 When it comes to reading glasses, I choose Sight Station because their styles are trendy, fun and fashionable. When the store I used to buy them from closed its doors, I contacted the lovely people at Sight Station to ask where my nearest stockist was. Not only did they reply oh-so-promptly, they also sent me a couple of pairs to try out. Sight Station have styles to please even the fussiest wearer - round ones, square ones, classy ones, preppy ones .... do have a look at their website. They are ... well... spectacular ! You will find something you love, I promise! Remember, specs change the way you see the world and the way the world sees you
Some fun facts about eyes
Remember, all things are possible with the right glasses from Sight Station.
Reading glasses are not suitable for driving or distance vision.  The best thing on sliced bread ... or indeed, crackers or potatoes, served with fish or meat, or as a glaze for vegetables and now because Christmas is almost here, also a delectable accompaniment to festive canapés, a cheeseboard, some warm chunky bread or to add some easy flavour to your Christmas baking. The Blossom Honey & Cinnamon flavour can also be used as an alternative to brandy butter on Christmas pudding or warm mince pies. Choosing Posh Cow means you adding a little luxury to your table with their gorgeous range of butters. There's yummy Smoked Sea Salt or Blossom Honey and Cinnamon (both simply delicious) and, coming later this year, Earl Grey with Apricot. Founded by sisters-in-law Selina and Alice Krespi, the Posh Cow range of beautifully crafted artisan butters is already popular on the restaurant scene. Now there's nothing to stop anyone replicating eating-out indulgence in their home. Selina Krespi comments, “After 2020, we deserve to over-indulge this Christmas. Whipped with delicious, natural ingredients, Posh Cow butters are here to add some pizazz to your Christmas spread. Co-founder Alice Krespi added, “We’ve seen butter make a long-awaited comeback. Posh Cow butters are a simple way to enhance Christmas staples like Christmas pudding and Brussel sprouts and are a sure-fire way to impress guests over the festive period.” Available at M&S Food and Booths stores, as well as other independent retailers. Grab a tub and make a toast of it! Price from £2.80 Website: https://www.poshcowdairy.com POSH COW SMOKED SEA SALT BUTTER Lightly whipped Welsh butter with oak smoked sea salt gives a deep umami flavour that packs a punch however you choose to use it. POSH COW BLOSSOM HONEY & CINNAMON BUTTER Lightly whipped Welsh butter with cinnamon and artisan blossom honey from Kent to deliver a sweet and aromatic accompaniment. Coming soon - POSH COW EARL GREY & APRICOT JAM BUTTER & POSH COW SEAWEED BUTTER Lightly whipped Welsh butter with superfood seaweed produces a bold-flavoured creamy butter that offers an elegant accompaniment to any bread or cracker. Recipe below courtesy of Posh Cow (see website for more brilliant suggestions) CHERRY, BLOSSOM HONEY AND CINNAMON CRUMBLE Serves 2 50g Posh Cow Honey & Cinnamon Butter (straight from the fridge) 75g plain flour 30g oats 35g demerara sugar 175g frozen pitted cherries (or any other frozen fruit) 1 tbsp maple syrup Method - Preheat oven to 180 degrees Pulse cold butter and flour until it forms a crumble. Add oats and sugar and pulse until combined. Fill small oven proof dish with frozen cherries and drizzle with maple syrup Top with crumble  Disclaimer - I received samples of butter in return for an honest review. Beware though, it tastes so good you won't want to stop eating it
images (c) Posh Cow  Start-up drinks brand Bemuse is shortlisted in the Brand Launch of the Year category in the Food and Drink Federation Awards 2022. Having just celebrated its first anniversary, the brand is vying for the ultimate crown against food and drink sector big-hitters including Mars Food, Princes and Walkers. Nature inspired Bemuse supports the UK’s dwindling bee population by reimagining ancient honey drink mead for a modern audience. My interest piqued, the company kindly sent me some drinks to try. I can say that they went down very well indeed especially on these, the hottest days of the year! Besides the fact Bemuse is deliciously tasty, the drinks are low in sugar, alcohol and calories, all natural and gluten free to boot. Can't be bad, can it? Let me tell you about the flavours available. Light and fruity Hops Infused Sparkling Low Alcohol Mead is described as 'curiously crisp and hoppy.' Brewed with wildflower honey, the flavour may change slightly depending on the flowers the bees go to. Pair this one with fish or barbecued meats. Raspberry Sparkling Low Alcohol Mead is described as 'curiously fresh and aromatic'. Light and refreshing, this contains orange blossom honey and raspberries. The scent is light, citrusy, with a super-refreshing taste which has the merest hint of sweetness. Pair with tart dressings and sauces or enjoy with cheese, salad or dessert. Ginger & Cardamom Sparkling Low Alcohol Mead is described as 'curiously zesty and fragrant'. Brewed with apple blossom honey, it has a pleasant, fresh scent and added zing due to the addition of aromatic ginger and cardamom. Pair with spicy, highly seasoned foods or something with a sweet glaze or sauce. Tarragon, Basil & Hops Sparkling Low Alcohol Mead is described as 'curiously tangy, smoky and refreshing'. The honey is from ling heather blossoms found on Scottish moors with the addition of tarragon, basil and hops. Delicately refreshing, it is slightly tangy with a mild sweetness and hint of smokiness. Pair with light seafood or herby dishes . Co-founder Anna Chalov explained, 'From the beginning, we had a very clear vision for Bemuse and wanted to create a non-alcoholic drink that was refreshing. tasty, low in calories but which also supported the natural world. In Bemuse, we have created a unique drinks category as the only range of non-alcoholic craft meads and which are produced by natural fermentation of honey, water and yeast, infused with natural ingredients to create four distinctive flavours. '  FDF award winners will be revealed at a ceremony hosted by Jay Rayner on 15 September. Bemuse sparkling low-alcohol meads are 0.5% ABV and available in 330ml fully recycled cans. https://www.bemusedrinks.com  images (c) Bemuse & Mike Pickup
Stockists include WiseBartender Bemuse has achieved wide distribution through online and specialist UK drinks retailers and the lightly sparkling, low-alcohol meads are a refreshing alternative for hot summer days. Bemuse has recently expanded distribution into the Netherlands, with discussions ongoing for distribution in other overseas markets and will shortly launch a crowdfunding campaign to expand and secure additional listings.  Good news for cheese lovers! Davidstow, leading UK premium branded cheddar has introduced a selection of exclusive aged cheddars just in time for the festive season. The Cornwall-based brand which bears a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen’s Household, has launched the Davidstow online store selling a range of exclusive Davidstow cheddars and gift sets. The range includes 40-month-old Davidstow Reserve and the highly coveted 60-month-old Davidstow Special Reserve previously accessible only to a handful of Michelin starred chefs. This is due to the complexity of maturing cheddar for such a long time and limited availability. Alongside these exclusive aged profiles available as hand-wrapped blocks, wax-covered ingots and included in a selection of gift sets, shoppers can purchase a range of Davidstow cheddars for everyday use, ranging from 12 months to 36 months of maturity. Gift sets will see Davidstow cheddars paired with a carefully curated range of complementary Cornish partner products including Furniss Crackers and The Cornish Larder Chutney, alongside an exclusive Davidstow branded presentation slate. Jonathan Westlake, Davidstow Brand Controller, comments, “We’re hugely excited to launch our online Davidstow store in time for Christmas. Online shopping and the use of eCommerce sites have seen huge growth recently, especially since the onset of COVID-19, and we want to make sure that our premium cheddars and gift sets are available to all, particularly those not able to go shopping this year. Products available on the Davidstow site include formats not currently available to consumers, such as waxed and hand-wrapped blocks and maturities ranging from our 12-month Classic through to the jewel in our crown: 60-month Special Reserve cheddar, previously only released to a select number of renowned Michelin Star restaurants. The new Davidstow range will make a unique gift for cheese lovers this Christmas!” The store will be accessible through Davidstow’s existing brand website Prices from £3-£11 for individual cheddar blocks and from £20-£42 for gift sets. Minimum value order £15 and will be shipped within four working days in fully insulated, sustainable packaging, delivered by overnight courier at £3.95 per parcel. Final order date for 25 December delivery is 22 December. Produced for almost 70 years at the multi-award winning Davidstow creamery in the village of Davidstow, North Cornwall, using milk sourced from local Cornish farms, Davidstow cheddar is aged slowly to develop its characteristic rich, savoury flavour and flinty texture. The brand is supplied to Her Majesty the Queen’s Household and bears a coveted Royal Warrant. It also has a growing following of Michelin-starred chefs.  Partners
Furniss biscuit-makers based in Truro, Cornwall, have been crafting quality biscuits since 1886. Today they bake as they have always done in Cornwall using timely recipes, quality locally sourced ingredients. Furniss Original West Country Cheddar savoury biscuits are boldly flavoured with Davidstow cheddar, Pure Cornish butter and tangy Cornish sea salt from The Lizard Peninsula. The extra- savoury finish makes the biscuits a perfect cheeseboard partner. The Cornish Larder Company in Wadebridge aims to bring Cornwall’s food & drink scene together in harmony. Every one of their products celebrates a Cornish producer. The Cornish Larder Caramelised Onion Chutney with Keltek King Ale combines sweet sticky onions and premium bitter ale resulting in a deep and rich flavoured chutney, the perfect cheeseboard accompaniment. 12 Month Mature Cheddar : Tesco Extra, Asda, Morrisons & Ocado 18 Month Extra Mature: Tesco Extra, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons & Ocado 36 Month (3 Year) Vintage Cheddar : Available from Ocado 60 Month (5 Year) Vintage Cheddar : Can be sampled only at Michel Roux’s La Gavroche, London images (c) Davidstow (Promoted Post)  BETTER NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
HIGH STRENGTH IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST Two-part supplement stack Immune System Boost contains 33 natural ingredients scientifically proven to support the immune system AM and PM formulas maximise absorption and efficacy Better Nutritional Science has launched Immune System Boost. These high -strength supplements which come in AM and PM formulas provide 24-hour immune system support. All ingredients have been carefully researched, dosed and combined in this two-part formula to allow the key essential minerals to work in the most optimised manner. The AM formula supports the immune system and at the same time provides an energy and nutrient boost with Vitamins D + K2, C, A and E. It contains ICF™ (Immunity Co-Factors) Compound, a beneficial partner to Zinc and also Zinc Picolinate, proven in a placebo-controlled trial to be the most bioavailable form which actually increases Zinc levels recorded in the body. This formula benefits from a Live Culture and Prebiotic together with organic Astragalus, Ginger, Liquorice and medicinal Reishi mushrooms, super- beneficial to the body's immune system. Of course the PM formula supports the immune system too but goes one step further to support the body's response to inflammation via an FSC™ (Full-Spectrum Curcumin) Compound (containing Organic Turmeric, Pure Curcumin, & Piperine). This allows Curcumin to work most effectively couched within its source herb Turmeric and enhanced with Black Pepper Piperine for maximum absorption. The PM formula contains a strong Iron dose, which is so helpful for periods of tiredness, fatigue and oxygen transport support, as well as B-Vitamins, known for their immune-supporting and energy-producing roles. Choline supports normal liver function, helpful at times of immune body stress and Alpha Lipoic Acid which helps 'recycle' Glutathione (often called the Master Antioxidant) within the body. Bromelain helps absorption while Ashwagandha provides adaptogenic relief for mind and body stress, supporting mood. All good stuff! An extra bonus is that since Ingredients are supplied safely in high-strength doses, the formula is highly effective and reduces the need to take daily multiple supplements. Calum Scott from Immune System Products says, “It has never been more important to maintain a strong immune system which plays a vital role, protecting your body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make you unwell. We believe our Immune System Boost is the strongest formula for immune system support available globally, as it has some of the best evidence-based, immune-supporting nutrients in the best form obtainable at the highest and safest amounts.” Immune System Boost is £65 for one month’s supply (120 capsules) is available from www.beimmune24.com Note: As a huge fan of vitamin and mineral supplements, I have been taking these Immune System Boost AM and PM formulas for a while now and I truly feel that they are beneficial. Soo much so, that I don't hesitate to give them a 10 out of 10 rating. (The company sent me samples to try in return for an honest review)  BRAINZYME® PLANT POWERED BRAIN FOOD
Brainzyme® Focus brain food supplements are designed to improve focus, mood, memory and give a 100% natural energy boost. The fast-acting capsules are easily absorbed to help you achieve ‘flow state’, which allows you to work efficiently without becoming distracted or feeling under pressure. There are three products in the Brainzyme Focus ® range: Original, Pro and Elite. How do they differ? Focus Original™ helps you focus and feel calm. It combines Guarana and Choline nootropic components including L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols with a Brainzyme® blend of B-vitamins and minerals to support your body and brain. In short, it may help you get more done! Focus Pro™ great for boosting motivation and giving additional memory support. 20 active ingredients include high levels of L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols to help you focus on the task in hand, Guarana to keep fatigue at bay while allowing you to maintain alertness, Choline for brain function, Ginkgo Biloba to help support memory and increase blood flow to the brain while delivering vital oxygen to improve brain power. [note: after only a week of trying these supplements, my energy levels have increased and I do not tire as easily as before.] Focus Elite™ Enhances mood, helps memory, boosts focus levels whilst relieving stress. Jam packed with nutrients to support long-term brain health, it utilises Panax Ginseng to invigorate brain and body while supporting social functioning and mood. It also has Guarana, Ginkgo Biloba, Choline and Curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. L. Acidophilus, a live culture, is included as scientists increasingly find more links between gut health and brain performance. Acetyl L-Carnitine, a mitochondrial energy optimiser,supports energy production at the cellular level. [note: when I take these Elite supplements, I find I am able to concentrate more easily without my mind racing off in several different directions at once which it normally tends to do!] Brainzyme® Focus supplements are available from www.brainzyme.com They cost £18 for a month's supply (60 capsules) of Original, £29 for Pro and £47 for Elite. Brainzyme® was launched in 2016 by Edinburgh company Better Nutritional Science Ltd. as the UK's first ‘natural nootropic’ to help support brain function. Brainzyme’s brain food supplements contain plant-powered ingredients, vitamins and minerals that have been scientifically proven to support concentration, cognition, memory, mental performance and reduce tiredness. Brainzyme® is based on ingredient research from leading neuro-cognitive and nutritional experts, including the 18-member panel at EFSA. Better Nutritional Science Ltd. was awarded Scottish Enterprise’s Wider Innovation grant in 2017, 2018 and 2019.  (promoted post)
 Pataka Ginger Liqueur, produced using Fairtrade root ginger and 100% Fairtrade sugar, adds an exotic, fiery, spicy touch to a cocktail. It's a perfect warmer for these chilly winter evenings, but that's not really surprising, after all, Pataka means 'firecracker' in Punjabi. I received a bottle of the golden liqueur from the nice people at Mangrove UK to see what I thought. So, what's my verdict? It has a cockle- warming flavour which reminded me of old fashioned ginger sweets. It is fresh, fragrant, appealingly fiery and pleasantly smooth. Since it contains no extra flavouring or spices, there is no chemical aftertaste at all. Definitely a great addition to any drinks cabinet. And here are some recipes from Mangrove UK that you can try Mulled Ginger: for when mulled wine needs an extra kick Warm a glass of red wine in a pan, add 30ml Pataka, a slice of orange and a cinammon stick. Good to go! East Side: a short shaken glass of fiery goodness Add ice to a shaker with 40ml Pataka Ginger Liqueur, 10ml navy strength gin, 25ml fresh lime juice, 8 mint leaves and 10ml sugar syrup. Shake and strain into a glass. Fire Cracker : simple but full of flavour Pour 50ml Pataka over a tall glass filled with ice and top with ginger ale. Pataka ginger liqueur can be used in lots of cocktail recipes, so if you have any brilliant ideas that you'd like me to share, do let me know and I can add them here.   Stockists:
Master of Malt Whiskey Exchange The Drink Supermarket RRP £24 The brand is owned by French company Ethical Wine & Spirits and developed jointly with MANGROVE in the UK. EWS is dedicated to producing high-quality spirits sourced ethically and sustainably. The other evening, I went to the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden to see The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical. I loved it! For one thing, it is so ridiculously and fabulously over the top - but that's to be expected since the inspiration behind the musical is Roald Dahl's book. Let me tell you a little bit about this multi award winning musical - only a teeny tiny little bit mind, because you should really go to see it for yourself. Oh and I should say, this is a musical which appeals to adults every bit as much as it appeals to children. In a nutshell, it is the story of an amazing little girl who loves books and stories. She has an extremely vivid imagination and razor sharp mind. However, her parents can't see the point of books or stories and are really mean to her. As if THAT'S not bad enough, Miss Trunchbull her headmistress is a bully. So, what does Matilda do? With the help of Miss Honey, her really nice class teacher, she takes a stand in order to change her own destiny..... '‘Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.’ (Matilda)   This show has incredible energy. It is dynamic, charming and exuberant. The cast are fabulous, they obviously love what they do and it shows. As Matilda herself says, ‘Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it's unbelievable...’ A 'relaxed' performance will take place on Sunday 19 June 2022 at 3pm. This offers full access to the theatre for those with autism and learning disabilities and their families. This follows the sold-out success of Matilda the Musical's six previous relaxed performances. What does this mean exactly? Well, a relaxed performance provides a comfortable environment for everyone, with elements of the production adapted to reduce anxiety and stress, including adjustments to lighting and sound levels to soften their impact. The ambience of the auditorium and theatre ‘rules’ are relaxed, everyone is allowed to make noise and move around without restriction. Designated ‘chill-out’ areas outside the auditorium provide soft seating and activities for those who need to take a break. The production will be captioned and audio-described with an accompanying touch tour. All theatre staff, crew and company members receive specialist training to anticipate a wider range of different audience needs. Tickets for the relaxed performance are at the reduced rate of £15.00, £25.00, £35.00 and £45.00, bookable online at http://uk.matildathemusical.com/tickets/accessibility/ or by phoning 020 3925 2998. Trained staff are available to speak to bookers to ensure their specific needs are considered when allocating seats. All bookers will be sent a visual story to help familiarise themselves with the plot, characters and setting before arrival.  MATILDA THE MUSICAL Cambridge Theatre Earlham Street London WC2H 9HU For full performance schedule and to book tickets visit: www.matildathemusical.com The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon Avon home in 2010 before transferring to the West End in October 2011. Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards with a record-breaking seven awards and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.  Adapted from the much-loved Roald Dahl book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Matilda The Musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical. It has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production, Roald Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 . Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.
all images (c) Manuel Harlan |
