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Showing posts from September, 2013

Why Art Envy Isn't All Bad

 * I sent this post in as part of a columnist application last year - as it's unpublished I thought I'd share it with you now* Mum has often told me that she’s amazed I still make comments about my school days, which ended, well, a fairly long time ago. None of us can help the memories that stick in our minds though, and one of those I found hard to forget, was that I always wanted to be better at art. My sister ended up with the artistic genes, while I was given the gift of the written word, which is great, but it’s something that has always frustrated me. My memories of my school art lessons include a photo frame I was very proud, of being wrecked in the kiln, and spending copious amounts of time drawing folded bits of paper and toilet rolls. Who knew there were so many ways to draw paper! Perhaps that’s where my art envy started. I wanted to learn, but I wanted to draw something interesting, get the paints out, or spend another term in the potter

Comment - The Mental Health Patient Costume

Hey everyone, I woke today to find social media awash with comments on Asda, and the 'mental health patient' costume they had listed for sale, and then withdrew in embarassment after barrages of complaints. Normally I stick to less sensitive issues when I write a comment post on here, but felt compelled to write my thoughts on this. Mental Health is a cause very close to me, I have written about it with my professional writer's hat on, and had experience with mental health problems. I would never under estimate the stigma that can be attached to these issues, or what people go through, whatever degree of mental health problem or illness they have.  That said, I wasn't exactly stunned or shocked when a quick search online showed me the outfit in question which has generated so many heated tweets and media debate. The outfit itself is nothing new, people have been buying or creating blood stained clothes, and wearing wild masks for years, and many shops on the high

Best Hotels In London

*sponsored post I live just 40-45 minutes away from London and I’ve visited for pop concerts, family outings to tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds, and shopping in and around Oxford Street. There are a few things I’ve yet to cross off my wish-list though, which made me wonder what hotel choices are available for anyone who wants to pack more into their trip and combine it with a hotel stay. Here are some of my favourites. Best For Families I grew up in a family of four, so a family friendly hotel was definitely top of mum and dads list when it came to travelling with my sister and I. I think some of their values have rubbed off on me, but I have my own ideas too.  Source - Trip Advisor I think the Holiday Inn Chessington ticks all my boxes for quality, service, and something different. Right on the doorstep of the Chessington World Of Adventures Theme Park (a plus!) , this hotel also wins for its African theme, rooms with views over an animal packed nature r

Oriflame Triple Core - 3D Lipstick Review

 When I see make-up ads on the television the sceptic in me isn't always convinced by the claims made by various brands - you know the ones, where mascara can give you thicker full lashes, and lipstick that makes your lips plumper. There may be science behind the claims, but I personally haven't seen that much difference when I've tried out different lipsticks and lip glosses in the past. So when I was invited to try out Oriflame's Triple Core 3D lipstick, I wasn't convinced I'd get the "optical illusion of fuller lips" that the catalogue promised. I did relish the chance to try out a new Oriflame product though, as Mum used to go to Oriflame parties, and I even delivered their catalogues around my local area for a while. There are five different shades available ranging from Berry Pink, to Red Coral and Nude Peach. From looking at the pictures in the catalogue, I would pretty much try all the shades, but the one that arrived in the post for me

Race For Life Twilight 5K - Chelmsford Event

When I was at school I hated athletics and was never any good at running. However hard I tried to breath and pace myself I always ended up with stitches. So on the surface it might seem like an odd decision to apply for a Race For Life event, BUT if you do think that then maybe you are missing the whole point of Race For Life. You don't have to be good at running to enter, you can walk, jog, hop skip and dance the race if you like, and it doesn't matter what time to cross the finish line with. Race For Life is about raising funds for Cancer Research in a safe, and fun way, and of course exercise is great for your health as well. I have never entered something like this before so I am a little apprehensive over what to expect. But the twilight event appealed because it's in town (easier to get to), and a smaller number of people (1000) which I feel more comfortable with. Also think the idea of getting everyone to glow in the dark with plenty of glow sticks is a lot of fu

Online Shopping - Quiz Clothing

I thought for this blog post I'd do an organic (non PR related piece) about one of my favourite places to shop online. As I am often in jeans and a jumper in front of the laptop, this online shop serves me well with going-out day/evening tops. Quiz Clothing As I don't travel much for various reasons, I do sometimes find a lack of things I like on the high street. I'm probably a bit picky, fussy, and unadventurous, but I know what I like too. My parents once bought me a couple of tops from a Quiz store for my birthday - basic t-shirts - and then I thought I'd see if they had a website, and see what else they had for store. Quiz is now my new favourite place for tops. They have a nice selection of colours and styles, and longer length with sleeves as well which is always a plus. Some of my favourites have a bit of sequin detail or bling on them, and striking different designs using colours, animals, or lettering. I've had two lovely orders from them recently (

Schwartz Grill Mates - Smoky Texan Marinade

Freelancers snack time has become freelancers dinner time this month! I usually profile snacks I can munch at the desk, but when I am finished at the desk, or just want something different to do - I cook. I am by no means a foodie, but do enjoy cooking when recipes catch my eye, and of course it gives mum a break as well. My target this time was Schwartz Grill Mates - I was itching for the chance to try a packet out as they sounded so yummy! There are 4 different flavours to choose from - Deep South Brown Sugar, Cajun Marinade Mix, Mojito Lime Marinade Mix, and Smoky Texan. What you get is a sachet of powder which you simply add water and oil to, to make your marinade. I used the Smokey Texan Marinade Mix, and did deviate from the instructions a little, as I opted for a 15 minute marinade of my chicken breasts in the fridge (packet suggests 15 minutes, or the fridge overnight). Once my chicken was marinated, I set about making the rest of the meal - this time rice, with tomatoes an

Comment - Boybands Bringing Out Perfume

I have been a pop fan right from a young age, and although my music tastes have changed and expanded a little, they still include acts that would (although sometimes loosely) be termed as boybands. I have been a supporter of Take That since I was a teen, so over the years have brought everything from books and badges, to t-shirts, tour programmes, and I even had a Take That birthday cake one year. This sort of thing sits easy with me, it's merchandise featuring pictures of the band, or products about the band and their music. It's how things should be. But more recently boybands have veered off course and the marketing machines behind them have had them promoting make-up, condoms (in the case of JLS), and perfume. I know that these products are still aimed at girls (the majority of a male acts fan base), but they just don't seem relevant to what the act is doing, and to see men promote a product obviously aimed at the ladies just feels all kind of wrong. Although I may

Snapbox Photo Canvas Review

Hello all, it's September, and apart from some small blips, it's still nice weather - I would be quite happy if it stayed around the 22 - 24 degree mark for the rest of the year. Perhaps that is a bit optimistic, but I have had the chance to get out in the garden and snap some pics of my favourite little people (that's Wilson and my nephew Joey). They may not belong to me, but they visit lots. I was lucky enough to be invited to try out the Snapbox photo canvas service recently, which proved to be the ideal opportunity to finally get another digital photo printed, as I really am hopeless at actually printing out my memories. Fresh Out The Box   The website is easy to navigate and gives you the option of either submitting a photo by email, or navigating through the upload and purchase process on the site. I chose the latter option preferring to do it all myself. I found the software really handy, as when you upload you can select different sizes from the drop down m