We had a quick visit to Edinburgh a few weekends ago. Has anyone else been there?

I think it must be the only place in the world that has a castle at one end of the street and a palace at the other end. Of course, we visited both and in between we discovered whisky tasting - fatal for the old bank balance.

A few tips for visiting Edinburgh...

The whisky tasting experience - skip the trip, and head straight to the restuarant, amazingly good quality food at cheap cheap prices and lots of it. Then head to the bar, and order the whisky tasting board, although ask them to be charged seperately and it is about a 1/3 cheaper than the board (you didnt hear it from me!)

Heather Cream - If you like Baileys, you will absolutely love this. Wish we'd stocked up more, missing the taste already.

Okay, onto something thats not alcohol. A little place next to Edinburgh Castle, called Camera Obscura - it is excellent for the kids, no we didnt have any, but what the hell, it was great fun.

It has 4 floors of interactive play & science goodies to entertain and its definitely worth visiting the camera, if only to throw a few people & cars around, puzzled - well, you'll just have to drop me a line to see what I mean - haha.

Definitely a thumbs up weekend had by all.

Kate x

Hello everyone at cre8buzz,

I wonder if any of you can help?

I recently returned from a trip to Venice, where I heard about a book - the italian guide to shopping, the secrets.

This book, incredibly hard to get hold of, contains 100's of places to buy cheap cheap cheap designer bargains.

I found this over on Abe Books, about a couple months ago and ordered a copy immediately and then I waited, and I waited, and I waited and then they said they cant find any. oh the dissapointment!

I would love to own this book, any ideas, suggestions or maybe you have a rogue copy in the attic - I would be forever grateful. Kate x

Title: Designer bargains in Italy
1200 made in Italy
Author: Theodora VanMeurs
Price: £ 12.90

Heres hoping.......... Kate x

1. Ice skating, if you don’t have snow, cold and ice outdoors. Go along to the local ice skating rink, sure to have some fun things to do there.




2. Warm your cockles this Christmas with good drink and home-cooked food in front of an open fire




3. Drive to a coast and take in the sea air, walk along the beach quietly, dip your toes in the water if you dare.




4. Look out for any local craft fairs, visit and support their cause.




5. All getting a bit much on Christmas day - get out and about, take a walk, breathe in the fresh air and relax.




6. Be sure to watch your favourite Christmas film, in our house that will be Muppets Christmas carol.




7. Geek up on HD DVD and Blu-Ray and convince everyone that your choice is the right one.




8. Start eBay online auctions for those unwanted Christmas presents (you can buy what you really, really want by New Years Eve).




9. Get an early night, ready for the sales on Boxing Day at 6am (really, does anybody queue at this time?)




10. My favourite – buy Eternity II and share your clues / answers on Cre8buzz. Maybe we can solve together, and share the money :)

Please add other ideas below.

The shopping in New York is amazing, always remember to take an empty suitcase (no really!).

They have some great sales, but even for the people that cannot afford 5th avenue etc. There are some great treats, I always head for Riverhead Shopping Malls, Woodbury Common or Century 21.

These malls have all the same shops, however with last seasons wear, you will be soon dressed up in the most gorgeous expensive clothes, for about a fifth of the price.

Not many people know about these malls, and always wait for the sales to happen to get a bargain instead. The airline companies know this, and rely on putting the prices up during this time.

One of the most natural, beautiful places on the planet is Franz Josef & Fox Glacier - this is a MUST for everyone travelling to New Zealand, they are so beautiful.

I would recommend Franz, however both are very similar. Be brave and take the full-day hike, the helicopter only circles over the top & most days are very misty (you dont see that much), & the 1/2 day hike which most people do only takes you up a little way.

Its very hard work, but the most rewarding things in life always are! We spent most of the time falling over, at one point I slipped through the ice and there was nothing underneath for about 50ft, hanging on I was pulled up by one of the organisers - a sense of humour comes in handy. (how silly did I feel!)

It’s surprising how warm it gets when walking that you need to strip off thin layers, rather than a big jacket. The company who take you will however, provide ice grips, jacket & even boots. Close by is also the views at Lake Matheson (nr Fox Glacier), definitely worth a visit.

It takes about an hour to walk around the entire lake, and from behind you can see reflections of Mt Cook in the water - absolutely gorgeous.

Kate x