Problem Presents

We live in a very foodie part of the world: Stilton, Belvoir Cordials and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies all on our doorsteps. So, we are delighted with today’s news that Melton Mowbray Pork Pies have been awarded the same special status as champagne, Parma ham and Jersey butter.

Hurray! It’s been a long campaign, but from today a Melton Mowbray pie has to be made in the area around Melton Mowbray, and only from uncured pork. If you want the only organic Melton Mowbray pie, then you need to get hold of the Brockleby’s one, made from a rare breed pork as well as organic local flour. You can buy it online at Local Food Shop and get it delivered anywhere in the UK.

Probably the best known one is from Dickinson & Morris, which you’ll often find in the supermarkets. Or check out their online shop which offers not just the pies, but amazing sausages, some great hampers and also Melton Hunt Cake, another local gourmet treat.

BeCheeky.com are celebrating the exciting new lingerie arrivals from their French designers through a special French Designer Week, and there are some seriously gorgeous choices to be made. I haven’t come across Bien Fee Pour Toi before, which is new and exclusive to Be Cheeky, but the designs are quite simply out of this world! The one shown here is called So Chic but we think any of them would make a wonderful gift choice.

Other brands with fabulous French va-va voom include Lou Couture Paris and Rosy, with many brands available only at Be Cheeky. Just in case you are in two minds, then they are also running a fabulous promotion with a 10% saving when you spend over £30 before Wednesday 8 October 2008 (enter code FRENCH3010 to qualify). And if your order is over £50, you’ll also get free delivery, and they do a great gift wrapping service too!

What are you waiting for? If you need an anniversary gift or a birthday gift, or even just cheer her up gift, then click away now!

I’ve written several times about how much I love Pedlars, and that it’s a great source of unique and unusual gifts, for even the most difficult people! Well, I love their current collection, which is all about stuff that’s made by small businesses in the UK, and there are some fantastic choices in this selection.

I’m loving the Table Footballer Streaker set, a faithful homage to some infamous Twickenham streakers that’ll make an interesting and true to life addition to any Subbuteo set. It says it’s hand pained in South Wales, which I suspect is a typo, but given the amount of tiny detail, I expect that’s how the hands ended up!

For anyone who has any association with London, or a love of transport, then there are some great choices such as old Routemaster Destination Blinds and old Underground signs. Or indulge in a return to childhood with some vintage edition of Enid Blyton stories!

Get on their mailing list now, either email or for the catalogue, and you need never be stuck for something unusual on the present front again!

Photo courtesy of Pedlars

As I predicted in my Christmas trends for 2008, I don’t think there will be many moments when there isn’t a free delivery offer going on your favourite site, and there are a number around right now. So Dixons are doing free delivery on everything over £499 (code is DEL499) through till 5pm on 6 October 2008, and on LCD Panel TVs this runs through to 5pm on Friday 10 October (use code DELTV instead).

 The Gift Experience are offering free delivery for all orders over £40, and free gift cards with all orders. Plus from now till 31 December this year they are offering 10% off all orders over £35 (code XMASGIFT). In spite of the name of the site, they offer much more than just experience days, with some great personalised and fun gifts too. And yes, you can spend less than £35 on the site and get more than one thing from them!

Finally for now, Fat Face are offering free P&P for orders over £60 between now and 12 October. Their new winter collection looks great and, given how cold it has turned this week, this could be a very good time to stock up on warm but stylish winter gear! Boden are also offering 10% off and free delivery and returns, so this no excuse for being cold or having nothing to wear!

Possibly somewhat sadly, as Dr T would tell you, I have some expensive tastes in life.

I just wanted to update a hotel recommendation I made a while ago, for those of you celebrating your china anniversary. I suggested instead of china knick knacks you perhaps booked a trip to China, making time to visit Shanghai. I did admit at the time that although I had never stayed at the Pudong Shangri-La, I would think it was a great place.

Well, I still haven’t stayed there but I’ve been to the bar there tonight. And I will hold with my original recommendation! It would be an amazing place to stay anytime, anniversary or not. You’re right on the Bund, and I would imagine if you get a river view room you’ll spend a lot of time looking out the window.

If you get bored of that, then there is plenty of great shopping and eating to hand. I’ve just been out for dumplings at Din Tai Fung in Pudong, which was great. There is a special Shanghai dumpling you should try, although there is a special way to eat it.

And if you’re coming to Shanghai, make sure your life insurance is up to date, as the traffic has to be seen to be believed. And don’t think you have right of way as a pedestrian! That said, we’ve had an incredible few days, and it has to be seen to be believed! I’ll try and post some of the photos later, although my cities by night photos are the stuff of bad legends. Maybe this time I’ll have the knack!

Well, not the way I do it anyway! I’m in rehearsals for a show and my twenty second routine shows that I really was born with two left feet and no sense of rhythm!

Still, like millions of others, I shall be glued to the screen for the real return of Strictly Come Dancing tonight. And like many others, I’ll still harbour a secret desire to get up there and have a go!

I’m told the cha cha is the easiest, and I guess the least embarrassing route is to get a DVD and try it at home. With the curtains shut! Alternatively a number of the gift experience companies offer dance gifts, which might make a great present if your loved one always says they want to try it. Just bear in mind you will probably have to go to!

BuyaGift do an Introductory Dance Experience for two, which is probably enough to be a fun experience and to tell you if you want to try more. If you’re both feeling energetic, then Red Letter Days do an intensive Salsa workshop, for either two or four of you, if you can rope some friends in too!

I might wait for the Strictly Come Dancing Workout with Kelly Brook and Flavia. Still, I would suggest not getting this as a gift unless your loved one has specifically asked for it. Think of the underlying message if you don’t! Although I don’t think any workout DVD is going to give me abs like Flavia’s! Perhaps I’d be better off with Karen Hardy and Strictly Come Dancersize!

Failing that, book now for the Strictly Live Tour, and just sit back and enjoy!

But get in quick, this offer is only online until Saturday! Kurt Geiger shoes are fabulous, and real treat both for men and women. The offer applies to the Autumn/Winter 2008 collection, like this fabulous Celosia shoe.

Act quick! Don’t forget that leather is the traditional choice for your third wedding anniversary, so could be a good choice!

Ah yes, the credit crunch continues to bite, and we can see retailers trying lots of new things to get us shopping!

From the 19th to the 21st of September, if you spend over £20 with Marks & Spencer you’ll be in line to receive a prize or discount. When your order arrives, you’ll get a ticket and that gives you the chance to win one of over 10,000 fabulous prizes, including a £1000 shopping spree, gift vouchers or flowers delivered every month for a year.

And even if you don’t win one of these prizes, you’ll get £5 off your next shop instore over £35.

So this is not just any promotion, this is an M&S promotion!

Great news for curvy girls, and their loved ones! Be Cheeky are now stocking UK label, Adore!

This is an English brand that favours flirty but wearable bra sets that offer full support with a stylish twist, in sizes to cover DD to G cups. We love the Dotty Underwired Balconnet Bra, which is classy and sensual and will definitely give uplift and support to luscious curves!