If you haven’t seen the trailer for Maleficent yet you are missing out. Angelina Jolie looks spectacular as Disney’s iconic villain.
The live action film is due out in May 2014. Jolie’s costume looks amazing. The film promises to show another side to Sleeping Beauty’s arch villain who casts a spell over Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) that puts her into a deep sleep that only true love’s kiss could wake her up from.
What do you think?
After a classy reply when Jay Mohr fat-shamed her, Alyssa Milano has now accepted his apology; Jay Mohr said in a radio interview in December 2013: “She was one of the presenters.. She’s very tiny. In height. It seems like she had a baby and said, ‘I don’t really give a s**t.’ I read it on her gut.”
He then mocked her for wearing spanks, saying:
“Somebody sat in the director’s chair and was not wearing Spanx and I was like, ‘Jesus Christ.’”
Alyssa tweeted:
.@jaymohr37 So sorry you felt the need to publicly fat-shame me. Be well and God Bless. Please send my love to your beautiful wife.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 26, 2013
After his apology Alyssa tweeted, “Thank you. Apology accepted (She grunts while aggressively yet cautiously prying off her head-to-toe Spanx). #PassTheCookies”
Jay wrote this apology on his blog:
“Knowing that Alyssa, as well as her family, friends, fans, and especially her husband, heard things that were hurtful from my mouth crushed me. Sometimes comedians go too far. I went too far. I cannot change what I said, but I can assure you that my heart is broken that I hurt her. I am very sorry.”
Alyssa is currently hosting Project Runway.
The gorgeous and entrepreneurial Amy Childs has launched a Shape-Wear Finder – helping all girls find a dress suitable for their figure. Whether you’re Apple or Pear, Busty or Boyish.
A nipped waist can slim belly bulges, an A-line skirt can lengthen legs – there is so much fashion advice out there so Amy Childs is here offering her exclusive tips for finding that perfect dress for every figure.
PEAR?
Lacking a fuller chest? Seeking to minimise your lower body?
DO’S – Add volume to your upper body with detail.
Amy picks Lisa as the perfect number for a pear figure which, with its’ embellished chest/waist detail, creates curves whilst the skater skirt slims down the hips.
DON’T – Patterns at the bottom
APPLE?
Lacking a defined waist? But boast a womanly chest and derriere?
DO’S – Wear dainty shoes/heals to elongate your legs
Apple figures shouldn’t be constantly covered. Amy’s choice of ELOISE is ideal with a nipped-in waist detail and a panel of colour to help create that ever-desired slimmer frame illusion.
DON’T – Items of all one colour and halter necks
HOUR GLASS?
Chest and hips equal? An enviable waist?
DO’S – Semi-Fitted blouses, waist belts to help widen your waist.
Too much detail or pattern on an hourglass figure, can lose the shape completely. One of Amy’s favourite dresses is Samantha, as its’ beautiful lace detail is the focus of the dress, whilst the black skirt is sexy and slimming.
DON’T – Oversized, boxy clothing and turtle necks.
Persistently renowned for pushing the boundaries with themes of death and rebirth, this spooky, vampire drama with half human fairies thrown in for good measure, has been taken to the hearts of the public and inspired many copycat style dramas. None though will equal series 6, which promises to be not just memorable but thoroughly dramatic and emotional. With Series 6, producer Brian Buckner has set himself the onerous task of proving to loyal fans that True Blood didn’t outstay its welcome, by ensuring he leaves fans begging for more with Robert Kazinksy’s short but sweet dalliance with vampires.
http://hbowatch.com/hbo-true-blood-season-7-will-be-its-finale/
New Cast Member
Robert Kazinsky, the 30 year old British actor of EastEnders and Pacific Rim fame, joins True Blood in its sixth and final season. This is a brave move for Kazinsky, entering a show which has such an established and cult following in its closing act. Making one’s mark on an established partnership is no mean feat, particularly with a cast and crew who have worked on the previous five seasons. However, it seems that injecting new blood into True Blood’s final series has injected new life into the well-worn formula of this sexy horror drama about real life southern vampires.
Kazinky’s emergence onto the scene provided a new frisson between his character Macklyn Warlow and Sookie Stackhouse. Kazinzky’s character evolves over the course of the season like a good wine ages over a season, no doubt to the anticipated delight of True Blood’s loyal fans.
What to expect in series 7
A real sense of fresh energy has been poured into this series of True Blood which has given the show a major boost and helped ensure that it carries its strengths from previous seasons, and also injects a new impetus to this, its swan song.
Given that half the cast are now no more, there has been a welcome return to a more parochial and homely family unit. A feel which Kazinsky thinks strikes the right note for the final season: “That’s absolutely the right way to go, so this entire [sixth] season was about getting there. That’s Brian’s dream and what he’s doing is brilliant for the show.”
No shrinking violet, and just as well given the abundant nude scenes the character plays as a love interest of lead character Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, Kazinksy tackles some interesting plotlines in the show including a scene with Jason Stackhouse, Sookie’s brother.
Determined to end the show on a high note, producer Brian Buckner has bravely cast Kazinsky in several passionate scenes, none more risk taking than that with fellow co-star Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason, Sookie’s womanising brother. This interseting twist tests and examines the boundaries and relationships between Sookie, Jason and Macklyn. Series 6 is guaranteed to be a show stopper of vampire proportions.
Just as it sparked a revival of vampirology when it premièred in 2008, so it has left the stage with its fans wanting more, surely the sign of a meaty drama, talented cast and great writers which will prove hard, if not impossible, to emulate.
Looking for somewhere new to eat? Dirty Apron has teamed up with Simmons Bar to offer you a fun, playful dining experience, serving up a range of delicious home cooked treats that will suit everyone’s palette. At Simmons King’s Cross choose from a range of scrumptious delights including barbecued pulled pork, lamb and harissa meatballs and crispy polenta fries.
Dig in to a variety of hot deli sandwiches at Simmons Camden including a Dirty Yanker – pastrami, mayo, Swiss cheese, balsamic cabbage and American mustard. Or go wild with the yummy Dirty Jerk – jerk chicken & plantain with lime and pineapple salsa. Prop yourself at the vintage school desks and wash these delicious dishes down with a couple of Simmons scrumptious cocktails while they blast out an eclectic mix of music to keep you entertained.
Don’t miss out on the Simmons experience get yourself down to both venues on Wednesdays and Thursdays to experience the hearty, healthy food and delightful cocktails for yourself!
Dirty Apron pops up at Simmons King’s Cross every Wednesday 12pm – late and at Simmons Camden every Thursday from 5pm – late
Simmons King’s Cross
32 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DT
Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 12am, Thursday – Saturday 4pm -Late
Simmons Camden
7 Camden high Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JE
Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 11.30pm, Thursday – Saturday 4pm – Late
Twitter: @SimmonsLondon Facebo
Band: The Plum Magnetic
Location: New Orleans, LA, USA
Styles: World/Fusion/Rock
Similar to: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Umphrey’s McGee, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Talking Heads,Grateful Dead
CD: Terra Animata
Accolades: Have opened for NoHayBanda Trio (Italy), World Service Project (UK), The Magnetic Ear (New Orleans)
Members/Instruments: Trent Ciolino- electric 6-string banjo,vox; Andrew McLean- guitars, tabla; Jon Solomon- bass; Oliver Burke- drums
Production: Trent Ciolino and The Plum Magnetic; Engineered by Andrew McLean; Mixed by Andrew McLean and Kevin Sweet; Mastered by Paul Marinaro at Piety Street Studios, NOLA
Tracklisting: Spring; Trece Leches; Sweet Confusion; The Electric Jungle; Shesh Besh; Parallax; The Delicious; Terra Animata
Websites:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Reverbnation
Twitter
Bio:
The aim of The Plum Magnetic is to blend elements of music from all over the world into a synergistic whole and through this genre-melding approach to both represent and promote a harmonious unity-through-diversity. The depth of emotion, melody, 
and structure of Indian Classical music; the ecstatic pulse and rich, repetitious, patterns of Africa; the manifold great American forms, including Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk/Bluegrass, Fusion, and beyond; all of these are deftly interwoven to produce a sound that is broad in scope, rich with intent, and full of surprises.
The Plum Magnetic was formed in late 2011 out of relationships built over years of involvement in the New Orleans music scene. Trent (banjo/vox) and Oliver (drums) met while playing in super eclectic local group Eve’s Lucky Planet, and over years of extended jams based in African, Reggae, and Afro-Cuban styles developed a unique musical bond which serves as the backbone of The Plum Magnetic’s developing sound. In considering personnel to expand the project’s line-up, Andrew McLean (guitar) was the obvious first choice. Trent and Andrew met through a shared love of Indian Classical Music; Andrew (having studied raga and tala for over a decade at the esteemed Ali Akbar Khan College of Music) as teacher, and Trent as a beginner sitar student. Last but not least, the group needed a bassist, and after experimenting with a few different players, Jon Solomon (founding member of Gravity A and bass player about town) was a natural fit. With his great feel and sensitivity he rounds out the sound, allowing the group to present music that though at times exceedingly complex, is always firmly rooted in the groove.
Drawing comparisons to groups ranging from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Grateful Dead, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Talking Heads, and Umphrey’s McGee, The Plum Magnetic is one of the most diverse, engaging, and original up and coming groups in the New Orleans scene and beyond.
Why are we doing an interview with a permanent make up artist you may ask. Permanent make up isn’t very ‘Frost’ usually, but Karen Betts is different. She gives the gift of confidence to those with illness. Like people who have lost their eyebrows to cancer. Karen has changed the lives of many individuals with medical permanent tattooing. See the photo below as an example. The other two pictures are Karen with Arlene Phillips and Katie Piper.
When and why did you first become interested in your profession?
I personally ventured into this field in 1996 after a childhood friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was not content with being just a pillar of support and wanted to be able to do more. At the time I ran a hair and beauty salon and a conventional tattooist used to rent one of my rooms, I thought to myself if you could adorn people’s bodies with such complex art why could you not develop a technique that would subtly enhance or replace facial features such as eyebrows. That is when I started my research and discovered a micro pigmentation course in the States.
What, if anything, has given you a competitive edge in this field?
My desire to always learn more, continuously develop my skills and share this knowledge with all who carry the Nouveau Contour name. I am not precious and love showing my students techniques I have developed that improve the quality of a treatment plus I am lucky to have a fabulous relationship with the manufacturer of the Nouveau Contour equipment and pigments and year on year we work together to develop and improve our products, we now have over 82 fundamental pigment colours to choose from, the largest range in the industry.
Describe your typical working day.
I am up very early most days and I do a few hours work on the computer managing my 8 brands before catching the train to one of my 3 training academies in Yorkshire, London or Milton Keynes. I absolutely hate to waste any time so once on the train the laptop is back out and I work solid until I reach my destination. I then either prepare for a training class or a full days clinic where I perform on average 10 permanent cosmetic procedures a day. Then you have guessed it, back on the laptop working on promotional plans, critical paths, training manuals, special offers, and budgets… I could go on and on but in essence I work constant all day every day until either my partner or very patient assistant shouts at me to eat something or go to bed. If there was 8 days in a week I would work them all.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The feel good factor you get when you watch someone’s face light up after his or her treatment is just amazing!
What’s been your biggest professional achievement to date?
Whilst a lot of my clients are memorable in their own rights 2 clients over the last few years have really pulled at my heartstrings and tested my capabilities. The first is a lady named Julie who was born with a cleft lip. Julie’s cleft lip has affected her confidence for as long as she can remember, aware that the shape of her lip had held her back and prevented her from making the most of her life I wanted to give Julie the perfect lip shape she had always dreamed of. To restore a cleft lip using permanent cosmetics requires a real level of skill that does not come over night but I am happy to state that Julie was overwhelmed with the results and quoted “Karen created the lip shape I had been looking for my whole life”. Her smile and the big hug she gave me at the end of her treatment spoke volumes and I am not ashamed to say, made me cry.
The second lady many people will recognise as her recovery from a brutal acid attack in 2008 was documented in the TV series ‘Katie Piper – My Beautiful Face’. I was honoured when I was able to help Katie. Over a twelve month process, I was able to recreate Katie’s lips, brows and eye definition. Over time our personal and professional relationship developed and in 2012 I was announced as the official and exclusive permanent make-up consultant for The Katie Piper Foundation.
What advice would you give to somebody wanting to become a permanent makeup artist?
As Permanent Cosmetics is a very precise procedure, the need for the correct training and support is of the utmost importance. I would advise anyone considering a career in this field to first attend an insight day if the company offers one, this gives the person an opportunity to discover:
What is permanent cosmetics?
Do I have what it takes to be a successful permanent cosmetics artist?
What are the training options?
How long will the training take and how much will it cost?
What equipment do you need to perform treatments?
What treatments can I train in?
What do I need to do to ensure I get return on my investment?
People also need to look for a company that not only listens to what they want from their training experience but whose trainers actively carry out procedures on a daily basis.
Continuous professional development is paramount in this field as techniques and equipment are improving year on year therefore people should look for training providers who offer continued learning with free workshops and shadowing days.
I also recommend that they ask themselves the following questions:
Am I prepared to change someone’s face?
Have I got the determination and drive to make this a success?
What skills can people learn at the Nouveau Contour Training School?
We offer a developmental training programme designed to turn absolute beginners into elite permanent cosmetics artists. Our foundation courses range from 8 to 31 days long and the student can choose the training option that best suits their lifestyle and financial budget. For a full explaining of our training options visit http://pro.nouveaubeautygroup.
What are the pros and cons of permanent makeup?
In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, it can be hard work looking our best all the time. Juggling a career with home life is tough and our appearance isn’t always a priority. That’s why each year in the UK; thousands of women and men opt for permanent cosmetic enhancements as a timesaving way to look their best with minimum effort.
No longer considered a treatment just for the rich and famous, men and women of all backgrounds and social standing are opting for permanent makeup procedures as a way to save time and in many cases boost confidence.
Permanent makeup is also ideal for people who take part in sport, have difficulty applying makeup or are allergic to cosmetics. It can also help to camouflage scarring and bring life-changing benefits to alopecia sufferers and to people who have had breast reconstruction work or have experienced hair loss following chemotherapy treatment.
The only downside is there is some poorly trained permanent cosmetics artist offering treatments. Research your technician and be very clear about the result you want to achieve. The main risk is choosing a poorly educated technician just because they may be less expensive. Permanent makeup should be considered exactly that – permanent. Whilst designed to fade you should always regard the treatment as irreversible and when deciding on your technician you should always research the company they trained with, the equipment and pigments they use and indeed when they last refreshed their skills. I would also recommend that you ask to view their portfolio and do not be afraid to ask if it is their own work they are presenting to you.
Is there any ‘look’ that you’d refuse to do? For example a very unnatural/dramatic look?
With permanent make up it is not about following fashion trends but subtly enhancing or replacing someone’s natural features, obviously I can improve area’s, for example, as we mature we loose volume in our lips and I can use clever shading technique to create the illusion of a softer, plump more youthful mouth, but on the whole I do not look to other people to create permanent make up looks as it is more important to understand the individual personality, lifestyle and look of the person I am treating.
As well as Katie Piper, have you had any celebrity clients?
Over the last 16 years I have been able to use my skills to help thousands of ladies both for cosmetic and medical purposes and I pride myself on treating every client exactly the same no matter who they are or what their profession.
I am discreet and professional and many high profile clients come to be because of that therefore I can not disclose all my celebrity clients. However on my website with their permission you will see that I have treated Amy Child’s and her manager Claire Powell, Coronation Street actresses Sally Dynevor and Cath Tyldesley, Sugababes Jade Ewan, Olympian Jade Johnson, choreographer, TV presenter and judge of Strictly Come Dancing Arlene Phillips, Spanish model Elen Rivas, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, TV presenter and model Sue Moxley.
Do a lot of celebrities have permanent makeup nowadays?
Yes they do and in turn these celebrities speaking out about the benefits of permanent make-up has resulted in many new clients coming to see me for a consultation/treatment for both cosmetic and medical treatments.
What’s the most fulfilling thing about your job i.e. Helping survivors restore confidence
I feel privilege everyday that I have a skill that can help rebuild so many people’s confidence and nothing I have achieved beats the look on a clients face when I have restored a feature that they have lost through illness or an accident.
What’s your motto, or the key premise / message of your business?
My motto is always smile, laugh and try to remain positive even when things are going really bad. Life really is too short to be bogged down with negativity.
The key message of my business is education, education is a powerful tool and I have built my training schools on the premise that at Nouveau Beauty Group we offer long term careers not just course, we want all our students to be the best they can be and actively promote continued professional development. I have been in the beauty business for over 20 years and still do not claim to know everything, I love surrounding myself with people from other industries that I can learn from and often I implement their advise into my business model.
What are the advantages of permanent makeup over regular makeup?
The benefits of permanent makeup over conventional makeup are immeasurable, one example is in the summer when the temperature increases and makeup can sweat off or indeed wash off if you are on holiday and fancy a dip in the pool. With subtly applied permanent cosmetics designed to mimic the most natural makeup look, ladies no longer have to worry about pencilling their eyebrows back in or their eyeliner smudging.
I also recommend everyone to watch the video testimonials on my website as these are real women sharing their personal experience of why they opted for permanent makeup and defy anyone to not understand the advantages of permanent makeup over conventional makeup for those living with an altered facial appearance as a result of an accident or illness.
10 tips on fighting the festive flab in the New Year By Garry Kerr, Head of Training and Operations at British Military Fitness
Nom, nom, nom…extra eating: During the winter and especially over the festive
season we typically eat more than we would normally and exercising is a great way
to burn those extra calories and keep yourself in shape so when spring finally arrives
you’re in tip top shape! Here are some tips to help you beat the Christmas flab!
1. Keep a fitness journal
A workout log can help keep your exercise routine on track when you’re
struggling to stay motivated because it will show you how far you’ve come
since you started, and therefore how worthwhile it is to keep going.
2. Commit yourself.
Get moving! Just do it! There is no time like the start of a New Year. You’ve
got the indulgences of Christmas behind but it’s important you commit. Why
not write all the classes you can attend in your diary so they are viewed as
actual appointments and you’re less likely to cancel.
3. Set short-term goals
Having something specific to aim for, such as losing a certain amount
of weight or entering a race / marathon for example the Major Series
in the Spring will help you stick to your training
plan. But make sure your goals are achievable. Setting and failing to reach
outlandish targets will put you off.
4. Find the fun in it
Exercise should not feel like torture. After all, you have made a conscious
decision to do it. You can take great pleasure from overcoming challenges
and progressing with your fitness alongside other people.
Does that mean that it will be easy? No. In order to change your body, you
need to experience ‘overload’. This means that you need to keep challenging
your body in order to increase your fitness levels. You will however improve
your fitness levels if you rest and recover properly after each workout.
5. Reward yourself
Once you’ve hit one of your targets reward yourself. By training and
committing to your training you’ve earned the right to spoil yourself. Whether
it’s a new item of clothing or fitness-related gadgets or clothing – enjoy your
achievements.
6. Use visualisation
If you don’t believe that you can do that final burpee or make it through
those final reps, you certainly won’t be able to but by picturing yourself doing
it before you try it, you’ll create a mental template that can translate into
success.
7. Eating right
Food is 90% of the health and fitness battle. You can make great changes
just through making small adjustments to your eating habits alone. While
changing any habits may seem like a daunting task, there is a wealth of
resources available to guide you. By eating a regular mix of proteins, fats and
carbohydrates you will reap the benefits of your physical training routine. You
will have both the energy to perform and the nutritional foundations needed
for recovery. This exercise and nutrition relationship will help you to achieve
your goals
8. Be realistic
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Unfortunately, while over-used, there is some truth
in that saying.
A healthy approach is to aim to improve on yesterday. By repeating this
process you will start to feel like you have made great improvements over a
course of weeks, months and years. It is also important to consider where you
want to be.
9. There is gain without pain!
While exercise should be challenging in order to encourage the body to adapt
and therefore improve, it should not lead to any injuries.
Many people, particularly those new to exercise can become over enthusiastic
because of the physical changes that they experience. Our bodies can only
truly complete exercises at 100% intensity for a number of seconds. Exercises
completed over the course of an hour-long session are performed below
maximum intensity. You should therefore focus more on your technique and
try to work as hard as possible but not push yourself to the point of nausea.
10. Abandon an all-or-nothing attitude
Don’t think of exercise with an all-or-nothing approach. If you unexpectedly
miss a session, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track tomorrow.
Remember; exercise and fitness is a way of life, it’s not a destination.