The Handmade Fair

Who loves pompoms and crafting? Well, we here at The Amazing Blog love channelling our inner artistic ambitions. When we are not busy plugging away at the office, we are oftentimes caught up with our own crafty hobbies. You too can experience your own creative adventures at The Handmade Fair this weekend at Hampton Court Palace.

Featuring the one and only crafting queen Kirstie Allsopp, The Handmade Fair will be an overall celebration of all things artistic, stretching as far as knitting to upcycling. The main event at the fair is dedicated to The Handmaid Fair staff and their attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records record for the most pompoms laid together from end to end. If you want to be a part of potential pompom history, you can participate at the event or make your own string of 3 pompoms, attach your name, and drop them off at your local HobbyCraft store. So, whether you want to show what you know, learn something new, or just want to see pompom history be made, The Handmade Fair is sure to be a fun filled event.

The fair is from the 19th through the 21st of September, from 930AM to 6PM everyday.  A general admission ticket can be purchased at the door for £12.50 per adult and £10 per child. Full experience tickets can be purchased online for £29 per adult and £26 per child. The full experience ticket will gain you entry to the event, a workshop, participation in the Grand Make, and the chance to hear a speaker among various crafting experts of your choice.

If you are interested in getting crafty and becoming a part of “World Pomination” history at The Handmade Fair,  purchase Full Experience tickets here and general admission at the event.  

Gluten Free Baking and Living - Gluten Free Baking Courses

The entire nation seems to be engrossed in The Great British Bake Off at present, and we here at The Amazing Blog are no exception. Week after week, we tune in to marvel at the delicious doughy creations, but it strikes us that it must be near torture for those intolerant to gluten, who cannot join in with the delectable delights. With this in mind, we were delighted to discover these Gluten Free Baking Courses, offered by Gluten Free Baking and Living.

We all know that gluten isn’t the healthiest of ingredients, but often find it hard to resist the pull of those mouthwatering cakes. Thankfully, married team, Ian and Deborah Thackeray are here to teach us how to produce scrumptious bakes, with none of the gluten. With a range of cookery classes throughout the autumn and winter months, Deborah and coeliac, Ian instruct on how to make a range of sumptuous treats like cinnamon buns and baguettes. As well as their beginners, patisserie and bread making courses, they also teach a hotly anticipated Christmas class, where you can master the art of Christmas cakes, Christmas pudding and delicious stuffing. And if you ask us, there's nothing like getting an early start on your Christmas checklist. If you’re desperate to get baking, but can’t make it to the courses, not to worry, as Ian and Deborah also offer ‘at home’ courses. Presented in a novel comic book style, you can teach yourself how to bake gluten free products like a pro in the comfort of your own kitchen. Speaking for ourselves, we can't wait to get adding to our baking repertoire.

The one-day courses run from the 7th of September to the 30th November in 3 different locations – London, Wirral and Harrogate. Priced between £75 and £110, depending on the course and location, courses include all the ingredients, tuition, refreshments and lunch. Book your place on a range of courses here, and perfect your gluten free baking skills. Alternatively, you can 'try before you buy' and sample the 'at home' cheesy scones course for free here. You'll be creating bakes to rival Mary Berry's in no time.

Carnaby Street - Men's Style Night

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know that shopping is an experience that men could happily live without. All of this is about to change, however, because on 11th September, Men’s Style Night will be gracing the pavements of Carnaby Street. Much like a fine suit, men will be able to enjoy a shopping experience tailored to their every wish. And as the event is held in association with GQ, we can expect nothing but the best in style.

Between 5-9pm, over 100 fashion brands, including Paul Smith, Vans and Fred Perry, are uniting to create the ultimate shopping experience. Registration for the event is completely free, and entitles you to a 20% discount in participating shops, as well as access to over 50 free experiences. Whisky tasting, shoe shining and an F1 simulator are just a few of the fantastic experiences on the agenda, as well as the plethora of trend talks, tips and masterclasses available over at the GQ pop up shop.

If you still aren’t all that interested in a shopping spree, fear not, as Carnaby’s delicious collection of restaurants will also be participating. Stax, The Rum Kitchen and Pizza Pilgrims will all be flogging their tasty wares as part of the event. Once you’re fed, head on over to fashionable watering hole, Cirque Le Soir, who will be running a ‘Vintage Circus’ pop up bar. Complimentary Ringmaster cocktails will be up for grabs, along with a selection of other intoxicating treats.

If that wasn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other exciting experiences on offer. From live music to camera workshops, if there isn’t something on offer that doesn’t entice you to dust off your credit card, then we’re not sure what will. Register for the free event here, and find more information here.

L’Artisan Parfumeur - Batucada

Here at The Amazing Blog we love new summer fragrances. So when L'Artisan Parfumeur sent us a sample of their new Batucada fragrance (in gorgeous packaging) we couldn’t wait to try it and get into the Brazilian carnival feel.

Getting its name from an African influenced Brazilian percussive sub style of samba, this fragrance is in perfect tune with Notting Hill Carnival 2014. The strong lime and mint top notes are reminiscent of the tropical, fruity drinks of a warm, sunny climate. The middle notes of ylang ylang subtly give the fragrance a beachy undertone. Finally, the bottom sea salt note, so reminiscent of holidays, purifies the senses with its salty fresh fragrance, as if we were on the famous Ipanema beach. Light fresh fragrances are available in abundance, but the citrus notes in Batucada transport you to the Brazilian beaches, giving this fragrance an edge on the competition.

L’Artisan Parfumeur is one of France’s most iconic fragrance houses and has been creating gorgeous scents to suit the seasons since its formation in 1976. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Batucada is available here for £85 for 100ml.

Opera in the Gardens at Chiswick House

 

Here at The Amazing Blog  we love to find fun things to do with our summer nights! Despite being in the heart of London, we suffer from the typical ‘been there done that’ Londoner mentality. So when we heard about Garden Opera, a chance to try something brand new, we had to investigate.

 Focus Opera was founded in 2009 and aspires to tailor its productions to site specific locations using the physical space to create an arena in which the concept, drama, music and performers come together perfectly. Focus Opera have performed almost everywhere, from country houses to caverns, but this summer they will treat audiences to two evenings of spectacular opera in the beautiful gardens of Chiswick House. A fabulous way to make the most of the sun, the group are performing on Wednesday 2^nd July, with a performance of the French play Barber of Seville, and then on Thursday 3^rd July with the Italian opera Cosi Fan Tutte.

This is the second year the folks from Focus Opera will be serenading audiences at Chiswick House. It also happens to be the 10^th anniversary of Opera in the Gardens at the Chiswick House, making it the perfect summertime celebration. Bring your blanket, chairs, and refreshments for a wonderful, opera filled picnic or come al fresco and purchase beer and wine on location. Both performances start at 7.30pm but guests can set up their chairs and picnics from 6pm, and enjoy a magical evening celebrating summer with friends!

Tickets are priced at £30 for adults, and £15 for children aged 5-15 are available here.