Tag Archives: Life & Style

Seal and Heidi Klum Might Still Get Back Together.

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A heartbroken Seal has appeared on TV and hinted that he hopes to work things out with his wife of seven years, Heidi Klum.

The singer has been promoting his new album Soul 2.

Seal was asked if a reconciliation was possible and replied: “You can never say never.

“I don’t know at this point if I would like to get back together. If it were that easy, we would still be together, that is the reality?

“Whether we get back together or not, it may happen, I can’t speak for her.”

The 48-year-old also said that the couple have been having arguments.

“I can’t speak for my wife and I’m not going to sit here and BS you and say we haven’t had problems. Of course we have had problems, otherwise why have we split up?”

“This is not a charade. We have problems, we have issues, but to our credit we have always been able to talk about them, to confront them. To assume that any couple goes without arguing is just nonsense.”

Seal is also still wearing his wedding ring. People magazine has claimed that the couple have been working on their problems for six months but have been putting on a ‘perfect couple’ front.

Vanessa Paradis: Split Rumours 'False'.

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After much speculation Vanessa Paradis has said that the rumours that she has split from Johnny Depp are “false”.

The singer and actress featured on the French TV show Le Grand Journal to promote her new film Cafe de Flore. She had previously been vague about rumours that her 14-year relationship with Depp had hit the rocks.

Presenter Marc Denisot asked Paradise to put at end to speculation if the rumours were not true and Vanessa replied: “Well, yes, it’s false! Of course it is false,”

She went on to say,

“When people say that we are buying houses in France, we break up in the winter, we get married in the summer? This is my 12th pregnancy! All of this doesn’t matter. But when it can hurt my children, especially because all this is only business,”

Paradis was also upset that the rumours could hurt her family, The couple have two children together, Lily Rose, 12, and Jack, nine.

Covert Affairs Season Two Review

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Really. Mondays, 9pm

Covert Affairs is the show that fills in the Alias shapped holes in  spy fans lives. A well written CIA drama with an attractive young women at the helm.
Piper Perabo is an incredibly talented actress, making Annie Walker both vulnerable and capable. I’m a fan of this American spy drama. It’s American entertainment at it’s best. Walker reminds me of the Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire quote; “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in heels”. Walker is a women in a man’s world kicking ass and taking names. A great thing to see.

 

Golden Globe nominee Piper Perabo returns for another brand new and exclusive series of the hit US spy show.

Annie Walker (Perabo) is a smart, stunning and very recent CIA field operative in one of the organisation’s most secretive branches, the Domestic Protection Agency. Dressing up in weird and wonderful disguises to infiltrate the bad guys? Check. Running and shooting in six-inch heels? No problem. No matter how hotshot she becomes, not being able to sort out her own love life? Sigh.

There was high drama at the end of the last series – Annie’s ex Ben, the man who disappeared after a holiday romance in Sri Lanka, walked into CIA headquarters and gave himself up, confessing that he was a rogue agent. Sent with Annie back to Sri Lanka to prove he’s one of the good guys and crack an arms dealing ring, we last saw the reunited love birds on a helicopter zooming out of the country, Ben laying in Annie’s arms.

Series two starts much as series one did. Just as Annie thinks that there might be a future for her and Ben, he buggers off again. Men! But there’s no time to think – Annie is assigned to protect an Estonian tennis player who is considered a CIA asset.

Starring Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham, The O.C.’s Peter Gallagher, Lost’s Sendhil Ramamurthy and 24’s Kari Matchett.

 

Suits Review

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Suits

Dave. Tuesdays, 9pm

 

I wanted to see this legal drama since seeing the adverts for it on the tube. The trailer made me more interested. Although Suits was hyped, I am glad to say it didn’t disappoint. It is a smart, classy and witty legal drama. It is well acted and the writing is top notch. A great way to spend an evening.

Harvey and Mike are representing Wyatt, a client who has invented a satellite phone that can fit into a pocket. Whilst Harvey gets the glory of sitting in on the high-stakes investor meeting, he orders Mike to take the less glamorous role of filing the patent update.

Not impressed with this, Mike decides to take a short cut and asks fellow colleague Gregory to file the patent in exchange for proofing Gregory’s active brief. The brief turns out to be thousands of pages long and after pulling an all-nighter, Mike still doesn’t complete it. As a result of this, Gregory refuses to file the patent update and another party beats them to filing for the patent first.

Upon hearing news of this, Harvey is fuming at Mike for jeopardising the multi-million investment. However, all is not as it seems, as it turns out Mike isn’t the only one who has hindered things. Harvey receives harsh penalties from the courtroom for turning up late and having his mobile phone switched on. After confronting Judge Pearl about his rationality, Pearl reveals to Harvey that he doesn’t like him professionally or personally considering he slept with his wife.

Now Harvey and Mike must do ultimate damage control if they even want a chance of winning this case. This includes visiting Pearl’s wife, who might not be as honest as she looks.

WRAP UP AGAINST POVERTY 2012

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EXCLUSIVE CELEBRITY AND DESIGNER CLOTHING AUCTIONED TO RAISE VITAL FUNDS

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

With London Fashion Week falling at the end of February, showcasing trends for autumn and winter 2012, charity Elizabeth Finn Care is celebrating all things fashion by auctioning a selection of unique items, donated by top celebrities and designers.

At Elizabeth Finn Care, a national charity whose grants team offers financial support to those in need, we know people can struggle to afford the items of winter clothing they need to stay warm and healthy during the colder months. There are 13.5 million people living below the poverty line in the UK, among them 3.8 million children[i]. Through Wrap Up Against Poverty, money to help buy more people in financial need buy essential clothes.

The inaugural Wrap Up Against Poverty campaign was launched in 2011. Over half the people the charity helps had to go without new clothes before they made the approach. By bidding for the fabulous pieces available, the public can not only boost their style credentials but also enable people in financial need survive the winter months.

Each item available reflects both the style and personality of the individual or designer who has donated it. Bidders can go for the classic look of Sienna Miller’s Doma fleece coat, or follow in Dame Helen Mirren’s footsteps by opting for her beautiful Alberta Ferretti coat. Glamour puss Kimberley Walsh’s plush Louis Vuitton scarf will be up for grabs too, as will a beautiful Alexander McQueen suit from Fern Britton, and stylish winter coats from comedy heroes Mathew Horne and Ruth Jones. To add to a spectacular celebrity list, exclusive designer items including a golden Martina Spetlova shift dress have been donated alongside beautiful items from high street stores such as Ted Baker and Topshop.

Wrap Up Against Poverty was a huge hit in 2011, raising both funds and awareness of the fact that millions of people in the UK are living in financial need and many can’t afford to clothe themselves through winter. Wrap Up Against Poverty 2012 will be even greater and grander.

Malcolm Tyndall, Director at Elizabeth Finn Care, said: “We hope that, with the generous support of top celebrities and the fashion industry, not to mention an incredibly enthusiastic public, Wrap Up Against Poverty 2012 will enable us to help even more people find and access the help they desperately need.”

Following the move to the digital catwalk, Elizabeth Finn Care’s auction will be hosted on eBay from Thursday 26th January, and will close on Sunday 26th February. The list of donations is growing longer by the day. For more information please visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/WrapUp

 

 

Stowells Light Wine Review

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Light wines are big business, and one that is growing by 83% year on year, and in dark, cold January anything that has low calories and a reasonable price is a must to see you through the month.

Stowells light Wine is 60 calories per glass, 30 per cent less than a standard glass of wine. They also have less than one unit of alcohol per 125ml serving.

Stowells Light White .This wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It has tastes of melon, pear and apricot fruit flavours.

What I thought

I am incredibly fussy about white wine. I think some white wine tastes like battery acid, not this though. It doesn’t taste acidic, it tastes fruity, refreshing and clean. It doesn’t taste low-calorie or low-alcohol. Most importantly, it doesn’t taste cheap. This is a very good wine. I would buy this and even take it to dinner parties. It’s got an incredibly good blend of everything a white wine should be. It takes the edge of the day, and is a much healthier option.

These wines contain less calories than a packet of Malteasers.

Stowells Light Rose

A vibrant youthful pink, strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit flavours.

What I thought

I love Rose. I have tried most of the ones on the market. When I am out I usually order Rose because I am very fussy about white wine (see above). I also have a sweet tooth and love fruity things. This Rose isn’t too sweet, a common complaint from people who are not as mad on Rose. It’s fruity and fresh. It doesn’t taste low calorie or low alcohol either. It also doesn’t taste like a dessert wine (something that a low alcohol rose is at risk from) It is a good rose for fans of rose and those who enjoy it occasionally.

Stowells Light is available from all ASDA stores nationwide for RRP £5.49.

 

Trust in Government Suffers a Severe Breakdown Across the Globe

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Credibility of Governmental Officials and CEOs Experience Biggest Drops Ever, 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer Finds Blame for the financial and political chaos of 2011 landed at the doorstep of government, as trust in that institution fell a record nine points to 43 percent globally, according to the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer.

In seventeen of the 25 countries surveyed, government is now trusted by less than half to do what is right. In twelve, it trails business, media, and non-governmental organizations as the least trusted institution. France, Spain, Brazil, China, Russia, and Japan, as well as six other countries, saw government trust drop by more than ten points. Government officials are now the least credible spokespeople, with only 29 percent considering them credible. Nearly half of the general population — the first time the Barometer looked at this broader group — say they do not trust government leaders to tell the truth.

“Business is now better placed than government to lead the way out of the trust crisis,” said Richard Edelman, president and CEO, Edelman. “But the balance must change so that business is seen both as a force for good and an engine for profit.”

Although business experienced fewer and generally less severe declines in trust, it has its own hurdles to clear. Trust in business fell globally from 56 percent to 53 percent, with countries like France and Germany, in the heart of the Eurozone economic crisis, experiencing double-digit decreases. Lack of confidence in business spread to South Korea, where trust dropped 15 points. China was the only country to see a significant increase in trust in business, rising from 61 to 71 percent.

CEO credibility declined 12 points to 38 percent, its biggest drop in nine years. In South Korea and Japan, it dropped by 34 and 43 points, respectively.

In the midst of this systemic decline in trust, a “person like me” has re-emerged as one of the three most credible spokespeople, with the biggest increase in credibility since 2004, and now trails only academics and technical experts. Regular employees jumped from least credible spokesperson to tied for fourth on the list, with a 16-point record rise. Social-networking, micro-blogging, and content-sharing sites witnessed the most dramatic percentage increase as trusted sources of information about a company, rising by 88, 86, and 75 percent, respectively.

“This is further evidence of the dispersion of authority,” said Mr. Edelman. “Smart businesses will talk to employees first, because citizens now trust one another more than they do established institutions.”

The 2012 Trust Barometer reveals that the factors responsible for shaping current trust levels are less important than those that will build future trust.  Consistent financial returns, innovative products and highly regarded senior leadership are the primary factors on which current trust levels lie. However, listening to customer feedback and putting customers ahead of profits are far more vital to building future trust.

“Our analysis shows that the operational factors driving present trust in business aren’t enough to expand trust in the future,” said Neal Flieger, chair, Strategy One, Edelman’s research firm. “The path forward requires more of a focus on societal and employee-facing issues.”

Although business is substantially more trusted than government, 49 percent of global respondents believe government does not regulate business enough. Nearly one-third want government to protect them from irresponsible business practices and one-quarter want regulation that will ensure responsible corporate behavior. “The interventions people are asking government to take are changes business can step up and implement on its own,” said Mr. Edelman.

Once again, banks and financial services declined in trust, and were the two least trusted sectors with France, Spain, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea recording the most severe drops.  Technology remained the most trusted sector globally.

Media, the one institution to see an increase, saw its global trust level rise above 50 percent. It experienced significant regional upticks in India (20 points), the U.S. (18 points), the UK (15 points) and Italy (12 points).

“As the media landscape dimensionalizes and delivers a wider range of options, it is becoming more trusted,” said Alan VanderMolen, President and CEO, Global Practices and Diversified Insights Business, Edelman. “The media also did an exceptional job this past year of covering the financial problems throughout the EU.”

In Japan, site of last March’s earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster, trust fell severely in three of the four institutions including government (down 26 points), media (12 points), and NGOs (21 points). That loss of trust extended to five industry sectors, including energy (down 46 points), media (21 points), banks (20 points) and financial services (17 points).

“The fragility of trust was never more evident than this past year in Japan, where the government’s lack of leadership and the local utility’s poor transparency revealed huge shortcomings in the command-and-control approach to communications,” said Mr. Edelman.

 

Other key findings from the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer include:

  • The United States held steady across three major institutions, unlike last year when it posted significant declines in NGOs, media, business, and government.
  • Traditional media and online search engines are the most trusted sources of information for people searching for general news and information, new product information, news on an environmental crisis, and company announcements. Traditional media, TV, newspapers, and magazines are still the most trusted sources of information, according to the Barometer.
  • Among 18-29 year olds, digital media is the most popular source for general news and information.
  • With the exception of technology and automotive, South Korea experienced extraordinary drops in trust in every industry sector. Telecommunications, down 32 points to 39 percent, and financial services, down 25 points to 39 percent, endured the largest drops in trust.
  • Brazil saw the greatest drops in trust across all major institutions – government (53 points), NGOs (down 31 points), business (18 points), and media (12 points). At the time of last year’s Trust Barometer, Brazil had just been awarded the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics and President Dilma Rousseff had just been elected. This year’s declines represent a return to normalcy for businesses and the arrest of four government officials for corruption.

Five Steps to Losing Weight and Debt in the New Year.

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MMI offers practical advice for losing weight and debt in the New Year.

Every New Year, shedding weight and debt is at the top of the list for millions of people resolving to change for the better. According to a recent Times Report, these two are also among the most often broken resolutions.

While experts have offered numerous techniques and strategies for losing weight and paying down debt, the fundamental lifestyle change remains consistent for both – consume less.  Financial stability begins with spending less than you make, followed by paying more on what you owe.  Losing weight begins with consuming fewer calories, and becoming more active.

If you are among the millions vowing to finally achieve a healthy waistline and a healthy bottom-line, consider the following five steps:

  1. Make the commitment.  When considering any lifestyle adjustment, the first step is to decide – are you ready to make the commitment to do what it takes to improve your health and financial wellbeing?  Are you ready to accept responsibility for changing your situation?  Do you believe that you can and will change the way you make decisions about food and money? It isn’t until you can truthfully answer yes to these questions that you will be ready to face the challenges of creating a healthier physical and fiscal life.
  2. Create a plan.  Creating a budget and a meal plan starts with tracking – tracking expenses and tracking calories.  Consider carrying a pocket notebook for noting every penny spent and calorie consumed.  Review your results and look for areas where you should and can make cut backs.
  3. Develop SMART goals .  One of the most important pieces to being successful in these areas is to set clear goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, rewarding and trackable.  Remember to create short-term, or milestone, goals as well as a target accomplishment.  If your ultimate goal is to become debt free, celebrate when you pay off 25 percent.  The same goes with weight lost. If you aspire to lose 50lbs., acknowledge every 5 to 10lbs. as an accomplishment.
  4. Eliminate temptations.  Once you have a clear calorie and spending budget outlined, remove any obstacles that may hinder your success.  Don’t carry your credit cards in your wallet and don’t keep high calorie sweets in the house.  Leave your cards at home in a safe place and only take them out when you have a planned purchase and payoff strategy.  The same applied with food temptations.  If you know you’re going to be in an environment where you’ll be tempted to indulge, eat a light snack before you leave the house.
  5. Stay flexible. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see the pounds or debt melting away as quickly as you had hoped.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, and there are no quick fixes. The important thing is to remain flexible and committed. If you aren’t meeting your goals, revisit and adjust your plans as often as necessary.

Remember, you are human and set-backs are inevitable.  However, if you are truly committed to doing what it takes to meet your goals, you can accomplish anything.  To learn more about staying committed to your New Year’s resolutions, visit MoneyManagement.org and down New Beginnings , one of MMI’s free eBooks.