Last minute ISA Ideas for 2012/13 Tax year

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·         ISA ideas for different types of investors

·         14% of all HL ISAs opened in the last week of the tax year

·         HL Opening Times

 

Adrian Lowcock, senior investment manager at Hargreaves Lansdown offers his ISA ideas as this year’s deadline approaches:

 

“In the last two tax years 14% of all new ISAs opened on the Hargreaves Lansdown Vantage platform were opened in the last week.  Make sure you take out your ISA as once the tax year ends you have lost that allowance. To take out an ISA all you need is your national insurance number, debit card and cleared funds in the bank.”

 

Income investor

 

Invesco Perpetual Distribution – This fund aims to provide a regular stable income this fund invests in a mix of bonds and income-producing equities. Approximately two-thirds is invested in corporate bonds with the remainder invested in equities. Income is its primary aim and it makes payments to investors monthly.

 

Defensive investor

 

Newton Real Return – This fund is for investors who may need access to some of their capital in the medium term (but still in at least 5 years’ time). It therefore tries to offer some sheltering of capital and aims for more modest growth. The manager invests in a variety of assets and uses sophisticated techniques to try to profit from assets which fall in value.

 

Medium Risk investor

 

Troy Trojan – This fund is defensively managed and provides the potential to achieve a reasonable level of return over the medium term with a little less volatility than the very long-term, more aggressive portfolios.

 

Long-Term investor

 

CF JM Finn Global Opportunities – This suggestion is for investors with a long time horizon.  Therefore the focus is on more risky areas with greater potential to build wealth over the long term.

 

Junior ISA / Investing for Children

 

Lindsell Train Global Equity – The managers invest in global equities and have a long term buy and hold approach. This compliments those investing for children who often have very long-term goals in mind.

 

 

Hargreaves Lansdown end of tax year opening hours

 

Monday 25 – Thursday 28 March                               8am – 7pm

Easter Bank Holiday weekend every day               9am – 6pm

Tuesday 2 April                                                                 8am – 8pm

Wednesday 3 April                                                          8am – 8pm

Thursday 4 April                                                                8am – 8pm

Friday 5 April                                                                      8am – Midnight

 

ISA deadlines

 

Stocks & Shares ISA

 

Online                   Friday 5th April – 23:45                                    www.hl.co.uk/ISA

Telephone          Friday 5th April – 23:55                                    0117 900 9000

Postal                    Friday 5th April

 

Bed & ISA

 

Funds on Vantage                           Wednesday 3rd April – 17:00

Shares on Vantage                          Friday 5th April – 12:00

Funds/ shares certificated           Wednesday 3rd April

ISA Contribution limits

 

                                  2012/13                                2013/14

 

Stocks and Shares ISA                    £11,280                                 £11,520

Junior ISA                                            £3,600                                   £3,720

Seascape Beauty Review. Eco Friendly Beauty.

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Seascape is a British brand. The ingredients come from local producers in Jersey in the Channel Islands. They smell amazing and are Eco-friendly. As Seascape say:

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“All Seascape products are paraben, silicone, petroleum and SLS free and are suitable for vegetarians. They’re also free from artificial colours and synthetic fragrances”.

The carton is even produced by a carbon neutral company. It is completely guilt free beauty. I met Seascape at the Handpicked Media lounge at the Aldwych Hotel during London Fashion Week and I also got an amazing hand and arm massage from them.

There are six ranges, Uplift, Revive, Unwind, Soothe, Homme and Les Petits. I reviewed three of their products.

Peppermint Lip Balm
Has 100% natural peppermint essential oil. I love this lip balm. It is not too peppermint but soothes lips and stops them drying out. Works beautifully and leaves my lips looking luscious. Even in cold weather. You can see the ingredients below.

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Refresh Hand & Nail Cream
This weather makes my hands dry out horribly. They get really dry and cracked. This hand and nail cream has lemongrass and Geranium. Like all of the products, it smells amazing and it saves my hands. A personal favourite.

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Unwind Body Lotion.
This body lotion has Lavender to soothe and Ylang Ylang to ease tension. It is also enriched with Jersey Beeswax and Shea Butter. A little goes a long way and it is not too thick. You can get dressed quickly after using. I love how soft and moisturised it makes my skin.

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I would definitely buy Seascape products. They are eco-friendly, well made and they really work.

http://www.seascapeuk.com/ From £10.

Sensational Butterflies at the Natural History Museum

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Book now to see the Natural History Museum come alive with Sensational Butterflies
29 March to 15 September 2013 at the Natural History Museum, London
If you are looking for something to do this Easter weekend then Frost recommends the Natural History Museum. From chomping caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, experience the magic and beauty of one of nature’s
most fascinating life cycles in this popular outdoor exhibition. The live tropical butterfly house and
garden will be returning to the Museum’s east lawn on 29 March, just in time for the Easter holidays.
As you follow the trail along the life cycle route, watch hungry caterpillars hatch by your side and
witness hundreds of striking butterflies and moths fluttering above your head.
012 Sensational Butterflies
Come face to face with species from all over the globe including the spectacular swallowtail, the
beautiful blue morpho, the magnificent moon moth and many more, originating from Africa, Southeast
Asia and North and South America.
Sensational Butterflies will give you the chance to see the world’s most stunning butterflies, while
learning about the surprising lives they lead through live specimens, games and interactive displays.
Highlights include:
  • an outdoor butterfly garden with tips on how to attract butterflies and create your own
  • butterfly garden at home
  • fun, interactive activities allowing you to explore fascinating butterfly facts
  • the chance to watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises through the hatchery window
  • a riot of colourful tropical plants in the house and garden
  • tips and advice from the butterfly house manager
Dates and times:
29 March to 15 September 2013, 10.00–17.50
Visitor enquiries:
020 7942 5000
Admission:
Adult, child and concession £4.50*, school £2.50*, family £16*.
Adult, child and concession £4, school £2.50, family £14.40.
Free for Members, Patrons and children under four.
Nearest tube:
South Kensington
Website:
Twitter:
#sensationalbutterflies

Runway Rundown: Autumn/ Winter 2013

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An unexpected feature that was prominent on many runways this February was colour. It seems that this Autumn/ Winter will be brighter than it has been in a long time and who’s complaining? But don’t worry, designers haven’t ditched the typical dark and moody for the later months as black also made a strong statement. To give you a taster of what’s to come, here is a rundown of some of the shows that Frost attended this season.

KTZ

KTZ
With black and white making a strong statement, some of the looks on the KTZ runway looked like something between high school preppy and a character from The Crucible. White collared shirts were worn under black pinafore dresses and some of the models legs were wrapped in skin-tight patent black tights giving the basic look a little edge. The show notes told us that the collection was inspired by witch craft and tarot cards which was made evident by the massive snap-backs with moon sized visors and tarot printed garments. Even though some of the collection was a little wacky, there was something very wearable about all of the pieces which made the show an even bigger success. All in all, a dark palette with a surprising splash of colour in either red or burnt orange.

Jena Theo

Jena.Theo
Held in the small space of the Portico Rooms at Somerset House, the Jena.Theo show was a very intimate showcase of a completely brilliant collection. A surprising feature was the use of colour and print with black only being featured in a couple of the looks. A strong feature throughout the collection were high necks on dresses and kitted jumpers giving a real sixties vibe to some of the looks. Given that the show invitation was emblazoned with an acid spray painted smiley face, it was unsurprising to see the print on some of the dresses and t-shirts. The cerise pink colour of the invitation was also a prominent feature on long sleeved shift dresses and jumpers. With each piece being just as beautiful as the next, this collection is definitely one that would look good in all wardrobes.

Kukhareva

Ekaterina Khukareva
Inspired by retro housewives, Khukareva’s collection for this winter was nothing short of fabulous. The rich textures and decorative patterns were real eye-catchers on the mid-length skirts and cigarette trousers which, to be completely honest, are not given justice in the photographs online. These designs have got to be seen in person to appreciate the deep colours in her signature knit lana wool and viscose. And if the clothes didn’t say enough, the hair definitely did. Pinned up in massive curlers, thanks to the design talents of Lara Jensen, the height and size of the hair worked perfectly with the body con dresses and flowing skirts. This collection was a definite favourite.

Eudon Choi

Eudon Choi
The autumn/ winter Eudon Choi show was a complete spectacle of all things folk. Complete with a Russian string quartet, velvet room dividers and orchids, the Portico Rooms was transformed to play host to his beautifully dressed Babushka doll inspired models. A-line skirts, thick woollen statement coats and bell-bottom trousers came in an array of electric blue, baby pinks, red and black and were paired with head pieces decorated with bright flowers and pom-poms. In terms of beauty, the models were fresh and dewy faced with blushed cheeks and nude lips; a look that paired perfectly with the exaggerated colours and textures of the clothes. The polished and feminine look of the collection was a first for Choi but one that went down very well with the audience.

Yifang Wan

Yifang Wan
Merit Award winner Yifang Wan show cased her collection in the Freemason’s Hall during Fashion Scout’s runway this February to a great reception. The concept of the physical and mental restraints of the human body behind the collection was great to read about in the show notes and one that created the perfect match of garments and accessories. Her choice of metal structured accessories worn as bracelets, belts and even held in the hand or over the shoulder that paid homage to her inspirations of discipline and control were not only striking but completely thought provoking. They stood out against the backdrop of the dark palettes of indigo, black, emerald and dark violet on perfectly structured silhouettes. Thick wool coats worn over dresses and tailored trousers were the perfect minimalistic pieces needed to let such strong influences shine through.

[Images courtesy of Google Images]

Olga Roh For Rohmir Review | Fashion

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Olga Roh’s Autumn/ Winter’ 13 collection ‘Mountain High” for ROHMIR, offered a
range of classy monochrome jumpsuits, cotton-fringed jackets and detailed leather
skinnies. Models in sophisticate suits with cinched in waists and multi colored sheer
evening gowns glided down the catwalk to a soundtrack of rapid percussion. The
collection showcased a variety of colors mirroring the landscape of an Alpine retreat;
a sea of navy, a branch of crème with a light sprinkle of monochrome (which has been
seen a lot on the catwalk this season by Marc Jacobs).

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The collection had a variety from casual, business wear ending in the eye-catching
eveningwear. Any fashionista would kill for Olga’s breath-taking multi colored body con
maxi; it’s back is low cut which oozes just the right amount of sex appeal. Another stand
out was the forest green feathered coat chinced with a leather corset belt- this will give
every lady the illusion of an hourglass figure. Olga said,

“My clothes express reality… “I
wanted the collection to have a holiday feel, that’s why it’s called ‘Mountain High.’
“All models were different, not every model was the standard skinny model your
accustomed to seeing on catwalks, not all were young either; a famous German actress
wore my dress to show that my collection is suitable for difference, size, heights and
ages.”

There was a theatrical effect to Olga’s catwalk, it radiated energy with evidence of Swan
Lake inspirations; feathered coats, smoky eyes and neatly plated backcombed hair.
Velvet dresses with low drop waist sequined dresses had a 20s feel with a modern day
edge.

Floor-length gowns with plunging necklines in sumptuous fabrics were accompanied
with embellished lace and scintillating metallics. Silk patterned dress with fringes, one
shouldered dresses and shoulder pads reminisced on the early days of the 90s. The
romantic allure of the fairy-tale inspired eveningwear is balanced with androgynous
silhouettes and contemporary twangs. Each piece detailed to perfection offered a
balance between luxury and the wearable.

 

Article written by Joanna Zambas
Photography by Vanessa Isabel Lanzoni

Cheap and cheerful sun in Gran Canaria

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When you want to escape the cold and gloom of a northern European winter, you generally have to think about travelling a long distance to get some heat and sunshine. The Caribbean, Thailand, India all offer warmth and great holiday resorts, but it takes a long flight to get there, and though there are deals to be had, they generally aren’t cheap.

An alternative that will save both travel time and money is to head to the Canaries – a group of Spanish islands that are situated off the north-west coast of Africa in the Atlantic. Known for their fantastic climate, they are sometimes nicknamed the Fortunate Isles and their climate is referred to as ‘eternal spring’. In fact, the climate varies little during the year, and while the winters are warm and mild, the summer temperatures don’t ever get unbearable.

The main islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and they have been dedicated to mass tourism for the last sixty years. Consequently, these places are really ideally set up for holidaymakers looking for beautiful beaches, hotels with great facilities and lots of different things to do. The Canaries make an ideal location to take the family for a ‘fun in the sun’ holiday, but you can also find quieter resorts if you’re after a walking or hiking holiday.

The biggest and most popular resort on Gran Canaria has to be Playa del Ingles, where you’ll find the biggest concentration of tourist attractions like waterparks and hotels such as the IFA Continental which all boast excellent facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts and spas and are designed to make your holiday relaxing but simultaneously full of entertainment possibilities.

Whoever you’re going on holiday with, you’ll find a resort in Gran Canaria that is suitable for your party, and the fact that you can get there so cheaply and easily makes it an ideal place for a sunshine break any time of the year.

 

Films to watch this Easter weekend

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With the Easter break coming up, you might be looking for something fun to do over the long bank holiday weekend. A trip to the cinema is a great idea if the weather isn’t so good, and there is plenty to see at the moment.

If you’re after a funny film, I Give It a Year is a fantastic and funny British romantic comedy which looks at the pitfalls of rushing into marriage too fast. It has lots of moments that couples all over the country will recognise and cringe at! From getting annoyed with your partner for constantly singing the wrong lyrics to songs, to wishing your other half would get off their backside and take the bin out without you having to pester them. It’s a real and funny look at the ups and downs of everyday relationships and well worth a watch.

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Another top film to check out this Easter weekend is Oz the Great and Powerful, a visually stunning prequel to timeless classic The Wizard of Oz which is suitable for all ages and well worth watching in 3D. James Franco, of 127 Hours and the Spider Man franchise fame, stars alongside Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams in this fun and entertaining film that will keep the whole family entertained.

Franco plays magician Oz, master of sleight of hand and misdirection but not someone you’d want to go and see for a genuine psychic clairvoyant reading as the good witch Glinda knows all too well. To put it another way, Oz is about as adept at reading tarot or doing real magic as a monkey is at tying his shoelaces: he’s a bit of a fraud. However, the Land of Oz is expecting a saviour and they believe Oz is with them to fulfil the prophecy. Will he come through for the munchkins and their fellow Oz inhabitants? Watch the film and find out!

 

Enjoy The Small Luxeries in Life With Decadent Bath Towels

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6_zpsbc9b2b01It is always the small things in life that make big differences. At ShopNineSpace.com you will find all the small luxuries like Fouta towels that make life more enjoyable. So often it is the small pleasures in life that make the biggest difference and ShopNineSpace has a great selection of small luxuries that provide a big wallop of comfort and style. Foutas are towels that originate from the Mediterranean where they where valued for their softness and incredible level of absorbency. They where used not only as towels but as tablecloths, aprons and blankets as well due to their great properties of drying quickly and extreme softness.

Made entirely of pure premium Turkish cotton, the moment you lay hands of these towels you will see why they have always been so prized. Now you can enjoy the simple joys they have to offer by ordering these towels in one of the many stylish versions they come in. They come in beautiful tie dyes perfect for a leisurely day at the beach or more traditional stripes and solids of all sorts of colors for use in the home. Foutas can be used for much more that a luxurious wrap when you come out of the shower. They make great tablecloths and the are quite lovely draped on furniture. They are available in standard and oversize versions so you can find one to suit your needs.

Another great option from ShopNineSpace is bamboo towels. These fluffy, soft, and absorbent towels are not only sinfully comfy, they are also an Eco-friendly option and you can find more selection here. Bamboo has become a popular material to make items for the home out of because of the fact that it is one of the most green materials to make things from. It grows quickly and uses few natural resources to produce. It is an extremely versatile material that has been used to make everything from the big fluffy towels discussed here to home flooring that rivals the beauty of hardwood.

You can enjoy the luxury of decadent towels made of bamboo guilt free because you will know you are doing something good for the earth every time you wrap yourself up in one. It just doesn’t get much better then environmentally friendly decadence that you can enjoy without guilt. If you enjoy the creature comforts of life, but care about the impact your consumption makes on the world around you, then these are the perfect choice for those who want the best of both worlds.