Limited Edition BAFTA Timepiece | Fashion

Swiss watchmaker 88 RUE DU RHONE has launched its first limited edition BAFTA timepiece collection at retail in partnership with WatchShop.com, who will sell a limited number of pieces to celebrate the brand’s partnership with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) where it holds the title of Official Watch & Timing Partner.

The limited edition BAFTA timepieces will be sold with two complimentary tickets to a private viewing of Andy Gotts MBE ‘BEHIND THE MASK’ exhibition at BAFTA’s headquarters 195 Piccadilly, London. Photographer Andy Gotts MBE will personally meet proud owners of the 88 RUE DU RHONE limited edition BAFTA timepieces at the exhibition. ‘BEHIND THE MASK’ is a stunning collection of more than 100 photographs of actors and actresses from around the globe that have been nominated for a BAFTA Film Award in the last 60 years.

The 88 RUE DU RHONE Limited Edition BAFTA timepiece features a unique engraving of the EE British Academy of Film and Television Awards logo on the watch’s case back. The limited edition BAFTA timepiece collection will be presented to winners, citation readers and attendees over the BAFTA weekend.

watch

The gent’s timepiece features a sleek, stylish 45mm black PVD case, with black dial, date display and chronograph functions framed by silver sub dials. This watch is based upon a classic style that incorporates contemporary signatures such as silver trim indexes and a unique 88 RUE DU RHONE engraving on the side of the watchcase. The timepiece is finished with a black padded calf-leather alligator grain strap with ardillon buckle. The price of the gent’s BAFTA Limited Edition is £495.

bafta watch

The ladies chronograph has been designed using a 35mm black PVD case that houses a black patterned dial featuring 6 diamonds integrated within the rose gold Roman numerals. The hands, crown and buttons are finished with rose gold that provides an elegant contrast to the black PVD case and gloss black padded calf leather strap with alligator grain. The price of the ladies’ BAFTA Limited Edition is £550. Both available from WatchShop.com,

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Watchshop to launch the BAFTA limited editions at retail. This will be the first time that we have retailed a limited edition collection for 88 RUE DU RHONE and we are looking forward to seeing the results.“ – Says Craig Leach, UK Brand Director – 88 RUE DU RHONE.

The EE British Academy Film Awards take place on Sunday 16 February 2014 at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London and will be hosted by Stephen Fry. The ceremony will broadcast live on BBC One.

Healthy Pepper And Tomato Soup

Hey Guys

So the cold nights are still here. So here’s something hot, sexy and simple……NO not me.

But my red bell pepper and tomato soup that only takes a few easy steps to follow.

This will warm even the coldest of hearts and the bits bits are not only is it simple to make but you can even add to it.

But here it is Below

2 large red bell peppers, 5-7 tomatoes, 1 large red onion, 5 garlic cloves, salt & pepper in a over try with coconut oil.

Roast for between 30-40 mins or until soft and slightly charred.

500 mils of stock

all added in to a blender and go for it but then you can add anything you want like

You can also add into the mix chilli, ginger, cream, a bit of dark chocolate….anything you like. I even had mine with a home made chicken wrap.

Enjoy and remember to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter

Kettlebell Strength

 

tomato-soup

 

 

Different Styles Of Wedding Dresses

So you are trying to choose a wedding dress but there are so many styles to choose from, and so much jargon, I mean, what the hell is a trumpet? We decided to put together a visual reference guide to help you along the way. Let us know what your favourite is, we had so much fun writing this article and looking at endless pictures of wedding dresses. If you want help and advice planning your wedding then buy our editor, Catherine’s, wedding book, it is full of great advice and lots of tips.  If you are off wedding dress shopping soon then also check out our editors experience of buying her wedding dress. Happy shopping!

Strapless white-strapless-wedding-dresses Sweetheart Neckline Sweetheart neckline wedding dress Halterneck satin-sweetheart-neckline-halter-strap-trumpet-wedding-dress-with-lace-applique-accents  V-Neck

v-neck wedding dress.spring-2013-wedding-dress-monique-lhuillier-bridal-gown-simple-lace-V-Neck-Rustic-Wedding-Dress-Ideas

Plunge

lace-plunge-neckline-a-line-wedding-dress

One-Shoulder

one strap, one shoulder -wedding_dress

Mermaid tulle-lace-mermaid-bridal-gown-sweetheart-neckline A-Line or Princess

Beading A line Strapless Satin Ivory Haute Couture  Wedding Dress organza-sweetheart-neckline-a-line-wedding-dress

Empire

Empire wedding dress

Ballgown chic-organza-sweetheart-neckline-ball-gown-wedding-dress Trail / Train

lace-sweetheart-neckline-a-line-wedding-dress

Short

short wedding dress

Trumpet

trumpet-wedding-dress-with-lace-embellished

The trumpet silhouette is different to the mermaid as the skirt gradually flares about mid-thigh. It has a close-fitting bodice.

Backless backless wedding dress Lace Back

Lace-Back-Wedding-Dress-Style lace back wedding dress

Straps Taffeta-A-line-Corset-Back-Gentel-Sweetheart-Neckline-with-Straps-Pick-up-Skirt-with-Chapel-Train-White-Wedding-Dress-WM-0024 Sleeves

lace-v-neck-ball-gown-sheer-laced-sleeves-wedding-dress-with-chapel-train-ab8874

Cap Sleeves perfect-a-line-wedding-dress-with-lace-cap-sleeves-and-sweetheart-neckline

Off-The-Shoulder / Boat Neck

Off The Shoulder A Line Trumpt Train Lace Vintage Wedding Dress SaleWhat one will you choose? What is your favourite?

If you are planning your wedding then get your hands on The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on every aspect of wedding planning and lots of great advice on choosing the perfect wedding dress. 

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About Retiring Abroad

So, you’re thinking of leaving the UK to retire? A new life at a new pace. Sounds great.  But consider all the issues. The friends and family you’ll leave behind. The fact that no climate is ideal, no place perfect. The upheaval involved. The home comforts you’ll miss.

Still set on it? Well, this quick guide will help make sure you’ve got everything covered.

tropical Island

Choosing a place to live

If you’ve set your heart on a place to settle down, go and visit several times, at different times of the year. Get a feel for the place. And make sure you view the properties in person, not just over the internet.

Buying property overseas

Foreign exchanges companies, such as World First, can help you make the most of your money if you’re buying property abroad to retire, or want an overseas investment property.

They transfer money from your home bank account to your overseas account, and if you’re selling, they can send money in the other direction. It’s worth considering forward contracts where you can fix a rate for a point in the future or explore currency options that enable you to benefits from rate changes in your favour.

Your pension

If you qualify for a UK state pension, you can claim it wherever you live. The money can be paid into a UK bank or directly into an overseas account in the local currency.  Private pensions can be transferred from a home account to a foreign bank, and by using a broker you’ll tend to get a better rate, and save on fees.

Paying tax

If you move abroad for good, your income tax liability moves with you. But you may still have UK tax to pay on investment or rental income in the UK. Pension income is normally taxed in your country of residence. They are not taxed twice, but may push your other income into a higher overseas tax band.   Income from savings is generally taxable in your country of residence. Once you’re resident overseas, you’ll need to check whether you’re liable for capital gains tax.

Healthcare

This is an important consideration. You may get NHS-style free healthcare depending on where you retire, but in the United States, for example, medical insurance is essential. South Africa is another place where you’ll take to take out cover. Healthcare payments may also be required in France, Spain and Italy.

For more information about retiring in a new country, visit Retirement UK

Penthouse North Film Review

penthousenorthdvdgiveawayPenthouse North has a few things going for it but the main one has to be Michelle Monahan. A brilliant and underrated actress. There are not enough films with a female lead and Penthouse North shows what a waste that is.

The other thing Penthouse North has going for it; it’s an enjoyable thriller. And it has Michael Keaton on top form. Barry Sloane, of Revenge fame, is also good as a violent and sadistic thief.

Michelle Monahan’s character Sara has got to be one of the unluckiest women in the world. As a photojournalist in Afghanistan she loses her sight after a suicide bomber detonates in front of her. She has become reclusive, mostly staying in the penthouse apartment of her boyfriend. But her boyfriend is not what he seems.

Fresh from his leading role in Robocop 2014 Michael Keaton (Batman) stars alongside Michelle Monaghan (Source Code) in action-packed thriller Penthouse North, from Sleeping with the Enemy director Joseph Ruben (Money Train) which comes to DVD and Blu-ray on 3 February 2014.

It’s New Year’s Eve in New York City and a young woman’s (Monahan) penthouse is invaded by Hollander (Keaton) and his sadistic partner. The vicious pair will do whatever it takes – torture, tear the place apart and even kill to find what they’re looking for. While the party rages outside, inside Penthouse North Sara must fight for her life. It’s kill or be killed in this pulse-pounding, non-stop fight to the finish thriller.

While I sometimes found it hard to watch a women being abused by two men, especially one who is blind, Penthouse North is overall a good, triumphant and entertaining film. You see Sara become stronger and stronger throughout. She had become reclusive and introverted, but her survival instinct kicks in; she becomes stronger than ever before. I don’t want to give too much away but it is perfect for an evening’s entertainment. Spoiler Alert; also; don’t worry, the cat wins in the end.

We have two copies of Penthouse North to giveaway.

 

Benefits Street: Good TV, and Fair

Amongst people who have actually watched Benefits Street, most say that it is good TV and that it fairly portrays life in impoverished communities

BenefitsStreet_logo_wA new YouGov survey finds the programme is a big hit with viewers, and amongst those who have actually watched it, the majority do not think it is unfair or in bad taste.

Read more here.

Here is some of the YouGov Survey.

Ever since it first aired on 6th January, Channel 4’s Benefits Street has caused outrage. After episode one, a number of James Turner street residents who appeared in the programme said they had been lied to about its intentions and wrongly portrayed; after episode two, Channel 4 said they would be given right of reply in a live TV debate; by episode four, it has received 1,700 complaints.

Now a new YouGov survey finds the programme is a big hit with viewers, and amongst those who have actually watched it, the majority do not think it is unfair or in bad taste.

A sizeable third (33%) of the population have seen at least some of Benefits Street on TV. Of those, 78% say they might or will definitely watch it again and only 20% say they probably or definitely will not.

Unambiguously, 62% of viewers say the programme is ‘good TV’ while only 30% say it is bad TV.

Most interestingly, amid claims that “[James Turner] street has been turned into a zoo and the residents feel like they are exhibits”, viewers who say the programme is fair outnumber those who say it is unfair two to one.

59% of viewers say Benefits Street “fairly portrays what life is like in impoverished communities and the difficult issues it brings up”, while 23 say it “unfairly portrays poor people and creates resentment towards people in real need”.

Further, people who are actually claiming some kind of benefits are more likely to say the programme is fair (34%) than unfair (24%). 28% of those not claiming benefits say the programme is fair, and 22% say it is unfair.

The series finale airs on Channel 4 on Monday 10th February.

Do you agree?

Amanda Wakeley Flagship Store Launch

WHAT:  THE LAUNCH OF THE AMANDA WAKELEY FLAGSHIP STORE, 18 ALBEMARLE STREET

 

WHEN: Thursday 30th January 2014, 7pm until late

 

WHERE: 18 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4HR

 

VIPs from the world of fashion and business converged at 18 Albemarle Street to toast the opening of Amanda Wakeley’s flagship store. Set over two floors, the beautiful townhouse features bespoke interiors personally designed and selected by Amanda herself. Amanda and her CEO Sagra Maceira de Rosen guided their personal guests around the store whilst conversation flowed over bespoke “Eightinis” and delicious canapés courtesy of Mark Hix and Belvedere.

 

WHO:
Amanda Wakeley (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Hugh Morrison – Amanda Wakeley’s partner and co-owner of Amanda Wakeley
Sagra Maceira de Rosen – CEO of Amanda Wakeley
Elizabeth Hurley (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Tracey Emin CBE
Kelly Hoppen MBE
Darcey Bussell
Tamara Beckwith
Yasmin Mills (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Greg Rusedski
Nicky Haslam
Lisa Butcher (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Sarah-Ann Macklin (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Olivia Inge (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Olivia Grant (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Camilla Rutherford (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Marissa Montgomery (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Tiphaine Chapman (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Sophia Hesketh

Amanda Sheppard (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Francesca Zampi (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Gabriela Peacock (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Katie Redman (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Sofia Wellesley (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Emma Pilkington (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Alessandra Balazs (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Kim Johnson (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Olivia Hunt (wearing Amanda Wakeley)
Martha Ward (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Saffron Aldridge (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Alexandra Shulman

Elizabeth Saltzman

Caroline Rush
Harold Tillman
Heather Kerzner

Mark Hix

Natasha Rufus-Isaacs

Arun Nayar

Kristina Blahnik

Sir Charles and Lady Celia Dunstone

Nick and Nettie Mason

Tim and Malin Jefferies

WHAT THEY ATE: A bespoke menu for Amanda Wakeley by Mark Hix:

  • Golden beetroot galette with goat’s curd and pickled walnuts
  • New Forest ham with tomato toasts
    Sprouting broccoli with herb mayonnaise
  • Soft-boiled quail’s eggs with Oscietra caviar
  • Buttermilk fried chicken with kimchi ketchup
  • Beef tataki with green beans
  • Spiced aubergine cigars
  • Pumpkin arancini
  • Winter squash risotto

 

WHAT THEY DRANK:  A bespoke menu specially-designed for Amanda Wakeley by Mark Hix:

Eightini – Rose petal-infused Belvedere, fresh grapefruit juice, lemon, rhubarb and vanilla syrup with a touch of orange blossom and rhubarb bitters.

Mojito Iced Tea – Belvedere vodka perfectly mixed with Burrow hill apple juice, peppermint tea, mint leaves, apple syrup and finished with soda water.

The Tonnix Grand Crew wine – Amanda’s favourite wine from Mark’s very own brand. The label has been specially created by Tracey Emin, and depicts Amanda’s classic sailing boat Savannah.

WHAT THEY TALKED ABOUT:

Amanda – Amanda’s friends congratulated her on the stunning new Mayfair “home” and toasted her success as a designer for over 20 years – next year is the 25th Anniversary of the brand!

Albemarle Street– tipped to be “The next Mount Street” in London…Amanda joins Paul Smith, Tiffany and Globetrotter with several other big brands rumoured to be moving in later in the year

Strictly Come Dancing vs The X Factor – The age-old dilemma of which Saturday night show is your favourite, and all the tougher for Amanda who dressed both Strictly’s Darcey Bussell and X Factor’s Nicole Scherzinger no less than four times whilst the shows were on.

London Fashion Week – Amanda revealed that she will be showing back  on schedule at London Fashion Week again in February after a hiatus of several seasons, and the location would be none other than her 18 Albemarle Street boutique. British Fashion Council CEO Caroline Rush was delighted with the choice of venue.

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Above (L-R): Elizabeth Hurley (wearing Amanda Wakeley); Tracey Emin; Darcey Bussell and Amanda Wakeley (wearing Amanda Wakeley); Kelly Hoppen and Amanda Wakeley (wearing Amanda Wakeley); Alexandra Shulman, Amanda Wakeley (wearing Amanda Wakeley) and Elizabeth Hurley (wearing Amanda Wakeley)

Were Superdrug’s Controversial Celebrity Weight Scales Offensive?

Superdrug has dropped it’s controversial ‘celebrity weight scales’ after the product was criticised by a leading UK eating disorder charity. But what did you think of it? Is it healthier to compare yourself to a celebrity or a number? These were novelty scales and surely they were just a bit of fun?

celebrity weight

The scales compared a user’s weight to that of a celebrity such as Cheryl Cole, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Beyoncé.

The scales included Cheryl Cole (8st), Kate Middleton (8st 6lb), Jessica Ennis (9st),  Ellie Goulding (9st lb), Beyonce (9st 2lb), Rihanna (9st 2lb), Adele (14st), Queen Latifah (16st) and  Melissa McCarthy (18st). I am not sure whether or not these weights are accurate but some of them do seem quite low. Especially as the average weight of a women in the UK is 11 stone.

The truth is, weight will always be a sensitive issue and young girls are impressionable. What is to stop them dieting to achieve the weight of their idol? Different people have different natural weights. We should just focus on being healthy, but peer pressure will always be there. For some the scales are just fun and novelty, but like most things in life, they can have a negative impact if used incorrectly.

 

Lorna Driver-Davies, nutritionist at the NutriCentre commented:

 

 “I am very concerned with the concept of celebrity weighing scales.  As a nutritionist I have no objection to women weighing themselves in kg- this is commonplace on normal scales and many women chose the metric method of weight, for example in France and Germany.”

 

“Comparing your weight to anyone- your friends, sister or colleagues would be a very unhealthy way to judge your own weight, so a comparison to celebrities is even worse.”

 

“These scales do not even take into account body fat percentage, height, BMI, waist and hip measurements and common sense on what is a healthy weight for an individual.  Not only is this concept deeply unscientific but also I believe it would encourage even more insecurity and anxiety about weight which is a sad situation.”

 

“These scales also set a very poor example to teenage girls who are often more susceptible to eating disorders and are easily impressed by celebrity status.”

 

What do you think? Should they have been pulled?