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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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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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

This is a sponsored post. 

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Not only do they offer packages and services that make meal group bookings for seasonal parties or event management a breeze, but they can hook you up with competitive rates for UK attraction tickets for the London Eye, Tower of London and Madame Tussauds amongst others. Also, they can sort out river cruises with views of historic sites, stadium tours of the likes of Wembley, Emirates and Wimbledon and visits to places outside of the capital if you fancy the break, including Windsor Castle, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Disneyland Resort in Paris. And if there are any Bristolians that take a peek at TCé, you’ll be pleased to know they can organize Christmas Parties in Bristol too. So as we countdown the last weeks of summer and look towards the end of the year, you can be rest assured that Hospitality Line will help you and your workmates enjoy the rest of 2013 with a bang – no stress required.

For more info, visit: http://www.hospitalityline.co.uk/

This is a sponsored post. 

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You’ll check out some of the most hilarious comics in town, before breaking into teams for the quiz, which will include an equal number of guys and gals.  After each round, a new set of fellas will join your crew (while the old set move on to another), so think of it like speed dating without the awkward interrogation but great trivia to get the conversation flowing instead.

Fingers crossed, you’ll meet someone worthwhile – and if you need a few ideas for that first date, you can visit the Lovestruck blog for a few great suggestions, such as heading to the Southbank for a stroll or visiting the London Zoo for their late night events.

We all know it takes a little bit of luck to meet that somebody special – but we reckon if you get yourself out there next month like the hip and arty urban adventurer you are, this may just be your summer of love.

For more information about Lovestruck Events, visit: http://www.lovestruck.com/london/events.html

For dating ideas, visit: http://www.lovestruck.com/blog/2013/07/top-london-date-ideas/

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Lovestruck.com

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You know, we know it: London’s Theatre scene ROCKS – and from the forthcoming shows we’ve got our sights on such as To Kill A Mockingbird  and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the long runners we haven’t seen yet  ( *cough*The Lion King, Billy Elliot, The Woman In Black, Chicago *cough*), we know that the West End always delivers, making us even more proud of this good city.   It’s also why we’re liking the latest we’re hearing from Priceless London – the programme which has been hooking up Mastercard customers with Priceless Moments in the capital in the most remarkable ways.  They’re now offering theatre fans the chance join the casts of three of the biggest musicals in the world on stage: so if the idea of participating in a backstage tour and photoshoot with the Wicked cast or joining the dress rehearsals of Les Miserables and We Will Rock You sounds good, read on.

This once in a lifetime opportunity also includes pre and post dinner,  and as they’re all Olivier Award winners, you’ll then get the chance to live it up at the 37th Olivier Awards.  As the headline sponsors of this year’s ceremony, MasterCard will give two winners the chance to walk the red carpet, rub shoulders with the biggest stars in theatre including hosts Sheridan Smith and Hugh Bonneville, enjoy the ceremony itself, dine at a Michelin starred restaurant, head to the afterparty and  stay in  luxury digs. Four friends and/or family will get a look in too, letting you share the experience with loved ones.  Fabulous, right?  Well you only have until April 22nd to get involved, so visit  www.pricelesslondon.co.uk for more unforgettable experiences.  Mastercard Customers can register by visiting  www.pricelesstheatre.co.uk.

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Featuring over 20,000 classes, courses and all types of lessons nationwide, the site launched last December and offers a wide variety of things to do, which certainly suits us here at TCé. Want to learn Spanish? Take classes from just £10 an hour. How about calligraphy or the art of sushi making? Or like us, maybe baking or digital photography is more up your street. Whatever your flavour, you can set the search engine to the price you’d like to pay, how you’d like to learn (in a group or by yourself) and the day you’d like to do it, making it ideal for us busy Londoners.  And if you’re not sure of what you want to do, you can wishlist a course and share it with your fellow Facebook friends to get their opinion – or even get them onboard!

We’re hoping 2013 is a year where we’re discovering even more of what the capital has to offer and getting up to all sorts creative, so if you’re on the same wavelength and want to be inspired, here’s a great way to do just that (and tick off those resolutions!).

This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of lovemycourse.com 

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Since opening in 2007, they’ve built a strong reputation for having one of the liveliest atmospheres in the capital, becoming the definitive after-work haven for locals who want a place to hang out, while sampling the tapas (fried squid, chorizo, marinated peppers, you name it) and knocking back wine from their choice selection.   So you can imagine that their New Year’s Eve festivities will be a blast, as they’re planning on throwing a massive extravaganza for the price of absolute nada (!). Bruk Out resident DJs Mangno & Nasty McQuaid will be on the ones and twos to keep the party jumpin’ from 8-4am  – and you’ll even have the chance to put in requests so you don’t have any excuses to not bust a move.

Camino are even taking bookings for an exclusive New Year’s tasting menu for just £40 per person, including a complimentary glass of Cava.  So if you’re after a guaranteed NYE to remember, visit www.camino.uk.com now to book!

You can also connect with Camino on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Caminobar and Twitter: www.twitter.com/CaminoLondon

This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Camino

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Hang around us long enough and you’ll soon realise we’re suckers for a great photo. Whether it’s action frozen in monochome by the late Henri Cartier-Bresson or dazzling colours a la David La Chappelle, we feature as much as we can on TCé, and even have a whole other site dedicated to learning different styles of it around London. So understandably, we can’t wait to get our hands on The Guardian‘s forthcoming 84-page guide to photography, coming out this Saturday.

Top snappers like Tom Jenkins, Suki Dhanda, Martin Argles, Eamonn McCabe, Antonio Olmos and Dan Chung are just some of the quality broadsheet’s finest who’ll be sharing their wisdom in print with seven masterclasses to try and advice touching on everything from how to shoot to some of the best kit around – and there’s even reader’s assignments to help you step your game up. It goes without saying that there’s nothing like learning from the masters in the trade, so remember to grab your guide on the 17th – and click here for more info about the competition.

This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of The Guardian 

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Cast your minds back to April friends – you might remember TCé flagged up a comp where you picked a prized possession you’d trade for the chance to win a pretty awesome experience of a lifetime in New Zealand – a country that looks like it should be on the destination hitlist of any self-proclaimed urban adventurer. But whether you entered or not, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve got one last opportunity as Stories Beats Stuff enters into Phase 3, offering two new adventures which you can enjoy with three of your pals. There’s the glamorous City Splendour, which will take you around three of New Zealand’s largest cities and let you get up to everything from whale watching to club hopping, before later relaxing at a boutique hotel, VIP style:

Or you can choose Culture Kaboom, where you’ll take in New Zealand’s volcanic history by visiting boiling mud pools, steaming geysers and a hot water beach before learning more about Maouri culture by meeting locals and experience the indigenous lifestyle firsthand:

We’d be kidding ourselves if we didn’t think those two trips looked brilliant – and if you think so too, simply submit a video or a photo of what you would trade-off, select the three friends who’ll be joining you (pick wisely), and share your entry on all your social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+) to get as many votes as possible.  You can even win flights for two to New Zealand for just voting.

Personally, we’ve got our eyes set on Culture Kaboom for being the epitome of YOLO (“you only live once”), so’ll be entering with this:

There’s nothing more we prize more than our vinyls – and these two – from the late Amy Winehouse – were the very first we received she debuted her album Frank nine years ago. Call us crazy for putting our Amy original promos on the line, but we’re down with the philosophy that stories beat stuff (even beloved stuff!), so it’d be great if you can vote for us just here) – and let us know when you enter as we’ll be more than happy to return the favour!

To enter, visit www.storiesbeatstuff.com

This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Tourism New Zealand

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