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Gaby's Bakery - Jam Doughnuts - Sufganiyot

Gaby's Bakery - Jam Doughnuts - Sufganiyot

December 19, 2023

Also known as a Berliner in Germany and a ponchik in Poland, Michael used to queue up excitedly for similar ones as a child, at the bustling Bakery in the Old Kent Road.

Hanukkah (Chanukah) is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in the 2nd century BC. 

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Bling, Baubles and Trees

Bling, Baubles and Trees

December 16, 2023

The salon is in full swing for our busiest two weeks of the year. Baubles are twinkling, mulled wine is steaming and prosecco flowing. We’ve themed our Christmas decorations mostly in red this year, and as usual, delved into our warehouse stores for some heritage pieces.

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Which are you? Minimalist or maximalist.

Which are you? Minimalist or maximalist.

December 09, 2023

Do you lean towards the uncomplicated, or prefer to go large with all bells and whistles? Bauhaus or Baroque, Armani or Versace, Sushi or French Haute Cuisine? Maybe you swing both ways like me, but I lean more to

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Gaby's Bakery - Sweet Pastry Mince Pies

Gaby's Bakery - Sweet Pastry Mince Pies

December 08, 2023

This is my more traditional alternative to last week's puff pastry version. Smaller than usual and with a high filling to pastry ratio, they disappear comfortably and deliciously in one, but perhaps take a bite in polite company.

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In the Chair - Real Hair Real People - Coral

In the Chair - Real Hair Real People - Coral

November 29, 2023

Sometimes it's just nice to have a change; a bit of fun. And the range of colours with easy application and little commitment mean you can dip in and dip out to suit your mood or the season.

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Winter Sun - UAE

Winter Sun - UAE

November 24, 2023

It’s an odd place Dubai. Each of the half dozen times I’ve gone in the last 20 years it’s almost unrecognisable. Such is the rapid pace of change with a population now half the size of London and most of that since...

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Six Human Needs

Six Human Needs

November 17, 2023

What’s shaping your life? Do you know what drives you? Most people struggle with these questions. They’re not easy and you can’t answer them with generalized knowledge. It’s not what your goals are, or the things you want to have or do. At our deepest level, we have six human needs and 

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In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Rubi

In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Rubi

November 10, 2023

What do you have to do to get noticed? Rubi had a clear idea what she wanted. A crisper looking Bob. But when Rubi posted a reel on Instagram and a lot of the comments said they saw...

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Gaby's Bakery - Pumpkin Doughnuts & Pumpkin Pie

Gaby's Bakery - Pumpkin Doughnuts & Pumpkin Pie

November 02, 2023

Pumpkins galore. Like most folklore legends, the history of the jack o' lantern varies depending on who's telling the story and how inebriated they are.

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What Has Meaning For You?

What Has Meaning For You?

October 29, 2023

It was a question I asked myself recently in a semi-panic. I’d just bagged four non-refundable air tickets to Arizona in the BA sale about ten months ahead. The idea was to give the boys an educational adventure in cowboy country, except I later discovered they didn’t know what cowboys were and didn’t seem too interested. 

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Winter Sun - Cambodia

Winter Sun - Cambodia

October 13, 2023

I’m sitting here watching water buffalo in the paddy field. They’re less interested in me than I am in them which suits me just fine; happy to observe and enjoy without disturbing their day. Staying at the beautiful Phum Baitang resort in Cambodia, part of...

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Gaby's Bakery - Swedish Visiting Cake

Gaby's Bakery - Swedish Visiting Cake

October 13, 2023

Swedish Visiting Cake originated in the early 19th century as a snack served to guests arriving at the family home. It uses basic ingredients and is quick to prepare. The slightly crispy meringue like outer layer contrasts nicely with the soft interior oozing with almond and zesty lemon flavour. This rich moist classic is still a go-to celebration cake today.

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