opportunity to enjoy sweeping herbaceous borders inspired by the designer Piet Oudolf.

Give yourself a break from the gardening over August Bank Holiday weekend and spend a few idyllic days enjoying a last minute, end of Summer break at a Warner Leisure Hotel. With up to £200 off per room for a week’s stay or up to £120 per room off a shorter break it is the perfect gardeners perk.
All Warner Leisure Hotels breaks prices include accommodation, hearty breakfasts, numerous daytime activities, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, delicious 3-course dinners and optional live entertainment every night. National Gardens Scheme visitors can expect to pay a modest contribution.

For these and other great suggestions for August bank Holiday, visit the website www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or call 0800 1 388 399 for more information. Gardens opening under the National Gardens Scheme can be located on www.ngs.org.uk
So there’s no reason at all not to drop everything including the gardening, and take some time to mellow out, enjoy yourself and truly make the most of your August Bank Holiday.

40% OFF ANY SIX BOTTLES OF WINE AND CHAMPAGNE AT WINE RACK!
Celebrate the summer with Wine Rack and enjoy 40% off six bottles of wine and Champagne across a range of over 200. This fantastic offer is available in all Wine Rack stores from now until 24th August 2009 inclusive.

Wine Rack has something for everyone and all budgets. So if you need a hand, talk to one of our people who will be happy help you choose the perfect wine every time.

At Wine Rack, we’re so passionate about wine and want you to enjoy every bottle, that if you’re not entirely happy with the wine or Champagne you choose we’ll replace it with another bottle absolutely free – that’s our Wine Rack Manager’s Promise.

So take advantage of this exclusive offer from Wine Rack and enjoy experimenting!

To find your nearest Wine Rack store, please visit www.winerack.co.uk

Every wine collection starts with just one wine rack

Please enjoy our wines responsibly www.winerack.co.uk

Drink Aware

www.drinkaware.co.uk

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, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

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