Knit Quit Kit Review: Can It Help You Quit Smoking?

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knitquitkitowlFrost came across this unique and gorgeous knitting product that was launched to help smokers quit whilst learning a new and very popular skill.

Inventor, Vanessa Bracewell, says: “I am not an experienced knitter and only started the wonderful craft/obsession 8 months and 5 days ago when I stopped smoking – after 30 years of burning my money and probably damaging my health…From experience, when quitting smoking it is impossible to concentrate on anything, including counting rows.”

Included in the kit are three very easy projects using only cast on/off, knit stitch, increase, decrease and changing colour of yarn.

Everything needing to complete the three projects is supplied in the novelty cigarette style gift box. Includes extremely easy to follow patterns specially designed with tick boxes to keep track of your knitting.

The patterns include: Bill the Owl Keyring (to offer wisdom and support in moments of stress and weakness) BFT Bracelets (Best Friends Together) one to knit for yourself and one to knit for your quitting smoking helper to thank them for their support and a practical drawstring Purse/Bag – to save your well earned money in.

www.knitquitkits.co.uk

Our writer, Helen, tried it out.

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Helen loves knitting so we sent her the kit. Helen is also trying to stop smoking. She liked the look of the kit but found some of the knitting hard because of her eyesight. Shouldn’t be a problem for people with good eyesight.

She thought it was easy to do and the owl, bracelets and drawstring bag were all cute and unique. The kit looks great and comes with easy patterns. The colours are also beautiful but Helen thought it was a little pricey at £17.99.

Whilst knitting and doing the kit Helen did find her mind occupied. She has not managed to quit smoking completely but has cut down considerably. Good stuff.

The Kills In New Online Film Exploring Double Acts In Art

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In Unlock Art: Great Double Acts, The Kills investigate the importance of collaboration to the artistic process, and how artists have always collaborated in some form or other throughout history including Rubens, Jeff Koons, Gilbert & George and Jake and Dinos Chapman. The film challenges the popular myth: that art is made by solitary, angst-ridden artists, and reveals just how varied and abundant artistic creation can be when collaboration is involved.

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This is the sixth Unlock Art film in the series of eight produced in collaboration between Tate and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts which aims to unlock the big stories and ideas behind art. Other presenters in the series include author and broadcaster Dawn O’Porter, HBO Girls star Jemima Kirke, actor Alan Cumming and new Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi.

Unlock Art aims to take viewers on a journey through various art movements and themes, from the history of the nude and humour in art, to Surrealism and Pop – offering the need-to-know facts, and making the arts more accessible to a wider audience.

Le Méridien ‘Unlock Art’ microsite: www.lemeridien.com/filmseries

#UnlockArt

One Beer, Das Horn | Cool Things

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Here is one for the boys: Quite simply, Das Horn is beer for heroes. Drink with real class, not a glass and drink 709ml (24oz) of refreshing juice of your choice. Made from BPA free plastic it has a stainless steel finish with a Bavarian neck strap and stand. Great for parties or showing off in your home.

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Features:

Channel your inner Viking conqueror and make your next beer epic!
Includes neck strap and display stand
Colossal 709ml/24oz capacity
BPA free plastic with stainless steel rim
Hand wash with warm soapy water
Not intended for use with hot liquids
Dimensions: 9.5 x 12 x 32.5cm

Das Horn costs just £24.95 from www.prezzybox.com.

UK’s Historic Architecture On “Identikit” Collision Course

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David Twohig Living in Wonderland: Urban development and placemaking by David Twohig, Battersea Power Station Development Company Head of Design and Placemaking, offers a unique look at urban development and placemaking and makes the case for a radical change in how this should be approached ~

 

Britain is home to an extraordinarily eclectic array of buildings. From its magnificent public buildings to its iconic skyscrapers and cutting-edge developments, the wonderland that is British architecture defines a nation and continues to shape the lives of those within it.

 

But according to author and expert David Twohig, Head of Design and Placemaking for the Battersea Power Station Development Company, that could all change within 15 years. Twohig, responsible for one of the most high-profile urban regeneration projects of the century, warns that the UK’s cities are on a collision course to be overrun with “bland, homogenous developments”.

 

Global cities including London are in danger of being swamped with “identikit” shopping centres, office towers and sprawling, analogous housing estates as uninspired and cost-cutting developers increasingly seek “one-stop” solutions to the built environment.

 

This, Twohig predicts, will compromise people’s health, wellbeing and general happiness, as well as pacifying a city’s unique identity – a key attractor for foreign investment and economic success.

 

The arguments are laid out in Twohig’s astonishing new book, Living in Wonderland: Urban development and placemaking (Harriman House), which explores the challenges facing urban development on a global scale. Twohig’s argument for change – and the need to explore “non-default” development solutions – is based upon the study of real-life projects in residential, retail and workplace environments.

 

This thoroughly-researched title fills the gap between superficial coffee table books and theoretical academic papers, and has been described as a “must-read” for anyone with an interest in development, architecture, town planning and the urban environment.

 

“Over the next 15 years China is set to urbanise 300 million people and build the equivalent urban area of North America,” Twohig says.

 

“London alone is set to grow by two million people by 2030. This is the greatest period of urbanisation in human history and yet the buildings and places we are designing and developing leave a great deal to be desired.”

 

Living in Wonderland: Urban development and placemaking (Harriman House) is published on March 24, 2014.

 

Ricky Tomlinson To Star In New Mike Bassett Film

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Ricky TomlinsonEngland’s most notorious football manager Mike Bassett is heading back to the big screens with a sequel to the cult classic comedy planned for production later this year.

Director/Producer Steve Barron will return for the sequel, titled, Mike Bassett: Interim Manager, with Ricky Tomlinson as the foul-mouthed Bassett. This time Bassett is brought in to the England camp as number two to the tactically brilliant German coach Jorgen Mannstein who has the England team playing like a dream. Not for long!

Steve Barron said: “Bassett was the last England manager to take the national team to Brazil. We reached the semi’s then, who knows what we could achieve this time? I’m very excited to be back with the team including football legend Andy Ansah who cut his teeth on the first film. As the years have gone by Bassett seems to have dug deeper into football folklore. There is hardly a manager in the game that hasn’t been compared to him. Usually at a low point. Sometimes a very low point.”

The movies development at London-based Riley Productions has been funded again through the BFI. Newly launched Goldfinch Pictures, headed by Harrigan producer Kirsty Bell, has been appointed to raise £2.5m from EIS investors to help fund the film. The original Mike Bassett was the highest grossing film at the UK box office, grossing £3.5m, in it’s original 2001 year of release.

Mike Bassett: Interim Manager sees the return of writing duet Rob Sprackling and John R Smith, who penned the first film and also co-wrote Disney blockbuster Gnomeo and Juliet.

 

Seven Steps to Spring Clean His Skin: Beauty Tips For Men

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With Spring having sprung, ladies up and down the land are scrambling to shave their winter legs and pedicure those forgotten-about feet. But what about the Gents? Skincare Expert and Facial Therapist Amanda Elias has the solution, with Seven Steps to Spring Clean his Skin:

  1. Soften that winter skin with a gentle moisturiser that contains alcohol or perfume, particualrly after shaving. It’s essential to moisturise so that you rehydrate the skin; shaving will strip the skin of its natural moisture.
  2. Don’t have a cleansing routine in place? Spring’s the time! Use a face gel/wash for oily, combination skin when cleansing – and a cream cleanser for dry skin. Cleanse daily; once in the morning and twice in the evening.
  3. Shave off that winter face fuzz but never dry shave; this can seriously irritate and dry out the skin. Always use a shaving gel or oil. If you have sensitive skin, avoid any products that contain menthol.
  4. Consider new products. When it comes to your spring skincare, you don’t have to use just the brands targeted for men. If you have similar skin complaints to your girlfriend/mother/sister ask to try their products to see how they work for you.
  5. Get rid of those dry lips by applying a lip balm regularly throughout the day. A stick lip balm is easier and quicker to apply then the balms in little pots. Why not leave one on your desk at work as a reminder to apply?
  6. Dispel of dry hands with an exfoliator to remove the dry, dead skin and then moisturise. Start by mixing a little sugar and olive oil together and scrub your hands for roughly a minute, rinse off and then apply some of the olive oil in to your dry hands. For best results, gently warm the olive oil (warm not hot), apply to your hands and then cover your hands with a pair of cotton socks. Leave for a few hours or for even better results, leave on overnight. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, why not treat yourself to a Man-icure?
  7. Don’t leave sweaty skin after your new year workouts. If you notice breakouts on your body after exercising, use a medicated wash to cleanse the skin as soon as possible after each session. If you don’t have time to shower, quickly wipe over your skin with a clean, cotton flannel and change out of your sweaty workout clothes. Always use a clean flannel and towel.

Streets of London Launch New Charity Auction

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GET YOUR HANDS ON MERCHANDISE SIGNED BY SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC

 FROM 9pm THURSDAY 20TH – SUNDAY 30TH MARCH

Homelessness charity Streets of London will be holding a special online auction to raise money and awareness for homeless people in the capital. Bidding on eBay kicks off at 9pm on Thursday 20th March and runs until Sunday 30th March. Items include Artwork, CDs, T-Shirts and Vinyl. Taking part in this amazingcause and supporting the charity are an incredible array of world-class names including The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Biffy Clyro, Emeli Sande, The Vaccines and many more! For more information and to get involved, visit www.streetsoflondon.org.uk

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Justin Young from The Vaccines said: “After the bad weather of the last few months, more than ever is it easy for me to appreciate just how tough and awful living on the streets without structure and support is. And I think whatever people can do to contribute to making the lives of those people easier goes an incredibly long way.”

 

Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones said: “We’re delighted to support Streets of London and their wonderful work helping London’s homeless.”

 

Ian Steuart Fothringham, director of Streets of London said: “We’re excited to have the support of so many major artists – including some of the biggest names in music – for this important cause. We fund specialist support for people who are homeless in London, ensuring that they have the advice and support they need to be able to move on and make lasting changes in their lives. Every penny raised at this auction will help. 2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us. We’re finalising the line-up for our next Concert for Homelessness, and we’ll be announcing the details in the coming few weeks!”

 

Streets of London puts on exciting live events, including annual charity concerts, giving music fans the opportunity to see big-name acts performing in intimate venues. It uses the proceeds to fund support for homeless people in the capital, ensuring they receive the advice and supportive guidance needed to move forward with their lives. The charity also works to increase general understanding about homelessness, challenging preconceptions and stereotyping.

 

To join in supporting this amazing worthycause, head to www.streetsoflondon.org.uk for more information – the eBay auction starts at 9pm on Thursday 20th March.

 

@StreetsofL