1st up in the BragItUp guest blog spot are Rachel & Ella at Blueberry Hill Cakes. Ladies take it away:

When Which? released a recent report on the price of afternoon teas in the Capital, we weren’t surprised to see that diners are paying up to £85 per person for the privilege of being served high tea in a London hotel.

However, are customers really happy to pay these prices, especially given we’re living in a time of heightened austerity? While people still want to spoil themselves occasionally with an indulgent afternoon tea, these prices can make the afternoon tea experience only for really special occasions.

We think that afternoon tea is a true British institution and something that everyone can experience.  It conjures up an image of fine china, beautifully presented cakes, pastries and sandwiches, fine teas, bubbly, and of course someone else doing the washing up! So, with this in mind, we decided to offer customers a special afternoon tea package – delivered direct to their door from only £15 per person.

With an option to hire vintage crockery, and delivery to anywhere in central London, our customers are able to choose the style and atmosphere in which to indulge.  We have developed a range of tea blends which match those found in the posh hotels, but again without breaking the bank. And of course an afternoon tea would not be the same without a glass or two of bubbly so our menu always includes a good Prosecco to wash down the cakes.

In addition, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee this summer, we are bringing our Afternoon Tea to four Royal London parks, and will provide all the picnic ware you will need for a right royal knees up – and we’ll do the washing up. What better way to celebrate HRH’s long bank holiday weekend than with a traditional British high tea!

Competition

One lucky reader has the chance to win a luxury Jubilee afternoon tea for two delivered to their door – or one of four central London parks, courtesy of Blueberry Hill Cakes. The afternoon tea will include Blueberry Hill Cakes’ signature sandwiches, scones, cakes, a bottle of Prosecco and other treats. All you need to do to be in with the chance to win is complete the sentence: “when I eat cake I…” on either our  Twitter (use #BlueberryHillCakes) or Facebook pages. We’ll pick a winner in the next couple of weeks. Good luck dudes.

We love these two sites; constantly updated, great brands and, more importantly, amazing deals.

So in a highly scientific experiment *ehem* we’ve decided to use our deal-finding expertise to cast a critical eye over these two behemoths of bargains. Do you agree?

1) First Impressions - Brand Alley 10 : Secret Sales 0

An overwhelming victory for the BA team. Why? Because on a google search, clicking on the Brand Alley result takes you straight to the homepage to see all of those lovely offers.

Secret Sales though just plonks you in front of a sign-up form. *exasperated* But I don’t know if I want to sign-up, I haven’t seen the deals yet!

2) The Deals - Brand Alley 8 : Secret Sales 6

Assuming you make it past the sign-up for SS, you reach the Promised Brand. I could only see 1 whole offer above the fold, but scrolling down the deals were clearly laid out. The Gucci watches grabbed my eye, but there is no indication of how fantastic (or otherwise) these deals actually are.

For me the Brand Alley offers are arranged in a more obvious way, and having the discounts on display immediately lets you know what you can expect.

3) The Brands - Brand Alley 8: Secret Sales 6

BA highlights = Ugg, McQ, Temperley, Ray-Ban

SS highlights = Gucci watches, Juicy Couture, Paco Herrero shoes

4) Outlet section - Brand Alley 7.5: Secret Sales 9.5

OMG. Why aren’t SS really pushing this Outlet store?? Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes handbags, Dior diamond watches, Milly dresses. I docked half a point because you cannot search by discount, unlike…..

Brand Alley don’t quite have those ultra high-end labels, but it is not too shabby. Gucci, Prada, Tods and Dior boots and heels take pride of place AND you can search by discount. They lose half a point because you cannot search the entire Outlet store, you have to select a subsection e.g. Kids, Lingerie, Men’s, Women’s first.

So, the scores on the doors? Brand Alley 33.5: Secret Sales 21.5

Do you agree with this or are we WAY off?

Our guide to celebrating the Jubilee in unique style (aka the top ten Jubilee themed gifts, accessories & party ware.)

It’s currently lovely and sunny but has been flipping cold so I may as well wait for a date with Harry rather then predict the weather for Jubilee…so this Union Jack cashmere throw could double up as a cosy blanket or a picnic rug.

Cupcakes? Meh. Cake pops? Ho-hum. Macarons? Mmm. I have a new love…fudge from The Fudge Kitchen. I promise you it isn’t too sweet, it’s just unctuous & delicious & this St George slab (the cross made with strawberries) is seriously cool. serve it up on a ‘Keep Calm’ style three-tiered stand.

To drink..? Again I’m shunning traditional Pimms and fizz for a drop of Pink Gin don’t you know? And my table will be a sparkle with tea lights in crowns and wrapped in bunting made with flags of London landmarks & corgis, (5m for £11.95)

Dress will again be weather dependent, but nails should be red, white and blue courtesy of Nails inc and these shoes were definitely made for Jubilee-ing. If I’m really being a Princess I’ll be wearing a gold crown charm.

And my guest of honor, HRH ERII of course in lifesize and glorious purple…!

Tesco’s Clubcard is, as far as I am concerned, the top dog of reward programmes. I love the occasional £5 or £10 vouchers they send me to save on my boring weekly shop and I love even more that I can be a little bit clever and convert those ££ to points to spend on days out via their Clubcard reward scheme.

Sainsbury’s points on the other hand…meh. I never seem to get anything that’s worth actually using. And same goes really for most store cards; especially those dreadful things you have to spend half a lifetime filling in the form to join.

But Ice is a loyalty scheme that is definitely worth a look. Ice say that they offer customers the chance to buy from a selection of companies that are known for their environmental credentials. In other words they’re a portal (online shopping mall if you like) for retailers that play their part towards climate change, they’re responsibly green. That alone makes Ice the sort of site you feel you should support. But then, anything you buy via Ice, from train tickets to M&S knickers, John Lewis curtains, organic dog food to produce from your local farm shop you are rewarded with Ice points for you to then spend with any of their online partners.

And what’s more, the ratio of spend to point is significant enough to make it worth it. For example spend £10 on the lovely organic beauty range at LoveLula and get 35 Ice points. Buy a £100 train ticket with MyTrainTicket and earn 50 Ice points. 

I’ve signed up (5 mins) and spent ££ and now looking forward to spending my Ice. And remember, all these retailers are doing their bit for the environment so by virtue of them, I am too.

This is one of those situations where you really are getting something for money you would spend anyway. And you’re being green. I tell you Ice pays baby, so use it.

www.BragItUp.com, the specialist online deal-hunters, have found that the double-dip recession is turning Brits into canny shoppers who are actually turning the recession to their advantage.

Jim Brough, founder of BragItUp.com says, “we have seen a surge in people visiting our site and signing up to our weekly deals email, and when there is a particularly good deal our readers are really taking advantage.”

“The most popular deals seem to be those for luxury or designer items, that in previous years would never have been offered with discounts.”

Recent examples of spikes in traffic include a 5 star hotel in Marbella that was on offer with 71% off (Secret Escapes), vintage Hermes handbags on special offer (Achica) and new cars being offered with up to 25% off.

Brough goes on to say, “The reason behind these deals seems clear. During a recession it is those luxury, high-end items that suffer the most as there is less disposable income available. Businesses still need to generate revenue, and the only way to do that is to drop prices.”

To support this, luxury lifestyle website, Achica, recently announced a 650% increase in sales in 2011.

Whilst the recession is an unavoidable fact, the British public are apparently striving for these high-end deals and making the most of luxury businesses needing to increase sales. 

“Retail therapy is helping the British overcome the recession blues and buying us out of more economic gloom. And if it means beating the retailers down on price, it makes the deal even sweeter!”.


www.BragItUp.com
Info@BragItUp.com

“Snails as are innocent as a child”…say people behind safe-nails.com referring to their incredible nail colour ranges that are everything you expect from a varnish (bright sparkly colours, paint on, loved by females age 6+). BUT wait for this, it contains just 3 ingredients (water, acrylic polymer & non-toxic colourant) and as such simply washes off with water.

When I heard about Snails I thought it was an ace idea; I know the trouble “real” make-up can cause in little hands, especially nail varnish with its toxic scent and damaging effect on clothes, skin, carpets…plus it always has to come off for school and remover isn’t ideal on delicate skin. So Snails seemed like a lovely idea; girls can decorate their dainty nails and mum’s can rest easy knowing it’s all safe and easy to wash off.

But that’s just my opinion and we all know the real deal is to test it out. I called on my nieces Sav and Madz and they made the most gorgeous video which shows how Snails goes on, looks great and then literally washes off. 

They were also kind enough to answer a few questions for me on Snails:

What did you think of the colour of Snails polish?

S: I thought it was a really nice colour. It was pearly.

M: The colour seemed a bit young, but when it dried it turned darker and morer stylish.

How did you take the polish off? (watch this vid)

M/S: By rubbing it off in water.

What is the best thing about Snails?

M: That they are absolutely child friendly.

S: That it is so easy to take off.

Would you recommend Snails to your friends?

S: Yes I definitely would!

M: Yes because when you are struggling with time, but need to get your nails done it’s perfect!

Thanks girls, well done on a brilliant review. You’re so clever! xx

Snails are brand new to market, available from these retailers.

My eldest sister stayed with me last weekend and commented that my house was very minimalistic, clean and tidy. I was delighted with the compliment. I’ve seen those wretched signs that say housework is for sissys or whatever, but I just have to live in order and with clean sheets, sparkling surfaces and a pristine bathroom.

But look, I am not a complete saddo and slave to my rubber gloves (although my mum did give me a pair for Christmas and I was seriously pleased). Instead I look for lovely products that make cleaning and all that jazz a bit more interesting and easier.

So, here comes Method. First up they look gorgeous, brightly coloured transparent liquids that ooze a bit of cleaning class. Next they are completely non-toxic and have this powergreen technlogy that gives them an extra zip of cleaning power. AND they smell great with scents like clementine, mint and lavender. 

And in practice? They’re ace. Spray and wipe. No rinsing required, they work and leave behind a great smell.

Method products are available to buy direct from their site or from a long list of online suppliers including Ocado. Priced from £3. Their site is stacked with info on their green philosophy and that their products are natural, rather than chemical, based.

I’m a natural fan. They look great, good value and they work so that I don’t have to work that hard to keep my gaff clean and sparkly. 

I love a party game. You name it, I’ve played it. 21, drink while you think, spoof, five-alive, sunshine mountain…I just love the sheer silliness of it all and how it gets a group together, all ages, all types and by the end of it all laughing.

So last week, when Aldi sent me a box of their Jaffa style biscuit and a packet of the original McVities, challenging me to spot the difference between the ‘cakes’ I spotted an opportunity for a new party game.

That Saturday night, with my lovely pals, I brought out the box of treats. A genius amongst us suggested that the box be used to shield our eyes whilst one by one we bit into cake A or cake B and tried to identify which was the expensive-real-deal and which the extremely-close-copy-at-a-fraction-of-the-price.

We did have someone keep score, but he was a sole voice of order amongst a lot of laughing and joking as we took turns to balance a box on our heads and be very exact with our taste buds. I’m not sure what the final score was in the end but I applaud Aldi for their great new game idea. Move over After Eights…the Jaffa Challenge is where its at for 2012.

Just to be clear here, the Aldi Jaffa Cakes are 85p for a pack of 24. McVities Jaffa cakes are currently £1.12 (with Tesco) for 12. 

Per biscuit then we are talking 3.5p each for Aldi versus 9p per biscuit with McVities. I tell you, there is nothing like 3 times the difference in taste. But you take the JC challange and see for yourself.

Game Rules (For 1 to 99 players)

Separate the McVities Jaffa cakes from the Aldi cakes. We will call them M and A from now on.

The first tester must cover their eyes with a suitable blindfold and be passed an M or A biscuit to try. He may eat it all. Once both M and A have been tasted, the tester must decide which is which.

Take it in turns to test, or not, depending on how well behaved you can all be around chocolate biscuits.

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Avid readers (and there are a few of you out there) of the Brag Blog will know that we love a good entrepreneurial story. We’ve featured clutter guru, YouNeedAVicky,  online boutique Mad4Gifts & more recently the Smooth Groove story; each examples of clever, hard-working people who have gone out there and made it happen.

And here’s another from 22 year old Hannah Ostrowicz, who is the make up girl for some of the TOWIE girls. I asked her how she got there and yep, her story has all the traditional elements; hard work, a can-do attitude and clearly a well-honed skill.

First of all, Hannah, how old are you and where are you from?

I’m 22, from Chigwell, Essex

How did you get into make up as a career - and how long has this been your job?

When I reached 21 I realised I needed to start a career that a loved. I have always loved being creative and always loved all aspects of makeup! So I saved and booked myself onto a course at the London College of Fashion, and networked networked networked! I started building my portfolio through test shoots and assisting work. I’ve been working full time as a makeup artist since November 2011 and I’ve never looked back!

What work do you do with celebs and the cast of TOWIE, how did that come about?

I started doing Lucy Mecklenburgh’s makeup after she tweeted saying she was looking for a makeup artist for that day! I, amongst so many others, replied to her and luckily she noticed my tweet! She really liked how I did her makeup so has been using me throughout series 4. She also recommended me to Lydia Bright who has also used me a number of times on series 4. Lydia’s mum Debbie has also used me! Lucy recommended me to her manager who also manages Chantelle Houghton and Alex Reid, so I’ve worked with them quite a lot too! All because of twitter. Social networking is amazing.

Which celeb would you most like to work on? Which celeb do you think needs your help? (big cheeky that one…)

I think it’s safe to say that I would love to work with every celebrity out there! It would be absolutely fantastic to do celebs like Victoria Beckham. As for needing my help… Hmmm that’s hard! I’d LOVE to get my hands on the girls from gypsy weddings! I think they’d love some of my more elaborate looks. I’m a dab hand with a bit of glitter ;-) 

With say Lucy and Lydia from TOWIE, to me they look like they wear a lot of make up. Yes the effect is striking, but is this full-on look really necessary? Is it put on for the show?

The girls really don’t need all the makeup they wear. I’ve been to meet them when they’ve just got out of bed and they still look gorgeous! It’s just the whole Essex theme. If they went on the programme fresh faced and natural, people would wonder what was going on! At the same time, even the most natural looks thy you see in magazines take a lot of makeup, time and technique to achieve! 

If girls want to copy the ultra-glam cele look at home, what’s a couple of cheat ways to do this?

I’d say to find a great foundation! Makeup forever hd is fantastic for that flawless look. And lashes. Eylure sell some amazing, easy to use, lashes. With both natural and glam looks! I find that lashes really finish a glam look.

Finally find a great lipgloss in a colour that suits you. MUA cosmetics (superdrug) do some amazing plumping lip glosses in some gorgeous colours, and at only £2, you could have the whole range!!!!  

What about girls who want a more minimal look, what are some simple tips to looking flawless, but natural? (!)

If you want a natural look I would say to keep the skin glowing with a nice tinted moisturiser, witch skin care have just brought out a cosmetics range which includes one and it’s lovely! Keep your skin glowing with a highlighter swept across your cheekbones. A bit of mascara and you’re good to go! I always make sure my eyebrows are neat and tidy too. For an extra glow, highlight your eyelids with dainty doll wonderbalm!

What are you top 3 fail safe make-up tips?

1. Always build on makeup. Use layers, never go straight in with a think layer of anything, wether its foundation, mascara, eyeshadow… It’s better to have lots of thinner layers, it will always look more natural that way.

2. If you’re using strip lashes, always trim them to fit your eyes. Strips that don’t fit will make your eyes look tired and droopy, and won’t stay on for as long!

3. If you’re doing a heavy smokey eye, do your eyes before your foundation. It will make it so much easier to correct any mistakes!

Thanks Hannah xx

A (I’m pleased to be able to say) rare free weekend prompted me to hop on a train with the GB to surprise my mum for Mother’s Day this weekend.

My big sis Elizzy, who lives near my ma and pa, was on hand to help me keep my plans under wraps. And also provided the practical support of meeting me at the station and delivering us home where my mum was ‘naturally’ delighted that we were there.

Eliz and I are 2 of 5,and our children between us, 3 of 11 grandchildren. So although we weren’t ALL together, it was a real treat to spend a weekend with 31% of my family.

What do I love about these times? Let me try and explain:

1) the way the children just get on with each other. My George is very boyish and 6. Madeleine is 10, thoughtful and at ease with adults. Her sister Hermione, 7, is the girl to match George’s boy-ness. Despite their apparent differences, together, instantly, they get on. 

2) how being at home is immediately as I remembered it as a child. I have a ritual of visiting every room to check things are as I know them. The rooms are beautiful, but more than that, they exude family memories and happiness.

3) how my mum is ready to sit and chat to us regardless of what she may have been doing (even on a surprise visit) and my dad just gets on with his tasks, so delighted to have us there in his background.

We were out for dinner Saturday night and Elizzy hosted us for Sunday lunch after church. The meal was delicious and the chat neither mundane, stilted, nor gossip. Just a Mum and 2 daughters enjoying each other’s company.

Here’s to us mums…! xx

George Basil (my delicious 6 year old) and I were invited to the Build-A-Bear workshop in Covent Garden to check out their promo with the Muppets movie whereby you can make a Kermit or Miss Piggy puppet.

Now I have to admit, I wasn’t sure George (bit too cool for school and very boyish) would go for the whole bear building thing. But I thought the Muppet connection would swing it and for the bus ride there, through pretty, pretty London and during lunch at Yo Sushi he was very excited.

So we arrive and I’m totally taken in by it all….friendly staff welcoming you straight off the mat, packed with kids having a lovely time, bears everywhere and lots and lots of bear accessories, which I have to say were all rather pink and glittery. Uh-oh…cue the GB looking really uncomfortable and soon enough telling me he doesn’t want to do this “girl-thing” anymore.

Seeing as we were B-A-B guests I start to whisper in that ‘tone’ (that mums use when they mean business, but in a public place) to explain to George that we were staying and he was to be grateful and charming and polite.

Ellie was our server and she could not have been better with George; she took us round all the bears to choose from and by the time she was showing him how you can place a beating heart in your chosen pal he was back on form and going along with gusto.

Next step is to choose a sound for your bear and then the filling and a fluffing and all of this done with such encouragement that is just the right side of cheesy.

It was when we came to dress “James”, as George’s bear was now christened, that GB was a full convert to the Build-a-Bear concept. There are whole walls of outfits, from British themed policemen, Beefeaters, rock stars & football kits. James picked up a Man U kit, complete with socks, shin pads and boots. He was delighted.

I was delighted that Build-a-Bear proved to be something much more than just a girl-thing. I would whole-heartedly recommend this trip for boys and would make a special shout out to the Covent Garden staff who were simply wonderful.

Build-a-Bear tips:

• Staff say that their quietest times are week days during school hours, so go then if you want the place more to yourself
• The staff are excellent & genuinely keen, do get them to walk you through the ‘experience’ as it definitely adds value
• When you get home go to Bearville.com and upload your new mate to this sweet (safe) virtual world
• Check out Buildabear.co.uk for some serious accessories & their current offer of a free egg decorating kit with a purchase of £20 

My friend Honor (who runs the most exquisite Maison de la Roche in the Languedoc in Southern France) first talked to me about camel toe.

I remember it well…at the time we were near-enough neighbours in France and Honor explained to me, in a big sis kind of way, that a camel toe had replaced the muffin top as the new no-no, the latest must not-have if you like. 

I am back in the UK now, Honor is still living the very good life in her Maison, but I miss our frank and often enlightening chats. 

Which leads me to the TOWIE girls (bear with me Honor….) and I have an admiration for their complete openness with each other. For example, the scene between Gemma and sisters Sam & Billie Faiers discussing camel toe and their delight at the discovery of the Smooth Groove; an antibacterial, hypo-allergenic plastic that moulds to the body to smooth out any sign of a camel toe.

I genuinely enjoyed this scene of these 3 friends talking & giggling about this common problem, apparently 55% of women suffer from CT, and then their candidness as Billie even tried on the Smooth Groove to prove how well it works. 

But what also struck me was the sheer brilliance of Smooth Groove for getting themselves onto the show. It worked for TOWIE, as I said it made for a great scene over a topic that is bang on for the show, and the exposure must have been fantastic for Smooth Groove’s sales?

This is women at their best; being honest with each other, having a laugh, spotting an opportunity and making clever money. Wouldn’t you say Honor…? xx

Next: The Smooth Groove story

I hope all my nieces and nephews will verify this, but I am a bit of a pancake legend…a stay at my house just wouldn’t be complete without a pile of pancakes, made to order with a variety of toppings on offer. 

Like all good chefs, I cook the way mummy taught me, and her theory was that the first pancake from the batter was never really up to scratch. It always seemed to stick and so I tended to cut my losses and chuck that first one. Bit of a shame, especially when you have a hungry audience waiting…

Aldi, who can always be relied upon for great deals, are selling pancake makers at the moment, £14.99. I have tried one out and do you know what….no sticking, ever. Just perfect pancake after pancake.

The neat machine, about the size of a toaster, plugs in and warms up whilst you’re making your batter. Then simply drizzle the mixture on the hot plate, close and 2 mins later you’re serving.

You can vary the thickness of the pancakes to make either traditional ‘thin’ English or ‘fluffier’ American, although the diameter is set at about 10cm. It doesn’t need cleaning, because it never, ever sticks, and so far it hasn’t left my worktop as it has had daily use.

Thanks Aldi, and thank you from my son, nieces and nephews who will be enjoying perfect pancakes at CJ’s every time they stay! xx

Pancake maker at Aldi, £14.99, available while stocks last.