Happiness & Joy Archives - Page 47 of 64 - Antony Simpson is an Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.

Posh Coffee: The Flavour Collection from Douwe Egberts

Saturday 13 July 2013 / Antony Simpson / Leave a Comment

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Flavour Collection from Douwe Egberts (Image Credit: FMCGnews)

While shopping in my local supermarket recently, I discovered The Flavour Collection new from Douwe Egberts. The collection has three distinct flavours: Roasted Hazlenut, Smooth Caramel and Delicate Vanilla.

The Roasted Hazlenut was the first one I tried; being what I would normally order from a coffee shop of a well-known chain. I opened the jar and got a whiff of the subtle yet tantalising aroma. I put a teaspoon of the coffee into a cup, added boiling water and the scent intensified – smelling truly devine.

I might actually be addicted to this hazlenut coffee – was my startling revelation when taking out four or five empty jars for recycling at the end of the month. I’ve shared it with friends & family who’ve tried it and love it.

Smooth Caramel was all right, but not a sweet as you’d expect. It lacked any wow-factor and was a poor comparison to having a shot of caramel in your latte at the coffee shop.

Delicate Vanilla I’ve not tried. I like vanilla as a scent, but not keen on the taste.

The Flavour Collection is luxurious coffee without the ridiculous price tag. Douwe Egberts have got the blend spot on with Roasted Hazlenut; but needs to sweeten the Smooth Caramel and consider an alternative flavour to the Delicate Vanilla.

Douwe Egberts ought to make sure The Flavour Collection is on the shelfs at all supermarkets and make the coffee available in all sizes of jars (rather than just the small-sized ones).

If you’re looking for some instant posh coffee, why not try Roasted Hazlenut which will be available to buy in a supermarket nearby or on Amazon.

Take care,

Antony

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A Night Out to Remember for a Very Long Time: The Rocky Horror Show

Sunday 23 June 2013 / Antony Simpson / Leave a Comment

Reading Time: 4 minutes

A few months ago my good friend Steve and I booked tickets to watch The Rocky Horror Show. Poor Steve had never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show DVD; so I encouraged him to watch it before we went. Well I say encouraged… it was more a forced watching.

This weekend with tickets in hand and costumes in man-bags, I dragged Steve to see the matinee performance of The Rocky Horror Show at Manchester Palace Theatre.

Before the performance Steve and I went for a delicious meal in the new Velvet Central Restaurant & Bar. As well as the tasty food, it hosts a luxurious, yet relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.

Then Steve and I headed off to the theatre for The Rocky Horror Show. Here are some photos:


Manchester Palace Theatre.	In the bar, after Steve & I changed in the one toilet cubicle.

“Oh Rocky (Steve)!” Frank ‘N’ Furter (Me) says.	My fishnets & gold/black stilettos.

	Steve & I took our seats ready for the start of the show. As the show began I pulled out my phone, turned off the flash and took the first photo (below). A Usher appeared at the end of the row and flashed her torch at me. I twisted my neck towards her direction to be met by her angry scowl and she indicated that no camera’s were allowed. This is not the first time I’ve experienced an appalling, militant and killjoy Usher at Manchester Palace Theatre.

The first photo taken, interrupted by the appalling Usher.	The Interval: If Steve won’t wear his Rocky wig, then I’ll wear both.

For the first part of the show I didn’t feel able to take anymore photos. This was a great shame as the set, costumes, lighting, choreography and directing were all brilliant.

However in the second part of the show I snapped a few more photos; despite a further warning from the killjoy Usher.


Part 2 – Draw the curtain.	Part 2 – They’re back.

The cast after before the encore of Time Warp & Sweet Transvestite.	The cast bow and enjoy the applause at the end of the show.

A Short Review
I’ve already mentioned that the set, costumes, lighting, choreography and directing were all brilliant. Brad & Janet did have dodgy accents that were slightly off-putting at first; along with Brad feeling one-dimensional throughout the show. Phillip Franks (The Narrator) was fantastic with real banter between the audience and himself.

Overall the show was beyond amazing with all the favourite songs performed including: Science Fiction/Double Feature, Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite, I Can Make You a Man, Don’t Dream It, Be It and I’m Going Home.

Oliver Thornton (Frank ‘N’ Furter) was truly outstandingly. He added his own unique diva-esque personality into the character which made the role his own and worked wonderfully. Oliver Thornton plays the Frank ‘N’ Furter of today; one who is aware of his fame and ready to celebrate his 40th Anniversary.

Here is video Oliver Thornton as Frank ‘N’ Furter singing Sweet Transvestite:

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I highly recommend a night out to your local theatre to see The Rocky Horror Show.

You can also buy the orignal Tim Curry Rocky Horror Picture Show, DVD & CD Lip Box Special Edition on Amazon.

Write soon,

Antony

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My Birthday Presents

Thursday 23 May 2013 / Antony Simpson / 2 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

My Birthday Presents - Happy Birthday Cake — My Birthday Presents – Happy Birthday Cake

It was my birthday last week. I had a birthday tea with mum, caught up with my sister & brother, saw Kay, Steve and Simon (Cumbria Adventure: The Druid Circle, Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant, Holly Trinity Church & Millom Castle) my friends.

I was kindly showered with gifts. Here are some photo’s of what I got:

My Birthday Presents – Love Notebook	My Birthday Presents – Don’t count the days, Make the days count
My Birthday Presents – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Gimme, Gimme, Gimme DVDs	My Birthday Presents – Keeping Mum DVD, Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella, French & Saunders Still Alive Live Tour DVD
My Birthday Presents – Paperchase photo frame	My Birthday Presents – Thortons classic collection

I would like to say a massive thank you for the presents, cards and money family, friends and work colleagues gave me. As well as a huge thank you to those I celebrated my birthday with me.

Take care,

Antony

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Cumbria Adventure: The Druid Circle, Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant, Holly Trinity Church & Millom Castle

Friday 17 May 2013 / Antony Simpson / Leave a Comment

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Simon and I planned an adventure out in Cumbria to see The Druid Stone Circle and Millom Castle, both sites neither of us have visited before. We found the sites on The Modern Antiquarian.

While traipsing through a field looking for The Druid Stone Circle, we found this wonderful altar:

The Druid Circle - Altar — The Druid Circle – Altar

Then we saw the circle. The stones are smaller than the stones at Castlerigg but nonetheless beautiful:

(Note to Seekers of the Circle: After the cattle grid the circle is on the right.)

We had dinner at Old Farmhouse Pub/Restaurant near Ulverston. The atmosphere and food were both delightful:

Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant Sign	Simon Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant
Me Old Farmhouse Pub / Restaurant

Then we headed to Millom Castle:

We thought the entrance might be through the Holly Trinity Church. The church was a little gem of ancient architecture in it’s own right:

Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates	Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church

We quickly discovered that Millom Castle is in private ownership with no access to the public. This was a huge shame as from the photos you can see that it was an exquisite ruin:

Millom Castle Cumbria	Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria	Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board

The information board appeared uncared for but the Castle was not. The private owners had scaffolding up and were living in the castle. This indicates that the owners want to restore the Castle to it’s former glory. Let’s hope they do and then open the doors to the public.

We had a great day out, dubbed our Cumbria Adventure.

Write soon,

Antony

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