November 2009 Archives

The range of herbs, spices and really interesting ingredients on Marks & Spencer shelves is growing all the time and I do urge you to browse. I still say their Balsamic Glaze drizzled over salads or meringues is the best product around.

I was very excited to try one of their new range of nuts and opted for WASABI peas which are lightly salted and roasted. If you have quite a spicy palette then you would love them, the taste of Japanese Wasabi gives a lovely tang to these crunchy nibbles. I plan to try the other varieties also.

Marks & Spencer Southport.
www.marksandspencer.com

Good to see that the Body Shop are extending their huge range of products to include organic items.

The smoothing day cream I have been using is wonderfully light and non greasy and is ideal to slap on under makeup.

It has a good dispenser so is easy to use.

Body Shop also have a new perfume, but my daughter immediately took possession of it and I have not seen it since, obviously she likes it!!!

BODY SHOP MARBLE PLACE/CHAPEL STREET SOUTHPORT.

www.bodyshop.com

Once again Phil, Dave and the team at the SOUTHPORT HIFI CENTRE have come to my rescue and delivered a fabulous new Panasonic telly, I really couldn't cope with 3 remote controls so have opted for a digital television .

They delivered at the arrange time moved my old machine and packaging to the garage to be collected by the Council, sorted it all out and gave me a crash course in using it so I am all ready in position and excited to be able to watch "Strictly" on my lovely new screen.

SOUTHPORT HI-FI 8 PRINCES STREET SOUTHPORT PR8 536901

BROOKLANDS COUNTRY RETREAT & HEALTH SPA.
When you feel the need to escape the rat race and relax in wonderful surroundings and be pampered then go no further than Brookdale Spa

The beautiful old building is nestled in wonderful countryside on the edge of Garstang,Preston. You approach this tranquil spa by means of a country lane and at the end there is a picturesque building surrounded by the most lovely trees and gardens.

I was welcomed by Laura and I immediately felt my stresses fade away when she brought me some tea and left me to relax in a most comfortable lounge area before taking my health history details!

My newly refurbished room was delightful and had every amenity you could wish for. The bed was strewn with orchid flowers, there was fresh fruit to pick at and of course a bathrobe and slippers.

Dinner was served in a stylish dining room and I amazingly met up with two fellows who during conversation realised we had a mutual friend. What a small world it is!

I slept like a baby and woke up to see peacocks strutting around the high walled garden that my room overlooked which on a summers morning would be idyllic, but even in the rain was lovely. I was served a delicious breakfast in my room before my treatments commenced.

A timetable was given to me containing my various treatments and I was able to relax around the beautiful indoor pool during each one. There is also a fabulous hydrotherapy pool which I ventured into and emerged feeling invigorated from the strong jets .There is a well equipped gym if you are brave enough to workout.

The treatments rooms are wonderful, lit by candles with relaxing music and gorgeous smells, the back massage was one of the best ever which was followed by a manicure done by Kim who was from Southport so we had lots to chat about, although chat is not obligatory during treatments!! A touch that I really liked was marbles in the water bowl for your fingers during the manicure which gave a lovely feel.

There is also a Thai Bistro which is open all day and evening, you can choose from smoothies, coffee's and snacks during the day or upgrade and eat there in the evening where there is a huge menu to choose from.

All the beauticians were really lovely and your care and relaxation was of paramount importance to them and I left on the Sunday feeling really relaxed and can't wait to return to this haven of tranquillity.

BROOKLANDS, CALDER HOUSE LANE, GARSTANG, LANCS PR3 1QB 01995 605162
info@brooklandsretreat.co.uk