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November 29 Saint life grand?November 30 is, I am told, St Andrew's Day. Being one of the few Scots in our office, some colleagues have asked me what I'm doing to celebrate. It's a national holiday back home (albeit a voluntary one, so while the MSPs have their feet up, I imagine it's business as usual for most employees) and I'll be doing what I do every year to mark the occasion: absolutely nothing.
I have nothing against this particular date in the calendar (Andy, mate, it's nothing personal), but I have nothing 'for' it either. To be brutally honest, I barely think about it and most years it passes me by without even entering the deepest, darket reaches of my subconscious. And while certain sons and daughters of Scotland are keen for it to become a more widely celebrated event (much like St Patrick's Day, which is just an excuse to get obliterated, and who really wants to emulate that?), I'm not convinced.
For a start, not only am I unable to remember ever celebrating St Andrew's Day myself, I can't remember anyone I know celebrating it. Probably because we already have Burns night every 25 January, which is much more widely observed. Burns night is a right old laugh; poetry, dancing, whisky and, of course, haggis. What does a person do on St Andrew's Day? Well, this year some of my countrymen are attempting the 'World's Largest Dashing White Sergeant' (that's a dance, by the way) while others prefer 'aqua ceilidhs'. Like I said, I'm not convinced, and turning it into a gimmick isn't going to help it catch on.
I'm a passionate Scot (watching Italy score that last gasp winner at Hampden was as close as I've ever come to a broken heart) - which is more than I can say for St Andrew, who was born in Bethsaida in the Sea of Galilee and never even came here during his life. The poor bloke's relics were apparently brought from Constantinople and landed in the town now named after him in Fife, which was then under the control of King Angus MacFergus (now there's a Scot).
And it turns out that St Andrew is also the patron saint of Russia, Sicily, Greece, Romania and Ukraine as well as all mariners, fishermen, rope-makers and, er, singers, which is just greedy.
So these are just a few of the reasons why I think most of the Scots I know don't give two hoots about St Andrew's Day. But, if you disagree with me or have strong views about its significance, please send us a message and share your thoughts.
And you'll be sure to let us know how that Dashing White Sergeant goes, won't you?
Ross November 28 If the cap fits...Baseball fans will be familiar with The New Era Cap Co, since every major league baseball player wears their caps during games. But now the brand, which has been going since 1920 over in the US, has come to the UK with a London store at 72-74 Brewer Street in London’s Soho. They’ve also launched a brand new line, “EK by New Era,” which will be available next February, 2008. The exclusive line will feature 12 fashion hat silhouettes for both men and women, including the Trilby, Fedora, Military and Flat cap styles utilizing linens, satin, pinstripe canvas and cottons. Find out more at The New Era Cap Co, or have a sneak preview here: November 27 Bespoke beauty giftsStuck for an original Christmas beauty gift? Why not create a bespoke beauty box from Neal's Yard Remedies, customised by you for your favourite person? Pop into any Neal's Yard Remedies store and a holistic gift therapist will help you create a present, at your chosen price limit, tailored to the individual beauty, well-being and lifestyle needs of your special someone. For more information visit www.nealsyardremedies.com or call 01747 834634. November 23 The UK's favourite foodWe're trying to find out what is the UK's favourite food. We have already told you our favourites - but if you don't agree with any of the suggestions in our poll, please feel free to spill your proverbial beans all over this blog. Just click 'send a message' at the bottom and share your thoughts.
Ross
PS - my top choice is peanut butter... Hello, is anybody out there?Afternoon all,
Nic and I have just received what can only be described as a heartwarming email from a 15-year-old journalistic wannabe eager to write for the Life & Style channel. We were both very impressed with the youngster's writing style and ability and would like to talk to them about adding a teenage voice to our channel. This is something I've wanted to do for a while actually, so the email arrived in our inbox at a good time. The only problem is, we can't reply to certain emails if your preferences don't allow us.
So, Hisham, if you're out there, we liked the cut of your jib very much and would indeed like you to send us the article you mentioned in your email. Oh, and this time, change your settings so we can send you a reply!
Ross November 20 Sainsbury’s launches into luxury cosmeticsGroceries, household products and even clothes are commonplace in supermarket trolleys across Britain, but you’ve always had to make a special trip to the department store or boutique for your luxury cosmetics …… until now. Award-winning cult Canadian make-up brand, Cargo, is launching into Sainsbury’s stores as we speak. Cargo’s products have made it into the most prestigious Oscar and Golden Globe goody bags and have gained global recognition on the beauty scene. Look out for: ColorCards™ - single-use eye shadows embossed onto super flat cards, perfect for girls on the go (£15). SmokyEye™ Eye Liner Duo – coordinated cream and powder eyeliner duos, each shade can be worn alone or with the powder formula applied over the cream for extra staying power (£17). Plant Love™ Botanical Lipstick – the first ever lipstick tube made entirely out of corn, a renewable and abundant resource. This eco-friendly innovation is smooth and silky, with a unique botanical formula infused with Orchid Complex™ and meadowfoam seed oil. Contains no mineral oils or petroleums (£12). EyeLighter™ - a clever tool which simplifies the make-up artist trick of widening and brightening eyes through luminous shadow application along the corners and rims of eyes (£10). The range has already launched at London Colney, Dulwich and Cromwell Road stores, and Sainsbury’s plan to introduce the brand nationwide in 2008. Visit Cargo Cosmetics and Sainsbury's to find out more.
Nic L'Occitane goes lusciously lemon and honeyOr should that be honey and lemon? Either way, this mouth-wateringly good new range by L’Occitane, made with softening honey from Provence combined with invigorating lemon essential oil, smells so delicious it’s hard to believe it’s not edible. Honey is one of the very few ingredients where the production is 100 per cent exclusive to nature – and it’s also one of the oldest-known beauty ingredients. The softening and moisturizing benefits of honey, which is rich in sugar, mineral salts and vitamins, make it a highly effective skin treatment. Now you can reap the benefits from the bees with L'Occitane's Honey and Lemon Sweet Sugar Scrub, Delicious Bath, Hand Cream, Lip Gloss, Perfume and more. To find out more, visit uk.loccitane.com.
Nic November 16 Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis reveal their Spring Summer 2008 collectionsLook at this lot: I went to the Spring/Summer 2008 shows for Topshop, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Topman and Burton yesterday, and had a sneak preview of what's going to be in stores next summer.
Miss Selfridge is planning a distinctly retro feel, looking back to 1960s Vogue-style glamour. The mood is happy, floaty and summery but with an added degree of sophitication.
Topshop is also planning a look back in time with a 1970s story. Think check summer dresses, easy fabrics and denim shorts. While designer labels for the brand, including Christopher Kane (think black leather jackets) Jonathan Saunders (long T-shirt dresses) and Richard Nichol (high glamour and floaty) will add a distinctly unique dimension to Topshop's ranges.
My favourites for next year are Dorothy Perkins and Wallis. Dorothy Perkins is one of those stores that can be a bit hit and miss now and then. But by jove they've got it right for next year. Sumptuous silky 1920s style dresses and camisoles will be entering stores alongside fresh, spring nautical wear. Spot on.
And if you've got a big occasion to go to in the summer, then it has to be Wallis. Their designers have come up with a range that you might normally expect to find in places like Whistles. Lashings of soft pinks and greens with beautiful net and tulle. I'd defy anyone not to feel beautiful in one of their dresses.
Nic
November 15 A brilliant designer websiteWhat's this? catwalktocloset.com. Only a brilliantly wicked site where you can get genuine, desirable, classy designer clothes for a fraction of the cost. We absolutely love it. Get choosing in time for Santa's visit.
Nic x November 14 All aboard the alcohol expressStories regarding binge-drinking abound this week, as usual. Yesterday Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo, flying in the face of scientific research, said that 24 hour drinking laws had changed our drinking culture and that middle class drinkers were now the main cause for concern as opposed to the yobs who spill out onto the street at 3am on a saturday morning (not to mention sunday, monday, tuesday, wednesday...).
To which I say... codswallop. On order to convince Dawn that our binge drinking culture is alive and - quite literally - kicking I'd like to invite her to catch a GNER train to Edinburgh on a Friday afternoon, as I did last week. The amount of alcohol I saw consumed on that four and a half hour journey should be evidence enough for Mrs Primarolo. Why is it in this country that a long train journey is an excuse to get totally smashed? And this was at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
I used to think that rail travel was one of the last magical modes of transport. Not anymore. My last few journeys north have been deeply unpleasant. On removing my laptop from my bag, ready to settle down and drown out the sound of general ignorance around me with a few episodes of the Sopranos, one inebriated mouth-breather asked me to "look us up some porn." No thanks mate.
Two hours into the journey and the language and general behaviour of some of my fellow passengers made Tony Soprano and his crew look like the Brady Bunch. My suggestion to GNER would be to ban alcohol from trains completely. For one thing, the stale beer cans really, really smell, and it would stop football fans getting wasted on the way to games. Though of course they only care about the money it brings in. Little good a ban would do anyway; GNER have actually lost the franchise.
And anyway, it's a middle-class, at-home problem, isn't it?
Ross
Oh yeah, one more thing to whoever takes on from GNER - lower your prices will you? £120 return to Edinburgh for that experience - no wonder more and more people are driving or flying. November 13 For Will Self FansYou've seen him on Have I Got News for You, as a regular on Shooting Stars and Grumpy Old Men as well as on Room 101. Now fans of literary wit Will Self can catch him at the Southbank Centre tonight as he gives a short reading from his latest work Psychogeography, illustrated by Ralph Steadman’s drawings, before taking questions from the audience.
A more straightforward definition of psychogeography is "a slightly stuffy term that's been applied to a whole toy box full of playful, inventive strategies for exploring cities. Psychogeography includes just about anything that takes pedestrians off their predictable paths and jolts them into a new awareness of the urban landscape." I'm a particular fan of this idea as I've inherited this strange habit from my nan of walking unnecessarily long distances through cities. Including a five mile walk to work - and back, daily (I know).
Will describes himself as a modern-day flâneur, a person who walks the city in order to experience it or, as it was once coined, a "gentleman stroller of city streets". It's a rather romantic notion that one takes in the urban landscape by constantly exploring and getting to know it better. I'm wondering if I'm one too.
Will Self will be joining in conversation with Kevin Jackson, broadcaster, writer and film critic, who chairs the event.
Kevin Jackson has a particular interest in psychogeography and is the author of the Humphrey Jennings Film Reader and The Language of Cinema.
The talk starts at 7.45pm. Find out more by visiting the Southbank Centre online. The Fashion FacebookForget Facebook, there's a new social networking site in town catering for shopoholics. Fashion savvy surfers can now log on to the UK's first ever social shopping site, www.OSOYOU.com. The new site allows cyber shoppers to browse their favourite stores and go 'shopping with the girls', without leaving their sofa. Perfect for those cold dark nights indoors! Nic November 12 Sarah Harding at new undies store on Oxford Street
Opening the 2nd Ultimo shop in Debenhams Oxford St today is the very first Ultimo Angel, Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding. Sarah said “I am delighted to be opening the very first Ultimo shop in Oxford St Debenhams!” Michelle Mone, creator of Ultimo said “Sarah looks fantastic. Ultimo was created 11 years ago and has grown beyond my expectations, to become the biggest Designer Lingerie Brand in the UK. My dream is to make Ultimo the Victoria Secrets of the UK!” The remaining 8 Ultimo shops will open during November 2007, with further plans to roll out to more stores in Debenhams nationwide within the next 18 months and stand alone High Street stores. To find out more, visit www.ultimo.co.uk or call 0845 130 3232 for a brochure. November 08 October mailbagHello you,
Maybe it's something they are putting in the nation's drinking water or, but for some reason the vast majority of the feedback we received in October was friendly and complimentary. It's like Invasion of the Body Snatchers but in reverse - everyone's become really, really nice.
Kay, for example, liked our article on immunity foods right at the end of the month. "In the run up to winter I enjoyed reading about what foods I can eat to keep colds away - I seem to get them every year! However I think you should also have put orange juice on your list." Well we kind of did Kay, under citrus fruits, but we take your point. Interestingly, I was told by a trainer I interviewed yesterday that plugging your body with Vit C isn't necessarily a good thing - he said you should be more balanced and take Echinacea with it. I couldn't agree with him more, I'm not into my herbal meds but Echinacea seems to be the only thing which really keeps the winter sniffles away. So I'd give that a go.
I'm always amazed by the amount of people who write to us regarding blushing and rosacea, and last month the feedback continued unabated. This article charting my colleague Nic's experience of blushing led to Amy to write in and tell me she benefitted greatly from visiting Dr Brian Newman, who we talk to in the article. Glad to have been of service, Amy.
Our blog also seems to have gotten you guys talking. A week or so ago myself and three colleagues got talking about sex addiction (30 October), in particular its merits as an actual medical condition. Not surprisingly, it proved to be a popular, erm, entry. Danek said: "It's better to be sex-addict than alcohol or drugs. As long as we enjoy it and it's not harmful in any way... why not!" Couldn't agree more Danek, though as this point I should probably point out that sex addiction is a genuie certified affliction, and can ruin lives just like any other addiction. Bonnie agrees: "I believe there is such a thing as sexual addiction but it is like any aspect of human behaviour, a challenge rather than an excuse. Endorphins are wonderful chemicals but we spend far too much time in search of our next hit."
Which leads us nicely to... raw milk. Our article on this new health craze (well, in America anyway but we're predicting big things for it in the UK) divided user opinion. Some of you, such as Rob, Tim and Anne thought that the idea of drinking unpasteurised milk was "gross", "minging" and "rank." Others, like RedOne (I presume that's not your real name) thought the notion was "refreshing," which suggests he/she hasn't tasted the stuff.
Going back to the blog - my monthly (weekly?) rant on obesity (22 October) led to over 100 comments being posted, which is a lot for us! Most of you agreed with what I had to say, something which again I'm not used to! Not everyone was full of praise though. Anonymous said: "I can't believe how heartless you are."
There, that's more like it.
Until we meet again,
Ross
PS - the November mail bag can't come quickly enough - today I had an email which read "Ross Chainey for PM". Now things really are getting out of hand... Blunt Fringes Don't WorkWe feel a rant coming on. And it's this: flopsy, mopsy 'I'm-a-bit-insecure-so-I'm-hiding-behind-my-hair' fringes should be reserved for schooldays.
Yes, Kate Moss, Cheryl Tweedy and Tess Daly, we mean you!
Read our feature on the matter here. OK, we know we're being a bit mean, but tell us what you think: to fringe, or not to fringe?
Nic
Roberto Cavalli at H&M TodayRoberto Cavalli's not new collection for H&M goes on sale today for a limited period only. The Italian designer has created one-off designs for men and women, including lingerie and accessories.
Cavalli has reportedly designed five costumes for each of the Spice Girls for the forthcoming reunion tour which begins on December 2nd.
H&M have previously sold collections by Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf & Madonna.
Visit www.hm.com to find out more.
Nic November 06 A one dress wonder and fashionable feet
Full Circle have branched out from their fashion line to stamp their mark on footwear. The brand have launched a new range of shoes for women, including contemporary heels and fashion-forward flats. Price start from £55. We love these Admiral Lulu shoe-boots, £85. Keep your eyes peeled because the new range will soon be available nationwide and online at www.fullcircleuk.com. Nic November 01 The Body Beautiful ShowGirls, one of the best shows in the beauty business is happening in London this weekend. The Body Beautiful Show is taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington from Friday to Sunday. The show offers a fantastic day out with a packed programme of talks and seminars by leading beauty and fitness professionals. There's also the Beauty Boulevard where you can buy the latest must-have products. Browse the aisles to discover hundreds of new beauty ideas, learn how to get your body in shape in the fitness arena or book yourself in for a treatment at one of the on-site private treatment rooms – where you could discover a whole new you. If you’re looking to find a new way to relax, gain a sense of wellbeing or just get in shape, pay a visit to the Tranquility Zone, where the Uk’s leading experts in the fields of alternative and holistic therapy including Yoga, Pilates and Reiki will be on-hand to offer therapies and advice. If you've ever thought of having any cosmetically-enhancing treatments, visit the The Consulting Room. Here you'll have the opportunity to see yourself “as you are” - and as you might look after a treatment. The image consultant will, via the dynamic consultation, simulate the change you have in your minds eye – on screen in real time. Whether you are considering an aesthetic procedure such as a dermal filler (e.g. Restylane™), or Botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox™) or a facial cosmetic procedure such as a nose job, face lift, brow lift or eye lift; we can help work with you in defining, in 2D and 3D, those goals and targets to better to assist you in communicating with a cosmetic surgeon or aesthetic practitioner. The Body Beautiful Show offers a fantastic day out with a packed programme of masterclasses by leading professionals in the world of health and beauty. Entry to the masterclasses is free of charge and will be on a first come first served basis so ensure that you arrive at the talks 15 minutes early to guarantee you don't miss out! To find out more, visit the the Body Beautiful Show online. Nic
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