Category Archives: Life & Style

London Fashion Week 2011.

Posted on by

This February I went to my first hard core fashion week, okay I went to a few things last year, but this year I went to so many things I was so exhausted I didn’t know if I could get up the next day! I went to Caroline Charles’s show – beautiful cloths but the models were too young and the juxtaposition was jarring- Pam Hogg; Disorganised, How to walk in high heels at the Mayfair hotel (Amazing, my favourite) I drank too much cola, ended up in a making off and found out how many calories are in a big mac and french fries (820!) I had fun and there is a video below. Hope you like it. It has Paloma Faith, Boy George, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Jaime Winston, Jodie Harsh, Daisy Lowe and Charlotte Dellal in it.

Why are we entangled with the idea of a fairytale romance?

Posted on by

eHarmony.co.uk’s relationship scientist Dr Gian Gonzaga says romance is a wonderful thing, but perhaps it’s time to forget fairytales and take destiny into our own hands.

Even the most cynical and ‘grown-up’ among us love a fairytale. Whether it’s Disney’s Tangled or Cinderella and her glass slipper, who hasn’t at some time dreamt of being whisked away on a white horse to a life of never-ending romance with an impossibly handsome prince or princess?

Dr Gian Gonzaga, world leading relationship scientist and Senior Research Director for eHarmony.co.uk believes a little imagination is healthy but finding the right partner also needs a dose of reality. He says: “Anyone who believes that finding or keeping a great relationship is a matter of luck or chance may be disappointed. Relationships can absolutely be filled with fairytale romance, but amazingly, a lot of people expect their Prince Charming to magically appear on their doorstep and rescue them. The reality is that taking a positive and active approach to finding love is the best way to find your own happy ending.”

Dr Gonzaga, author of new book ‘Dating the second time around, Finding love that lasts’, says people can fall into the trap of waiting for a new relationship to find them or believe that finding a compatible partner is outside of their control or ability. In his book, Dr Gonzaga touches on four tips that those of us who are looking for a fairytale romance should bear in mind.

Find your own version of the Handsome Prince

You may have a vision of the handsome prince or princess you want to meet, what they do for a living, where they live, and how old they are—but it’s time to put away the tired old checklist you’ve created over the years and approach finding a life-long partner with fresh eyes. Of course you have to feel chemistry with your partner, but perfection comes in all guises. It’s worth keeping in mind what’s going to make you happy not just now but in twenty years’ time. (Tip – it’s probably not a washboard stomach).

Control your own destiny

To find a relationship and make it work, you need to take control over the process by searching for the right type of partner, and acting to ensure the quality of this relationship. Lots of people expect Prince Charming to appear from nowhere, and they think that whether it works out or not will be down to fate or the cosmos or astrological compatibility rather than anything they might do or not do. Those who believe they can control whether a relationship works or not will ultimately be happier. Psychologists call this “locus of control.” Some people have an external locus of control, which means they don’t think they have the power to change things.

Others have an internal locus of control, which means that they believe they can change their situation with some effort. Those who have an internal locus of control more often try to make things better rather than passively accepting their fate, and that alone makes a big difference.

Don’t hurry love

We’ve all grown up on Hollywood’s romantic movies with speedy courtships and happy endings and it’s easy to think that real-life romance should happen quickly and easily.

As the old saying goes, only fools rush in. Too much too soon can scare a very suitable partner or cause problems in the longer term. Allow time for authentic feelings to develop before you say ‘I love you’, and consider that everyone has his or her own emotional clock.

Inject some romance into daily life

When you’re in a relationship with your own Prince Charming it’s important to keep the fires burning, even years down the line when romance can sometimes take a backseat. But how do you keep that exciting ‘butterflies’ feeling? The simple answer is by making time for your partner and making them feel special.

The Obama’s famously have their ‘date night’ but how about setting up a monthly ‘romantic surprise’ – put aside say £50 to take each other out for a romantic dinner or to a concert. And don’t forget to praise your partner’s achievements and compliment them as often as you can, in a genuine way. The couples that look out for each other stay happy together. You can have your ‘happy ever after’ but like Cinderella you’ll have to put some work in.

To read more about how to find realistic and lasting love read Dr Gian Gonzaga’s new book – Dating the second time around, Finding love that lasts. (Octopus, £6.99), available from all good bookshops.

Short Accommodation Website For London Helps Find Somewhere to Lay Your Head.

Posted on by

Head2Pillow launched its short stay accommodation website for the London area in Autumn 2010, enabling homeowners with a spare room to rent it out and make tax-free money and for visitors to the capital to find an affordable room for a short stay.

The site has been developed over a considerable length of time, with the focus being on ease of use for both homeowners and guests.

For Guests looking for a room, the site has an innovative Quick Search facility, enabling users to look for a room by *either
*town
*postcode
*venue, which now also includes the main Olympic venues.

In addition, the Advanced Search allows users to carry out a more detailed search based on a selection of criteria, including cost, distance and availability dates.

Many online accommodation sites only allow users to find out limited information online and the actual booking process is dealt with by email. Head2Pillow enables users to search for a room in real time, book and pay securely via Barclaycard all online. In addition, there is no sign up fee for Guests, no minimum stay required and no booking fees.

Homeowners with a spare room can advertise their room straight away with no sign up fee, knowing that they have complete control over the room price and availability and can rent it out as often or as little as they like. In addition, they can select to receive an SMS alert every time a booking is made for their room.

With the Government’s cuts really hitting households across the country now, there has never been a better time for homeowners to make some much needed extra cash or for Guests to book an affordable room with Head2Pillow.

Over half of women go Dutch on a first date, but men still want to pay

Posted on by

Women will need to be financially prepared to pay their half as they break from first date tradition

New research from online bank first direct has found sharply differing financial attitudes to first dates between the sexes. While women have a progressive attitude to dating expecting to split the bill on a first date, men still like to play the hunter gatherer role and pick up the bill. With women breaking from tradition and expecting to pay at least some of the bill, they especially will have to be financially prepared for the cost of dating like never before.

Independent Women

The survey of 1,924 UK adults found that 58% of women expect to split the bill on a first date, double the proportion of men (29%). Additionally, 14% of women think it should be whoever suggested the date. Just a quarter of women said that they thought men should pay for a first date, while 3% said they should foot the bill, suggesting that women feel they shouldn’t be beholden to men, but that men should also pay their way.

Hunter Gatherer

Men on the other hand believe that chivalry isn’t dead, with 55% expecting to pay the full bill on a first date, and men spending an average of £65 on a first date compared to women who spend £50. Shouldering not just the financial burden but also the organisational responsibility, more than nine in ten males (94%) would organise the first date, compared with just 65% of women.

The average amount that people expect to pay on a first date is £56 and highlighting the financial considerations behind dating, 38% percent of people would use discount vouchers on a first date, a figure slightly higher for men (41%) than women (36%).

Richard Brown, Senior Savings Product Manager at first direct commented:

“As we approach the wedding season, the couple on everyone’s lips is Kate Middleton and Prince William. It would be fascinating to know if they split the bill or if William paid and pulled out a discount voucher on their first date. If he did, he is far from alone – dating can be an expensive business and if you do not have the disposable income of a future royal, it is important to make sure you have enough money saved to find The One.”

New York Times Paywell Web Charging: Will it Work?

Posted on by

On March 28th the New York Times will start charging for access to its website with monthly subscriptions between $15 and $35. Although anyone will still be allowed access to 20 articles a month for free.

The question is will it work? If you’re like me then you’ll be hoping that it doesn’t. Like in the case of the London Times the industry will be watching closely to see if the model is successful. The worry for the average punter is that all the major papers might follow with similar models leaving us with no free option for our news. Worse still, what if Paywall models spread to other areas of the web, denying us the huge resources of free information which we are now so used too? Whether it works or not there’s no doubt it’s a massive gamble by the New York Times, currently one of the most visited websites in the world. In March 2009 the New York Times had 20 million unique visitors making it the most visited newspaper site in the world and more than twice as popular as the next best newspaper site.

The London Times traffic has collapsed since it introduced its charging model. It was a brave decision to be the first to introduce such a model but it also appears to have been a costly one. The Times traffic has disintegrated and its competitors have thrived. They now enjoy far bigger worldwide audiences. Websites such as the Guardian, Mail and Huffington Post will be rubbing their hands at the New York Times decision. These website saw large increases in traffic following the London Times decision to start charging and will likely see the same again.

Unlike the London Times model the New York version will still allow some free access. Visitors will still be able to access twenty articles a month for free. This should help to mitigate a catastrophic crash in traffic such as in the London Times case. Occasional casual users will still be able to access the site without worry. However will regulars be prepared to pay $180 to $425 a year when so many free alternatives exist? I very much doubt the majority will, particularly in this time of weak consumer confidence. Polls suggest about 90% of current users will only use their free 20 article a month allowance before leaving. Whatever happens, Frost Magazine readers need not worry, we will always be free.

Katy Perry and David Beckham Team Up For Adidas

Posted on by

adidas is all in
adidas launches biggest marketing campaign in the brand’s history

Adidas has unveiled their latest global campaign, the biggest in the brands history, with the launch of ‘all adidas’.

This is the first time ever that adidas has created a campaign that leverages the three divisions that make up the brand – Sport Performance, adidas Originals and Sport Style, and combines them in one commercial that shows the unique breadth and depth of the brand.

The ‘all adidas’ campaign showcases adidas’ distinctive presence across and into different sports, cultures and lifestyles, fusing the worlds of sport, music and fashion. Captured in their authentic surroundings, brand ambassadors including football stars Lionel Messi and David Beckham, NBA star Derrick Rose, pop icon Katy Perry and the adidas skateboarding team, amongst others, show that when you love the game, whatever the game, you put your all into it.

The commercial is supported with a brand new soundtrack from Justice called Civilization (official release date 4th April 2011). Directed by Romain Gavras, famous for directing Justice and M.I.A, the campaign is built around a 30- and 60-second version of the commercial for TV and Cinema as well as an extended 2-minute version for Online. Viewers and fans can then continue the conversation online through social media platforms such as Facebook and twitter, where adidas serves up daily, in-depth exclusive content from the various parts of the brand – from new product releases to competitions for Katy Perry tickets and much more. adidas already engages in excess of 10 million fans of the brand on a regular basis across these platforms. In addition, the creative will come to life in a complete through-the-line offering, including mobile, retail, activation events and print.

“In the past ten years we have successfully extended the adidas brand into three powerful sub-brands with adidas Sport Performance, adidas Originals and adidas Sport Style. Now we are proud to be able to show the breadth and depth of the adidas brand in one global brand campaign,” explains Erich Stamminger, member of the Executive Board responsible for Global Brands.

“‘all adidas’ is the biggest campaign we have ever executed. Its creative concept brings together the diversity of the brand under one strong roof. From the court to the catwalk, the stadium to the street, we are giving an authentic statement with credibility that only adidas has.”

Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign. Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for lifestyle label adidas Originals at the start of 2008 and developed the global campaigns for Originals in 2009 and 2010 including ‘House Party’. In 2010, Sid Lee was announced as the global lead-agency for the entire adidas brand.

The “all adidas” campaign takes place throughout 2011 in a mix of environments from sport to music, lifestyle to fashion with different elements rolling out over the year. Five second teaser spots have been aired in the weeks leading up to the global launch of the hero advert film on March 16th, 2011.

www.adidas.com/areyouin

So, why DON'T Men Go To The Doctor?

Posted on by

Insureblue supports the Blue Ribbon Foundation

1 in 5 men have not seen a doctor in the last 3 years – 2% have never seen one
Two thirds of men have family history of cancer, stroke, heart disease – but more than half have not had basic healthcare checks in last year
Only 65% of men would definitely consult a doctor if experiencing chest pain

A new survey about men’s attitude to healthcare reveals that men are reluctant to consult with healthcare professionals – despite two thirds of those surveyed having significant medical family histories more than one in five men (21%) have not visited a GP, or healthcare professional in the last 12 months – and 2% admit they have never seen one.

The survey was undertaken by insureblue.co.uk which today launches its fundraising support for the new Blue Ribbon Foundation. Insureblue will donate £10 for every bike, home and car insurance policy sold on its web site to the Blue Ribbon Foundation which has been created to raise awareness about male cancers and male health issues. £1 for every travel insurance policy sold will also be donated.

insurepink.co.uk, the sister site to insureblue, raises over £1,000 a week for the Pink Ribbon Foundation charity which supports breast cancer charities funding research, specialist equipment and nurses.

The survey asked 1,000 men aged over 18 (73% were aged over 45) about their views on health and their attitude to seeing healthcare professionals and undergoing basic health checks – measuring weight, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Overall only 14% admitted to being happy to see a doctor if needed whilst a third revealed that they will only go to the doctors if their partners encourage them, or they really have to. Survey results below – disease incident rates etc in notes to editor.

Andy Kirton, business development director, insureblue: “We are proud to be able to support the work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and believe it will be a tremendous success based on the public support that has been shown for insurepink. Insurance products are pretty generic and it is fantastic that just by the simple act of buying competitively priced insurance through us, ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. With insurepink and the Pink Ribbon Foundation we have helped over 68 breast cancer charities in the last year. We hope that the public will continue to show their support for men, male cancers and men’s health issues by supporting insureblue and in turn, the work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.”

Jonathan Prince, chair of trustees, Blue Ribbon Foundation: “I am delighted that in these difficult financial times that insureblue will enable many individuals to donate whilst getting a fair insurance deal. Us men need to do more to look after ourselves. I speak to many women and who are more concerned about their partners. These donations will enable us to change men’s attitudes to their overall health.

Mr Krishna Sethia, Medical Director and Consultant Urologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital: “I welcome any positive move that will make men more aware of health issues relating to themselves. Men are often too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms but they need to, as early diagnosis can make a significant difference to their chances of successful treatment.

“I support the efforts of the Blue Ribbon Foundation in getting men to talk more openly about their health and I wish the foundation every success.”

Survey results
42% of men believed their health to be good or very good.
21% believed they were the right weight for their height
9% had never weighed themselves.
41% acknowledged that they had weight issues – 21% admitted to being at least a stone overweight, whilst 22% admitted to being overweight or obese.

Nearly half (44%) had not had their blood pressure checked in the last year. Of those who had had it checked over a third (35%) had discovered some issue with 26% needing additional monitoring and 9% further investigations.

More than half had not had their cholesterol checked in the last year (58%).
30% had never had their cholesterol checked.
41% had never been tested for diabetes, yet only 36% would definitely see a doctor if they suffered from increased urination – one of the symptoms of diabetes.

66% of men had parents or grandparents who had suffered from cancer, stroke or heart disease, yet when asked about whether they would consult a doctor if they experienced some of the common symptoms of these diseases, the results were shocking:

6% would never consult a doctor if they experienced chest pain, 26% profuse sweating, 9% blood in urine/semen, 14% blurred vision and 9% breathlessness.

Only 65% would definitely consult a doctor for chest pain, 25% profuse sweating, 82% blood in urine/semen, 48% blurred vision, 55% breathlessness.

Top conditions for definitely visiting a doctor
1. Blood in urine/semen – 82%
2. Chest pain – 65%
3. Breathlessness – 55%
4. Blurred vision – 48%
5. Increased urination – 36%

And what percentage never would visit a doctor:

1. Weight gain – 59%
2. Low libido – 40%
3. Profuse sweating – 24%
4. Blurred vision – 12%
5. Breathlessness – 9%

For a motor, bike, travel or home insurance quote to support the Blue Ribbon Foundation visit insureblue.co.uk

Celebrities prepare to take part Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk to support people with breast cancer

Posted on by

High profile celebrities are lacing up their walking boots and preparing to take part in Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk sponsored by Santander in association with woman&home, at four different UK locations, in May and June 2011.

Each Pink Ribbonwalk event starts and finishes at beautiful and exclusive country manors. The 10 or 20 mile walking routes will take you through some of the most magnificent British countryside including access to private grounds usually closed to the public.

Kaye Adams, is gearing up for the 10 mile walk-a-thon at Scone Palace, Perthshire. Denise Van Outen will be hiking 20 miles at Petworth house, West Sussex. Jessica Fox (who plays Nancy Hayton in Hollyoaks) will lead the charge at the Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire event, and Penny Lancaster-Stewart and Denise Lewis will walk at the Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Pink Ribbonwalk.

With one person in the UK diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, sadly most of us will know someone affected by this cruel disease. Why not take part in a Pink Ribbonwalk and show your support for a loved one whilst enjoying a fun filled afternoon walking with friends and family, visit www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

It costs just £30 to register and walkers are required to raise a minimum of £175 worth of sponsorship to help fund Breast Cancer Care’s vital support services. Put into context that could be a £10 donation from just 18 relatives, colleagues or friends.

Choose from 10 and 20 mile route options at the following locations:
Saturday 14 May 2011 – Scone Palace, Perthshire Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 21 May 2011 – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 4 June 2011 – Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, Pink Ribbonwalk
Saturday 11 June 2011 – Petworth House, West Sussex Pink Ribbonwalk

Enjoy a village fete style celebration when you cross the finish line, including a medal, BBQ, message and entertainment!

Breast Cancer Care’s Ambassador Denise Lewis said:

“I loved walking the 10 mile route at Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Ribbonwalk last year. I took part in memory of my grandmother and it was a really special and uplifting day. Gather your friends, family and colleagues to sign up and make the 2011 events the biggest yet! Breast Cancer Care’s essential information and support services ensure that no one faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone.”

Register now at www.pinkribbonwalk.org.uk or call 0870 145 0101.

All funds raised from the Pink Ribbonwalk sponsored by Santander in association with woman&home enable Breast Cancer Care to fund essential information and support services such as its helpline, discussion forums, local events, one-to-one support sessions and website, so that no one need face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.