Cotton Candy
I love cotton candy or candy floss as they say here in the UK. This one was purchased on the boardwalk in Brighton and was consumed quite quickly with the assistance of the 4 sticky little hands of my cute nephews. I think the allure of cotton candy as a child is not only the taste but watching the man spin the candy from that big machine that magically breathes out hot air and then spits out the wonderful and woolly like creation which is twirled so gracefully around a paper cone. That would've been a fun summer job, non?

I wish they didn’t come in bags like they do now but have someone actually doing it fresh for each customer; just like they used to do at Crystal Beach Park (the fairground near the beach where we grew up). And I prefer the pink candy floss, the blue is not real cotton candy it was probably created for whiney little boys that didn’t want to have the pink color.

It was invented in 1897 in St. Louis by two dudes and am sure someone like Johan can explain in intricate detail how plain sugar can come out in such a wonderful shape, he is the physics geek!

I think I might buy the home machine that I saw at Selfridges but am sure it will not be the same. I wonder if you can return a cotton candy machine if it spits out a crappy product? Stay tuned, I might try. Some random image I found on the net from Disney Land Hong Kong.

I want one of these

So I can make cotton candy anytime! Sold at Selfridges, if it really makes fluffy and proper cotton candy then this is a great gift!

Milk at lastThe lovely PR, Chris, from Lactofree sent me some vouchers so I can drink milk again. Yay! It tastes great and am loving drinking milk again. Only problem is that it is not sold at my local grocery store so needed to go to Selfridges to get this carton. Hopefully Tesco will start selling it soon but I don't mind going to Selfridges as there is always something interesting to look at there. Thanks Lacto-free people!

Check out their website for more info. http://www.lactofree.co.uk
There is news, advice and more information about lactose intolerance and Lactofree milk. There is even a community hub and a guide to restaurants that cater for lactose-intolerant people, making it easier for them to choose where they eat out in the UK. How helpful!

Windows to Christmas
(Fortnum and Mason Christmas windows, 2007)

Food styling can be so interesting. Fortnum and Mason, fine food retailers to the Queen and general public have the sweetest window displays this year. How do you promote your fine caviar, champagne, sweets and more??

As my old boss said, 'it is all about creating theatre my dear' (said with a posh British accent).(Nine Ladies Dancing & Ten Lords a Leaping, from The 12 days of Christmas)

People love going to the theatre to be entertained and awed. And when they are looking to buy stuff, especially luxury goods - a product sold with a little theatre does better than those that don't. We all want to feel spoiled a little sometime, non?

The boss also said, every time saw me eat something fattening, 'a minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips!' he was a weird bugger.(Eight Maids a Milking, from The 12 days of Christmas)

Established in 1705 and still operating today Fortnum and Mason is always great to wander around in - their online site is very classy and you can browse through all the amazing foods they sell. It is also the place to buy a luxurious hamper for someone. They even have children's Christmas story telling in their restaurants but you need tickets as after 300years of doing it - it is very popular!

This holiday season, get down to the retailers who know how to do window theatre; Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols in the UK and Holt Renfrew in Canada. Smaller shops like Ralph Lauren are also great for their window theatre. Paolo used to be the creative genius behind the one in London. The whole NY team of Ralph Lauren squealed over and over 'I love those eggs!' when he hand painted some wonderful Faberge-esque eggs for last Easter's window display. Magnicifco il Paolo di Milano!

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