NEWS - Ebay Bans the Sale of Ivory

Photo Credit: Jenny Hayden

Hooray for Ebay who announced that from next year you will no longer be able to sell Ivory goods on its auction sites anywhere in the world.

Independent organisations have been critical of Ebay in the past as the trade of Ivory has flourished with a pair of elephant tusks even selling for over $20,000.

This is great news for elephants and will hopefully damage the trade of ivory and encourage other websites to follow suit. Read the full article here.

ENTERTAINING - Graphic Serving Trays

Graphic Serving Trays - Pop Deluxe - $39.99

Don't serve up your drinks on any old tray. These are much more interesting. The quirky animal trays come in 6 different styles with intricately cut edges. They really make a statement and would be as at home hung on the wall as carrying your guests aperitifs. Go on, show off!

ART - Acrylic Prints from Your Photos

Turn one of your favourite photos into an impressive piece of acrylic art with a new service from Photobox. These stylish prints are an easy way to give photos a major wow factor, and they’re guaranteed to become a popular focal point wherever you decide to put them. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, even kitchens & bathrooms, just choose the size that best suits your space.

Prices start from £69.99. Visit the website for more info.

HALLOWEEN - Spooky Candles from I Love Uma

Bleeding Candles - UMA - $9.50

These seemingly normal, white taper candles burn to reveal a dripping red wax. Perfect for a Halloween dinner or party as it looks just like blood. Creepy! Also check out the Mortimer Bust Candles.

CRAFT - Halloween Fantasy Mask

Need something a little bit special and different for Halloween this year? Why not get your needle and thread out and make something yourself.

With a simple scrap of old denim as your base, you can make this enchantingly haunting mask. The contrast of rugged denim with fantasy trims and hand-stitches, gives it a stylish mystique and allure all your own. Allow two hours to complete this project and some hand sewing experience is suggested. Click here for full instructions on Craftzine...

Make it yourself, with "Venetian Carnival" style!
By Nancy Minsky, Author of Denim Revolution
Blog: 21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com

STATIONERY - Keep Calm Note Cards

You Series Note Cards - Keep Calm Gallery - £6.50

I just love these cards from the Keep Calm Gallery. The simple messages are just enough to brighten a friend's day. I don't think we send enough cards and with the world of email and Facebook it is all too easy to stop writing altogether.



Don't wait for a birthday or Christmas to roll around. Buy these now and send a note to someone close to you just because you care. It will definitely bring a smile to their face.

TIPS - Saving Pennies at the Supermarket

Photo Credit: Steve Crane on Flickr.com

Bring on the meat.

If you are finding chicken a tad expensive at the moment, try a cut with a bone in. Chicken thighs can be roasted and are really tasty. Just sprinkle some salt and herbs on before putting them in the oven. You can also cook them and take the meat off to add to curries and stir fries. Alternatively why not buy whole chickens which are usually good for a couple of meals, and sandwiches for lunches.

Freeze it.

Sauces and stews can be frozen for later. Make a big batch and put the rest in a tub for another day. You can also freeze red wine or stock in ice cube trays to make them handy and reduce wastage.

Think like a veggie.

You don't have to have meat with every meal. Mushrooms, beans and lentils can be a good alternative. Try a vegetable curry to use up left overs and save your meat. Don't forget eggs too as an omelette is a great high protein dish.

Shop around.

At times like this you don't have to be loyal to your supermarket. Shop wherever has the best deals, or go to different places for different things. Visit mysupermarket.com before you go to see where will be cheapest. Remember to check the weight of meats or look at the price per lb. Also don't forget to use your points cards at supermarkets as they can give good savings with vouchers and offers.

Seasonal produce.

In season fruit and vegetables will be cheaper than those that have been imported. Keep an eye on what is in season now and go for those when you hit the shops. Click here for a useful list.

Bake it yourself.

Instead of buying lots of crisps, cakes and biscuits, bake your own. Make vegetable crisps or pitta chips in the oven. It is healthier too. Convenience foods are notoriously expensive and salt and calorie laden.

Related Posts:
GRAPEVINE - Shopping for the Experience
NEWS - February Brand Gossip
SHOPPING - Brits Love Web Shopping

FOOD - Urban, Fresh and 100% Fruity

Urban Fresh Fruit know a thing or two about natural and juicy fruit, and this month they will expand their vibrant range with the launch of ‘White Cherry’.

The White Cherry, a rare and unusual fruit is carefully picked to create the finest dried fruit. Unlike other chemical laden dried fruits, Urban Fresh Fruit’s White Cherry is simply 100% dried fruit – with all the goodness kept in. The handy bags mean longer lasting fruit with less mess.

Founder of Urban Fresh Fruit, Hayley Gait-Golding says: “the white cherry is a particularly special and wondrous fruit that we found in small gardens across Europe. We call them our secret gardens. The fresh and juicy appeal makes them a fitting addition to the already popular Urban Fresh Fruit family.”

White Cherry joins the other 10 fruits in the range which include golden kiwi, banana, papaya and strawberry. White Cherry will be available in leading supermarkets and a number of independent retailers and delis not to mention 60 Topshop stores around the country. These healthy snacks are priced from just 99p for a small bag and I can't wait to try some!

Visit www.urbanfreshfruit.co.uk for more details.

HEALTH - Put Some Moa in Your Medicine Cabinet

There are not many 'cure all' balms around that genuinely work but Moa's green balm does. The all natural healing balm is made from 100% organic herbs and can be used on just about anything from sunburn to nappy rash, for grazes or even as a facial cleanser.

The first thing I have to say is that the smell is not that pretty. The natural ingredients do have a small downside, but I urge you to get past it. I have been testing the balm for a couple weeks on some dry and cracked skin on my feet (a summer of sandal wearing takes its toll) and have been really impressed.

The balm melts like butter into the skin and soothes while instantly moisturising. I slathered it on before bed and popped on cotton socks to let the balm really work its magic overnight. I have to say the results have been great, with skin feeling much less sore, softened and with no redness now at all. This would also be perfect for dry skin on elbows and knees and because it is natural, it will not upset sensitive skin.

Moa's balm is made in small batches in the heart of Iceland. It is even reportedly used by nurses treating burns at an Iceland hospital. This is one product that is as at home in your make up bag as the family first aid kit.

Buy online from just £4.99 at www.thegreenbalm.com

KITCHENS - Strawboard and Yoghurt Pots for an Eco Kitchen

Strawboard and yoghurt pots… the most sustainable kitchen ever from Eco Kitchens Online!

A new range of bespoke kitchen units made from strawboard is being launched for the first time in the UK, by the pioneering company Eco Kitchens Online. The custom-made free-standing units are believed to be the first of their kind in the UK, giving consumers an eco friendly kitchen at an affordable price.

The kitchen units are constructed from frames of oak which have FSC* accreditation. The cabinet carcasses are made from strawboard which is an agricultural waste product.


Unlike units made from MDF*, strawboard does not contain formaldehyde. It is hard wearing and is, moisture and heat resistant and all the EKO units have a ten year warranty. The oak and strawboard units, which are hand made in Somerset can be finished in a range of eco paints, waxes or oils produced by Nutshell Natural Paints in Exeter.

Custom-made handles in recycled bronze and brass are fashioned by a Somerset metal smith and there is also a choice of handles made from recycled glass such as soft drink bottles. Worktops can be made from recycled yoghurt tops, and are hard wearing and stain resistant.

Eco Kitchens Online is launching a wide range of bespoke free standing kitchen units from tall pantry cupboards to wall units with butler sinks, and plate and wine racks. Prices vary from £1,125. for a pantry cupboard to £ 2,850 for a cupboard unit with butler sink. Visit www.ecokitchensonline.com to see the full range of units and prices available.

DECOR - Colour Your Own Wallpaper

www.minimoderns.com

Some of us have creativity running through our veins. If you itch and yearn to make things look pretty why not try this wallpaper that you colour in yourself. You can add to it as inspiration strikes and evolve the colour scheme to suit. Perfect for a fun room, or as a framed panel this is one sure way to make sure everything fits your existing scheme.



This sitting comfortably version is my favourite and is also great for kids, but at heart isn't that what we all are?


Mini Moderns has extended their range to include fabrics, gifts and cushions so do visit the website and have a browse.

OFFER - Super Saver Delivery at Amazon

Amazon has announced a significant reduction in the minimum purchase value for Super Saver Delivery, their FREE delivery programme. You now only need to add £5 worth of eligible items to your basket to get free delivery. That’s a two-thirds reduction from the previous minimum of £15. And best of all, it is just in time for Christmas shopping.

During these times of financial turmoil, little gestures like this are a big help to customers.

visit www.amazon.co.uk/supersaverdelivery for more information.

HOLIDAY - I'm off to Devon

The Style PA is having a week off! Much deserved I can tell you, work has been very busy and I will be glad of the change of scenery down in South Devon. I fully intend to get out into the countryside and do some sightseeing (perhaps some shopping too as it would be entirely rude not to).

The British weather is known for its unpredictability but this week has been gloriously sunny. Lets just hope that things stay that way or those rather unattractive pac-a-macs in the boot of my car may get their debut.

I will be taking lots of photos and should have plenty to talk about when I get back. Watch this space.

RECYCLING - Waste Used Wisely

Photo Credit: Andrew Stawarz on Flickr.com

Around 4400 tonnes of food waste has been ploughed back into the land through a pilot composting project. Over 94,000 homes within 19 local authorities in England and Northern Ireland saved up food scraps which were collected to for composting. The waste has been used in farming and horticultural initiatives and it is hoped that one day, we will be able to use such waste as a source of renewable energy.

The organisation helping the government with this project is called Wrap and they have some useful tips for consumers too, just pop along to their website. Get recipe ideas to use up leftovers, a guide for setting up your own compost bin and more useful information on recycling in general.

FLOWERS - Hope with a Floral Heart

This October, Sandra de Ovando, renowned florist, has fashioned a magnificent and lush arrangement in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, called the Sweetheart. The arrangement is just stunning, I love flowers and this is a real statement both visually and in terms of what it stands for.

Ovando has created much talked about arrangements for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Anna Wintour and Nobu, just to name a few. With 20% of sale proceeds donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation, this work of art will make this month and the charity's work memorable for everyone from survivor to supporter. The cost is $245 available at www.ovandony.com

The website also has other great examples of her work for you to buy or just take inspiration from for your own arrangements.

CANDLE - Uplifting Aromas from Cowshed

I love scented candles, in fact it is somewhat of an obsession. I also appreciate the importance of natural, therapeutic products and that is one of the reasons I love Cowshed.

Cowshed was one of the first brands to specialise in the use of plants and their oils, proteins and vitamins. It was first developed for use in the original Cowshed spa in Somerset and the whole range contains naturally-derived ingredients, free from: Parabens, Petrochemicals, Sulphates and Artificial fragrance and colours.


I have been trying out the Grumpy Cow, Uplifting Room Candle (RRP: £28) It is almost unbelievable that the scent of the candle is all natural. Once lit the candle fills the room and senses with a zingy grapefruit aroma, fresh and invigorating. And don't think this is just for the girls, my boyfriend seems to have stolen this candle for himself as it smells so yummy.

The candles are boxed beautifully which makes them ideal gifts. In gorgeous white patterned glass, these are not only uplifting from the scent but also a beautiful addition to any room, whether minimalist and modern or cosy country chic .With zesty mandarin the aroma helps relieve stress, something we can all appreciate in our hectic lives.

I can also recommend the Knackered Cow, Relaxing Travel Candles (RRP: £20). In handy votive size, these are perfect as a present to a mum or sister who could do with some pampering. I suggest surrounding yourself with them in the bath and letting the lavender and eucalyptus work their magic.

Cowshed also has three new ranges; Wild Cow, Horny Cow and Moody Cow. Check out the website for more info.

You can get your mitts on Cowshed products at Fenwick, Harvey Nichols, Heals, John Lewis, Liberty, Selfridges and The Conran Shop or online at www.cowshedonline.com