Women reveal secret affairs, re-discovered martial bliss, falling out of love and more salacious secrets in viral postcard project

Earlier this year, designer and shop owner Eleanor Tattersfield – who runs Marby & Elm, a print workshop and stationery store on Exmouth Market, London – put out a call on Instagram: ‘I’ll send you a postcard, you send me a secret’. What transpired was a feeling of togetherness and community between women from all backgrounds.

Postcards poured in, some beautifully decorated, some simply handwritten, but each one anonymously sharing a very personal confession. They came from people of all ages and all walks of life, including some celebrities from Jamie Oliver to Cath Kidston and Grayson Perry.

All human life is here: furtive infidelities, bad behaviour in the local bakery, sneaking off for baths during a busy home-schooling schedule, and secret abortions. Eleanor’s postcard is featured in a new collection called Lockdown Secrets out now by Pavilion Books

LOCKDOWN SECRETS

ELEANOR TATTERSFIELD

A compelling collection of anonymous postcards sent during lockdown, revealing hilarious, salacious, relatable and sometimes heart-breaking secret confessions.

 

In the thick of the 2021 coronavirus lockdown, designer and shop owner Eleanor Tattersfield put out a call on Instagram: ‘I’ll send you a postcard, you send me a secret’. Lockdown Secrets is an astonishing record of what happened next.

 

Postcards poured in, some beautifully decorated, some simply handwritten, but each one anonymously sharing a very personal confession. They came from people of all ages and all walks of life, including some celebrities. Prominent themes began to emerge: relationships, sex, masturbation, food, rebellion, loneliness and, surprisingly, a lot of love for lockdown itself. Eleanor’s project caught media attention from all over the world, including pieces on BBC and Channel 4 News in the UK and 9 News Sydney in Australia.

 

This beautiful book brings together the best of the postcards Eleanor received, including 100 previously unseen secrets. All human life is here: furtive infidelities, bad behaviour in the local bakery, sneaking off for baths during a busy home-schooling schedule, rediscovered marital bliss, and, occasionally, poignant moments of sadness and despair.

 

We’ve all been through the lockdown experience, and every reader will find something to relate to in this fascinating collection, a perfect snapshot of an extraordinary time.

 

About the Author

Eleanor Tattersfield is the proprietor of Marby & Elm, a print workshop and stationery store on Exmouth Market, London, where she designs and hand-makes cards, letterheads, calendars, labels and posters. The shop started in her garden shed and grew into a family business, and her products are now stocked in Liberty London. In 2021 she began her hugely successful lockdown secrets postcard project. She lives in London and is available for interview.

 

Follow Eleanor and Lockdown Secrets on Instagram:

 

@marbyandelm | #LOCKDOWNSECRETS

 

Jennifer Lawrence: Nude Photo Hacking Was a “Sex Crime”

Jennifer Lawrence opens up about that nude photo hacking in Vanity Fair’s November issue, the digital edition will be available Wednesday, October 8 followed by the print edition.

Jennifer Lawrence speaks out about nude photo hacking

The 24-year-old actress said: “Just because I’m a public figure, just because I’m an actress, does not mean that I asked for this, It does not mean that it comes with the territory. It’s my body, and it should be my choice, and the fact that it is not my choice is absolutely disgusting. I can’t believe that we even live in that kind of world. ”

She tried to write a statement about the incident but “every single thing that I tried to write made me cry or get angry. I started to write an apology, but I don’t have anything to say I’m sorry for. I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years. It was long distance, and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he’s going to look at you.

It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime, It is a sexual violation. It’s disgusting. The law needs to be changed, and we need to change. That’s why these Web sites are responsible. Just the fact that somebody can be sexually exploited and violated, and the first thought that crosses somebody’s mind is to make a profit from it. It’s so beyond me. I just can’t imagine being that detached from humanity. I can’t imagine being that thoughtless and careless and so empty inside.

Anybody who looked at those pictures, you’re perpetuating a sexual offense. You should cower with shame. Even people who I know and love say, ‘Oh, yeah, I looked at the pictures.’ I don’t want to get mad, but at the same time I’m thinking, I didn’t tell you that you could look at my naked body.”

“Time does heal, you know, I’m not crying about it anymore. I can’t be angry anymore. I can’t have my happiness rest on these people being caught, because they might not be. I need to just find my own peace.”

Come Together For HIV & AIDS: TV Advert Celebrates The Joys of Safe Sex

INTERNATIONAL HIV/AIDS ALLIANCE LAUNCH RISQUE AND REFRESHING FIRST TV AD

Hot new TV advert celebrates the joys of safe sex

• New ‘Come Together’ advert for the International HIV/AIDS Alliance features a mix of sexualities, races, genders and ages in the throes of passion.

However there is a very serious underlying message.

• Ad marks climax of global Valentine’s Day fundraising campaign by the charity to highlight the importance of safe, protected sex and of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

• New advert is a risqué and refreshing approach to charity fundraising advertising in a bid to highlight the continued importance of addressing the HIV epidemic.

SEX – but not the usual… This Friday evening sees a new approach to safe sex and charity fundraising with the broadcast of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance‘s first ever TV advert. The risqué and refreshing ad, which is airing for one night only, has been created in a bid to highlight the continued importance of addressing the HIV epidemic, an issue which the charity believes has fallen off the public agenda in recent years.

aids

The visually arresting 60-second advert depicts a mix of sexualities, races, genders
and ages in the throes of passion.

The advert will be airing on Friday night for one night only with Channel Four leading the way at 11.05pm. It is part of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance’s ‘Come

Together’ campaign and has a very serious underlying message. It is designed to both highlight the importance of safe sex and unite people in an effort to end AIDS.

cometogether

Every year, around 2.3 million people are diagnosed with HIV and 1.6 million die of AIDS-related causes. The advert asks viewers to donate money in order to save lives and prevent the spread of HIV around the world.

The first 5,000 people to donate £20 will also receive a ‘Come Together’ box in time for Valentine’s Day which is very much in keeping with the ad’s spirit. The box is designed to celebrate the joys of safe sex and contains a condom as well as a variety of sensual products including a luxury feather tickler, a blindfold and lubricant

Here are some quotes from the actors who took part:

 

Tim, 55, actor
“When Helen and I first arrived at the shoot we had no idea what we were going to do – but then Helen picked up the whip, I donned the fishnets, faked an orgasm and it all came (excuse the pun) naturally! I was fairly innocent in the 80s, but the message then was very different – casual sex without protection was widely accepted, until people were made aware of the dangers of contracting HIV. Now it’s much clearer that people can do whatever they like, provided they are taking sensible precautions with protecting themselves – which is what I took home from the shoot”.
 
Helen, Television/Theatre Actress
“I was in the entertainment industry when the AIDS taboo was prevalent, and scaremongering was rife. I  sadly lost  some of my dear friends to the disease/virus. This is why I was so drawn to taking this part in the ad – to increase awareness that HIV / AIDS shouldn’t have the stigma of a ‘gay’ disease – it affects the international community, no matter what colour, creed, sex or whatever. People should be educated about AIDS, not made to fear it.”
 

The first ever advert from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance has already set tongues wagging amongst industry experts.

Jo Hodges, Head of the Advertising Faculty at London College of Communication

“Historically the advertising campaigns surrounding AIDS only appeared to target the gay community. However, the Come Together ad shows couples of every sexual orientation enjoying sex from every angle and in turn produces what I think is one of the most provocative ads I have ever seen.

This is a welcome and urgently needed departure that doesn’t feel reproachful. Instead it is an open celebration of the joys of safer sex that targets people of all different ages, sexual orientations/preferences and genders.”

Awo Ablo, Director of External Relations at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance said:

“We’ve created a campaign that celebrates safe sex, in all its forms, in a way that’s open, honest and off-beat – and that positions it as a natural and wonderful part of everyday life. We wanted to create an experience that would resonate with people of all different identities. Safe sex should be available to everyone, it can save lives.

“We appreciate that this ad is risqué , but we hope it doesn’t shock or make people feel uncomfortable. The underlying message is vital.We have to communicate that AIDS is a very real problem for people who do not get the care and support that they need, it can mean illness, isolation and death. We need to raise awareness and funds in order to provide the services that people around the world need.”

What do you think?

 

Ronan Farrow Publicly Slams Woody Allen Golden Globes Tribute

Not everyone was happy that Woody Allen received a Cecil B. Demille award at the Golden Globes last night. In fact it sparked some controversy and even Allen’s ex-wife Mia and her son, Ronan, had choice words to say about it. Allen did not attend the ceremony but Diane Keaton accepted the award for him.

Allen married his adoptive daughter with Mia Farrow, Soon-Yi, and has been with her for 12 years. Allen has been accused of abusing his daughter, Dylan (who has since changed her name), when she was seven-years-old. The allegations have been going for years and the allegations flared up in a recent Vanity Fair article. See the tweets below.

Ronan Farrow Publicly Slams Woody Allen Golden Globes Tribute

What do you think?

A Nation Of Secret Chocolate Lovers…

Montezume chocolate bar reviewPrezzybox.com surveyed 886 people from all over the UK on their chocolate eating habits. They found some fun, weird and amazing facts.

  • An Astounding 57.2% of would rather have chocolate once per rather than sex.…. 1.3% of men agreed!
  • 78.5% of workers admit stealing chocolate from the communal work fridge
  • 83.1% of women have bought chocolate as a gift for a friend – but eaten it before they could give their friend it!
  • Women in London are the least likely to share a chocolate bar 1.1% (it’s mine!)
  • Women in York are the most likely to share a bar of chocolate 11%
  • 71.7% of women eat a family sized chocolate bar on their own at least TWICE per year.
  • 13.3% of women would rather admit to sleeping with a stranger, rather than admit stealing their mates chocolate.
  • Liverpool residents eat the most chocolate in the UK per year, 14kg WOW!
  • The average UK resident munches their way through 10kg of chocolate per year
  • Men (sex sign) spend £36 per year on chocolate (this includes valentines) Tight!
  • Women (sex sign) spend £57 per year on chocolate
  •  A perfect night includes chocolate for 68.3% of women
  •  74.7% of women secretly buy and eat a chocolate bar at least once per week (diet starts tomorrow?)
  •  Men eat 41% more dark chocolate than women.
  •  Women eat 54% more white chocolate then men.

 

Top 5 Friendly Towns & cities where chocolate is shared by women.

  1. York 11%
  2. Newcastle 10.3%
  3. Huddersfield 8.7%
  4. Portsmouth 8.5%
  5. Manchester 8.4%

5 Towns & cities where chocolate is LEAST shared by women.

  1. London 1.1%
  2. Leicester 1.78%
  3. Hull 3.3%
  4. Nottingham 3.4%
  5. Leeds 4.7%

Top 5 Chocolate Eaters in the UK, average per person per year.

  1. Liverpool 14kg per year
  2. Hull 13.57kg
  3. Glasgow 13.34 Kg
  4. Sheffield 12.6 Kg
  5. Cardiff 12.01 Kg

Why do women cheat? Not enough sex, say 79.2% of survey

•             25-34 year old women most likely to seek an affair outside marriage

•             1-3 months is the typical life cycle of an affair for 60.3% of AshleyMadison.com membersCitiz Hotel

•             76.9% of unfaithful women still love their husband or long term partner

A new survey of unfaithful British women from AshleyMadison.com, the world’s leading site for extramarital affairs, shows that for 79.2% the over-riding reason for cheating on husbands or partners is an unfulfilled sex life.

The survey of 10,245 UK women members of the website provides a snapshot of the changing face of infidelity in this country. Globally, female infidelity is on the rise and the UK is no exception.

Noel Biderman, founder and CEO of AshleyMadison.com says: “While women are gaining power in the work-place they’re no longer prepared to accept a disappointing performance from their man in the bedroom. Many work long hours, they juggle family and professional responsibilities and find that a busy lifestyle can be both an excuse and a cover for cyber affairs and physical affairs.”

The most common age group amongst unfaithful women is 25-34 year olds (35.1%), but the 35-44 year old age bracket is not far behind at 30.4%.

“Attitudes to infidelity amongst women are changing fast,’ adds Biderman. “The taboo is disappearing, it’s no longer a male preserve. With smartphones and access to the Internet 24/7, women have the tools to seek out and conduct discreet affairs that leave no ‘digital lipstick’ in the way that Facebook does. It’s as safe and easy as ordering a take-away!”

Unfaithful women seem to mirror cheating men who traditionally claim they still love their wives: 76.9% of Ashley Madison’s cheating women say they still love their husband or long term partner and an overwhelming 95.1% say they are not in love with their affair partner. In line with this, only 11.6% say they would like to leave their husband or partner

However, it seems that the one nightstand is still male territory, as an affair of one-three months is typical for 60.3% of the women surveyed and only 19.6% say they are looking for a one-night stand.

Noel Biderman comments: “Women tend to like a degree of stability; genetically they’re not wired for one-night stands. But women are good at multi-tasking so there’s no problem having an affair partner as well as a husband. 69% of the women we surveyed have only had one or two affairs.”

 

Do you agree?

Will The Royal Baby Be Elizabeth III?

Will the Royal Baby be Elizabeth III? Duchess and Duke of CambridgeAfter months of royal baby speculation, it appears the nation believes the new royal arrival will be a girl named Elizabeth born on the 7th July.

These predictions came out top in a poll of nearly 4,000 fellow expectant mums who were asked to guess the sex, name and the date the royal baby would arrive on parenting website Bounty.com.

Despite recent rumours of Harry letting it slip that the royal couple are expecting a boy and Kate buying a blue Bugaboo pram, two thirds still believe the new arrival will be a princess.

And when it comes to naming their firstborn, most think the couple will be ‘keeping it in the family’ with Elizabeth the most popular choice, closely followed by Diana, Victoria and Alexandra.

These echo the recent ‘Royal Baby Odds’ released by Ladbrokes, which favour Kate giving birth to a girl at 2-5 with the same names as front-runners at 6-1.

Lisa Penney, spokesmum for Bounty.com, whose ‘Royal Baby Guesser’ competition is asking new mums and pregnant women to cast their predictions for the royal baby. “Everyone loves a royal baby and as speculation reaches fever pitch we thought it would be fun to ask our members for their own predictions,” says Lisa.

“The results show even though Kate and Wills are seen as modern, contemporary royals, people still think they will plump for a traditional royal name.”

When it comes to boys names, George – most widely rumoured to be favoured by the couple for a son – comes out on top, followed by James, Henry and Edward.

Interestingly, it seems new mums are already taking name inspiration from the royals with Bounty Parenting Club’s most recent baby names report revealing both George and James were among the top ten names given to baby boys by new parents in April.

However, the ‘most likely for a princess’ girls names have some catching up to do with Elizabeth the 42nd most popular name given to baby girls in April, Alexandra the 69th, whilst Diana just makes the top 100 at 84th.

And despite recent reports of a ‘family friend’ letting it slip that the baby is due on 13th July, 7th July came out top as the date believed most likely for the baby making its arrival, followed by the 17th and the 14th July.

Lisa continues: “Our records show that year after year parents continue to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity, so it’s highly likely that whatever name the royal couple go for they’ll be setting a baby-naming trend for the future.

“And it does seem that even rumours surrounding the possible name they’ll go for are enough to inspire new parents. Our latest baby data shows sharp increases since the beginning of the year for Diana (up 200%), Elizabeth (up 22%) and George (up 10%), leaping up seven places to become the eighth most popular name for baby boys in the UK.”

There is still time to take part in bounty.com’s ‘royal baby guesser’ competition for your chance to win a ‘Princess for a Day’ experience worth £1,000. Visit http://www.bounty.com/royal-baby/royal-baby-competition to case your own predictions.


TOP TEN PRINCESS NAME PREDICTIONS

1.      Elizabeth

2.      Diana

3.      Victoria

4.      Alexandra

5.      Charlotte

6.      Sophia

7.      Emily

8.      Mary

9.      Grace

10.    Olivia

 

TOP TEN PRINCE NAME PREDICTIONS

1.      George

2.      James

3.      Henry

4.      Edward

5.      Charles

6.      William

7.      Philip

8.      Alexander

9.      Arthur

10.    Richard

 

TOP TEN BIRTH DATE PREDICTIONS

1.      7th July

2.      17th July

3.      14th July

4.      15th July

5.      6th July

6.      12th July

7.      16th July

8.      10th July

9.      5th July

10.    3rd July

What do you think the royal baby will be called?

 

Valentine’s Day For Dummies | Book Review

Valentine’s Day is, by far, the most romantically anticipated day of the year, but there is no need to panic! For those in search of a potential partner, to those wanting to get their relationship back on track For Dummies has published a number of guides which will help make this Valentine’s Day a great success. Frost Magazine’s writers got their head in a book to review the guides. Check out what they thought below.

Flirting For Dummies

Elizabeth Clark

Our writer says:

“I have never been good at flirting. I just do not know how to do it and envy people who can. I read the book as soon as it arrives and I started putting it into practice when I could. I have been single for nearly a year and was dreading Valentine’s Day.

The first chapter is about the making of a successful flirt. It teaches you the fundamentals, spotting signals and avoiding pitfalls. I immediately start to realise what I am doing wrong.

Chapter three moves into overcoming a fear of rejection. Something that has become a problem. I had quite a bad break up and the thought of another man hurting me was hard to cope with.

After finishing the book I do become much better at flirting. I find it easier to start dating when I have the tools and knowledge to know how to flirt. I have started dating again and I am very positive about my flirting future. I also love the ten ways unwanted admirers can strike in the back. This is a fun, witty book.

£12.99

There is still time for the unlucky in love to brush up on their flirting skills and bag themselves a date this Valentine’s day. Flirting For Dummies provides readers with the know-how and confidence to getting it right when it comes to flirting effectively and without embarrassment.  Exploring key areas including listening and communication skills, body language and self-image, Flirting For Dummies has all the tools needed to boost self-confidence and engage with people in a natural and charming way.

 

 Body Language For Dummies

Elizabeth Kuhnke

Our writer says:

“I love body language. I think it is very underrated and I have read a few books on the subject. Sometimes it can be hard to read the opposite sex so I was hoping this book would help.

This book covers all aspects of body language. It has handy pictures and is very easy to read. As all of the Dummies guide are.  It tells you all about body language and how to use your own to get what you want. I noticed that sometime when I say things people take it the wrong way, now I put the tips in the book into practice and it has made a difference. I really liked this book. It is a great body language book. I even use it with my partner. Good book. ”

 

£15.99

Having an insight into body language can be a great asset when trying to interpret the signals of the opposite sex.  This title explains how the body reveals what people really mean guiding readers on how it can be used to make a positive impact and explaining why we give off certain signals.  Elizabeth Kuhnke explains how to read the most common expressions and use body language to transform both personal and professional relationships.

 

Confidence For Dummies

Kate Burton & Brinley N. Platts

Our writer says:

“I was not sure how someone could write an entire book on confidence until I opened the book. Generally I thought confidence was something that some people has in abundance that could not really be placed, but pardon my ignorance, I was completely wrong. This book has let me know that confidence is something that is manageable and attainable. Sometimes confidence is  just taking things one step at a time, knowing that it will all be okay in the end.

This book lets you recognise your strengths and believe in yourself. When I started reading it I could not put it down. I have been single for a while and have found it hard to put myself out there, but this book has let me know that I actually do have it within me to put myself out there.

I love the techniques and the exercises too. I feel that I know myself a lot better after reading this book. I know this sounds like I am being over enthusiastic, but I already feel it has improved my life.”

£12.99

Self-confidence is important in all areas of life particularly when it comes to dating and relationships.  Lack of confidence is common amongst those who are unlucky in love.    This guide identifies the wide range of strengths, skills, abilities and strategies readers can utilise, providing tips and techniques to build on these and gain extra confidence.

 

Dating For Dummies (3rd Edition)

Joy Browne

Our writer says:

“Dating is hard. Really hard. Sometimes I feel like I find it harder than everyone else. But I really want to start dating again and get better at it. Dating for Dummies suits me perfectly.

This book tackles even the most modern parts of dating, like social networking and online dating. It helps you figure out what you want in a partner and how to break up with people. It really does cover every aspect of dating and even covers age differences. It really is a brilliant book that covers everything and it is impossible not to find helpful information. I just finished the book, but I reckon it will improve my love life dramatically. I already feel more comfortable.

£15.99

Dating For Dummies guides readers on how to meet potential romantic partners for life, how to avoid common dating mistakes, overcome disappointments, deal with difference and how to date safely in the social media world.  Joy Browne gives readers the confidence boost they need to help meet, date and start a relationship as well as prepare for dates and have a great time. Whatever the dating dilemma Dating For Dummies has it covered.

 

 

Improving Your Relationship For Dummies

Paula Hall

Our writer says:

“I have been with my boyfriend for two years now. I love him, but sometimes I find the relationship hard. Or we get into a negative arguing cycle and never resolve the main problem. I felt at a loss about what to do so I was very eager to review this book. I have heard of Paula Hall and have read some of the articles she has written.

The book itself is broken down into handy sections and goes over everything from sex to boosting your relationship, knowing when to break up and how to break an arguing cycle. The latter of which I was very interested in.

I found this book to be a bit of a revelation. I just had not thought of a lot of the tips and advice. Some of it in hindsight seems obvious, but you just never think of it. The advice on communication is excellent and the idea of treating your relationship like a bank is very smart – basically you have to put effort and love into your relationship and not just take things out of it.

All in all I found the book helpful. I have even got my boyfriend involved and he even want to read it now I have finished. I recommend this book for anyone in a relationship, is has just really done what it says on the cover: improves your relationship.

 

£15.99

Valentine’s Day can be a time when couples take stock of their relationship and make effective changes for the future.    Paula Hall offers expert advice for those who want to work through tiresome niggles, address potential issues before taking the next step, cope with serious problems or simply strengthen a partnership. An essential guide for anyone wanting to improve their relationship, covering issues including cohabitation, overcoming anger and jealousy, trust, dealing with an affair, managing change and reigniting passion.

 

Emotional Healing For Dummies

David Beales and Helen Whitten

Our writer says:

“I think in life we do not pay enough attention to our emotions, and I know I have run into trouble because of it. We really do not take enough care of our emotional health. Everything in life affects us in some ways. I was already thinking that I had to pay more attention and care more about my emotional health.

The thing I liked most about this book is that it tells you about the connection between emotion and health, and emotion and food. It has ways to boost your immune system against stress and fatigue. It also has tips on enhancing emotional intelligence.

This book would be amazing for anyone who has been through anything traumatic. You really understand emotion healing, emotions. You learn how to deal with your emotions and be happier. I loved this book and I can really recommend it. This book reminded me of the saying that you have to love yourself before anyone else will. This book will help. ”

£15.99

For those who are suffering from a broken heart this Valentine’s Day Emotional Healing For Dummies can help ease the pain.  We’re a nation that bottles things up, dismissing anger, frustration, hatred and guilt as largely insignificant to our minds and bodies. But powerful emotions like these do affect us in a long-term way, not only mentally but also physically, and it’s important to know how to get them under control.   This easy to follow guide provides a toolkit of strategies to help heal emotional upset so that readers begin to feel like themselves once again after a difficult breakup.

 

For Dummies guides are available where all books and e-books are sold. Including Amazon UK, WH Smith and Selfridges.