Author Archives: Frostie

Hervé Léger AW14

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Hervé Léger has been synonymous with glamour and sensuality since its inception in 1985. Reinvented by Max and Lubov Azria and launched in 2007, the Hervé Léger by Max Azria collection maintains the couturier’s heritage while evolving through the Azrias’ distinctive spirit.

The Hervé Léger by Max Azria Fall 2014 collection was inspired by the beauty of nature and animal patterns. Collection colors include shades of warm grey, rich navy, dark greens, with bright pops of color.

HL_FW14_Look1 HL_FW14_Look11HL_FW14_Look25 HL_FW14_Look9  HERVELEGER

Photo Credit: Thomas Kletcka

The Most Efficient Vacuum Cleaners

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by Hoover



Since their invention in 1860, vacuum cleaners have been the number one household cleaning tool. Vacuums have evolved since those early days. Today, we have new designs, shapes and features. Due to the vast variety of models available on the market, choosing the right vacuum cleaner may turn out to be a daunting task. Here are some great Hoover suggestions that can simplify the search.
Dust Manager DM6225

Dust Manager DM6225 comes with all the features typical for a high-performance vacuum cleaner. This state-of-the-art appliance can handle anything lying in its path as it has plenty of motor and suction power. It uses Hoover’s cyclonic technology for deep cleaning that provides excellent cleaning results. Here are some of this vacuum cleaner’s features:

 

  • Bagless – you won’t need to buy vacuum bags, which will save you money in the long run.
  • Full stair hose and long cord – with a 4.4 metre hose and a seven-metre long cord, you can clean large spaces without moving the vacuum.
  • Flat-back – the vacuum can go horizontal making cleaning under tables, sofas and beds a piece of cake.
  • Extra tools – this vacuum cleaner comes with upholstery, crevice, dusting and rigid plastic tools.
  • Dust Manager Evo GreenRay

The Evo GreenRay is an economic model that uses up to 50 per cent less energy. The vacuum delivers quite a punch with suction power of 2300 watts and motor power of 1300 watts. It comes with a five-year parts and labour warranty. Some of the

key features include:

  • Pet hair removal – Evo GreenRay comes with a special tool designed to easily remove stubborn pet hair.
  • Removable handle – in case you need extra reach, all you will have to do is detach the handle.
  • Airvolution – Hoover’s multi cyclonic separation system that guarantees no loss of suction.

Xarion GreenRay Cylinder


Another high-quality vacuum cleaner by Hoover with ergonomic handle for convenient vacuuming that uses multi-cyclonic technology. This model consumes up to 50 per cent less energy and it is suitable for all types of surfaces and floors. Its innovative design helps support your wrist so that you can clean the house effortlessly. Additionally, this model and all its parts come with a five-year warranty. Here is what Xarion has to offer:

 

  • Upholstery care – this vacuum comes with several tools designed for carpet and upholstery cleaning.
  • Pet hair removal – this tool will come in handy if you own a pet.
  • Ergonomic handle – comfortable grip with suction control options.
  • One hand dust disposal – this feature allows you to empty the bin with one hand.

 

Hoover has a lot of great possibilities for you to choose among. Exploring several models and comparing the features will help you pick the one that is right for your home and your everyday cleaning needs.

 

2 Out Of 3 Think Modern Men Have Lost The Art Of Chivalry

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· 2 out of 3 Brits believe modern men have lost the art of chivalry

· 67% of over 55s have experienced a romantic gesture from their partner in the last year

· Listening and spending time with each other are valued more than materialistic gestures

 

As the nation gears up for Valentine’s Day, it seems ‘the Facebook Generation’ of UK men may need to brush up on their romantic skills. A survey by over adult only hotel group Warner Leisure Hotels has revealed that 2 out of 3 Brits (27,999,654) believe modern men have lost the art of chivalry. Women are suffering from the lack of love, as one fifth has admitted that their partner hasn’t done anything romantic in the last year.

Jaine and Tim Hewett, celebrating Valentine’s with 400 roses at The Warner Leisure Cricket St. Thomas Hotel in Somerset

Jaine and Tim Hewett, celebrating Valentine’s with 400 roses at The Warner Leisure Cricket St. Thomas Hotel in Somerset

Love needn’t cost the earth as the study found the little things in life – listening to your partner (25%) and never going to bed angry (10%) are the best ways to keep romance alive. 10 million (9,971,806) Brits value spending time with partners and the survey by Warner Leisure Hotels also revealed that going on holiday is important to 2 million (2,014,010).

The best way to keep romance alive in a long-term relationship as surveyed by OnePoll *

· Listening to your partner: 24.25%

· Spending time with each other: 20.30%

· Small gestures e.g. giving compliments, buying small gifts: 9.50%

· Never going to bed angry: 9.95%

· Letting the small things go: 9.95%

Though diamonds are allegedly a girl’s best friend, keeping the spark in a relationship doesn’t have to mean ostentatious gestures – the classics are still the best. With the over 55s leading the way in the art of wooing, younger generations have a lot of catching up to do:

Ways a partner has been romantic in the last year (over 55s) as surveyed by OnePoll *

· Complimented you in some way: 35.28%

· Bought you flowers: 24.54%

· Bought you chocolates: 20.61%

· Cooked a romantic meal: 18.41%

Hannah Sardar, PR Manager for Warner Leisure Hotels

Chivalry is not dead; it’s clear that with a little guidance and a few tips from those who know romance the best, the younger generation can keep romance alive. Relationships and romance require quality time together, trying new things as a couple and investment but the small things – cooking a meal or going on a spontaneous trip for the weekend – really do make a difference. No matter your age, it’s always important to make your partner feel special.”

 

Free Roses in Chelsea This Valentine’s Day

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If you are in Chelsea this Valentine’s Day make sure you pick up a free rose. Complimentary roses will be handed out to all passersby and commuters on February 14th on Duke of York Square in Chelsea. With an aim to spread the love and brighten the mood of all who visit the area, there will also be a violinist playing romantic music and serenading on request!

free roses

Thousands of roses will be handed out over the day but we recommend you get there quick if you would like to pick one up!

 

NYC Fashion Week Round Up: Kaelen AW14

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Kaelen AW14 Inspiration:

The inspiration began with the softness of nature. Natural elements that mix with innovative and technical is a theme that has been explored throughout past collections and it carries into the AW14 collection. The collection draws on ideas of romance and minimalism while continuing the tradition of androgynous tailoring. Shapes are softer but exaggerated. Graphic, sharp fabrics are mixed with soft, abstract prints. The collection features a new developed print that is meant to feel both digital and natural at the same time. Taking inspiration from mohair textiles and organic mossy textures to create something pixelated and abstract. The print is seen throughout the collection on sheer tulle in black and white as well as stretch cotton against a colour palette of deep purple, silver lavender, pink and orangey red.

kaelen

Kaelen Haworth is a Canadian living in and running her eponymous label in New York City. While attending Parsons, The New School for Design, Kaelen interned for Jenni Kayne, Stella McCartney and lingerie brand, The Lake & Stars.

One year after graduating,Kaelen launched with a collection shown during New York Fashion week in 2010.

Designing from a minimalist perspective with a focus on subtle details, Kaelen seeks to combine the traditional and the innovative, exploring the dichotomies of masculine and feminine, classic and modern. Kaelen strives to create pieces that are at once intelligent and treasured.

In 2014, Kaelen was selected as 1 of 10 designers in the CFDA’ s {FASHION INCUBATOR} Class 3.0.

The Best Exercises For A Pert Bottom

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Pert bottom exercises by British Military Fitness Instructor

Want a perfect bottom like Pippa Middleton? Then all you need to do is master the squat. The squat is commonly known as the “king of exercises”. It is a fantastic exercise; it targets all the muscles in the legs whilst also adding some strength and stability to the abdomen and lower back area and really targets the core. The squat also gets a large amount of upper body muscles engaged too. Here are just a few benefits to show why everyone should be including squats into their training routine.

pippa-middleton-butt

Increase strength & power

Squatting should be one of the fundamental exercises for anyone looking to increase their strength. They have been proven to significantly increase lower body strength and power. This can have a whole range of benefits from those looking to improve sporting performance to those just looking to improve their lifestyle so that everyday tasks such as climbing stairs become easier.

Run faster

If you want to run faster, whether you are a distance runner or a sprinter, then you should be squatting. The speed at which you run is heavily influenced by your ability to apply force into the ground. To run faster, you need to apply more force. The best way to do this is to strengthen the lower body. Using squats to train the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes will allow you produce more ground reaction force. For those who are distance runners, if you increase you 1RM on a squat then you will also improve you run time. Think of it this way. If you weight 70kg and have 1RM back squat of 70kg then you are going to have to recruit more motor units in order to propel yourself forward when running compared to someone who also weights 70kg but has 1RM on a squat of 120kg.

Increase muscle size

Squats are a great way to increase size of muscle tissue, not only in them legs but all over the human body. Developing muscle mass heavily relies on hormonal responses from exercise. Testosterone and growth hormone are two of the major muscle building hormones in the body. Squatting heavy and engaging the large muscles around the hips will mean you begin to produce huge amounts of testosterone. This release will also have a positive impact of other muscles as it flows through the blood stream. Combining this with some lighter load and higher reps will mean you start to feel a burning sensation within the legs, this burning sensation come from the build up of lactate and lactic acid within the muscle. When the body starts to get a build up of lactic acid you subsequently get a release of growth hormone. Theism just like testosterone is fantastic for this individuals looking to gain some muscle mass.

Torch calories and body fat

I want you to try something for me. After completing a thorough warm up, walk into a squat rack, load the bar with what is the heaviest amount of load you can possibly lift for 15 reps. Complete 4-5 sets of 15 reps whilst only taking around 60seconds rest between these sets and tell me how you feel. I guess you are going to feel extremely worn out and needing to sit down for a few mins ‘to catch your breath’. Completing this type of session will make the body move away from its safe environment of homeostasis and enter into EPOC (Excess Post Oxygen Consumption) meaning the body will need to take on additional oxygen to help you recover. This is accompanied by elevated consumption of fuels, particularly from fat stores. Using a tabata protocol for squatting (20secs all out / 10secs rest x 8) has been shown to elevate EPOC for up to 48 hours post exercise.

Here are list of squat variation exercises you can try to help you. Also included is a strength continuum chart to help you ensure you are working at the correct intensity, with the correct load, at the correct pace and with adequate amounts of rest depending on what you goal is.

 

Training Effect

Reps

Load (%1RM)

Rest

Strength

1-5

80-90%

3-5min

Hypertrophy

6-12

60-80%

1-2min

Endurance

15+

>40%

30-60secs

Front Squat

Take a grip on the bar slightly wider than shoulder width.
Position the bar so it is just behind the clavicle and close to the throat.
Ensure the chest is high and push your elbows up and in.
Foot stance should be shoulder with apart or slightly wider.
Once in position sit back onto the hips slightly as the hips and knees simultaneously flex.
Push the knees out to ensure they track the toes and stay on the heels at all times.
Once you have broken parallel drive the heels into the ground extending the knees and hips.

Back Squat

Take the narrowest most comfortable grip on the bar for you range on movement.
Position the bar high on the back.
Pull the shoulder back and keep the chest up.
Pull down on the bar and push the elbows forwards.
This should create a natural ledge surface for the bar to sit on.
Once in position sit back onto the hips slightly as the hips and knees simultaneously flex.
Push the knees out to ensure they track the toes and stay on the heels at all times.
Once you have broken parallel drive the heels into the ground extending the knees and hips.

Bulgarian Split Squat

For this exercise you are going to need a bench and some dumbbells.
Take a hold of the dumbbells in both hands.
Elevate your rear foot on the bench and take a step forward with your front leg.
Ensure that the chest is high and shoulders are pulled back with a neutral spine.
Bend at the knees so you body is moving in a vertical fashion until your reach 90degrees in the front knee.

At this point drive back up and return to the top.

Complete the required reps on this leg before changing.

 

Single Doctors Get Hearts Racing This Valentine’s Day

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  • Teachers and doctors among the top professions looking for love
  • Men begin their quest for love much sooner than women, as 32% more men in their 20s are looking for an online date than women

guardiansoulmates

Another year, another Valentine’s Day, and for singletons it can be a frustrating time. However, we have cause to be more positive this year as research from Guardian Soulmates today reveals that there are far more eligible single men and women than we may have expected. Ever wondered where all the doctors are? All the teachers? Mr/Mrs Right you expected to have married by now? Well they’re on your doorstep, and more importantly, they’re single!

From its dating database of over 200,000 singletons, Guardian Soulmates has found that there are more teachers and academics looking for love than any other profession, with media professionals and doctors coming in second and third respectively. And it’s not just doctors and teachers; those who own their own businesses are also up there with the UK’s most eligible singles, making up 5% of the sites daters.

Sectors with the most single men and women:

1. Education

2. Media

3. Health

4. Self-employed

5. Finance

6. Marketing / PR

7. Third sector

8. IT / telecoms

9. Government

 

Encouragingly our teachers and doctors don’t all fall into one group, and there are opportunities to meet your match regardless of age. Guardian Soulmates’ research shows that men and women in their 30s are the most prevalent daters; of those on the dating website 31% of men and 34% of women are in their 30s. There’s good news for those in their 20s too, particularly any young ladies who are apprehensive about getting online for a date before they turn 30, as 32% more men in their 20s are looking for an online date than women at the same age. Not only are men getting online early, they’re also continuing their quest for love in later life. The research also shows a trend that there are equal numbers of men and women in their 40s and 50s looking for love.

Age does, however, appear to define the type of date you may wish to go on this Valentine’s Day. The research reveals that there are trends in dating patterns across age groups, and even across regions. Those in their twenties are least likely to cook a romantic meal for two, whilst 79% of 30-something daters are cooking enthusiasts and would prefer a comfy night in. For those who believe the way to the heart is through the stomach, London and the North West are fertile dating grounds, as 67% of daters in London and 40% in the North West are cooking fans. Surprisingly, if you want to impress a lady you’re better off asking her out for a drink than a dinner date as 64% of single women enjoy a drink, versus just over half of single men (53%).

 

Survey Reveals Men Are Healthier Than Women

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Men are healthier and happier than women in general according to a new survey. 

battle of the sexes

Health and Happiness, a nationwide study of 2,000 men and women found that men reported a higher rate of happiness when it came to their weight, shape, appearance, and the way they are perceived by others (55%). Women, on the other hand, were more self-conscious and slightly less satisfied with their happiness levels at around 49%. Women are also much more likely to try dieting (71%) compared to men (47%).

Men don’t feel stressed as often either. Almost 60% of male respondents said they only felt stressed once a month, whereas 60% of women said they felt anxious once a week or more.
Over 70% of men also claim they rarely felt depressed or had mood swings, compared to half of women (50%) who admitted to feeling low or unhappy at least once a month, if not more.

Male respondents reported that they were less likely to have trouble sleeping at night – 51% said restless sleep occurred around once a week or more, compared to 60% of women.
Headaches, bloating or poor digestion were less of a problem among men. Almost half (49%) said they rarely got headaches, compared to 64% women who said they experienced them at least once a month or more. For 70% of men, bloating and poor digestion would only occur once a month or less, but almost half (43%) of women said it was a weekly or daily problem.
Men also reported higher satisfaction levels when it came to their professional lives, from job security (51%) and salary (45%) through to career prospects (46%) and overall finances (50%).

 

Londoners rate themselves the healthiest
Londoners rate their city the health capital of the UK, with 59 per cent of people describing themselves as ‘healthy’, the highest proportion in the UK and above the national average of 54 per cent.   The average units of alcohol consumed per week was relatively low at 5.5 units, compared to Manchester, which saw the highest average of 6.7 units. 79 per cent are non-smokers, and only 12 per cent classed themselves as regular smokers.  Londoners are also keen exercisers, with half doing at least 20 minutes of exercise twice a week or more. They have a high sleep average of 6.7 hours per night and get their serving of five a day an average of 3.16 times per week, compared to the lowest average of only 2.6 times a week in Belfast.

 

Sleep leads to happiness in Sheffield
Sheffield has been revealed as being home to the happiest residents, probably because they are most likely to get the right amount of sleep. 40 per cent said they get a healthy average of seven hours sleep per night, compared to the national average of 34 per cent. Under half (48 per cent) said they were only likely to experience difficulty sleeping once a month or less.  That might be why one in ten said they never feel stressed or anxious. They were also happiest  in the country with their  family life (75 per cent), where they live (66 per cent), shape and weight (54 per cent), and appearance (55 per cent), compared to their respective national averages of 69 per cent, 62 per cent, 52 per cent and 52 per cent.

 

Feeling glum in Brum
Birmingham was revealed as the unhappiest and most stressed city in the UK. The city had the highest number of smokers and its residents suffered the most ailments in the country.  Brummies had the lowest average when asked to rate their happiness in terms of their relationships (56 per cent), family lives (63 per cent) overall health (55 per cent) and their appearance (50 per cent), below the respective national averages of 60 per cent, 69 per cent, 60 per cent and 52 per cent.

 

Over 30% are smokers and the city has the second lowest quitting rate.  When it came to stress and anxiety, 62 per cent said they experienced one or the other once a week or more. Jobs were cited as the biggest cause of stress (31 per cent) closely followed by money (29 per cent). Brummies also suffer the most ailments, with 48 per cent experiencing bloating and poor digestion, 44 per cent having headaches, and 47 per cent complaining of low moods once a week or more. Nearly half (44 per cent) reported difficulty sleeping most nights.

 

Unhealthy but loved up in Belfast
Almost half (46 per cent) of respondents from Belfast described themselves as ‘unhealthy’ when asked to rate their current health status – the highest percentage in the country.  Over half (53 per cent) complain of difficulty sleeping once a week or more and one in ten say they get daily headaches. More than one in four (27 per cent) experience low moods or depression once a week or more, and 37 per cent admitted that they would only do 20 minute workout sessions once a month or less. They were also the least likely to get their portions of five-a-day each week.

 

Although Belfast had the fourth highest number of smokers in the UK, it also had the best quitting rate, with a quarter of people saying they have given up smoking – the highest in the country. They also came top of the poll when questioned about how happy they were in their relationships and love life, with an average happiness score of 67 per cent. They also reported the most satisfying sex lives, with an average happiness rating of 55 per cent – above the national average of 51 per cent.

 

Cardiff is the capital of cardio
People living in Cardiff are the exercise pros of the UK with over half (54 per cent) doing at least 20 minutes of exercise twice a week or more, the highest percentage in the country. But despite high levels of exercise, Cardiff residents are the least content with their shape and weight, with an average happiness score of 49 per cent, just below the national average of 52 per cent.
When it came to money, however, the city was the happiest with their overall finances, with an average happiness rating of 52 per cent, compared to the national average of 49 per cent.

 

Sleep deprived Scots
Edinburgh is home to anation of sleep deprived residents with nearly 1 in 10 people only getting up to four hours sleep a night, a good two and half hours below the national average. When they do sleep, over 70 per cent said they have restless nights or difficulty sleeping. Feelings of stress and anxiety were a weekly occurrence among 47 per cent of respondents and money was cited as being the biggest cause of stress (39 per cent). The city also experienced a high proportion of daily ailments with one in five suffering from arthritis and joint problems every day – the most in the country.

 

Manchester drinks the most

Manchunians have admitted to being the biggest drinkers in the UK with the highest weekly average units of alcohol consumed. Residents admitted to drinking an average of 7 units of alcohol per week, compared to the national average of 5 units, and 15 per cent disclosed that they consume on average over 15 units per week.

Despite this, almost half (49 per cent) of residents described themselves as healthy when asked to rate their health status. Manchester was also revealed to be the second keenest city when it comes to exercise. Nearly one in four claim to do at least 20 minutes of exercise four times a week or more, closely behind the highest which was Cardiff at 26 per cent.

There is also a relatively low rate of smokers, with only 12 per cent of people regarding themselves as regular smokers.
Bristolians best at beating the bulge
Bristol is the city of successful dieters, with 42 per cent saying they have tried dieting and that it has worked for them. 17 per cent of respondents said they hadn’t tried to diet but would be willing to give it a go. They get their serving of five a day on average three times a week but happiness levels are below the national averages when it comes to their salary, career prospects, appearances, job security and overall finances.

 

Liverpool high anti-diet rate
Liverpool has the highest rate of anti-dieters with a quarter of residents saying they would be reluctant to try one – the highest in the country. Only 14% who had never tried one before said they would be open to the idea, still the lowest percentage in the country.  They are also one of the least likely cities to get regular exercise with 36 per cent reporting 20 minutes of exercise once a month or less.  76 per cent said they felt stressed once a month or more, the second highest in the country after Birmingham.

 

Leeds stressed and losing sleep
Over half of Leeds residents (54 per cent) experience stress once a week or more. Money was cited as the biggest cause of stress (34 per cent), followed by jobs (24 per cent) and then family (14 per cent). Leeds also experiences frequent levels of sleep difficulty, with 64 per cent saying they have trouble sleeping once a week or more.  Over one in ten admitted to only getting up to 5 hours of sleep a night.