Perfil de MSNThe Fashion & Beauty Bou...FotosBlogListasMás  |  Herramientas Ayuda |
|
31 octubre One spicy hot chocolateMmmmm deliciously warm hot chocolate on a chilly autumn afternoon. The thought just warms the cockles. And if that hot chocolate were to have a hint of caramel flavouring, you might think it sounded positively delicious. But were we to suggest you add a hint chilli to your mug of chocolatey goodness, you might think we were being quite insane. But to make their hot chocolate hot hot hot, the people behind Whittard of Chelsea have done just that. ‘Bonkers!’ We thought. ‘That’s going to taste plain weird’. But do you know what, we tried it and well, it sort of works! They’ve taken your normal hot choc, added lashings of ginger and a hint of chilli spice. And it still tastes sweet (and incredibly rich) but leaves you with a warm feeling afterwards. The roots of hot chocolate served with chilli goes back to the Aztecs in the 14th century. The Aztecs were the first people to serve chocolate as a drink – and the first to mix hot chilli pepper to make a really spicy beverage. To make the best hot chocolate, chilli or otherwise, we recommend mixing the powder with cool milk to make a paste first, then heating the hot milk in a saucepan, rather than a microwave, before adding it to the paste. It just tastes that much nicer that way and feels a bit more authentic. Nic
30 octubre This week we're loving...Looking for something a bit different to keep you warm over the cooler months? We love Lulu & Red’s fabulously funky jackets, pictured below. Mixing urban cool with an elegant Victorian twist, the pretty pink ribbon detailing on softest wool/polyester grey fabric makes it warm and comfortable, while the pull-ties at the back create a curvy shape that’s strong, feminine and sexy. At times kooky in its style, Lulu & Red is the brainchild of designers Julian Dominique and Sarah Rees. Founded in 2003, the label can be found in high-profile fashion boutiques across the UK, Ireland and Europe, as well as in Topshop. Every garment is designed on a size 12 and then graded up or down to other sizes, ensuring that the styles compliment 'real’ women. The design ethos behind the label, named after Rees' two cats, is 'couture at high street prices'. And at £55, we’d say this lovely little number is worth it. Visit Lulu & Red’s online boutique to find out more. Nic
Might as well face it, you're addicted to loveThere is a 'heated' debate going on in the office today over whether sex addiction is a legitimate medical condition. Two of my sceptical editorial team mates reckon it's just an excuse people use to indulge in reckless behaviour. Myself and another member of the editorial team disagree, though our argument isn't quite as solid. "Michael Douglas had it", we both said in unison. Backatcha.
The BBC, as it turns out, backs us up. They explain it all pretty well here. Turns out it has something to do with chemicals in the brain and, like any addiction, it can have destructive consequences.
Still, there are worse things.
Ross.
PS - do you think sex addiction is a genuine affliction? Or another one of those modern made up conditions invented to cover up our hopeless inadequacies, or not in this case. Have you any experience of it? We'd be happy to hear your thoughts, just don't go in to too much detail... 22 octubre Morbidly obese double standardsRegular readers of the Life & Style blog will know that when it comes to the issue of obesity, I don't like to mince my words. So what am I going to write about today? You guessed it - the UK's fat future. In particular, there was a story that was widely reported in the press (two stories, in fact) last week that really pushed my buttons, and not in a good way.
At the start of the week we were told that it is England's middle-class social drinkers, rather than large-it-up at the weekend binge revelers, that are the countries most 'hazardous' consumers of alcohol. So have a good think about that next time you reach for a bottle of Pinot Noir and a corkscrew after a hard day at the office. 'It's an outrage that's been going on for far too long' screamed various health experts.
Then, the following day, there appeared the most ridiculous news story on obesity I have read in a long time. The report stated that an obese person living in the UK today cannot be blamed for their weight. It is our modern lifestyles, the sedentary nature of our jobs, the barrage of tempting advertising and the ready availability of junk food that is really responsible.
So what are we to deduce from this - that middle-class people who enjoy alcohol (as opposed to abusing it, though they should perhaps cut back a bit, if the report is to be believed) should be held responsible for their actions while those who are needlessly obese should not?
Give me a break!
Ross 15 octubre Hello to Imogen Lloyd WebberAuthor and fashionista Imogen Lloyd Webber (the daughter of Andrew) is today launching her fashion and beauty blog exclusively to MSN.
In between mingling with the stars, sourcing the best beauty spas for a good pampering, or hunting down fabulous boutiques and clothing lines for the latest must-have items, Imogen will be sharing her top tips and gossip with everyone online. Currently in NYC promoting her latest book, Imogen has already discovered that when it comes to top notch pampering, New Yorkers have got what it takes.
Read Imogen's Blog here and add it to your favourites!
11 octubre Being a bit differentYou've got to respect women who go that extra mile, who refuse to conform to 'the norm' and dare to be a bit different. We started thinking about these inspiring individuals when word reached us that Dawn French was celebrating her 50th birthday today.
I haven't come across many people who don't think Dawn is absolutely gorgeous (although I may about to be proved wrong). At school my mates and I used to describe beautiful big women as sassy in that 'Dawn French' way. For us that meant a smart and sexy woman who embraced her size, rather than hid from it - and felt sexy. Dawn has since launched a clothing label designed for the sixteen-plus figure to help women do just that.
Today for the younger generations Beth Ditto is the larger lady who everyone loves. Speaking out against size zero, Beth (who was nominated for Sexiest Woman of The Year at the NME Awards earlier this year) said: "The biggest thing in your world is to be a nothing? That is so intense." Today Beth is campaigning to have size zero removed from clothing labels and replaced with a number, even a small one, so that women who wear it are no longer just 'a zero'.
But daring to be different isn't all about being happy with your body no matter what your size, it's about your attitude, beliefs and your desire to make life a little bit more interesting by being yourself.
Check out our gallery of women who have done just that here.
Nic 05 octubre September: Your FeedbackLast month many of you were sad to see the passing of Jane Tomlinson, the cancer fundraiser, who died seven years after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. We had a lot of emotional tributes from you all, including:
Lilly: "Jane was a great example of just getting on with it. We all need a goal in life, something to keep us going, something to work towards. If there's such a place as heaven, then Jane will be cycling her way around it already. And the rest of us have to make our choice about how we live our lives today." Karen: "Gone but not forgotten a truly remarkable lady an inspiration to us all. She has done so much for charity to help others and to put her troubles to one side. Her family must be so proud of her to have known and love this woman. Goodnight and god bless you Jane. Rest in peace now there will never anyone else like you. God must have thought it was time for you to leave us." Gorgeous Dave: "I will never forget the name Jane Tomlinson, nor how much she did for others. Whenever I have a bad day, I will think of her and remember 'There but for the grace of God, go I'. Bless you Jane x" Earlier in the month, Ross posted a comment about pending publication of pictures on cigarette packets, which will show diseased lungs, hideous tumours, that sort of thing. “I for one think it's about time. There is only so much the 'smoking kills' labels can do - after all, most smokers were aware of this already,” he said. Which got many of you fired up – both for and against the idea. One anonymous reader commented: “Just think how much tax you would be paying if we weren’t paying so much tax on our cigarettes - has anyone actually thought about that? They would lose millions in revenue if everyone stopped smoking. They would then have to recover the money from elsewhere such as your council tax or fuel etc!” But Michaela, whose boyfriend smokes, had this to day: “I think the images are a good idea as they might shock people into realising what it actually does to your body. I know smokers feel that non-smokers have no right to tell them what to do, that you can do what you want, bla bla bla. But face facts; smoking does kill you, it's not healthy in any way and it affects others too! When I've gone out with my boyfriend or friends, I've come home stinking of smoke and also I've been breathing it in all night. I'M MEANT TO BREATHE AIR, NOT SMOKE. “The only positive thing to happen so far is making smokers go outside of pubs/clubs, so you can all breathe it in together. Maybe the pictures are another step forward to making you all realise that you should try and cut down and eventually quit. Yes: it's a habit. Yes: it's hard to quit. It's like any drug. But surely you don't want your life cut short with you struggling to breathe because of lung cancer...And also, smokers are NOT being victimised. Nowadays, we know all the health risks and want as many of you to try and make you're lives healthier. That's all.”
John Joe managed to quit the habit after losing his mum to cancer, and had some encouraging words for smokers: “On my mum’s hospital bed I promised that I would stop smoking but it still took me another three years after she died to quit. I still get to odd craving but I have been off them three years now and to tell you the truth I found it very easy to stop. But that was after about 20 attempts before. I do believe that most people who smoke would rather not but until you as a smoker decide that enough is enough then you will never stop. GET YOUR HEAD BEHIND THE IDEA AND YOU CAN DO IT. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE TRYING AND JUST REMEMBER IF YOU FAIL YOU CAN ALWAYS WIN.” And finally, us Brits do love to discuss the weather and after a few too many cold rainy days this summer, poor Dizzy Lizzy had this to say: “I wish I could hibernate and not wake up till March. I hate the cold, frost and long dark evenings.” Lizzy, we feel your pain. But another more optimistic reader added: “We wouldn’t have all this fabulous scenery if it wasn’t for our climate, just think of the awful extremes of weather some countries have to put up with. I think we are fortunate in Scotland.” Hmmm... definitely food for thought! 03 octubre A fitting legacy for a remarkable personIn case you missed it, The Great North Run took place at the weekend. It's one of the biggest races in the world with over 50,000 runners lining up to tackle the 13.1 mile course. In there somewhere were 190 friends and family of Vicky Buchanan, who died last October after being knocked off her bike on the Fulham road while cycling to work at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea football ground, where she worked as an event manager. She was just 28.
Vicky was due to marry her fiance, Adam Chataway, on September 22, to be followed by a honeymoon in Africa. Instead, the huge group of almost 200 people who knew and loved Vicky were preparing to gather in Newcastle for the half-marathon and to raise money for a cause that was close to her heart.
While studying for her Master of Philosophy degree in water development in 1999, Vicky had spent time in Ethiopia working for the charity ActionAid. "Water is a basic right of every human being," she said. And so Adam set up Vicky's Water Project, which aimed to raise the £226,000 needed to bring fresh water to thousands of people in Lera Town, Ethiopia, a country where 78% of the population do not have access to clean water.
So far the charity has exceeded its target, raising £403,000 and bringing fresh water to thousands more than they could have originally hoped. The first money to be donated was the £10.88 Vicky was carrying on her when she was needlessly struck down on her way to work. Chelsea and England captain John Terry has also lent his support to the cause (see picture). Terry described Vicky as " a treasure we all loved."
Adam told the Daily Telegraph in an interview: "It's almost as if Vicky's life was taken from us on October 17, 2006, but two year's down the line in another corner of the globe which many of us will never see, there will be this equilibrium in the universe as it were. Through Vicky, life and energy will blossom in others..."
The race may have taken place at the weekend, but the fundraising efforts continue and it's not too late for you to donate. To find out more, go to www.vickyswaterproject.com or www.actionaid.org.uk Glossy locks: Lily AllenI was at a secret gig in deepest Soho to see the lovely Lily Allen last night (get me). Dressed up to the nines in Louboutin heels and a gold antique-style shimmering dress, she looked gorgeous as she smiled her way through her songs.
Ah yes it’s a hard life quaffing free champers, tucking into tiny salmon and cream cheese bagels watching Lily perform from a front row seat in a swanky nightclub. No really, it is. Lily was there to promote Braun’s Satin Hair Care range, and her locks looked as smooth as a shiny little mink’s. Feeling a bit tiddly, she giggled: “Shame I’m not as straight as my hair,” glass of bubbly in one hand, mike in the other. After apologising that her voice might not have been on top form (it was) Lily explained she was feeling a bit out of practice, after her American tour was cancelled last month because of visa problems. Still, she’s not bitter. And I’m quite glad as she made our night. If only all Tuesdays were that good. To find out more about Braun’s new range check out www.braun.com/uk/satinhair 02 octubre Why we love TrevorSometimes interviewing someone who’s at the top of their game can be a pretty nerve wracking experience, but when I met Trevor Sorbie the other day I was truly humbled by how warm and kind he is. Despite earning megabucks tending the tresses of the rich and famous, taking part in multi-million pound shows by the likes of L’Oreal and having a hair product line worth more than most of us will earn in a lifetime, Trevor is one of those almost slightly nervous people that it’s impossible not to like. I spent an afternoon with him while he was looking after a group of young trainee hairdressers from across the country. He was inspiring, approachable and had reams of tips for them all about how to do well by working hard. But the most amazing thing about Trevor is that these days, he prefers to spend his time trimming perfect-looking wigs for cancer patients, so that they can feel confident and feminine once again. This he does entirely for free and has set up a charity devoted to the cause. To find out more about Trevor’s work, read our interview here. Nic |
|
|
