Director Michael Lehmann on the 30th Anniversary of Heathers | #TCTalks Episode 30

Director Michael Lehmann on the 30th Anniversary of Heathers | #TCTalks Episode 30

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Ahoy! Discovering Pirate History Treasure along America’s East Coast (Going Places)

Ahoy! Discovering Pirate History Treasure along America’s East Coast

Avast ye land lovers! Pirate history is a mix of myth and reality. But the tall tales are based on authentic accounts about people who actually lived, events that actually happened and places that you actually can go to today and determine for yourself what was real and what was make-believe.

Second, only to the Caribbean, America’s southeastern coast is rich with destinations thick with tales of piratical plunder and maritime misdeeds. So, we thought it would be fun to share our bounty of knowledge about some of the most fascinating pirate-related destinations along the Atlantic that you can visit. Get ready for your timbers to be shivered!

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Win a BBQ Fire Starter Kit from Certainly Wood

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COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME

Summer is still on and the sunny heatwave is expected to continue into October. It’s an ideal time to BBQ, and Certainly Wood has the ideal kit to get you grilling in no time with minimal fuss!

Certainly Wood is the UK’s bigger producer of 100% British sustainable premier kiln dried firewood, kindling & Flamers natural firelighters. I’ve teamed with this tree-mendous company for a smoking hot giveaway offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win a BBQ Fire Starter Kit. Continue reading

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Unexpected Texas: How to Get the Best of Your San Antonio Holiday (Metro)

Unexpected Texas: How to Get the Best of Your San Antonio Holiday

The seventh biggest city in the US and second largest in Texas, San Antonio is as hip to current trends as any urban centre.

It’s a lot more cosmopolitan than you might expect, and proud of its Latinex culture, but back in 1718, it was little more than a Spanish colonial outpost. Plenty of reminders of San Antonio’s past remain, juxtaposed with the more contemporary aspects of life. And that’s what took me there: the chance to check out how the city was celebrating its tricentennial with some excursions to boot.

Read my complete article at Metro.

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V For Launches at The Old Truman Brewery

Vegan Vice Club

Sheepa Miah reviews a new vegan lifestyle festival in East London running throughout the whole of August.

From vegan cocktails, to vegan fried chicken, it’s a series of events not to be missed. The capital’s one of a kind lifestyle event is anticipated to bring in over 2000 visitors to The Old Truman Brewery. Expect food, drinks, music and events. Continue reading

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World Steak Challenge 2018

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At the beginning of last month (4th of July actually) I got to sit in for a second year in a row as a consumer judge at World Steak Challenge, where three dozen or so expert judges convened to test and rate close to sirloin, fillet and rib eye steaks from 22 different countries and four continents.

What a savoury opportunity! I was deeply impressed by how much better and more broadly representative of the world the steaks that made it to the final round (when the consumer judging came in) were compared to last year. And last year was by no means a shabby affair! Continue reading

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Win Pair of Tickets to Outdoor Screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert + the Chance to Win a Trip to Australia’s Northern Territory

Win Pair of Tickets to Outdoor Screening of Pricilla Queen of the Desert + the Chance to Win a Trip to Australia’s Northern Territory

Tourism NT are offering tikichris followers three pairs of tickets to an outdoor screening with The Nomad Cinema of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert plus a chance of winning a pair of return tickets to Darwin, Australia with Singapore Airlines.

Appropriately enough, the screening will take place in Queen’s Park (NW6 6HA) in North London on the evening of Thursday 30th August. Continue reading

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Cocktails in the City London: Summer Edition | Bedford Square, 3-4 August

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I had a blast at opening night of Cocktails in the City: Summer Edition at Bedford Square yesterday. Today (Saturday 4 August) is the last day for the Londoners to attend before it heads north for alternate iterations.

The events offers an intoxicatingly convenient opportunity to experience 25 of London’s most innovative cocktail bars all within sipping distance of each other, for the UK’s largest festival of bars in a leafy outdoor setting. Continue reading

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Wine Chap Tom Harrow | #TCTalks Episode 29

Wine Chap Tom Harrow | #TCTalks Episode 29

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford

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A day out in Oxford was an excellent excuse to dip in to recently opened Cinnamon Kitchen up on the roof at the Westgate shopping centre.

It was a sunny day and the views from the restaurant over the spires of Oxford was a slight to behold, but so were the dishes placed beneath my chin. Continue reading

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The Ultimate Sri Lankan Supper Club | Girl Travels World + The Coconut Tree

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The Ultimate Sri Lankan Supper Club was a collaborative effort between Demi Perera (a London blogger of Sri Lankan heritage) and The Coconut Tree (a Sri Lankan restaurant in Oxford). I was fortunate to be among those seated at this invitation-only feast earlier in the month.

Before wading too deeply into my review, I should disclose that Demi is a longtime contributor to this blog and that I was invited to the event as her guest of honour. According to Demi, I was “the first person to give [her] a chance as a writer.” The honour was all mine, though, as evening was a total blast and a delicious one at that! Continue reading

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Douglas Blyde | #TCTalks Episode 28

Douglas Blyde | #TCTalks Episode 28

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Things to Do on Hilton Head Island

Things to Do on Hilton Head Island

Beach vacations are sometimes a cliché, and people usually imagine a week spent drowsing in the light of the sun, maybe with the occasional dip in the ocean tossed in.

But most beach destinations have numerous other activities to do besides reading and lounging poolside.

Hilton Head Island is no different. Like with all travel, it will take a bit of effort to find the tour groups and rental companies and activity packages that you truly enjoy.

But at Hilton Head, you can rest assured that there is no shortage of things to do, even if you count out laying on the beach. After a vacation spent taking advantage of all the island has to offer, you may even want to consider renting or buying a home on Hilton Head Island.

Before you get ahead of yourself, here are a few ideas to get you started, and to round out your week of beach-laying and pool-lounging. Continue reading

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Best of the Fests | The World at WOMAD, Wiltshire

WOMAD, photo Mike Massaro, Courtesy Borkowski PR

Judith Schrut continues her festival frolic with a visit to the world’s favourite,  WOMAD.

If you’ve never been to WOMAD– short for World of Music, Arts and Dance–  you’re in for an unforgettable treat. This year’s WOMAD, taking place at the end of July,  promises to be even more extraordinary. The biggest international festival on the planet is celebrating its 36th year in style, bringing hundreds of performing artists from dozens of countries and thousands of world music fans to a beautiful open air site deep in the Wiltshire countryside. Continue reading

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Sailing the Thames with Secret Adventures

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Secret Adventures runs “unusual and off grid adventures in London and beyond, designed to generate a sense of exploration and wonder”. One of those adventures is a cruise of from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier and sailing back toward town with a stop at Greenwich Pier where guests disembarked.

Kemey and I joined a recent voyage and had a lovely time. Continue reading

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Supersonic Modern Michael Murphy | #TCTalks Episode 27

Supersonic Modern Michael Murphy | #TCTalks Episode 27

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Senior Travel Discounts You’re Probably Missing Out On (Going Places)

Senior Travel Discounts You’re Probably Missing Out On

Whether you’re getting out in the world to cross those last few destinations off your bucket list or you’re hitting the road to catch up with grandkids and other family members, your golden years are a great time to travel. Many believe the days of travel and vacation discounts are over and whatever savings there are already exhausted or baked into the overall price. But there are still ways to save and plenty of unknown senior travel discounts available.

Here’s our look at some of the best discounts and special offers that seniors can tap into for thrifty travel and smart spending.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Best of the Fests | The BBC Summer Proms

BBC Proms The Royal Albert Hall

Judith Schrut  previews this summer’s Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

If you’re a classical music lover, it doesn’t get much better than the BBC’s summer Promenade Concerts, affectionately known as the Proms. The world’s greatest festival of classical music and a British national treasure since Victorian times, the Proms roared into London’s Royal Albert Hall this week, setting off 90 concerts and two months of non-stop musical feasting. Continue reading

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HipChips, a Review

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It’s crunch time for Sabrina Fancy as she heads to HipChips in Soho with her kids.

With the end of the school year, my children insisted on an end of the year treat. Where did they want to go? HipChips, a quirky eatery, situated on Old Compton Street in Soho! Continue reading

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The Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking an All-Inclusive Vacation (Going Places)

The Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking an All-Inclusive Vacation

Wondering what to do for your next vacation? Have you considered visiting an all-inclusive resort as an option?

While you may be imagining crowded facilities, kids running around, loud music, and less than optimal food and drink, not all resorts follow this stereotype. Many all-in resorts offer top-quality accommodation, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and other amenities; all this is done with an eye on making guests as happy as possible and giving you more bang for your buck than you otherwise would get if you had booked and purchased everything for yourself à la carte. But all-inclusive resorts aren’t for everybody. Especially for independent travels, a stay at even the swankiest of five-star resorts can feel like doing time in a prison.

To help you determine if an all-inclusive resort is right for your vacationing preferences, here’s a roundup of the key questions to ask yourself before booking an all-in holiday.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Best of the Fests | Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall

at the Port Eliot Festival, St Germans, Cornwall.

Judith Schrut heads to a cozy corner of Cornwall for good food and more, at the Port Eliot Festival.

Summertime Britain is a food lovers’ paradise, with dozens of festivals, fairs and other tasty offerings where food and cooking take centre stage. That’s certainly true at the Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall. Continue reading

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#MenabreaMaestro Class with Jay Rayner

#MenabreaMaestro Class with Jay Rayner

A “craft of column-writing” masterclass with the Observer’s (in)famous restaurant critic, Jay Rayner, was a fun and insight outing.

To be honest, I went for the beer. The Guardian Masterclasses event, held at the Everyman Theatre near King’s Cross, was hosted in association with premium Italian brewery, Menabrea Birra. Continue reading

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Golf Posters of the Top 10 Golfers of All Time

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Golfing is often said to be a gentleman’s sport, and these golf posters display exactly what that means.

Golf can be traced back as far as the year 960 in ancient China, with it’s more contemporary roots being aligned around the year 1457 in Scotland. Throughout the centuries, the game, and the players, have evolved in exciting and fascinating way, largely due to the players themselves. Golf poster bring into crystalline detail of the grandeur that each and every player has brought to the game. Continue reading

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My Coffee with Melitta | Win a Stainless Steel Gooseneck Pour Over Kettle

My Coffee with Melitta | Win a Stainless Steal Gooseneck Pour Over Kettle

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!

Looking for a stylish and functional kettle? Melitta’s stainless steel gooseneck pour over kettle is just the thing for you! And if you like making pour over coffee, you’ll love brewing it with this beautifully designed item.

And guess who’s got one of these kettles to giveaway? Yup! It’s me, continuing with the My Coffee with Melitta miniseries. Continue reading

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Denise Medrano, The Wine Sleuth | #TCTalks Episode 26

Denise Medrano, The Wine Sleuth | #TCTalks Episode 26

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Tips For Eating Healthier and Better This Summer

Tips for Eating Healthier and Better This Summer

Let’s face it, summertime can be scary for those trying to live healthier.

With the warmer weather, individuals tend to go out more. There are countless backyard BBQ’s with tons of delicious foods. Of course, there are those fabulous food carts and ice cream stands as well. Much of this food is really loaded with calories, high fat and sugar amounts. Highly processed foods used a lot in fast foods and snacks contain harmful ingredients like high amounts of salt, MSG and other unhealthy flavourings and even chemicals. There has to be a better way to eat this summer. Continue reading

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Made in Jamaica, Enjoyed in Brixton

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Some of the world’s best rums come from Jamaica. Campari Group has a few of them in its portfolio.

It’s no secret I’m a fan of rum nor that I’m partial to ones from Jamaica. So when the folks at Campari UK invited me along for a tasting of their rum portfolio at rumspirational venues across Brixton, I was keen to accept. Continue reading

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The Elephant’s Head, Clapton

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The Elephant’s Head in Hackney does crafty cocktails and great pub grub in a moody, Victorian setting.

I remember this Lower Clapton Road establishment from a few years back when it opened as decidedly Frenchy The Bonneville. I was surprised and somewhat saddened to hear it had been rebooted as The Elephant’s Head with the menu now leaning more toward British fare. I really liked The Bonneville and thought the food was awesome. Oh well. During a recent visit, I was heartened to see the drinks list wasn’t messed with too much and that the food on offer was still tasty. Continue reading

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Pomona’s Serves California Cool from Notting Hill Kitchen

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Pomona’s in Notting Hill looks across the proverbial pond (and ‘flyover’ country) to land its culinary sights on Californian shores for inspiration.

I had a lovely lunch there recently. Dining outside in the restaurant’s large terrace on a sunny summer day, I felt as though I was in California, though I was plenty pleased to be in London enjoying a fine meal in such a nice setting. Continue reading

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Sam Hunt, Borough of Culture Creative Director | #TCTalks Episode 25

Sam Hunt, Borough of Culture Creative Director | #TCTalks Episode 25

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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7 Experts Share Their Must-Haves to Pack in Your Carry-On This Summer (The Real Deal)

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Here’s a link to a post about what to pack in your carry-on bags for summer travels. The post is on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal blog. Seven travel bloggers, including me, contributed to the list with a variety of helpful hints and tips.

Delicate skin and an ever-broadening bald spot mean that sunscreen and a cap are essential in my carry-on, even when I’m checking a bag. I keep a charged solar power bank with me to make sure my phone stays juiced up. I hardly ever leave the house without a reusable water bottle these days.

Read the complete post at The Real Deal.

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Dorothea Lange and the Politics of Seeing

Digitized for the Oakland Museum of California.Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California 1936 © The Dorothea Lange Collection, the Oakland Museum of California

London’s ongoing season of photo riches rolls on with Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing at the Barbican Art Gallery. Judith Schrut has been to see the show.

Whether this is your first exposure to Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) and her remarkable photographs or you’re a lifelong admirer, this is a must-see exhibition. I was surprised to learn it’s the first ever retrospective of her work in the UK. Continue reading

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Summer by the River is All Drama This August

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Demi Perera previews London Bridge City’s Open Air Theatre.

London’s Open Air Theatre season is set to return to the heart of the capital this August. Now in its 15th unforgettable year it will offer Londoners free access to the city’s finest theatrical artists and experiences. Performances will run from August to September as part of the Summer by the River Festival which takes place at London Bridge City. Continue reading

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A Rum Lover’s Guide to the Caribbean (Going Places)

A Rum Lover’s Guide to the Caribbean

Can a single sip of rum send you sailing to a tropical island in your mind? Then you’ll love dreaming a little while with us as we explore some of the best Caribbean rum distilleries to visit. Yes, a number of distilleries – big and small, famous and not-so-much – across the Caribbean are open to the public with guided tours and tastings.

So pour yourself a shot of your preferred poison or mix your favorite cocktail and let’s get island hopping!

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Win Pass the Pigs Party Dice Game

Win Pass the Pigs Party Dice Game

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!

I’ve got a fun and quirky Pass the Pigs dice game to offer one lucky tikichris reader. This one’s the party edition of the popular all-ages game.

The party set includes eight small plastic piggies (four pairs), a deck of 30 cards, and carry case. Continue reading

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