The Millionaire Matchmaker - it's my guilty secret. If you have never seen "third generation matchmaker" Patti on ITV2 or Bravo matching the LA and New York millionaires then you haven't lived. She is no nonsense and to the point. "you look like a mess", "why are all the girls frumpty dumpty?", you get my drift. The insight into the dating scene of the rich and sometimes famous is fascinating. It can also make for great car crash TV.

Millionaire Matchmaker (Photo credit: freeloosedirt)

Beards - ok it may be a controversial one this. Since when has it been trendy to get a beard, not a little cute goatee but a full on beard? If it is well looked after and trimmed (like a hedge), it can look ok but young men with full on bushy beards - yuck! You can just imagine a fried egg or even a birds nest hiding in there. If they don't have a moustache to match it looks even worse, just my humble opinion....



Russell Kane. I am a big fan of stand up and I am lucky to have a theatre 5 minutes from where I live. A couple of years ago I went to the Edinburgh festival with my teenage son and we loved it. So when a few friends of mine decided to see Russell Kane the stand up comedian in the theatre down the road I was like the man from Del Monte... I said YES! I have actually seen him before at the same theatre before he became famous, in the basement, but now on the full stage playing to a packed crowded I couldn't help notice how more self assured and brilliant his act his. His material - witty, sharp, highly observed comedy was hilarious.  Definitely recommended.

What are your likes, loathes and loves this week?

*disclaimer all the thoughts and words are my own I was not told what to say! ;)

Have you ever been to the opera?  Years ago you may have thought that it was only for those who had 'highbrow' interests, whatever they are, and some may have thought it was elitist but today opera has become more accessible than ever.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to win a meal for Valentines day at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff. We were serenaded by singers from the Welsh National Opera. It made for a lovely and memorable meal, and since then the idea of going to the opera has appealed to me more than ever.

It can be exciting but perhaps a tiny bit nerve wracking going for the first time. You may be concerned about what to wear for example. Years ago the dress code used to be formal but today a simple smart dress code will suffice. Wear what you would wear out for a nice meal is my advice, the only time you would need to wear an evening gown would be at a world premier of a new opera.

The cost of the opera can be a concern for some, however many places may have last minute tickets at a discounted rate especially on the day. It's always worth asking. When you think of the price of some theatre tickets the opera doesn't seem so expensive after all.




If you are new to the opera, some of the 'lighter' ones are a good place to start. For example Carmen by Bizet. Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the fiery Gypsy, Carmen. The plot is dramatic and is full of seduction desire and death. 

Another great opera for those new to the this form of entertainment is the Barber of Seville by Rossini. This light hearted opera has a sense of fun and playfulness. It is also shorter than most, at only two acts. It tells the story of Count Almaviva and Rosina and how their path to marriage is plagued with difficulties due to Rosina's guardian, Bartolo's interference.

Cosi Fan Tutte is another great opera and one of Mozart's comic masterpieces. Two men are persuaded by a friend to test the virtue of their fiancees by disguising themselves and attempting to seduce the others girlfriend.  Love, and lust entangle the couples in a game of deceit, when the deceit is unmasked, can they really go back to their lives before? 




The English National Opera currently have a production of Cosi Fan Tutte that looks interesting. You can find out about it here - Cosi Fan Tutte ENO production. The English National Opera have a world class reputation for highly original and theatrical shows. They are also committed to creating new audiences by making their shows accessible and affordable to everyone. Perfect for newcomers to the opera scene. They are also proud to provide opportunities  for British conductors, directors, designers and singers, supporting local talent wherever possible.  

Have you ever been to the opera? Would you consider going if you have not? Does Cosi Fan Tutte or one of the other operas I have mentioned appeal? 

* This is a sponsored post

Patchwork Pate started their business in the early 80's in Llangollen. With only a few pounds in her purse, mum Margaret set up her business after her divorce, making homemade pate and selling it to local pubs as a way to provide for her family.

As their reputation for delicious pate traditionally made grew, the company has grown too. Even today everything is still hand-made in small batches, without artificial colouring, additives or preservatives, to Margaret’s original recipes. The traditional taste is still important to the company 30 years on even though they now have over 30 staff working for them.



I love to support British businesses so I was delighted when I had the chance to review one of their hampers. 


When the hamper arrived I loved the presentation in a wooden crate, and a gold bow, it added a nice touch. The Quiet Night In hamper is priced around £16. You can actually choose what flavour pate, crackers and cider or beer you have in the hamper. I think this is a fabulous idea as you can adapt the hamper for each individual person, and it makes a great hamper at a very reasonable price.

The hamper consisted of
Mediterranen chicken liver pate with sundried tomato and onion
Apricot and orange chutney with Wychcraft Ale
Spelt Oat fingers with ginger
and
Rosie's medium cider

The Mediterranean pate had a lovely richness and depth of flavour with an authentic Mediterranean taste. This soft spreading pate would be perfect on crackers with a few grapes on the side to cut through the richness. The ginger spelt oat crackers has a crumbliness and sweetness with a hint of ginger that was not overpowering. A little sweet with pate, I think these crackers could be dunked like a biscuit and would be great with a cup of tea. The apricot and orange chutney was fresh tasting and tangy with a tiny bit of heat from the black pepper. A beautiful tasting fruity chutney, the sweetness would go well with many pates. The cider was sweet but still packed a punch, refreshing and nice to have in an ice cold glass on a hot day.

Recently I was asked to try out Millionaire Genie with the online bingo site 888 Ladies.

I know a few ladies who like a spot of bingo. My mum used to go and play it in her local bingo hall, when I was young. I still remember the thrill I had when she had a decent win. We had a nice Christmas that year I can tell you!

I have yet to register with a gaming site online, and after a recent trip to Vegas, where I enjoyed the blackjack and roulette I thought, why not.

Millionaire Genie is a game with an Arabian nights theme. I was given £5 credit to play the game and you can bet from 1p up to 25p a game. They say there is a chance to win more than £450,000 with the game too. That would be a nice win, I should say.

I have never been on a cruise, and to be honest I don't know why, considering I just love to travel. So I have been thinking about the benefits of a cruise.



To me, the chance to visit lots of destinations on one holiday would be highly appealing and very easy. I'd love a Mediterranean cruise. The thought of being in Crete one day, Turkey the next and then Italy the day after sounds very exciting. All those different cultures, places to see and new foods would make for a fabulous break.

For those that are social butterflies, you also get the chance to meet new people, especially with the organised activities that are on offer. There is also spa facilities, pools and even the chance to play golf on board ship. I don't think you will be bored!

It can be very convenient and organised to be a part of a cruise. Activities, excursions and meals are arranged, which is great for those that don't like the planning aspect of a holiday.



It can be quite cost-effective considering food is normally included and some or all of the activities, although you do have to budget for optional excursions and tips.

So I asked some friends what they thought of cruising, here are some of their replies.

The other day I was contacted by the lovely Oorla from Oorla Jewellery. She heard of my love of jewellery and also of supporting small businesses and she wondered if I would be so kind and review a necklace of hers on my blog. Of course I was delighted to be asked!


a Rafflecopter giveaway Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com