You know me by now. I really enjoy volunteering and I do ‘muck in’ when is about helping others. So when I had a chat with chef Francesco Mazzei a few weeks ago (as I wrote about him for Italian Gourmet website) and he mentioned a forthcoming fundraising dinner, I jumped at the opportunity to help out. The cause Francesco has recently started a collaboration with The “Bambino Gesù of Cairo Association” which seeks to promote social solidarity by providing social and medical assistance, especially to pregnant women and abandoned children or children coming from poor families. Stunning setting T ..read more

Or how to feature my underwater photos on my blog Why a reef safe sun lotion? I might have mentioned once or twice or a thousand times that I am obsessed with scuba diving, an activity I have been doing it since the late 90s. It is what kicked off my passion for the oceans and the conservation efforts of many charities (including MCS). Display content from flic.kr Click here to display content from flic.kr Always display content from flic.kr Open content directly Busy reefs in Northern Maluku seas, Indonesia As summer is pretty much upon us, I found myself looking for sun lotions that wou ..read more

Product review A couple of years ago my best friend gave me some tea to try; I had never heard the name: Jenier. It was in pyramid shape, all compostable packaging and had a wonderful aroma. When I made my first cup, I immediately fell in love. One of the best Earl Grey I had ever had! Since then I have become a huge fan and have recentry tried some of their custom Earl Greys including the Duchess. I love it so much, I thought I would spread the word. It’s not easy to source, and mainly sold wholesale, however Teas Direct offer the option to buy in small quantities and provides a quick and eas ..read more

Learn new skills with a GBBO winner! I am very happy to share the below press release from my good friend Giuseppe Dell’Anno, the first (and only!) Italian winner of the much loved show the Great British Bake Off. I had the pleasure to meet Giuseppe ‘virtually’ first and then in person at the launch of his first fabulous cook book Giuseppe’s Italian Bakes and, since we have a few things in common (from recipe traditions to lifestyle) we kept in touch. Not only he’s since published a second cook book from which I am baking my whole way through, he’s also just launched baking classes in the stun ..read more

Diving where cocoa and coffee beans are grown ? This is an idea that I’ve had for a while. And to be brutally honest, I have pitched it to quite a few websites and magazines. Thinking that it would be such a cool subject to write about. Evidently, I am the only one that thinks so. So I decided to write about it on my blog, because where else could I write about the things that I absolutely love? Chocolate, coffee and scuba diving. But where did my idea come from? A couple of years ago I was invited to a tasting with a new boutique chocolate brand called Firetree after stumbling upon one of the ..read more

The Christmas holiday is upon us. And what better way to spread joy and warmth than through the delicious aromas and flavours of festive dishes? However, coming up with the perfect recipe is not as easy as you may perceive. You want to make a juicy meal but, again, not spend the entire day in the kitchen. Between decorating the Christmas tree, buying gifts, and generally setting up the house, you will have little time to brainstorm recipe ideas. But worry not. Below, we have put together recipe ideas for a delightful Christmas holiday this year. Whether you are hosting a Christmas dinner party ..read more

Discovering treasures with curious young minds When it comes to family outings, museums are often a great choice. They offer a wealth of knowledge, interactive exhibits, and the opportunity for children to broaden their horizons. While larger museums tend to steal the limelight, there are so many hidden gems across the country that provide a unique and engaging experience for little and not so little ones. Read on, as we explore small UK museums that are perfect for children, ensuring an unforgettable adventure of learning and fun. Visiting Merchant’s House in YorkThe Roald Dahl Museum and Sto ..read more

Heading to sunny Malta? Then read on to discover 3 gems away from tourist traps. Malta is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, culture, gastronomy, and stunning natural landscapes. The islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino offer so many activities ranging from diving, enjoying the beaches, sightseeing and visiting historic sites. Malta has a fascinating history dating back over 7,000 years. The islands have been influenced by various civilizations including the Phoenicians, Romans, Knights of St. John, Napoleon, and the British Empire. History enthusiasts can explore ancient ..read more

Plan your autumn gateway! Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature by visiting these 5 charming forest pubs. Nestled within lush woodlands, these hidden gems offer the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Picture yourself sipping a cold pint or enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of birds chirping. Each of these woodland retreats has its own unique charm and character. From rustic log cabins to elegant treehouses, these forest pubs are renowned for their warm hosp ..read more

This week it’s going to be sunny and hot in London, so why not prepare some delicious coffee cocktails? If you want to mix up your usual night out but with a twist, here are three recipes you might like These are recipes for a delicious coffee-based cocktails, which you can use to impress your friends and family. All three of these cocktails are pretty easy to make. No mixology knowledge required! #1 – Comforting Coffee 1 cup ice cubes coffee liquor ½ cup coffee syrup (rich coffee flavor) 1½ ounces amaretto liqueur 1½ ounces reamy coffee liqueur 1½ ounces Irish whiskey Instructions: Combin ..read more