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In this months issue we hear from Louise Mowbray of Mowbray Design discussing the importance of Personal Branding and how brands built on illusions are 'deeply vulnerable'.

Also, our very own contributor, columnist, Roger Collis, shares his thoughts on 'Flex-Seat', a ‘two-storey pod-like design for business-class seating which was recently presented at the Expo in Hamburg. 

And of course, love is in the air...Valentines Day is soon upon us as we share with you some wonderfully romantic occasions for you to spend time together and celebrate your relationship with the one you love.

We also share with you some of the best exhibitions currently on in London. We announce the launch of the Diggory Blog, Hickory Diggory Blog; and let's not forget Pancake Day...we present the best pancake recipe ever created!

Dee Hope, Founder of Diggory Lifestyle

article: Personal Branding – change and transformation

By Louise Mowbray of Mowbray by Design www.mowbraybydesign.com 

2009 will surely go down in the history books as the year our understanding of personal branding finally hit home.

The philosophies, values and actions of individuals have not only affected the rise and fall of personal fortunes, but have contributed to expensive wars and bringing down our financial institutions.

And as we have seen with Tiger Woods, brands built on illusions are deeply vulnerable and a lesson to us all. No amount of smart labelling and advertising will hide the truth – well not in the long run anyway. Interesting to compare Woods’ brand with that of Sir Richard Branson who very cleverly has never set himself up for such a fall.

Simple stuff really – its all about cause and effect and thankfully, most of us are not open to the relentless scrutiny of the media. We are, however, open to...read more

ask the experts: including a review of the apple ipad

Thank you for all your questions submitted via 'Ask the Experts', we can't show all of them, but here are three of the best. 

Marcus Reid, London

Q: I've been hearing a lot about the Apple iPad, what is it and should I care? read more

Cynthia Milsom, Surrey

Q: I manage a team of six individuals; they are a young team and require a lot of my time in terms of coaching. But because I am constantly being dragged back into the basics of office life, I am failing them by...read mo re

Kevin Taylor, USA

Q: I am currently an Air France Flying Blue platinum member. As I now live in the USA, I was wondering if there is a way to transfer my...read more
 

valentines...14 February

There are only a handful of dates each year that were you to forget, no excuse would save you. Diggory is here to remind you that Valentines is one of those dates!

Flowers are great, but you can do better, here are some of Diggory's suggestions.

Something Simple, Something Sweet...

You really can’t go wrong with a box of cupcakes, from Cakeadoodledo. Gorgeous roses, declarations of love, heart shaped cakes.

When flowers won't do, send cupcakes! Your lady will still get that knock on the door, but instead of being handed a bunch of flowers, will be given a beautiful gift box containing bespoke personalised cupcakes.

The possibilities are endless and you WILL be recognised as the most wonderful and splendid person by your chosen loved one. www.cakeadoodledo.co.uk

Satin Style...Ooh la la...

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

For something a little more alluring, Agent Provocateur will most certainly not disappoint.

Their philosophy is, 'Agent Provocateur believes that passion and intimacy should be indulged, and that exploring your inner desires and fantasies profoundly enriches your life.'

Their website is very comprehensive....word to the wise, check your ladies lingerie drawer to get her actual size.

Then call 0844 499 5202 to speak with one of their friendly advisors for assistance in selecting the right garment at the right size and order on-line. Alternatively, should you be feeling brave, pop into one of their London stores and make a personal selection.

5 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LL www.agentprovocateur.com

romantically with red carnation

May be its time to rekindle the fire...at 41, Red Carnation Hotels luxury award winning hotel.

When was the last time you devoted an entire night to the one you love? When was the last time you were a couple embracing life to the full in the big city? Maybe it's time to rekindle the fire with one of Red Carnation Hotels most romantic packages…

Romantically is for couples who want to remind themselves what drew them together. The red rose you are given upon your arrival sets the tone for your stay.

Rediscover Romance is for couples who know that actions speak louder than words. So this Valentine’s Day, merely whispering sweet nothings in someone’s ear, writing “I love you” on a hastily purchased card, or even going out for dinner, is likely to leave your partner seriously underwhelmed!

So to rediscover the romance in your relationship, check into 41 and enjoy your complimentary bottle of pink Champagne and give the occasion, and your loved one, all the romance and magic that’s required and desired!

At the elegant surroundings of London's most luxurious boutique hotel, you can laugh and share, kiss and dream, recall the past and plan the future. You can hold hands late into the moonlit city night or share a foaming bath.

41, 41 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS www.41hotel.com

hardens go all romantic

Repetitiveness is comforting, but dull, embrace change and try a different restaurant!

Why not take advantage of the fact that Valentines is on a Sunday this year, and go out for brunch or afternoon tea?

'Hardens' the gastronomes bible have reviewed the very best and make their recommendations for a romantic Valentines...suitable for all budgets...read more

Book early to avoid disappointment and disappointing the one you love.

spa for two?

A Treat for Two - Moroccan Steam Cleansing Experience

The May Fair Spa London turns valuable time into still more valuable results through a meticulously tailored experience re-emphasising wellbeing and health. Spa treatments are carefully structured to put time on hold, creating a discreet, healing inner sanctuary, far from the whirl of central London.

Before your Moroccan Steam Cleansing Experience

All guests are invited to arrive up to one hour before their treatment time to enjoy full access to their wet spa facilities. Unwind in the Relaxation Room before you sample the deep cleansing of the Herbal Sauna and Aromatic Steam Room.

Finish off under the Three Experience shower, including Forest Mist setting to prepare body and soul for your treatment.

then...

Take pleasure in sharing the ultimate spa experience with the one you love, with the Moroccan Steam Cleansing Experience.

You can indulge your bodies with mineralising muds and salts in the unique Cleopatra Bathing Experience designed for two, followed by a luxurious massage in their exclusive couples treatment room.

Finally, allow yourselves to be guided back to the relaxation room to enjoy a chilled glass of champagne complimented with succulent fresh strawberries.

• Moroccan Steam Cleansing Ritual for two
• Couples Massage
• Champagne and Strawberries

The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT 0207 915 2826 www.mayfairspa.com 1hr 45 minutes, £259.00 per couple.

article: return to the future for airline passengers?

Diggory's own contributor, Roger Collis, author and columnist for the New York Times and CNN shares his thoughts on 'Flex-Seat' which was recently presented at the Expo in Hamburg.

The latest return to the future comes in the form of the patented ‘Flex-Seat’ from Boston-based Jacob-Innovations – a ‘two-storey pod-like design for business-class seating which can be converted to an economy-class set-up on demand’ for airlines ‘that might want to alter a plane's configuration depending on how many tickets of each class it has sold; and at the same time, ‘increasing the density of a conventional business class cabin by 50 per cent while providing full reclining’ – whatever that means.

The Flex-Seat was presented at the ‘Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg – ‘launchpad for cabin programmes that showcase tomorrow’s designs. Check it out on their website. Flex-Seat looks to me like Lego re-invented by...read more

pancake day - 16th february!

On Shrove Tuesday people traditionally cook and eat pancakes, the reason for this was to use up foods such as fats and milk before Lent.

To my mind the best pancake recipe ever! (makes 12 - 14)

• 4oz plain flour (110g)
• a pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 7fl oz milk (200ml), mixed together with 3fl oz  water (75ml)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• a little extra butter for cooking the pancakes

Method

1. Sieve the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, holding the sieve high to get air into the flour
2. Make a well in the centre of the flour, and break the eggs into it
3. Begin to whisk the egg, gradually incorporating the flour from around the edges as you do so
4. Gradually add small quantities of the milk/water mixture
5. When all the milk/water has been added, slide a rubber spatula around the bowl to bring those elusive bits of flour into the centre of things
6. Wisk once more till the batter is smooth and the consistency of thin cream - your batter is made
7. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the frying pan and swirl it around to cover the pan, get the butter really hot
8. Turn down the heat to medium and pour in enough batter swirling around the pan until it evenly coats the bottom of the pan
9. It will cook for approximately 30 seconds, loosen the sides and toss it to cook the other side
10. When cooked, put it on a plate over a pan of simmering water and cover with tinfoil to keep it warm as you make the others

I love orange juice and sugar with my pancakes, but of course you can have maple syrup or lemon juice - enjoy!

exhibition: irving penn portraits

Our pick of three of the best exhibitions in London this month.

Wolfson Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, London 0844 579 1924 www.npg.org.uk

This major exhibition is devoted to one of the greatest photographers of his generation who died last October.

Focusing on his portraits of major cultural figures, Irving Penn Portraits is a glorious celebration of his work in this genre.

Over 120 prints from Penn's seven-decade career are on display, including Marlene Dietrich, New York 1948.

18 February - 6 June 10am-6pm; Thursday-Friday until 9pm. Adult £11.00

exhibition: painting history: delaroche and lady grey

Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, 0207 747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The paintings of Paul Delaroche depict historical themes to great effect. The Execution of Lady Grey (right), one of Delaroche's most famous works, is arguably the best example of this genre. The painting depicts the moment that Jane, blindfolded, is being assisted to lay her head upon the block for the executioner. Through preparatory sketches, the exhibition traces the progress of the painting.

The works of other artists who also tackled subjects of history are shown alongside, including Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London shortly after her arrest, 1835 by Edouard Cibot.

10am-6pm - Fridays until 9pm. Adults £8.00.

exhibition: gillian ayres: new painting and works on paper

Alan Cristea Gallery, 31 & 34 Cork Street, London 0207 439 1866; www.alancristea.com

Gillian Ayres RA OBE, one of Britain's most respected painters, will unveil new paintings in an exhibition that marks her 80th birthday at Alan Cristea Gallery from 3 February 2010.

Ayres is best known for her vibrant palette and the sheer physicality with which she applies paint to canvas. The works in this exhibition contain many familiar motifs but also represent a marked progression. Each work brims with her usual energy, however these new compositions are more distilled and exude the confidence of a painter at the height of her powers.

Monday - Friday 10am-5.30pm; Saturday 11am-2pm. Free.