NOW That’s What I Call Music! 97

Release Date: 21st July 2017

RRP Under: £15.00

Cat no: CDNOW97

Barcode: 889854243920

http://www.nowmusicstore.com/*/Numbered-Now-CD/Now-That-s-What-I-Call-Music-97/5KGD0AQ8000

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As we hit the height of summer, NOW are releasing the latest in their series of hit compilations on July 21st, NOW 97, the definitive selection of tracks for summer 2017.

With all the iconic number one songs from the past few months making up the ultimate soundtrack to your summer in one easy place, it’s your go-to album for your BBQ’s, house parties, pool parties and those long summer drives.

Top tracks include Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, ‘Despacito’, Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean, ‘Feels’ and Harry Style ‘Sign Of The Times’.

But it’s not just a one-trick party pony. NOW 97 it also includes moving tracks, One Last Time from Ariana Grande and Bridge Over Troubled Water by Artists for Grenfell, destined to become songs that define Britain’s 2017.

Whether kicking back and relaxing, or evoking memories, both sad and hopeful, of a defining summer for so many of us, this compilation is one of those that is sure to endure well beyond 2017. As always, NOW has captured the sounds that define Britain today, creating the soundtrack to this summer and the ultimate musical trip down memory lane to 2017 for years to come.

Track Listing

CD 1

01. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber – Despacito (Remix)

02. DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne – I’m The One

03. Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean – Feels

04. Jonas Blue feat. William Singe – Mama

05. Clean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson – Symphony

06. Little Mix feat. Stormzy – Power

07. Liam Payne feat. Quavo – Strip That Down

08. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This

09. David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber – 2U

10. Harry Styles – Sign Of The Times

11. Shawn Mendes – There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back

12. Rita Ora – Your Song

13. Olly Murs and Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable

14. Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like

15. Jason Derulo feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla

16. Katy Perry feat. Migos – Bon Appétit

17. Nick Jonas feat. Anne-Marie & Mike Posner – Remember I Told You

18. Lady Gaga – The Cure

19. Camila Cabello – Crying In The Club

20. Niall Horan – Slow Hands

21. Miley Cyrus – Malibu

22. Ariana Grande – One Last Time

CD 2

01. French Montana feat. Swae Lee – Unforgettable

02. Sigala & Ella Eyre – Came Here For Love

03. Maggie Lindemann – Pretty Girl (Cheat Codes X CADE Remix)

04. The Weeknd – Rockin’

05. Little Mix feat. Machine Gun Kelly – No More Sad Songs

06. Jax Jones feat. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don – Instruction

07. Cheat Codes feat. Demi Lovato – No Promises

08. Disciples – On My Mind

09. J Hus – Did You See

10. Kendrick Lamar – HUMBLE.

11. Future – Mask Off

12. Kygo & Ellie Goulding – First Time

13. Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan – There For You

14. Rudimental feat. James Arthur – Sun Comes Up

15. Hailee Steinfeld – Most Girls

16. Selena Gomez – Bad Liar

17. NEIKED feat. MIMI – Call Me

18. RAYE – The Line

19. Fifth Harmony feat. Gucci Mane – Down

20. HAIM – Want You Back

21. JP Cooper – Passport Home

22. Take That – Giants

23. Artists For Grenfell – Bridge Over Troubled Water

NEW TO UK >> Improve your skin with the new and organic RosehipPLUS range >> www.rosehipplus.com.au

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With A listers like Miranda Kerr and David Gandy still swearing by the benefits of Rosehip Oil it’s no wonder this most sought-after ingredient is still a huge skincare buzz in the industry. The benefits of Rosehip Oil are endless; from reducing the appearance of stretchmarks to soothing sun burn, and can can be used as part of a daily routine for both men and women of all ages, even those with the most sensitive skin.

With so many products on the market, there’s only one which stands out from the rest…. the RosehipPLUS range, hot off the shores of Australia and now available from John Bell and Croyden, www.treatyourskin.com, and www.thefragrancecounter.com. Certified organic cold pressed, every product in the range contains oil from the highest quality Rosehip seeds sourced from the Southern regions of Chile.

The oil is extracted from the seeds without heat, solvents or chemicals, guaranteeing the oil’s purity and quality. Rosehip PLUS only use the seeds from the rosehip berry but some other oils can have a dark reddish hue, this is mainly due to the flesh from the berry being used. Rosehip Plus are the ONLY range to remove the flesh from the berry before pressing, hence it’s warm golden colour. This one-of-a-kind technique means that the maximum levels of nutrients are retained, ensuring that skin gets all the goodness from Rosehip Oil.

As one of only two pure rosehips products on the market, RosehipPLUS focuses on having a compact range, which contains six hero products including:- THE ROSEHIP OIL SPECIALISTS RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil 15ml for £10.00, 30ml for £15, 50ml for £25 the oil is enriched
with Vitamin A which works to fight the signs of ageing, Vitamin E – a powerful anti inflammatory, Vitamin C – this gives skin antioxidant benefits, Omega 3,6 & 9, Lycopene and Beta-Carotene. The wonder oil also reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars with its hydrating properties while also working to fight the signs of ageing by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and promoting skin elasticity.

The RosehipPLUS Hydrating Day Cream, 75ml, £24.00 is a daily moisturiser enriched with pure Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, as well as chamomile, avocado and rose geranium. These ingredients work together to support and encourage healthier looking skin; the day cream maintains skin hydration and softness while also protecting your complexion against fine lines.

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The RosehipPLUS Daily Cream Cleanser, 150ml, £19.00 is a cream based cleanser, blended with Organic Rosehip Oil, Jojoba and Sea Buckthorn essential oils to maintain the skins perfect moisture balance. The cleanser can be used to remove make-up and impurities from the skin which will leave you feeling refreshed and prep skin perfectly for the rest of your regime.

Every product in the RosehipPLUS range is certified organic, so you know that only the best ingredients go into each product, meaning you get the best results for your skin.

100% pure and natural Australian Certified Organic Rosehip Oil skincare range that helps support healthy looking skin. Cruelty free, no parabens, sulphates, artificial colours, synthetic fragrance, petro chemicals, preservatives and PETA endorsed!

Gloucester Rugby Announce Partnership with Greene King

www.greeneking.co.uk

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Greene King and Gloucester Rugby have agreed a deal that will see the UK brewer and pub retailer become the new Official Ale Partner of the premiership club.

Greene King’s association will run for seven seasons from the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign and will include pouring rights for Greene King’s portfolio of leading and seasonal beers at the club’s Kingsholm stadium.

The new partnership will see Greene King beers served at all eleven bars around Kingsholm and at a dedicated real ale bar located near gate one. The Shed, a terrace stand famous for hosting some of the club’s most dedicated fans and for its atmosphere due to its proximity to the pitch, will become known as the ‘Greene King Shed’.

Each home matchday will incorporate a ‘Festival of Real Ale’ within the stadium where at least four Greene King beers will be available during any one game, including the likes of Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale as well as a rotating selection of the brewer’s seasonal and speciality ales.

Gloucester Rugby’s Commercial Director, Mike Turner confirmed the new partnership to the club website: “We’re very pleased to welcome Greene King to our family of Official Partners. Real ale is always a popular product on matchdays, and the introduction of Greene King’s iconic beer range at Kingsholm is yet another step taken in enhancing the matchday experience for our fans.”

Don’t let blisters ruin your game

Marin Cilic, this years runner up in Wimbledon men’s final was spotted noticeably in tears during the most important game of his career. He claimed his mind was “blocked with pain”, due to a blister on his left foot.

David Wain, Carnation footcare podiatrist tells us. “Blsiters are a collection of fluid found under a layer of skin. They occur due to rubbing from repetitive shear forces quite often as a result of wearing ill fitting shoes.
Never burst, peel or pick a blister!”

David’s 5 blister busting tips….

1. Sounds obvious, but wear the correct fitting shoes.
2. Wear them in gently before carrying out great periods of activity.
3. Wear two pairs of socks if needs be!
4. Try Carnation’s Anti Blister Stick. Containing two types of wax, simply rub on the chosen area to reduce inflammation.

5. Use Carnation Hydro Blister Plasters made from a special material to provide a controlled environment over the blister to promote rapid healing.

Available at firstaidfast.co.uk : Blister Stick RRP £3.46. Blister Plasters RRP £1.75

Picture Frames & Sports Shirts & Medals Frames! This Brand New “Champions” allows anyone to frame their own shirts, medals & more! >> www.vivarti.co.uk

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This brand new champions range allows anyone to frame their own shirts, medals and more. All of the components required for to DIY!

Yorkshire Hotel Brings Back Much-Loved Director of Fun

The Grand Hotel & Spa, York has appointed a familiar face to its ‘board’

www.thegrandyork.co.uk

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In 2009, six-year-old Sam Pointon was appointed ‘Director of Fun’ by the National Railway Museum in York – fast-forward eight years and the teenager is back to take on a new ‘board’ role with a leading Yorkshire hotel.

The Grand Hotel & Spa, York – Yorkshire’s only AA 5-star hotel – has appointed 14-year-old Sam as its very own ‘Director Of Fun & Families’ and will lead a campaign to help children get the most out of their visits to York.

Sam’s first job as Director Of Fun & Families has been to produce a series of six video blogs revealing his top tips for children to do in York, including family-friendly places to eat, things to do for free, as well as historic York.

Sam will be a kid consultant for the hotel, helping with everything from menus and recipes, in-room entertainment and seasonal city guides, through to suggesting family-friendly activities and promotions.

Sam Pointon, 14, Director Of Fun & Families at The Grand Hotel & Spa, York, said: “I literally jumped at the chance to become the Director Of Fun & Families. The hotel wrote to my Dad to ask if I’d like to help them with family-friendly stuff to do in York – I’m guessing there aren’t many kids who’ve done this sort of thing before.

“I’ve started with some vlogs and each week over the summer I’ll be sharing a new video with stuff I think will be good for children – and their mums and dads – to do and see in York.”

Philip Bolson, General Manager of The Grand Hotel & Spa, York, said: “We are very excited to welcome Sam to the team. He is full of brilliant advice for young people visiting York and will help us enhance our family-friendly activities at the hotel.”

Michelle Brown, Marketing Manager, Visit York, said: “It’s brilliant to be involved in such a family-focused campaign. York has an abundance of events happening over the summer holidays and Sam has certainly provided plenty of options for the whole family to enjoy!”

Sam’s video blogs, available to view at www.thegrandyork.co.uk/director-of-fun-families will include:

· Family Friendly Locations To Eat

· Free Days Out In and Around York

· York Must-See

· Things You Can Only Do In York

· Walks In And Around York

· Things About Historic York

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GIVE IT SOME OOMPH WITH FISH ORIGINAL DRYFISH TEXTURISING DRY SHAMPOO Staying true to its Soho heritage – always ahead of the game – the Fish Salon is cleaning up the men’s styling market with the launch of the cleverly formulated, double usage Fish Original Dryfish Texturising Dry Shampoo.

www.fishsoho.com

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NEW

FISH ORIGINAL DRYFISH TEXTURISING DRY SHAMPOO

Staying true to its Soho heritage – always ahead of the game – the Fish Salon is cleaning up the men’s styling market with the launch of the cleverly formulated, double usage Fish Original Dryfish Texturising Dry Shampoo. Part dry shampoo, part styling product, the benefits of this ultra-convenient and innovative hero product are double bubble: refresh hair between washes and add volume-boosting texture to your barnet!
For fellas on the go, Dryfish will freshen up your hair by absorbing excess oil, giving it a clean and fresh feel. Added bonus: the Fish Original signature scent – Coconut Twist – will make your hair smell as good as it looks and waft you to paradise! So whether at the gym, date, festival or running late – Dryfish has you covered, anytime, anywhere. Keep one in your gym bag, the motor and in your bathroom cupboard.
Suitable for hair of all lengths and types, Dryfish is ideal to create a texturised style with a matt finish and a light hold. So when hair needs a little livener and you’re up against it, Dryfish is your ‘go-to’ product.
Dryfish – the perfect wingman for every man’s barnet!

GET THE LOOK WITH DRYFISH

festivalfish Ideal for that classic indie boy style straight from the field without your hair looking like a bag of chips. Add Dryfish Texturising Dry Shampoo to roots of day-old-washed hair. Rub your hands through the scalp to activate the dry shampoo. Tell-tale dirty roots are gone, leaving hair clean and fresh. See how many days you can go on dry shampoo alone!

pufferfish Add Dryfish Texturising Dry Shampoo to the roots of newly-washed hair to create volume without clogging up your roots. Then, use a pea-sized amount of Fish Original Fishfingers Shape Defining Wax to define the mid-lengths and ends. If you were born with fine hair (or are losing precious strands) this style gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.

Tackle life with style Fish Original Dryfish Texturising Dry Shampoo, 200ml, £4.99 is available from www.fishsoho.com and www.Superdrug.com.

GO GREEN THIS SUMMER WITH FIREMIZER >> www.firemizer.com

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Now the sun is shining and summer is well and truly on its way, many of us will be dusting off our garden furniture and barbeques ready for an outdoor gathering with friends and family.

For those looking to throw a party on the patio or a shindig under the sun, Firemizer has shortlisted five green tips to help you live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle this summer…

1. Extend Your Summer Evenings

Entertaining and lounging late into the evening is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Many of us turn to trusty chimeneas and fire pits to prevent our outdoor activities from being cut short thanks to the unpredictable British weather.

Make your al fresco nights last even longer with the help of Firemizer. The unique fuel saving device has been scientifically proven to enable you to enjoy your perfect fire for longer. One grid will typically last up to 500 burning hours and can reduce emissions by up to 72% – good for the environment and good for you.

2. Keep It Local

Support your local farmers and producers by purchasing your meat and vegetables from Farmers Markets and local high street shops. Not only will your food be fresher and tastier but by avoiding supermarket chains you will reduce the amount of miles the food has had to travel therefore reducing emissions, energy and waste.

3. Go Green with Your Barbeque

The good news is you can still be the king of the grill and be an eco-champion! By choosing to cook your food outdoors you have already made an eco-friendly decision as the barbeque is more energy efficient than your indoor oven.

Using a one-of-a-kind Firemizer ensures your barbeque will burn for longer and use less charcoal. It works by spreading the heat evenly to burn every last bit, ultimately saving you money and reducing waste. Firemizer also makes the charcoal get hotter quicker, meaning you can get those burgers and sausages cooked to perfection for your guests in no time – win win!

4. Eco-Décor

Turn your hand to a little bit of upcycling ahead of your guests’ arrival. It’s a great way to create a theme and decorate your outdoor space while still being eco-friendly. Make use of candles and greenery that you already have in your garden rather than stocking up on shop-bought flowers, or try painting old jars in bright colours for a bespoke centrepiece. Ditch the paper tablecloths and plastic plates and cutlery. Instead, visit your local second hand shop for vintage linens that’ll last and opt for crockery from your own kitchen to avoid waste.

5. Clean It Up

As your summer event comes to an end, reduce any waste and send your guests home with the left overs, packed in reusable containers of course. It is vital to remember to clean your barbeque before storing it away. A cleaner grill gives off less smoke and pollution and ensures your food tastes its best. The longer you wait to clean it the harder it will be to remove oil and grease. Avoid any harsh chemical cleaners, simply dip a wire sponge into baking soda, scrub until the grate is clean and voila, you’re ready for your next get-together!

For further information on Firemizer, please visit: www.firemizer.com

 

BrightSounds 2 is an outdoor Bluetooth speaker, an LED lantern and a power bank. >> www.lavaaccessories.co.uk

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A Revolution in Outdoor Living – this Swiss Army Knife of Bluetooth Speakers with a Built-in Lantern & Powerbank.

Ideal for BBQs, Camping & Festivals.

LAVA BRIGHTSOUNDS 2

FERRARI FRAGRANCES
NEW FERRARI FRAGRANCE IPHONE CASE
ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

Now In Boots ! >> www.fragrancecase.com

DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND

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The new Ferrari Fragrance iPhone Case protects your iPhone 6 / 6s not only from impacts, but also keeps your fragrance away from the battery’s heat. Any concerns with liquid and your phone has been overcome by extensive industry tests to ensure the fragrance will never come into contact with any part of the phone; its airtight seal guarantees total safety. The spray is located at the back of the phone so no need to worry about your screen. Lightweight, soft-to-the-touch and incredibly easy to use. The Ferrari iPhone fragrance case covers it all for the guy on the go.

THE PERFECT TRAVEL ACCESSORY

The fragrance iPhone Case is a smart, stylish new way to make sure you never have to go without your fragrance. No need to carry around a bottle as you’re sure to have your phone with you.
Available at Boots RRP £30.00
www.fragrancecase.com #fragrancecase

THE SMART WAY TO APPLY FRAGRANCE

The new fragrance iPhone Case is an innovative concept which has been developed by Perfume Holding to experience your fragrance in a new way. Now you can refresh your scent every time you pick up your phone; this patent-protected innovation is the latest accessory for your iPhone that you won’t want to leave home without! It’s the perfect fragrance solution for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. The fragrance case is designed for iPhone 6 / 6s and comes with 25 ml of Ferrari Black or Ferrari Red EDT inside, plus an extra 25ml refill included.

THE LATEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR FAVOURITE FRAGRANCES

Perfume Holding teams up with Ferrari for two of its iconic fragrances: Ferrari Black and Ferrari Red. These modern, elegant and intensely masculine scents are the perfect companions for innovation and performance—hallmarks of the brand for nearly a century. Ferrari Black is an aromatic fougere that features a fruity, citrus top note, a spicy floral heart and a warm, woody base. Ferrari Red is a woody citrus scent with a top note of bergamot and spearmint, a refreshing floral heart and a sandalwood and cedar.

New Release!
Fair Harbor Isle Shaving Soap and Aftershave Balm

www.shop.cooperandfrench.com

Known for it’s cool summers and mild winters Fair Isle is an isolated island that captures the imagination of all who seek its charm. We captured the essence of Fair Isle with this blend of rich, warming tobacco blossom wrapped with caramel, topped with notes of mandarin orange, honey and rose in a delightful, inviting aroma.

Free Aftershave Sample

To introduce our new aftershave balm, we are including a FREE 2 ounce sample with every Fair Isle Harbor Shaving Soap. This is a limited time offer while supplies last.

Our aftershave balm is light and absorbs easily without feeling greasy. A great alternative to an alcohol based splash.

Of course we have full size 4 ounce version available as well.

This is just the beginning! In the coming weeks we will roll out additional Aftershave Balms to match our existing products. Coming soon: Authentic Barber, Black Tie, Fresh Start, Old Goat, Rum Runner, and Sandalwood & Amber

Cola’s cleaning up its act!

Green Cola, the closest thing to guilt-free diet cola is on sale now.

A new UK company is taking on leading cola brands with Green Cola, a revolutionary drink that offers all the great cola taste that consumers expect, without all of the bad stuff. It contains:

NO sugar

NO Aspartame

NO Phosphoric Acid

NO preservatives

NO calories

The drink is sweetened with Stevia, a natural plant extract and caffeinated with green coffee beans, which is why it’s called Green Cola.

Green Cola was conceived in Greece in 2013. It has been a massive success with the Greeks and millions of British holidaymakers who pushed for it to be brought to the UK. It is being launched here by Green Room Brands, a small business setting out to make a healthy difference.

CEO Paul Woodward says: “It took over two years to perfect our cola, with literally thousands of attempts and recipe tinkering. One-by-one, we took out ingredients like aspartame, phosphoric acid and the ordinary caffeine used by mainstream brands, until we were left with a healthier cola that doesn’t compromise on taste.

“There is nothing else like Green Cola on the market. Most low calorie colas contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener that many consumers have growing concerns about. This is an untapped market set to take off on the back of the sugar tax next year and we see a long-term opportunity to drive sustainable growth.”

Green Cola is sold in 330ml cans with an RRP of 70p and 500ml PET bottles RRP £1.30.

Green Cola is already a big hit in Greece, Romania, Germany, Ireland and Hong Kong. In the UK, it is currently stocked by Ocado, Amazon and artisan food and select coffee shops.

We are well into the winter season in Australia and our products have been put to the test. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing characteristics. We use it in both our body wash and moisturiser. We blend this with plant based oils of lemon, known for its cleansing characteristics and roman chamomile known for its calming characteristics so that you know your skin will be taken care of from the chilli winter months through to the sun intensive summer on and off the field. Mums and Dad’s are enjoying our products too.
We also took some time to attend the Australian School Boys Lunch Fundraiser in which we celebrated a reunion of the 1977 School Boys Rugby Tour. The lunch was chaired by Alan Jones. The event was reflective, insightful and inspiring as Alan recalled “the good old days” and what can be achieved with a dream and a team. We’ve taken a leave out of this, as we continue to build our team and our dream, we thank Alan for his words of wisdom and motivation to continue.
Our products can be purchased on line or if you are a distributor and would like to distribute our products locally, please let us know. You can read more about our story at: www.aloebeauty.com.au or email me directly: michele@aloebeauty.com.au

CHRISTOPHER WARD DIVES INTO SUMMER WITH TWO NEW LIMITED EDITION LAUNCHES

This summer, luxury watch brand Christopher Ward revealed
two new limited editions that will join their bestselling Trident
collection. The C60 Trident Pro COSC Limited Edition and the
C60 Trident Day Date COSC Limited Edition present a fresh new
take on the well-established Trident aesthetic, both sharing a
monochrome look with touches of red.
The new launches feature enhanced detailing and chronometer
timekeeping status. Both designs are not only matched with a
white guilloche wave pattern dial, but also with lume-filled
hands and indexes, red highlights and a red seconds hand with
signature Trident counterbalance.
The shatter-proof Zirconia (Zr02) black bezel on each model
has, for these editions only, a full detail minute marker ring for
enhanced precision, and a lume pip nestling within a red
inverted triangle at 12 o’clock.
Alongside the striking design, the C60 Trident Pro COSC Limited
Edition has an integrated chronometer-certified Swiss-made
Sellita SW200 COSC movement, which not only delivers power,
but also accuracy. The C60 Trident Day Date COSC Limited
Edition is powered by a chronometer-certified Swiss-made ETA
2836 COSC to deliver accuracy in timekeeping whether you’re
on land or 600m below the water.
Mike France, Co-Founder of Christopher Ward, says of the launch,
“Trident is our most renowned collection, and we are always looking at
how we can reinvent the designs to offer even more choice for our
customers. A reliable, high-quality watch is a must-have for every dive
enthusiast’s kit, and our new limited editions offer just that, with
precision and style for depths of up to 600m.”

Available to order from www.christopherward.co.uk

Prices start at £860

Hong Kong Cyclothon 2017 Speeds over Iconic Bridges

Join the Ride against the Wind in October!

Hong Kong Cyclothon 2017 invites cycling enthusiasts from Hong Kong and around the world to join the intense race and celebration in Hong Kong this October!

Hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Sunday 8 October, the Hong Kong Cyclothon will gather some 5,000 local and international cyclists in a race of speed and endurance. The 50km and 30km rides, in particular, offer a precious opportunity for riders to pedal through the diverse cityscape of Asia’s world city. Streaking on bike across three bridges, including Tsing Ma Bridge, is an exclusive and breathtaking experience on the 50km ride. This unique ride is a “must-do” for cycling amateurs and professionals alike.

Top cyclists from around the world will take part in the first-ever UCI Class 1.1 road race organised in Hong Kong and experience the city’s enchanting appeal and applause from enthusiastic spectators and visitors. Join the passionate crowd in front of Victoria Harbour and cheer for the professional riders in the heart of the Event Capital of Asia!

Date and Time
8 October 2017 (Sunday), 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Venue
Tsim Sha Tsui East to Stonecutters Bridge / Ting Kau Bridge, Ma Wan and Eagle’s Nest Tunnel

Main Activities
05:30 – 08:00
50 km Ride

08:15 – 10:00
30 km Ride

13:30 – 14:00
HKSAR 20th Anniversary Trophy

14:10 – 17:00
UCI Asia Tour Class 1.1 Road Race

Vantage Points
Both sides of Salisbury Road (near the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade) and Mody Road

Website
www.discoverhongkong.com/Cyclothon

Enrollment
www.register.hongkongcyclothon.com

Available from 10am, 22 July (HK Time, GMT+8)

The 50km and 30km rides offer a precious opportunity for cyclists to pedal through various iconic landmarks in Hong Kong Cyclothon 2017.

Visitors can watch the exciting race and cheer on the top international cyclists up close along the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! 97

Release Date: 21st July 2017

RRP Under: £15.00

Cat no: CDNOW97

Barcode: 889854243920

http://www.nowmusicstore.com/*/Numbered-Now-CD/Now-That-s-What-I-Call-Music-97/5KGD0AQ8000

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As we hit the height of summer, NOW are releasing the latest in their series of hit compilations on July 21st, NOW 97, the definitive selection of tracks for summer 2017.

With all the iconic number one songs from the past few months making up the ultimate soundtrack to your summer in one easy place, it’s your go-to album for your BBQ’s, house parties, pool parties and those long summer drives.

Top tracks include Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber, ‘Despacito’, Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean, ‘Feels’ and Harry Style ‘Sign Of The Times’.

But it’s not just a one-trick party pony. NOW 97 it also includes moving tracks, One Last Time from Ariana Grande and Bridge Over Troubled Water by Artists for Grenfell, destined to become songs that define Britain’s 2017.

Whether kicking back and relaxing, or evoking memories, both sad and hopeful, of a defining summer for so many of us, this compilation is one of those that is sure to endure well beyond 2017. As always, NOW has captured the sounds that define Britain today, creating the soundtrack to this summer and the ultimate musical trip down memory lane to 2017 for years to come.

Track Listing

CD 1

01. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber – Despacito (Remix)

02. DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne – I’m The One

03. Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean – Feels

04. Jonas Blue feat. William Singe – Mama

05. Clean Bandit feat. Zara Larsson – Symphony

06. Little Mix feat. Stormzy – Power

07. Liam Payne feat. Quavo – Strip That Down

08. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This

09. David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber – 2U

10. Harry Styles – Sign Of The Times

11. Shawn Mendes – There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back

12. Rita Ora – Your Song

13. Olly Murs and Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable

14. Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like

15. Jason Derulo feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla

16. Katy Perry feat. Migos – Bon Appétit

17. Nick Jonas feat. Anne-Marie & Mike Posner – Remember I Told You

18. Lady Gaga – The Cure

19. Camila Cabello – Crying In The Club

20. Niall Horan – Slow Hands

21. Miley Cyrus – Malibu

22. Ariana Grande – One Last Time

CD 2

01. French Montana feat. Swae Lee – Unforgettable

02. Sigala & Ella Eyre – Came Here For Love

03. Maggie Lindemann – Pretty Girl (Cheat Codes X CADE Remix)

04. The Weeknd – Rockin’

05. Little Mix feat. Machine Gun Kelly – No More Sad Songs

06. Jax Jones feat. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don – Instruction

07. Cheat Codes feat. Demi Lovato – No Promises

08. Disciples – On My Mind

09. J Hus – Did You See

10. Kendrick Lamar – HUMBLE.

11. Future – Mask Off

12. Kygo & Ellie Goulding – First Time

13. Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan – There For You

14. Rudimental feat. James Arthur – Sun Comes Up

15. Hailee Steinfeld – Most Girls

16. Selena Gomez – Bad Liar

17. NEIKED feat. MIMI – Call Me

18. RAYE – The Line

19. Fifth Harmony feat. Gucci Mane – Down

20. HAIM – Want You Back

21. JP Cooper – Passport Home

22. Take That – Giants

23. Artists For Grenfell – Bridge Over Troubled Water

The Bank of Mum & Dad Should Plan Ahead to Help Their Offspring

A recent survey from the Centre of Economic and Business Research (Cebr) and Legal & General, suggests the Bank of Mum & Dad will be lending their children £6.5 billion in 2017, in order to buy a home. That’s up from the £5 billion they lent in 2016 and should assist their children – of a wide range of ages – to purchase 298,300 homes.

Those figures put the UK’s parents on par with the country’s ninth biggest mortgage lender, the Yorkshire Bank, who lent £6.6 billion in mortgages over the course of 2016. But, while many parents are dipping into their savings in order to provide financial support to one or all of their offspring, there is another way.

Plan Ahead with the Right Investment
Some savings schemes are well thought out and incorporate Investment Funds and other options. However, that’s not the case for every parent who provides significant financial support to their children. However, a little forethought, could change that.

As your children near the end of their teens, parents could look into property investment options to equip themselves with enough money to support their children’s first step onto the property ladder, in the not so distant future.

This could take the form of buying the right rental property act auction, getting it ready for the private rental sector (PRS) and making sure the rent covers the mortgage and any additional running costs for the next few years. In the meantime, as well as paying for itself, there should be at least some capital appreciation – however small.Then, when your children are in need of financial assistance to get them on the property ladder, or to start their own venture, you have a range of options. They include:

Selling the property to fund their needs.
Re-mortgaging the property to give them the money they require, while retaining your investment.
Sign the property over to them and let them take on the mortgage and repay some, or all of your deposit upon the future sale of it.
Make the Most of the UK’s Rental Needs
If you’re in a position to do so, becoming a landlord in the UK’s PRS, even for a short time, could put both yourself and your children in a stronger financial position. It could even enable you to help them take their first significant financial step, without reducing your savings, pension pot or other investments.

Of course, not everyone is in a position to plan ahead and become a property investor. In addition, not everyone agrees they should assist their children with buying their first home.

But, without some financial help, some ‘children’ won’t be in a position to purchase their first home until they’re nearing their 40s. By helping to bring the timing forward, even just by a few years, could make a big difference to your children’s life – and yours, too!

For a great Letting agency and advice :
Ask for Nigel Crowe.. he is all around nice guy.

www.crowepropertyagency.co.uk/

www.adventurecreators.com

Summer time’s coming and if you’re considering a trip to Europe, the mountains of the French Pyrenees should be firmly on your itinerary. This unspoilt mountain chain which forms the natural border between France and Spain is a paradise for outdoor sports lovers and active families. A stay here is much better value than the Alps and a restaurant bill won’t leave you crippled! The Chain is also wonderfully accessible thanks to the numerous airports in the area including the main hub of Toulouse into which there are numerous cheap daily flights from Paris.

The Adventure Creators are the experts in fully flexible multi activity trips and guided sports specific adventure holidays to the central Pyrenees. We are based locally and take care of all of the organisation and local logistics to ensure your precious holiday time is as hassle free as possible. All you have to do is get here. From multi day off the beaten track mountain hiking and horse tr ekking circuits to guided mountain biking holidays and multi activity options, there is an exciting range of adventures to be had in the Pyrenees.

See full details of all of our adventure holidays on this link.
www.adventurecreators.com/adventures/

SPECIAL OFFER FOR ‘IN TOUCH RUGBY’ MEMBERS

20% DISCOUNT when you Book a health retreat and mention ‘In Touch Rugby.’

You will also receive all the 5 health, inspirational books FREE when you book a retreat.

Yera Health Retreat’s, 4 to 11 day long retreats, offer a holistic approach for YOU to rest, revive, retreat, promoting optimal healing and long term health. Combining a 7-day detox to clear your 95-metres of Gastro-Intestinal System, yoga, exercise, meditation, cooking demonstrations and healthy eating.

The retreat is for YOU to pause from your everyday existence, reflect and focus on ways to improve your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and to learn the useful living tools/tactics to implement into your life when you return to the rat race.

Yera is run by, Rob Lobosco, Dr. of Chinese Medicine/Presenter/Actor/Film-Maker. He founded/runs Yera Health Retreat & Clinic http://www.yerahealth.com.au

Rob’s motto, ‘Don’t wait- create,’ has lead him to deliver his ‘4-E’s,’ – educate, entertain, enlighten and empower – with his writings, novels, films and – ‘New Ideas,’ a new-wave in thinking to help people grow, awaken, evolve. https://www.facebook.com/newideasyeah/

ENGLISH SUPER LEAGUE PLAYER LEADS ORANGETHEORY AUSTRALIA’S COACHES

www.waterloo-nsw.orangetheoryfitness.com

Work for one hour, burn for 36 hours. Sounds like the dream, right? That’s the concept behind the world’s latest smart-workout, Orangetheory Fitness, and it’s changing lives around the globe.

The first of it’s kind workout is well known across the United States and is continuing its global dominance with its Australian expansion well and truly underway.

Orangetheory’s upcoming launches will spread the brand’s principle message – to train smarter, not harder – lead by National Head Coach, Ben Fisher. Ben’s expertise in fitness industry is derived by his background as a professional sportsman. Following his nine years experience playing for the English Super League in the UK and France, Ben now oversees all Australian Orangetheory Coaches.

Backed by the science of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (or EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart rate monitored training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy.

That’s exactly what makes Orangetheory different to any other type of fitness class around. Members wear heart-rate monitors that maximise the workout for each individual, so it’s effective for everyone regardless of their fitness levels.

To keep members motivated, Orangetheory also focuses on variety with each studio equipped with treadmills, bikes, rowers, TRX suspension trainers and free weights. The workouts are broken down into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, using different pieces of equipment to achieve a whole body workout and keep the body guessing.
Find out more about Orangetheory’s unique training experience at :-

Lastics Signs with Celebrity Entrepreneur Kevin Harrington to Produce and Launch DRTV Campaign for Lastics Stretch Technique

New York, NY – July 19, 2017 – Lastics announced that it has signed an agreement with Kevin Harrington, Original Shark from the hit ABC Emmy award winning show Shark Tank, to launch its first National DRTV campaign.

Kevin Harrington has launched more than 500 products that have generated more than $5 billion in worldwide sales. He is also widely known as the Inventor of the Infomercial and one of the founders of “As Seen On TV.”

“It was a pleasure working with such a consummate professional as Donna Flagg from Lastics,” says Kevin Harrington. “It’s very satisfying to watch her help so many people to improve their physical abilities and, by that, their quality of life.”

As part of its DRTV campaign with AsSeenOnTV.pro, Lastics will be appearing in 30- and 60- second spots set to air nationwide which will feature the original Shark himself.

Kevin Harrington has worked with some of the world’s biggest celebrities and launched some of the best-selling DRTV campaigns in history. Now, in his latest venture, Harrington is on the hunt for the best new products and ideas, and in the process, he has pegged Lastics Stretch Technique as one of them.

For more information on Lastics, please visit www.lastics.com.
Contact: donna@lastics.com / 917.405.8529

Here are four light, healthy and herbaceous drink recipes from mixologists at top hotel and resort bars just in time for your summer entertaining.

The Clean Shave
Eleven Waters at Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Cool as a cucumber, with all of its health benefits – B vitamins and high water content.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Knapp Distillery’s Cucumber Vodka
1 oz. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur
.5 oz. fresh cucumber puree
.5 oz. lemon juice
Splash of Saranac Ginger Beer
Procedure:

Shake first four ingredients, then pour into tall glass over ice. Top with Saranac Ginger Beer.

Quilt & Stone
Ninety Acres at Natirar

Fresh summer peaches add nutritional punch to this seasonal treat.

Ingredients:

1.75 oz. Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. thyme-infused honey
2 bar spoons fresh roasted peach puree
.25 oz. crème de peche
Peach slice and thyme sprig for garnish
Procedure:

Shake first four ingredients with some fresh thyme. Strain over ice into rocks glass. Garnish with peach slice and thyme sprig.

Fizzy Pink
Gaby Brasserie Française at Sofitel New York

Grapefruit and pomegranate are dense in nutrients while gin, made from juniper berries, offers its own surprising health benefits — aiding kidney and liver function and warding off colds and congestion to keep you “in the pink.”

Ingredients:

2 oz. gin
.75 oz. grapefruit juice
.75oz. pomegranate juice
Splash of club soda
Procedure:

Combine gin, grapefruit juice and pomegranate juice in a mixing glass filled with ice. Mix and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top up with club soda.

Cucumber Collins
W XYZ Bar at Aloft Boston Seaport

In additional to its digestive benefits, gin has been touted for reducing arthritis symptoms. Cucumber puree is low in sugar, high in water, and rich in B vitamins.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Beefeater Gin
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
.75 oz. simple syrup
.5 oz. cucumber puree
Splash of club soda
Procedure:

Combine and shake ingredients, then pour over ice.

Brāv trains anyone in conflict management strategy.

www.brav.org

These Brāv Ones in turn help manage the conflicts of others through our face-to-face online chat platform, instant messaging and more! Conflict managers, who are unknown to any and all parties, called Brāv Ones, are ordinary people like you, trained through our virtual games to manage issues amongst others. During a session, parties, together with the aid of a Brāv One, discuss specific disputed issues in order to develop options, consider alternatives, and reach a consensual agreement which assists all parties’ needs.

Carluccio’s launches Kids Eat for £1 in time for Summer

This summer, Italian restaurant group Carluccio’s is caring for the little ones and their parents by offering Kids Eat for £1 when ordering an adult main course.

Running from 25th July to 31st August, children can order a main dish, dessert and soft drink, all for just £1, between 9am and 5pm at any participating Carluccio’s branch. The menu features a choice of classic Italian family favourites including lasagne, creamy macaroni cheese, deliciously moreish lemon ravioli filled with ricotta and pine nuts, and chicken Milanese served with rosemary roasted potatoes. Little ones can also create their own pasta dish with either Spaghetti or Ditaloni, and one of Carluccio’stomato, pesto, or bolognaise sauces made with the finest Italian produce. To finish, bambinos can choose a Carluccio’s ice cream or fruit sorbet whilst being entertained by the activity pack provided.

While the young ones have their meal, why not enjoy a dish from Carluccio’s new summer menu which features regional Italian favourites. July specials include refreshing chilled cucumber soup, Sicilian swordfish muddica and seafood risotto; a true taste of the Mediterranean with calamari, clams, mussels and prawns.

Whether you’re a hungry child or an even hungrier parent, there’s something for the whole family at Carluccio’s.

Terms and conditions:

One £1 kid’s menu is offered with each purchase of an adult main
Kids must be aged 10 years or under
Offer valid Monday to Friday between 12 noon until 5pm
Offer runs from 25th July 2017 to Friday 31st August 2017 at participating Carluccio’s restaurants, please check with your local branch
In Ireland, a kid’s meal will cost €1
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, including Carluccio’s Set Menus

www.carluccios.com

Twitter @carluccios | FB: carluccios | Instagram: @carluccios

WHEN EVEN £4 MILLION ISN’T ENOUGH: THE AMOUNT WE NEED TO WIN IN ORDER TO GIVE UP WORK

THE AVERAGE Briton would want to win at least £5.4 million before giving up their day job, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by online games destination, WinkSlots.com as part of the Working After Winning Report revealed that the average Brit wouldn’t deem anything less than £5 million enough to quit their job.

More than a third (36%) would continue working if they won a substantial amount of money, and one in six (16%) would work for a charity if they won the jackpot.

11% would retrain for a different career after winning a large cash sum, with 1 in 5 (21%) saying they would choose to do so in the digital media industry.

Other popular industries to retrain in included, film (18%), travel (16%), music (14%) sports (9%), and science (8%).

A quarter of Britons (24%) would invest in a business if they won a substantial amount of money, with 27% choosing property to plough their winnings into – the top industry to invest in.

Those who would invest their jackpot winnings also listed banking and finance (19%), hospitality (18%), automotive (14%), tourism & leisure (14%) and information technology (6%) industries as popular places of investment.

A Wink Slots spokesperson commented; “We often talk about what we would do with our winnings, but not what we would do after hitting the jackpot. It’s great to see a third of Britons enjoy their jobs so much that they would continue working despite their windfall, and that some would even use the opportunity to retrain or volunteer their time for charity.

“The amount we would want to win before giving up our day job shows that we are cautious and tend to think long term when it comes to retirement – we want to ensure we have enough money to last through the years before entirely giving up work.”

Upon winning a large sum of money, 83% of Britons would not tell their boss, with just 8% saying they would admit to how much they had won.

While 46% would confide in their colleagues about their winnings, but 32% would disclose the amount won.

Unsurprisingly, we are most likely to share the good news with our family (83%) and friends (73%).

For more information visit https://www.winkslots.com/skin/magazine/working-after-winning.php, or http://www.winkslots.com/

MIX IT UP THIS SUMMER WITH ECHO FALLS FROZEN ROSE COCKTAILS

With the sun finally shining in the UK and long, balmy evenings on the horizon, Echo Falls has created the coolest drink of the season to quench the thirst of Brits this summer. Introducing Echo Falls range of Frosé Cocktails!

Partnering with one of London’s leading expert Mixologists, Clotilde Lataille, Echo Falls’ three delicious, blended Frosé cocktail recipes are perfect for those looking for a tipple to enjoy in the summer heat.

Created using the Echo Falls White Zinfandel, the ideal rosé for your blended summer cocktail with flavours of strawberries and peachy aromas, the three distinct cocktails are packed with bursts of flavour including refreshing lychee, sweet strawberries and zingy lemon.

So whether you’re looking to impress at your next garden BBQ or you simply want to try the go-to drink of the summer, Echo Falls has got you covered with its White Zinfandel and innovative cocktail creations.

This summer sees Californian wine brand Echo Falls transform the face of its wine labels, attributing each wine to a fun and lively persona. The new packaging will see a spectrum of colour introduced across the front of its label to distinguish the flavours and reflect the grape variety so you spend less time in the supermarket reading labels and more time at home enjoying a glass.

HOW TO MAKE OUR SUMMER FROSECOCKTAILS…

Lively Lychee

75ml Echo Falls White Zinfandel

50ml Lychee Juice

2.5ml or 1/2 tsp orange water

50ml Honey water (1 part honey for 1 part water or 25ml/2 tsp of honey)

25ml Monin sugar syrup

10 ice cubes, blended for 15 to 20seconds

Garnish with an edible flower / dry rose petals

Berry Fun

75ml Echo Falls White Zinfandel

4 Strawberries

4 raspberries

50ml of cold Jasmine Tea or Infuse some jasmine tea for 4mins in

boiling water then let it cool down in the fridge

75ml of Monin Sugar Syrup

10 ice cubes, blended for 15 – 20 seconds

Garnish with a Strawberry

75ml Echo Falls White Zinfandel

1 small scoop of lemon Ice cream

50ml Coriander syrup or add 2tsp of ground coriander into a

bottle of Monin sugar syrup

10 ice cubes, blended for 15 – 20 seconds

Garnish with a lemon wheel

Echo Falls White Zinfandel is priced at RRP £6 and available at supermarkets and off licences nationwide

FAMILY BOUND: MODERN FAMILY MADE OF LEGO BRICKS SPOTTED ACROSS LONDON TO MARK BRICKLIVE 2017

Brits were shocked to see a miniature modern family made from LEGO® bricks sightseeing this morning in London. Spotted at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the family donned LEGO beards, rucksacks and selfie sticks as they made their way to tourist hot spots, such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. The sculptures were created to celebrate BRICKLIVE, the UK’s largest LEGO exhibition, arriving at the London Excel on the 27th – 30th July.

Causing mayhem among commuters and residents, the family of four were also seen jumping on the DLR train – which is celebrating this week 30 years of service – and hovering over East London via Emirates cable car with views of the O2 Arena and London Excel. Each model took a painstaking 36 hours to put together and have over 150 delicately placed bricks that form the figurine.

BRICKLIVE is an unmissable experience for LEGO fans of all ages, visitors can expect to see enormous LEGO sculptures, dive into brick pits, plus play with a whopping three million LEGO bricks that will fill the free-build zones for enthusiasts to create their dream creations. Meet real live master builders from across the globe as some of the world’s finest builders display their latest creations, exclusively for BRICKLIVE.

With special guests and the latest exciting LEGO launches announced on the Live Stage, event goers can also look forward to interactive LEGO themed zones, giant brick filled play areas and the latest LEGO computer game releases from Warner Bros.

From Star Wars and Ninjago to Minecraft and Friends – fans can experience their favourite LEGO themes all under one roof. BRICKLIVE offers visitors a full day of entertainment for the entire family, attendees can visit our shopping strip, ‘Brick Lane’, from nostalgic sets, a lost piece in a collection or simply a memento from a great day out, BRICKLIVE has it covered.

BRICKLIVE will be touring the UK, visiting; Glasgow – SEC 20th – 23rd July, Belfast – Titanic Exhibition Centre 3rd – 6th August and Birmingham – NEC 26th – 29th October. Ticket prices are from £21.75 for a standard admission, or £16.75 for a family ticket. To purchase tickets or to receive the latest news and updates from BRICKLIVE, visit their website at www.bricklive.co.uk.

Visitors can make their way to the London ExCel using the Emirates Air Line cable car for just a £2.50 single fare. To redeem this exclusive discount, all you need to do is show a confirmation email/ticket to the staff at the terminals.

Photo Credit: Brits were shocked to see a miniature modern family made from LEGO® bricks sightseeing this morning around London in celebration of BRICKLIVE, the UK’s largest LEGO exhibition, coming to London, Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham. Each model took 36 hours to build and over 150 LEGO bricks. Photographer: Mikael Buck.

Scrubba Stealth Pack: A new level of functionality

This lightweight weatherproof backpack can even wash your clothes! For travel, outdoors & commuting

Now available to pre-order on IndieGoGo with early bird specials of up to 32% off.

The Scrubba stealth pack is a weatherproof day pack that doubles as a portable washing machine, portable shower and compression dry bag.

/www.indiegogo.com/projects/scrubba-stealth-pack-a-new-level-of-functionality-backpack-travel#/

The Travel Bottle.

A Collaboration with The Gypsy Shack.

The Travel Bottle is inspired by the desire to explore the world and venture beyond the horizon. Whether it’s trekking through the forests of South America, scaling the mountains of the Himalayas, or uncovering the sand dunes of the Middle East, the Travel Bottle explores the unexplored with you.

www.thetravelbottle.com

America’s Rum, Bayou Rum

As we approach the middle of July, folks everywhere are backyard bbq’ing and enjoying the summer season with their family. Relaxed entertaining calls for quick and easy food and drink recipes that are sure-fire crowd pleasers. America’s Rum, Bayou Rum is a unique spirit hailing from Lacassine, LA that combines traditional, hand-crafted distillation methodologies with local spice selections that are distinctly Southern.

Sugar cane, a product traditionally associated with harvest in Caribbean countries, has actually been historically cultivated in Louisiana since the 1700s and Bayou Rum is the first brand to take advantage of this local nutrient and delta-rich terroir, which produces the finest molasses and raw sugar, lending a signature flavor to this American-made rum.

The Watermelon Punch combines a backyard bbq staple, watermelon, with Bayou Satsuma for a refreshing drink option that beats the heat.

Watermelon Punch

1 parts Bayou Silver

1 part Bayou Satsuma

4 parts watermelon puree

1 part orange juice

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part club soda or sparkling wine

*Combine all ingredients in punch bowl. Add a block of ice to keep chilled, and garnish with lime wheels and fresh jalapeño slices. Serve neat.

Caribbean Culinary Tours
www.caribbeanculinarytours.net

These recipes are warm weather recipes and will go great with your summer party planning and out door events.

1 Recipe: Jerk stuffed Cheddar Grilled Burgers With Avocado Mashup
2) Recipe : Freda’s Mango Ice Tea

Jerk Stuffed Cheddar burgers with Avocado mashup

1 /1/2 pounds ground chuk or round
1 1/2 tablespoon jerk rub or jerk seasoning
4 tablespoon shredded sharp chaddar cheese
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon dark rum
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
salt to taste
combine all ingredients except shredded cheese in a medium bowl and blend with a fork. Divide meat and shape into 4 patties
with hands press a large hole in the middle of each patties and divide the cheese into each hole. Pinch the sides in to cover cheese and flaten. Chill for 5-6 hours or longer if needed. Prepare grill for a medium hot fire and when ready grill burgers until they reach disered doneness. Serve with Avocado mashup

Avocado mashup
Avocado Mash-up

4 cups avocado, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoon lime juice1⁄2 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoon minced onion

1⁄4 cup tomato finely chopped

1⁄2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Mash avocado to a pulp, add lime juice and other ingredients. Stir lightly season with saltand pepper.

Freda’s Mango Ice Tea

Cocktails / Drinks

8 ripe mangoes or 1 (19 oz) can mango nectar

8 cups water

6 large ice tea bags

2 cups fine granulated sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

Lemon or lime wedges and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Wash and peel the mangoes, remove the pulp from the seeds, puree mango pulp in ablender or food processor. Chill.

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan add tea bags, turn off heat, cover saucepan andlet tea stand for 30 minutes to steep.

Remove tea bags, add sugar, lime juice, mango puree, mix well, strain through a finestrainer. Serve chilled over ice cubes with lemon or lime wedges and cinnamon sticks.

(Serves 8 -12)

Freda Gore

Owner Tour Host

Caribbean Culinary Tours and Vacations

Venice Florida

www.caribbeanculinarytours.net

www.cocktailsandshots.com

Barbados Sunrise Description

How to prepare a Barbados Sunrise cocktail recipe

For the Barbados Sunrise recipe mix the rum and the blue curaçao and put the mixture aside. Fill you glass with ice and pour the grenadine in your glass. Instead of the grenadine you can also use strawberry syrup or strawberry liqueur. Then add the orange juice and pour the rum-blue curaçao mixture very slowly (or over the back of a bar spoon) in your glass so you get the layered look.

The Barbados Sunrise drink is the cocktail of the day for March 4 when Italian composer and violinist Antonio Vivaldi was born in 1678. He is best known for his series of violin concertos: Four Seasons. So for each of the seasons we have a layer in our Barbados Sunrise mixed drink.

Sparkling Elderflower Rocks

New Sparkling Elderflower, a blooming delicious drink from Rocks in Devon is sure to put a spring in your step when you need refreshments on the go.

This brand new sparkling blend of Elderflower and Rocks Drinks’ own Devonshire spring water is a sophisticated pick-me-up that’s deliciously tasty on its own or perfect as a mixer.

Delicately bubbly and offering a delightful flavour, Rocks’ Elderflower comes in a handy 250ml bottle that can be enjoyed at home or when you’re out and about. Keep chilled in the fridge for a classy drink when friends come round or just as easily pop it in your handbag, or picnic basket for a refreshing drink.

Full of natural energy, teens and adults will love its refined taste while those wanting something more spirited can enjoy Sparkling Elderflower with Prosecco, in cocktails and added to many other tipples.

Using traditional methods, Rocks Drinks has been making squashes, cordials and soft drinks for over 30 years and is known for using a simple process and absolutely no nasties.

Rocks Drinks Sparkling Elderflower is available in independent retailers, farm shop, delis, restaurants, pubs and online at shop.rocksdrinks.co.uk priced at £1.99 per bottle.

A delicious, protein filled treat that’s perfect for summer travels, FitJoy’s new Grandma’s Lemon Square.

www.fitjoynutrition.com

This healthy snack has the fresh, lemony flavor that will be craved throughout the summer without unwanted sugars and additives that can weigh you down. With 20 grams of protein in each bar, Grandma’s Lemon Square is perfect to throw in your gym bag, or better yet suitcase. Because FitJoy believes you shouldn’t have to choose between healthy and happy, the new citrus-inspired bar tastes as great as it will make you feel.

All FitJoy bars have a gourmet taste, while remaining gluten-free, GMO-free and have no artificial sweeteners, flavors or coloring. FitJoy bars allow consumers to live an on-the-go lifestyle without compromising their health and nutrition.

Bosses Reveal Shocking Employee Traits That Can Get You Fired Or Get You Closer To That Pay Rise!

Ever wondered why the other guy got the promotion or why you got the sack? This may be the long-awaited moment of truth. UK online printer, instantprint, conducted research in which 500 senior UK operatives were surveyed on things employees do that frustrates them as well as what impresses them.
Having a positive attitude to work was regarded as the best trait an employee can have, with 58% of employers saying it would make their lives easier. Being a cynical or pessimistic presence in the office was regarded a worse trait than bad manners, poor hygiene and being disorganised!
Some statistics that may prove shocking include that only 2% of SME owners said dressing appropriately would get you on their good side, and only 7% said working overtime would help you excel at work.
The survey also asked SME owners to look in the mirror. 90% of respondents think they are generally popular in the workplace and 83% of respondents think they are not a source of irritation to their employees!
Male managers also came out as more confident in the workplace than their female counterparts. 45% of men said they described their mood as confident compared to just 37% of women.
The survey also looked at variations in age. 37% of entrepreneurs aged 35-44 said working longer hours was the worst thing about being in a position of responsibility, compared to NO entrepreneurs aged 18-24, whose least favourite aspect of entrepreneurship was managing money.

Co-founder of instantprint, James Kinsella, commented on the survey findings:
‘‘Having a great team is one of the most important business success factors and what’s more, they are the people you have to spend most of your life with.

For most SME owners and managers, their business is a huge part of their life, so perhaps it doesn’t come as a surprise that attitude comes above everything else. When everyone is under pressure, positivity will always be appreciated, if not needed by managers.’’

Back in January 2017, instantprint released their Start-up Hub, which is a micro-website filled with informative articles and resources for small business owners. This has added to instantprint’s pool of free resources available to small businesses, such as their Time Management eBook which aims to help busy entrepreneurs juggle the mounting pressures of running a business.

NEW! Golden Greens® Expert Collagen Complex with Naticol®

Golden Greens® Expert Collagen Complex is the first collagen supplement of its kind to combine high strength Naticol® marine collagen, hyaluronic acid and organic nutrients to help nourish skin from within.

Naticol®, a patented blend of fish collagen peptides, was shown in French research to help reduce skin ageing and improve firmness. Specifically, the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice[1], found that oral ingestion of Naticol® on a daily basis for 8 weeks, helped to reduce wrinkles by over 20%.

The researchers also concluded that supplementation of collagen over a longer period of time, typically four to six months, would likely result in more pronounced effects on wrinkles and skin relief.

Golden Greens® Expert Collagen Complex contains 5g of Naticol® marine collagen per serving (2 x tsp daily), the same amount used by the women in the study.

Additional ingredients include high strength hyaluronic acid, to help keep skin hydrated, and a blend of vital organic nutrients bursting with antioxidants, such as anthrocyanin-rich blueberries and vitamin C, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and supports the formation of collagen.

Developed specifically to help counter the appearance of ageing, Golden Greens® Expert Collagen Complex is a natural way to increase your collagen and hyaluronic acid intake, with the added benefit of organic nutrients.

With its ultra low molecular weight of 2000 Daltons, this superior collagen formulation gives maximum absorption and optimal results that can be seen in as little as eight weeks. And unlike many liquid collagen supplements, there is no need for artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives – and a massive saving in terms of waste product and packaging.

Simply add 10g (2 x tsp) to water, fruit juice or smoothies and mix well.

Golden Greens® Expert Collagen Complex costs £17.95 for a 10-day supply (100g) and £34.95 for a 30-day supply (300g) and is available from health food stores and online from www.healthy2u.co.uk.

Welcome BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss Cotton!

Swedish family company, BabyBjörn is launching a new addition to the Bouncer Bliss collection! Welcome new Bouncer Bliss Cotton, it has the same unique bouncing action, no batteries needed, for babies from newborn up until 24 months, with a new cover made of 100% cotton, featuring a stitched pattern design and a grey frame to compliment softer interior styles. Available in: Black, and Anthracite. RRP: £134.99

BabyBjörn creative director and founder Lillemor Jakobson, has collaborated with the BabyBjörn product development team and in-house design team to design the Bliss for families of today – together the team monitored major fashion trends and styles as well as listening to desires of parents.

“We wanted to create a new design as a tribute to our classic bouncer from 1961. We are so happy that so many families love our bouncer. We wanted to create a soft and contemporary look and feel that suits the style and personality of our customers, in colours that work in many homes”, Lillemor says.

The Bouncer Bliss is currently available in a soft mesh in 3 fresh, modern colours: powder pink, cocoa and anthracite and the addition of black and anthracite cotton will give families of today more choice for their baby and their home. The gentle rocking creates a sense of bliss and calm, not just at the beginning of a baby´s life, but later as well. BabyBjörn believe that a baby who gets a safe, comforting start to life, feel the benefits for a long time to come. Proper support for a young child’s back, neck and head, is essential and the Bouncer Bliss is for use from 0-24 months.

The soft & natural rocking, completely powered by the baby means no batteries or cords are required. This encourages babies’ aerobic motion, as he rocks in response to his own movements. Avoiding bouncers that rely on batteries will also eliminate the risk of babies developing a dependency on movement for sleep.

When the baby is playing, or resting they can watch their parents get things done, learning at the same time as they develop balance and motor skills.

”Many families we meet see the bouncer is a lifesaver. In my family we bring it everywhere, when we travel, go to our friends, and around the house” …words from Björn Engström, Vice president at BabyBjörn.

BABYBJORN Bouncer Bliss, RRP: £134.99

Fabric seat for the BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss will be available from October:

Anthracite and black cotton RRP £47.00

Anthracite, mesh. RRP:£55.00.

www.babybjorn.co.uk

New Greenall’s Extra Reserve!

A travel retail exclusive available at World Duty Free shops nationwide, Greenall’s Extra Reserve is the ultimate holiday sun downer, best enjoyed in cocktails or as a classic G&T with a slice of orange. The Extra Reserve is classic London Dry Gin with a deliciously refreshing twist- 2 extra botanicals, sweet Moroccan orange and succulent Turkish grapefruit that deliver a wonderfully fresh, balanced, smooth gin.

Greenall’s Extra Reserve Breakfast Martini

Ingredients

50ml Greenall’s Extra Reserve

15ml Cointreau

15ml Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Large teaspoon of quality thin-cut orange marmalade

How to Make

Pour all the ingredients into a shaker and stir to dissolve the marmalade.
Fill with ice, shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange twirl and serve.

Tasting Notes

Greenall’s Extra Reserve has the traditional Greenall’s The Original London Dry Gin profile with sweet orange notes coming to the fore. The exclusive new expression builds on the much loved citrus element in Greenall’s The Original and via the addition of exotic citrus botanicals, including sweet Moroccan orange, Turkish

grapefruit and Spanish lemon, delivers a wonderfully balanced and smooth taste.

70cl UK Travel Retail RSP – £15.49

1L Duty Free RSP – €19.90

AbV: 37.5%

Available at World Duty Free shops nationwide

Website: www.greenallsgin.com

BRITON’S LIVE EVENTS MOST WANTED BY AMERICANS

StubHub Launches the ‘International Eventurer’s Bucket List Travel Guide’ following Influx of Live Event-Loving Globetrotters
International Campaign Gives Holidaymakers Personalised Itineraries of 17 Top Live Events in 2017

New ticket sales data* reveals the UK is most travelled to destination for Americans looking to attend live events abroad, followed by Spain and Mexico. To help give holidaymakers inspiration on the best events to attend globally, ticket marketplace StubHub has launched the ‘International Eventurer’s Bucket List Travel Guide’ – a platform which gives personalised itineraries of the top 17 live events in 2017, from watching the football rivalry of the century in Barcelona, to seeing a world-famous band perform at a festival in Rio de Janeiro.

Whether users already have travel plans, or are planning a trip away, the guide discovers the perfect live events to ensure a summer holiday is truly unforgettable. Those who visit the platform are taken through a series of questions to help narrow down to their top 17 live events list, including which country they are visiting from and whether they are after a music or sporting event – or a combination of both.

Users are then taken through to a map of the world, where they can click on each recommended event to either buy a ticket, add it to their calendar, or see another event. Once happy with their selection, users can download their ‘17 in 17 Live Events Travel Guide’ which gives them all the information they need to create their live events bucket list. This can then be emailed to a friend or posted on their social feeds to inspire others.

Wayne Grierson, StubHub UK Country Manager, said: “With so many incredible live events taking place across the world this summer, there’s no reason to miss out on seeing your favourite band or sports team even when while on holiday. Whether you already have a trip booked, or planning to book one soon, our bucket list travel guide can plan the perfect itinerary.”

Wilderness Now is a new user-friendly website linking you with the best of UK adventure. From salmon fishing in Scotland, to hiking in the Lake District to discovering Dartmoor’s best climbing spots; Wilderness Now has a Great British adventure for you.

The UK is full of beautiful places. From the rugged vastness of the Highlands, to the Cornish coast, to the towering splendour of Snowdonia, the country has world class wilderness packed full of adventure to excite and nourish the soul. Feel the adrenaline as you surf waves rolling in off the Atlantic, climb the Peak District’s soaring crags or mountain bike down the majestic Brecon Beacons. Feel your stress slip away as you trek to the hidden parts of the Lake District, paddle down an ancient Scottish river or learn to fish on peaceful chalk streams, just a short hop from London. All this is accessible to everyone, irrespective of background or level of experience. The UK has some of the world’s best outdoor guides who are on hand to keep you safe, help you learn and enable you to have the best possible experience.

Despite this, in the past the barriers to accessing Great British adventures have been too high- it has been difficult to find what you want, where you want, when you want. There has not been enough information to help, particularly for those who don’t have a great deal of existing knowledge about outdoor sports. British adventure has often felt remote, technical and unaccommodating of those coming from the cities and wanting to try new things in a way that caters for them. Wilderness Now has changed that.

The website offers a selection of the UK’s best adventure experiences in the country’s most breathtaking surrounding, with plenty of options for those new to the outdoors, as well as for committed adventure enthusiasts. Wilderness Now have made it super easy to discover and explore these options via their intuitive and beautifully designed website. Wilderness Now have done all this because of their genuine passion for the British outdoors and their knowledge that the UK adventure scene was missing this.

Wilderness Now was co-founded by old friends Mike and Charles – one an amateur adventure enthusiast, one a professional guide. Mike is always dreaming about his next adventure from his London office. Charles is based in Scotland where he leads mountaineering expeditions. They know first hand all about how frustrating the fragmented UK adventure market has been in the past, and the real cost of that in terms of countless lost opportunities for adventure. Wilderness Now was set up as the solution to that problem, offering a link between you and your next Great British adventure.

German Oktoberfest is coming to London!

German brewery Erdinger Launches an Authentic Oktoberfest Event in London With A Traditional Bavarian Beer Hall on the Greenwich Peninsula for 5,000 People-a-Day across October 2017.

German brewer Erdinger is going to build an entire traditional Bavarian beer hall and fun fair on a site adjacent to the O2 Arena in London’s Greenwich Peninsula, which will open most days from 5th to 22nd October.

It is a massive undertaking and the main marquee will have over 220 bench tables, set in a huge open-plan beer hall made from wooden floors and walls. The interior will be decorated with floral garlands, a traditional blue and white striped roof, and a live music stage for entertainment.

The exterior will be purpose built to look like the outside of a traditional 19th century Bavarian beer hall and most importantly they are shipping over 250,000 pints of premium “Erdinger Weissbier” (wheat beer) and smooth lager “Fischers Hell”, direct from their brewery in Bavaria.

Tickets are on sale now from www.erdinger-oktoberfest.co.uk

Greenwich, the luxury leather accessories designer, has unveiled the latest addition to its exquisite portfolio.

The ODYSSEY travel set, which includes a passport holder and luggage tag, is set to be the must-have travel accessory this summer.

Crafted using Greenwich’s signature high-quality, German leather – the same used in Bentley interiors – the ODYSSEY travel set has been carefully constructed to ensure stylish, sophisticated protection to travellers’ valuables. The passport holder, seamlessly crafted, will protect your passport from any damage and the bespoke luggage tag, which can be engraved with personal details for free, adds a spark of personality to your baggage. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the ODYSSEY ensures you are always ready to go.

Available in a beautiful Saddle, a twist on the traditional tan, the ODYSSEY is presented in a beautiful gift box, not only giving this essential travel kit that extra stamp of luxury but providing the perfect packing to gift with ease.

The ODYSSEY is priced at £75 and can be purchased from www.greenwich.design

Tipplesworth Launches Cocktail Mixers for Effortless Entertaining exclusively at Selfridges

Tipplesworth has launched three premium cocktail mixers that make it easy for anyone to mix up a delicious and fuss-free cocktail.
Created by Tipplesworth Founder, Frankie Snobel, also known as ‘Lady Tipplesworth’, these handcrafted and all natural non-alcoholic mixers are being launched exclusively at Selfridges London, at the Tipplesworth pop-up experience in the Foodhall. The three cocktail mixers are packaged in 500ml glass bottles and when mixed with spirits, create five or more tasty servings, perfect for summer festivals, parties and picnics. Selfridges will also be selling a stylish and limited edition carry pack, containing all threemixers.

Lady Tipplesworth and her team of ‘tipplers’ will be offering a taste of their cocktails during the month of July in Selfridges. Samples of the cocktails will be available from the Tipplesworth Cocktail Cart, located in the Selfridges Foodhall and will feature as part of Selfridges Summer campaign ‘Feastival’. Shoppers can taste the three mini cocktails, mixed with spirits, which are a Raspberry Mojito, an Espresso Martini and a Bramble.

​

Terry Threlfall, buyer at Selfridges, comments: “Tipplesworth’s new cocktail mixers are a fantastic product and addition to our foodhall. It plugs the gap between mixologist and the on the go mixologist, ensuring customers can create the perfect cocktail on the go. As part of our exciting ‘Feastival’ theme, their in store pop up is a really fun way to engage customers who are looking to try something different. The mixers are produced with high quality ingredients and are made with a lot care and passion and will allow customers to easily recreate mixologist standard cocktails at home.”

Frankie Snobel, Tipplesworth Founder, comments: “We’re delighted to be launching Tipplesworth Cocktail Mixers for the summer and Selfridges is the perfect partner. Our handcrafted cocktail mixers make it easy to create a special cocktail experience, whether at home or celebrating the summer outdoors.”

Tipplesworth recommends the Raspberry Mojito is mixed with white rum, the Espresso Martini with vodka and the Bramble with gin. Each bottle has “how to” infographics on the side for easy mixing. The mixers can also make alcohol-free serves. Packed with a medley of all natural ingredients and botanicals that tickle the tastebuds, these UK-blended mixers are ready to make the perfect cocktail.

SNAP HAPPY MILLENNIALS TAKE 2000+ SELFIES PER YEAR

-Average Brit takes an average of 1,095 photos per year-

– 48% are selfies, 21% are food & drink photos, 16% are scenery snaps, 12% are pet pictures-

BRITISH MILLENIALS are a nation of happy snappers, taking more than 2,000 selfies per year, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 British adults carried out by HelloCanvas.co.uk, found that while Britons take an average of 3 pictures a day which equals a staggering total of 1,095 per year, they are far outdone by younger generations (18-30 years old) who capture an average of 11 per day, or 4,015 per year.

Almost half (48%) of these are selfies, 21% are food and drink photos, 16% are scenery snaps, and 12% are pictures of pets and animals.

However, just 24% of the images taken make it to social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, while 19% are sent via instant message platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

Britons confessed to taking an average of six photos before settling on the perfect shot.

Jennifer Doleac, head of marketing at HelloCanvas.co.uk, said: “It’s fascinating to see just how many photographs we take on a daily and yearly basis. Not that many years ago, photographs were only taken on special occasions, however now we have almost instant access to cameras and smartphones it is a daily occurrence, with seemingly nothing being too trivial to take a picture of. Capturing memories via photography and sharing them via social media and instant message platforms means friends and families can share and enjoy the moment visually within seconds of the event itself”.

HelloCanvas.co.uk is a leading photo printing company that offers photos on canvas, photos on wood, HD metal prints, framed prints and printed phone cases.

HelloCanvas.co.uk lets you preserve your most memorable photos on gorgeous prints. The prints are produced in house and delivered within 4 working days. For more information, visit http://www.hellocanvas.co.uk/.

SEVEN DIALS SPOTLIGHT
A FREE OPEN-AIR MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL

Spotlight returns to London’s shopping and dining destination, Seven Dials for its 4th year on Saturday 19 August with a free one-day music and performance festival. From 12-6pm the area will be transformed into a traffic-free, entertainment hot spot where visitors can enjoy a series of live performances on the main stage, as well as exclusive activities and promotions in over 95 brands and restaurants.
The open-air stage will showcase an impressive line-up of performances, including Disney’s smash hit West End Musicals The Lion King and Aladdin, 50 piece indie choir, Some Voices, British pop singer Whinnie Williams and 2017 Glastonbury performers, Old Dirty Brasstards plus many more to be announced. The main stage will be hosted by presenter and fashion aficionado Laura Jackson recognised for her hugely successful Jackson and Levine supper club.
The festival includes chill out areas, free glitter face art from The Glitter Box, GIF photo booth, roaming magician and live music on additional stages throughout the area. All to be enjoyed on the pop-up lawn around the dial complete with deck chairs and summer lawn. Earlham street will host the pop-up bar where there will be free cocktails from Monmouth Kitchen.
In between performances, visitors can shop independent boutiques and flagship stores offering exclusive in-store discounts and promotions including 20% off and gift with purchases.
Refuel at one of the top restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, all hosting al-fresco dining. From Portuguese specialists Canela, pizza and cocktail enthusiasts Escapologist, award winning macarons at Pierre Herme’s indulgent garden, all day dining menu at Balans Soho Society, cold brew coffee at award winning café Timberyard and sourdough pizza from Rossopomodoro.
All you need for a perfect summers day out in London with family and friends, Seven Dials Spotlight is a free, family event not to be missed.
Visit SevenDials.co.uk for more information and follow @7DialsLondon for live updates.

Rugby culture wins, even off the beaten path in China
Odyssean Travel

Tucked away, in an almost hidden corner of South-West China, there’s a gigantic village of people whose lives were touched indirectly by both WWII and Walt Disney. This place has a small but thriving rugby community…
Owing to the balance of sub-tropical latitude against an average 2000m altitude, the location is known regionally as the Spring City [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunming]. Residents typically enjoy moderate, spring-like weather throughout much of the year. Aside from the rainy months of July and August, it’s hard to imagine a climate better suited for year-round sporting exploits. There are rumoured to be many training areas in the nearby towns which host Chinese Olympians and other athletes who compete internationally. [http://www.gokunming.com/en/blog/item/526/chinas_high_altitude_training_centers]
Holding a population of roughly seven million people, it’s actually a small city by Chinese standards. As such it doesn’t attract as many Western students or expatriates as might some of the larger, coastal cities or even Beijing to the north. It would be a little surprising how active the small rugby community is in Kunming if you didn’t account for a few key individuals driving the team to compete effectively in a quasi-national league.
You’d also have to account for the unique qualities rugby’s culture enjoys, both on and off the pitch.
The current iteration of the Kunming Flying Tigers RFC [https://www.facebook.com/groups/227776140647233/?fref=nf] is perhaps best attributed to the efforts a few young men and now even some young women. They who donate their time and attention to the promotion of the sport. There’s obviously a lot of passion for rugby that inspires some people to try to motivate others to play. There’s also certainly, a curiosity among newcomers to China to simply try something out – but there is no doubt in my mind that the magic of rugby has a big part to play.
What’s with the team’s name, why the Tigers…?
The name is a tribute to the American Air Squadron [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Tigers] which was based locally during WWII campaigns further south. A logistic nightmare, pilots would brave “The Hump” and deliver resources over the Himalayas. Walt Disney himself designed the final emblem (I’ve got an image for this).
The Tigers wouldn’t be about today if it weren’t for the personal dedication of the long-standing captain, a mad-for-it Kiwi by the name of Tristram Barker. Likewise, what’s a local team without pub sponsorship? The growing chain of expat-run Irish pubs, O’Reilly’s [https://www.facebook.com/oreillys.km] (no functioning website), has been another large contributor to the team’s recruitment and home-base for rowdiness.
I myself sought the team out on my retirement from the armed forces, when I had first arrived in China in the pursuit of language study. I had never touched a rugby ball before but felt compelled to try it out, keep fit, and make some new friends. I stayed for three seasons and the Tigers were kind enough to let me have a go at leading the fitness training for two of them.
There are certainly more foreign team members than local, as is true for many “traditionally Western” sports in China. Basketball enjoyed a great increase in popularity after Yao Ming’s entry to the NBA [http://www.nba.com/home/playerfile/yao_ming/], the NFL is rumoured to have great interest in expanding their brand into the billion-plus Chinese marketplace. That doesn’t stop a handful of enthusiastic locals from coming out and enjoying both the on-pitch action and the off-pitch atmosphere. I’d guess the number fluctuates, but 5-10% local participation is probably about right for Kunming.
That’s not the same standard across the league, however. There are other cities which even boast multiple teams, including some reserved for Chinese players only. Kunming’s Tigers have enjoyed several seasons during the last couple of years in which they finished in nationally matched, semi-final matches, competing against the likes of Chengdu, Chongqing, and larger First-Tier cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing.
There are also popular one-off tournaments with recent and long-standing historical significance. The coastal city of Xiamen holds not only the oldest rugby pitch in China, but also a brilliant one-day tournament each spring. It’s become so popular in the sporting circle that there’s a waiting list, corporate sponsors, and plenty of local interest at a this rather popular tourist destination. Even international development firm Swire fronted a team of ringers in 2014!
Despite improving sponsorship, players, many of whom are students, typically pay their own way.
There are certainly paid players among some of the larger teams, but most interestingly perhaps, is the passion that drives coordinators to assemble for the games and for organisation of the leagues. Many people have day-jobs or are involved in study – including the Xiamen women’s captain, Emily, whose primary role is in the conservation of endangered animals and promotion of ocean sciences. Emily is liaison for a critical breeding programme for two of the last remaining Yangtze giant softshell turtles (Rafetus swinhoei) [I have a link to a National Geographic article or a link to Emily’s LinkedIn]. A mountain of a task in itself, she’s done great things to keep the Xiamen tournament’s waiting list growing every year.
While I’m certainly not paying homage to many of those who deserve the recognition, the fact remains that none of this might occur in other sports. Rugby, while fiercely competitive, is based in courteous, gentlemanly behaviour. Respect for the referee alongside discipline to actually listen to one’s captain are both virtues that sometimes seem absent from other sports. The fun and games, hanging it aaaaall out during the post-match rituals, these are so intrinsic to the culture surrounding the sport that rugby really does extend far beyond the margins of try zones and spectator seating.
It will be interesting to see how the environment grows, it isn’t yet clear to me what might spark a sudden evolution in interest and have a higher proportion of Chinese enthusiasts. Regardless, with a population closer to one and one half billion people, there will always be numbers. Chinese familiarity is an interesting concept in itself: The term for rugby is literally translated as, “English-type, olive-shaped [foot] ball”. It is easily confused with NFL-style American football if the “English” distinction is left out. Note there is no such confusion as to which football is or isn’t soccer as there is in English.
Chinese and foreigners alike tend to communicate in-country through an app called WeChat [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeChat], although outbound communication is easier perhaps through more familiar social media such as Facebook. Chinese servers block such services and the traditional work-around for outsiders has been to employ a VPN (virtual private network). Such practices had been somewhat ignored by the authorities, but it seems they too will be policed out of use in 2018.
There are also some small practical matters of kit, finding decent mouth guards and uniforms in the land of modern manufacturing is no drama, but getting a decent pair of rugby boots in sizes over 42 can prove an hilarious undertaking. Many people opt to shop when out of country visiting family or even stopping in Hong Kong to enjoy the 7s.
With all the uncertainty and the volume of effort seen from a core group of individuals, you might be asking, “what happens then when VPN doesn’t work? What happens when those people move on from China? Who’s going to pass the torch? Will rugby survive in China?”
If you’ve played before, I think you know the answer.
If you’re interested in learning more about getting to China perhaps, I do run an online travel agency and would be delighted to have more people breaking down borders of perception and visiting China: Find me at Odyssean Travel [https://www.odysseantravel.com] (@odysseantravel on Facebook). Get in touch or let me know if you’d be interested in communicating with some of the Kunming team’s existing sponsors or key management.

By Shylar Bredewold, Odyssean Travel

Basting Sauce Pot…

Everybody enjoys BBQ parties during Summer but grilling can often be messy with marinades and sticky sauces dripping from basting brushes. And don’t flying bugs just love dropping into those gooey basting sauces.

A1PP have developed the perfect solution. A stylish stainless steel BBQ Sauce Pot with integrated Silicone Basting Brush lid – the perfect BBQ accessory.

The ingenious stainless steel pot holds up to 16 ounces of a favorite marinade or melted butter, keeps a basting sauce not only warm but due to its clever lid design, also protects the contents from unwanted flying insects falling in. Because the brush is attached to the underside of the lid, there is no mess or dripping sauce from a brush laying around attracting more bugs and grunge; just pop it back in the pot. The lid is curved to shield the hand from heat and the bamboo lid handle stays cool to the touch, so it’s easy to open and close the pot even while the contents are boiling hot.

The product can be viewed on Amazon on http://bit.ly/SaucePotBastingBrush and includes a bonus downloadable eBook of”The 31 Best Barbecue Recipes” with each Amazon purchase of$29.94 and it is packaged in a box for easy gift giving.

A1 Premium Products is an Australian company who design and manufacture ‘problem solving products’ of high quality and integrity.

FlasKap

Outdoor enthusiasts can now mix and transport the perfect cocktail while enjoying outdoor activities. FlasKap is the first ever flask built straight into a tumbler-style lid! It fits securely onto most standard stainless steel “YETI style” tumblers to give you the ability to discreetly enjoy your favorite beverage no matter where you adventure. FlasKap is perfect for outings where drinks may not be served but are always desired.

Founders Cailley and Drew Tonn are outdoor enthusiasts and have been product testing the FlasKap for over a year. Drew Tonn shares, “my main goal was to have a reservoir with a metered dispensing function. When I achieved that I incorporated other improvements such as a sipping hole large enough for a straw and superior thermal-insulating properties. The built-in flask allows you to make your drink as strong or light as you want. Plus, as your ice melts you can add more to your drink so it doesn’t get watered down. FlasKap also functions as an excellent lid even when not using its enhancer function — it’s the the only lid you’ll ever need.”

The FlasKap is clear, splash-resistant, dishwasher safe, insulated, and BPA-free. The food grade stainless steel rod and double piston transfer alcohol. The double piston is made of a food grade silicone type material as an overmold. The FlasKap dispense button screws onto the end of the stainless steel rod is made of a tough and reliable plastic.

The FlasKap is available for pre-order through Kickstarter today, July 24, 2017. Learn more about FlasKap at https://flaskap-kickstarter.kickoffpages.com/.

www.CraftABrew.com

Summer is a great time to unwind and DIY! Whether you’re looking for a new summer hobby or the perfect gift, why not relax with five bottles of your very own wine or a 10-pack of home-brewed beer?

Colorful, artisanal-style packaging makes Craft a Brew kits great for features. Kits are available to ship as soon as needed – please let us know if we can provide any product for your article!

Craft a Brew fast stats:

Beer-brewing kits start at $45 & include equipment & fresh-packed ingredients to make a gallon of beer right out of the box – available in 18+ beer styles, including a Hefeweizen, American Pale Ale & Oak Aged IPA.

Wine-making kits are $60 and available in 2 red and 2 white styles: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Please let me know if I can provide anything else!

CraftABrew.com

The Black Farmer
Scrums Down with
The Cornish All Blacks

The Black Farmer, producer of the UK’s favourite brand of gluten free sausages, is proud to be a sponsor and official sausage supplier to Launceston Rugby Club – home of the Cornish All Blacks.

“Launceston Rugby Club is a stone’s throw from my farm, and is very much a hive of local activity. It is a natural fit for The Black Farmer to be supplying sausages to the club for the playing season, and a great opportunity to sample our products amongst many new consumers,” says Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, aka The Black Farmer.

“I consider the West Country the home of The Black Farmer, and its thanks to people here that the brand has grown to be the success it is today.”

The Black Farmer logo will appear on home and away shirts, perimeter boards, and match programmes – and, of course, The Black Farmer’s famous premium pork sausages will be a fixture on the Club menu.

www.onebitewellness.wordpress.com

Recipe: Spicy Cowgirl Salsa

Hot and spicy foods can kick winter’s coldness to the curb as well as help with weight loss endeavors and provide health benefits. In this Spicy Cowgirl Salsa, you will feel the heat of the jalapeño and enjoy the freshness of the avocado, lime, cilantro and other ingredients. Olé!

For other hot & spicy food demos, check out our WBNS 10tv news segment!

Ingredients

1 red onion, diced
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1 can of black beans, rinsed
1 jar or 16oz of salsa (unless you want to double the heat of the jalapeño, stick with mild)
1 tsp cumin
1 slice of lime, juiced
(Optional) Slices of avocado

Instructions

Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl and mix until combined. Feel free to top with slices of avocado and enjoy with some organic blue corn chips. For a tasty meal, consider topping brown rice with the salsa mix.

www.hydawaybottle.com

HYDAWAY® is a travel-friendly water bottle that utilizes engineered hinges to expand and collapse so it can easily stow in your pocket, your pack, your carry-on, almost anywhere! Available in a variety of colors and two convenient sizes, the HYDAWAY bottle will soon become your go-to water bottle for every adventure.

Perfect for: Travelers, Adventurers, Urban Explorers, Families, and more!

The HYDAWAY bottle is:

– WATERTIGHT

– COLLAPSIBLE

– EASY TO USE

– NON-TOXIC, BPA-FREE

– TASTE & ODOR-FREE

– DISHWASHER SAFE

Whether you’re a frequent flier, a mile-a-minute mom, a weekend warrior or just someone who thirsts for thoughtful design, HYDAWAY fits the life you live. No more lugging around bulky “empties”, no more disposables in landfills, no more hard to clean bottles. HYDAWAY is flat out ready to go, whenever and wherever. Are you?

Stiegl “Zitrone” Lemon Radler

Mixing Stiegl’s signature Goldbrau lager with real lemon juice gives this beer a distinct tart flavor, citrusy aroma, revitalizing sparkle, and natural cloudiness.With only 175 calories per 16 oz. can and 2% ABV, the Stiegl Lemon Radler is an invigorating and specialty malt beverage geared toward individuals with health-conscious, active lifestyles. The Stiegl Lemon Radler contains solely natural fruit sugar and no artificial sweetener. In German, “radler” means “cyclist” and this beer style is often referred to as a “bicycle beer” because of athletes who prefer to indulge in this type of brew as they bike through the Alps. The beverage provides energizing hydration and enjoyment without inebriating, especially in high-altitude locations. The Stiegl Lemon Radler joins the Grapefruit as the latest Stiegl Radler to be rolled out into the U.S. market.

www.glunzbeers.com

Rugby enthusiasts can now mix and transport the perfect cocktail while enjoying outdoor activities.

Say hello to FlasKap, the first ever flask built straight into a tumbler-style lid! It fits securely onto most standard stainless steel “YETI style” tumblers to give you the ability to discreetly enjoy your favorite beverage outside.

Created by outdoor enthusiasts and husband-wife duo, Cailley and Drew Tonn, the FlasKap was designed to be your perfect method for crafting a drink, anywhere, anytime—quickly, easily and fuss-free.

No patio furniture? No worries!

Weather permitting, bring your dining experience outdoors with D’Eco’s Insulated Collapsible Picnic Basket. Great for the beach, tailgates, concerts, parks, boating, hiking, camping or even concerts! Complete 30 piece set for up to 4 people. Includes water resistant blanket, 12-piece stainless steel utensil set, 4 dishwasher safe plates, 4 cotton napkins, 4 plastic glasses, a set of salt & pepper shakers, cutting board and bottle opener. Features insulated cooler compartment that will keep food hot or cold for hours. Basket includes sturdy aluminum handles with padding for carrying. Everything stays neatly organized and secure with elastic and Velcro straps holding everything in place. Both compartments are easy to clean. Comes in green or blue colors. The best part about this product is that it folds flat for easy storage!

Available for purchase on Amazon and decohousewares.com. Retail Price: $54.99.

There is lots for New York City visitors to do at The McKittrick Hotel this summer.

Sleep No More

UK-based Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More is an award-winning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth through a darkly cinematic lens. Audiences move freely through The McKittrick Hotel’s epic world of the story at their own pace, choosing where to go and what to see, ensuring that everyone’s journey is different and unique. Guests are welcome to enjoy live music at Manderley Bar during and after the performance, with a stiff cocktail or selection from the expansive spirit list.

Sleep No More’s creative team features Felix Barrett (Direction and Design), Maxine Doyle (Direction and Choreography), Stephen Dobbie (Sound Design), Beatrice Minns (Design Associate), and Livi Vaughan (Design Associate).

Sleep No More is produced by EMURSIVE (Jonathan Hochwald, Arthur Karpati, and Randy Weiner, principals) in association with rebecca gold productions. EMURSIVE produces immersive theatre in extraordinary places.

SLEEP NO MORE is but one of the features of The McKittrick Hotel. Presenting an array of authentic dining and drinking options, The McKittrick Hotel also houses Gallow Green rooftop bistro & bar, jazz-age inspired speakeasy Manderley Bar, and a full-service restaurant that moonlights as a live music venue, currently home to The Club Car summer dining residency.

Tickets are available via www.sleepnomorenyc.com or by calling (866) 811-4111. For schedules, reservations and additional information, visit www.mckittrickhotel.com.

Gallow Green

Gallow Green is New York City’s most transportive rooftop getaway year-round. In the spring and summer, Gallow Green is outfitted as an abandoned Scottish train station hidden amidst an overgrown secret garden. The rooftop venue specializes in potent cocktails, signature large format punches and seasonal cuisine for dinner, plus weekend brunch featuring buffet stations and live music by MK Groove Trio.

Gallow Green is located in close proximity to The High Line, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, Hell’s Kitchen and the Meatpacking District – making it an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike to enjoy Happy Hour, date night, weekend brunch or entertaining guests.

(April – October) Open weeknights from 5pm and weekends from 11:30am for brunch. Visit www.mckittrickhotel.com or call 212-564-1662 for reservations and additional information.

Manderley Bar

Manderley Bar, The McKittrick Hotel’s jazz-inspired concert hall and cocktail lounge, welcomes guests for drinks and live music during Sleep No More performances and after-hours.

The venue’s classic cocktail list includes an Old Fashioned, Gimlet, Tuxedo, and various Martinis in addition to an original Absinthe concoction called The Green Beast. An expansive spirit list highlights Bourbon, Rye and rare single malt Scotch whiskies.

A calendar of live performances is available at www.mckittrickhotel.com.

The Club Car

For Summer 2017, The McKittrick Hotel’s restaurant space is home to The Club Car, a limited-engagement surf-and-turf concept by Balthazar and Minetta Tavern alums, Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr.

The former executive chefs of Balthazar and Minetta Tavern have created a prix-fixe surf-and-turf menu that combines their extensive French technique and chophouse expertise with a New Orleans spirit of excess and accessibility. The centerpiece of the three-course meal is a dry-aged boneless ribeye topped with one of four decadent seafood offerings. To pair with the menu, a selection of classic cocktails with a seasonal twist are offered alongside The McKittrick Hotel’s international wine, beer, and spirit list.

For a more dance-friendly, late-night scene, The Club Car features live music by house band Bassey and The Heathens on Saturdays and regulars Shirley House on Fridays.

(Through Labor Day) Open for dinner service Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 11pm, and live music Friday and Saturday nights after dinner. Visit www.mckittrickhotel.com or call 212-564-1662 for reservations and additional information.

Special Events

TheMcKittrick Masqueradeis the venue’s spectacular dance party series, uncovering the evocative hiddensecrets of The McKittrick Hotel and its many residents. Guests dress in their most decadent themedattire for dancing, specially-created one-night-only performances offeringboundless live entertainment and McKittrick-inspired surprises throughout thehotel. A Dinner Banquet, Champagne Tableservice and Sleep No More packages are also available.

TheMcKittrick Hotel also regularly hosts intimate live concerts with a broad rangeof A-list artists including Sting, Nile Rodgers, Kelis, Karen O., Panic! Atthe Disco, Mumford & Sons and more.

Forschedule, tickets and additional information, please visit www.mckittrickhotel.com. If you are interested in booking a private event at The McKittrickHotel, please contact events@mckittrickhotel.com or call 917-327-6775.

Roar Beverages

ROAR seeks to provide an alternative sport drink geared towards a
younger, edgier, and style-minded consumer demographic. Since its’ inception, the sports drink industry has primarily directed its’ marketing and sales efforts at potential consumers from within the culture of traditional sports. We intend to design, develop, and distribute an entire line of sports drinks that will bridge the gap between the extreme sports’ culture and traditional sports drink functionality. Our enhanced formula mixes the traditional functions of sports drinks (hydration + electrolytes), with the added, caffeine free, energy boost from our combination of B-Vitamins and Potassium. Vitamins B12 and B6 provide our consumers with energy while Vitamin B5 promotes alertness and Vitamin B3 enhances their focus. We see this combination of energy, alertness, and focus as optimal for peak athletic performance; a combination we’ve entitled “The ROAR System.”

www.aketta.com

A high protein, sustainable and tasty alternative to traditional proteins. Raised on a certified organic diet, our crickets are non-GMO and gluten free.

Products
Aketta Whole Roasted Crickets
Aketta 100% Milled Cricket Flour

Two Birds Spirits has launched a new gin to celebrate seasonal British produce.

The distillery in Market Harborough has released Strawberry and Vanilla Gin to complement its range of multi award-winning London Dry, Old Tom, Cocktail and Sloe gins.

Mark Gamble, who founded the distillery from his home in the town in 2013, said: “There has been a notable increase in people asking for fruit gins at shows and at trade level and we’ve worked hard to come up with a flavour that would appeal to gin connoisseurs, as well as seasonal Summer drinkers.

“We wanted a product to reflect our brand’s identity as a distiller of countryside spirits and as strawberries are a British Summer staple and are grown across Leicestershire, we started experimenting.”

Mark was keen to ensure that the spirit still tasted like a gin but captured the distinctive flavour and colour of British strawberries that could be enjoyed as a long drink or mixed into a cocktail. The vanilla subtly enhances the sweetness of the strawberries without dominating the classic gin botanicals.

He added: “What we’ve achieved is a gin that has a really wonderful essence and you only need a small amount of it to taste the flavours coming through.

“We’re recommending that 25ml poured over ice with a light-flavoured tonic as the ideal way to mix it, garnished with a fresh strawberry, a sprig of mint and a wedge of lime.

“It’s also delicious topped with prosecco and we’ve had a great time experimenting with it in the Two Birds Workshop.”

Two Birds has been producing traditional gins and English vodkas for the last four years, and although its flavoured vodkas such as Raspberry, After Dinner Mint and Salted Caramel are already popular, they waited until now to start experimenting with gin.

Earlier in the Summer they released a Summer Fruits Gin which has only been available to buy at shows but this is the first time they have released a fruit gin to trade and online customers.

Mark said: “We wanted to do some market research before introducing gin distilled with fruit to our full range of spirits.

“The reaction to Summer Fruit Gin has surpassed our expectations and we’re very excited to be launching the new flavour this week.”

In January, the distillery opened the Two Birds Workshop in which visitors can enjoy a few hours learning the history of gin, as well as distilling their own signature flavour with Workshop Manager Simon Brannon.

The spirit, priced £13.00 for 20cl and £32 for 70cl, is available from the website, www.twobirdsspirits.co.uk or by emailing sales@twobirdsspirits.co.uk

Hall & Woodhouse

They have recently made a considerable investment in their Inn-credible collection. Offering the perfect weekend get away from it all vibe in seven romantic country and seaside locations across the South-West, they showcase the best of Georgian Dorset, luxurious restorations and Hall & Woodhouse’s steeped family tradition in the area since 1777, and are just hours from London by car or train.

Perhaps few inspire as much as Hall & Woodhouse’s The Lulworth Cove Inn on the Jurassic coast, famous for ITV’s recent TV hit, Broadchurch. With its stunning coastal views – just steps from a true natural wonder, it’s ideal for walkers and those that enjoy the great outdoors.

www.lulworth-coveinn.co.uk/

Located along an exciting ‘Fossil Forest’ South West coast path, it’s also perfect for the kids to go fossil hunting along the Jurassic coastline, and for parents to marvel at a truly idyllic part of this famous World Heritage Site.

The jewel of Hall & Woodhouse’s countryside crown might be The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury, Dorset. Opened in the autumn of 2016 by Prince Charles, Camilla and the Queen, in partnership with The Duchy of Cornwall as part of a unique town designed according to the architectural principles of Prince Charles. Though decorated in a two distinctive styles, both with a quintessential English approach, this new hotel offers modern luxury and an exquisite attention to detail at an affordable price.

www.duchessofcornwall.co.uk/accommodation

Or, for nearly 235 years Hall & Woodhouse has been synonymous with Blandford and their brewery an emblem of the local scenery. A guided tour along with a trip to their flagship hotel, The Crown Hotel is a great journey of discovery into their seventh generation family history.

www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/take-a-look-around

Weymouth SEA LIFE

For family friendly days out, Weymouth SEA LIFE recently celebrated the launch of their ‘Caribbean Cove’ opening to the public with a ‘Captain of the Cove’ competition where one lucky young winner was picked by their very own Junior Board. An exciting new addition, it is Dorset’s greatest adventure playground for families, where visitors can learn about the importance of marine conservation, complete with pirate ship!

www2.visitsealife.com/weymouth/discover/caribbean-cove/

The park has also featured in the international news recently due to one of its single male penguins, Spruce, joining the ‘Plenty of Fish’ dating site in search of a soul mate:

www.nypost.com/2017/05/24/lovelorn-penguin-tries-his-flipper-at-online-dating/

www.cnet.com/news/penguin-spruce-online-dating-weymouth-sea-life-plenty-of-fish/

www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/penguin-joins-plenty-fish-dating-10510683

With the great weather we’re having at the moment, Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park’s Jurassic Skyline, is perfect for views of the nation’s favourite beach on TripAdvisor and famed UNESCO-protected Jurassic coast and also featured in the upcoming Christopher Nolan movie, Dunkirk due to many of the scenes being filmed in the harbour.

California Walnuts

Tropical Mango, California Walnut and Turmeric Smoothie Bowl

Preparation time: 10 mins
Serves: 1

You’ll need:

Flesh from half a mango (reserving a few slices to garnish)
1 small piece of fresh turmeric
Half a banana
200ml coconut milk
Squeeze of lime juice (plus a little zest to garnish)
8 California walnut halves
A handful of raspberries and blueberries
1 passion fruit
1 tbsp of coconut flakes

Method

1. Place the mango, turmeric, banana and coconut milk into a blender and blitz until smooth. Add lime juice to taste and blend again until combined.

2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and garnish with the reserved mango, berries, walnuts, passion fruit, lime zest and coconut flakes.

Company 19

Folding travel mirror with light!

– Magnifying 1X plus a 5X
-Distortion Free Glass
-Adjustable height and angles allow for different views.

www.amazon.com/Folding-Travel-Mirror-Light-Magnifying/dp/B01FAFTYJM

Iluminate Essentials 3 panel folding vanity magnifying mirror
– See everything without taking too much space!

– 4 mirror strengths in only one unit! 1X, 2X, 3X and 10X mirror which can be attached by suction cups or removed to carry around!
– Panels can be adjusted to allow different viewing angles.
– Pivots up to 180 degrees on stand
– Folds compactly and the base is detachable, making it easy to travel.
– Can also be powered via micro USB using included cable!
– Bright 21 dimmable LED lights never need replacing.
– Scratch and fingerprint resistant.

www.amazon.com/Portable-LED-Lighted-Makeup-Mirror/dp/B01MZA97UH/

www.aqualuxe.co.uk

The stunning range offers a variety of simplistic, chic designs available in a colours including Powder Blue and Dusky Pink and has a Luxe Collection which is perfect for those striving for that added extravagance.

Melody Maison

Black Metal Round Storage/Hobby trolley

Practical pretty metal trolley,with 5 wire baskets which rotate out individually
In black with slightly distressed finish, and a wooden top
This would be the perfect make-up, hairdressing or handicrafts station to hold all your tools and accessories
Perfect too for kitchen or bathroom storage

From the homeware collection, this metal Round Storage Unit is quirky yet practical. It has 5 wire baskets which rotate out, stands on wheels and has a wooden top. It is painted in black and slightly distressed. There are so many uses for this functional piece of storage: for the kitchen, the bathroom, the home office, the children’s room, but also would be the perfect hairdressing station to hold all the kit, or for beauty salons or nail bars for the enamels to be all in one place. The dimensions are 44.5 cm in diameter x 80 cm high, with each drawer being 10.5 cm high.

www.melodymaison.co.uk/black-metal-round-storage-unit.html
Price: GBP £129.50

Wicker Picnic Basket Hamper
A beautiful picnic basket including full cutlery, plates and cups.

Gold Edged Square Wall Mirror

View product on company website:http://www.melodymaison.co.uk/gold-edged-square-wall-mirror.html
Price: GBP £7.50
www.MelodyMaison.co.uk

Combine Inside and Out with Bilbao

Today, more and more people are starting to view their outside spaces as additional ‘rooms’ in their homes, ideal for cooking, relaxing and entertaining. SACW Paving’s Bilbao pavers are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to make the most of this extra space, proving that high-quality design isn’t just for interiors.

issara

Carry your gym gear in style.

Issara’s signature duffel bag is handcrafted from milled full grain leather, and features full length lockable zippers for easy access and packing. Several pockets keep your headphones, wallet and gym accessories organised and the Overnighter can be embedded with a bluetooth tracker for peace of mind. The best part? It is flight overhead cabin friendly and can be personalised with your initials. Retails for $499 and comes in Cognac, Black, Mocha and Navy.

www.issara.co/shop/overnighter

Impatia

Tavolo biliardo Filotto

FILOTTO is IMPATIA’s first product, giving new life, new characteristics and new values to a classic item. The Italian word ‘filotto’ refers to the billiards game and identifies a super shot which tears down an entire row of skittles at once.

The design, construction and workmanship of this work of genius are all Italian – the highest expression of the technological sophistication of the craftsman that have always distinguished this country from the rest of the world.

FILOTTO is the classic game of billiards, an emblem of leisure originating from the palaces of the bourgeois which has since become a popular sport across the generations. The first challenge has been in recreating a product with such long history but so little evolution.

The magic lies in having realized a thin, steel frame, which is both adjustable, divisible, and supports the solid slate surface, as well as the crystal structure that characterizes this new design. The unique feeling of seeing a 600 kg billiard ‘float’ on four legs is second only to the pleasure of playing on this Italian masterpiece that possesses the sign of Adriano Design.

FILOTTO takes the center stage of the poshest living and game room around the globe as it is not only an amazing piece of design but also a professional pool table, whose playing field is made of Italian slate covered with wool cloth. As it is manufactured upon order only it can be customized perfectly fitting every room, matching the wool cloth’s colors with the one of the handmade pockets’ leather engraving the crystal glass or giving a touch of gold by plating the metal components.

FILOTTO pool table is the expression of its owner’s personality and desires; it reflects his lifestyle and his need of beauty and exclusivity, his will to experience the extraordinary.

www.impatia.com

AFYA backs first Oxford University RFC Ivy League tour of the USA

AFYA Sports Training is sponsoring The Oxford Blues on their first Ivy League rugby tour to the USA.

AFYA’s name will appear on all the kit during the team’s 15 day tour to the East Coast of America.

The tour will include The Blues training with some of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in America – Harvard Rugby Football Club – Yale University Rugby Football Club, Princeton University Rugby Football Club and West Point, a leader in USA Collegiate Rugby.

There will also be a series of rugby matches against the prestigious Collegiate All-Americans, Mystic River Rugby Club in Boston and Old Blue RFC, one of the oldest rugby clubs in America.

The tour is centred on the fixture with the Collegiate All-Americans, which will be held in conjunction with AEG as the curtain raiser for the Newcastle versus Saracens Premiership Rugby clash at Philadelphia’s Talen Energy Stadium the same day.

Whilst they are on the tour AFYA will run coaching and tackle camps with The Blues with aspiring young American rugby players as well as running community outreach programmes in New York via rugby.

AFYA is led by Ben Wood, a former Army officer and qualified RFU coach, and James Wade, a top coach who was Head of Player Development at Wasps, Head of Sale Sharks Academy and is currently Head Coach at Oxford University RUFC (The Blues).

Ben Wood, Managing Director of AFYA, which has a strong reputation for sports coaching excellence in the UK, said: “AFYA is delighted to announce that we will be helping to sponsor The Blues during this exciting tour.”

Oxford University Rugby Football Club is one of the world’s leading and most well-known amateur rugby clubs. Founded in 1869, more than 300 Oxford players have gained representative international honours since then including Phil de Glanville, Tyrone Howe, Simon Halliday and Rob Egerton.

Current Oxford Blues Captain Conor Kearns said: “We’re delighted that AFYA is on board as a key sponsor for our first tour of the East Coast of America.

“The club has a great tradition of tours reaching around the globe and it’s an exciting prospect to once again bring a Blues squad to the East Coast.”

“Replicating tours of old, we will be making use of both academic and sporting ties between Oxford and some of the most prestigious universities in the world. It will be a great opportunity to grow as a squad but also represent student sport on a global stage.”

The Oxford Blues is looking for more individual/corporate sponsors for the tour. Anyone interested should contact Conor by email: kearnsco@tcd.ie

www.afyasportstrg.com

www.ourfc.org

Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry to become Netball showcase for Commonwealth Games bid.

Birmingham 2022 bid joins forces with Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena, strengthening venue’s reputation as a national centre of excellence for netball
Broader West Midlands community will benefit from a Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

14 July 2017: Birmingham 2022 today announces that Coventry’s Ericsson Indoor Arena will host Netball as part of its Commonwealth Games bid proposal.

The Ericsson Indoor Arena, part of the Ricoh Arena, is home to Wasps Netball, winners of the Vitality Netball Superleague in 2017. The new Wasps Netball team is not only proving to be a force in the national game but is engaging with thousands of women and girls beginning or returning to the sport.

The Ericsson Indoor Arena is a 6,000 sq m hall that is fully adaptable and includes high density WiFi using small cell technology, is regularly transformed to accommodate exhibitions, conferences, sporting events and concerts. All Birmingham 2022 Netball fixtures, including preliminaries and finals will be held in the Arena, with 5,000 temporary seats installed for the Games.

With Coventry just 20 minutes fast train away from Birmingham New Street and 10 minutes from the NEC and Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham can deliver a compact Games for athletes, officials and spectators whilst also spreading the benefits of the Games across the West Midlands.

The Coventry & Warwickshire LEP is fully backing the Birmingham 2022 bid and this partnership also opens up opportunities to work with Coventry on its bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, whilst also contributing to Birmingham’s cultural plans for the Commonwealth Games.

Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said:

“Wasps Netball have had an amazing year and raised the profile of the sport and the city with their televised matches and their achievement in being crowned champions in their first ever Vitality Netball Superleague season.

“Their matches are enjoyed by families from around the region and the team is doing a great job to inspire women and girls to take up the sport and activity.

“They have added to the reputation of the Ricoh Arena, which was such a great venue for Olympic Football when we were a host city during London 2012 and I know the Ricoh Arena, and Coventry, would help Birmingham stage a Commonwealth Games to remember.”

Jonathan Browning, chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), said:

“Hosting the Commonwealth Games in the West Midlands would bring huge benefits to the region and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership is pleased to support the Birmingham 2022 bid.

“We’re delighted that the Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry has been selected as one of the venues included in the bid.

“We witnessed the array of positive impacts bringing the London 2012 Games to Coventry and Warwickshire brought to the region, and it would be fantastic to welcome visitors from across the Commonwealth back to our area.

“The West Midlands has all the credentials in place to host a brilliant Commonwealth Games and we are pleased to be working with our colleagues across the region to support the bid.”

Wasps’ Director of Netball and Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist, Tamsin Greenway, said:

“Netball is my passion and the opportunity to recently return to my roots in the Midlands and play week in week out with the team at Wasps is just a dream come true.

“Having won bronze medals at two Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and Delhi I cannot begin to describe my excitement at the thought of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Netball matches being played here at the Ericsson Indoor Arena.

“We have seen a huge increase in the sport since we started Wasps Netball earlier this year and I know that the West Midlands would put on the most fantastic Commonwealth Games ever.”

Nick Eastwood, Group Chief Executive at Wasps / Ricoh Arena, said:

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to host netball as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bid proposal.

“The Ricoh Arena has vast experience of hosting top-class sporting events, and we look forward to putting on an event that the city of Coventry and the wider Midlands will remember for years to come.”

Ian Ward, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Bid Company, said:

“We looked long and hard at the existing international standard venues within the region and are proud to have developed a bid that offers a compact Games with 95% of venues already available. We could not have done that without the support of the Ericsson Indoor Arena, which is on our doorstep.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP for the Birmingham 2022 Bid and to be able to share some of the benefits the Games will bring with our neighbours.”

Villa Park to host Rugby 7s

Villa Park Stadium, the 42,700 seater home of English Football League club Aston Villa, and Rugby World Cup 2015 venue, will host Rugby 7s for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Backing #BrumBid2022

How you can support Birmingham 2022:

Follow us on Twitter (@birminghamcg22)
Like us on Facebook (Birmingham2022)
Join in the conversation (#BrumBid2022)
Visit the website (www.birmingham2022.com)

Cycology Travel & Technogym

Luxury cycling holiday company, Cycology Travel and Technogym, the leading provider of fitness equipment, have teamed up to offer an amazing prize to mark Prudential RideLondon 2017

To be in with a chance to win a £1750 Mycycling trainer visit www.cycology.co.uk/competition

Entries close at 11.59pm on 13 August 2017

Where to Staycation like you’re Abroad!

You don’t have to travel thousands of miles to get the perfect Holiday. National Holidays have created a list of the top long-haul holidays and found the perfect UK alternative destinations. Experience the big city, have that relaxing beach holiday, or explore breath-taking scenery right here in the UK.

Swap New York, USA for London, England

London has so much to offer and is full of iconic sights. Replace the bright lights of Broadway and get your musical fix at the West End. Linked to the theatre for hundreds of years, the West End is going from strength to strength with its quality shows and famous actors. Swap Central Park for Hyde Park, and the Statue of Liberty for Big Ben to view your tourist hot spots. Big Ben boasts grand buildings of parliament in its perimeter, making there plenty to see in the City of Westminster. It’s the perfect place for family fun with free museums, London Zoo and Lego Land located nearby, giving it a strong reason for your staycation choice.

Swap Queenstown, New Zealand for Snowdonia, Wales

For those that love exploring the great outdoors and witnessing stunning scenery at a mountains edge, Snowdonia is the ideal destination. Snowdonia features four mountain ranges and over one hundred lakes, which rivals the likes of Queenstown, New Zealand. These highlands are popular with sports such as swimming, canoeing, cycling and triathlons with events taking place throughout the year. The Snowdon Mountain Railway can also take you to the top of Wales’ highest mountain, alternatively there are several walking trails which keen hikers can conquer.

“Experience breath-taking views on the journey up, from the first views of the waterfall plunging into the gorge below, to the stunning sights over the sheer edge of Rocky Valley.” (https://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/)

Swap Bondi Beach, Australia for Newquay, England

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to catch some waves when you have Newquay – the UK’s surfing capital. It’s also host to surfing championships such as the National Surf Championships and the Groms, which attracts competitors from all around the world. Newquay has been voted as the best seaside resort in Cornwall as it boasts an array of spectacular beaches with a laid back atmosphere. No need to travel abroad for that relaxing beach holiday.

Swap Yosemite, America for Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Lomond is one place you need to have on your bucket list “One thing you can be sure of when you arrive in Loch Lomond is the warmest of welcomes.” (http://www.lovelochlomond.com/) With unspoilt scenery and home to 25% of the UKs most threatened bird, animal and plant species it is a nature preserve. Take a trip on the Loch cruise and visit quaint villages that will give you a tranquil experience. If you need a little more adventure, you can also take your experience higher and explore the surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains. Water-lovers can also enjoy the lake with kayaks, canoes, jet skis and cruisers, whilst stopping off at a local pub to end the day.

Swap Beijing, China for York, England

Beijing is hard to match for its vast amount of history, however York in England has a strong sense of medieval history which spans throughout the city. The ancient wall which runs across the city is met by York Minister which also towers over this quaint city showing off the architecture from years passed. “From the largest Gothic Cathedral to the longest and best preserved walls in England York makes a perfect Staycation.” (http://www.makeityork.com/) The buildings and shops even have a touch of York’s past with the Shambles being a well sought after tourist spot due to being arguably the best preserved medieval street in the world.

MONKEY SHOULDER COCKTAILS TO SHAKE UP YOUR SUMMER

The Lazy Old Fashioned

There’s no better way to end your lazy summer’s day

What you’ll need:

60ml of Monkey Shoulder
8ml of sugar syrup
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Making it:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass
Add cold dry ice and stir
Once dilution is reached strain into glass
Twist orange peel over glass

Top tip: In an empty Monkey Shoulder bottle add 540ml of Monkey Shoulder, 90ml of sugar syrup, 36 drops of Angostura Bitters and 50ml of water. Place this bottle in the freezer for a day or two then give it a shake before pouring it into chilled cocktail glasses or over ice.

Monkey Mojito

Mix up the classic crowd pleaser this summer and transport yourself to a place between pleasure and joy with the Monkey Mojito

What you’ll need:

50ml of Monkey Shoulder
20ml of fresh lime juice
15ml sugar syrup
dash of Angostura Bitters
12 mint leaves
Ginger ale

Making it:

Add all ingredients to a glass except ginger ale
Muddle well
Add crushed ice and stir
Top up with ginger ale
Garnish: 3 mint leaves and lime wedge

Ginger Monkey

Swan-dive into a ginger and orange paradise at your summer party with the Ginger Monkey.

What you’ll need:

50ml Monkey Shoulder
80ml Ginger Ale
One fresh orange wedge

Making it:

Fill long glass with ice
Add ingredients into glass and gently stir
Garnish with orange wedge

Top tip: Want to spice things up? Slice a freshly washed ginger, crunch it once between your teeth to release the spice and throw it in your Ginger Monkey. You might want to give your friends their own ginger slice though!

Monkey Jam Sour

Find the magic between sweet and the sour with the Monkey Jam Sour – it is known to taste like dancing on the ceiling.

What you’ll need:

50ml Monkey shoulder
5ml Sugar syrup
2 Tsp Jam
20ml Fresh lemon juice
Optional Soda water
Dash Orange Bitters

Making it:

Add all ingredients to shaker
Add fresh ice and shake it
Strain into ice filled glass
Top up with soda water if you fancy

Top tip: Jam flavoured lemon juice! Squeeze the fresh lemon juice in advance and pour into an empty jar and add a dollop of jam. Shake it! This will give you beautiful Lemon Juice Jam, easy to mix into your cocktail. Plus it preserves your lemon juice from oxidizing so you can prepare this way in advance before anyone’s waiting for a drink.

JD Sports

Offer: up to 75% off Nike in the sports sale

Valid until: 26th July

Link: https://www.vouchercodespro.co.uk/jd-sports

Lovell Rugby

Offer: free UK standard delivery on orders over £100

Valid until: May 2018

Link: https://www.vouchercodespro.co.uk/lovell-rugby

Sports Direct

Offer: save up to 80% off selected footwear in the sale

Valid until: June 2018

Link: https://www.vouchercodespro.co.uk/sportsdirect

Start-up vows to “make voucher code websites extinct” and save British consumers tens of millions ‘every day’

A free-to-use start-up is vowing to “make voucher code websites extinct”, and promises to save British consumers millions of pounds online every day. The service provides online shoppers with active voucher codes for whichever website the user is browsing, without ever having to leave the site and search themselves.

Start-up Pouch, conceived by two friends in their mid-twenties sick of trawling the internet to find voucher codes, saves consumers time, effort and money every time they shop online. The founders believe they could save consumers around 10% on every purchase. Given £422m is spent online every day across the UK*, these savings could amount to tens of millions of pounds every single day.

Pouch finds and displays valid voucher codes in the top-corner of the website the user is browsing, removing the need to spend time searching traditional voucher code websites for codes that, very often, end up either to be incorrect or out-of-date.

As a free browser plugin, installing Pouch is a two-step process, and as easy as installing an ad blocker – something a fifth of Brits have done**, proving that there is widespread public awareness of the use of browser plugins.

Users are instantly informed of discounts for more than 3,000 of the most popular retail websites in the UK, including Dominos, Topman and Currys. A non-intrusive ‘Pouch’ pop-up box allows users to choose which code they would like to use where available, without ever leaving the original retailer’s site.

The Pouch extension, available on Chrome with Safari and Firefox launching soon, is free and extremely easy to download from joinpouch.com. Shoppers can enjoy discounts on clothing, beauty, parenting, education, home improvement, food and drink, sports and leisure, furniture and more.

In the UK last year, consumers spent more than £154bn online*, which works out to £422m every day. Not every site offers discount voucher codes, but Pouch’s founders still believe they could save British consumers tens of millions of pounds every day. This is based on internal data which shows the average saving across all vouchers and discounts is 10%.

To see how Pouch works click here: https://vimeo.com/210398043

Voucher code websites have thrived over the past ten years since the Credit Crunch, providing consumers with discounted products and services, but have been heavily criticised for out-of-date, incorrect and/or inactive vouchers. Pouch want to make online shopping seamless for consumers, by providing a complete and extensive database of ready-to-use discounts and offers.

Ben Corrigan, co-founder of Pouch, said,

“Like every other discount-conscious person I know, my co-founder Jonny and I have used voucher codes for years, and know how frustrating it can be to think you’ve found a perfect code, only to realise it expired 18 months ago! That’s why we set out on this journey to change the voucher code landscape, and we think Pouch sounds the death knell for unfit-for-purpose voucher sites out there.

“We want to give consumers a simple shopping experience and save them as much money as possible. That’s it. You’d be amazed at the number of people that don’t use voucher code websites simply because it’s too much hassle. They’ve been successful because they were the best option out there at the time. We think we can, and will, make them extinct.”

SUPERDRUG IS FIRST HIGH STREET RETAILER TO OFFER A CHICKENPOX VACCINATION SERVICE

Chickenpox is a very common childhood illness, particularly in the under tens and with nearly 8 million 1 to 10 year olds in the UK,[1] Superdrug has today become the first UK high street retailer to announce it is now able to offer customers a chickenpox vaccination service in selected Health Clinics across the country.

Chickenpox is an incredibly common illness particularly among children at primary school and is caused by a highly contagious virus (called Varicella Zoster) normally caught during childhood. The chickenpox vaccination is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK, and is currently only available on the NHS for those who are at high risk of spreading the virus to particularly vulnerable people such as those with weakened immune systems (as a result of HIV or treatments like chemotherapy), or non-immune healthcare workers.

Dr. Pixie, Superdrug’s Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, commented, “Chickenpox is often seen as a rite of passage in childhood resulting in anything from a very mild to a more serious infection in different people. Even in straightforward cases spot picking can lead to long term scarring which can linger long after the infection is gone. A chickenpox immunisation has been available for many years but not on the high street until now. Having suffered from severe chicken pox at the age of 19 I would far rather have undergone the vaccine than be struck down with the infection!”

Although not harmful to most of those who catch it, chickenpox can be unpleasant as it also carries symptoms such as an itchy red rash of spots and blisters and a fever. Other symptoms could include tiredness, nausea, headache, muscle ache and loss of appetite. In most cases, the symptoms tend to subside after one week. Chickenpox can become dangerous if caught by patients with an impaired immune system, newborn babies and pregnant women. Once you have chickenpox, you should be immune to it for life, however one in three who have had chickenpox will go on to develop shingles later in life[2]. If you haven’t suffered from chickenpox as a child, it is still possible to contract it as an adult. Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults with increased risk of pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis.

The vaccination is available at £65 per dose, and two doses – four to eight weeks apart – are recommended to give heightened immune protection. However the NHS states that 9 out of 10 children vaccinated with a single dose will develop immunity against chickenpox[3].

Available in 58 of its nurse and pharmacist Health Clinic stores, the addition of the vaccination service to Superdrug’s in-store healthcare services continues to highlight the increasing accessibility of healthcare on the high street.

A person can contract chickenpox by touching a contaminated surface or object or just by being in close contact with someone already infected, which includes being in the same room for more than 15 minutes. Someone with chickenpox is infectious from one or two days before a rash appears until any subsequent blisters have crusted over.

An immunisation against chickenpox has routinely been offered to children under the age of 13 in the US for over 20 years. This has had a dramatic effect on the number of clinic and hospital visits there[4].

Nicola Hart, Head of Healthcare Services at Superdrug added, “We’re delighted to be the first high street retailer to offer a vaccination service against one of the most common childhood illnesses; chickenpox. Its availability at our nurse clinics and pharmacies across the UK enables customers to have their vaccination at a convenient high street location.”

To ensure privacy and comfort, vaccinations are administered by a trained Pharmacist or Nurse in a private consultation room following an in-depth consultation. To make an appointment, please call Superdrug’s booking line on 03331 223 523, or to find out more visit: https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/services/chickenpox-vaccination

About the Chickenpox vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine offers effective protection against chickenpox.

Chickenpox is linked to a group of vaccines referred to as “live” vaccines meaning that it contains a weakened version of the virus that causes chickenpox. For healthy people this causes your immune system to react to the vaccine resulting in you being protected against chickenpox if you are exposed to the virus at a later date.

You need two doses to be protected and the second dose should be given at least four but no later than eight weeks after you have received your initial dose.

If you have been exposed to the chickenpox virus the vaccine may still prevent symptoms if you get vaccinated within three days of exposure.

It does not protect against similar viruses, such as the herpes virus. It also doesn’t protect against shingles. However, there is also a shingles vaccination service available at Superdrug Health Clinics that can help to protect you against this condition.

For more information: https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/services/chickenpox-vaccination

Steval Pumas Catapult into 2017

South African Rugby Union team Steval Pumas partners with Catapult Sports to provide advanced wearable technology in matches and training sessions.

The Steval Pumas have today announced a major new partnership with Catapult, the industry leader in advanced wearable technology and analytics. Catapult will provide the team with cutting edge Optimeye X4 wearable technology to provide scientifically validated analytics, which will enable the Steval Pumas to accurately monitor player performance and workload from training sessions and matches.
The coaching staff at the Steval Pumas will now have access to live data during training, as well as sophisticated software that analyses the data in a clear and easily understandable way. The partnership will make use of Catapult’s OpenField™ technology, which allows coaches to investigate trends and patterns, rather than just compiling reports.
Catapult supplies wearable technology to around 1,000 elite sports teams worldwide, making it a proven leader in the field. Having used GPS technology since 2015, the Steval Pumas were looking for a new system that would take player monitoring and data analysis to a new level. After discussions with Catapult, the Steval Pumas were supplied with 30 of the company’s Optimeye X4 units at the beginning of 2017.
“We had been looking for certain variables that could help us in terms of performance and these units have given us everything we need. They are more accurate, user-friendly and versatile than anything we’ve ever used before,” said Steval Pumas strength and conditioning coach Tobias van Niekerk.
Rob Arkell, also a strength and conditioning coach for the Steval Pumas, said “The technology not only allows us to improve player performance, but also keep players within the safe zone in terms of their workload. The more we use it, the more benefits we’re discovering.”
The Catapult partnership has already played a role in preparing the Steval Pumas for their warm-up matches (starting with a game against the Lions in Witbank next Saturday) and the SuperSport Rugby Challenge kicking off in April.
Mpumalanga Rugby Union CEO Pieter Burger said that incorporation of technology has become an integral part of player management and training.
“We are happy to partner with Catapult on this venture, as they are current proven leaders of the industry. We are confident that using their systems will be hugely beneficial for the advancement of our rugby players and the union’s overall competitiveness,” Burger said.
Luciano Tomaghelli, Head of LATAM and South Africa at Catapult, said: “The Steval Pumas have a highly innovative and forward-thinking coaching staff and we are proud to be working alongside them to take their performance to the next level. The partnership will empower their coaches by providing validated data to inform their decision making process, and we know they have already begun to see the benefits of the technology in recent training. We wish them the very best of luck for the coming season.”