Get It While It's HOT!!!

Winter Skin gets the White Balance in a ‘CLICK!

Beauty Says: Winter skin can be a real bummer, as temperatures drop and skin feels tight, dry, and generally in limbo with the combination of cold outside and central heating inside. An instant saviour I’ve recently discovered is Medik8’s White Balance Click- for instant brightening beautiful effects on tired skin.

 

For those of you unfamiliar with Medik8, it’s a professional, award winning line of skincare that is proven to give optimum results. Best known for its cosmeticeutical technology, Medik8 was developed by, pharmacologist, Elliot Issacs. Issacs, a son of a pharmacist, who had studied Pharmacology & Physiology, began in the 1990s researching the cause of his sister’s redness in her skin. Weeks turned into months of research and eventually he was successful at making the redness go away- with the brand’s first ever product: Red Alert.

 

The key to this product is in the technology of its packaging. You always know that this product will be fresh, active and work, as the active ingredient, Kojic acid powder, is not released until you push the cap to release it into the 7 actives solution, ensuring this product to be potent from start to finish. The Kojic acid goes to brighten up any dark spots on the skin, while Nincinamide, a B3 vitamin goes to give moisture and anti-inflammatory properties. Lactic acid goes to boost exfoliation, Linoleic acid goes to help with cell turnover and improve melanin dispersion. This product is so bonifide to work-in a study it has proven 97.3% whitening efficiency! 

 

What I really like about this product is that it’s absolutely safe to use, with no strange bleaching or whitening agents. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skins as well! You don’t get any photosensitivity with this product, so you don’t have to be extra weary of wearing SPF in the day (although always you should). I will also highlight how easy it is to use: as a serum under any day or night cream. It really is that simple! Also for those who are tired of investing in skincare products that simply do not work, have too much hype about them, and just want results-I think you will find Medik8 a breath of fresh air in this department. So this winter, get the white balance with Medik8-White Balance Click, £45 x 2 10ml at www.medik8.co.uk

Eye Spy

Beauty’s Christmas GIFT GUIDE PART 2

Gifts that say: FOREVER

Beauty Says: So what could you possibly give to someone special for Christmas that truly says: FOREVER? Well there are many things that come to mind, but these trinkets could do the trick:

Elizabeth Arden’s Limited Edition Eight Hour Cream & Lip Protectant: Arden’s Eight Hour just got Christmas wrapped over with a new packaging-all in a berry colour block print. It’s a cult classic of the beauty world, and oh so useful for cracked hands, lips, and goes to protect the face in the harshest of weather conditions! What beauty product could possibly say forever better?? Eight Hour protectant cream £20, Eight Hour lip protectant £20 at www.johnlewis.com

 

Elemis-Pro-Collagen Duo: Nothing says FOREVER young quite like Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Collection. This set of 30ml of Pro-Collagen Day & Night is perfect for anyone looking for a bright and wonderful New Year ahead! It’s a must to get for mum, for sister, or for me…?68 at www.timetospa.co.uk

Eye Spy Says: BONBI FOREST: To say ‘eye’ love it is an understatement to these precious lockets with the (evil eyes) embossed on the front. Whether you believe in the power of the eyes being able to fend off jealousy & evil spirits away or not, one thing is for sure-all eyes will be on you! With all the hype of KENZO this season bringing out eye prints on various pieces, this is an accessory one truly cannot live without!

 

For those who are not fond of the eyes why not go for some extra sparkle with the City Lights Locket? Extra Swarovski pieces (at the top) highlight that skyline! 

Each locket makes a great gift and at the very reasonable price budget of £19, packed in an organza pouch with origami print at:  www.bonbiforest.com

 

Giving Fragrance just makes scents!

Beauty Says: Don’t think that giving fragrance is a cop-out to not knowing what someone likes. Not at all! Giving fragrance makes perfect scents! This Christmas I’m introducing a sets for that I think anyone would love.

Viva La Juicy Set by Juicy Couture: For someone you think it super sweet, why not treat them to this delicious set of Viva La Juicy 50ml + 125ml body lotion. It comes in a HOT pink cosmetic case, that is perfect for storing make-up, or bits for travel or the gym! Get it at www.debenhams.com

John Varvatos Classic: For the gentlemen who exhume uber class and sophistication give him this set by John Varvatos-includes 125 edt & 100ml aftershave. Whether he’s dad, brother, boyfriend, husband or son this set is our to please. You would be senseless not to get it! £60 at www.debenhams.com

Elemis Frangipani Secrets Set: If you’ve never smelled the delight that is Elemis’ Frangipani, tis the season! Each & every time I smell this fragrance, it brings me back to their 5 star spa in Mayfair, tropical Tahitian holidays & on board a cloud of tranquillity. The combination of shower cream (200ml) & body oil is not your traditional fragrance set that anyone would expect-perfect for a love one to use for themselves or share with you….£37.50 at www.timetospa.co.uk

 

 

Luxe-urious gifts: I wish for not one, not two but a set of….

Beauty Says: There are some things we can never get just 1 of, so we need a set of them to really make us feel that special treat! I can’t get enough of these (thankfully, they’re all in sets) can you?

Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Ultra Lipstick Colour Set: This set of lippies give that va-va-room factor to your make-up this festive season. They plump, and preserve moisture like no other-in 4 shades of Winter’ s warmest hues, mix & match them, blend them, and tuck them into any clutch or handbag as they’re 3.5g each! Comes in the cutest coin purse/clutch £32 at www.johnlewis.com

Bliss: Happy ‘Aloe’ days are here with Bliss’ limited edition set! This incredibly grapefruity blend is so zesty it will make anyone’s soul feel bright, beautiful, and full of holiday cheer! This set has all the essentials in a generous 200ml body butter & 437ml shower gel + shower puff- it really could be a holiday in a box! £30 (value £35.90) at www.blissworld.co.uk

 

 Soap & Glory:  Here’s a full set of all the essentials to tell the man in your life he is 1st class! Soap & Glory knows how important it is to make men feel KING this time of year and so they’ve got the First Class Male set with guy-grooming basics: Soap’er Man Hair & Body Wash, Eau Man! Body spray & Billy Wild Hair styling putty plus a super cool striped comb. Can you see Grease’s Danny Zuko say: Yeah…It’s Christmas!? £12 at www.soapandglory.com

 

 

For the ladies, during the holiday season you definitely don’t want to be pushed around! Soap & Glory know this, so to give you some serious power they’ve brought out for you the BE YOUR OWN GLOSS set. I love these 6 mini versions of super shiny Sexy Mother Pucker lip plumpers! Bring them to a party and pass them around for 1 for each of the ladies…..when the gals say, it’s enough boys…it really is time to go home! £14, at www.soapandglory.com

Holiday Palettes for Picture Perfection

Beauty Says: Nothing beats a holiday palette because let’s face it, we can’t think of everything during this time of year. Palettes are perfect to achieve what goes to together-creating the perfect look for family photos! Here are my favourites this year:

 

Hourglass: Ambient Lighting Palette- To create the perfect light is essential to catch the eye of the one you want underneath the mistletoe! This palette has a cutting-edge finishing powders: a dim light to blur imperfections, and create balance of warm & cool tones, a radiant light to give a sun kiss subtle warmth & glow and incandescent light to give cheekbones the celestial look they deserve! This palette is my favourite because it’s a no brainer, and it’s one that guarantees anyone to look good! It comes with a 5ml of veil mineral primer as well…..with all the bases covered, is there anything else? £56 at www.uk.spacenk.com

 

KIKO Cosmetic’s: Colour Evolution Palette: For those who love eye shadows, or know someone who does be sure to get a limited edition colour evolution must have eye shadow palette. This is their season’s palette that contains 16 of the finest sparkles to deck and highlight eyes with. Rich in pigments, and feeling incredibly creamy it is truly a holiday decadence! I can see in my own box how it’ll go with all the outfits in my holiday capsule already, and can’t wait to complete all my outfits on the 24th, 25th, and 26th. £34.90 at: www.kikocosmetics.co.uk

EYE SPY’s All Crowd Pleasers

Eye Spy has some definite all crowd pleasers even for the hardest to buy for. They simply cannot fault if you give them some of these....


Diptique Candles: Some may not be celebrating Christmas during this time of year, but that doesn’t mean that no celebrations happen this time of year. Give those not into Christmas, one of these unique that Diptique has collaborated with Tse & Tse. Containing lots of color they represent the Festival of Light welcoming a New Year- which is celebrated all over the world from Thailand to India to France.  Orange Chaya envelopes orange, cardamom-it’s not too sweet but spicy and has a twist in the blend of Chaya tea. Ecorce de Pin definitely lets you know that the festivities are here with a mix of hinoki (Japanese cypress) + pine, while Encens des Indes gives the mystic approach of myrrh & incense awakening inner thoughts and senses. Giving this gift of light is truly something special…£45, 190g, £25 70g at www.diptiqueparis.co.uk

Wolf & Moon: Handmade pieces made with love by Hannah Davis are sure to deliver ‘ooos & ahhhs’, as natural crystal formations form kaleidoscopic patterns. I’m loving the earrings and the chunkier statement necklaces. Pieces start just at £25 www.wolf-and-moon.com

 

 

Filorga eye masks : For mum that cooks the Christmas feast, or any girl you know that will be flocking from party to party, eye masks are essential this time of year to soothe and give the ultimate eye love you! Thank goodness for Filorga’s eye masks which is a unique gel working on all signs of fatigue. It works fast, in just 10 min to give anyone an instant lift and waking up, ready for another day! £45 only at www.marksandspencer.com

 

Touche : Soft tresses, are essential and nothing says soft like Touche by Flavien. Give the gift of 50ml balancing shampoo + volumizing condition + intensive scalp treatment, and let it all go to their head! £35 at www.touchebyflavien.com

The National Gallery Gifts Him & Her, Why didn’t you think of it?:

Now you would never think of The National Gallery for gifts would you? Their gift shop has had a whole host of wonderful gifts in store and at incredibly affordable prices as well….Check it out!

For Her: For a bit of dazzle why not go for a crescent gold ring, reed blue glass earrings or a gold bangle…so pretty and affordable, why not get all three and keep one for yourself? From £5.95-£8.95 each. www.nationalgallery.co.uk

For Him: There’s quite a few stocking stuffers here that will give a chuckle or two on the day, from Underground Sign Bottle Opener £7.99 that would go well perhaps with a bottle of Winter Stout £3.95. www.nationalgallery.co.uk

For the Kids

Now as Beauty was getting well over her head on the Beauty products this year, she’s forgotten, that many do in fact have to shop for the little ‘uns. I’ve snuck in a few goodies that will give make some little tykes truly believe in the magic of Santa! 

 

National Gallery Gifts: The best gifts for kids needn’t be ones that require batteries, or start with an ‘I’. No, instead opt for some that will give their creative a workout on the day like a colour in Christmas table cloth, £6 perfect for the kids table, or how about a hand print plaster kit, they can make and always treasure their hand print?, £10. There’s tons of gifts that delight in the arts and crafts department here, have a look at www.nationalgallery.co.uk

Les Pascalettes: Oh, little ones like to be fashionable as well, and what a way to save their Christmas outfit, from spoils than Pascalettes, bibs. These bibs come in a variety of colours and patterns, and even have luxury statement options like the faux leather. Best of all, their designed to catch the food, and are so durable and easy to wash…always looks brand new. Perfect for anyone who is bringing a little one to the table! From £19! At www.lespascalettes.com

The Dolly Mix

Beauty’s Christmas Wish List

 

Wondering what’s on Beauty’s Christmas Wish List for 2013? Here’s what she wants for Christmas...

Omorovicza: Beauty wants a bit of GOLD for Christmas, but as one knows, not necessarily in the form of jewellery. No. Beauty wants to put the GOLD on her face, and as far as a complete set is concerned, it has to be Omorovicza. Omorovicza Gold Facial set is the most decadent with three pieces for face and eyes: Gold Flash Serum (30ml) + Gold Rescue Cream (50ml) + Gold Eye Lift (15ml). Beauty loves these three pieces, as they are super anti-agers, and reveal a glowing complexion. The colloidal gold is great for anti-inflammatory properties, while polypeptitdes build collagen, and elastin. She is especially fond of the cream for its instant ‘plumping’ effects as it contains her favourite ingredient Omega 6 ceramide. Best of all, is the Gold eye lift, as she’s been working hard on the blog this year, and has to keep ‘computer’ eyes at bay-vitamin K brightens dark circles, while a gradual 3-D matrix technology gives instant tensing effect and lift. She takes pride in her face, and she knows the one who gives this to her LOVES her….to give a set to someone as much as you love Beauty go to www.omorovicza.com and check it out, £285 for the set wrapped in luxury box. 

 

 

Monnier Freres: Beauty believes that good things come in small packages! She’s hinting for some of these tiny trinkets from Monnier Freres. These honey bee earrings would go perfect with her vintage brocade skirt, while a new Marc Jacobs watch would surely keep her on time in 2014. Of course, she’s also got an EYE on Kenzo’s Evil iphone case. For those like Snob who’s never sure but wants her happy, this is the 1 stop for gifts under £100…. www.monnierfreres.fr

Royal Selangor: Strange as it sounds, Beauty loves home wares for Christmas, and pretty bowls to put drinks, nuts & candies in. She’s hoping one of her guests will be bringing her a little piece of Royal Selangor, as its understated pieces do in fact make great statements like: Beauty, how I do know you, and love you! Always a great gift for any love one, as these pieces have great tradition and live on for many Christmas’ and celebrations www.royalselangor.com

Beautys' Secrets

Let KIKO Cosmetics Delight you this Christmas Season

Beauty Says: One of the top brands I do like to go to for my make-up staples is KIKO Cosmetics. Why? Mainly, for two reasons: 1. It is always top notch quality-rather similar to many well-known makes in beauty halls or department stores; and 2. But always at drug store/chemist prices for each and every piece-which makes it affordable and reasonable.

There is always an element of surprise when you enter any of their stores with new, or unique or limited edition products. Most recently, they launched a flagship on Regent Street with two floors! When I enter, it is like the first time, and each and every time-like a girl in a candy store. I was greeted by the assistant manager, Leanne, who enthusiastically talked me through the products I was interested as well as introduced some new and interesting ones that would surely benefit.

Christmas make-up can be a bit of a hit and miss. I would precaution anyone that the first point of addressing your make-up is to find the right foundation. The reason being that many of us have forgotten that time has flown by since our last sunny holiday and so has that tan, not to mention also with colder climates on the rise, and central heating, our skin might be a bit parched, and drinking our foundation. As I discussed some of my foundation woes with Leanne, she has asked if I wanted something anti-aging. Leanne suggested KIKO’s 3D Lifting Foundation SPF 15 in 06 Medium Beige. This formulation is super moist and hydrating without being heavy. It has hyaluronic acid and biotechnical micro-algae extract too for short, medium and long term anti-aging benefits. The inorganic powders in it also act as fillers to even out your skin tone. This foundation comes in 10 delicious shades to suit everyone. At £14.50 for a 30ml bottle, it’ll be the best kind of ‘only I know how little I paid’, type of investment.

Some other highlights that are must get include mini sachets of make-up wipes-these are not only great for traveling, but also for after late night parties. These are some of the best as they don’t dry your skin out and take off every bit of make-up including waterproof liners and mascaras. (£2.50) Be sure to also check out the nail bar selection. They’ve got wraps, to a rainbow of colours and textures to choose from. I especially recommend the Quick Dry Nail Polish now at £2.50 but regularly £4. These dry literally in 5 min rock hard with no smudges. It’s all in the brush by the way with their polishes, as you get the smoothest, like done at salon results! 

 

Finally for those who love eye shadows, or know someone who does be sure to get a limited edition colour evolution must have eye shadow palette. This is their season’s palette that contains 16 of the finest sparkles to deck and highlight eyes with. I can see in my own box how it’ll go with all the outfits in my holiday capsule already, and can’t wait to complete all my outfits on the 24th, 25th, and 26th.

Wether you get it for yourself, or get some bits to fill stockings, KIKO is sure to delight you this Christmas and make purse-fect sense! Check it out for yourself now at www.kikocosmetics.co.uk

Beauty’s Christmas Gift to You: Bodyshop Sparkler: WIN IT!

Beauty Says: Well, with all the 411 and updates I’ve been giving on the beauty scene all year, I know you girls have been good, but also tempted! So for Christmas, I’m giving one of you a chance to WIN the next three pieces from The Body Shop. Read the post and details below on how to get your own set to GLOW & Prepare for Party for the festive season!

The Sparkler: The Body Shop knows that not everyone is into wearing sparkles on their eyes, or cheeks. Having said, that, we all like a bit of a sparkle for the festive season- so they’ve brought out their sparkler bottles in two shades: Boudoir Pink & Enchanting Gold. This light iridescent powder comes out from a Boudoir-beautiful atomiser. I have to say that when you spray the atomiser, there’s something special in that packaging as it can make anyone feel super feminine and be assured they really are putting on a final essential touch. Best of all, it smells of cherry-blossoms! Spray it on the d?collet? with lower cut tops/dresses/or even in the hair. At £15 it also makes a fantastic stocking stuffer: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/whats-hot/prepare-to-party/the-sparkler.aspx

The Eye shadow Brush: Now we’ve all prepped for the season, knowing what eye shadows or eye make-up to put on with which outfit, but what are you putting it on with? Certainly, not your fingers! One of the top essentials and must-have tools is the eye shadow brush. Apply, and blend, and blend again with this brush for uber perfection to make your make-up speak volumes. Get yours for £9:http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/make-up/brushes-and-tools/eyeshadow-brush.aspx

 Shimmer Waves: We all need a bit of all-in-one during this time of year, as no one is that organized! So the Shimmer Waves Palette is great, as it is compact enough for purse but does multiple jobs. Use the colors separately on the eyes as shadows, or the lighter color at the bottom as a highlighter, or some of the colors as a bronzer, blusher, all over! It’s fool proof too as it all blends in together. Coming in 3 shades: bronze, blush & coral, there’s one to suit each skin tone, and at £16, it’s the smart investment to look great. Check it out:   http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/make-up/cheeks/shimmer-waves.aspx

The Edit: Reviews & Other Neat Stuff

Beauty's Abi Fabi Edit

This Christmas, Walk down AVENUE 32, to create your 3 day Holiday Essential Fashion Capsule-SPONSORED POST

Beauty Says:  Often, we forget to organize ourselves this time of year, and find ourselves: completely lost in the frazzle of bringing presents on a trip home to family for Christmas. We might not have enough space in our suitcase, so we decide that we will live out of the same Christmas jumper during the whole of the 3 day holidays of Christmas (24th, 25th &26th); this is NOT a good idea, as the Christmas photos taken this year will last lifetime. It will be one of those incidences you will live to regret. Think: ‘Darcy’, from ‘Bridget Jones Diary’ Christmas jumper moment- a memory that will be replayed for years to come.

It is wise to organize a 3 day capsule to prepare for the festivities ahead-making sure that you are styled, but not be over the top about it (please leave the sparkle to the tree). The pieces must also be essential-that is, comfortable, interchangeable with room to style them up or down.  Luckily I’ve teamed up with www.avenue32.com this Christmas to assist you, and inspire you in creating the 3 day Holiday Capsule! Pay attention!

December 24th-Christmas Eve: My top tips for dressing for Christmas Eve is to make this outfit the most special of the 3. You will want impact, a WOW factor with a hint of the past. A great brand, that is best described to be avant-garde, while has introspect of past styles without being vintage is Thakoon. It is a brand that can be best described as always being polished, feminine, with high fashion statement or twist. For Christmas I would go for either the sleevelessBlack Lace Inset Dress or the Orange Floral Pleated Dress.

The Black Lace Inset Dress: This dress is one you can wear again on New Year’s Eve. There’s a lovely balance between the lace at the bottom, and the kaleidoscopic dandelion print-almost reminiscent of fireworks. As the body of the dress is made from wool, it will keep you warm, and cozy. (Might I also suggest that you wear it with a thin ? silk top underneath for those who don’t like their arms?) One precaution is to not wear this dress with a jacket, as it can look too severe or formal. Instead, opt for some Chelsea boots to tone it down a bit, and as for jewelry, it is best to keep it minimal with just a pair of earrings, but to turn up the voltage with the make-up instead.      

Orange Floral Pleated Dress: This second option for a dress from Thakoon is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to go with a black option, and wants a quirkier look that is a bit more fun. The highlights of this dress is the draping, and that it nips in at the waist-a most, important point, as it gives the illusion of looking slimmer! I love this dress as it includes two top trend key colours of the season: emerald green + burnt orange. The combination of these two colours is just electric with the feminine floral print! Best of all, while it’s fancy, it’s not overloaded with beads, or bells and whistles that could snag at anything. Wear this number again to a wedding for the summer. 

December 25th-Christmas Day: Christmas Day dressing should not be smart casual. Might I suggest the combination of wearing a jacket + jeans + simple merino crew neck sweater? Dress this combination up with a chunky necklace, or bracelet, and be sure to wear a pair of heels!

Jeans & Merino Combination: My secret for this outfit is J BRAND’s Photo Ready SideTuck Jeans.These jeans are made with a sculpting fabric- that automatically re-work you to drop a dress size! With the jeans being graphite in colour, be sure to add some bright tones in the top to give you just a blush of colour.  NICOLE FARHI’s Rose Cashmere Marl Jumper, does this effortlessly, and is a piece that will become a true staple in the wardrobe all year around. Trust this combination, and FARHI’s choice this season, as she’s the one with the CBE in fashion!

December 26th- Boxing Day: Finally, the last day is here of the festivities, and perhaps you’re not feeling wide-eyed and bushy tailed, after Uncle Rob dared you to drink the rest of the eggnog last night! Do not be uninspired or lack interest in the last day, as you can’t go out in your pj’s afterall….

The Great Cover Combination: The greatest piece in this capsule has to be the one that will save the day, and let you hide any flaw but still make you look flawless. Nothing can hide a multitude of sins than a pair of sunglasses, but not any pair will do. Maison Martin Margiela has created a CLIP technology to theirSILVER STEEL ROUND sunglasses this season where the lightweight silver & black glasses have a 3D effect. This is of utmost importance as you want the sunnies to be talked about today but not what you did last night! For an extra cuddle factor of sympathy, if you’re feeling sore on this day, there’s nothing likeNICOLE FARHI’s Oxblood Striped Turtleneck Jumper to soothe your sorrows.

So now that you’ve seen my 3 day holiday capsule that is essential for survival + looking sleek for Christmas, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t require you to hail the next cab to get your capsule. Nope. Super easy, and convenient, get there by the speed your internet at www.avenue32.com

Xx Beauty

Snob's YUM YUM Edit

TIENDA of Parson’s Green- 1st Comrade, In The Tapas Revolution

Snob Says: Within the first half of this year, I had made two trips out to Barcelona. One of my greatest loves and obsessions of being in Barcelona is of course, the food; specifically speaking: tapas. Upon this subject I remembered a piece written in the paper one evening about Omar Allibhoy, a young Spanish chef who had won Acorn’s 2012’s Young Star of The Future; and how he was on a mission to lead the British to REAL tapas, cooking of tapas, and how to implement tapas to healthy living and a way of everyday life. One question remained though, had anyone, with the exception of Omar, followed suit to the ‘Tapas Revolution?' 

 

The mission of finding authentic Spanish Tapas in the city of London proves to be challenging. I once knew of a place out in Spitafields that was rather cheerful and family run. The food was best described as standard, and couldn’t have been authentic as there was a lot of overlapping with Portuguese dishes. (It was only later, that I realised that the family was indeed Portuguese, and not Spanish.) Whalthamstow’s charming village on Orford Road, also has a tapas restaurant that is recommended by the locals. The story goes that the couple who owns it was rather inspired by their holidays abroad, and thought that this was indeed their next calling. Again, I would describe their dishes to be rather more pleasing to a crowd that had eaten at ‘tourist-catered’ establishments in Spain. Finally, but not least there are all the street food eats that provide tapas-like treats across the city. 

My most recent delightful discovery comes in TIENDA, located in Parson’s Green. On the outset it looks like a local deli cafe where one could also have a meal, snack or drink. In essence, it should be noted, that TIENDA, should be given the rank of 1st comrade to Omar Allibhoy’s Tapas Revolution. The restaurant and deli is owned by the Liňans-a family from Seville, Spain. TIENDA, champions in the art of delivering authenticity of Spanish cooking and eating primarily because it demonstrates flair and true passion in its honest and soul gratifying dishes. Highlighting and must try dishes include: the octopus, chorizo sausage, paella, cheese & Iberian ham board, & tomato bread. Bursting with flavour and scrumptiously tender, the octopus is accompanied by thin slices of potato( reminiscent of anya potatoes)-giving a nutty depth to the dish. I’m told that the chorizo sausage is slow cooked in red wine, making all the difference as there is no huge puddle of red oil floating on the top. Soak up the sauce from this dish with the rustic Spanish bread that accompanies it, as the flavours are sublime. The paella (coming in a choice of seafood/chicken) can easily feed 4-6 or for smaller appetites they accommodate to cook a tapas portion. The flavours in my seafood paella did indeed make my taste buds dance like flamenco dancers that Sunday afternoon. Finally the tomato bread can only be described as crispy not soggy, and slightly dressed in garlic for that hint of naughtiness.

 

My excitement could not be contained after this meal, as I further discovered treats in the deli cabinet and shelves to take home. Perfect for Christmas are jars of glace chestnuts, whimsical chocolates dusted in gold in pill like containers (I’m told their anti-depressant pills, and truly do the trick too!) among other sauces, and essential dried or canned ingredients for tapas making. My thoughts immediately rolled into Christmas, and how perfect it would be to build some foodie baskets with rare cheeses, hams, pates…Alex assures me that Christmas baskets are indeed also their speciality. TIENDA caters to all groups, is family friendly & orientated, and if you’ve got room for it now, have sweet treats too! They host a Chuuros Sunday, every Sunday for small and big sweet tooths out there alike. If it can’t be more perfect it also seems that from time to time there are live Spanish guitar performances- as there is a wee space by the staircase for when the performer comes.

 

 It indeed can be said, TIENDA has been first falling in line to the duty to ‘The Tapas Revolution of London’! Open 7 days a week, 9am-11pm on 197 New Kings Road, London, SW6 4SR. To book your reservation email: tiendareservations@gmail.com or call +44(0) 20 7731 5425, go to www.tiendalondon.co.uk



The prices of the tapas are incredibly reasonable & sensible for its extraordinary quality and flavour-from £4-7 each. My host, Alex tells me that the point of uniqueness of his family’s establishment is that they source all their ingredients, and the products (which are sold inside the deli/shop) all over from Spain. 

Snob’s Christmas Gift Guide Part 2

Snob has been running around trying to out-do beauty…but he feels that it is no use. She has won in this department with all her beauty contacts. I’m afraid he’s just been too busy eating his way aroundLondon’s festive eats, from the Southbank markets with candied nuts, and chocolate marshmallow domes. Still, he’s got a few chocs saved just for you…

Choc+: Choc+ hasn’t just become one of Snob’s favourite brands for Chocs and snacks-it’s become a real obsession. And this year, he’s found some new delights with Choc+. Currently he’s gotten into a new bag of Chocolate Raspberry Pie-made from crunchy meringue pieces, and real dehydrated raspberries mixed with fine milk chocolate. Eat it by the handfuls, and get an explosion of glee singing on the palette! There’s a Banoffee option with mini Banana candied pieces, and Rocky Road Scrumble with Caramel cubes. The perfect option to give and not your normal box of chocs for Christmas! Best of all their hot chocolate bags that make the smoothest drink-think the kind you get in the Swizz alps in resorts! All at www.projectchocolate.co.uk

 

 

 Rococo: For a true centre piece of perfection, and one you can demolish after the meal, be sure to get one of these Rococo Christmas trees. Just make sure no little hand reaches it before dinner…afterall, life is too short, so you must eat desert first!, £40 And for the stocking, be sure to get one of these cheeky Santas for any little one, £30. For the big kids be sure to get the flavoured bar set, perfect for sharing, or not!, £18.50 x 3. All at www.rococochocolates.com

 

National Gallery: He’s taken a page out of Eye Spy’s book, and found some tasty treats, at the National Gallery! From chocolates, to tea sets to wash it all down with to tasty preserves and condiments, his taste buds are flying! His favourite of all is the traditional sherberts….but be sure to get your own, as he doesn’t share! All at www.thenationalgallery.com

Beauty & The Snob

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