Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival

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Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival MOVE IT at London Olympia 8th – 10th March, 2013Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival MOVE IT at London Olympia 8th – 10th March, 2013

Join the dance movement!

 

MOVE IT, the UK’s biggest dance event is back. Join 20,000 dancers for three days at the UK’s biggest festival dedicated to dance of all styles and levels. Starting 8th March till 10th March at London’s Olympia, soak up MOVE IT’s electric atmosphere with 100 live performances, 220 dance classes in any genre you can think of, dance competitions and fascinating interviews from dancing idols and celebrities from the dance world.

 

MOVE IT is your once-a-year opportunity to create your ultimate dance experience and is perfect for beginners, professionals and students, or just simply for an inspiring day out for those who love dance.

MOVE IT 2013 includes:

 

KIMBERLY WYATT – Got to Dance judge Kimberly Wyatt who was professionally trained in dance at New York’s Joffrey Ballet and the Broadway Dance Centre is performing on the main stage her new track ‘Derriere’ as well as, guest presenting with So You Think You Can Dance winner Matt Flint and signing autographs on the Capezio stand.

Catch up at ‘The Dance Register’ Interview Sofa
Discover useful insights and expert knowledge with interviews on the latest dance topics. Featuring:

 

DARCEY BUSSELL – Strictly Come Dancing judge and Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell will be on the sofa answering questions and talking about her work with the Royal Academy of Dance at this year’s MOVE IT. Darcey has over 20 years experience in the dance world from training at Royal Ballet School to performing some of the most iconic roles in ballet. Darcey has since discovered a passion for ballroom and is now a judge on the hugely successful and much loved Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.

 

Also dropping by the sofa will be Tommy Franzen, Aletta Collins, Jonzi D and Mark Baldwin of Rambert Dance Company with Inside Dance TV and Dance UK tackles dancers’ health with English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Tamara Rojo.

MOVE IT Main Stage: The destination for live dance
Be blown away by dance stars and fresh new talent from all over the UK. Including:

Wayne McGregor | Random Dance – Internationally acclaimed choreographer Wayne McGregor brings his company of ten extraordinary dancers for the first time to MOVE IT. With music from Coldplay and Massive Attack collaborator Jon Hopkins, his rapid, hard-hitting, highly articulated movement breaks boundaries and defies characterization. Part of Contemporary Focus at MOVE IT 2013.

A CHORUS LINE – Almost 35 years since it last appeared in the West End, critically acclaimed and multi-award winning musical A Chorus Line is heading its way back to the UK stage and the stars of the show will be performing at MOVE IT. See them live on the Main Stage and then learn their dance routine in one of our 220 different dance classes.

 

Also performing will be Twist and Pulse, Olivier Award winning Boy Blue Entertainment, English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer, Birdgang Dance Company and Sky’s Got to Dance finalists Boadicea.

 

MATT FLINT – After last year’s toe-tapping MOVE IT debut, So You Think You Can Dance winner Matt Flint is back for 2013, this time as the exciting new host of the MOVE IT Main Stage. With a passion for dance that started at the age of 12, Matt’s career has seen him go on to choreograph in Film, TV and Theatre including shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Matt is fast becoming one of the most wanted choreographers in the UK, and he’s all yours at this year’s MOVE I

 

 

MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO AT MOVE IT 2013

MAOAM FREESTYLE STAGE – Catch the latest spins, freezes, flips, shimmies and crazy dance moves on the MAOAM Freestyle Stage.  A showcase of raw talent and jaw dropping moves. Just turn up, plug in and wow the crowds!

 

FAMILY FUN – A fun day out for the whole family, MOVE IT has something for all age groups, whether you have a budding ballerina, hip hop star or disco diva.  Every member of the family can enjoy the entertainment, masterclasses and find out everything you need to know about dance no matter if it’s just where your local class is or where you can audition for a degree in dance or the performing arts.

 Kimberly Wyatt performing at UK’s biggest dance festival MOVE IT at London Olympia 8th – 10th March, 2013_3

CAREER CLINIC – Want a career in dance, but don’t know where to start? MOVE IT is the one stop shop to find out everything you need to know about the dance industry and community. With panels of experts, workshops and every major performing arts university/colleges under one roof, it is the best place to go to help put your dance career on track.

 

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP – Visitors can catch a glimpse of the latest trends and fashions in dance by heading to the fantastic fashion show. Shoppers will then be able to head to the wide range of stands at the show to pick up the hottest items in dance.

So why not get involved with MOVE IT? With 20,000 dancers over 3 incredible days, MOVE IT is the show for professionals, teachers, students and dance enthusiasts.

Most Common Job For Women ‘Same as in the 1950s’. Progress? What Progress?

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charlize theron oscars 2013

Today may be International Women’s Day but nothing proves we still have a long way to go than the results of the latest US Census. Being a secretary is still the number one job for women in the US. Four million Americans are working as ‘secretaries and admin assistants’ and 96% of those are women.

Nothing is more depressing for equality than the fact that the most common job for women is the same than in the 1950s. Only 16.6% of women in America hold board-level jobs. In fact, globally, only 10% of workers in executive position are female. A rather depressing statistic.

It is not much better in the UK, which this excellent article from the BBC highlights. They say:

Fewer than a third of the UK’s most influential jobs are held by women, figures compiled by BBC News show.

Women occupy on average 30.9% of the most senior positions across 11 key sectors analysed by the BBC, including business, politics and policing.

The armed forces and judiciary have the fewest women in top posts – 1.3% and 13.2% respectively – while secondary education has the most (36.7%).

Campaign group the Fawcett Society said progress was still too slow.

“Men outnumber women by four to one in Parliament and only a third of local councillors are women,” the group’s Preethi Sundaram said.

“When we look at the top quarters of power in the political world there are only five women there out of 22… It’s quite an appalling fact really.”

According to the BBC News website’s findings, women represent

1.3% of brigadiers (or their equivalent) and above across the Army, Navy and RAF
13.2% of the most senior judges (High Court and above, including Senators of the College of Justice in Scotland)
14.2% of university vice-chancellors
16.6% of the most senior staff in the police (Acpo ranks and above)
34.7% of the senior civil service

This should be highlighted today and not forgotten. How many articles have you read with a successful women and they always ask them how they juggle having kids with a career, or if it is possible to? They don’t really ask men this question. That is the main problem. Women are still expected to do the bulk of childcare. To have it all and be everything to everyone. A women who puts her career first is judged, but it takes two parents to raise a child.

I think it is time for a change. What do you think?

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List

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A campaign launched today by Sunday Times Style Magazine, features fashion icons: Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Tinie Tempah portrayed as royalty as it heralds the magazine’s re-design and launch of its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed.

Style best dressed x3

Starting this Sunday, Style has named the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their stylish interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list has been compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 50 people celebrated, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgement to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

In the interests of inclusivity, the best dressed doggies are identified; while the leading playground fashionistas have been awarded special recognition with the under tens given their very own list.

The re-launched Style magazine sees a renewed focus on fashion and more attention given to beauty, as well as a re-design that includes more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April, with the event being filmed and streamed live across the UK for the first time. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.

Playful Promises Lingerie SS13

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Playful Promises is beautiful lingerie from a London designed brand. Their lingerie is quirky, cool, playful and a little bit retro. I checked out their SS13 range and I loved it. Here are my top choices. What would you choose from Playful Promises?

Playful promisesstockings and suspenders

Freya Lingerie SS13 | Fashion

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I came across Freya Lingerie in the Handpicked Media suite at the Aldwych Hotel for London Fashion Week. I loved their SS13 range. They are innovative in many ways, they do the Deco 365 bra. It is a bra which you can wear under any clothes. It was launched in 2009 and they have sold over 300,000 of them.

If you are a larger cup size then it can be hard to find a bra to wear under most things. That is what makes the Deco great. It can be worn any day under any outfit, and day.

Freya also have a sports bra that not only supports you, but also has coolmax material to wick moisture away from the body and a Polygiene fabric, a silver ion based technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, which gives an odour free, antibacterial finish. It keeps you fresh no matter how hard you work out.

I have chosen some of my personal favourites from the new season. Glamour also love the purple set. Let me know what you think.

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DECO-HONEY-IRIS-GLAMOUR2

GEM-CHINA-BLUE-UNDERWIRED-HALF-CUP-BRA-1363-HIGH-WAISTED-BRIEF-1365

Superdry Beauty Range | Beauty Review

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I am a sucker for beautiful packaging and originality, and Superdry’s beauty range has both in spades. Even their lipstick (which they call lip paint) has beautiful details on the actual stick. The make up bags are clear and in bright colours, and the actual packaging just looks amazing. I don’t know who their design team is, but they deserve a medal.

I love their lip fix in peppermint. It really does stop your lips drying out. It is one of my favourite lip balms now, and smells great. Their eye liner is brilliant too. Sorry if I sound like I am fawning, they just really do the job. I love eyeliner so I am fussy about what I use. It has to be really black and have staying power.

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Superdry make-up is priced between £2-20, a really good price range, especially considering the quality and design of the products.

Their eyeshadow is very cool too, it flips out sideways. I also recommend their Kabuki Brush. It is so soft I could stroke it all day.

Do you think you will be trying any of Superdry’s beauty products?

 

 

Frost Magazine Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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marc jabobs watch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Skeleton Watch

WatchShop.com Price:  £185 and free next day delivery within the UK

 

A beautiful timepiece with a genuine pink leather strap with a shine.  The case is rose gold plated whilst the skeleton dial is protected by mineral crystal.  The watch is water resistant to 50 metres.

 

 

 

STORM Cimage011rystin Watch

Stockist:  WatchShop.com

This ladies STORM Crystin watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with a quartz movement. It is fastened with a silver metal bracelet and has a silver dial.

 

 

 

 

 

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Karen Millen Watch

 

WatchShop.com Price:  £95 and free next day delivery within the UK

 

This ladies’ Karen Millen watch has a stainless steel case and is powered by a quartz movement. It fastens a purple leather strap and has a purple dial

 

 

 

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Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Watch

 

WatchShop.com Price:  £229 and free next day delivery within the UK

This ladies’ Michael Kors Camille watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with an analogue chronograph quartz movement. It is fitted with a two tone bracelet and has a blue dial. The watch has a date function.

 

Springtime Planter gift set

P4P Springtime Planter (300 dpi)

£25 plus delivery

The perfect Mother’s Day idea for a green-fingered recipient, the Springtime Planter is a traditional wooden planter containing colourful hyacinths, primroses, cyclamen and pansies.

Every plant is carefully gift wrapped and boxed by hand in Plants4Presents’ Sussex nursery to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Standard delivery is just £6.50 per address. Delivery is available across the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.plants4presents.co.uk.

 

 

We love this Royal Albert Tea For One Set, £60.00 from The House of Bath

houseofbath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kobo Mini is a great present for mother’s. (the 5” eReader easily slips into a handbag or coat pocket making it great for the mum who is either always on the go or just like things a bit more compact) Highly portable Kobo Mini holds up to 1,000 koboeBooks.

Price £59.99

Stockist:  WHSmith and all fine electronic retailers

 

 

Fulton this Mother’s Day – from Fab Florals to spectacular Spots and Stripes – there are many new beautiful designs to choose from – many of which are part of Fulton’s soon to be launched SS13 collection.

 fulton

With ‘Walking’ and ‘Folding’ umbrellas, Rain Macs, Rainboots and Rain Hats from designers such as Cath Kidston and Lulu Guinness, as well as Fulton’s stunning own range, there’s a stylish shelter for every mum out there.

 

teafortwo

I don’t know about your mother but my mother’s favourite gift is spending time with me. She also loves tea so The UK’s largest afternoon tea gift site, AfternoonTeaForTwo.co.uk is perfect for her. They have a huge range of tea experiences so you can select the perfect memorable experience for your mum. On the site, you will find hundreds of afternoon tea ideas, from glamorous London hotels to relaxing country retreats.  If you’re confident you know what she’ll like, you can purchase an individual experience at the click of a button.

 

Celebrate Mother’s Day at one of Frost’s favourite hotels, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall

 

Treat your mum this Mothering Sunday with a quintessential Afternoon Tea celebration set in the beautiful library of the 5* London Marriott Hotel County Hall onLondon’s South Bank.

Start with delicious hand crafted sandwiches including roast Angus beef and horseradish, Wiltshire ham with English mustard, Burford brown egg mayonnaise with cress, Forman & Son London Cure smoked salmon with caper butter and the classic cucumber with cream cheese and chive.

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Savour a delectable selection of pastries with green tea drizzle cake, passion fruit and coconut crown, blackberry tart and mint surprise, pineapple and vanilla compote with mascarpone cream an Valrhona Chocolate Opera.

Sweet and savoury scones complete the menu. Choose from freshly baked golden raisin scones topped with Tiptree strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream or Montgomery cheddar and Hampshire watercress scones with cream cheese and watercress.

Accompanied by a choice of refreshing teas all laid out to tempt, treat and delight and served with charm and a keen attention to detail.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is available on Sunday 10th March between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, priced at £36 per person.

Groups are welcome for Afternoon Tea, however, for parties wanting a little extra privacy, a range of private dining rooms are available. Contact us on +44 (0) 207 902 8000 to find out more about private dining.

 

Emma Bunton reveals her most magical moment with her children for UNICEF UK’s Mother’s Day campaign to end child malnutrition

 

 This Mother’s Day, former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton has joined forces with UNICEF, the global leader in child malnutrition, and is sharing her most magical moment in her children’s first 1,000 days of life.

 

The first 1,000 days are the critical window of opportunity for children to get the right nutrients they need to develop properly. Around the world a staggering one in four children are not getting the nourishing food they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential in this first critical period.

 

In the run up to Mother’s Day, UNICEF UK supporter Emma Bunton is asking UK mums to give children around the world the best start in life, by supporting the campaign at www.unicef.org.uk/mothersday.

 

Sitting in her window seat at home, Emma Bunton said, “It’s so shocking that one in four children around the world are not getting the right nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong in their first 1,000 days of life.

 

“When my boys were toddlers I’d sit here and sing ‘You are my sunshine’ to them while the light streamed in on us. When they reached the stage where they could start singing along it really was a magical moment and one I’ll always remember in those first important 1,000 days.

 

“Every mother should be able to enjoy these precious moments in their child’s life and development. So, please, this Mother’s Day join me and go to the UNICEF UK website to help children everywhere.”

 

Mums visiting the website will learn how, for £3, they can help another child by buying sprinkles to ensure that children get the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential.

 

UNICEF UK is part of the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign, a great movement of individuals and organisations united to tackle global hunger.

Mums Show Live, the new and only show for parents of 4 – 12 year olds, is offering tickets half price with the code BESTMUM. 

Mums Show Live will be taking place from 16 – 19 May at Alexandra Palace, London and will be a great day out for mum, and all the family (dad and kids go free).

Parents will get the chance to enjoy a spot of shopping, with brands including Joules, Fit Flops and Micro Scooters and also join in live conversation and inspiration theatres to get answers to challenging questions. Mums, dads and kids can also get involved in a diverse range of fun games, activities and entertainment.

For more information on the show please visit www.mumshowlive.com.

 

BRITS LEAVE IT LATE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

30% of Mums Left Disappointed as Last Minute Shoppers Fall Short of the Mark

Research carried out by One4all Gift Card reveals that over half of all Brits leave it late to plan their Mother’s Day treats.

As many as 54% of women and 58% of men admit to failing to plan ahead for Mother’s Day, saying that they regularly forget the date. Younger sons and daughters are the worst culprits with 72% of those aged between 18 and 24 forgetting to put Mother’s Day in their diaries.

As a result we can expect many Mums to be putting on a brave face this weekend, with 30% admitting that they are left disappointed with the thought and effort shown for them on Mother’s Day.

Men are also the biggest offenders at not making an effort to see their mums on Mother’s Day, with just 28% making a special visit compared to 43% of women. For men, it seems this weekend should be renamed Mother-in-Law’s Day.

However, it’s not all bad news with some mums receiving very fancy gifts indeed. The most extravagant gifts lavished on mums for Mother’s Day includes cars, cruises and diamond necklaces!

One solution for people not planning to be quite so generous this weekend, appears to be treating mum to a shopping trip for her to choose her own present.

Managing Director of One4all UK, Declan Byrne said, “We’ve seen our sales up 40% ahead of this weekend which is partly explained by people looking for last minute inspiration and deciding that perhaps mother knows best.

“The One4all gift card enables mum to choose a gift from 17,000 stores nationwide, so it takes the pressure off gift shopping and ensures mum gets a great gift, which she actually wants.”

If you need a last minute gift, you can purchase the One4all Gift Card from any of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide and at www.one4all.co.uk.

A gift card can be loaded with any amount from £10 to £400 and can be spent at 17,000 different retailer outlets nationwide including mum-favourites, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Boots.

Other points from the One4all research:

35% of our mothers rarely treat themselves

30% of mums out there still treat their grown-up kids, now full-grown adults, on a regular basis

Mums are best friends to over 30% of us

A quarter of us say our Mum is still the one person who can reduce us to feeling like a child with one look or one word

 

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Say happy Mother’s Day on Sunday 10th March with a limited edition Emma Bridgewater bag for life, designed for this year’s Red Nose Day, available now from TK Maxx stores throughout the UK.

 

British pottery maker Emma Bridgewater has created the stylish bag to encourage the great British public to ‘Do Something Funny For Money’. The money donated from sales of the products will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives across Africa and here in the UK.

The bag features a specially designed feathered ‘snitch’ nose and costs £9.99 with at least £4.00 going to Comic Relief.

Red Nose Day 2013 is heading your way on Friday 15th March.

 

Here is a brilliant infographic of the cost of celebrating Mother’s Day from Baines & Ernst.

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Drayton Manor offers the perfect gift for Mother’s Day

Every year the time comes to buy a present for Mother’s Day – but what about the Mum that has got everything? This year, give Mum the perfect gift of a fun day out to remember with the family to Drayton Manor Theme Park.

 

Family day pass

 

By purchasing a family pass, it will provide a far more exciting alternative to the usual flowers and chocolates, and instead, will offer a great day out to one of the UK’s most popular family attractions.

 

With Mother’s Day taking place on Sunday 10th March, it means there is only a five day wait to celebrate this special day with Mum at the park when it opens on Friday 15th March.

 

A family pass for four costs £108. However, tickets for the park are also available online at www.draytonmanor.co.uk for a reduced rate, providing a real value for money treat for the family and a well-deserved day off for Mum!

 

Win A Copy of Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love

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Packshot_5035822571334_52D633B6 2DFrost has another DVD giveaway: copies of Woody Allen’s latest film, ‘To Rome With Love’.

 

To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter and Tweet, ‘I want to win with @Frostmag’ or like us on Facebook.  Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter.

The competition is open to UK residents only and ends on the 22nd of March.

 

The All-Star Cast Includes Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, and Ellen Page

Experience the allure of the eternal city when Woody Allen’s
TO ROME WITH LOVE is out now from Sony Pictures Classics and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This enchanting romantic comedy, set in Rome, features a star-studded cast including Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin (TV’s “30 Rock”), Academy Award® winner Roberto Benigni (Best Actor, Life is Beautiful, 1999), Academy Award® winner Penelope Cruz (Best Supporting Actress, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, 2009), Judy Davis (A Passage to India), Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Greta Gerwig (Damsels in Distress) and Ellen Page (Inception). Alison Pill (TV’s “The Newsroom”) and Allesandra Mastronardi also star in the film.

 

TO ROME WITH LOVE is told in four independent vignettes about four characters whose adventures change their lives forever: an average Roman wakes up one day to find himself a well-known celebrity; an American architect revisits the streets on which he used to live as a student; a young couple on their honeymoon are pulled into separate romantic encounters; and an American opera director tries to turn a singing mortician into a star.

 

The DVD comes with the special featurette “Con Amore: A Passion for Rome,” providing a first time glimpse into the secretive world of Woody Allen’s filmmaking process featuring exclusive cast and crew interviews with Alec Baldwin, Penélope Cruz and Greta Gerwig.

The film, which opened the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, was written and directed by Allen, produced by Letty Aronson (Midnight in Paris), Stephen Tenenbaum (Midnight in Paris), Faruk Alatan (Pope Joan) and Giampaolo Letta with co-producers Helen Robin (Midnight in Paris) and David Nichols (The Tourist), and    co-executive producer Jack Rollins (Midnight in Paris).

TO ROME WITH LOVE has a run time of approximately 107 minutes and is rated 12.