by Glotime | Feb 8, 2016 | Featured
I was invited to Lord of the Rings premiere in 2001, and it was then I met the delightful Richard Taylor (now Sir Richard), who is at the helm of the legendary Weta Workshop, with a portfolio stretching from here to Middle Earth.
Richard, a gracious and charismatic man, with a fabulous sense of humour, told me how Thunderbirds had inspired his work and how much he loved all of our programmes. I was equally as in awe as I had already seen some of the magnificent work from his studio, and was really impressed with its imagery, Richard and his wife Tania have built this world leading design and effects empire from humble beginnings in their flat in Wellington, New Zealand.
In the past 20 years, Weta Workshop has been at the helm of the imagery of blockbusters like Avatar, The Hobbit, Chappie and now, to my utter delight, the new animated series of Thunderbirds.
Sir Richard has also supported us with our new Series ‘The Last Station’ now in development, which he has described as ‘groundbreaking and of its time’.
As you all know, we are now working toward May 6 when we will be hosting The Pink FAB Ball for Breast Cancer Care. Sir Richard has once again donated an incredible auction prize, which we have outlined below:
Win a virtual meet-and-greet with five-time Academy Award-winner, Weta Workshop CEO and Co-founder, Sir Richard Taylor!
You’ll sit down with Richard for an exclusive hour-long Skype chat or video call. In this one-on-one chat you’ll be able to pick Richard’s brains about all things Weta Workshop, and what day-to-day life is like creating imaginary worlds here on the Miramar Peninsula.
Also included is a personalised virtual walk-through of selected parts of Weta Workshop, helmed by Richard himself. You might even come face to face with a troll (or three!)
This is a unique ‘money can’t buy’ experience for film fans of all ages.
Thank you so much Richard, this really is an incredible donation and opportunity, and will raise so much for our chosen Charity – Breast Cancer Care.
by Glotime | Feb 3, 2016 | Featured, GloWellness
Are you ‘brow beaten’ by the various advertisements heralding the arrival of a new miracle mascara or lipstick. Are you sticking to your tried and tested brands and shades.
Here are a few ideas to gently coax you out of your comfort zone, and give you the lift you deserve to overcome those Winter blues.
If indeed blue has always been your eye shadow colour, then you are well on trend, as the no makeup look is definitely over, and electric blue is back with a capital B. Kiko Milano are doing a great High Pigment Range of shadows in vibrant colours, so check out their website with some equally amazing seasonal offers.
O.M.G. WOW eye mascara from Bobbi Brown at £23, really is an incredible buy if your budget will stretch that far. Think of it as an investment as big lashes are also in this Spring and you won’t have to repeat buy as with other mascaras for quite a while.
Lips are red and luscious this season, and ‘Lady Danger’ at Mac is a gorgeous vibrant ‘to die for’ shade, coming in at £15.50.
Check those brows, and look out for the new bars that are springing up everywhere, we found some set up in Super Drug for the threaded brow and you can either drop in or book in advance.
WUNDERBROW UK is an incredible discovery at £19.99 and will allow you to easily define your brows which will give you the confidence you need, as it appears natural and is also long lasting.
Clarins 3-dot liner is back and has been perfected, and is great for precision. The price is £21 and it is worth every penny as it will not need replacing for a very long time.
L’oreal True Match foundation at £9.99 is a find, and as well as being relatively inexpensive is a sturdy and reliable base to match your skin tone.
Nails are French and polished, a look that is eternally elegant and adaptable, and you can always add colours to the tips, painted patterns and emblems to spice up the look.
If we have given you some inspiration and helped you to look at your makeup regime, then why not go the extra mile and get yourself down to one of the beauty outlets who will spend time with you to perfect your beauty regime.
Facebar in Shoreditch for instance, offer a complete makeover for as little as £20 which will be masterminded by one of their trained makeup artists, where you will get an honest assessment of suitable blends and colours for your skin and personality.
Some of the major Department Stores throughout the country are offering makeup sessions with their various brands, if London is not an option or if you are attached to a brand, and will be a worthwhile exercise to re-inspire you as making up is really not that hard to do.
by Glotime | Feb 2, 2016 | Featured, GloKitchen
Cupcakes have made a major comeback in recent years, and are a great way of getting the entire family involved in a cooking activity, with something scrummy at the end of it. It is also a colourful table decoration for a tea party for both kids and adults.
Here is a great easy cupcake recipe from Annabel Karmel, with some ideas if you want to make different flavoured cakes, or add a variety of icings and decorations so that each cake has its own personality.
Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
18 to 20 minutes
Makes 12 Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
- 110g butter, softened
- 110g caster sugar
- 110g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 180C/ 350F / Gas 4. Line a muffin tin with paper cases.
- Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until pale and fluffy.
- Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl.
- Beat the eggs and vanilla and add to the bowl. Beat until just combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the paper cases.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until risen, golden and firm to the touch.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fillings and Flavour Suggestions
You can add a filling to the cupcake by cutting a cone from the middle of each cake with a serrated knife. Fill the hole with jam, lemon curd or one of these fabulous fillings:
Raspberry and Chocolate Cupcakes
Fill each cake with 1 tsp seedless raspberry jam and ice with chocolate buttercream.
Lemon Cupcakes
Fill each with 1 tsp lemon curd. Ice with lemon buttercream.
Caramel Cupcakes
Fill each with 1 tsp dulche de leche, ice with a single quantity of vanilla buttercream and top with sliced banana
Chocolate Cream Cupcakes
Mix 75g mascarpone with 2 tbsp double cream and quarter tsp vanilla. Put 1 tsp of this in the centre of each cupcake. Ice with chocolate buttercream.
Buttercream Icing Suggestions
For plain buttercream, beat 110g butter until soft, then beat in 110g icing sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
For vanilla buttercream, add half teaspoon vanilla extract and beat to combine.
For lemon buttercream, beat in 1 tbsp lemon juice- add 1 tsp at a time and taste after each addition.
For chocolate buttercream, beat in quarter tsp vanilla, 60g (2oz) melted and cooled milk chocolate and 2 tbsp cocoa powder.
