Category Archives: Shopping

Got My Stojo Risin’ – and Conveniently Collapsing (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2016-03-31 by tikichris

When it comes to having my morning Joe, my preference is to make my own at home and have that time to myself to savour and reflect before revving up to take on the outside world and running the gauntlet of daily tasks to do. Continue reading →

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Review: El Dorado Rum and Rococo Chocolate Pairing at Barrio Soho

Posted on 2016-03-25 by tikichris

Award-winning rum paired with award-winning chocolate? There’s no awards for assuming Barrio Soho’s recent El Dorado Demerara Rums and Rococo Chocolate pairing was a deeply flavourful success! Continue reading →

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Win Free Bakeware and Recipes from Bake Box

Posted on 2016-03-17 by tikichris

I’ve teamed up with bimonthly subscription service, Bake Box, to help get the word out by offering one lucky reader the chance to win a free box and have a go at using the bakeware and trying out the recipes. Keep reading for details. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #54 | St Patrick’s Day Edition

Posted on 2016-03-11 by tikichris

Ready for St Patrick’s Day? Here’s my latest list of good stuff, in this case all in celebration of Irish drink with a sampling of quality beverages I had the pleasure of trying at a recentSpirit of Sharing tasting event hosted by Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall and Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, at the Irish Embassy in Belgravia. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #53

Posted on 2016-03-05 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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Yorica Free From Café Opens on Wardour Street, Soho

Posted on 2016-03-02 by tikichris

Yorica opens today in Soho promising Londoners the chance to indulge in a sweet treat “with none of the nasties.” The shop sells a range of frozen yoghurts, ice creams and shakes that are dairy, lactose, gluten, nut and egg free – and all completely vegan. Continue reading →

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Win a Belgian Chocolate Easter Egg and More from Guylian Chocolates

Posted on 2016-02-29 by tikichris

Easter already? It will be here soon! And just in time for this hippity-hoppity holiday, I’ve teamed up with Guylian, makers of the world’s favourite Belgian chocolates, to offer one lucky reader an eggs-tra yummy range of Easter treats for free. Continue reading →

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Infographic: Iconic Furniture in Film and TV

Posted on 2016-02-29 by tikichris

Check out this fun infographic put together by the furniture experts at Oldrids and featuring some of the most famous furniture from the movies and on TV. Set design plays a massive role in creating the look and atmosphere of … Continue reading →

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Coffee Break Inspiration (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2016-02-24 by tikichris

A short while ago, I sat back and settled in to write my latest post for the EspressoCrazy blog … and drew a big fat blank. Usually, I’ve got a coffee-related idea in mind that I’m keen to tap out on my keyboard. But this time, I couldn’t come up with anything at all to write about. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Conceding writer’s block, I headed to the kitchen to make myself a cup of … yep, you guessed it … coffee!< Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #52

Posted on 2016-02-23 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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Win a Month’s Supply of Portlebay Popcorn

Posted on 2016-02-19 by tikichris

I’ve teamed up with Portlebay to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a month’s supply of Portlebay Popcorn for free. Continue reading →

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Sponsored Video | Trailer: Deutschland 83

Posted on 2016-02-16 by tikichris

Check out the official trailer for Deutschland 83, the groundbreaking new series from the producers of the international Emmy award-winning Generation War. Continue reading →

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Fleurs des Rêves: Bompas & Parr X Perrier-Jouët at The London Edition

Posted on 2016-02-13 by tikichris

Dudes. Listen up. Dark forces are at work. No longer is it going to be a safe bet to selecting some nice flowers to offer to your beloved. Now – compliments of a luxury trio consisting of Bompas & Parr, The London Edition, and Perrier-Jouët – you might have to make sure your chosen blooms aren’t of the ordinary hum-drum one constant colour variety but newfangled and fascinating colour changing Fleurs des Rêves. Continue reading →

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Stripper Wear Fair | David Bowie Burlesque Tribute | Pole Dancing Werkshop at Red Gallery, Shoreditch

Posted on 2016-02-12 by tikichris

This weekend – Valentine’s weekend – do something special for yourself and that significant other at one (or all) of three super sexy events hosted by the East London Strippers Collective at Red Gallery in Shoreditch. Continue reading →

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Win a Free Cooking Kit from Kitchen Trotter + £15 Off Promo Code

Posted on 2016-02-12 by tikichris

Kitchen Trotter is a subscription-based cooking kit community offering you a convenient and inexpensive way to discover world cuisine and cook new recipes from the comfort of your own kitchen! Making it even easier and more affordable for a few lucky tikichris readers, I’ve teamed up with the Kitchen Trotter folks to share three of its cooking kits with three winners of a fun and super simple competition. I’ve also worked out a generous promo code for everybody else. Happy eating wherever your taste buds may take you! Continue reading →

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Two Champagnes, One Chef | GH Mumm | Perrier-Jouët

Posted on 2016-02-11 by tikichris

Invited by two Champagne houses – GH Mumm and Perrier-Jouët – for an overnight visit to the Champagne region for a meet with their Chefs de Caves (Didier Mariotti of Mumm and Hervé Deschamps of Perrier-Jouët), I enjoyed a behind the peek of what goes into blending two of the world’s most celebrated quaffs and how distinctive each is. A bubbly affair to be sure, the occasion served as an excellent opportunity to discover how these wines differ, while enjoying two showcase dining experiences (one for each wine) crafted by in-house chef for both Mumm and Perrier-Jouët – Josephine Jonot. Continue reading →

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My Preferred Cup of Coffee for My Joburg Layover (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2016-02-08 by tikichris

I’m back from a trip to Namibia in Southern Africa, where I spent about two weeks on a self-drive safari. Yes, I had a blast – and would highly recommend a trip to this vast desert country for anyone interested … Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #51

Posted on 2016-02-07 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Books, Chocolate, Coffee, Drink, Food, Good Stuff, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Stuff #50

Posted on 2016-01-30 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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Window to the World with LG OLED and Bompas & Parr

Posted on 2016-01-30 by tikichris

Promising “maximum picture quality and minimum power consumption,” LG reckons its new OLED TV is a game changer. Continue reading →

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Win Your Very Own Yoghurt Maker from Hansells Yoghurt

Posted on 2016-01-29 by tikichris

Yoghurt! It’s certainly easy to eat. But did you know its super easy to make for yourself. Save your pence and learn how to make something good and healthy for yourself with your very own Hansells Yoghurt Maker Starter Kit. There’s one complete kit set aside for a lucky tikichris reader. Could it be you? Continue reading →

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#TravelexTourist for a Day

Posted on 2016-01-27 by tikichris

Travelex, the foreign currency experts, got in touch recently to see if I’d like one of its Multi-Currency Cash Passport cards pre-loaded with $150 for a day out in London. Continue reading →

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Namibia

Posted on 2016-01-23 by tikichris

This was my first time in Namibia, but not the greater southern Africa region. I’ve been heading down to this gorgeous part of the world since the mid 90s (and even lived in Mozambique for about a year) – always encountering enthusiastic folks insistent that I get to Namibia but never quite being able to take them up on their advice. But now I’ve finally made it, and I can see what the fuss had been all about it. Continue reading →

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Win a Case of Craft Beer and Cider from Green & Pleasant

Posted on 2016-01-21 by tikichris

Green & Pleasant brews English craft beer and cider made from top quality locally sourced ingredients. Fancy a taste for free? I’ve got a mixed case to share with one lucky reader. Continue reading →

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Wasokan, Notting Hill: Europe’s First Authentic Japanese Kimono and Matcha Shop

Posted on 2016-01-21 by tikichris

It’s not a likely occurrence that a visit to the launch of a retail space in Notting Hill turns to talk bringing more harmony to the people of Europe. But that was the sort of chat I had with Noriyuki Ikeda at his new kimono and matcha shop, Wasokan, on Westbourne Grove. Continue reading →

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Win a Bottle of R&B Distillers’ Raasay While We Wait Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Posted on 2016-01-01 by tikichris

Happy New Year! I hope your Hogmanay was a merry one. Now that 2015 has come to an end and 2016 has commenced, it’s time to get ready for one of the best festivities on the British calendar: Burns Night. And what better way to celebrate the life and works of Scottish poet Robert Burns than with a toast of single malt Scotch whisky? I’m got a bottle of R&B Distillers’ Raasay While We Wait put aside for one lucky reader that’s sure to be the hit of any Burns Supper. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #49

Posted on 2015-12-29 by tikichris

Okay let’s see if I can squeeze out one more quick post of good stuff before the year ends. Continue reading →

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Best of the Best of 2015

Posted on 2015-12-28 by tikichris

I hope that in some small way my 2015 blogging helped you have more fun, discover something amazing, save some money or otherwise make more of your time than you might have otherwise. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2015, Best of the Best, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Money, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Beer of 2015

Posted on 2015-12-27 by tikichris

There is so much good beer being brewed across the globe these days. Halleluiah! Here’s a look at my faves from 2015. Continue reading →

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Is Coffee the Secret to Great BBQ? (espressoCrazy)

Posted on 2015-12-22 by tikichris

I spent much of October in America working on a story about the best BBQ in the Southern states. I clocked more than 2,500 miles across six states (Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina) taking time to … Continue reading →

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Win a Bottle of Old Forester Bourbon

Posted on 2015-12-16 by tikichris

Established in 1870, Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the only bourbon to be bottled pre, during and post Prohibition. For a potent and authentic taste of Americana that’s as rich in flavour as it is in history, Old Forester 86 Proof is hard to beat. Keep reading for your chance to win a bottle in a specially designed gift box. Continue reading →

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Cocoa-Centric Cuisine at Rabot 1745, Borough Market

Posted on 2015-12-14 by tikichris

Rabot 1745 is Hotel Chocolat’s cocoa-based restaurant. Set in the heart of Borough Market with an expansive terrace offering commanding views over the market this shop/café/bar/restaurant is a great place to sneak a chocolate treat, grab a drink (especially if you’re in the mood to peruse a fantastic list of rums – just be sure to enquire about what rums are behind the bar but possibly not mentioned in the drinks list) and/or have a surprisingly sophisticated meal. Continue reading →

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Win a Bottle of Snow Leopard Premium Ethical Vodka

Posted on 2015-12-10 by tikichris

Snow Leopard is the world’s first premium ethical vodka, with 15% of each bottle sold donated to saving snow leopards from extinction. For your chance at a taste of this vodka for a good cause, keep reading. There’s a spare bottle on the shelf for one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading →

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Win a Certainly Wood Traditional Yule Log for Christmas

Posted on 2015-12-06 by tikichris

Yule love this Christmas competition for a free Yule log from Certainly Wood. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #48

Posted on 2015-12-05 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Grub Edible insect innovators, Grub, … Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Christmas, Design, Drink, Food, Gardening, Good Stuff, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment