Angelina Jolie And Michelle Obama Add Voices To #bringbackourgirls Campaign For Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Last month over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped and thanks to social media, the protest has been loud, with powerful names giving their support. Angelina Jolie and Michelle Obama have added their voices to the #bringbackourgirls campaign. The First Lady tweeted this photo and message of support.

Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families. It’s time to #BringBackOurGirls. -mo pic.twitter.com/glDKDotJRt

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 7, 2014

Angelina Jolie told the Agence France-Presse: “The kidnapping of these young Nigerian girls is an unthinkable cruelty, Sadly, of course, there is real evil in the world. You watch the news and you see all of the people suffering and so much cruelty.”

CNN screened a video released by Nigerian Islamic group Boko Haram which featured the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, who claimed responsibility for kidnapping the girls and vowed to sell them into slavery. Reportedly, 276 girls were kidnapped from a school in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state.

Visit Change.org to sign the petition and use the #bringbackourgirls hashtag.

Rihanna | Get the Look

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Frostie

Doesn’t Rihanna look amazing? Get her look with these great pieces.

Frank Usher 9 Strand Stretch Bracelet,

QVC, £24.00

Jacqueline Kennedy Collection Starry Night Bracelet

QVC Price: £67.00

Honora 10-11mm Button Pearl Stud Earrings Sterling Silver

QVC Price: £19.50

Veronese Satin Collar Necklace Sterling Silver

QVC Price: £101.25

Butler & Wilson Multi Skull Snap Bangle

QVC Price: £68.00

Will you be getting the Rihanna look?

Are Poker Players Cool Or Just Nerds? Here’s One That’s Both

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Frostie

Do you think poker players are cool or nerds? It’s not always easy to tell.

Back in the day they most definitely had a reputation for being cool, and this was also part of the essential bluff. Remember the scene in Cool Hand Luke, where the eponymous character keeps repeating “Kick a buck”? Paul Newman was undeniably cool as a cucumber because he simply didn’t care whether he won or lost. But he won anyway, this was after all an American movie where the cool, good-looking guy wins. He would undoubtedly have “got the gal” too, but it was a prison movie.

Since poker has become more popular over the last ten years or so, with the advent of major online tournaments, you can’t help but think that many players are trying a bit too hard to be cool, and failing very badly.

It seems essential to wear any combination of the following at a poker table: a hoodie, sunglasses, a Stetson hat, a baseball cap (preferably styled back to front), a beanie hat, and something a bit wacky to make you stand out from the rest. It’s also essential to try and look mean and cool, carefully weighing the possibilities of everything about the game.
Now some of these players are real, but others are most definitely nerds who are trying way too hard. Many also look distinctly unhealthy and, consequently, wear very baggy tops. It’s almost as if they’ve spent too long sitting in chairs in darkened smoke-filled rooms…

In the coolness stakes though you quickly get to sort the wheat from the chaff if you watch any of these poker tournaments online, but this isn’t always about who wins. You can be a genuine nerd and still be successful. In fact, it probably helps. In real life, the game of poker isn’t always won by the “Cool Hand Luke” character, but by the nerd who calls his bluff on a mathematical formulaic basis and who is blissfully unaware of whether he or she is cool or not.

Some of the best players today seem to combine these two types of personality, and refreshingly there are an increasing number of female players. UK player Sinem Melin (interestingly named ‘Sin’ for short) was recently featured in The Independent having been successful in getting Full Tilt Poker sponsorship.

Melin is certainly no nerd, but nor does she try too hard to be cool either. She reached the final tables of both the UKIPT Brighton Main Event in 2011 and the GUKPT London Main Event last year. She signed on with Full Tilt as an ambassador in the summer of 2013 along with Ben Jenkins, Martins Adeniya and Ireland’s Dermot Blain.

Melin has explained how her down-to-earth personality actually helps her game as it gains the opponents’ trust, which means she can get away with more bluffs. This in itself is sort of cool by not trying to be cool, which is doubly confusing!

Behind The Scenes for ‘Ashley Sofia Events’

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

This was one of the best photo shoots I have done in ages, tons of fun and the location was just superb. Ashley is a self taught florist and has such amazing creative talent. Her floristry is magical, beautiful and original. We decided to get together a few months ago when Ashley contacted me through Twitter. Plans went into action for a very different shoot indeed.

The entire week before we had showers, shadows and no sun whatsoever. Mine and Ashley’s vision was looking like it was going to be doomed from the outset.

We woke up on the day of the shoot to see clear blues skies and not a drop of rain. Here is a look behind the scenes!

Ashley Sofia Events is based in Manchester and started with a passion for flowers 8 years ago and with a focus on uniquely beautiful designs. Today Ashely offers trend setting wedding, Party, Christmas and event design. You can drop her a line and she will be able to help you with anything your little heart desires. Even a dinner party at home would just wow your guests. Beautiful centre pieces for coffee tables and fine dining. Ashley is free for ideas with hotels to coffee shops. Make your business stand out with a weekly floral display from this magnificent little company.

Nice …our model Lottie being a goof!! Joking aside a shoot like this takes weeks if not months of preparation. The test shots need to be sorted at the location, clothing needs to be sourced, props hired and the setting up takes hours. Tons of hanging about for the model or models. Lottie was freezing between sets poor girl. Coffee runs and catering has to be thought of too.

Delicious cakes eaten and a little delirious from all the laughter on set we called it a day. Perfect shoot in the bag and and a perfect friendship formed.

This is what can happen in-between all the fun! Here are just a few pictures form the shoot. The rest…well you will have to wait till they are published.

Visit Ashley Sofia Events or Tweet @ashleyflorist1 for more information.

For more information regarding Fashion, Wedding and professional photography please contact me at sarah@sarahbacchus.com or tweet me @sarahbacchus.

The new SARAH BACCHUS.COM photographic website will be up and running in a few days. I will let you all know when it goes live.

Bones Restaurant Review

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Bones is a gorgeous and trendy looking new all day restaurant from Joff and Simeon Goodman, the guys behind the organic and fairtrade store, The Grocery. Situated in East London, it has two floors and is busy. We sit by the window and it has beautiful light, and is great for people-watching.

We start with a Burrata with basil oil, chilli flakes and sourdough bread and Beetroot and also Vodka cured salmon with rye bread and horseradish cream. Both are great. I love my vodka cured salmon, it tastes great and the horseradish cream and rye bread are both top-notch and work well together. The Burrata is also great and works well with the other ingredients. We thought it should have come on a bigger plate but other than that: we had no complaints. We also have some cocktails, they are a little watery but the food makes up for it.

Next up is a sharing dish of Roasted rack of lamb with herb crust and braised baby gem, along with Tuscan Panzanella salad with tomato, roasted red onions, croutons and garlic, and a side of Purple sprouting broccoli with chilli oil and lemon. The lamb is delicious, the herb crust and braised baby gem really add to the dish, the salad is wonderful and the broccoli is good, if a little bit too spicy for me. The food is excellent and the ingredients are a great, unique mix.

We were pretty stuffed so for dessert I have some ice-cream and sorbet and my colleague has the Raspberry and black cherry cheesecake. The ice cream is very good and so is the cheesecake.

We had some good English Breakfast Tea to finish. The food at Bones is great and the staff are passionate. A great restaurant with brilliant food. Recommended.

BONES

52 Kingsland Road

London, E2 8DP

www.ieatbones.com

Tel: 020 7003 9008

Twitter: @BonesRestaurant

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bonesrestaurant

Super Fast Suppers, Chicken & Pesto Parcels

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

With all the bank holidays we have had are you seriously exhausted after a long weekend of fun and partying, are you in need of a really triumphant meal that you can be proud of and are you looking for a very quick and heathy supper to cook in a jiffy. Here is one of our fast feasts just for those of you that want amazing and great food but just don’t have the time to slave over the hob for an hour. We give you Chicken & Pesto parcels. These take just 5 minutes to prepare, so look no further and stop googling “Fast meals for the family” just make sure you check out our site from time to time as we are the ones that will help you in the kitchen with step by step pictures too!!

You will need:

Chicken breasts (1 per person)
Red and green pesto
Celery salt
Fresh basil (dried of you can’t get to the shops)
Cherry tomatoes
Sides of your choice
Tin foil
35 minutes of prep and cooking time.

Grab the chicken and slice it up into thick strips, place on a sheet of tin foil load all the other ingredients on top. Really simple and really beautiful to the eye. You can add cheese and bacon bits if you have them or go crazy and add a good dollop of chilli for a really wicked kick.

Place these babies in the oven for 30 minutes and serve in the foil with your sides. We decided to chow down with balsamic mini roast potatoes, homemade coleslaw and a colourful salad.

Perfect for the busy family and perfect for those waistlines too!!

For more recipes and delicious fashion advice hop over to www.slbstyle.com or ask Sarah anything about food to fashion on Twitter @sarahbacchus

Win Tickets To The National Wedding Show Autumn 2014

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Frostie

London Earls Court 26th-28th September | Birmingham NEC 3rd-5th October

Manchester Central 11th -12th October

The UK’s biggest wedding show returns to London, Birmingham and Manchester this autumn. With exciting feature areas, a breath-taking Catwalk Show and over 250 experts specialising in everything from stunning dresses to sparkling accessories, exquisite flowers to mouth-watering cakes and exciting entertainment to idyllic venues, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate destination for shopping, inspiration and wedding planning.

Stephanie Allin at Courtyard Bridal Boutique

Take a seat at the spectacular Catwalk Show, where the latest trends and wedding themes are brought to life, featuring the latest collections from the nation’s finest designers, boutiques and retailers including Justin Alexander, Timeless Couture, Ivory & Co, Qiana Bridal, Katya Katya Shehurina, Berketex, Eliza Jane Howell and many more.

With suave groomswear from the likes of Moss Bros, elegant mother of the bride attire from Nigel Rayment, stylish solutions for your bridesmaids and bridal hair and beauty inspiration, the Catwalk Show is an unmissable experience for your entire bridal party.

Young’s Hire

Head to the Bridal, Boutique and Designer Areas, which together house the largest number of dresses under one roof! Browse and try on more dresses than you ever imagined, in spacious changing rooms with no appointments necessary. With 1000s of styles to suit every shape, style and budget, you are sure to find the dress of your dreams.

Don’t miss the Big Day Top 10 Tips in the Wedding Theatre, where the show’s host of experts will share invaluable advice on styling, hair and beauty, planning and much more in an exciting countdown featuring demonstrations and makeovers live on stage.

Whether you are looking for your perfect bridal bouquet or a striking centrepiece, head to the Designer Flower Market to discover a spectrum of colours and beautiful blooms from the nation’s finest florists.

Shop ‘til your drop and meet the experts from your favourite high street brands including Moss Bros, John Lewis, Sandals, Thomas Cook, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Virgin Holidays, who will be on hand to help you with everything from creating your gift list to planning your perfect honeymoon.

Round off an exciting day in the Vintage Tea Room, where you can relax and unwind with a traditional cream tea, or head to The Champagne Bar and toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly.

Enjoy the show in star style by bagging yourself VIP tickets. This exclusive experience includes fast track entrance, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, unlimited access to the stylish VIP Lounge, a complimentary glass of bubbly and a goody bag full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Frost Magazine has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer two tickets to lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, To win follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz. Then comment below saying what you did. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner.

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £3 off the door price*. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. Bring a group of four or more and take advantage on our fantastic group savings.

*Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £18 at midnight the day before opening

Autumn 2014 Diary Dates –

London Earls Court – 26th-28th September/ Birmingham NEC – 3rd-5th October

Manchester Central – 11^th -12^th October

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow

Twitter – @nationalwedding / #TNWS

Instagram – thenationalweddingshow

Competition end date is June 14th.

Osiris At Specsavers

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Recently I got some funky new glasses from Osiris. They are very different from the glasses I usually wear. They are big for a start: a bold fashion statement. I am wearing them in the photo below so decide for yourself.

They are from Osiris, which are designed by fashion designer, Jorgen Simonsen, I saw him briefly at London Fashion Week. I was then invited by Specsavers to visit their Tottenham Court Road branch and pick a pair of his amazing glasses for myself. There was a lot of girly advice on hand and I got another eye test despite having one last year. Not much had changed thankfully.

It took me a while to choose which glasses I wanted, I had three in my hand at one point. I decided to go for the heavy black ones as I think they suited me the most and they were very different from the usual Missoni glasses I usually wear. I was also assured by the lovely ladies at Specsavers that they really suited me.

The service was excellent, as I expected: they knew I was a writer reviewing the glasses and experience. My one complaint is that I usually pay to get one lens thinned down, and this time I was charged for both lenses, which wasn’t needed and ended up costing me over £30 as it went over the price of the free glasses. I also think they charge too much to thin down lenses, a long running pet peeves with Specsavers, or that they should at least give a discount for two lenses.

My glasses weren’t ready immediately but when I went to get them they fitted them on me and away I went, happy with my new glasses.

You can check out Osiris at Specsavers here.