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27
Aug
I was fortunate enough to recently discover a website called Deli2Dine4 http://www.deli2dine4.co.uk Run by Chris, it is “an online British Deli offering you delicious artisan products from small producers made in our beautiful country.”
I ordered several products from the site, some as gifts for family as an alternative for flowers, some as presents for my Daughter’s teachers and I treated myself to a couple too! There is a really wide variety of products on the site as you would expect from a bricks and mortar deli shop ranging from chutneys, to preserves, teas and chocolates. Why I liked the site was because the products were all unusual and sounded delicious! They are all reasonably priced and delivery is a very affordable £3.50. My order was delivered promptly and well packaged.
My favourite item ordered was the Cuban Mojito Breakfast Marmalade by The Pickled Village £3.50 for 340g http://www.deli2dine4.co.uk/cart/cuban-mojito-marmalade-p-68.php It is described as “An exotic way to shake up the day. A sharp zing of lime and a dash of white rum” I have to admit, what surprised me most, was that is tasted exactly as described! It was zingy and I could taste the rum! Definitely a good, and yes exotic, way to start the day!
The company is run by Chris Hand, an ex-chef with 25 years experience and an on-going passion for food. This is what I wanted to know;
Q) When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A) When I was very little I wanted to be a Jockey! I used to ride Donkeys on Blackpool Beach where I was born. Then when I was about 11 I wanted to work in a bank as my Dad used to work with money too. Then aged about 14 I wanted to be a chef, I always helped my Mum in the kitchen and always licked the bowl out!
Q) What’s your favourite time of the day?
A) Morning, I’m always more awake!
Q) What inspired you to start your own business?
A) The love of working for myself, I’m quite independent and like the freedom. I love food and always wanted to set up a Deli.
Q) If you were to cook a special meal for special people, what would it be and where?
A) Oooh, difficult one that! Classic British food, Asparagus to start with Quail eggs, Fillet of Dexter Beef, Yorkshire Puddings, Shallot Sauce. Apple and Treacle Sponge and Custard. Where? In a London Eye Pod with my Mum, Ayton Senna, Gianfranco Zola, Steve Davis, Stephen Fry and Gordon Ramsey.
Q) What’s your favourite cooking ingredient?
A) Halen Mon Sea Salt Natural and Celery Salts.
Q) How would you describe Deli2Dine4 in one sentence?
A) Delicious Artisan foods from our wonderful Island.
Q) What’s your favourite product on the site?
A) Farrington’s Mellow Yellow Rapeseed oil, such a versatile healthy oil made in Northamptonshire by Duncan Farrington.
Q) What’s the most unusual product on the site?
A) Cheeky Monkey Chutney from the Garlic Farm – Bananas, Dates and Garlic fantastic in a Thai chicken and coconut curry.
Q) What’s your favourite customer review?
A) Has to be you! And your comments about your Mojito Marmalade!
Q) What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you?
A) Follow your heart, enjoy life and take each day as it comes (My Mum)
Q) How do you define Success?
A) Happiness
Q) What plans do you have for the next six months to keep the Sparkle?
A) I want to expand into the corporate sector with gifts and hampers, also by keeping up to date with what’s new in the food being produced. Recently, I have introduced Clippy’s Apples, Mr Filberts nuts and seeds and Blue Sauces.
You can see the full range of gorgeous products at http://www.deli2dine4.co.uk
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I was very excited last week to meet up with Kelly Lundberg from Divine but also extremely nervous at the same time! Kelly runs a successful personal shopping and stylist business both in London and Dubai, she established Dubai’s very first online wedding registry, is a Lloyds TSB Small Business Winner, was nominated Female Entrepreneur of the Year, has been voted as one of the Top Ten Things to do in Dubai and has also published a book, “Success in the City”.
Since having my Girls and not being able to go out as often, I have developed a love for cooking and entertaining at home. I subscribe to several monthly cooking magazines, have created a small vegetable patch for us in our garden and am learning more about fresh produce, seasonality and supporting local producers.
As my 4 year old daughter breaks up from school this Friday (and doesn’t go back until 22nd September, yes, that’s 9 ½ weeks!) I am currently compiling a list of activities to keep us amused to ensure that the holidays are happy times rather than stretches of boredom interspersed with park visits!
I am very excited to announce our very first Summer Social Event on Tuesday 17th August from 8pm!
I thought I would update you on my very first Mums the Boss meeting this month.

Natalie owns O’Natural Spray Tan using the latest HVLP spray tanning equipment, pop up cubicle and one of the best natural tanning solutions, you can achieve a wonderful tan in less than 15minutes and all from the comfort of your own home!! She covers Hemel Hempstead, Bovingdon, Sarratt, Chipperfield, Berkhamsted, Harpenden, St Albans, Kings Langley, Abbots Langley and Watford. (Other areas may incur an extra fee)