Pippa Middleton's Friday Night Feasts put to the test: FEMAIL verdict on the cook's first recipe column for Waitrose

Say what you like about Pippa Middleton’s culinary prowess. But if she really is able to conjure up the picture-perfect Asian menu from her debut Waitrose magazine column without her kitchen ending up looking like Hiroshima she’s a better woman than me.

Three hours into my epic culinary face-off with Pippa’s Friday Night Feast I was cursing the duchess’s sister and her ‘relaxed’ theme night.
Party-planning Pip may be able to whip up a duck pancake without breaking a sweat, but my experience was a lot less slick.

Ready, steady, cook! Deborah Arthurs creates the Pippa's feast as featured in Waitrose Kitchen magazine as a recipe for a night in with friends

There was sushi rice clinging to every surface, four packs of Gressingham duck breast sweating unpleasantly in the overcrowded pan and a puddle of tangerine and sake jelly mix solidifying slowly on the kitchen floor.
In my defence, I can only think Pippa doesn’t have to contend with the same rigors of day-to-day life I was confronted with on my quest to recreate her five-recipe Friday Night Feast.

Here's to Pippa! After a stressful dash around the supermarket, Deborah raised a glass to Pippa before attempting to cook her feast

Pips probably has Mr Waitrose himself deliver the ingredients to her door, a food stylist on hand to pimp her sushi rolls to photogenic perfection and the liberty of a long afternoon to prepare.

I on the other hand had to make a mad dash to the supermarket after a full day in the office, toddler with a temper tantrum in tow.

Heaving a trolley up and down the busy aisles of Waitrose on a Friday night for an hour and a half searching for rarefied ingredients was not the best warm-up for a wild night in - and I bet Pippa never has to contend with a three-year-old throwing her Japanese rice vinegar and stem ginger in syrup out of the trolley as fast as she can throw them in.

Pip's preparation: Deborah found that there was too much fiddly prep involved and the menu is better suited to a Saturday when there is plenty of time to prepare over the course of the day

Cooking up a storm: Pips probably has Mr Waitrose himself deliver the ingredients to her door and a food stylist on hand to pimp her sushi rolls but Deborah gave it her best shot

Morale plummeted when the shop assistant confessed sheepishly that they had stopped stocking the seaweed sheets I needed for my sushi rolls (Middle Class problems!) and suggested I try Tesco instead.
But after lugging my eight carrier bags and grumpy child across town to Tesco, I remained seaweed-free.

What would Pippa do, I wondered? Inspired, I headed for my local Japanese restaurant and emerged triumphant, £5 lighter of pocket but with a stack of seaweed in hand.

Not quite the Royal look: She was convinced that her Vietnamese spring rolls looked like flaccid seafood Femidoms, her sushi was sloppy and the cocktails were so fiery they should have come with a health warning

Picture perfect: To her credit, the food, as Pippa says, is tasty and, with practice and time, has the potential to look impressive

The victims: As midnight approached and they still hadn't eaten so much as a hoisin pancake, the guests (victims?) that Deborah invited over in an attempt to impress with her dazzling Eastern-inspired banquet were drafted in

The verdict? The feast - which Pippa rightly says is ‘really an assembly of parts’ - is all very well in theory. Five practically no-cook recipes, no complex cooking instructions... how hard can it be?

But in practice, a menu where every element needs meticulous and involved preparation is not the best idea for a Friday night post-work when time is limited and guests are hungry.

There is so much fiddly prep involved - not least juicing two 600g bags of tangerines - that this menu is better suited to a Saturday when there is plenty of time to prepare over the course of the day.

As midnight approached and we still hadn’t eaten so much as a hoisin pancake, the guests (victims?) I’d invited over in an attempt to impress with my dazzling Eastern-inspired banquet were drafted in.

Logistical issues: With her sitting room at one end of the house and the kitchen at the other, had her guests not joined her to muck in, they would have been segregated for the entire night

Looking for Dream Wedding Dresses with Confidence

As everybody knows, for a woman, the wedding day is among the most significant events of all her life. Since we were a little girl, we have begun to dream about how perfect the day would be, how beautiful we would look on that special event. Undoubtedly, choosing a perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts. The wedding dress is one of the most important parts of a wedding. The bride wants to look her very best and she wants to have the most beautiful dress there is. Wedding dresses can also be the most expensive part of the wedding, although it doesn't have to be that way at all. There are many ways you can find bargain wedding gowns without sacrificing style, beauty, quality or your dignity.
So when planning your wedding don't stress about money and worry about spending too much. You should be focused on the day and how happy you make each other because after all it's only a once a lifetime that you marry the person you're going to spend the right of your life with. It should be a stress free special day because in the end with the help you will most likely receive from friends and family it is all going to come together perfectly anyway. Buy the dress of your dreams, get it ordered and it's still okay to launch a weight loss plan. At least six weeks before the wedding you will need to get a dress fitting done to see what alterations need to be made. An experienced seamstress will be able to take in your gown, even by two sizes, without damaging the integrity of the design.
Wedding dresses can always be used for special occasions as well with a certain amount of customization. Wedding dresses now come in different colours and styles designed to fit almost any wedding theme. Many wedding dresses are often made to match the wedding theme and thereby making the bride one of the key features of the wedding. To find the perfect wedding dress it is important to analyse and find the perfect dealers and vendors keeping quality and cost at the highest priority. Many of the gowns can be purchased online through numerous stores and vendors. Each of the online wedding dresses is made to match designer labels and cost a fraction of the original price.
The most important thing to remember when looking for your Dream Wedding Dresses quick links is don't compromise your style for your budget. The key is to find a gown that fits both your budget and style preference. With a little work and planning, you can have the wedding dress of your dreams without breaking the bank.

'Gordon Ramsay destroyed my business': One chef reveals his REAL Kitchen Nightmare after appearing on hit show

Foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay has been accused of turning one chef's business into a real kitchen nightmare after featuring on his show.
John Chapman of Chappy’s New Orlean’s-style Cajun restaurant has accused the Michelin-stared chef of destroying his business after opening the doors to his business to Ramsay on the US version of Kitchen Nightmares.
John Chapman, who owns Chappy's New Orlean’s-style Cajun restaurant, said: 'It was truly a kitchen nightmare for me. Gordon Ramsay destroyed by business. It was a confrontation from the get-go.'

 

 

 

Kitchen Nightmare: Gordon Ramsey (left) is said to have cooked up a nuisance at John Chapman's Cajun restaurant

Speaking to the National Enquirer the chef said he was furious with the father-of-three.
The expletive-ridden show, which airs on US network Fox, follows the chef as he turns around failing restaurants.
Gordon and his team often overhaul the menu, the decor and even the staff - the US shows often carry a warning that some scenes may be created for drama purposes.
Fiery Gordon has become a hit in the US after his shows, Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares were syndicated to Fox.

 

Shaken and stirred: John Chapman has told The National Enquirer that his restaurant was destroyed after appearing on the show

His job as the host of Hell's Kitchen, MasterChef and Kitchen Nightmares, pays him an estimated £9.4m per year.
Recently Gordon hit out at fellow chef Jamie Oliver for trying to tackle healthy eating in the US.
He said: 'You have to be very careful when you go across the pond and want to dictate to Americans about healthy eating. .. If you're not in that best shape yourself then you have to be very careful.'
His latest American series Hotel Hell will air on Channel 4 this year.

Designer A Line Wedding Dress Online

In choosing a gown for your wedding, style is not the only feature that you should keep in mind. Comfort is one key factor when it comes to gowns because you do not want to feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed by the dress in your especial day. A-line wedding dresses are just the right choice when you want radiance and fresh-feeling comfort because the dress does not fit tightly on your body. A-line wedding dresses can be very fashionable even if it has minimal design. A-line wedding dresses make fabulous style statements in simple ways. They are exquisite undoubtedly. Surely, what people perceive from this style will be more than prettiness. If you want to release your personality, you will be delighted by these styles.
The A-line style can support many different fabric choices, depending on the look you want. If you desire a simple look, free flowing silks like charmer use are the best option because they allow the dress to hang naturally and create a soft feminine silhouette. If you want a more structured appearance that emphasizes the continuity of the A-line style, you will want a heavier fabric that can maintain shape, such as peau de soie silk or satin. This same effect can also be achieved with the use of organza, or other supporting fabrics, that can be layered to create a full skirt. The classic A-line Wedding Dresses mainly from satin, light, smooth, soft, shiny is made. Stain integrates comfort, contemporary art and perfect. And nine out of ten brides will choose a satin wedding dress. Look in detail and you will find embroidery and pearls around the A-line bridal dress. The embellishments are small to display all the manual refinement of the design.
Nobody is willing to be common or get neglected in the busy throng. This is the biggest reason why most modern girls never forget dressing decent for everyday commutation. Even though the work rhythm becomes incredibly fast, they do not compromise to their tastes. With a charming look, they can evoke passion that is hidden by heavy pressure. Now that an appealing appearance is of great significance for daily work, it must become more important on your big day. Have you ever found an ideal wedding dress? Or are you frustrated because the style touching the right chord for you has not been detected till now? Okay, put your frustration aside please. This year, the hot style of A-line wedding dress may delight you.
The advantage of the unforgettable classic A Line Wedding Dress quick links is that it is flattering on almost all body types. The most dramatic change of the princess cut is made, not only the illusion of height on a shorter body, but also the impression of a slim body to make a rounded figure. Whether you have a larger lower body, or a narrow higher frame will change the A-line dress your appearance according to your own desire. To emphasize your best features and hide those that you are not happy, Be simple changes around your neck or waist.

How Wills and Kate argue over Scrabble: Royal couple can never finish a game because 'someone gets in a mood and slams the box shut'

There is a crown that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge argue over - but it isn't the one you'd expect.
According to a new documentary, the only thing that makes the young newlyweds argue is who is the reigning Scrabble champion in the royal household.
A film called Our Queen which lifts the lid on the lighter side of royal life has revealed Prince William and Kate love nothing better than a night on a tiles - a game of Scrabble that is.

 

Q, U, E, E... The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have revealed one cause of conflict in the royal household - Scrabble. Apparently both hate to lose at the board game for wordsmiths

 

Loser packs up: According to Kate the couple are so competitive one of them usually storms out before a game is finished

However, like many other families, it seems the board game doesn't always mean a quiet night in as both royals hate to lose.
Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo is the person who lifts the lid on the royal hobby in Our Queen - a two hour film which airs on Sunday in the UK.
After a conversation with Kate at a reception for Team GB, the athlete reveals all.
'She said when they play Scrabble they don’t usually finish a game because somebody got in a mood and slammed it shut,' he laughs.
The couple's love of winning was clearly displayed at the London Olympics where they joined in the celebrations for Britain's medalists.

 

Scrabble queen: The Duchess of Cambridge shared her secret with Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo, who is interviewed in a new documentary following the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee year

The film follows the royal household for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year giving a glimpse behind the scenes and interviews with the Queen both in Buckingham Palace and Balmoral.
Producer-director Michael Walden said the documentary earned rare access.
'She is in one sense a woman at home', he says of the footage
The footage also reveals the lighter side to the monarch who tends to confuse visiting leaders at state dinners by hiding microphones in bouquets of flowers so they don't spoil the look of the occasion.
She always personally inspects the table settings ahead of such an event.
At one such occasion she is filmed asking her staff: 'Where have you hidden it this time?', before adding 'They’re always mystified when I say ‘It’s perfectly alright, just speak’.'
The film is the first feature length documentary following the Queen in more than 20 years.
One scene shows the Prime Minister David Cameron being shown to the monarch discussing a visit to a tractor factory in Basildon, Essex.
They go on to discuss the Eurozone crisis and the Queen says she has received a phone call from the King of Greece on the subject - he is currently in exile in Britain and is Prince William's godfather.
'He is very worried about it,' the Queen says.
Mr Cameron says the regular Wednesday meeting with the Queen is not purely for ceremony.
'It's a very frank conversation about everything going on in the world that week,' he tells the interviewer.
'There's a very therapeutic side to it because sometimes you find it is all becoming clearer as you explain it to this one incredibly experienced person.
'You're always very conscious you're her 12th Prime Minister. She's been listening to this stuff for 60 years.'

Traditional Long Cheongsam within Modern World

The cheongsam is a traditional Chinese dress that has a long history since its inception. Cheongsam as they are known today means 'long dress', but they were originally known as qipao. They first appeared in the 17th century China during the Qing Dynasty in its basic form. It was basically a one-piece suit dress that covered the wearer from neck to foot and were long-sleeved. There were some variants that consisted of a two-piece dress set, a pair of trousers with long overdress. Over the years, as the qipao evolved, it became more stylized and in the 1920s it was modernized to become more fitted to the wearer. With the more flattering, the qipao was increasingly worn by high-class courtesans and celebrities, this popularized this style of oriental dress. As the style of the dress evolved, it started to become known more as cheongsam (or long dress).
It's best to find a personal shopper to assist you in shopping for your Cheongsam Dresses, since this person knows the best shops with the most elegant items. They can also give you information on how to properly store your cheongsam, which you must know if you wish to keep it in a great condition all the time. To match the cheongsam, bride can wear gold jewellery, especially in red cheongsam. The hair style is better to choose updo style. So your neck will seem to be slim and long, especially in high-neck cheongsam. Western wedding dress is not the only one choice for wedding dress. Cheongsam may be more popular in the future. The beauty of cheongsam won't be covered and forgotten.
The reason why the Long Cheongsam quick links is still standing right now is the fact that the style and elegance it gives to the individual is extraordinary. It's only the Far East region that has kept the custom of the Cheongsam up and running. The appeal and stylish feature of Cheongsam is extraordinary and it can easily get you attention everywhere you go. But do not be blown away to find some people adorned in this garment around the airport or even within the most popular Chinese restaurants around town.
The length of the Cheongsam run from the head towards the bottom but this size only made the whole setting of the dress to become unique. Lately, you will get to realize that the Cheongsam is much more stylish but the entire aspect of having the long dress is still on. Once you look online, you'll have the ability to make a contrast of what the previous tradition Cheongsam looked like and what the new style has in store for you. One particular thing is beyond doubt, the initial Cheongsam style was supported by beads on the dress.

Spot the difference: Reese Witherspoon steps out with lookalike daughter Ava and baby son Tennessee for birthday party

She's inherited her mother's blonde hair and All-American good looks.
And it seems actress Reese Witherspoon, 36, and her 13-year-old daughter Ava are growing more and more alike every day.
Reese stepped out with her 'mini-me' offspring Ava and six-month-old son Tennessee for a birthday party in Brentwood, California on Saturday.

 

Passing on the good genes: Reese and her pretty daughter look very much alike and almost looked as if they could have been sisters on their way to a birthday party in California on Saturday

Actress Reese dressed casually for the occasion and wore a bright pink jumper which she teamed with a pair of dark blue denim jeans.
She had a pair of leopard print pumps on her feet and carried a brown bag over her shoulder while she protected her eyes from the strong Californian sunshine with a pair of dark sunglasses.
Ava looked stylish in a white lace dress with a hint of green from the material beneath.
She wore a denim jacket over the garment and had on a pair of brown boots which matched the thin belt which was around her waist.

 

No need for a body double: Reese may be able to employ her lookalike daughter Ava as a stand-in for her movies in the future as the pair look so alike

 

 

Like mother like daughter: Reese and her daughter Ava looked very much alike as they made their way to a birthday party on Saturday

 

A family affair: Reese had her mother on hand to help out if the children at the party got too excitable

The similar-looking pair were joined by Ava's baby brother and Reese's six-month-old son Tennessee who wore a cute green, white and blue checked shirt while he had a sun hat on his head.
And in case things got out of hand at the party, Reese had her mother by her side to keep her company while surrounded by excitable children.
And if Reese ever finds the pressure of being a parent to her growing brood too much, she can rely on the help of husband Jim Toth.
Following the birth of baby Tennessee last year, a source told People magazine: 'Everyone is bonding with the baby.

 

Witherspoon army: Reese and Ava were joined by baby Tennessee for their trip out who was carried by a friend

'And Jim has had a lighter workload and has been spending a lot of time at home with the baby as well.
'She definitely feels settled in her family life with Jim and her kids.'
Another insider added: '[Jim] was just over the moon and really excited to become a dad.'

 

Incoming: Reese walked down the street and appeared to be enjoying the warm springtime Californian sunshine as she arrived at the party

 

You have reached your destination: Reese smiled as she arrived at the party and appeared to have the perfect weather for the event

Creative with Your Handmade Bracelet

If you are choosing a unique bracelet for yourself then you can go out and purchase one that is to your own taste and style but when you are looking for one of these pieces of handmade jewellery for someone else it has to be there taste and style that you are looking for and you have to make sure that it is a piece that the recipient is going to wear.
Handmade friendship bracelets are popular throughout the world and are more popular in teenagers both male and female. In the market different patterns, sizes and thickness of handmade friendship bracelets are available and are mostly made from cloth and strings. Some contains different letters and symbols (heart symbol bracelets are more popular), Some contains ladder patterns or candy stripes. Egyptian style and Chinese staircase patterns are also famous designs.
There are many different styles in this category of handmade jewellery and you will find bangles, bracelets, beaded bracelets and one of the most popular at the moment as they are very fashionable is the charm bracelet and you will find these in many unique and original designs. They will all come in many styles from traditional to very modern. Charm bracelets are started within a memorable reason behind an individual's existence, typically presented to them like a gift. This essentially is well-known to like a starter bracelet and each and every every now and then, as new events and reminiscences come up, the individual will demonstrate to include for their bracelet.There's also handmade bracelet that is produced from multi-colored beads and it will be primarily well-liked by north western American Indian jewellery.
If you decide not to go for gold then your piece of handmade jewellery could be made from sterling silver and this will be easier on your pocket. You will be able to find many unique bracelets that have been crafted from this metal into original designs. Some will be in plain polished silver and others with have intricate designs. You may also find pieces that have been set with semi-precious stones. Silver is a popular metal with both the young and the old and it can be worn at formal occasions and also at casual.
Handmade Bracelet quick links may be your choice and you will find many of these designs to choose from and they will come crafted from many different types of beads like semi-precious beads to beads that have been handmade from glass into stunning designs. Some of these beautiful original glass beads can be strung together to create unique bracelets and the jeweller can use different colour combinations so that ever piece of handmade jewellery is different. You are able to find beaded bracelets that have been strung onto strong elastic thread so this means that these pieces of beaded jewellery will fit any size wrist.

Putting on a brave face! Seth MacFarlane steps out for the first time since his ill-fated Oscars hosting gig hit a bum note

He was almost universally panned by critics and celebrities alike for his somewhat disastrous hosting gig at the 85th Academy Awards on Sunday night.
But Seth MacFarlane made sure to put on a brave face as he stepped out for the first time since the Oscars on Thursday.
The 39-year-old star was all smiles as he headed out to visit friends in Los Angeles, evidently not in the least bit bothered about the criticism surrounding his performance.

Best foot forward: Seth MacFarlane put on a brave face as he stepped out for the first time since his disastrous Oscars hosting gig last weekend

Shielding his eyes from the California sun in a pair of dark shades and a baseball cap, the Family Guy comedian looked happy and relaxed as he stepped out in jeans, trainers, a simple T-shirt and a khaki jacket.

 

As the creator of rude movie Ted, MacFarlane was always going to be a risky choice for the Academy, but he incurred the wrath of viewers during his joke stuffed monologue after he made an indirect reference to Skyfall singer Adele's weight.
He divided opinion with many of his jokes, which saw him mock Chris Brown and Rihanna's relationship, as well as take part in a sketch which was deemed racist after the comedian used a coloured sock to illustrated Denzel Washington.

All-smiles: The Ted creator didn't seem in the least bit bothered about the criticism surrounding his gags as he headed out to meet friends in Los Angeles on Thursday

The funnyman left no facet of Hollywood untouched by his barbs, joking about women, domestic violence, ageism, weight and the 'hairy' Kardashians.
While going through his list of perfunctory celebrity bashing jokes he also managed to make an inappropriate sexual joke about nine-year-old nominee Quvenzhane Wallis and George Clooney.
'To give you an idea of how young she is, it'll be 16 years until she's too old for Clooney,' he said.

Moving on: The 39-year-old star looked happy and relaxed as he headed out for the day

Meanwhile, his gags were deemed 'offensive, unfunny and inappropriate' by many Jewish rights groups, while he was slammed as 'sexist' 'misogynistic' and 'sexually exploitative' for a segment entitled 'We Saw Your Boobs', referencing stars such as Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence.
The skit also drew criticism from actresses Jane Fonda and Lena Dunham, with two-time Oscar-winner Fonda criticising the segment as 'neither appropriate or funny'.

Loved-up: Seth is currently dating Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke

Meanwhile, Girls writer and creator Dunham wrote on Twitter: 'Hey ragers. "The ones who aren't advancing the cause" I mentioned aren't always, or mostly, women. Case in point: I saw your boobs.'
But it doesn't seem as though he will be accepting the presenting gig again anytime soon.
Retweeting a message from another website asking him if he would reprise his presenting role,
MacFarlane said on Tuesday : 'No way. Lotta fun to have done it, though.'

Controversial: The star's Oscars hosting gig divided opinion among celebrities and critics alike

Buddhist Jewelry – Symbols of Spirituality

There are many different styles of Buddhist jewelry to choose from. However, what is the right style for you? While most jewelry is a personal preference, Buddhist jewelry isn't just a fashion statement. Instead they should be used to help heal your body and mind. Allowing you to gain either enlightenment or health through wearing Buddhist Jewelry. One of the most popular are necklaces, charms, earrings, or rings that display the beautiful lotus flower. As a symbol of enlightenment the lotus has become an essential symbol in Buddhist jewelry. Whether it is molded from sterling silver, carved from a beautiful authentic jade stone, or 24K gold; the lotus is one of the most popular pieces of Buddhist inspired jewelry.
You may even find a Stupa interlaced with Buddhist jewelry pieces. Of which is the Buddhist symbol of the elements "Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Again like many other pendants or pieces of jewelry they can be found in different materials. However the mot common is sterling silver or a deep bronze. They can often times become fairly difficult to find locally, so you should utilize the internet to save you time in searching. Another common symbol in Buddhist jewelry is the Prayer wheel. Often times seen as a necklace pendant or earrings; since they can be fairly bulky for rings. The Prayer wheel normally is found carved with auspicious symbols along with the mantra. Some prayer wheel jewelry even contains an authentic paper prayer scroll. Allowing you to keep a prayer in your heart at all times.
Your preference for the combination of the earthy metals and colors will highlight in the most exquisite manner your slender wrist, your elegant neck or your delicate fingers. Perhaps you like the more natural touch of copper jewelry with silver and black accents. Simple or elaborate, buddhist jewelry radiates and enhances your inner beauty that will get you noticed. Buddhist jewelry can express your unique style in itself or combined with your wardrobe to complement your fashion statement. From casual jeans and t-shirt to elegant evening wear, buddhist jewelry can reflect your passion for life with style and class. Timeless and elegant buddhist jewelry will make your style unique and incomparable.
If you are looking for a way to show your friends that you care for them, one of the best ways is to give a unique gift of Buddhist Jewelry quick links as a unique birthday gift. You will find many dangle handmade earrings created in animal themes including horse, cat, butterfly, hummingbird, dragonfly, wolf and many more. If you do not find your favorite animal them earrings , we will make it for you. You’ll find that when you give a gift of one of a kind unique jewelry that it can become a very important symbol in many ways and a treasured memory for her to remember for years to come. Your friends will cherish this outstanding animal jewelry earrings and think of you every time they wear.