Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

Ted | Film Review

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It is not everyday you get to see a movie about a talking, swearing, dope-smoking, over-sexed stuffed teddy bear. Which is unfortunate, because this film is hilarious. Wrong and not for the easily offended, but hilarious.

As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett’s teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John’s side ever since – a friendship that’s tested when Lori, John’s girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship.

Seth MacFarlane directs, writes and voices ‘Ted’, the stuffed teddy bear who comes to life. It doesn’t sound plausible at all but it doesn’t matter. This film allows you to suspend your disbelief and just laugh at the witty script.

Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane are all great and Giovanni Ribisi plays a psycho in an amazing performance. Wahlberg is also great, he really is an actor of note with great comedic timing. Wahlberg and Kunis have great chemistry so even when Wahlberg’s character keeps screwing up, you root for him.

Rules of Engagement actor Patrick Warburton also makes an appearance with Ryan Reynolds. This film is just really funny. I know it is not to everyone’s taste and it is edgy humour, but I think it is great. One of the funniest films of the year. Top marks. I hope they make another one. Check out some of the movie quotes from Ted below.

Robert: Give me back my Teddy Bear!
[Charges John and Lori at full speed. John punches him in the nose, knocking him unconscious to the ground]
Lori: Jesus!
John: I’m sorry, but somebody had to go all Joan Crawford on his ass!

John: Can you call my cellphone?
Lori: Yeah
[Lori calls John’s phone which plays “The Imperial March”]
Lori: Is that my ringtone? What is that? Cause it sounds really negative.
John: No. I-it’s from The Notebook

Ted: [to Tami-Lynn] You have a baby? Is it alive?

Teangi Tea Tree | Beauty Review

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Teangi Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cream
to effectively treat and relieve stings, cuts, minor burns, nappy rash and other minor skin conditions.

This cream has been getting a bit of a workout. I have been using it on insect bites, cuts, spots and sunburn. Luckily it has been doing it’s job. The cream has a great consistency and it smells divine, very fresh. It speeds up healing and is antiseptic so it treats cuts and grazes. The blend with witch hazel is a brilliant idea. The two powerful ingredients really work well together. It is also good at soothing skin. This creams many purposes make it a brilliant addition to any household.

Teangi Tea Tree Oil
100% pure pharmaceutical grade Tea Tree oil

This tea tree oil is 100% pure. Tea tree is known as ‘nature’s antiseptic’. Like the cream it has many purposes. You can add it to anything or dilute it and use it on spots or cuts. I used it on an insect bite and it reduced the swelling immensely. I was very impressed. I actually think this tea tree oil is the best you can get. Definitely worth a buy. Both products are well-priced. Bathroom essentials.

Teangi Tea Tree – Nature’s Healing Power for the Bathroom

Tea Tree has long been recognised as a major bathroom essential and the newly renamed Teangi range from LanesHealth is the perfect solution to many irritating conditions.

With the worries of itchy flaky scalps, lice, nappy rash, cuts, and insect bites affecting most parents with young children at some point, the Teangi Tea Tree range is an effective, soothing solution.

The Tea Tree shrub is native to a small region in northern New South Wales Australia and the oil is recognised as a powerful healing ingredient around the world. It has several well-established properties that provide the basis for its special soothing effects: natural antibacterial, natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and insect repellent.

Teangi is an ancient aboriginal name meaning ‘earth’. Aboriginals believed that the association of every living thing is not just an idea but a way of life. LanesHealth have chosen the name Teangi – pronounced Tea-angi – to accentuate the sacred, elemental source of Tea Tree’s healing power.

Today, the Teangi range offers nature’s power for the bathroom. With a range of essential products such as:

– Teangi Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Cream to effectively treat and relieve stings, cuts, minor burns, nappy rash and other minor skin conditions;
– Teangi Tea Tree Oil 100% pure pharmaceutical grade Tea Tree oil;
– Teangi Tea Tree Shampoo a medicated and PH balanced formula, with natural anti-tangling ingredients to make combing easier. Helps keep
the scalp clean and healthy and free from dandruff;
– Tea Tree Conditioner a nourishing leave-in treatment to keep hair perfectly hydrated moisturised and shiny.

So whatever your need, Teangi is a natural, essential collection for the whole family from head to toe.
Jon Groves, Spokesperson for LanesHealth says that, “The new design and brand name bring a contemporary feel to the range, whilst continuing to focus on the beneficial natural healing qualities that tea tree is known for, and which make it the perfect solution for all families.”

RRP:
Tea Tree Shampoo £3.69
Tea Tree Conditioner £3.15
Tea Tree Oil £4.03
Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cream £3.25

Launching September 2012 at select supermarkets and chemists nationwide.

You Are Awesome | Book Review

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Craft has had a huge resurgence in recent years. The craft industry is big business. In fact the U.S. craft and hobby industry was worth $29 billion in 2011. But to talk about money takes away the beauty of it. As pay packets dwindle and the cost of living keeps spiraling, people are finding out how joyful it is to make your own things. Whether that be jewellery, clothes or furniture. Which brings me to the book in question: You Are Awesome.

I love everything about the book. From the design, the craft projects, the weight, the author, the concept.

You Are Awesome is a collection of 21 simple craft projects for adults and children with a fresh, contemporary edge. It was written by Abbey Hendrickson who writes the excellent blog, Aesthetic Outburst. This book is hours of entertainment. The concept is that you are awesome (yes, you are) and that you should make the things in the book and give them to someone else who is just as awesome. The step-by-step craft projects are easy and range from a cross-stitched screendoor to a laptop toy made from a cardboard box.

This beautiful book makes a great present, for yourself or anyone else.

Following on from the well received State of Craft, published by Cicada in 2011, You Are Awesome is a beautifully packaged little book that will appeal to advanced hobbyists and curious craftnovices alike.

Buy You Are Awesome: 21 Crafts to Make You Happy

Abbey Hendrickson writes a blog called Aesthetic Outburst documenting her life in an old farmhouse in rural New York. In between DIY disasters, childcare catastrophes and cultural consumption, Abbey makes some fantastic and funky craft projects, which she sells through her Etsy shop. You Are Awesome is a collection of 21 clearly explained step-by-step craft ideas by Abbey Hendrickson. The projects are deceptively simple to make, but have a contemporary freshness that will appeal to seasoned crafters and novices alike. Each one captures the warmth and humour that Abbey herself radiates and which makes her blog so popular. There is nothing more rewarding than making things yourself. Things to live with and things to give to people you love. Let’s revel in the joy of handmade. Crafting is awesome!

Plump & Shine Lip Gloss | Beauty Review

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I am very fussy about lip gloss. I don’t like it to be too sticky. I like it to stay in place. So did Plump & Shine Lip Gloss live up to my exacting standards. Let’s find out….

I tried the nude colour. It is a good colour with a really nice tone. Plump & Shine also plumps your lips up (the clue is in the name) so if you want some more volume on your pout this is the lip gloss to try. It won’t make you look like Jackie Stallone (thank god!) but it gives a nice little boost.

This is before the lip gloss.

After I put it on it stays put. It is long lasting, not too sticky (my bug bear with other lip glosses) and it looks great on. It did seem to plump my lips up too. I felt a tingly sensation.

And this is after:

This is after.

Wearing the lip gloss.

I really like this lip gloss. It is not drying and it makes the most of your lips. A little goes a long way and it stays put for quite a while. It is subtle and makes your lips look gorgeous.

‘Candy’ Plump & Shine is a very light pink similar to the shades seen on the catwalk at Louis Vuitton, whilst ‘Seduce’, a hot pink gloss but not too dark, is similar to the colours we saw at DKNY.

Plump & Shine does not contain alcohol so is non-drying

Cost: £19.95

Shades: Candy (light pink) / Seduce (hot pink)

www.beautyproductsdirect.com

Damsels In Distress – Get Violet’s Vintage-Inspired Look + Win The DVD

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Greta Gerwig stars in Whit Stillman’s charming and witty comedy DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, a quirky film following leader Violet and her group of beautiful, female college students and their mission to cure depressed classmates through good hygiene and musical dance numbers. It follows the girls as they become romantically involved with different types of men, who threaten both their friendships and sanity. Gerwig plays the group’s outspoken leader Violet, epitomising the film’s wonderful individual and nostalgic style.

To celebrate its release on Blu-ray and DVD, we’re showing you Violet’s fashion rules and how to re-create her vintage themed look!

Violet’s style is definitely retro inspired, it’s feminine yet edgy and easy to wear day-to-day.

Hair and Make-Up:

Violet keeps her hair and make-up simple, to let the clothes do the talking!

Natural Waves – whether you have a similar short sassy bob or longer locks, the key to this look is simple and natural waves. Start by blow-drying your hair upside-down to boost volume, brush through and use light tongs or straighteners to curl the ends. Leave the roots straightener and product-free.

Neutral Palette – keep make-up looking natural too, with a light foundation or tinted moisturiser such as Benefit’s You Rebel SPF 15 Tinted Moisturiser. Add a rose blusher to the apples of your cheeks and a dusting of light brown eyeshadow over lids. A coat of volumising black-brown mascara will give a soft and fuller look for lashes, and finish off with pinky-tone lipstick or gloss, oh so pretty!

The Wardrobe:

Violet follows some timeless fashion rules to maximise her outfit potential. It’s all about quirky print dresses, coloured cardigans and vintage-inspired accessories.

Define your waist, sit on the knee – following the classic style of the 1950s/60s, a cinched waist and full skirt make the most of your curves. Wearing skirts that sit on the knee keeps the outfit classy and shows off shapely pins. Topshop do some great retro style dresses such as the Pastel Pinafore Dress, £48, or the Block Colour Dress by Wal G at £35.

Prints and colour – Use bright-coloured cardigans, cool prints or colour pop dresses to lift your mood. Cardigans make chic cover-ups and can be found in no end of designs, just make sure you keep them plain a la Violet if you’re teaming with a print dress. Or try a cute printed shirt and team with this season’s midi skirt.

Vintage Accessories – To complete Violet’s vintage-style look pick up some classic accessories from a vintage store or online. Peekaboo Vintage has an amazing range of silk scarves that will make your outfit, such as this one for £30.

They also stock some gorgeous leather satchels, to hold all of your day-to-day essentials, and fit in perfectly with your outfit! All that’s left is a spritz of your favourite classic scent and you’re officially Violet-worthy, a true Damsel style-icon!

For your chance to win a copy of Damsels In Distress on DVD, just answer the following question….

In the film, one of Violet’s love interests, Charlie a.k.a Fred is played by

1. Adam Brody
2. Channing Tatum
3. Liam Hemsworth

Follow @Frostmag and tweet us your answer, or comment below.

Damsels in Distress is out on DVD from Monday 20th August.

The Best Tights For Autumn

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I am a huge fan of tights and stockings. They can instantly update a look. I have picked out some of my favourites from MyTights.com and reviewed them. I modeled them myself so you can see what they look like on a normal women. Here goes….

Pamela Mann Sheer Dotty Tights

 

Pretty tights with a dainty spotted design to suit every age and every style.

These are very timeless. Dotty tights have always been popular. I love this pair. They are really comfortable, elegant and luxurious.
 

Spanx High Waisted Tight End Tights

 

These high waisted opaque tights will shape your bottom and midriff for a slimline silhouette. All of my actor friends kept telling me about Spanx, so I decided to try them. I heard that Spanx were really uncomfortable, but to be honest, once I got them on I was fine. As long as you get them in the right size they are great. It’s a myth that they make you a lot thinner, but they really do smooth you out. These tights are perfect if you have any too tight clothes. The slip on afterward. I liked what they did to my silhouette.

 


These 40 denier Argyle Backseam Tights by Mary Portas and Charnos feature argyle diamonds on the back of the leg – a subtle way to get in on the trend for heritage patterns. I LOVE these tights. They have a subtle Argyle backseam. I got loads of complements when I wore them. They are really quirky and fun. Exactly what you would expect from Mary Portas. Comfy too. Check out the Indigo ones. Gorgeous. With their dainty opaque polka dots from toe to waist, these Sheer Spot Tights by Mary Portas and Charnos will get you in line with one of this season’s most wearable trends. More dots! This time in silver, and the black pair with dots that are less subtle. Beautiful, cool tights. They get my stamp of approval.

What tights will you be wearing this autumn?

Frost Summer Fashion Special

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It’s summer now and it’s hot, hot, hot. So Frost Magazine has found some beautiful summery clothes that will keep you cool and looking hot in the summer sun. First up is a choice of seasonal fashion from Benetton. I have chosen some cute outfits that can be accessorised with hot tights, or left on their own for an understated and elegant look. Here is my pick:

 

This pink wrap dress is gorgeous and low-maintenance. Throw it on and you’re done.

You can’t go wrong with a red dress. So beautiful.

Brightly coloured jeans and trousers are huge this summer. This is a trend that is not going away.

This dress is beautiful. Perfect casual wear.

This dress is perfect for a summer evening. It is quite fashion-forward but very elegant.

What are your favourite summer outfits? Let us know.

 

 

Vivienne Westwood designs dress for the London 2012 Closing Ceremony

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The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony took place last night with an explosion of culture, music and fashion. The catwalk show curated by Vogue UK, presented 8 of Britain’s supermodels all wearing creations by the best of British fashion designers.

Vivienne Westwood, who is also part of the UK governments ‘The GREAT campaign’, created a couture ball gown elegantly modelled by international super model Lily Donaldson. The Vivienne Westwood ‘Olympic Court dress’ was especially created for the ceremony in gold hammered sequins embroidered with gold metallic thread on stiff organza tulle in an abstract baroque pattern detail and was inspired by 17th Century English Royalty and the court of King Charles II.

The ‘Court’ dress was originally designed for the Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Autumn- Winter 2012/13 collection and is Vivienne’s favourite dress:

‘The corset is based on a 17th Century style corset but is oversized at the neckline which modernises it and shows the décolletage beautifully- I call this style the Stature of Liberty corset. I love the way the gold lace is transparent at the bottom. Lily looks incredible in the dress. She is a fantastic person and follows my environmental initiatives and has been involved in my campaign to fundraise for rainforest charity Cool Earth.’

-Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood is not only considered a symbol of British avant-garde she is also one of the most influential and recognized designers in the world today. With references to historical dress and British fashion and culture Vivienne Westwood continues to design clothes which stand the test of time.

www.viviennewestwood.com