Wake up looking like a pork scratching?

We've all been there. Whether we had an amazing night out on the town or just had a late one, you know what it feels like waking up looking like a pork scratching and not knowing what to do about it.

Here are some tips to PREVENT this happening in the first place:

1. Avoid coffee, red wine and chocolate before going to sleep. Yes, I know it's nice to have some chocolate while watching a film, but trust me you will sleep a lot better without it.

2. Plan your day the night before, whether this is choosing your outfit for work or preparing your presentation notes. The last thing you want is to panic in the morning because you can't find that cream frilly top that goes so well with your new black pencil skirt or get on the wrong train to work because you were too nervous about your made-up-on-the-spot presentation.

3. Think of at least one exciting thing happening tomorrow that will help you get out of bed. I appreciate it can be hard to be excited about getting up for work everyday, but even little things like treating yourself to some new lipstick from the Boots store at the train station or the new issue of FHM magazine will give you that extra push in the morning. 

4. Set a suitable alarm tone. It's amazing what difference the song makes. I'd avoid generic mobile alarms as they are boring and not at all personally related to you. Instead I would choose something light hearted with a bit of a beat. Some of my personal favourites: Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves, Good Morning, Good Morning - The Beatles & Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - Wham.

Of course sometime you will end up going on a wild night out and getting in at ridiculous hours in the morning. So here are some tips to TACKLE the pork scratching look:

1. Get in the shower. No matter how tired and groggy you feel in the morning, a shower will help you feel refreshed and wake you up a lot quicker.

2. Tackle those eye bags. Before you dip your spoon into your cereal bowl, pop the metal spoon under your eye for approx 30 seconds and see a difference instantly (failing that, use some miracle concealer).

3. Drink a large glass of water. Simple and great for you as your body is dehydrated and needs a reboot.

4. Exercise. Take the dog out or go for a brisk walk around the estate. You will have bags of energy when you're back. Result!


- The Chatty Pig (www.freshersfoods.com)

Spooktastic Party Ideas

Thinking of throwing a Halloween bash? Or you just fancy doing something different this year? Well I have all the tricks and treats you will need to make this year's Halloween extra spooktacular, in 3 easy steps!



Step One: The Disguise

Devil? Witch? Zombie? Dracula? Ghost? Or perhaps a Pumpkin? There are plenty of costumes and accessories available to help you get into the Halloween spirit. But why not try something different this year?

Here are some ideas that will get you noticed:

- Broken China Doll
- Giant Spider
- The Black Swan
- Evil Jester
- Zombie Pirate
- Gremlin








Step Two: The Treats

Pub Original Pork Crunch Hellishly
Hot flavour (available at Asda)

There is a wide range of tasty treats available to buy for your Halloween party, such as bat shaped jellies and fizzy snakes. Thinking of a savoury snack instead? Give Pub Original Pork Crunch Hellishly Hot a try! It's light and crispy with a little bit of kick - perfect for Halloween.

Fancy cooking up your own treats? Why don't you try some of our favourites:

- Spooky Cupcakes
- Gingerbread Skeletons
- Marshmallow Zombies
- Gooey Eyeballs

You will need your basic baking ingredients and a few extras, such as icing sugar pens and sweets for decoration.

Spooky Cupcakes: Frankenstein,
Spider, Zombie, Vampire,
Skeleton & Devil

I've also created a tasty punch recipe 'Vampire Bite' for kids and 'Vampire Kiss' for the grown ups. Try them out, very quick and easy to brew.

'Vampire Bite' recipe:
1. Mix together Lemonade and Blackcurrant cordial.

2. Throw in small pieces of chopped apple.
3. Add Strawberry laces around the rim to create a spookier effect.
4. Decorate with other accessories such as, Pumpkin straws and plastic Spiders.

'Vampire Kiss' recipe:

Vampire Bite

1. Mix together 1 Bottle of Red Wine, 1/2 bottle of Martini Bianco, 4 shots of Vodka and 1/2 Fanta Lite.
2. Add chopped apples and oranges to the mix.
3. Decorate with Halloween themed accessories.








Step Three: The Atmosphere

Every Halloween party needs the right entertainment and I've got it all covered, from spooky tunes to scary games!

Soundtrack  Ideas: 

• Michael Jackson - Thriller
• Ghost Busters Theme Tune 
• The Addams Family Theme Tune

Freshers Foods Carved Pumpkin

Film ideas for kids: 

• Little Vampire
• Hocus Pocus
• The Witches
• Casper
• Ghost Busters
• The Addams Family.

Film ideas for adults: 

• Halloween
• A Nightmare On Elm Street
• Night Of The Living Dead
• The Exorcist.

Party Games:

• Atmosphere (Board game, age 12+)
• Murder Mystery
• Cluedo
• Musical Chairs (for kids)
• The Mummy (Using toilet roll, try and convert yourself into a mummy, as quickly as possible)

Need more inspiration? Take a look at the following links for more ideas.
For snacks: http://freshersfoods.co.uk/
For drinks: http://www.drinkoftheweek.com/2011/10/blood-red-halloween-cocktails/
For costumes: http://www.fancydressball.co.uk/
For more accessories: http://www.partydelights.co.uk/halloween/halloween_party.asp?pmo=ha&gclid=CLiZpe2MqbMCFbMbtAodhW8Adg

- The Chatty Pig (www.freshersfoods.com)