Latest Posts...
What's in a name!
Posted by Samantha Castle on April 9, 2009 3:10 PM
While entertaining four visitors Weekly News reporter Samantha Castle test drove a Nissan Qashqai supplied by Slaters Nissa, Abergele.
SO what's in a name? Mustang, Diablo and Vanquish all sound full of power and mystery. Astra, Clio and Seed seem small and approachable, but what is a Qashqai?
After some internet research I found the Qashqai were middle age, Turkic-speaking nomads from Iran.
Despite its weird name and Japanese badge, the Nissan Qashqai is a British car. It was designed in Nissan's London studios, engineered at the company's workshops in Bedfordshire and built in Washington, Sunderland.
Nissan has sold almost 300,000 of them to date along with its new cousin the Qashqai+2 with two extra seats, which I had test drove recently.
For a large family the Qashqui+2 is a bargain, not only is it capacious inside with little storage compartments everywhere, including under the floor and with its vast panoramic sunroof, its like an observatory on wheels.
The black, shiny, diesel model I was given for the weekend was only four months old and full of optional extras including metallic paint, rear-view camera and chrome trim. But don't worry there are only a few optional extras with this range, which I see as a positive.
The range goes from £15,500 for the 1.6-liter petrol to £23,270 for the 2.0-liter auto diesel.
For a diesel I was pleasantly surprised to find I was permanently in the fast lane and the drive was very quiet and smooth to manoeuvre with a grand sense of safety being that little bit higher up than other road users. The handling on county roads down the Conwy Valley was great and the heated seats were a godsend after a gruelling hike up Snowdon.
I must admit I felt like I had lost an arm when I had to say good buy to that reversing camera, don't get me wrong I am a very competent driver (in a fiesta) but this was almost twice the size! And don't get me started on the six-speed gears, cruise control, air-con, six-CD auto-changer, Bluetooth and sat nav- I adore gadgets and gizmos like that, show-off that I am.
The fuel consumption averaged 40mpg, but that's probably down to the long country drives I was doing- I would expect townies and Chelsea tractor types to not get much over 36mpg, but that's a matter of opinion.
In a nutshell I liked it, comfortable and economical- it transported around five females and all their walking gear in style.
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
Getting fit the North Wales way
Posted by Samantha Castle on March 25, 2009 12:07 PM
AFTER experiencing a British military boot camp in the Brecon Beacons last October reporter I asks why should women have to travel out of North Wales to achieve the body of their dreams when we have all the facilities right here on our doorstep?
Women in the region could soon have the opportunity of dropping a dress size after two prominent local businesses are looking at developing a North Wales weight-loss boot camp.
Each week hundreds of women, including celebrities like singer Michelle Heaton and Jade Goody, travel as far as Devon and South Wales in a bid to lose weight and develop a new exercise and healthy eating regime. And after spending a week at the famed British military New You Boot Camp last year, I saw first hand how women of all ages and backgrounds were prepared to pay up to and over £1,000 each to be put through their paces military-style, but why travel out of North Wales for the experience when we have similar facilities right here on our door step.
So last weekend I invited some of the girls I met at boot camp to North Wales to sample what our green and pleasant land has to offer. I teamed up with three local businesses- Slaters Nissan, Abergele, Tree Top Adventures, Betws-y-Coed and the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy, to provide my guests with an action-packed, luxury weekend.
The girls stayed at the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy who supplied twin rooms at the five star location for £70 per night with 25% off spa treatments, which the girls took full advantage of soothing their aching limbs after each day of activity.
The Hotel's Operations Director Tony Riley commented: "The Quay Hotel and Spa has made it a priority to establish itself as a fantastic venue in which to enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits, such as sailing, hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, tree top walking etc.
"We are perfectly positioned to develop a boot camp package."
Local businessman Sean Taylor agrees saying there is a gap in the market for this kind of healthy holiday package.
"I will definitely be looking into working with the Quay Hotel to develop a package for women who want to lose weight," said Sean.
"At Tree Top Adventure its not just the rope walk, we do gouge walking, abseiling, hill walking, bush craft, anything goes.
"There is definitely a gap in the market for this kind of holiday here- we have all the facilities to provide women with a pound busting experience."
As well as taking the girls on a gruelling walk up Mount Snowdon they also enjoyed an afternoon grappling the Tree Top Adventure rope course in Betws-y-Coed and I ferried them around in the lap of luxury in a brand new seven seater Nissan Qashqai supplied by Slaters Nissan in Abergele.
Mother of two, Michele Curtis travelled from Suffolk for the reunion. She lost 5lbs at boot camp. "It was great seeing the girls again and to see everyone's kept up their fitness and healthy eating regimes since October," she said.
"I've loved it in North Wales, the rope walk was a real challenge but also a lot of fun and I don't think I would have ever contemplated walking up Snowdon before boot camp. It doesn't just change you physically but mentally too, for the better."
Businesswoman and mother of three Helen MacAndrews is from Berkshire. She said the hotel's spa was a godsend. "Thank goodness for the spa to help ease our aching limbs.
"It has been a great weekend, North Wales has so much to offer. Although my arms are now a few inches longer after the rope walk," said Helen, 48.
Sam Stanger, 31 from London has travelled all over the world. "I lost a whooping 7lbs at boot camp, I think these holidays are a great idea for women trying to lose weight."
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
I've over dosed on spending again
Posted by Samantha Castle on January 20, 2009 11:29 PM
OMG. Is it me or is everyone broke already this month?
It's only four days after payday and I'm already up to my £700 overdraft limit.
How did this happen? I'll tell you what Christmas and New Year happened, despite my mantra that staying in is the new going out, I still managed to blow my budget on doing just that!
January can be depressing enough what with going back to work, the cold, wet weather and not to mention this blooming credit crunch (I hate calling it that but hey it's happening)
I had a couple of bills that I put off paying until this month so I guess that's what broke the bank for me, normally I would just take it easy and ride the poverty storm but this month I have two birthdays and Valentines day to shell out for.
I refuse to ignore my beautiful mum's birthday even if she would rather forget about it, as this is the women who has bailed me out financially on a couple of occasions and I owe her everything because not only did she help me out but she made me see the error of my ways. Yes I am still in debt but at least I'm more aware of it and trying my dammed hardest to pay off my debts slowly but surely. She of all people knows the intricate details of my money worries and will probably say she doesn't want anything for her birthday so I am sure she won't mind that her birthday present was bought in Debenhams blue cross sale.
But prehaps just this once I will have to forgo the commercially forced celebrations of Valentines day and be original and think of a homemade way to celebrate my love for *loml. I am sure my other half won't complain at some old fashioned home entertainment instead of an overpriced meal in a crowded restaurant! Well I hope so because that's all he's getting this year.
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
The lengths people will go to to save money on their 2009 getaway
Posted by Samantha Castle on January 15, 2009 9:01 PM
ONE in three parents will be more likely to take their kids out of school in this year to save money on the family holiday compared to previous years according to a new survey.
2008 has been a challenging year in travel and with the current economic climate Brits are embracing online media more than ever in a quest to seek cost effective, reputable holiday opportunities.
A poll of 1,250 adults by webTV travel site, Holiday '09 has revealed that six out of ten people don't trust traditional holiday brochures anymore. Over half of the people polled said they would be looking for advice on how to save money and get the best deal on their holiday this year. For nine out of ten consumers this research will be done online.
Encouragingly, a getaway is very much on the cards for the majority of respondents with a beach holiday taking poll position. Over a quarter of those surveyed revealed that UK city breaks are in their plans for 2009 while a fifth of respondents are planning something more long haul. One in ten of us are planning a camping trip for 09.
Ceriann Mullins, Editor of Holiday '09 said: "It's clear that following recent events in the industry and the global economy that customers want reassurance from travel companies placing openness, transparency and interactivity higher up their decision making process."
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
Money in a wink
Posted by Samantha Castle on January 5, 2009 4:52 PM
WITH the credit crunch continuing to bite, would-be models are turning to alternative ways of making money by renting out their eyelids as advertising space.
I kid you not!
feelunique.com, the online beauty boutique, is offering people the chance to earn 10p per wink in return for displaying the company's logo on their eyelid space.
Amy Rebours of feelunique.com said: "We all take notice when we're being winked at so what better way to advertise a beauty company than on people's eyelids. It's a genuine marketing first, which encourages people to spread a feel-good winking moment and earn some much-needed extra income in the process. So far, it's been brilliantly received with people fancying a different kind of flutter and registering to be feelunique.com winkers."
People who sign up to star in the campaign will have the feelunique.com logo temporarily transferred onto their right or left eyelid and will be paid on a Pay Per Wink (PPW) basis - up to a total of £100 per model.
Visit www.feelunique.com for more information on how to take part, become a winker and make money from fluttering your eyelids.
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
The Deganwy Quay Hotel and Spa has Christmas (and me) all wrapped up!
Posted by Samantha Castle on December 16, 2008 8:24 PM
WHEN Tony Riley, General Manager at the Deganwy Quay Hotel and Spa and his staff read in my blog how utterly terrible I was doing with my penny pinching due to the credit crunch, they decided to bestow me some festive cheer.
I was invited to spend an overnight stay in one of the hotel's 74 stylish bedrooms, suites and penthouses and sample their Spa facilities and Christmas menu during my stay, how could I refuse such a generous offer?
Meticulously designed throughout, the luxurious Quay Hotel epitomises cool sophistication. Set in an idyllic waterside location with views over Conwy Marina, Conwy Quayside and the Conwy Castle, the hotel is a perfect coastal retreat.
Myself and *loml packed our overnight bags and made our way along the A55 to the hotel last Friday for a blissful nights stay in a suit that I can honestly say was actually bigger than our little beachfront flat back home in Llanfairfechan!
As well as a large double bedroom with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and deluxe bathroom, overlooking Conwy Marina we also had the added luxury of our own dining room and sitting room with French windows leading onto a long balcony over looking Conwy Castle.
Our suite was situated across the hotels serene courtyard, which on finer days looked like a peaceful place for quiet contemplation. However, during our stay it was blowing a gale with torrential rain showers- if only I'd know beforehand that the reception can provide you with a brolly on such occasions!
Anyway, as guests we had complimentary use of the hotels fitness suite and swimming pool, which I have to admit, did look absolutely beautiful and very inviting after a long day in the office, but unfortunately myself and *loml got so carried away just enjoying our hotel suite and the sumptuous Christmas menu that we forgot all about the Spa- maybe next time.
Although I did notice the Spa has got some amazing winter offers on right now including a winter warmer pamper and polish package which includes five treatments, complimentary drinks and full use of the other leisure facilities, all for just £60 (that's a massive saving of £60 off the normal price!) They are also offering tailor-made Spa packages where you can choose either three or five treatments for £49 or £79, valid until March 31.
But my favourite Spa package, which I want to book for myself and my sister to enjoy sometime soon, is their amazing two for one offer which includes a nourishing body wrap, light lunch, use of the swimming pool, whirl pool, steam and sauna rooms all for £80 for two.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Deganwy Quay Hotel and Spa, and came away feeling pleasantly stuffed like a Christmas day turkey after what can only be described as one of the tastiest Christmas lunches I've ever tasted (sorry mum!) Before we left we were treated to the hotels festive Christmas lunch which consists of four yummy course, including coffee and mince pies- all for just £19.95pp. An ideal location and price for a work Christmas meal or party.
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas without all the hassle why not spend it at the Quay Hotel?
Spend this Christmas in North Wales and enjoy the Quay Hotel and Spar's three night house party from just £345pp. The hotels Christmas break package is based on two people sharing a classic twin or double room and includes all your meals and snacks.
For further information and details of special offers, visit www.quayhotel.com or call:01492 564100.
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
Groundhog Day- only worse.
Posted by Samantha Castle on December 3, 2008 2:35 PM
DURING this past month I have woken up nearly every morning feeling very sorry for myself. Its mainly due to the state of my finances, although you would of thought I was on top of my money worries after a year of penny pinching but thanks to the dreaded credit crunch, economic downturn or recession- whatever you want to call it, I am no better off for all my scrimping and saving over the past 12 months.
As you are all probably painfully aware everyone is feeling the pinch right now- what with Christmas just round the corner, the raising cost of living and it not being reflected in our wage packets.
But you have to feel sorry for all those people, and there are thousands of them, who works for a company that has just announced its either in administration, has already closed or going through a restructuring programme resulting in redundancies. It's happening everywhere, it's like a cancer crippling not only the local economy and national economy too with almost everyone knowing someone who has been effected by it. So feel sorry for me too because I am one of those people directly effected.
As you may or may not be aware Trinity Mirror, my own employer, publicly announced on Thursday that a total of 59 journalists' jobs and a further 19 non-editorial roles are set to go in North Wales, Liverpool and the North-West as a result of a "major restructure".
No job is safe anymore, not even my own.
Everything seemed to come to a head for me on Monday when I accidentally went over my £700 overdraft limit by £4, I rushed out to the Halifax on my lunch brake and withdrew the last £20 out of my savings account and paid it straight into my depleted current account. But alas, I was still informed today, by a smug letter that floated onto my doormat, that I will be charged 35 extortionate English pounds for my error. And I've still got two weeks until pay day and at least three Christmas parties to attend. Luckily I already have all my Christmas presents as I tend to purchase things in the January sale and store items away in the back of my wardrobe- along with the shoes I've allegedly had for years!
- Post to:
- del.icio.us
- Digg
- Newsvine
- Nowpublic
- Reddit
"Hello, I just wanted to point out that you have ca..."
"Amazing...this place has to be visited in an 2009!..."
"The site very professional! Keep up the good work!..."
"Well done Sam. So proud of you! Your story about y..."
"I was a member of the Green Group on this week in ..."
"Gosh Sam, the food sounds yummy but the rest of it..."