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<title>Threes'a Crowd</title>
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<description>Threes'a Crowd</description>
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<item>
<title>The ultimate shoe fantasty</title>
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<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/The-ultimate-shoe-fantasty/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>Have you ever thought &quot;if only that pair of shoes came with a slightly smaller heel, a different shade of red or came in satin rather than leather&quot;? Well wonder no more.....</p>
	<p>Envy Couture (www.envycouture.com), a new and exciting online shoe boutique has revolutionised the way in which we shop for shoes.  This fabulous online boutique leaves it up to you to decide what fabric to choose from, which colour to  have and how high - do you go for a respectable 1.5&quot; or reach for the skies with a 4&quot; heel - well it's up to you to decide.  They have an amazing range of fabrics and colour to choose from so the possibilites are endless and you will end up creating something unique and very beautiful.</p>
	<p>Once you have made the all important decision your shoes are then hand made to order and sent beautifully packaged to your door - who could ask for more.</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>sally golland</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 16:48:30 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Soft Shell Crab</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Soft-Shell-Crab/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Soft-Shell-Crab/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>Atul Kochhar is head chef of Michelin starred restaurant Benares. Watch our video of him demonstrating how to make one of his award winning recipes for pan fried sea bass with coconut and lime sauce.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Staying home</category>
<dc:creator>Anna Krahn</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 14:24:26 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Cannes Kicks Off</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Cannes-Kicks-Off/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Cannes-Kicks-Off/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>The Cannes Film Festival has kicked off again for twelve days of movies, gossip and frocks.  It's only day two and we've got a taster of all three.</p>
	<p>The festival kicked off with “Blindness” a dark Brazilian drama about society's decline into anarchy.</p>
	<p>The English-language adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning writer Jose Saramago's novel stars Julianne Moore as  a doctor's wife observing the cruelty and degradation around her.</p>
	<p>This film is already causing a buzz and a contender for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize. </p>
	<p>A more light hearted hit though is the animated Kung Fu Panda which features Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman which had its premiere yesterday.</p>
	<p>Most of the gossip originates here and mainly surrounds two mini Jolie-Pitts. Angelina's smile matched the size of her bump at the premiere as Jack Black slipped up that she was expecting twins. </p>
	<p>Angelina looked glowing in a floor-length green dress but wasn't the only one shining on the red carpet as Natalie Imbruglia sparkled in a stunning Cartier diamond necklace and understated red dress.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>News</category>
<dc:creator>Three's  A Crowd</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 12:14:52 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Burlesque Moves</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Burlesque-Moves/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Burlesque-Moves/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>After Three's A Crowd's Abi had a go at Pole Dancing she decided to have a go at  a bit of Burlesque dancing.</p>
	<p>Burlesque dancing is a great way to work out while shimmying and shaking your thing.</p>
	<p>Here, Abi and the tutor show you how.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>Anna Krahn</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 18:01:20 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Top Ten</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Top-Ten_Y46G/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Top-Ten_Y46G/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>Fly the flag in some fabulous British designerwear</p>
	<p>1.       One of our favourite UK designers, Sir Paul Smith has revamped the Union Jack and come up with this sexy little vest top.</p>
	<p>2.       Oh Vivienne!  The grand dame of British fashion knows how to work the floral trend, coming up trumps with an effortlessly cool blouse.  </p>
	<p>3.       The London party girl’s label, PPQ has come up with this fabulous little number that rocks the globe trotter trend.</p>
	<p>4.       The ‘Rio’ shoes by Georgina Goodman are the perfect party shoe for dancing up a storm.</p>
	<p>5.       One of the UK’s hottest design talents, Hannah Marshall has reworked the little black dress and created a scorching hot number for causing a stir at summer parties!</p>
	<p>6.       Belstaff has a classic British heritage to compliment its classic designs. Famous for their aviator sunglasses, they’ve modernised a traditional shape.</p>
	<p>7.       When you need a raincoat you know you can trust a British brand and who knows our temperamental weather better than Aquascutum. They’ve created the ‘Onassis’ mac which is perfect for showery summer days.</p>
	<p>8.       Proving that it isn’t only the Italian’s that like a bit of leopard print, Sara Berman jazzes up her trapeze dress with this cool print. </p>
	<p>9.       Twenty8Twelve is the new kid on the British design block, but they’re proving they’re here to stay with this eye catching dress with pretty picture prints. </p>
	<p>10.   Vivienne Westwood makes jersey sexy with this slinky mini dress.  Perfect for warm summer nights, it’s a subtle design classic from a fashion revolutionary.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>Sarah Curran</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 11:15:47 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Chinese Magic</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Chinese-Magic/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Chinese-Magic/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>When I started meandering down the streets of Mayfair I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. With an armoury of awards under its belt this venue has been acknowledged over the past five years as one of the best Chinese Restaurants in London </p>
	<p>So with a pedigree as impressive as a Crufts winner what delights await you at Kai Mayfair? </p>
	<p>The layout itself encompasses a split level dining area with an elegant and distinguished appearance and a smart fish tank. </p>
	<p>There’s a beautiful feature wall of brushed chrome tiles set against a plush suede banquette that’s as smooth as a baby’s bottom - well almost. We were seated in a quiet and cosy corner that was so comfortable you could’ve easily sat in it all night. (It’s a good job as we were noshing our way through a 4 course menu for the best part of three hours.) </p>
	<p>The romance levels were turned up to full blast thanks to the resident harpist as the soft gentle plucking of harp chords was a truly unforgettable experience throughout our meal. Wine and water came almost hand in hand with the German Dr. Loosen Riesling an excellent choice full of body with peach and apple bouquets.</p>
	<p>Head Chef Alex Chow, whom we had the pleasure of meeting, is a real magician especially when it comes to his execution of dishes. The first starter can only be described as a sophisticated “Lamb Martini.” Presented in a tall cocktail glass, the braised shank of lamb is blended to a smooth paste and cooked in a dozen or so “secret” ingredients with a smooth layer of cream, garlic, chilli fakes and chicken stock. </p>
	<p>The taste is both light and subtle whereas the meat underneath is as soft as butter. Meanwhile the Shanghai Noodles are transparent sheets of glass noodles that come with shredded chicken, coriander and infused with a vinaigrette of soya and sesame oil that was extremely delicate.</p>
	<p>The second course was a traditional crispy duck which was plentiful and came with the usual trimmings of sliced cucumber, onions and pancakes. The meat was particularly soft and in fact we had our first pancake hand rolled which was a nice touch by one of the servers decked out in her silk purple and green trim outfits. </p>
	<p>We were thinking more about the marathon than the sprint and opted after for only one main which was Steamed Chilean sea bass with chopped snow leaf, aromatic Japanese mushrooms and coriander rice. This as we both declared with a firm nod of our heads was a resounding success. </p>
	<p>The fish sits proudly on a moat of recooked and sweetened soy sauce that marries beautifully with the flaky texture of the fish that simply falls off your fork. For a salad accompaniment the goji berry salad is something special with tender bamboo shoots coupled with garlic sprouts that have just a wisp of garlic, lily bulb and goji beans.  </p>
	<p>For dessert we ordered the speciality of pumpkin cream with purple rice and coconut ice cream that was sublime. Presented again in a glass which Tom Cruise would have had fun with in “Cocktail” this dish consisted of blended pumpkin with single cream that was silky and finished with a creamy coconut ice cream that complemented the depth of the pumpkin magnificently. </p>
	<p>The trio of ice cream was uncomplicated with chocolate, vanilla and green tea making an appearance. The green tea scored high performance points for authentic flavour and perfume. </p>
	<p>The final treat was the cauldron of “Happy Chocolates” which certainly brought a smile to our faces. Our server came over with a bowl that was a concoction of dry ice with water that created the bubbling “cauldron” effect. Hiding inside were the sweet chocolate goodies which we happily munched on. This came with a pot of classic Japanese tea that rounded off a simply remarkable evening. </p>
	<p>With some dishes on the menu featuring a Braised Imperial Sharks Fin Soup at £98 and a whole Peking Duck spread over 2 courses for £118 you may need to get a second or even third job to dine here. </p>
	<p>But if you want to receive first class dining treatment and be given some of the best hospitality this side of Beijing, then make Kai Mayfair your next stop - It’s just a pity I can’t go there every week.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Going Out</category>
<dc:creator>Simon Lazarus</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 10:42:01 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Feel-Good Movie</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Feel-Good-Movie/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Feel-Good-Movie/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is the story of Molly Mahoney, who inherits the emporium, a magical toy store, from her eccentric 243 year old boss who is “leaving.” Upon his departure, the store has a temper tantrum and Mahoney finds herself in a slump. </p>
	<p>The story of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is Mahoney’s journey to find herself and discover whether she can muster up enough magic to replace Magorium. With the help of Eric, a precocious odd-ball 12 year old and Henry, a straight-laced accountant hired by Magorium to appraise the store, one is drawn into the quirky world of the emporium. </p>
	<p>Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is delightfully lighthearted but is simultaneously able to convey profound thoughts on death and the way we live while we are here.</p>
	<p>Dustin Hoffman, as Mr. Magorium, delivered a stellar performance. His character is eccentric and loveable; think, if Keith Richards were Santa. His performance was invaluable to the film. </p>
	<p>Natalie Portman as Molly Mahoney was also good, but in a type-cast role. The idea of her playing a twenty-something year old trying to find herself and discover her inner child is too predictable, especially for this film. Her character was undeveloped and became a bore to watch. On the other hand, Zach Mills, a newcomer to tinsel town, was adorable as Eric.</p>
	<p>Dustin Hoffman was the most valuable asset to this film because the story was particularly trite. It is as though writer and director Zach Elms watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory one too many times and decided to replace the chocolate with toys. </p>
	<p>The only aspect that really sets it apart is Mr. Magorium’s unique perspective and confrontation with death, what he calls “leaving.” Mr. Magorium is able to achieve the simultaneously hardest and easiest task of all: he is able to be himself in his final hour.</p>
	<p>Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is a great feel-good movie, though perhaps not a classic. It is a great cross-generational film for this holiday season and under its mediocre story line, it carries a sweet message. </p>
	<p>Mr. Magorium represents what Dustin Hoffman has said out of character, “I’m going to be me in my third act.” In the end, perhaps the ability to believe in ourselves and embrace that which does not make us generic is the real magic.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Staying home</category>
<dc:creator>Susan Kaufman</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 10:06:48 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Style in the City</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Style-in-the-City/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Style-in-the-City/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>The much anticipated release of the Sex and the City film has got fans of the series and fashion alike caught in a bubble of inexplicable excitement. </p>
	<p>Having long been synonymous with style, the show has created many a fashion must-have and the film is set to cause even more of a stir with sneak previews and trailers giving us a glimpse into Carrie’s big screen closet. </p>
	<p>Even without the New York ladies’ budgets, costume jewellery designer Kenneth Jay Lane’s pieces mean we can go some way to recreating their look with his fabulously affordable accessories. </p>
	<p>Fit for a cocktail-party-attending-princess, his glamorous square cut cocktail ring will get you noticed for all the right reasons. </p>
	<p>If understated style is more your thing, then make like Charlotte and opt for the cute-but-chic starfish brooch. It has a unique to charm to it and will add a welcome dash of colour to absolutely anything! </p>
	<p>With a distinctly vintage feel, and an instantly eye-catching look – the gold butterfly necklace is the icing on the perfect cupcake! And with Sarah Jessica Parker as a fan, who can argue?</p>
	<p>If any of the rumours are to be believed then we’re in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions come premiere day. Hankies at the ready ladies, you don’t want mascara on that fabulous new dress…
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>Natalie Bulmer</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 17:24:12 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Festival Fashion</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Festival-Fashion/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Festival-Fashion/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>The sun has got its hat on and as far as I’m concerned, summer has begun. </p>
	<p>If you’re lucky enough to be indulging in some festival frivolities this year then the good old wellies and baggy t-shirt combo just won’t cut it any longer. </p>
	<p>Festivals are now frequented by many an A-lister, making them a style event in their own right - even if the red carpet is replaced by mud. </p>
	<p>If the sun stays out then get a fringing fix with some cute flat sandals and team with a nostalgic band tee. Don’t forget the fabulously chic sunglasses – vintage, of course.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>Natalie Bulmer</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 17:15:38 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Dicey to Desirable</title>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Dicey-to-Desirable/</guid>
<link>http://www.3sacrowd.com/articles/Dicey-to-Desirable/</link>
<description><![CDATA[	<p>Here are 3 up-and-coming spots that probably wouldn’t have been on your travel radar ten years ago. Well, times are changing – these hot spots are slowly but surely creeping back onto the map. We suggest you get out there and taste their authentic flavour before the masses cotton on…</p>
	<p>Belgrade</p>
	<p>With its war-torn associations, Belgrade may sound like an unlikely holiday destination. The truth is, though, that the Serbian capital has transformed itself into a seriously smokin’ hot city – in the non-life threatening sense. </p>
	<p>No longer just synonymous with conflict and wreckage, today’s Belgrade buzzes with a vibrant energy and there’s a palpable sense of optimism for the future. It has already been winning over savvy European travellers in search of an edgy city-break (though thankfully it’s not yet victim to the ravages of stag night revellers) and it is becoming regarded by those in the know as one of the hippest cities in Europe. </p>
	<p>The first thing to know is that the local people are mad for music – they even have a special home-grown brand of high-energy pop known as techno-folk. For a classic insider's experience, head to some of the infamous hidden bars and clubs that were established as dens of escapism for the locals during the Slobodan Milosevic regime. </p>
	<p>They are still thriving today, and the great thing about them is that they’ve maintained their underground feel and sense of secrecy. As well as being a great party town, Belgrade offers architecture and culture with plenty of lovely textured reminders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as of Islam.</p>
	<p>Rwanda</p>
	<p>Roughly the size of Scotland and nestled into the breast of the continent, Rwanda is known as Africa’s Garden of Eden. To what does it owe such accolade? Firstly, the landscape here positively pulsates with dense greenery and phenomenal wildlife. The main draw is undoubtedly the rare Silverback gorillas that roam these steep hills. </p>
	<p>The local people are also incredibly warm and friendly, and the food is lovely and hearty (did you know that Rwandans know 40 ways to cook potatoes?). However, due to Rwanda’s dark recent history, tourists are understandably wary. Completely off-limits during the civil bloodshed of the mid-nineties, it is now really opening up and intrepid tourists are showing increasing interest. But make no mistake – this is still very much an adventure… of the right sort. </p>
	<p>You’ll spend your days exploring extinct volcanoes, traipsing through murky swamps and following in the tracks of the mighty Silverback and his harem of females. For something a little more chilled, spend a couple of lazy days bathing in the Africa of days gone by on the stunning shores of Lake Kivu. At night, bed down at a new eco-lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano, where you can sit and look out over King Kong’s spectacular kingdom. </p>
	<p>Bogota</p>
	<p>Despite its obvious charms, ten years ago Colombia had completely slipped off the tourist trail due to its security issues. There was constant news of fighting between government forces, left-wing guerrillas, narcotraffickers and right-wing paramilitaries – not to mention the occasional bomb in the city centres. Even today if you say you’re off to Bogota for your hols you’re likely get a few raised eyebrows from people who are probably picturing a coke-choked capital where you’d need a 24hr security presence.</p>
	<p>Okay, so the FCO still recommends steering clear of certain parts of Colombia, but Bogota is a place that has really outrun the stereotypes and transformed into a seriously up-and-coming spot. La Candalaria is a lovely area with museums and landmarks, like Plaza Bolivar, giving visitors a wonderful flavour of the city's history. At night you can hang out with locals in the vibrant bars and clubs of Parque 93, or have a relaxing drink in the pretty church square of Usaquen. </p>
	<p>Also make time to venture out to Villa de Leyva, a picturesque colonial town with whitewashed buildings, characteristic dark green balconies and cobbled streets. With the perfect mix of edginess and energy, arts and culture, Bogota’s secret star is set to rise – and the great news is its doors are opening to travellers wanting to appreciate its untouched charms firsthand.
</p>
]]></description>
<category>Indulge</category>
<dc:creator>Sacha Smith-Laing</dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 15:50:21 -0400</pubDate>
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