Something For The Weekend

The couch potato's guide to the weekend

When you open those curtains and there seems to be a leak in the sky, it’s time to get those stretchy pants on and chill at home. Let Vicky show you how to slouch with the best of the recent releases:

Get some snacks, sit back and relax with a…
1) DVD: Hot Fuzz. If you loved Shaun of the Dead then Hot Fuzz is for you, it's another essential piece of British comedy this time poking fun at the cop movie genre.
Simon Pegg plays Nick Angel a police officer who is so good at his job that he makes everyone else look bad. So instead of being praised for his efforts, Angel is sent packing to a West Country village where a swan escaping from the local park is classed as some serious action. He is paired up with excitable, action-movie junkie constable Danny Butterman (Nick Frost). He sees Angel as a chance to see some real gun-blazin’ action, except nothing seems to happen in Sanford, or does it? A series of surprisingly gory deaths leads Angel to believe this quiet town may not be so quiet after all, it might just be time for these cops to get their guns out...

2) Busy yourself with a book:
For the ladies – If your feeling sorry for yourself because your stuck indoors then A Piece Of Cake by Cupcake Brown will make you grateful for your situation.
Cupcake turned her life around and this is her brutally frank, startlingly funny story. Unlike any memoir you will ever read, A Piece of Cake is a redemptive, gripping tale of a resilient spirit who took on the worst of contemporary urban life and survived it. It is also the most genuinely affecting rollercoaster ride through hell and back that you will ever take.
For the fellas – A Spot Of Bother by Mark Haddon. Like a lot of guys out there George Hall doesn't understand the modern obsession with talking about everything. This is the kind of book that you will want to read out loud to whoever is around at the time, if you're at home with your partner then fine, but try not to do this when your on the tube – mind you the crazy man on the tube does get the pick of seats.

3) Time for some tunes:
Depending on your mood, Maroon 5 – It won’t be soon before long could be your new CD to do your dusting to or you could pop Calvin Harris – I created disco into your CD player and dance around your living room like a crazy person with a hair brush in one hand and the words in the other.  You're in the comfort of your own home so why not? Go I on, I dare you.

4) Bring on the games:
We all know old school's cool, so why don’t you get that dusty guess who game down from the attic? Or if you need a little more technology then why not look daft with your family and friends and have a play with a Wii, you can look ridiculous and have a bit of a work out at home rather than the gym.

Win a weekend in the Fota Island Resort

Welcome to Your own Private Island...

Fota Island Resort is Ireland’s newest luxury destination, nestled at the heart of a peaceful island, surrounded by gorgeous scenery in County Cork, and lying in a 780 acre estate which is included in The Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland. A unique combination of championship golf courses, a stylish hotel and spa, luxurious residential lodges, a world class golf academy and a proposed marina, Fota Island Resort is a marriage of style, fine design and workmanship set in an idyllic coastal landscape. This is a special place – relaxed, indulgent and beautiful – somewhere you will never want to leave.

The Sheraton Fota Island Hotel and Spa is the welcoming hotel at the heart of the Resort, with 123 en-suite rooms and 8 private penthouse suites with warmly inviting interiors. Offering superb views of the woodlands or golf courses, the spacious bedrooms are supremely comfortable, with the renowned Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds.

Sheraton Fota Island Hotel and Spa has a tempting selection of restaurants with excellent food to choose from, including The Cove, a gourmet grill room specialising in locally caught seafood, fine Irish meat and organic produce. Fota is the delightful all-day dining venue with an outdoor terrace for balmy summer days, and the more casual surroundings of the Amber Lounge provide a wonderful mellow setting for a coffee during the day, a traditional afternoon tea or perhaps sample one of over 75 whiskeys by the fireside after dinner, including some from the nearby Midleton Distillery. 

The sensuous and indulging Fota Island Spa is a world-class destination spa, spread over 1600 square metres. Fota Island Spa has 18 treatment rooms offering over 60 treatments. With couple’s suites, a hydrotherapy suite - including the first ‘walking river’ which uses water currents and reflexology to revitalise - plus the Acacia thermal suite with tepidarium and hammam, there are also three luxurious beauty rooms, affusion showers, floatation baths, a thalaxion room and conservatory.  Fota Island Spa has recently become a member of the Starwood Spa Collection, a portfolio of 50 of some of the world’s most prestigious full service destination spas. What better way to wrap up your weeeknd?

To be in with a chance to win a weekend at this amazing resort, email us with the subject line "Fota Island" and include your name, address and phone number.

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Win a weekend at Tigerlilly...

Tigerlily is Edinburgh’s most exciting boutique hotel, bar and restaurant and we're offering you the chance to win a weekend in its luxurious confines. Just email us with the subject line Tigerlilly to be in with a chance.

Sorry, this competition has now closed.

Situated in the city’s historic George Street, the five storey, A-listed townhouse offers award-winning interior design that fuses opulent Georgian features and innovative post-modern detail. 

The 33 individually-designed bedrooms, with choices such as the pink suite and the black room, all offer a luxurious experience and exquisite detail, such as the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, giant shower heads and hand-made chocolates.

Guests love the sumptuous surroundings of the restaurant and two chic cocktail bars, which feature a giant mirrored mosaic, cloud lighting and a rotating disco ball, while club Lulu is a hit with grown-up revellers. 

Cool, glamorous and fun, Tigerlily has fast become the hotspot of the Scottish capital among locals and visitors alike, offering ground-breaking standards of innovation, service and style.

Lee Mead speaks to Becky on the Lord, loincloths and keeping his head screwed on...

Having been gripped by the BBC battle that had my friends and I clutching the arms of the sofa and spilling ridiculous amounts of red wine on white soft furnishings for the past few months, it was a pleasure to finally speak to the man who emerged triumphant. Granted, I had to wait about three days to catch Lee Mead. As his PA called me up for the twentieth time and explained that he’d just been dragged in another direction by another film crew, I was beginning to think I’d never get to tell Lee, phone to phone, how it was my vote that pushed him over the finish line – (although clearly the 7 million people who’ve been rooting for him had a say, too).

It’s all been Go-Go-Go for our new Joseph, so how’s the West End’s latest steak-eating sex symbol dealing with it all?

“Well it’s all a bit mad really, I’m rehearsing 10-7pm and I have to fit the gym in too….” (That’s for the loin-cloth, ladies).  “On the Sunday after the final, I recorded the pop video for the single which was amazing - all a bit surreal - and I’ve just gone straight into rehearsals with the cast.”

The single is a recording of Any Dream Will Do, with the B side a version of Close Every Door featuring all three finalists. What’s it like to have a single out within a week of winning the show?

“It’s great, and all the proceeds are going to Children in Need so it’s just nice to be able to do this for charity. I’ve done some charity recording before, back in college, but Any Dream Will Do is at number 18 in the charts already through downloads, and went on sale in the shops yesterday.  I don’t know what I’ll do if it makes number one!”

Throw a big party perhaps? Although there’s probably no time for that these days. Tell us more about the rehearsals – how are you working to become the next Joseph in such a short space of time?

“Yeah it’s not long – the first preview is the 6th of July and then we open on the 17th!  We’ve all been learning the score for a few months though, so now it’s just really learning the stage directions and trying to put a stamp on the role. I’ve played lead roles before, Chris in Miss Saigon and Raoul in Phantom, but I was the understudy, so it was always like I had to give the role back – it was never really mine. Now, playing Joseph I can figure out little ways to make it my own. It takes time to find your feet. I just saw the theatre too, yesterday. They’re building the sets at the moment. There’s going to be a huge story book that opens out - it looks amazing actually!”

this weekend near you - by Vicky Hewitt

What are you up to Friday 15th June?
Fancy a free flic for you and your chic…
Outdoor screens are appearing all around town nowadays, so grab some popcorn, sweets and preferably a pillow and hop onto the bandwagon or ship in this case and pop down to Broadgate arena and enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean, staring all of those hotties. The film showing starts at 2.15pm, you can also bring your dancing shoe’s as there is live music at 5.45pm and 9.45pm.

Broadgate arena, Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS

Ever wanted to go to Cuba? Well a bit of Cuba is coming to you and best of all it’s free.
Carnival de Cuba – Sat 16th and Sun 17th June (12-9.30pm)

One of the largest Cuban Carnivals outside of America. There is an expected turnout of a great 85,000 people to go to this event, now that would be a pretty impressive conga line. So head down to the park and take in the best Cuban music and see some fabulous dancing (plus your own horrendous attempts to bust some moves). There will also be some classic Caribbean music that you can get your groove on too.

Southwark Park (SE16)

Any Architects in the Building, How green is your space?
Bit of a tip for all you architecture enthusiasts, it’s architecture week all day Friday 15th – 24th June. This years focus is an event about climate change ‘How Green is your space’, so you’ll be presented with a bit of creative thinking about our environment.

Everybody enjoys a laugh so why not hit the Comedy carnival.
Saturday June 16 - Eary Bird offer from lastminute.com. With outstanding talent and great critics comments how can you say no. 

Laid back Dad...

Win a weekend in The Met, Leeds

The Met, Leeds is located in the central business district of one of England's most exciting city. This ornate terracotta grade II listed building has recently undergone a major refurbishment and investment programme, which has completely transformed the hotel to provide a breathtaking interior decor. The hotel boasts 120 bedrooms and Tempus restaurant offers the best in Modern British Cuisine. In fact, it's in the ideal location for many of the exclusive shopping and popular attractions that the city has to offer, including the Victoria Quarter and the Royal Armouries. Plus, it's only 3 minutes walk to Leeds train station - perfect!

We're giving you the chance to win a great weekend stay in The Met, Leeds. Why not enter your dad and let him have a laid-back, chilled out time on you (and us). All you have to do is email us with the subject line MET LEEDS.

Sorry, this competition has now closed.

For more relaxing hotel offers for dad, head here

Metrosexual Dad...

He's the one who sometimes takes longer to get ready than you. He always looks groomed and when you can't find your nail files, ladies, you know he's probably nabbed it for his toes. The metrosexual dad is more needy than ever and definitely deserving of these sparkling, sweet-smelling specials...

He's so super smooth
We all remember kissing daddy's spft cheek when we begged for the latest toy off the telly, and we want him to stay that way. Starting with the old fashioned hot towels, this is the closest, most professional shave your dad can get and he might just be able to pass on a few tips after this manly shave and makeover.

For a limited time only, we are giving you 20% off the normal price of £25.This offer is valid Tuesdays to Saturdays only Vouchers are valid for 3 months. This offer will end on June 29, 2007 at 5pm.

Gentleman's shave experience with 20% off for a limited time only

If he's done too much DIY...
Here's dad's chance to unwind in London's trendiest lifestyle and health concept, designed to help him let himself go - (in a good way, of course). At both Relaxez Soho and Relaxez White City salons, Dad can chose to indulge in either a Sports Swedish or Deep tissue massage (30 to 60 minutes). You can guarantee he'll come back happy, refreshed and refined, and he might even offer to cook or let you take charge of the remote.

Relax massage - Sports, Swedish or Deep Tissue massage - 30 or 60 minutes

If he needs to get away
Here's one he can take his other half to as well. Hand over the 2 for 1 certificate for a peaceful retreat to Whittlebury Hall - a luxurious Northamptonshire spa hotel for a one-night break, including dinner, breakfast and full use of the resort’s facilities - and watch his troubles melt away.

Dad and his companion will enjoy the finest cuisine and top-class leisure facilities (we’re talking Jacuzzi, pool, sauna - the works) to ensure he heads home refreshed, rejuvenated and totally stress-free.

And the best part? Well, it's only £130 for two people! That's fantastic value on a spa break that will leave him feeling like you’ve just spent two weeks in the Bahamas.

One-night spa escape for two at Whittlebury Hall - book now for dates in June, July & August - 2 for 1

Rock Dad...

You're never to old to rock out and whether your old man's the type who partied with Beatles or just gazed at Barbara Streisand with a longing look in his eyes, he's sure to let his hair down at one of these hot gigs:

The Rolling Stones
Make his day with a rock surprise to remember. Book as a surprise and he’ll think all his birthdays have come at once – he loved this band as much as you love… well, the Rolling Stones. You may as well go with him then, really. See the legends themselves in their Bigger Bang tour and then afterwards you can  bond over their 55 albums and 37 top 10 singles.

Rolling Stones – Bigger Bang Tour, the O2 London. August 2007.

Meatloaf
Like a bat out of hell, this Grammy award winning Meatloaf flying into the UK this Summer, for his Three Bats Tour - the second leg of his sold-out and critically acclaimed Bat Trilogy Tour, which includes songs from all three Bat Out of Hell albums. Sing along to one of the biggest selling rock albums of all time and your dad will know once and for all that you would do anything for love. To your daddy, you are the epitome of love. And if not, you’re a dead-ringer for it. (sorry).

Get meaty with the main man

Muse
This Devonshire trio have come a long way since they first got together at secondary school. They’ve now sold over 11 million albums worldwide and never fail to get the crowds going with their unique sound of alternative rock, indie rock, classical music progressive rock and electronica.  See them on Father’s Day itself – Sunday June 16th.

He'll definitely be a-"muse"d with this gift

Hungry Dad...

The way to a man’s heart has always been straight through the chest cavity and right on down through his stomach. Your dad’s no exception. Take him out for a slap up meal on Father’s Day, or make a booking for another night when the whole family can get together and discuss how podgy you were as a baby…

No5 cavendish square
Great for the posh in him, you’ll be the best kid he ever had if you book him into the best-kept secret in Cavendish Square. The restaurant is actually set in an old Spanish embassy and features two bars, a library, a nightclub (if he kept any of his dancing shoes) and of course, the restaurant, located at the top of a beautiful sweeping staircase.

You’ll all love the European menu with an Italian twist and he’ll have a hard time choosing from 150 different types of wine. Imagine smoked salmon, breast of duck with braised Belgian chicory and cherry dressing or Scotch roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. Lip-smackingly different, and perfect for a Father’s Day lunch time treat.

No. 5 Cavendish Square Restaurant, London - three course Father's Day lunch set menu with a gift for all dads £25 per person

Sherlock's Bar and Grill
Avocado remoulade and grilled king prawns salad, pink grape fruit and citrus jus, Vine tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad home made pesto… it’s enough to make you start drooling all over your desk quite frankly. Dad will appreciate the history here, in that this lunch menu is served in the refurbished, boutique Sherlock Holmes Hotel with all of its friendly English charm. The restaurant itself needs a Sherlock worthy investigation to actually find it, but you’ll know what we mean when you get there.

Sherlocks Bar & Grill, London - three course Sunday Roast lunch menu £14.95 per person

Paternoster chop house
You really can’t get more British than this – as the whole place is tucked behind St Paul’s cathedral in the newly funked up Paternoster Square. In the 1800’s this was the main entrance to the city of London, where everyone flocked for the finest in ale and chop houses. It’s like a history lesson as well as a damn good feed. Tuck into the likes of wild garlic and potato soup, Scotch broth with pearl barley or the weird and wacky Chocolate cream and parsnip ice cream. Belly-filling brilliant.

Paternoster Chop House Restaurant, London - two course Sunday Lunch menu £16.50 per person

Bateaux
Imagine floating along on the Thames to the sounds of soft jazz – the London Eye turns gradually in the distance and the buildings old and new glisten in the warm June sunshine. Aaaaah London – even lovelier from the water. And the Sunday lunch jazz cruise could well be one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon. Leaving from Embankment Pier you’ll cruise and booze along for a whole three hours, sampling musical delights and tasty dishes like Italian goats cheese panacotta with Parma ham and summer leaves, and a Roast of the day served with traditional trimmings and chefs seasonal vegetables. No sax please, we’re British.

Bateaux London - 15% off three course Sunday lunch jazz cruise on the Thames

For more dining delights, munch on this

Adrenaline Dad...

He always had aspirations to fly to the moon, or climb everest, but when it came to the crunch, he settled for a nice job and a house, and you. Still, you can bring out his adventurous streak with this lot:

If he was glued to the telly for Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the weekend, he’d love you even more if you sent him to The 2007 Formula 1TM British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. Your gift/his ticket gets him entry to the circuit for all 3 days of the Grand Prix Weekend and a reserved seat, putting him in the heart of all the action and ensuring he gets a great view of what is definitely going to be a fantastic race.

2007 Formula 1TM British Grand Prix tickets - Silverstone - July 6 to 8, up to £20 off

It might be coming up for summer but this experience will give him chills, a-multiplying. (In a good way of course). Better still, now you can bobsleigh with him – all tickets are two for one!  Try out this amazing winter sport on a partial replica of the famous Salt Lake City track and scream at speeds of up to 40 mph with two trial runs and six timed ones. Bobs-your-uncle.

Bobsleigh experience - exclusive 2 for 1 offer - £89

Does he fancy himself as a James Bond, or a captain of the high seas? In this adrenaline packed experience he’ll play with inflatable catamarans before slipping into a wetsuit for some 007 style fun. As a co-pilot he’ll whoosh over water at 45 mph before pulling a 180 degree direction change. Do you still want to go with him? You can – all tickets are two for one.

Zapcat powerboat experience - exclusive 2 for 1 offer - £99

Remember when you watched Top Gun together and discussed your dreams of taking to the skies in a little plane built for two as the theme tune rang out in your head? Well now you can get 20% off an introductory flying lesson for your dad, he’ll feel just like Tom Cruise, only not as short or crazy, probably. Take the camera so you can play him back that loop the loop afterwards…

Introductory flying lessons - 20% off  - £71

Other ideas:

Speedboat Ride from Tower Pier On The River Thames tickets - Tower Pier, London - £6 off

International Air Day 2007 - RNAS Yeovilton, July 6 & 7 - up to £13 off