Say it with Flowers: November 2011

11/28/2011

Santa Claus Marathon

The famous Santa Running in Rotterdam, held usually on december, is cancelled this year, but if interested,there is a Santa Claus Marathon In the Artic Circle, next June.
In the Artic Circle, Santa Claus Marathon is on June 16th 2012
You will be able to start off from 6pm to 8pm onwards at the front of Santa Claus's Office and then cross the Arctic Circle (66'32'35") with Santa himself watching you start on your way.
For further informations http://arcticcirclemarathon.com

11/25/2011

A simple Christmas recipe

Cranberry, Pecan and White Chocolate Cookies
recipe by Sweets simple bakes recipes blog

Makes 30

Ingredients
150g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
75g rolled oats (not instant)
125g soft butter
75g dark brown sugar
100g caster sugar (superfine)
1 egg (large)
1 tsp vanilla extract
75g dried cranberries (or dried fruit of choice)
50g pecans, roughly chopped
150g white chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice)

Preheat the oven to 180oC/ 350°F/gas mark 4.

Measure out the flour, baking powder, salt and rolled oats into a bowl.

Put the butter and sugars into another bowl and beat together until creamy — this is obviously easier with an electric mixer of some kind, but you just need to put some muscle into otherwise — then beat in the egg and vanilla.

Beat in the flour, baking powder, salt and oat mixture and then fold in the cranberries, chopped pecans and chocolate chips.Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into a ball with your hands, and then place them on a lined or greased baking sheet and squish the dough balls down with a fork. You may need two baking sheets or be prepared to make these in two batches.

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes; when ready, the cookies will be tinged a pale gold, but be too soft to lift immediately off the tray, so leave the tray on a cool surface and let them harden for about 5 minutes. Remove with a spatula to cool fully on a wire rack.

11/16/2011

Floral Expo in Thailand

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo 2011. From December 15, 2011 to March 15, 2012

agoda.com Chiang Mai hotel deals for Royal Flora Expo 2011
SINGAPORE (November 16, 2011) – agoda.com, a leading global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), today announced hotel deals in Chiang Mai for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo 2011.

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Expo was first held in 2006 as a tribute to HRH King Bhumibol and the Thai royal family. Covering 80 hectares of parkland just outside Chiang Mai city center, this spectacular flower festival featured more than 2,200 species of plants from around the world, with themed gardens from 30 different nations.
Open from December 15, 2011 to March 15, 2012, the upcoming festival will be just as impressive. The Royal Park will again come to life in vivid color, with thousands of foreign and native plant species, including hundreds of types of orchids. The grounds will also be ablaze with the tiny yellow blossoms of the ratchaphruek tree, Thailand's national flower.
Must-see features of the festival include extensive royal gardens and pavilions, an Orchid House, a Biotechnology Building, and elaborate themed areas hosted by different nations. A giant flora Ferris wheel, kids' eco park and 'Imagination Light Garden' keep younger visitors entertained, while a daily schedule of cultural performances give guests the chance to relax between exploring the different zones.

Aside from honoring the Thai royal family, the festival intends to raise awareness about global warming and highlight the importance of responsible environmental practices. National and international symposiums will also take place, with leading Thai and foreign horticulturalists leading talks on topics such as crop protection, sericulture (silk farming) and horticulture.
Outside the Royal Park, travelers will find plenty to keep them occupied in Chiang Mai. One of Thailand's most charming and beautiful cities, Chiang Mai has temples, night markets, cool cafés, a thriving arts community and a lively night scene. As one of the country's main manufacturing hubs for handicrafts, furniture and textiles, Chiang Mai is also a great place to learn about traditional Thai and Lanna-style décor and pick up authentic, locally-made gifts and souvenirs.

Chiang Mai is a great destination year-round with all types of travelers, experiencing temperate weather and low humidity. To help customers enjoy great savings on their trip, agoda.com has secured the following hotel deals in Chiang Mai valid for the Royal Flora Expo 2011.
To find out more about agoda.com deals and competitions, connect via www.facebook.com/agoda. For more information about the Royal Flora Expo, see www.royalflora2011.com.
agoda.com hotel deals for Chiang Mai and the Royal Flora Expo 2011
Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai 4*
Rates from USD 89 per night. Enjoy 30% discount! Early Bird Rate – must book at least 45 days in advance. Valid until April 30, 2012.
The Rim 4*
Rates from USD 101 per night. Enjoy 15% discount. Valid until February 29, 2012.
Romena Grand Hotel 3*
Rates from USD 33 per night. Enjoy 15% discount! Valid until October 31, 2012.
Bamboo Homestay 2*
Rates from USD 25 per night. Enjoy 35% discount! Valid until April 30, 2012.
Winner Inn 2.5*
Rates from USD 18 per night. Enjoy 32% discount! Valid until March 31, 2012.
Kodchasri Thani Hotel 4*
Rates from USD 107 per night. Enjoy 27% discount. Minimum stay 3 nights – must book at least 10 days in advance. Valid until February 29, 2012.
Sheik Istana 4*
Rates from USD 97 per night. Enjoy 35% discount. Valid until April 30, 2012.
Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel 4*
Rates from USD 87 per night. Enjoy 10% discount. Minimum stay 2 nights. Valid until February 29, 2012.
Suriwongse Hotel 4*
Rates from USD 74 per night. Enjoy 30% discount. Minimum stay 3 nights. Valid until March 31, 2012.
Centara Duangtawan 4*
Rates from USD 35 per night. Pay 2 nights, stay 3 nights. Valid until October 31, 2012.
Mountain Creek Wellness Resort Chiang Mai 4.5*
Rates from USD 55 per night. Enjoy 20% discount. Valid until April 30, 2012.
Natara Exclusive Residences 4*
Rates from USD 83 per night. Pay 3 nights, stay 4 nights. Valid until October 31, 2012.
Royal Princess 3.5*
Rates from USD 72 per night. Enjoy 20% discount. Valid until March 31, 2012.
Parasol Inn 3*
Rates from USD 37 per night. Enjoy 15% discount! Valid until April 30, 2012.
Shangri-La Hotel 5*
Rates from USD 114 per night. Enjoy 15% discount. Valid until March 31, 2012.