But hurrah for swings and roundabouts. Electra happened to get in touch recently to let me know their range of helmets had finally launched in the UK. I’ve given one a whirl, so here’s my thoughts on the gloss white helmet from Electra:

The style

Hailing from the US, Electra does a set of very cool, very quirky, multi-purpose helmets, but the gloss white ticks all the boxes for me. It’s easy to clean, lightweight and a great one for visibility. The helmet also has gray straps with reflective stitching (another point for high-vis), as well as a detachable visor. I’d be lying if I said I loved the little peak (and it’s pretty convenient that it’s gone walkies – I never use it). Another feature I wasn’t bowled over by was the Fidlock magnetic buckle.But once you get the hang of it, it locks quickly and is very secure.

The fit

It’s pretty comfy, thanks to squishy, washable padding and an easy-to-adjust fit retention system. Sometimes I wish it could fit a tiny bit tighter in the back, but that’s a minor qualm. I also would’ve liked a smaller helmet shape. The medium is the right size for my head, but it’s a bit bulkier than say, the Bern range of skater-style helmets.

Ventilation

Pals have warned  me about these types of helmets – apparently they’re not great in hot weather due to the lack of air holes. But I’ve been using it on some fairly hot days and I haven’t had any problems.

Price

They’re currently retailing for £49.00 which, I’m sure you’ll agree, ain’t bad for a bike helmet. Especially if you’re looking for top quality headgear that’s as fun as it is serious about protecting your head.

To find where Electra Helmets are stocked in London visit: locator.electrabike.com

Or check ’em out at Triton Cycles.

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Super shelves

One of the things I’ve always wanted in my space is proper shelves: for books, decorations, photo frames, plants, quirky ornaments, whatever. Storage space is practically non-existent in my home, so sticking stuff on the wall will be a great way to create more ‘visual’ room, at least.

Proper plants in gorgeous pots

I’ve got a fern I’ve managed to keep alive for a couple of years. But it’s a bit small. And boring. I wouldn’t mind a vibrant, statueque plant to pop in the corner of my room.

Hot cushions

I’d like to get a heap of colourful cushions to brighten my gray sofa. Loving the Filipino-inspired design of this one.

Table décor

Copper tea light holders: strong look. I’ve got tea lights galore and these look like the perfect thing to house them in.

Lush flooring

I live on the fourth floor of a Victorian house conversion, so when it comes to wooden floors, my landlord is having none of it. That means getting carpet, and having spilled everything under the sun on the Boring Beige I had installed about eight years ago, I’ve decided it’s got to go. But next time, I’m going for a darker shade (and enforcing a strict ‘no shoes in my yard’ policy).

And a sexy lampshade

These truly speak for themselves. Beauts!

Got any good recommendations for interior design? Let me know in the comments! 

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You’ve probably already brainstormed places for your holiday hitlist next year, but if Spain hasn’t made the cut, you might want to think again. A new Turespaña initiative ‘Whatever I need I need Spain’ is profiling all the country has to offer in food, nightlife, nature, culture or just plain ‘ol inspiration. It’s pretty handy, and can help you choose the best places to go for all your holidaying needs, offering highlights of the country’s famous regions and cities including Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. Like with the latter, we’ve had the good fortune of visiting Spain’s second largest city on a few occasions and all that’s ever been said about Gaudi architecture is true – it’s really that stunning. The food trumped our expectations too, but for more quality cuisine, foodies might also want to hotstep it to Galicia for the world’s tastiest seafood, or head to Vitoria-Gazteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, for a generous choice of some of the most innovative Spanish gourmet dishes.

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Each region of the country can lay claim to its own unique contribution to Italian cooking. Northern Italy is the home of risotto and polenta. Southern Italy gives us pizza and the practice of cooking with olive oil. Parma is the home of Parmesan Cheese and prosciutto. The only place to find the world’s best white truffles is in the city of Alba in the Piedmont area.

White truffles are basically fairly ugly little mushrooms, which are found at the base of trees in the area by trained pigs and dogs. Their tastes and uniqueness has made them one of the most expensive foods in the world with prices easily reaching several hundred Euros per kilo. Macau businessman Stanley Ho has twice set records by paying over €381,000 for a single kilo of the delicacy.

The height of the truffle season is from mid-October through to mid-November. Every Saturday and Sunday during that time, the city of Alba hosts the Alba International White Truffle Fair. The fair plays hosts to chefs from around the world, food buffs and random visitors all of who are looking to experience one of the most exclusive, aromatic and even decadent foods in the world.

Many are familiar with recipes that feature carefully shaved bits of white truffle over grilled vegetables or risotto. But it is at the Alba International White Truffle Fair that the possibilities of the truffle are truly demonstrated.

Visitors to the fair are greeted straight away with a glass of wine, before even entering the fair. Once inside kiosks surround them, displaying everything from truffle pastes and butters, to truffle encrusted cheeses, to truffle oils. Farmers offer up their truffles which are displayed under glass and resting on satin or velvet cushions.

The celebration of the truffle is not restricted to the convention centre. The shops and restaurants in the town join in with special truffle items and dishes developed especially to incorporate the star of the festival.

Alba also offers the perfect finishing touch to the truffle experience. The Ferrero Chocolate Factory, whose pleasing aroma serves as a guide and sits just outside the crowded fair area and serves up the perfect dessert.

Even though “authentic” Italian restaurants can be found in nearly every part of the world, to discover the real reason the cuisine is one of the world’s favourites, one has to go to the source. The Alba International White Truffle Fair allows the casual traveller to experience one of the most unique taste treats in the world. Including Alba and the fair is a very pleasant experience. It may even serve as a catalyst for visiting a site like Gate-Away.com to purchase a house or apartment and becoming at least a part-time resident. Because while it is possible to experience the Alba International White Truffle Fair in a weekend, sampling the 400 cheeses, 300 sausages, countless sauces and cooking methods is a much longer, and very satisfying endeavour.

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We think it’s fair to say Christmas is one of the most snap-happy times of the year.  In the next week, we’ll most likely be capturing the moments when a) your sibling gets that pressie they’ve been hinting at for ages b) your parents give you that pressie you might forward to a friend c) you’re deliriously content from eating way too much turkey and stuffing d) you’re sleeping off the turkey and stuffing – as well as every iconic moment that might have you whipping out your camera while your family say “cheese”.  But if you have a sharp shooter from Sony’s impressive and affordable range of digital cameras and camcorders, your photography might be that bit more inspired this season. For instance, you can get clever and capture close-ups of everything from Christmas tree decorations to that slap-up meal.  The Cyber-shot™ is one of those handy cameras that offers DSLR quality and a range of modes such as Aperture Priority (ideal for focusing on details), or Shutter Priority (if you want to show a bit of action in your shots).  Or you could head to the Christmas markets post-December 25^th in the evening and capture some gorgeous low-light images.  The Cyber-shot™ is easy to carry around, and allows you to change lenses ensuring you can take a range of lovely pics that won’t fail to impress.   The photo opportunities are endless of course, but at least you know you can get the kind of pics you want with your camera and leave 2013 with a beautiful set of memories. For more photograph tips, check out and share the infographic below…

Courtesy of Sony

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But some people were really working them: oversized sweater with jeans and heels were passed off as sophisticated and stylish. So as the nights draw in again and the 2013 Indian summer is pushed out by the recent arctic wind, I am forced to readdress my winter wardrobe situation. Am I right in thinking this reindeer, snowflaked, penguin, santa jumper craze is continuing?
Checking out all the big high street movers like New Look, I dare say they have a few on their shelves. But as a source of the latest trends you would expect that. If you are in need of a bit of education,  then the reams on offer here could help out but their remit stretches far beyond a novelty sweater: jumpers, pullovers, hoodies, glittery, cropped, jumper dresses: the selection is extensive and caters for all those eagle-eyed shoppers amongst us, even those who are a little shy of the novelty jumper (moi?).
So it looks like good news for 2013, and thanks to the wealth of options the High Street give us there may be more than just a novelty jumper to your winter wardrobe. Well, maybe I could open my mind for the festive season?

For more info, visit: www.newlook.com

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If you ask me, that’s why places like John Lewis exist: a bastion of high-end supply and a purveyor of nearly everything you should require. It’s always well stocked and brimming with the most helpful staff I think I might ever have encountered. They stock all the best high street and designer cosmetics and clothing, like French Connection, as well as one of the best food and drink sections going.

As Christmas is not too far away, just over 10 weeks to be precise (come on, I know people are counting the days!) your social calendar and the opportunity for hip and arty things to do begins to increase, so places like this become even more necessary. Where do you buy your going out clothes, your cocktail party snacks or Christmas presents for your discerning family members? And, all under one roof?
Plus, if they don’t have it, they know a man that does and they even call him. This happened to me not so long ago and I left in a state of shock and awe. John Lewis staff were so keen to help me find a sugar thermometer they called a competitor to see if they had it, yes, a competitor!  And, I know for a fact their competitors do NOT do that. But, then again, they are a cut above the rest. Perhaps its because the staff are all shareholders in the company, which always appeals to my socialist heart. Whatever their motivation, this level of classy retail service works.

For more info, visit: www.johnlewis.com/french-connection/brand

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