Category Archives: Shopping

Win a Digital Meat Thermometer Worth up to £61

Posted on 2013-11-01 by tikichris

Want to cook your roast dinners with more confidence and be able to know you’re serving them at just the right time and temperature? Keep reading for your chance to win a digital meat thermometer from Digital-Meters.com. Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Competition, Food, Freebies, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wine of the Month by @willbedwards: Le Petit Roy 12eme année, Domaine Jean Royer

Posted on 2013-10-31 by tikichris

Here’s a new wine review from tikichris contributor Will Edwards, a “wine and food enthusiast who has fled the idyllic hills of Devon for the golden streets of London. A “relative newbie” to the world of wine, Will works in the Chelsea shop of independent wine merchants Lea & Sandeman where he loves “to hear what our customers are enjoying to drink”. These days – and just in time for nippy autumn – a good many of these Chelsea shoppers seem keen on Le Petit Roy 12eme année, Domaine Jean Royer. Continue reading →

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Voodoo Shops in New Orleans’ French Quarter (CheapOair)

Posted on 2013-10-28 by tikichris

Voodoo. How much of its mysterious traditions are hokey hype and how much genuine religious practice? There’s no better place to find out for yourself than in New Orleans, where the legend, the kitsch and the reality of Voodoo collide for a fascinatingly spooky gumbo. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff

Posted on 2013-10-28 by tikichris

Here’s a quick little list of good stuff I’ve recently come across and thought was worth sharing with you. Enjoy! Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Fashion, Food, Good Stuff, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Still Smoking?

Posted on 2013-10-27 by tikichris

C’mon, you know really should stop smoking. It’s becoming less and less acceptable these days and the cost to your health and quality of life is incredibly high. Continue reading →

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Win a Free Christmas Hamper Worth up to £200 from Hampergifts.co.uk

Posted on 2013-10-26 by tikichris

Tis the season or – at least – tis gonna be here soon! Are you ready for Christmas 2013? Here’s an opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer and treat yourself to a bit of Yuletide yumminess or share a lovely gift with someone special. I’ve teamed up with Hampergifts.co.uk to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Christmas hamper worth up to £200 in value. The competition runs this week only. Best of luck with the comp and with all your festive season shopping! Continue reading →

Posted in Chocolate, Christmas, Coffee, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Win a £100 Argos Gift Voucher

Posted on 2013-10-18 by tikichris

Here’s a nifty competition I’ve got lined up to give one lucky reader an Argos gift voucher worth £100. Get ahead of the Christmas gift shopping rush, treat yourself to something special or simply stock up on the essentials – however you like to Argos it, this fantastic chance to do it absolutely for free is just an easy click away. Keep reading to find out how to win. Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Competition, Freebies, London, Shopping, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Give Thanks for a Great November in Houston! (CheapOair)

Posted on 2013-10-16 by tikichris

Planning a visit to Houston next month? Here’s a list of some of the more interesting events coming up on the Houstonian calendar to help you celebrate Thanksgiving in style and get ready for the run up to Christmas and New Years.
Continue reading →

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An Interview with Chef Albert Roux (Great British Chefs)

Posted on 2013-10-15 by tikichris

… the affable 78 year old seems as pleased or perhaps even more so to talk about the recent successes of his son as he is his own achievements. My interview with Albert felt more like a friendly conversation as he shared memories from the early days of his career along with advice for up-and-comers in the restaurant industry today. Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrities, Food, Great British Chefs, interview, London, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Post-it Notes? Et Voila!

Posted on 2013-10-12 by tikichris

3M Post-it Notes are ideal for adding a splash of colour to your messages and reminders. With such a big palette of shades on offer, there’s sure to be a hue to match your message … and brighten up your desk space too! Personally, I come with a variety of uses for Post-it Notes all the time. Here are a few recent instances when they’ve proved a valuable tool for me. Continue reading →

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“Free From” But Still Flavourful Food by Orgran

Posted on 2013-10-12 by tikichris

I recently got hold of a range of “free from” products by Orgran. The three products I sampled – Buckwheat Pancake Mix, Buckwheat Pasta Spirals and Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce – were gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, egg free, yeast free, soy free and vegan … and still right flavourful too. Nice thing is, all those missing ingredients hadn’t been replaced with a lot of unpronounceable crap created in a lab. Instead the products provided me with a few back-to-basics meals that left me satiated without feeling bogged down. Continue reading →

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Win a Pair of Tickets to the bettane+desseauve Wine Experience London

Posted on 2013-10-11 by tikichris

The second edition of the bettane+desseauve Wine Experience London will take place the last weekend of October at Saatchi Gallery where guests will have the chance to sample more than 400 of the best European wines on the market today. Tickets for the tasting run 30 quid a pop. But check it out! I’ve got eight pairs of tickets to share with you lucky readers. Continue reading →

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5 Top Sights in Manila (OneTravel)

Posted on 2013-10-11 by tikichris

Manila – it’s one of the world’s biggest cities and one of its most exciting and diverse. Steeped in history but with a vibrant 21st century edge, Manilaoffers a tantalizing variety of delights for all travelers. Here’s a list of five … Continue reading →

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Win a Bottle of Baileys Chocolat Luxe Chocolate Whiskey Liqueur

Posted on 2013-10-06 by tikichris

Chocolate lovers listen up! Whiskey connoisseurs, you pay attention too! I’ve got a 50cl bottle of Baileys recently launched Chocolat Luxe – the world’s first fusion of Belgian chocolate, Irish whiskey and cream – to share with one lucky reader. Continue reading →

Posted in Chocolate, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Good Stuff

Posted on 2013-09-29 by tikichris

Here’s a quick little list of good stuff I’ve recently come across and thought was worth sharing with you. Enjoy! Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Good Stuff, Hotels, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Win a Pair of Tickets to Salon du Chocolat #BigChocolateWin

Posted on 2013-09-27 by tikichris

Salon du Chocolat, the world’s biggest chocolate show, is teaming up with Chocolate Unwrapped, London’s annual chocolate festival, to create what will be the most chocolaty day in British history yet: Salon du Chocolat London. Keep reading for your chance to win a free pair of tickets. Continue reading →

Posted in Chocolate, Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Shopping, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

World’s Biggest Chocolate Show Coming to London This October (CheapOair)

Posted on 2013-09-24 by tikichris

Salon du Chocolat, the world’s biggest chocolate show, is joining forces with the organisers of London’s annual chocolate festival, Chocolate Unwrapped, to create what is slated to be the most incredible chocolate show the UK has ever seen: Salon du Chocolat – London. Continue reading →

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Recipe: Rachel Green’s Peas on Toast

Posted on 2013-09-24 by tikichris

Chef Rachel Green, a “woman for all seasons” who’s “cooking for Britain” was an absolute delight to cook alongside and to learn from. Observing her in the kitchen (not to mention getting to sample here her excellent food) was the highlight of the week. Nothing fancy but big on yum, Rachel’s recipe’s were down to earth, easy to follow and (most importantly) delicious.Here’s the recipe for a basic but really inspired dish, peas on toast. Read more of Rachel’s recipes from our day with John Lewis and Cole & Mason. Continue reading →

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Win a Free Signed Copy of Camilla Stephens’ The Higgidy Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Pies and More!

Posted on 2013-09-23 by tikichris

Last week I had a delectable pleasure of getting to meet Camilla Stephens, founder of Higgidy, a “little company of piemakers creating pies, quiches, tarts and slices in the seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea”. Camilla was in London to meet with a small crew of food writers and get our opinions about a few upcoming pies (I loved her sweet potato offering!) and to give us a sneak peek at her new book. Keep reading for your chance to get hold of a copy of The Higgidy Cookbook: 100 Recipes for Pies and More! Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Competition, Food, Freebies, Recipes, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Recipe: Rachel Green’s Salsa Verde

Posted on 2013-09-23 by tikichris

Chef Rachel Green, a “woman for all seasons” who’s “cooking for Britain” was an absolute delight to cook alongside and to learn from. Observing her in the kitchen (not to mention getting to sample here her excellent food) was the highlight of the week. Nothing fancy but big on yum, Rachel’s recipe’s were down to earth, easy to follow and (most importantly) delicious. Here’s her recipe for a very tasty salsa verde. Check back soon for more of Rachel’s recipes from our day with John Lewis and Cole & Mason. Continue reading →

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Recipe: Rachel Green’s Aioli

Posted on 2013-09-22 by tikichris

Chef Rachel Green, a “woman for all seasons” who’s “cooking for Britain” was an absolute delight to cook alongside and to learn from. Observing her in the kitchen (not to mention getting to sample here her excellent food) was the highlight of the week. Nothing fancy but big on yum, Rachel’s recipe’s were down to earth, easy to follow and (most importantly) delicious. Here’s her recipe for a simple yet satisfying aioli. Check back soon for more of Rachel’s recipes from our day with John Lewis and Cole & Mason. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Recipes, Seasoning and Flavouring with Chef Rachel Green, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recipe: Rachel Green’s Guacamole

Posted on 2013-09-21 by tikichris

Chef Rachel Green, a “woman for all seasons” who’s “cooking for Britain” was an absolute delight to cook alongside and to learn from. Observing her in the kitchen (not to mention getting to sample here her excellent food) was the highlight of the week. Nothing fancy but big on yum, Rachel’s recipe’s were down to earth, easy to follow and (most importantly) delicious. Here’s her recipe for one of my favourite dishes, guacamole. Check back tomorrow and later in the week for more of Rachel’s recipes from our day with John Lewis and Cole & Mason. Continue reading →

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International Car Free Day at Seven Dials: Pop-Up Forest, Free Pizza and More

Posted on 2013-09-20 by tikichris

For one day only – tomorrow, Saturday 21 September – Camden Council will transforming the streets of Seven Dials to see the area become traffic-free with dozens of five-metre trees plotted around the monument as part of International Car Free Day. Inside the urban pop-up forest, there will a range events and activities taking place including an Orchard Juice Bar, complimentary cycle maintenance courtesy of Dr Bike, live music and complimentary food and drink such as homemade lemonade at Patagonia and pizza slices a la a mobile wood fired oven outside the Rossopomodoro pizzeria on Monmouth Street. Continue reading →

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Win a Range of Chakra Teas from The East India Company + a Five Night Luxury Holiday

Posted on 2013-09-18 by tikichris

Recently EIC introduced a new range of “Chakra” teas. Inspired by the yogic concept of energy flow through the body, the six Chakra-inspired herbal infusions are designed to restore harmony to the mind, body and soul. Keep reading to find out how to win the Chakra collection of teas plus a chance to win a special five night holiday holiday to Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Dubai. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Popular Cake & Bake Show Returns to London (OneTravel)

Posted on 2013-09-13 by tikichris

The Cake & Bake Show – Britain’s biggest baking show, returns to London next month for a three day weekend filled with celebrity demos, live bake offs, skills classes, competitions and lots of opportunities to sample breads, cakes and other treats along with the chance to check out the latest and greatest baking and sugarcraft supplies. Who’s the 2013 Cake & Bake Show for? Pretty much anybody from the casual home nibbler to the fanciful pastry chef pro. Continue reading →

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Bermondsey Street Festival Returns to South London (CheapOair)

Posted on 2013-09-10 by tikichris

Bermondsey Street Festival is an annual celebration of music, dance, arts, cuisine and creativity situated in and around one of London’s quaintest little lanes. The festival is entirely volunteer-led and can draw big crowds. Last year the event saw 15,000 visitors enjoying a range of activities including a dog show, a fashion show, maypole dancing, an open air cinema and more than 100 stalls. This year attendee numbers are expected to nearly double. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, CheapOair, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Stuff and Great Taste at the Specialty & Fine Food Fair 2013

Posted on 2013-09-08 by tikichris

Here’s a quick list of just some of all the good stuff I came across this afternoon at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2013, the “UK’s largest showcase of fine food and drink”. The fair continues tomorrow and Tuesday at Olympia Exhibition Centre. I loved my nibbling meander through the fair and thought it presented a fabulous opportunity to sample a range of great products from Britain and abroad while chatting with passionate producers and entrepreneurs. Continue reading →

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Carnaby Style Night – London Shopping Event (OneTravel)

Posted on 2013-09-08 by tikichris

The evening of Thursday the 12th of September will present an opportunity to experience one of London’s most iconic shopping districts with a “Style Night” focused on the best of men’s fashion and more. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, London, OneTravel, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win a Free Signed Copy of Chef Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill Cookbook

Posted on 2013-09-06 by tikichris

Neil Perry is one of the world’s top chefs. When he’s not in the kitchen at one of his seven Australian restaurants, cooking up a storm on TV or working as lead consultant to Qantas Airways, Neil somehow manages to find the time to be an author. Keep reading for your chance to win a signed copy of his Rockpool Bar & Grill book. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Competition, Food, Freebies, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Day Trips from New Orleans (CheapOair)

Posted on 2013-09-04 by tikichris

Not that you’d ever run out of things to do during a visit to New Orleans but it’s good to keep in mind the wealth of day trip destinations and attractions within a few hours drive of NOLA. If enjoying a few days at the beach, communing with nature or discovering the region’s unique culture sounds like an ideal add-on to your upcoming trip to New Orleans, keep reading for some suggestions. Continue reading →

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Are Legends Born … or are They Dropped?

Posted on 2013-09-04 by tikichris

Are legends born or are they dropped? That’s what premium beer brand Heineken aims to find out through its latest campaign by testing the resourcefulness of a few select men and seeing how they manage on unfamiliar turf and inexplicable situations. Continue reading →

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I Beg Your Pardon? Twinings Has Introduced a Rose Garden?

Posted on 2013-08-31 by tikichris

That’s right. Initially only sold as part of the Twinings Limited Edition range due to popular demand Rose Garden black tea is now permanently available. That’s good news if you’re like me and love the flavour of rose. But don’t take my word alone for it, this tea was one of four Twinings teas to win a 2012 Great Taste Award. Add this to an already fantastic selection that includes eye opening green tea, refreshing redbush and plenty more and it becomes apparent there’s a lot more to Twinings than just elegant Earl Greys and robust English Breakfast teas. Continue reading →

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Tilia: Online Home Delivery Service of Artisan Food and Drink. Try it and Love it!

Posted on 2013-08-29 by tikichris

Tilia is a new online home delivery service connecting Londoners with local suppliers of artisan food and drink. At the moment, it’s a London only thing, but there are plans for rapid nationwide expansion. I recently gave Tilia a twirl. Completely impressed, I loved everything aspect of my experience. Indeed, I’m keen to try the service again (and again!) and can wholeheartedly recommend it as an incredibly convenient way to get top quality grub to your table. Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, Drink, Food, London, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Giant Chocolate Hamper Giveaway for a Good Cause

Posted on 2013-08-28 by tikichris

Online chocolate boutique Chocolat Lovers has announced a giveaway competition of what they believe is “the biggest chocolate hamper most people have ever had the chance to eat their way through”. The “Caring & Sharing” promotion is a in support of the Alzheimers Society and The Sick Children’s Trust and is in collaboration with McArthur Glen Designer Outlets. Continue reading →

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View from My Saddle by @Petalon_Flowers

Posted on 2013-08-26 by tikichris

Petalon is a new flower delivery company here in London making it easier, more accessible and greener to send flowers in the capital. Two different bouquets are offered every week and chosen depending on what’s in season and looks particularly fantastic at the market. Petalon flowers are always delivered by bicycle and always cost £20 with £2 of every bunch donated to Capital Bee, a London not-for-profit campaigning for bee-friendly practices. Continue reading →

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