Five Times ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore Joins Roxy Surf Team

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Roxy announces five-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, is joining the ROXY Surf Team. ROXY, the world’s first and leading active board lifestyle brand for women and girls, has a long history of being a pioneering force within female action sports. Stephanie is a natural fit for the ROXY brand – a world-class, trailblazing athlete, who is the only surfer to ever have won a world title in her rookie year.

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Stephanie Gilmore, 25, was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She was awarded ASP World Champion Titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Additional victories include three Hawaiian Triple Crown wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, she also won the prestigious ESPY Award, Female Action Sports Person of the Year, and was awarded the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year in 2010.

Stephanie’s move to the ROXY team is a natural transition for her. She has long admired ROXY’s position as both a leader and pioneer within women’s surfing. Of the announcement, Stephanie stated, “ROXY epitomizes the image and lifestyle I live, both in and out of competition. I’m excited to join forces with such an iconic brand during this powerful time in female surfing.”

 

Get Fit & Flab Free This Summer With The Dukan Diet & Nicki Waterman

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getfitandfabWith 96% of UK women admitting they are unhappy with their bikini body[1] the Dukan Diet and celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman have joined forces to help you fight the flab and feel fab this Summer.

Said Nicki Waterman, “What you eat is only one part of the weight-loss equation. Diet alone may help you drop pounds, but you’ll have trouble keeping them off if you don’t exercise. And that’s not to mention the added benefits you’ll miss out on, from improved mood, to better sleep, to disease prevention. The exercise has to be there!”

“It’s understandable that people want to look good on the beach, but it’s more important to be healthy and do this safely” said Dukan Diet creator Dr Pierre Dukan. “Thousands of UK women are still resorting to crash dieting and unhealthy methods because they are so unhappy with the way they look. Crash diets may help you may lose weight in the short term, but you will inevitably regain that weight in the long-term. My diet is the only plan which devotes 50% of the plan to stabilising your weight, for the rest of your life.”


In as little as 8 weeks you can lose up to 1 stone[1] and tone up those wobbly bits with this exclusive diet and fitness advice:


THE DIET PART

The Dukan Diet; a high-protein, low-carb and low-fat weight loss plan, has a huge worldwide following, with numerous celebrities reportedly fans too. No calorie counting, it’s based on protein rich food and veggies you can eat as much as you want of, to give quick results and long-lasting weight-loss.

The Dukan Diet is a 4-phase plan; two phases to lose weight and two phases to ensure you keep the weight off forever.

 

Phase 1: A brief ATTACK phase with immediate results – lasting between two and seven days, depending upon how much weight you have to lose, during this stage you can eat as many of the 72 protein-rich ‘approved’ foods as you want in any combination. Approved ATTACK ingredients include fresh fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and eggs.  Expect to see quick results during this phase.

Phase 2: As you enter the CRUISE phase now add vegetables. CRUISE continues uninterrupted until your true weight is reached. Dieters alternate pure protein days with protein and vegetable days with anaverage weight loss of 2lbs per week. On average 5 weeks is spent on the Cruise Phase if you have one stone to lose.

 

Phase 3: Once you have reached your target weight the Dukan Diet differs from any other diet as it ‘weans’ you back into eating a balanced diet, ensuring all your hard work doesn’t go to waste. A CONSOLIDATION phase lasting five days for every pound lost is implemented and reintroducesfruit, wholegrains, fats and finally starchy foods to your diet. This phase is designed to reintroduce dieters to the ‘pleasure’ of food whilst prevent the rebound effect that occurs after any rapid form of weight loss. In an 8-week plan and with one stone to lose, you would bethree weeks into your Consolidation phase by the time you go on holiday, enabling you to enjoy a varied diet.

Phase 4:The final stage – STABILISATION – is less of a diet and more of a set of guidelines to live by to counter-act any mild weight gain:

·       Eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day

·       Regular exercise (min 20 mins walk per day)

·       Have a Pure Protein Attack day once a week.

To get started – calculate your True Weight on the dukandiet.co.uk’s free online calculator or pick up the Dukan Diet Book (Hodder; £12.99). Additionally, the following code will give you a 15% discount off all products in the online shop for twenty days fromtoday (4th July 2013): FITFLAB15

 

THE DUKAN DIET EXERCISE PLAN BY NICKI WATERMAN

Depending on your level of fitness aim for a minimum of 30mins exercise every day. This can be walking, cleaning the house or dancing to the radio – as long as you’re active.

 

The following exercises and tips are guaranteed to target those troublesome spots and get your body bikini-ready:

 

1.)Add Some Pounds

Adding resistance training to your routine will give you a toned – not bulky – look and increase metabolism.

 

 WALKING LUNGE

Tones your legs, bottom and thighs.

SETS: 3

REPS: 20

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Take a big step forward and bond both your knees to 90-degrees, keeping your body upright and feet pointing forward. Push off your back foot and brig it in front of you to go into the next lunge. Walk forward with each lunge

 

2.)Squeeze In A Fast Workout

If you’re short on time, simply do press-ups for a quick, calorie-burning upper- body workout.

 PRESS-UPS:

Tones your arms, chest, shoulders and deep core muscles.

SETS: 1

REPS: As many as you can do.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Lie with your hands beneath your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. Brace your stomach muscles and bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body. Lower as far as you can before pushing back up.

 

 

3.)Make Achievable Goals

Making lofty resolutions like deciding to lose 30 pounds in two months is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, make smaller goals you can tackle individually and incorporate into your lifestyle. Try adding a new fitness class to your exercise routine, taking a lunchtime walk instead of eating at your desk or do some simple Step-ups whenever you can.

 STEP UPS

Tones your legs, bottom and thighs and gets your heart pumping

SETS: 3

REPS: 15 each side.

HOW OFTEN: Every day.

Stand in front of stairs, box or a chair at about knee height. Place one foot flat on the stair, box or chair without letting your trailing leg touch down. Return to the start and do all your reps on one leg before repeating on the other.

 

 

4.)Plank It Out

The plank is one of the best moves to tone your core. After mastering the basicplank, you can add more advanced moves. Touching your elbow with your knee while in plank is great for the oblique muscles. To get some extra arm toning in, try the up and down plank: start in plank, come up onto your hands while holding the plank position and then return to the plank and repeat.

 PLANK WITH LATERAL TOE TAPS

Tones your core and upper body.

SETS: 3 sets

REPS: 30, alternating sides

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Rest your weight on your forearms and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Move one foot out to the side with a straight leg; tap the floor andthen return slowly to the start. Alternate sides.

 

 

5.)Try Some Big Movements

Don’t be intimidated by certain exercises. If you’re looking for all-in-one moves, push-ups, squats and planks are hard to beat. These powerhouse moves work the core, your legs and raise your heart rate.

WIDE LEG SQUAT

Tones your bottom, thighs and core.

SETS: 3

REPS: 20

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out. Keeping torso upright and weight on your heels, squat down as far as you can manage, raising your arms fro balance. Hold for a second then push back to the start.

 

 

6.)Work Muscles Together

Don’t want to waste any time at the gym? Combine exercises that incorporate both your upper and lower body, and work multiple muscle groups at once. Try this military press as you come up from a squat.

 SQUAT MILITARY PRESS

Tones your shoulders, arms, abs, bottom and legs

SETS: 3

REPS: As many as you can do for one minute.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand (half litre bottle of water or cans of beans will do), arms by sides. Squat down and then stand up quickly, bending elbows to bring dumbbells up in front of shoulders, palms facing forward. Immediately press arms straight overhead.

 

 

7.)Target Arm Flab

While genetics decide where your body will store fat (thanks, Mom and Dad), you can spot tone problem areas. To sculpt toned arms, incorporate moves that will work all three of the muscles in your triceps, your biceps and shoulders. Tricepkickbacks, bench dips, overhead presses and head bangers are all great options.

 

TRICEP DIP

Tones the back of your arms.

SETS: 3

REPS: 15 – 20.

HOW OFTEN: Every other day.

Place your palms on a sturdy bench or chair behind you, fingers pointing forwards. Keep your body upright, bum close to the bench and legs out in front of you. Bend at the elbows keeping them pointing back. Lower slowly and push back up.

 

 

8.)Do What You Love

If the idea of traditional exercise makes you shudder, there are other options. Have you always wanted to learn how to do a sun salutation? Try a yoga class. Interested in self-defense? Sign up for boxing lessons. Meet friends for a walk instead of lunch, or bike ride around your town instead of driving. You’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine if you’re enjoying it – and remember, you don’t have to be at the gym for it to count.

 YOGA: THE COBRA

Improves posture.

SETS: 1

REPS: Hold the position for 5 full breaths, then release.

HOW OFTEN: Every day.

Lie on your tummy with your legs spread at hip width and the tops of your feet on the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor and relax your shoulders; bend your elbows and place your forearms on the floor with your palms turned down and positioned near the sides of your head. As you inhale, engage your back muscles, press your forearms against the floor, and raise your chest and head. Look straight ahead. Keepyour forearms and the front of your pelvis on the floor, being mindful of relaxing your shoulders. As you exhale, lower your torso and head slowly back to the floor.

 

 

For more information or to create your free personal weight-loss plan please visit www.dukandiet.co.uk

 

[1] Depending upon how much weight you have to lose

[1]The research for Dukan Diet was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 03 / 05 / 2013 and 07 / 05 / 2013 amongst a panel resulting in 1,715 respondents. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK andICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).

Andy Murray Becomes First British Male Wimbledon Champion in 77 Years

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Andy_Murray becomes forst man in 77 years to win Wimbledon. Andy Murray reached the “pinnacle of tennis” and became the first British man to be Wimbledon Champion in 77 years. After a brutal 3 hour and 10 minute match in blistering heat Murray finally won in straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4 against his old (on-court) nemesis Novak Djokovic. It was the hottest day of the year and the temperatures reach 40C (104F) in the sun on Centre Court.

Murray, 26, received a standing ovation last night on Centre Court. He then broke down in tears of joy. Murray is now the first British man to take the Wimbledon title since Fred Perry in 1936, Many now think he is a shoo in for a Knighthood and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year.

After his win he kept up a Wimbledon tradition, sprinting towards the players’ box where he hugged members of “Team Murray” including girlfriend Kim, 25. He did, however, initially forgot to hug his mother, coming back to embrace her after hearing her ‘squealing’.

Murray later said the success would “take a little while to sink in. I don’t really know what to say just now. Winning Wimbledon I think is the pinnacle of tennis,”

“The last game almost increased that feeling… I worked so hard in that last game. It’s the hardest few points I’ve had to play in my life… I still can’t believe it.

“Can’t get my head around that. I can’t believe it.”

Murray had previously said that the  weight of public expectation made his life “very difficult”. But he thanked the crowd for their support.

“It was different to last year’s final, for sure, and then (at) the end of the match, that was incredibly loud, very noisy. I’ve been saying it all week, but it does make a difference. It really helps when the crowd’s like that, the atmosphere is like that. Especially in a match as tough as that one, where it’s extremely hot, brutal, long rallies, tough games, they help you get through it.”

“I understand how much everyone else wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon so I hope you guys enjoyed it, I did my best,”

Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond watched the historic sport event from the Royal Box. Gerald Butler, Bradley Cooper, Victoria Beckham also watched Andy win.

Although Murray is the first man to win since Fred Perry, four women won it in that time and have largely been written out of history. Including Virgina Wade. The Guardian Said, “Yep. Partially deaf player Angela Mortimer won the championship in 1961, and underdog Ann Haydon-Jones beat legend of the sport Billie Jean King to win again in 1969.” Writer Chloe Angyal, tweeted  “Murray is indeed the first Brit to win Wimbledon in 77 years unless you think women are people” It has been re-tweeted over 9,425 times.

 

 

 

Who is the average gamer?

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snoopdoggcomputergamesWith mobile and tablet content steering younger audiences away from the traditional consoles, the face of the average gamer has changed. As the selection of game apps increases and dedicated gaming sites, such as MoneyGaming.com begin to tailor their products to the mobile platform, the stereotypical teenage gamer demographic has migrated from their TV screens to their smartphone screens.

According to a new study, the modern day gamer is actually 35-years-old, married and earning £23,000 a year. These settled, working Brits will play on consoles for around two and a half hours each day for five days a week. They will regularly play until 10.58 pm and own 18 games and two consoles, with the most popular console being the Wii followed by the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

The study asked 2,000 Brits who considered themselves to be gamers, about their lifestyles and playing habits. On average gamers will indulge their gaming interests by staying up as late as 1.12am and queuing for hours at a midnight store opening in order to get their hands on a new game once a year. There is also no gender divide, with female players spending as much time and money on games as their male equivalents.

“The image most people have of a gamer is usually a young boy, holed up for hours on end in their bedroom, only stopping the game for food, drink and toiler breaks. But these results show that the stereotype couldn’t be more wrong,” said a spokesman for Pixwoo.com, the social media network that commissioned the study.

“Not only are women just as likely to be gamers as men, but we are talking about fully grown adults who work, have a family and are in a relationship. Gaming is no longer something reserved just for children and young adults. There are so many different types of games and consoles to play them on that there is something for all ages.”

The study also revealed that gamers will work an average 32 hours each week, will have one child and will drive a Ford, Vauxhall or BMW. However, their hobby can have an effect on their relationships, with the average gamer arguing with their partner twice a week about their playing. Over one in twenty gamers questioned claim that the pastime is a constant source of rowing, while 15 per cent of those relationships have ended due to gaming.

Despite these issues, more than three quarters of gamers admitted that they don’t think they will ever grow out of loving computer games. The average gaming fan will even form friendships through their hobby. Five online friendships in the “thriving gaming community” is typically forged by the average gamer, with 29 per cent stating to have met at least one of those in person. However, a third say they are more likely to play with their real life friends in the same room, with a quarter connecting to their friends remotely.

“This snapshot into the lives of ordinary gamers disputes many myths about the pastime,” added the Pixwoo.com spokesman, “showing how integrated gaming is into our daily routine.”

 

Are Vouchers Now Cool?

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Sienna-Miller05_glamour_1ju_592x888Saving money is important in today’s climate. While the recession grumbles on with only slight growth people are having to look around to find ways to have the same standard of living. It seems we are working harder for less and less. Understandably, our attitude to money is changing. When we work so hard for so little, or have no job at all, we all become more frugal with our cash, and who can blame us for being fussy about spending our hard earned money?

Back in the day vouchers used to be incredibly uncool. Cutting clippings out of newspapers to save 30 pence was not worth the embarrassment at that time. But times change and now vouchers are cool. The embarrassments is no longer there because thrift is in.

This is in part due to the recession. Interest rates are low, jobs are hard to come by or keep, wages are not rising but the cost of living is. Our finances are stretched like never before. This is why not only have vouchers become popular, but voucher websites have also become part of our culture. We can save money on clothes and make up, food and drink, but we can also save money on going out. You don’t have to be rich to live rich; you just have to be savvy.

There are a lot of options for finding vouchers. There are still many in traditional media like magazines and newspapers. However, Coupon websites such as voucherbox.co.uk are where it is at. They help people save money and still live despite the squeeze. It seems folly now to buy anything without one or even go out. I don’t know anyone who goes to Pizza Express without checking the internet for buy one get one free vouchers.  We never need to buy full price ever again.

What is your opinion? Do you use vouchers or coupons? Comment below.

 

 

Zaha Hadid for Swarovski by Felix Kunze

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Architect Zaha Hadid for Swarovski

shot on location in Germany with her scuplture ‘Prima by Swarovski’  – see more here

 Zaha HadidFrost loves this picture of Zaha Hadid by Felix Kunze. Here is a bit more about him in his own words:
“I’m  in London, UK and will be here for the summer
 

I’m a portraiture photographer, I take pictures of people. Born in East Berlin, I grew up in Sussex, England. My first years were spent behind the iron curtain. My goal is to show the beauty, grace, strength and enthusiasm of people. I focus on non-models and place regular people in exaggerated situations that highlight an aspect of who they are. I look for a sense of defiance in my work. I’ve worked with world renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Mario Testino.

I’m based in London but travel for projects around the globe. I shoot a portraiture and reportage assignments for clients like Swarovski, Yahoo!, Citi Group, Nikon Owner Magazine, Trand Magazine, Vitra, Wihp, Getty Images, Wireimage, the Redferns Music Library, Getty Travel and others, including my celebrity portraits at ContourPhotos.”

Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series Film Competition. Get Your Entry In!

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20130428-192057Oscar winning actor Adrian Brody has been named as a judge of The Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series Film Competition. Bombay Sapphire Gin has teamed up with the Tribeca Film Festival to offer film makers the chance to have their own short film made.

The Bombay Sapphire Imagination Series: Film competition, in association with the Tribeca Film Festival, is now in its second year and is sparking people’s imagination by offering them the chance to have their own short film made through interpreting a script written by Academy Award winning screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher.

You can visit www.imaginationseries.com to view Geoffrey Fletcher’s script and submit your imaginative film concepts based on this script. The films deemed the most imaginative will go into production and each winner can be involved in the production of their film alongside world-class talent, as well as see their version of Fletcher’s script brought to life on the big screen.

The competition will close on 4 August 2013, where Adrien Brody, Geoffrey Fletcher and a panel of experts from the Tribeca Film Festival will shortlist the four most imaginative ideas to go into production.

The panel will shortlist a further five ideas to go forward to a public vote, the winner of which will also go into production. All five films will then be premiered in Tribeca the following year, in April 2014.

Academy Award winner Brody says, “I was a wild, mischievous kid and I had tremendous imagination. Any experience I had, I’d try to re-enact it. I always had an actor within me and I feel extremely passionate to be able to work with Bombay Sapphire on this competition. Imagination really can take you anywhere and is so subjective, so I eagerly anticipate people’s interpretation of Geoffrey’s script and look forward to embarking on this incredible journey with them.”

Geoffrey Fletcher comments on his involvement, “I’m honoured to be part of this special creative journey with Bombay Sapphire gin for a second year. The calibre and creativity from past finalists was astounding and has set an inspirational benchmark for this year’s competition.”

“We are proud to continue our association with a brand who embraces creativity and imagination the way Bombay Sapphire does. The competition is a fantastic way for filmmakers all over the world to express their imagination. We are excited to see where their imagination takes them,” adds Jon Patricof, President of Tribeca Enterprises.

“The Imagination Series script entry deadline has been extended for two more weeks and the new deadline is 18th August 2013 11.59pm (GMT).

For more details on the competition, script and how to enter visit: www.imaginationseries.com

Sponsored Post.

US Independence Day – Should investors buy into the American Dream?

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·         US valuations are at their long term average

·         US economy accounts for 19% of World GDP

·         HL analysis shows only 3 out of 77 large cap US funds beat their benchmark

Adrian Lowcock, Senior Investment Manager of Hargreaves Lansdown, looks at the prospects for the US economy on the eve of Independence Day;

“The US economy is much further down the road to recovery than the UK and Europe.  The banking system has been fixed and the country does not have the problems that still exist in Europe. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel in the US and sustainable growth may be achievable.

“Many US companies benefit from strong management teams, are profitable businesses and operate in an environment of improving growth.  Many American companies have a consistent and long term track record of being able to grow profits. In the world of uncertainty a premium is being attached to those businesses that can continue to grow.

“Whilst overall the US stockmarket is not cheap, there are still areas which offer value and investors get access to companies with huge growth potential.  The US has a long history of encouraging entrepreneurs to develop and grow business.  The US has a large smaller companies sector which is full of businesses looking to grow into global leaders. Investors should make sure they have some investment in the US Market within their portfolio.”

US Economy

The US Economy accounts for 19% or nearly 1/5th of the world’s gross domestic product.  Economic outlook in the US is improving with GDP growth forecast by the IMF at 1.9% for 2013 and 3% in 2014.  The threat of a “fiscal cliff” was largely delayed; bank lending conditions have improved from low levels.

 

Household debt as proportion of disposable income has fallen back to 2004 levels. House prices started to rise in 2012 and investment in residential property has followed.

 

Unemployment is falling with major banks* predicting the unemployment rate will be around 7% by the end of 2013.

 

Rising house prices should help rebuild household finances, as will improving employment, providing support to personal consumption.  Low borrowing rates should be supportive of increased spending, while businesses encouraged by the improving financial conditions and healthy profits may well increase investment.

 

Shale gas could be transformative for the US economy.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration it will keep market gas prices low at around $4 per million Btu until 2019 with prices rising slowly thereafter. This could rejuvenate the industrial sector.

 

Risks to US Recovery

 

The biggest risk is the early withdrawal of the Quantitative Easing programme.  As the economic data, such as unemployment falling below 7%, improves it puts pressure for the Federal Reserve to roll back on further QE. The US has not addressed its budget deficit and the US lacks a plan to reduce the debt. As such there are risks of further political entanglements over raising the debt ceiling, both of which result in a higher sovereign risk premium.

 

Investing in the US

 

The US stock market has performed well in recent years recovering from the financial crisis having returned 103% since March 2009 compared to the FTSE 100 and the FTSE Europe Ex UK returning 80% and 62% respectively. The US stock market is around its long term average valuation with a P/E at 21.98 compared to its long term average of 23.8 times earnings. Even so there are areas of the US Market that remain attractive.

 

The challenge for investors is how to access the US market. Analysis by Hargreaves Lansdown shows that large cap active managers continue to struggle in the region with only 3 out of 77 funds in the IMA North American sector out-performing the S&P 500 over 3 years and 6 out 68 able to do so over a 5 five year period.

 

Investors looking for large cap exposure should consider US tracker funds, , such as HBSC American Index or I-Shares S&P 500, to give access to the world’s largest stock market whilst keeping fees low. For those wishing to access US smaller companies our preferred fund is Legg Mason US Smaller Companies.

 

* Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Barclays, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and UBS