Free box of Graze Snacks {Freebies}

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Would you like a free box of Graze snacks directly to your desk? January’s almost over and new years resolutions have been made, broken, restarted, broken again and then thrown out the window. Graze boxes have been gracing the post bags of many a postman delivering healthy snacks directly to your desk. Each box comes with four compartments of yummy healthy guilt-free snacks and a specially printed leaflet telling you the nutritional value of everything in the box.

Here’s the details:

Free Box of Graze and next one half price

How: Enter code 5GCRNGP on the homepage at www.graze.com and follow the instructions.

How it works: Not valid with other vouchers. New customers only.

Enjoy!

The Joy of Teen Sex?

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America is not impressed. Teens are having sex, and MTV is doing f***all to discourage them. As if showing Miley Cyrus’s videos on an hourly rotation isn’t abominable enough (AOL has voted her the worst celebrity influence for the second year in a row – why such a poll was considered necessary, or how Taylor Momsen slipped through the net who knows), the channel is currently airing a brand-new US version of Skins, the cult UK TV show thanks to which youngsters all over Britain have been snorting cocaine and having barely legal lesbian sex after and (more likely) during school hours since 2007. American parents, advertisers and activists are protesting, claiming that the show exhibits child pornography and violates legal requirements to protect young viewers and the teen actors themselves.

In one sense, I sympathise. I feel like I can’t switch the TV on these days without catching a glimpse of sexually hyperbolic children. During last Wednesday’s episode of The Joy of Teen Sex the nation was treated to one youngster’s cringetastic first attempt to ‘go down’ on his girlfriend having just overcome his chronic fear of vaginas. Cue applause from the cameramen?

Now it’s not that long since I was a teen (those who saw my last column will know I cling to youth with a desperation to rival Dorian Gray). However, as a mildly antisocial specimen I wasn’t privy to what one might call the full spectrum of experience early on. I wasn’t (quite) a complete dork, but I was nevertheless more an Inbetweener than an Effy (see below – notorious and sorely missed UK Skins character seasons one through four – I will cool off the TV references soon I promise). When a friend recently told me that he “was getting head in year eight at the school disco, and was one of the later ones,” I was taken aback.  I have a brother in year eight, perhaps why I found this particularly disturbing.

Left-right: Freddie, Effy, Cook and Panda- UK Skins gang seasons three and four

I remember a definite ‘awakening’ occurring during my mid-teens however. For example, I recall a year nine English lesson during which a friend and I compared what we’d done over the weekend. I had written an essay, ironically on Romeo and Juliet – an early parable about the potential hazards of teen sex. She’d given her boyfriend a blowjob during Shrek at the cinema. “WHY???” I gawped.  “He wanted one,” she shrugged.

Obviously there had been various infamous events: “I heard she had an abortion when she was 12,” “they had sex on the beach during the year nine Isle Of Wight trip and TEACHERS FOUND THEM,” and house parties were, by year ten, synonymous with all manner of sexual hijinks. Still, I wasn’t quite prepared for this revelation from a hitherto very shy and retiring girl. But it was not an outrageously outlandish example, and rightly or wrongly, a good proportion of my year had swapped fluids by via one means or another by the time they sat their GCSES.

More recently, I was chatting with a 14-year-old girl when the question of BOYS came up. Ah, I thought, a chance to share the wisdom of years, perhaps help my young friend avoid some of the pitfalls into which I in my naïve youth had fallen. What was the problem, I asked? “Well my last boyfriend dumped me because I wouldn’t give him a blow job. It was kind of unfair, as I had ‘received’, but wasn’t ‘giving’, yano? I mean I’m not at all what you would call frigid, but I just didn’t fancy it. Also the guy I like smokes, and I used to LOADS but I quit a year ago and I really don’t want to start again, and I’m worried if I go out with him I will.”

I took a deep breath. Then I told her as tactfully as possible that her ex was an asshole she was best shot of, and that perhaps she might prove a healthy influence on the new guy and get him to quit smoking. The admittedly tenuous point is that the decisions and attitude she expressed to me in no way mirrored what she had seen on the box the previous night (she likes QI). Furthermore, she rightly stopped when she felt uncomfortable, and this can probably be attributed to her own resolve rather than abstinence from inappropriate television.

The argument I’m havng a semi-arsed attempt at making is that teens are going to have sex whether their parents like it or not. At least some of them. We should accept this, and as they say in The Joy of Teen Sex, the main thing is that it is safe and consensual. Though Skins might be amplifying the fantasies of the Inbetweeners crowd more aggressively than Glee (I lied about the reference thing), if parents are to complain, I’d argue that the smoking/narcotics-related element of proceedings is more worthy of their energy. I personally found the total departure from any attempt at a cohesive or engaging plot in last week’s episode infinitely more offensive than the frequent references to f***ing.

Obviously the second my brother goes anywhere near a girl with the intention of touching anything other than her hand I’ll be whacking a chastity belt on him faster than he can say ‘hypocrite’.


Sonia Rykiel – Uprooting 70's Glamour!

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Paris Fashion Week paid homage to one of the most sought after and vivacious lines in fashion. Sonia Rykiel is known for her carefree charm and chic ‘no mess’ attitude, and as one of la Mode’s most experienced and knowledgeable designers, her approach to fashion is quirky, independent and extremely fun.

This S/S Season is treading the roots of 70’s fashion glamour in a big way. Illustrations of bold palates are everywhere we go. Rykiel‘s collection voiced the welcoming of sophisticated 70’s runway glory, by capturing the effects of geometric, colour-refined fashion.

Inspiring designs and vivid colour were all in the range at her Paris catwalk show. Sharp designs, playful – embedding a chic, youthful vibe.

A mix of jersey prints and skinnies. An application of heavy cotton-layered trench cuts, cute slimline dresses, stripe-inspired georgettes, silks and satins on show, along with an array of  beautifully designed tassels – in company of outrageously divine accessories.

Top Hats, eccentrically, oversized mid way strap bows, block-colour tees and open-toe wedges. This was creative 70’s characterisation taken to the max.

Rykiel took to the skies with her illustration of handbags, clutches, casual totes and stunning bucket bags – mid length to long straps,  soft fold flaps, hip length falls, in luxurious leather. Colours were bright and striking – a multi array of tan, yellow, blue and black, finishing with the dainty decor of two tone tassels – in theme with the exuberance of tassels in her top hats collection.

Beautiful and chic. Definitely a bookmark for this season’s 70’s-inspired fashion trends.

Designs On Daisy {Fashion}

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Peacocks, the UK’s hottest value fashion retailer, has announced its first design collaboration with style leader Daisy Lowe, who will launch her collection of retro-inspired swimwear, which she will also model, for summer 2011.

‘Daisy Lowe for Peacocks’ follows five sell out collections for the value fashion retailer, designed by her mother Pearl Lowe.  Daisy’s collection aims at offering customers on a budget, the chance to buy designer swimwear for £18 and less.

Her designs will launch in selected Peacocks’ stores and online in May 2011, available in sizes eight to 16, and in cup sizes 32B to 36DD.  The bikini tops and briefs will be sold separately to allow customers to mix and match.

For her debut collection, Daisy sought inspiration from the French Riviera in the 50s, celebrating the beautiful curves of Sophia Loren and the original pin-up queen, Bettie Page.  Her four-piece collection includes a selection of flirty bikinis, swimsuits and sexy shorts, designed to flatter women of all shapes and sizes.

Pearl Lowe will continue her spring/summer 2011 vintage inspired tea dress collection set to launch in April.

Daisy Lowe said: “It was important from the start that my designs were accessible so my friends could afford them, which is why we’ve kept the collection under £18.  I’ve sought inspiration from the things I love, family holidays in Europe, iconic 50’s pin-ups and classic vintage shapes.  My mum is my style icon and it was great growing up and having access to her closet.  I’m so pleased I now have my own collection to wear and share with my friends instead of nagging my mum for hers.”

Pearl Lowe said: “I’m so proud of Daisy’s collection. Whatever she puts her hand to she turns into a success and I can’t wait to see her designs come to life this summer.  Together we are proud to be bringing classy vintage fashion to the high street at affordable prices.”

Jane Hotz, Peacocks’ Womenswear Buying Director said: “We’re thrilled to be able to translate Daisy’s vintage designs for our customers.  Daisy is a trend setter, and it’s been an inspiration turning her creative ideas into a reality.  We hope customers enjoy wearing her designer swimwear at great value.”

Save the Children Launch ‘No Child Born to Die’

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David Beckham mentioned Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die on his Facebook page, reaching over seven million people. Piers Morgan and Stephen Fry, Alexandra Burke and Emma Freud twittered about it. Simon Cowell has backed the campaign, so has Helena Bonham Carter. The UK’s biggest names in show business, sport and journalism lined up to back Save the Children’s new campaign today – No Child Born to Die – which aims to save millions of children’s lives.

At the launch event for Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die campaign this morning:

* Alexandra Burke revealed she was “Born to Believe” and told how she was so moved by her trip to Haiti with Save the Children in 2010, that: “It was really heartbreaking…it opened my eyes up to many things..seeing what was going in Haiti and how it can be stopped…even if you put in £1 or £10 , it can make a difference. ”

* Edith Bowman – whose passionate belief in the cause was sparked by speaking to mums and children in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo , told Save the Children she was “Born to Talk…but about serious issues.” She said: “It just seems a ridiculous the number of children to be losing their lives in this day and age.”

* Amanda Mealing – who was “Born to Perform” told the launch event in central London about a newborn baby in Bangladesh who had died of septicaemia because its umbilical cord had been cut with “a sharpened bamboo stick”. She added: “I know that if I forego my one takeaway coffee a day, and (donate the money), it can make a real difference.”

* Natasha Kaplinsky who visited the Delhi slums with Save the Children earlier this month to see our life-saving work said she was “Born to Love, Learn and eat Fudge”.

Quotes from other celebrities backing Save the Children’s campaign:

* Piers Morgan announced he was ‘Born to Irritate’
* Actress Brenda Blethyn was ‘Born to Sing’ but reveals she’s never got round it.
* England footballer, Frank Lampard, is ‘Born to Play Ball’.
* Hugh Dennis is ‘Born to see Life from a Funny Angle’
* TV Presenter Dr Hilary is ‘Born to tell bad medical jokes’
* TV presenter Sarah Beeney was ‘Born to Laugh’
* Spooks star Hermione Norris confesses to being ‘Born to eat sweets’.

* Dr Abhay Bang, whose pioneering community-based methods reduced child mortality by an astonishing three quarters in 39 villages in India told the launch that empowering village women was one of the keys to success: “If you open a window of knowledge, the skills are in her hands, the knowledge is in her head, the equipment is on her shoulder, and the compassion is in her heart, she literally becomes a mobile health clinic.”

* Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children, said at the launch event in central London :“It is shocking in this day and age that 4000 children a day are dying of something as simple as diarrhoea or pneumonia: what a senseless waste of young lives.” He added: “We know what works, the tragedy is that just when we are beginning to make progress we risk slowing down. Our rallying cry is No Child Born to Die. We can end this massive loss of life. That is why we need every family, up and down the country to get involved…In five year’s time, we want to look back on 2011 as a turning point in the battle against child deaths.”

To sign up and show your support for the campaign visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/bornto. There you will find more information about ‘No Child Born to Die’, ways to get involved and real life stories of hope. Or Text I WILL TO 64118 (standard rates apply).

Freddie Flintoff Set To Support Corky On The Ice

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Dancing on Ice star Dominic Cork will be cheered on this weekend by England Ashes legend Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff. Cork who survived the tense skate-off last weekend will be looking to improve from last week and having the support of Flintoff will certainly spur him on.

Cork who has been a consistent performer in the competition so far, was disappointed at being in the bottom 2 last weekend,

“I felt that I had skated well enough to go through to this week’s show so finding out I was in the bottom two was devastating’

The 39-year-old continued,

“Unfortunately for Steven Arnold he left the show but it is up to me to make sure I am not in the bottom two this week”

Cork who featured for England an impressive 37 times taking 131 wickets played with Flintoff in the England set-up and at county level with Lancashire. The pair have remained close friends ever since.

Cork will be hoping that the added bonus of having his friend Freddie there will spur him on,

“Having Freddie there will make a huge difference, knowing that your friends are in the audience routing for you can help give you get that extra bit of motivation on the night”

“He is a real legend of English cricket and although he has been giving me some stick for the costumes I have been wearing he really wants me to succeed”

Flintoff has already been to visit Dominic in training this week and is excited for his former team mate, he said,

“Corky is a great bloke and I really want him to go all the way in the competition, I think it was a little unfair that he ended up in the bottom two last week”

“If he stays in the competition it means I get to give him some more stick for the costumes he wears, but I have to give him credit, it looks incredibly difficult- they make it seem so easy on televison!”

“I just want to urge everyone that watches on Sunday night to vote for Corky- he’s a legend!”

Introducing Marwood: Men's Accessories – French Style

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This year is playing extra friendly to the theme of Lace, whether it be embodied in clothing, accessories and jewellery. One brand that is making its integral mark in the fashion market is brand Marwood.

Tha label is due to launch in preparation for A/W 2011. This is great timing, working perfectly in sync with the popular movement of lace through S/S 2011 – notably for women, but Marwood are creating a new balance.

As mentioned in my A/W Accessories article, craft-enthused accessories are a must for any fashion lover this year. Marwood expresses a similar hand-made facet in their design – showcasing a range of Ties and Bow Ties, created from fine fabrics, such as Woven Silk and English Spun Lace.

Marwood take immense pride in their craftsmanship, taking their inspiration from those who have showcased their techniques in the industry, both previously and current.

The French brand draw on traditional looks, and a rich and distinguished heritage. Appealing to a wide range of people – from those uber fashion-conscious vintage lovers, to more traditional followers of defined cut menswear suits and garments.

The range is simply exquisite, comprising of checks and lace. The bow ties are of particular beauty. Delicately handcrafted, they can be combined with both casual, vintage day wear, to a more refined look for the evening. Their unique look can even be something of a collectors item.

Intelligently created and rich in its flavour of style – Marwood is definitely a brand in 2011 to look out for!