HEALTH - How Happy are we?

Photo Credit: Saquan Stimpson/monstershaq200 0 on Flickr.com

In surprising defiance to the current economic downturn, Brits appear happier today than they were nine years ago, according to a recent study by netdoctor.co.uk, the UK’s leading health and wellbeing website.

The research, based on a survey with more than 1,570 respondents across the country, provides an interesting snapshot of today’s mood of the nation.

Despite the current doom and gloom and UK’s crumbling economy, only 35% of those surveyed are unhappier than usual and only 17% believe the future is hopeless. Surprisingly, only 17% of Brits surveyed are unhappy at the office and only 21% believe their lives are out of control.

The results are even more intriguing when compared with netdoctor.co.uk’s last Happiness survey in 2000. Back then only 33% thought the future was bright with 23% believing there was no light at the end of the tunnel; 26% were unhappy at the office and 27% felt their life was chaotic and out of control.

Read the rest of the report over at www.Netdoctor.co.uk

HEALTH - The Cold War

Ruby Wax

As winter returns the ‘Cold War’ is back with vengeance. However, men may be crying into their tissues as they receive the cold shoulder from their other half, reveals a poll on sympathy levels towards sickness, commissioned by Lemsip Max All in One.

52 per cent of women say genuine sympathy towards their ailing partner only lasts five minutes and 18 per cent are actively unsympathetic. They are also less likely to forfeit going out with friends (only 56 per cent will) or take a day off work (only 19 per cent will) to play nursemaid. In contrast, 70 per cent of men claim to be sympathetic, a generous 73 per cent will forfeit going out with friends to mop their partner’s brow and 37 per cent will take a day off work to look after a loved one with the cold or flu.

More than 1,300 men and women nationwide, all in a relationship or married, took part in the survey. Both sexes agreed that a fever deserves the most sympathy (56 per cent) and a throaty cough the least.


When you’ve got just five minutes of genuine sympathy, what do cold and flu experts at Lemsip advise?

• Try and be patient; remember people have different pain thresholds!
• Make sure they are resting and sitting or lying comfortably
• Ensure they have everything they need, close to hand
• Reassure them they’ll feel better soon
• Offer a fast-acting cold and flu remedy like Lemsip Max All in One Sachets, which can treat all major symptoms of cold and flu.

Celebrity Cold & Flu Commentator, Ruby Wax says “Everyone likes to think that women are the ones that can always offer a sympathetic ear, and they are the most caring and considerate sex. The survey results are therefore surprising, who would have thought men would come out on top as the most sympathetic sex when it comes to offering a kind word or two to a partner suffering with a cold or flu!”


Lemsip Max All in One Sachets are great value and the range now include two new variants, Wild Berry & Hot Orange, and Breathe Easy (Lemon & Menthol). Not only do they relieve all the major symptoms of cold and flu but also start to work in just 5 minutes*. Head on over to www.lemsip.com for more information.

*Refers to the paracetamol in Lemsip Max All In One Sachets. Contains paracetamol. Always read the leaflet.

VOTE - Wacky New Walkers Flavours

The ‘Builders Breakfast’ is one of six new flavours competing to be the latest addition to the Walkers crisps range. The flavour combines bacon, buttered toast, eggs and tomato sauce and will appeal to fans of the traditional fry up.

You can buy a pack of Walkers ‘Builders Breakfast’ at your local supermarket along with other unusual tastes such as Chilli and Chocolate, Onion Bhaji or Cajun Squirrel. Vote for it by sending a free SMS or visiting the Walkers website www.walkers.co.uk

Closing date is 1 May 2009

BEDROOM - Shiny Silver Bedlinen

Jaquard Rose Bedlinen - Marks & Spencer - from £15

There is a definite shift towards the furturistic at the moment, particularly in music and fashion. That is one reason why I love this silver bedlinen from Marks & Spencer, and also because I am a magpie for anything shiny. It doesn't have to work within a futuristic look though, it also works within a modern glamour scheme.

Linen Rich Metallic Bed Cover - £75

The metallics just seem to scream luxury to me. Some would argue that grey and silver are too cold for a bedroom, but I personally love grey bedlinen, especially as it is not too feminine in a room shared by a man and a woman. I hate chintzy florals and love sleek, old school, glamour which this silver bed set embody.

PETS - A Yoghurty Treat

How much do you love your dog? Enough to treat him to some organic, low fat, frozen yoghurt? Yoghund is exactly that and made especially for dogs. The Californians love it, and the dogs seem to too. You don't have to feel guilty about giving your dog this snack, as it is low in fat and calories and all natural.

Check out the video at the Yoghund website for more info.

CONTEST - Looking for Unusual Objects

Dorling Kindersley are producing a book of wonders that will feature a vast array of astonishing items that add something to the world we live in. Whether it's the thing itself such as the first football or what the item represents like Monet's paint palette, everything featured will astound and impress.

DK are giving you the opportunity to be a part of this incredible project. They want you to tell them about your object and why its story or what it represents is so extraordinary and makes life worth living. The most unique and inspirational objects will be shortlisted and then an ultimate winner will feature within the book when it's published.

To enter...

Email AllThisBook@uk.dk.com with an image of your object and a maximum of 100 words on what makes it so worthy of a place in this fantastic new book. The competition closes at midnight, Wednesday 28th January. Terms and conditions apply.

You had better get cracking!

RECIPE - Mini Pancakes with Creamy Yoghourt

It’s more important than ever that we show the people we care about just how much they’re appreciated. Whether that is the other half on Valentine's day or your mum on Mother's day - Loseley Chilled Foods is here to help with an utterly delicious recipe that is sure to please.


Mini Pankcakes with Loseley’s Rich and Creamy Plain Yoghourt

Serves: 4 and is suitable for vegetarians

Ingredients

• Self-raising flour, 110g (4oz)
• Salt, pinch
• Golden caster sugar, 15g (½oz)
• Egg, 1 large
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
• Loseley’s Rich and Creamy Plain Yoghourt, 150g (5oz)
• Milk, 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil, 2-3 teaspoons
• Fruit and berries or golden syrup, to serve

Method

1. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl and stir in the sugar. Crack the egg into the middle, and then add the vanilla extract, Loseley’s Rich and Creamy Plain Yoghourt and milk.

2. Beat together with a wire whisk to make a smooth, thick batter. Next, heat a pancake pan – ideally, it should be very heavy with shallow sides.

3. Add a few drops of vegetable oil. Turn the heat to low, then drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot pan, allowing room for them to spread.

4. Cook over a medium heat until bubbles appear and the surface of the batter just begins to set – this will take about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes over with a palette knife to cook on the other side.

5. Cook the pancakes until golden brown, and then lift out onto sheets of kitchen paper. Keep them in a warm place whilst you cook the remaining batter, adding a few drops of vegetable oil into the pan when needed.

6. Serve the pancakes when they are warm, overloaded with fruit and berries or drizzled with golden syrup, or even a tablespoon of one of Loseley’s Yoghourts – why not try Caramelised Pear and Creamy Fudge.

Loseley Chilled Foods are available from the chilled cabinet of grocers and supermarkets. Visit www.loseley.com for more information.

Related Posts:
RECIPE - Lemon Drizzle Cake
RECIPE - Credit Crunch Macaroni Cheese
RECIPE - Pitta Chips with a kick

HOME - Thinking of Moving Abroad?

With the miserable British weather and economic struggles, moving abroad is becoming an appealing option. Perhaps you can get a transfer with your job and now seems like the perfect time, or some of us have family in other parts of the world to go and visit... long term.

It is always best to get as much advice and information as possible when you are embarking on a new life overseas. A great resource is the Expat Forum. You can read about other people's experiences and gain all the knowledge you need to get moving without too much stress.

Finding a removals company who will take care of all the vital details is important too. Harrow Green Global Moving Solutions is an independent specialist in overseas removals and has recently launched a new website. Whether you are moving from the UK to Australia, or Brazil to Russia, the Harrow Green experts can help you - and all your belongings - get there safely.

Find out more about making the move at www.hg-gms.com

Q&A - How to Remove Spilt Wax

Photo Credit: billaday on Flickr.com

Reader asks:

"Someone managed to spill candle wax on to my dining room chair seat. Do you know how to get this out?"

The Style PA:

Luckily for you, yes I do. In situations like these I refer to the bible of stain removal: Spills, Spots and Stains. 1st tip is to make the wax as cold as possible, like you would do with chewing gum. As you can't put the whole chair in the freezer, try using a bag of ice or frozen peas to freeze the wax as much as possible. You should then be able to use a blunt knife to scrape away a lot of the wax as it is more brittle.

If you are still left with some wax on the chair, then step 2 is to get some kitchen paper (the good stuff) and an iron on a low temperature. Place the kitchen paper over the wax mark and iron over it gently. The wax underneath should be absorbed by the kitchen roll as it is melted by the heat. Keep moving the paper round, or use a fresh piece to make for maximum absorption.

Has anyone got any other tried and tested methods?

INSPIRATION - Valentines Sweetie Heaven

If ever you needed some valentines inspiration, then this must be it. Sweeter than a mouthful of sugar, Dianna Castner's blog post is a culinary and visual feast. I am not sure if I want to look at it or eat it all. Probably both. Here are some of the images that explain exactly what I am talking about...




If you want to see more like this, head over to Dianna's blog.

FLOORING - Hot Rocks Pebble Floor

I love this new flooring from Barefoot Living. The new range of seamless floors includes Hot Rocks, a floor comprising of marble pebbles, brought to life in a clear resin finish, which creates a unique, foot massaging finish. Underfloor heating can be installed beneath the surface giving out warmth, retained by the marble for hours.

The result is a seamless, slip resistant surface suitable for all areas of the home, including conservatories and the surrounds of indoor pools. I think it really is perfect for a bathroom and almost gives you that spa feel at home.

As well as looking good, the floor needs minimal care to can keep its crisp, clean look. Hot Rocks maintains its great fresh feel long after its installation. Because there are no fibres, no dirt gets trapped.

It is the brainchild of entrepreneur Dawn Gibbins MBE, a former Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year.

Find out more about Hot Rocks at www.barefoot.co.uk

WEBSITE - Tangletree Interiors

'Big Name Brands Direct To Your Wall' is the claim by a new website!

Steven Storey and Andrea Hutchinson have brought together the largest range of wallpaper, fabric and paint online from some of the world’s leading designers. With an existing business within the design industry and over 40 years experience, their individual approach has created a unique and stylish online experience.

“We both felt that there was no one store on the Internet which offered the opportunity to buy top name brands from wallpapers, and paints to fabric and soft furnishings. We decided to approach leading manufacturers such as Osborne and Little, and Designers Guild and through our passion for design we were successful in gaining accounts with major brands,” commented Andrea. "We are continually adding new collections to our ranges and have advice and guidance within our online 'Hot Trends' section.”

Choose from thousands of wallpapers, fabrics and paints from the world’s leading designers including: Brian Yates, Osborne & Little, Designers Guild, Mulberry and Nina Campbell, plus many more.

Discover the latest trends and read handy hints & tips on how to paint, wallpaper and decorate your home along with inspirational ideas from the Inspirations Gallery, from the distinctive and dramatic to contemporary and cutting edge, at the touch of a button Tangletree Interiors will inspire you to create your own style statements.

You can visit TangleTree Interiors at www.tangletree-interiors.co.uk

WEBSITE - Time for Teapottery

These days, teapots are far less used for practical reasons, and more for decoration. The Teapottery website is full of quirky teapots and tea sets. Everyone knows someone who collects them and the quirky ones can make a good gift. Here are some of my favourites or you can find plenty more at www.teapottery.co.uk


You either love it or hate it right? This Marmite inspired Teapot is perfect for those who are lovers.




Tea and toast are a tried and tested combination. And this teapot is a best seller on the Teapottery website.




I like my tea sweet, but this is just silly. The Golden Syrup teapot above looks like the real thing.



This one has to be my favourite of them all. Tea, trailer trash style.

WANTED - Blaue Blume 3 Tier Cake Stand

Check out this unsual cake stand with ladies legs for a handle. The quirky design will make sure tea parties are anything but dull but at £129.95, this one is not quite a bargain. You can get it over at Lifestylebazaar and there is a full range of related products too.

I might have to resort to trawling the charity shops for something similar myself. I am not sure my post Christmas budget can stretch. The question is though, what cakes would you make to accessorize it?

KITCHEN - GLASSeco Have got Some Bottle

Did you know that recycling two bottles saves enough energy to boil water for five cups of tea?

Croydon-based business GLASSeco Limited has begun collecting glass from its local pubs, free of charge, and recycling it into worktops. The innovative worktops, which are as smooth as granite or marble, use around 100 bottles per linear metre and offer consumers the choice of an environmentally-friendly sustainable worktop.

The company also uses other waste materials – seashells from seafood restaurants, crushed mirrors and CDs, aluminium or copper filings and even CRT glass from old TVs and computer screens to create highly personalised work surfaces. The worktops are available in 100s of colours too.

But that's not the end of the good news.... the sub-board fixed in to the base of GLASSeco worktops is made from recycled supermarket carrier bags – bringing the total recycled content of the worktops to 95%.

Prices start from £270 per linear metre. Full product details can be found at www.glasseco.co.uk or call GLASSeco on 01959 576897.

GARDEN - Feed the Birds...

Eva Solo Bird Feeder - wheredidyoubuythat.com - £32.79

This Bird feeder is a minimalist's dream. As a child I joined the Blue Peter's bird club where they gave you tips on feeding, identifying and attracting birds to your garden. I had a starling which visited me every day, especially when there was a bit of bacon rind on offer. Birds are welcome guests to my garden, so long as they aren't seagulls.

A glass bird feeder like this will suit any garden, even the most modern. Even if all you have is a patio or balcony, a few visiting birdie friends will brighten it up. Now all you need is for the weather to warm up and the birds to come back to this country.

ORGANISATION - The Wonder of Yoghurt Pots

Blue Peter always found a million uses for a yoghurt pot and so can you. My latest way to use them is as drawer organisation at work. Each of my stationery items has its own pot and everything is ordered and at hand when I slide open the drawer.

Images copyright Jenny Hayden

In fact my pen pot at home is a cutlery organiser from Ikea. My pen pot at work is a pretty white box that a Cowshed candle came in. It smells lovely. I have another pot which is a round tin from my Paul Smith London perfume covered in wallpaper to match my decor. Pretty jam jars make ideal holders for cotton buds and cotton wool on your dressing table too.

I hate boring boxes and packaging though. The sooner I can get my paperclips out of the box and into a yoghurt pot, the happier I am. Anyone feel the same? There is no harm in looking at an object and finding a use for it. In fact, it is a pretty thrifty thing to do. I am not a hoarder, but there is no point throwing something away that has a perfectly good use within your home.

Anyone else have any tips?

Related posts:
IDEAS - Stair Storage