Should You Get Married In Your Twenties?

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In the past few decades relationships have changed. While my parents generation tended to get married young and have kids. These days people are told to focus on their career and live their life first. My mother was married with three kids by the time she was twenty-three. I was acutely aware of this from the moment I got past twenty-three. Not because I thought I should be in the same situation, just because finding The One and possibly having children with them is a big part of life. In the 1980s women got married at twenty-six. Now the average is thirty-three.

I was twenty when I first moved to London. I knew no one, had no job to go to, no place to live and no family anywhere near the city. It was a brave move that has paid off. But the entire time there was something missing: someone to share my life with. I had a series of first dates with unsuitable men, and the occasional second. I managed to fit in one unsuitable non-serious boyfriend before meeting my fiancé. Fiancé? Yes, you read that right. I am getting married in my twenties. My fiancé is also in his twenties and it was our third anniversary when he whisked me off to Paris and proposed. When we get married next year we will both be in our late twenties.

Too much too soon? No, I don’t think so. Who knows when you should get married. I am sure there will be people who say I am missing out on things but I don’t agree. Let’s run though them.

Sex: erm, I can do that with my fiancée. Sex with random men has never interested me.
Career: No one is more supportive of my career than my fiancée. He drives me and supports me. My career is better with him in my life, not worse.
Putting myself first: It is overrated. The day you realise the importance of putting other people first your life improves considerably. That being said; we don’t hold each other back. If you love each other you will always make it work. I am doing some travel writing next week, going to France on my own to write a piece on Toulouse.
Finding Myself: Already done. I know who I am and what I want. I am completely secure in myself
Social life: I still go out both with and without my fiancée. We have a great social life.
We both still have good friends outside of our relationship that we see as regularly as we can.

What else is there? To be honest I cannot think of anything bad about getting married in my twenties. The fact that I have found the love of my life also means I can tick off a major life event. I am secure, I am happy and I am in love. What could be better than that?

What do you think? When do you think is the right time to get married?

5 Must Have Hybrid Cars in 2013

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular, with over six million sold to date. But hybrid cars aren’t what they once were; they’re better. Check out the following must-have hybrid cars that come with latest advancements and the best technology.

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

Image via Flickr by mariordo59

Redesigned in 2013, the Ford Fusion Hybrid look great, and it gets 47 mpg in the city and the highway. The vehicle can reach up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone. What’s even better is that when the gas engine and electric motor work together, you can reach up to 188 horsepower. It also includes a regenerative braking system and a SmartGuage panel with an EcoGuide to help you get the most out of the hybrid technology. If you’re interested in getting one of the best hybrids out today, check out this spectacular vehicle at your local Ford dealer, like Hoffman Ford, today.

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Ranked number two in affordable midsized cars and hybrid cars by USNews, the Toyota Camry Hybrid features 43 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Drivers rave about the spacious, comfortable cabin and large cargo space. You can also choose to add advanced features including:

  • Rearview camera
  • Bluetooth
  • Blind spot monitoring system
  • Satellite radio
  • And more!

3. Toyota Prius

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Toyota Prius

 

Image via Flickr by Bob_Perry

The Toyota Prius is one of the most widely sold hybrid vehicles in the world. In fact, Time reports that the Prius made the top three best-selling cars in the first quarter of 2012, totaling nearly a quarter of a million sales in that period of time. The Prius family currently has four members:

  • The original Prius, with estimated 48 mpg highway.
  • The Prius C, ideal for city driving with an estimated 53 mpg highway.
  • The Prius V, offering the most space with 40 mpg highway.
  • The Prius Plug-in, featuring the latest technology and delivering a whopping 95 mpge in EV mode and 50 mpg in hybrid mode.

4. Ford C-Max Hybrid

CNet.com puts the Ford C-Max Hybrid at the top of the list of best hybrid cars and for good reason. This vehicle’s gas-engine powertrain delivers 47 mpg, but go with the plug-in model and get up to 108 mpge in the city. It features electric power-assisted steering to help you drive in a smooth manner, and the car comes with the customizable SmartGuage panel with EcoGuide to give you real-time tips on how to improve your fuel efficiency. Plus, with safety features such as the personal safety system or the MyKey system, you can ensure safety while driving.

5. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Top Hybrid Cars of 2013

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

 

Image via Flickr by lotprocars

Not only will you get mpg in the mid-40s with this vehicle, but the Volkswagen Jetta delivers excellent stereo sound quality for the music-lover and up to 170 horsepower with a quiet engine. It features regenerative braking technology, which transfers energy back to the battery every time you apply the brakes. What’s more, it also includes the following incredible features:

  • 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space
  • Keyless access and push-button start
  • Heated seats
  • Touchscreen navigation
  • A 6-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission
  • A 2.5 liter engine

No matter if you’re interested in a more eco-friendly vehicle or you just want to save money on gas, consider purchasing one of these cars when shopping around for the perfect vehicle.

Errol Douglas MBE Launches Own Electrical Hair Tool Range

erroldouglas Legendary hairstylist partners with Corioliss on the first built in Keratin capsule system on high street. Not content with just giving you an exclusive interview with Errol Douglas, we also have the latest news about his new electrical hair tool range.

Errol Douglas MBE, one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, is to launch his own range of electrical styling tools in partnership with professionals’ choice Corioliss, including the first Keratin capsule system built into a hair styler available on the high street. Douglas, recently appointed President of The Fellowship For British Hairdressing with 30 years in the industry, has developed the tools with a focus on the maintenance of overall hair condition and achieving a luxury finish at home in between salon visits. These revolutionary styling tools are suitable to use with all hair types from fine European hair right through to Afro hair. Douglas led the design team that created the look of the tools, determined to create a feel that appealed to both men and women,given the increasing trend of men using styling tools at home. Of the designprocess, Douglas said: “I’m delighted with the look of the products. As with all good designs, the basis is simplicity and the matt black finish makes the products look slick and stylish, but also means they will last and lookgood over time. My clients want products to look beautiful but not at the expense of value and quality”

The revolutionary Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER combines the benefits of infrared light, anti static and Ionic technology to deliver speed, shine and a frizz-free finish. Infrared light is known to penetrate the hair for more accelerated drying, aid blood circulation and reduce hair loss, whilst Ionic technology allows moisture to penetrate and rehydrate the hair. The anti-static technology finishes the combination by delivering a frizz-free finish on super smooth hair. “We’re all short on time, but it’s important that this doesn’t make the hair condition vulnerable to harsh drying processes in the daily race to get out the door. I wanted a dryer that combined that reduction in drying time with a unique combination of protective technology for a healthy, sleek finish”

The Errol Douglas TREAT & STYLE hair styler features the first ever Keratin capsule system built into the actual iron to become available on the high street. It gives mega-shine with a steam infused treatment that moisturizes and protects hair simultaneously. The vapour infused treatment capsules penetrate deep into the cuticle aided by an integrated temperaturecontrol mechanism, leaving the hair shiner and healthier. “What I love is the look and feel of the hair after using Treat & Style; that luxuryfinish without compromising on the overall condition” said Douglas. It’s really simple to use, making sleek gorgeous hair in between salon visits a reality”
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The Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER and TREAT & STYLE and will be available in Boots Stores nationwide from July 29th 2013, priced at £59.99RRP and £109.00RRP (includes12 Keratin capsules) respectively. Additional TREAT& STYLE keratin capsules are priced at £19.99 for 12.

Errol Douglas first stepped into a salon aged 11, and is one of a few hairdressers to enjoy a global following and reputation from his flagship salon in London’s Belgravia. Open since 1998, the salon has an established flow of high profile clients and has proven to be a hot bed for new talent. Errol was voted “Hair Hero 2013” by Hair Magazine and is the current President of the British Fellowship for Hairdressing.

Cara Delevingne Gets On Stage With Rita Ora at The Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works Party

Last night saw celebs turn out for the Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works party hosted by Cara Delevingne and saw performances by Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and a surprise appearance by Wretch 32. 
 
Cara Delevingne joined Rita Ora on stage during her performance and showed off some dance moves as well as her rapping skills as she rapped along to Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy’.
The party was sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and held at the Old Firestation on Lambeth High Street.
Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS

Documentary Film Project “Kickstarted” Gives Back to Crowdfunding Community with Original Video Series

It has been a very exciting week for LA filmmakers Jay Armitage, Jason Cooper and Chris Gartin since their own Kickstarter campaign began for their documentary feature film “Kickstarted,” the first documentary feature film for, by and about the crowdfunding revolution.  Their goal is to raise $85,000 to complete the film they’ve been working on for the past year, where they have interviewed crowdfunding newsmakers like Zach Braff, Amanda Palmer, Maxwell Salzberg, Lisa Fetterman, John Vanderslice, Brian Fargo and many others. 

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Shrewdly, before launching their Kickstarter campaign on May 27, the trio released part of their Zach Braff interview on May 8, and that video was included in a feature story on Mashable that introduced the project to the world.  To date, that video has generated well over 50,000 views per week.  The filmmakers are shaping-up all this content which in Cooper’s words, “Tells the inspiring and dramatic stories of artists, makers and entrepreneurs who are harnessing the crowd to achieve the impossible,”  and they are also continuing to colorfully share their key findings and insights with the growing international community of makers and crowdfunding enthusiasts.

In their introductory and trailer video, Armitage says, “We’ve taken this film as far as we can with our own resources and now need your help to complete it.”  Since Mashable’s Eric Larson wrote his follow-up story on “Kickstarted” on May 30, the project is now 18% funded.  Braff himself recently appeared on the cover of Variety with these words: “Go Fund Yourself: Zach Braff made finding financing on Kickstarter look easy. But is it?”  That’s the exact type of question that Cooper, Armitage and Gartin have set out to answer with their project, and along the way, they are sharing their knowledge in the hopes of raising the money to finish their film.

Earlier this week, they released the first two in a series of original “Funded in 60 Seconds” episodes, presenting crowdfunding tips, insights and best practices from people who are using crowdfunding to pursue their dreams.  Episode one features Lisa Fetterman of Nomiku, who had a goal of raising $200,000, and raised nearly $600,000, while episode two features musician Amanda Palmer, who raised almost $1.2 million to launch her new album.  Also this week, in association with Indiewire, they kicked-off an original “Top 5” series with their first release, “Five Controversial Crowdfunding Moments.”  These videos and others to come are currently available in their entirety for free on the Kickstarted YouTube channel.

 

As the excitement builds, instead of watching the funds come in, the “Kickstarted” filmmakers are seizing the opportunity to meet, network with – and often, film – others who are making headlines with their own crowdfunded projects.  Naturally, “Giving back” is a big part of this project’s DNA: “We are a participating member in Kicking It Forward and pledge to give five percent of any profits back to other crowdfunding projects,” Cooper has said.

“We’re hoping that our efforts to help educate and cross-promote our colleagues will make it clear that the more people put into our project, the more they and others in the community will get out of our efforts,” added Armitage. 

To learn more about the project please visit http://www.kickstartedmovie.com

Trend Alert: Big Sunglasses

Summer is finally here and we can wear our summer wardrobe at last. The big sunglasses trend is a must this season. The gold trim at the top of the frame is a big favourite this season with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Coleen Rooney, Lauren Conrad and Millie Mackintosh all sporting the look. What do you think?

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Get the look with these GUESS Sunglasses which are exclusively available from House Of Fraser for just £85.00. Available in brown and black.

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Risk of heart disease reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats.

The Fat Information Service reveals the facts behind the headlines…

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Fatty acids continue to be the subject of ongoing academic research and media attention. In this bulletin, brought to you by the experts behind The Fat Information Service (FIS), we discuss some recent findings regarding different types of fat and risk of heart disease.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (found in animal products such as meat, cheese and butter) or unsaturated (found in oils, seeds and spreads).

When choosing fats, we’re advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle1.

Sorting fact from fiction

Recent coverage of the role of fats in the diet has made for confusing and alarming reading as well as being based on unreliable evidence. So what should we believe?

 

In response to a new review paper just published in Nutrition Bulletin2, Dr Carrie Ruxton from The Fat Information Service notes: “This latest release successfully challenges the recent media frenzy which followed publication of a BMJ paper on heart disease risk and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in  margarine and spreads.

The evidence shows clearly that the risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats3. By highlighting this robust evidence base and outlining the inaccuracies surrounding interpretation of the BMJ study4consumers are urged not to shun the government’s dietary guidelines on the basis of spurious media reports.

The Nutrition Bulletin study confirms that advice for the general population should still be to choose foods with a lower saturated fat content and to opt for fats that are primarily unsaturated, supplying a range of omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fats. 

 

 

Fat Information Service tips

 

As with all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception.

 

While polyunsaturated fats offer numerous health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health. Present guidelines suggest that no more than 35% of your overall daily energy intake should come from fat (with no more than 11% from saturated fat)5,6.

 

So while it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall wellbeing (as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle).

These tips will help show you how:

ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products e.g. low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milks to reduce your intake of saturated fats. Eat less cheese.

ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils  contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and must be taken in via your diet

ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

ü  When you do roast or fry food, try using a lower saturated fat spread or oil product

Liz Earle Launches ‘Second Chance’ Charity LiveTwice

Liz Earle MBE writer, broadcaster and entrepreneur who co-founded the Liz Earle Beauty Co. has launched her ‘second chance’ charity LiveTwice.

The charity works with disadvantaged people of all ages to offer opportunities for skills training and personal support. As well as funding skills training, LiveTwice also fund community centres in areas of social need, as well as a respite home-from-home for children with disabilities in a rural Dorset community.Liz Earle and Hannah White

 

The charity gives a hand-up not a hand out

LiveTwice helps empower those in need to make the most of their lives, helping to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and unemployment that destroys the individual and leads to the breakdown of families and society.

 

LiveTwice is all about offering opportunity in a practical way.

LiveTwice also offer a match-making service which give donors the freedom to donate to a specific project or place that interests them, in a very easy, safe and rewarding way. A new way to encourage global philanthropy.

 Jasmine Guinness

Liz Earle MBE said: ‘LiveTwice already does a lot and there is a lot to do!  Over the years, my research and filming travels have taken me to people and places far and wide who are in desperate need of a helping hand.  LiveTwice provides just that-with a hand-up, not just a hand out.’

Liz’s daughter, Amaryllis Earle is a Founding Trustee of LiveTwice with a focus on working with children and young people.

For more information on LiveTwice, please visit: www.livetwice.org or follow twitter.com/LiveTwiceOrg