Category Archives: Life & Style

SkyCig Review. An Alternative To Smoking?

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Our writer, Mark, has been trying to quit smoking for a few years now, so we passed on Skycig to him and waited for the results. Here is what he said:

“I have been trying to quit smoking but have found it really hard. I liked how Skycig looks. The packaging if really stylish and the e-cigarette looks like a proper cigarette. So thumbs up for presentation.

The Skycig has different flavours and I am not a fan of them all, but there is plenty of selection and apart from the cherry one I like them. At first the e-cigarette is a little strange. It is like a cigarette but not. After a while I find something amazing happening though: I really cut down the amount of real cigarettes I smoke. I have not quit completely yet but I smoke Skycig instead. I can recommend it and will definitely keep using it.”

Many smokers yearn for a product which allows them to enjoy the physical act of smoking, without the obvious health implications (or unsocial outdoor restrictions!) associated with smoking traditional tobacco. The UK’s leading provider of e-cigarettes – SKYCIG – has the answer to this particular smokers’ daily dilemma, with the SKYCIG Freedom Pack. It provides customers with the most realistic smoking experience available, and is designed to be enjoyed virtually anywhere you see a ‘no smoking’ sign!

Designed to simulate the act of smoking tobacco, a SKYCIG e-cigarette contains just a small dose of nicotine, delivered in the form of water vapour, allowing you to enjoy the act of smoking, without the 4,000 harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes – making it an indispensable tool in the pathway to quitting!

Now with ‘push-to-charge’ technology, resulting in a longer lasting battery, the Freedom Pack conveniently allows customers to charge their e-cig on the move, without the complicated charging process of old.

With a selection of seven unique and great tasting flavours– Classic Tobacco, Tobacco Gold, Menthol, Vanilla, Cherry, Cinnamon, Crown Tobacco – and available in three varying strengths – Bold, Regular and Light – SKYCIG is a product which guarantees satisfaction, without compromising on taste or the user’s enjoyment of the product and experience.

With a cutting-edge and user friendly design, intended to mimic the look and appearance of a traditional cigarette, you can be sure to enjoy the product in style, knowing that it won’t stain your nails or teeth, or leave your clothes smelling like an ashtray!

SKYCIG costs up to 75 per cent less than traditional cigarettes.

Enter the Jeffrey Archer Short Story Challenge!

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Are you in the process of writing a novel? If so, the Jeffrey Archer Short Story Challenge sponsored by Kobo and Curtis Brown Creative is the contest for you! One lucky winner will be awarded the grand prize of free enrolment in an upcoming Curtis Brown online novel writing course.

How to Submit

Authors should submit a 100-word short. The short can consist of any genre of fiction, as long as it stays within the 100-word limit.

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Submission deadline: 15th February 2013.

What Happens Next

The Kobo Writing Life Team will select 20 semi-finalists whose submissions will be collected in a free anthology available on the Kobo site! (Author names and photos will be included here as well, so get ready for your close-up!)

Contest judge and bestselling author Jeffrey Archer will evaluate the 20 semi-finalist submissions and choose three finalists. The finalists will be announced by Jeffrey Archer himself at the Kobo booth at London Book Fair on 15th April 2013.

The three finalists will be requested to submit a 3,000-word excerpt of their novel-in-progress to be judged by Curtis Brown Creative and will receive written feedback.

The lucky grand prize winner will be awarded free enrolment in an upcoming Curtis Brown online novel writing course! The winner will be announced on April 29th, 2013.

Tutors and guest speakers of past Curtis Brown creative writing courses include Jojo Moyes, Tracy Chevalier, Tony Parsons, Harriet Evans and Anna Davis. Find out more about Curtis Brown Creative here.

Full Terms and Conditions

The Contest is open only to legal residents of the forty eight (48) contiguous United States, District of Columbia, the United Kingdom and Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction at the time of entry (each entrant, an “Entrant”). Void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and where prohibited by law. The Prize consists of free enrolment in one (1) Curtis Brown writing course. The voucher is valid until December 31, 2013.

Diet Coke throws fashion party of the year for 30th Birthday

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– Sparkling celeb-studded bash celebrates iconic brand and new Diet Coke hunk –

Last night saw the fashion fabulous crowd of Diet Coke fans gather at London’s Sketch to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday. Guests including Pixie and Peaches Geldof, Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffey, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Laura Whitmore, Zoe Hardman, Jamelia, Ben Grimes, Jade Parfitt and the Made In Chelsea cast enjoyed a sparkling night that looked back at the brand’s dazzling 30-year history and also saw the unveiling of a new Diet Coke hunk.

The biggest surprise of the night saw pulses race when Andrew Cooper, the new Diet Coke hunk entered the room to the famous Etta James “I Just Want To Make Love To You” soundtrack. Back, and sexier than ever, the new hunk ad is set to become one of the most talked about campaigns, and men of the year.

Event host, Hilary Alexander treated guests to a journey across Diet Coke’s 30 years, talking through the exciting campaigns and collaborations that have helped the brand become a cultural icon. She also officially opened a specially curated three decades themed exhibition, which allowed guests to view some of the most exciting moments from the brand including celeb-led campaigns ‘Just for the Elle of it’ (1987), Whitney Houston’s Diet Coke advertising campaign (1988), Paula Abdul’s ‘There’s just one’ (1992), the first hunk Lucky Vanous’ test shots (1994) and Heidi Klum’s Oscar dress from the Diet Coke Heart Truth campaign (2009).

Quirky designer and stylist Patricia Field was there and showcased her limited edition range of ‘Diet Coke City Collection’ bottles. These follow in the line of previous campaigns such as Moschino, Karl Largerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Diane Von Furstenberg, firmly cementing the brand as the ultimate fashionista accessory.

Music for the night saw style superblogger Bip Ling hit the decks, combining the ultimate party track favourites from the past three decades in a mega mix specially created for Diet Coke. VIP’s including Lilah Parsons, Jack Derges, Phil Clifton and Wretch 32, also enjoyed three-decade themed cocktails entitled ‘80’s Just For The Taste Of It’, ‘90’s Diet Coke Break’ and ‘00’s Love It Light’ all made using Diet Coke as well as decadent canapés.

Josephine de la Baume and Xiao Wen Ju Wearing Kenzo

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Josephine de la Baume and Xiao Wen Ju Wearing Kenzo | 2013 Sidaction Gala Dinner

Stylish girl and other half to Mark Ronson, Josephine de la Baume wears Kenzo to the 2013 Sidaction Gala Dinner.

She is wearing Kenzo’s Pre-fall 2013 Raindrops Structured Boatneck Wool Jacquard Cocktail Dress.

The Best Television Shows On Right Now

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We live in a golden age of television. Film and Television used to be completely separate, but now Martin Scorsese is producing Boardwalk Empire and movie stars frequent TV. The quality just keeps getting higher. Frost did a survey of our readers for the top television shows on right now, and here they are.

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is crack in television form, and aptly so as it is about a chemistry teacher who starts to sell meth after being diagnosed with lung cancer. It is by far one of the best things on television. I have never met someone who had a bad word to say about it.

Homeland

Like most people I was addicted to Homeland and I am already excited about the new series. Homelands big advantage is the chemistry between the characters. Brody, played by Damien Lewis, was supposed to be killed off in the first season but the chemistry between Lewis and Claire Danes’s Carrie was too good and he was kept on.

The Good Wife

One of the finest legal dramas. Julianna Margulies is brilliant as Alicia Florrick. The Good Wife is now in it’s fourth season and still going strong.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is exciting and original. It is also not scared to kill of it’s lead characters. It is brilliant television and I am not just saying that because some of my friends are in it.

Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey during the Prohibition era. It stars Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson and Kelly MacDonald as Margaret Schroeder. It is produced by Martin Scorsese and you can tell. Every scene is beautiful and the costumes are great. Has a great mixture of real and fake characters.

Dexter

The show about a serial killer who only kills other serial killers is genius. The next season will be the eighth and possibly last. All of the characters are amazing. Michael C Hall as Dexter is brilliant, and real life ex-wife Jennifer Carpenter plays his sister, Debbie. Who is possibly one of my favourite characters on television.


Covert Affair

Season Three of Covert Affairs was my favourite yet. Piper Perabo plays the CIA operative who falls in love easily. Season three had you on the edge of your seat. A show that has come into it’s own.

Revenge

Trashy TV at it’s best. It is like Dallas, but with a grudge.

Whitney

Hilarious comedy from comedian Whitney Cummings. It may not be well known in the United Kingdom but it deserves a wide audience for its cracking scripts that leave you laughing so much it hurts.

The Killing

I have to admit I have not seen this yet but promised to put it in as everyone else I know loves it, and is jealous that I have never seen it and have it to look forward to.

Suits

Brilliant legal drama now in its second season. On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City’s best lawyers. The relationship between Mike and Harvey is brilliant and, like The Good Wife, it has a strong female lead as one of the partners in the law firm.

The Big Bang Theory

The show is now the most watched show. It is funny and smart and the characters of the awkward physicists are likeable, lovable and rich in depth. Endlessly watchable.

How I Met Your Mother

Getting ready for its ninth and final season, where we will finally find out who the mother is. It is both popular and a cult classic. Ted searches for the woman of his dreams in New York City with the help of his four best friends. The cast of Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris are all brilliant.

True Blood

Sexy, naughty, violent. In a world where vampires have “come out of the coffin”, Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, discovers a new world of different creatures when she meets Bill Compton, a vampire.

Mad Men

A drama about one of New York’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm’s most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper. This show is a big hit and the costumes have sparked a thousand fashion trends.

Sherlock

A modern update finds the famous detective and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.
Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Sherlock. The last episode of the last season was endlessly debated.

Downton Abbey

Beginning in the years leading up to World War I, the drama centers on the Crawley family and their servants. This was a runaway success on both sides of the Atlantic, making huge stars of all of the cast.


Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23

Chloe is a New York party girl with the morals of a pirate who bullies and causes trouble for her naive small town roommate June. Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker are brilliant and James Van Der Beek sends himself up beautifully.


New Girl

After a bad break-up, Jess, an offbeat young woman, moves into an apartment loft with three single men. Zooey Deschanel is deserving of her own show.


Suburgatory

A teenage girl moves from the city to the suburbs. Jane Levy is brilliant and sarcastic, the script is amazing. Witty and brilliant.

Agree or disagree? Comment below.

Expecting a kiss this Valentine’s day? Freshen up with DS Healthcare and Thursday Plantation

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Valentine’s day. You either love it or you hate it. It’s a time of love and a day of romantic gestures – and so compared to candle-lit dinners and red rose petals scattered throughout the bedroom, mouthwash and oral-health supplements aren’t the first things that come into your head when you think of 14th February. They could, however, prove to be a saviour – the deciding factor of whether a second date is on the agenda.

Whether you are expecting a kiss on your first date with that new romantic flame or snuggling up with your loved one you should make sure that your mouth is in tip-top condition. Bad breath or poor oral hygiene are certain to kill any romance that may be in the air. Here are a few hints and tips that you should practice on the run-up to the big day to ensure that you are looking and feeling your best. We will leave the rest up to you…

This goes without saying…but make sure that you brush your teeth twice daily (for a minimum of two minutes per brushing session).

Use a high quality mouthwash after brushing your teeth to remove any remaining bacteria and leave your breath smelling and feeling fresh. Try Thursday Plantation’s Tea Tree Mouthwash. It’s made with 100% Tea Tree which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties – leaving your mouth and teeth feeling brand new. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Mouthwash available from www.revital.co.uk. £4.95 for 250ml.

If you are prone to suffering from mouth ulcers then start treating them with something like metronidazole 500mg tablets a week prior to your date or Valentine’s day. Kissing when you have painful ulcers isn’t a comfortable experience. You will gain increased confidence knowing that your mouth holds no hidden surprises. We recommend Bye! Mouth Ulcer (£7.95 for 15ml). It’s a pain-free and quick solution to mouth ulcers. The unique formula forms a protective shield over the ulcer, allowing you to continue with everyday life. The best part if that it’s non-acidic and so doesn’t disturb the mouths natural flora – the perfect way to get rid of those pesky mouth ulcers.

Sometimes it’s not always convenient to brush your teeth or use mouthwash. When you are in the office why not use Oraldiet. Oraldiet is an innovative oral probiotic lozenge that contains the probiotic lactobacillus reuteri. The formulation binds to your saliva and therefore stays in the mouth – allowing you to feel fresh for longer. The presence of aloe vera gel ensures that your mouth flora kept healthy at all times, leaving you to concentrate on more important things. Oraldiet is available from www.revital.co.uk. £6.35 for 30 lozenges.

Last but not least…do not forget to smile!

Funniest Viral Video Ever? Bear Interrupts Samsung Crew

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Just what you need when you are trying to set up a shoot, a bear joining in on the fun. This video is the funniest video we have seen in a long time.

We all need clean clothes but doing a lot of washes at high temperatures is not good for the environment. Maybe one of the reasons the bear was so interested was that the Ecobubble from Samsung allows washing at 15degrees so uses 70% less energy than a 40degree wash cycle. Not only that but it mixes air and water to create bubbles allowing the detergent to quickly penetrate clothing. This means less energy, a smaller wash cycle and less wear-and-tear to clothing – result. It is advertising at it’s best, so well done Samsung for being entertaining.

http://www.samsung.com/uk/ecobubble/

Sponsored Post.

Government Urges GPs To Cut Pain Relief For Women Giving Birth

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A lot of things make being a woman seem unfair. Periods, unequal pay, the biological clock, having your breasts stared at. But life is unfair and you just get on with your life. I mean, there is only a certain amount of time a person can stress over things, but yesterday I read something that I think is worth stressing over. Whilst reading the March 2013 edition of Easy Living magazine, in an article entitled, ‘How Can That Fit Through There?’, I read the following:

“In August 2012, new guidelines were drawn up for GPs, urging them to encourage mothers-to-be to have a natural labour with as little pain relief as possible in a bid to save the NHS money – given that an epidural costs £200.

Frankly, if the NHS needs to cut things then a women in the worst pain imaginable trying to push a baby through a 10cm hole is not the most humane choice. If men gave birth, would these ‘guidelines’ have been put through? I don’t have children, but I have been in a relationship for three years and it is on my mind whether or not to have them. This piece of information is not encouraging. I doubt any of the taxpayers money was considered when it came to Kate Middleton and her morning sickness (and neither should it).

If women stopped having children the world would stop. We need to be given more respect for the ordeal of being pregnant for nine months and then giving birth. Childcare is also expensive. Maybe this is the governments answer to the population crisis? Anyway, it feels like an attack on women and completely inhumane. If someone gets drunk and falls over do they get pain relief? Yes, and they should. I don’t want to live in a country where a doctor will see someone in pain and not give them pain relief. If the government really wants to save money why don’t they cut the £400 per month food allowance MPs get while families rely on food banks to feed themselves. Or the money to pay their rent and mortgage. Most of the population does not get paid expenses on these things.

We are not ‘all in this together’, some of us have a great deal more pain to bear.