Wednesday, 9 July 2008

Add a touch of Radiance

With brides to be investing lots of time carefully choosing their jewellery, finding the perfect pieces to complement a wedding day style is essential. The look created by a bride for her big day is a combination of personality, glamour, and that fairytale twist – and the beautiful jewels selected to complement the dress should be little sparkling works of art.

Nearly half of brides today choose their own wedding day jewellery, and look to spend between £50 and £100 on these special touches, so being able to find beautiful and original accessories is essential. Complementing the dress, hairstyle and overall theme for the day, whether it be romantic, vintage or modern, are all important aspects of perfecting the bridal look.

Radiance Boutique is a stunning collection of hand crafted Swarovski crystal and crystal pearl wedding accessories. From delicate earrings with crystal drops that shimmer and shine, to stunning pearl encrusted bracelets which are both eye catching and graceful, the range is simple and elegant; the perfect finishing touch.

Necklaces and hair combs complete the collection, with designs to complement the sleek and sophisticated to the fairytale and flamboyant. With each piece lovingly made to order, the bride receives a personal service and the jewellery she’s always imagined for her special day.

Classy and colourful bridesmaid gifts feature in the range too, and are the perfect present to thank the special girls sharing the day. Add colour and sparkle in shades to complement the bridesmaid dresses to create an extra special touch.

For the most charming and gorgeous jewellery, Radiance Boutique has that something special to create the perfect and memorable bridal look; making dreams come true and styles come to life.

END.


Notes to editors

www.radianceboutique.co.uk
Images available on request.
Spokesperson available on request.
For more information, quotes and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.

The 2.5 minute Mission

Officially launched at the beginning of March this year, this is one Oxford eatery that has gone from strength to strength since the ‘open’ sign was turned to face the waiting crowds for the first time.

In the bustling town centre, but just off the beaten track, The Mission Mexican Grill has had a cult following since whispers started amongst the local community of American students that the burrito was finally coming to Oxford.

On opening, the restaurant delighted diners with the freshest and finest ingredients, creating truly authentic California-Mexican cuisine in the form of burritos, fajita burritos, tacos and salad bowls. “True to his roots” one American diner commented on enjoying lunch at The Mission. And this is certainly a lunch – “One burrito at lunchtime in The Mission and I was still full at supper” said The Oxford Student in a recent review.

Now, and moving forward The Mission takes pride it it’s pledge to only serve full of flavour, wholesome food, bringing a much welcome change to the food to go market. “It is possible for a quick meal before a film or whilst out exploring the city to combine the best quality ingredients, amazing flavours and value for money all wrapped up in a tortilla!” says owner Jan Rasmussen.

Jan and his wife Sharon also own popular neighbourhood café Greens on St Giles. Having launched The Mission in Oxford at the start of Spring they’ve been truly overwhelmed by the response from local shoppers, tourists and students alike. A month after opening they were serving 1000 burritos a week, and now just three months down the line this has doubled to almost 2000 – one every 2 ½ minutes!
This is why staff at the restaurant are trained, expert burrito makers. Watching them create your lunch is mesmerising. Quite how everything fits and remains within the flour tortilla is a mystery – the chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa – this mouthwatering medley is probably the most satisfying shopping stop or pre drinks fill up that you’ll find in the city.

And the burrito may be bringing smiles to more faces very soon. Jan is currently looking at potential plans for expansion into other key cities across the UK, with other university towns being at the top of the list. The philosophy clearly works; and with a Mexican chef on board, it really is an authentic experience at The Mission, something owner Jan is dedicated to continuing. “I’m excited about the possibility of introducing Cal-Mex cuisine to other cities; there is a definite market for good food on the go; the burrito is the answer, and we know burritos!”.

END.


Notes to editors:
Open 11am – 11pm 7 days a week. Prices from £4.50.
The Mission is a Mexican Grill and licensed premise.
www.missionburritos.co.uk
Facebook group – Burritos in Oxford
8 St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2DU
For further information and photography please contact Catherine Warrilow at Warrilow PR. catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 / 07976 294754.




Additional Information.
The Mission burrito, named as it hails from the Mission District in San Francisco, was refined and embellished in the area and dates back to the 1960’s. The style has spread widely through the San Francisco Bay area, with variations spreading across the US.

The San Francisco burrito, often referred to as a Mission or Mission-style burrito is distinguished partly by the amount of rice and other side dishes included in the package and partly by the sheer size of the foil wrapped meal.

Some say that Mission burritos were inspired by burritos brought into the fields by California Central Valley farm workers, and that they were adopted in the city from there. The cuisine is often referred to as Cal-Mex or Mexican-American.

What women want

Research shows that far from the sumptuous pampering experience we long for when visiting the hairdressers, we’re usually left slightly irritated and still wanting after relaxing surroundings, something refreshing and slightly sparkling to sip on, and a (recent) copy of Vogue or Grazia to get stuck into.

Time to de-stress and relax is hard to come by for most of us, and a recent study shows that although a salon trip should be the perfect opportunity, we’re just not getting what we want out of the experience.

About to turn 30 and ready to take on the challenge of bringing a breath of fresh air to the hairdressing scene, Jeni Aldridge from Coventry opened Hush Hush in Leamington Spa town centre at the start of April this year.

Having started her career in the Coventry area 16 years ago, Jeni has gone from Saturday girl to successful salon owner, and has been involved in London and Paris Fashion weeks as well as shoots for glossy magazines along the way. Jeni identified Leamington as the perfect place for a salon with a twist and Hush Hush was born.

“Visiting a salon should be about a complete experience – a time when you can switch off and unwind, and be pampered for a few hours” says Jeni. So, quietly nestling above shops and offices on Leamington’s Regent Street is a real hidden gem – an Aladdin’s cave.

Hush Hush as a salon is a stunning and eclectic mix of boudoir style chic and Parisian glamour. As soon as you reach the top of the stairs and take a first glimpse inside you know you’ve found nirvana, a place of heavenly calm.

“I wanted to create a more holistic experience, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The environment here is designed to be enjoyable for both clients to spend time in; and for staff to work in”.

Already Jeni is looking to take someone else on in the salon. But not just to rent a chair. Such a special place needs special people – as Jeni says, someone who believes in the Hush Hush philosophy of offering an indulgent treat for any one who visits. And that someone will also have the pleasure of coming to work in this beautiful sanctuary each day.

But the sweet surprises don’t stop there. Hush Hush also offer lots of other little luxuries. For those looking for a glam up do for a night out this is definitely the place to come. Jeni also specialises in hair up for weddings so offers pampering packages for brides and their bridesmaids including lots of thoughtful little extras.

Jeni credits the success of Hush Hush to her desire to give something special to customers, and also to a little bit of girl power. “I wouldn’t be where I was now without my closest friends. With help designing my logo, flowers for the salon and a jewellery party being hosted here on July 20th, they’ve really helped me realise a dream, they’re amazing girls”.

With an opportunity to share in the success of this unique enterprise open to the right person, if you think you’ve got what it takes to step in alongside Jeni and bring some luxury to Leamington then contact the salon on 01926 430880.

END.


Notes to editors
Hush Hush – 1st Floor, 19 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5HG
Hush Hush is a hair boutique run by Jeni Aldridge. The salon opened at the beginning of April 2008.
For more information, quotes, interviews and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.

Friday, 30 May 2008

Mayrose Farm - Camping Biome Press Release

Camping biome is truly perfect green get away




More and more people are seeking green holiday solutions, and in the UK as opposed to abroad, all with our ever growing carbon footprint back of mind. For families in particular, camping is at the top of the list.

Nestled in the stunning Cornish landscape, with breathtaking valley views, is a perfectly idyllic holiday hideaway. It’s a camping biome, and the first of its kind in the UK.

Inspired by the nearby Eden Project, Mayrose Farm has found the perfect balance, and come up with this glorious yet green family get away. Set in 17 acres of the most stunning scenery, the camping biome complements the existing stone cottages found on this exclusive retreat.

The biome exists in its own controlled climate so can be used at any time of year. Housed in a weather proof tunnel the size of a small marquee, the structure has roll down sides for the occasional down pour, that can hopefully more often be rolled up to enjoy the sunshine.

There has been such amazing attention to detail in the planning of this initiative, developed by Mayrose owners Jane Maunder and son David Lee, and all of it at the height of environmental friendliness, in particular reducing that all important carbon footprint.

With a log burning stove to cook up warming stews or big breakfasts, as well as a fire pit and barbeque, plus lamps and candles for after the sun goes down, there is no electricity and rightly so – no danger of business interrupting leisure time if you can’t check email.

The shower is heated using solar power and there are further plans to use more solar and wind power in future. Everything possible is recycled – all paper, glass and plastic, and food waste is composted. Guests are provided with facilities to recycle their rubbish, and do their bit to save the planet during their stay.

And when we say everything is recycled, it really is. The king size bed in the main bedroom is made from wood found within the Mayrose site, as are the kitchen units. Even the sink is reclaimed and the table and chairs are recycled.

The site also has a variety of farm animals including Woolly and Gollum the sheep who are very happy to be fed and fussed over by children, plus the resident chickens provide the most gorgeous eggs for breakfast.

Aside from the fact that the whole Mayrose philosophy is so ecologically sound, the concept really is so unique because it provides such an unspoilt, magical atmosphere for guests to enjoy. And with famous faces such as Marlon, Tito and other Jackson family members favouring the South West coast for their summer getaway, the trend for UK holidays by the sea is set to continue.


END.

Thursday, 17 April 2008

1000 Burritos Later




It’s official! The Mission has officially served a total of one thousand burritos in one week! It sounds pretty amazing doesn’t it?! Especially when you consider that they’ve been open for just a month, and even more so when you find out that all of the food is lovingly prepared by hand, with fresh ingredients, and not a freezer or microwave in sight!

The Mission has received an overwhelming response since officially opening on Friday 7th March this year. A queue formed on opening day, and the excitement on the independent Facebook group was at fever pitch by the time hungry burrito fans got to try out the food for the first time!

It’s been consistently busy since opening, and with a huge fan base amongst the American student community of Oxford, owner Jan Rasmussen can only imagine how busy the St Michael’s Street eatery is going to be when they return on April 21st.

“We are extremely happy that The Mission has answered the need for really good Cal-Mex food in Oxford. We knew there was a space for this, but the response from customers really confirms it. We are being told on a daily basis how fantastic the food is, and we’re extremely proud that it’s both the the ingredients and the way we prepare the food that are of the highest standard and reflect the San Francisco origins”.

The Mission burrito, named as it hails from the Mission District in San Francisco, was refined and embelished in the area and dates back to the 1960’s. The style has spread widely through the San Francisco Bay area, with variations spreading across the US.

The San Francisco burrito, often referred to as a Mission or Mission-style burrito is distinguished partly by the amount of rice and other side dishes included in the package and partly by the sheer size of the foil wrapped meal.

Some say that Mission burritos were inspired by burritos brought into the fields by California Central Valley farmworkers, and that they were adopted in the city from there. The cuisne is often referred to as Cal-Mex or Mexican-American.

Another key part of the success at The Mission is the well trained, and highly skilled burrito makers running the show. It takes practice to make the perfect burrito, with a flour tortilla crammed full of rice, meat, beans, salsa, cheese, gaucamole and sour cream – these people are professionals, and the secret in making a perfect burrito means that it stays neatly compact in its aluminium foil wrapping while you happily enjoy your way through it.

With staff making a burrito every five minutes, throughout the twelve hours The Mission is open each day, it really is an amazing achievement, proving that food to go really can be fast as well as fresh and wholesome.

Now in Oxford, The Mission is the only Cal-Mex eatery in the city, and judging by the amazing numbers and the happy, buzzy vibe you’ll find in the restaurant, it’s a very welcome addition to the town centre!

It really is all in the name with Greens Cafe


At a much loved neighbourhood café on St Giles in Oxford, owners Sharon & Jan Rasmussen are showing that there’s a lot behind the name Greens, and they are busy putting the finishes touches to an exciting event taking place next week.

For a week beginning on April 21st 2008, Greens will be showcasing the photography of close friend Jon Bradshaw, who in January of this year was part of the first ever Irish team to reach the South Pole. Like Jon, the Rasmussen’s are very much aware of the current issues surrounding global warming and are keen to do everything they can to make positive changes, and also raise awareness of the ever increasing problem.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Greens are showing how serious they are about helping to save the planet by rolling out a number of changes, and they hope to lead by example, showing that everyone can help to make a difference.

Greens currently recycle all of their kitchen waste, and are extending this to cover all customer waste such as plastic and glass bottles as well. Recycling in the town centre has often been a challenge for businesses but Sharon says ‘it’s really important to us that we do our bit, so we’re making much wanted changes into reality’. The café is also switching to the sole use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, again a decision not without its challenges, but Greens are determined to get it right and do as much as they can to be, as their name suggests – green!

In addition to the above, Greens will also be launching a new menu during the week of the exhibition, which will include the first ever Fair Trade organic ice creams in the UK. And now, locals will also be able to relax or work for longer, taking advantage of the extended opening hours to enjoy the spacious upstairs seating area and free wi-fi.

Sharon told us ‘When we opened Greens three years ago, the name stood for simplicity, fresh food and a healthy approach to life. Now, as we’ve grown it means so much more – it shows that we care about the environment and that we are prepared to stand up and do our part to protect it. We’re extremely proud to be supporting Jon by hosting the exhibition, and we’re very excited that Greens has been there too – well almost!’.
Included in Jon’s amazing photographs from the Pole, is a shot of him in full Antarctic weather gear, holding up the Greens Café sign. Following in the footsteps of Shackleton, famous for his Antarctic expeditions, Jon and his team reached the South Pole after 57 days, 4 hours and 5 minutes. Hauling a sledge weighing over 135kg, the trip wasn’t without its challenges, with each of the group losing over a stone in weight despite consuming 5000 calories a day. Throughout the expedition, the adverse weather conditions were friendly only to the local penguins.

Jon will be exhibiting thirteen amazing photographs from his adventure, as well as images from his trip to Greenland, all of which will be available to purchase. Come along to Greens, at the heart of Oxfords community, enjoy something from the new menu, marvel at the photographs, and show your support for the people that are making small changes that will have a big impact.

And yes, considering the weather we’ve had recently, you’d be forgiven for wondering if this wasn’t an expedition across rural Oxfordshire in the snow, but we promise, it’s the South Pole, and Spring is definitely on the way here in the UK….we hope!

The Date Outdoors has a fresh approach to dating!


There has never been a better time to be single! No more endless trawling through profiles and wondering if you really have anything in common. No more sitting through blind dates with someone who told you they love reading just like you, but actually they don’t know their Dan Brown from their Charlie Brown. It’s simple, for lovers of the outdoors, meet others who share the same interests in a fun and safe group environment – whether it’s for friendship, or more!

Offering a relaxed online dating service with a few differences, The Date Outdoors has a unique focus on a healthy lifestyle and the beautiful British countryside, and helps singles to meet and share their interests. It’s for people who enjoy getting out and about, trying different activities and making the most of the stunning scenery we’re so lucky to have, combined with the social benefits of meeting new people.

The Date Outdoors website allows members to view each others profiles, email each other and also create a list of favourites. The site connects people online, to get to know each other and then meet up at outdoor events running in the UK. It could be anything from a country walk followed by a delicious lunch at a local pub, to mountain biking, orienteering or kayaking. There is something to appeal to absolutely everyone.

It’s been a busy year for Julie Shields, the Managing Director of The Date Outdoors, following the launch in 2006. With new members joining all the time, additional events being added to the diary and more activity providers becoming partners. Having been single for a little while herself, Julie wanted to get out and meet people but was daunted by the prospect of ‘getting to know’ people online and then meeting them with no real idea if they were going to be well matched. Julie has always been a keen walker and wanted to meet someone who shared her passion. Over a muddy walk with friends, the Date Outdoors was born!

Since The Date Outdoors started, loved up couples have come back to tell the team of their success after meeting on the website. Last year members Richard and Milly spent their first Christmas together, and recently the lovely Dave & Liz stopped by at The Outdoors Show to spill the beans on their budding romance. Having met online they then arranged to meet at an walking event. “This is what we strive for, helping lovers of the outdoors meet and find their soul mate, its incredibly rewarding” says Julie.

The Date Outdoors provides a great range of activities and a place to meet that unites common interests. And with a website that’s also friendly, relaxed and helps people to start getting to know each other, it’s a winning formula! There has never been a better time to be single!
www.thedateoutdoors.com