Simple seduction tips

February 9, 2012, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Should government set quota for women in top positions in business?

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Filed under: Sex

Simple seduction tips PA

With Valentine's Day approaching, the scent of seduction is in the air. While the art of seducing isn't an exact science, there are a few easy things you can do to get that bedroom temperature rising - and not just for one night only.

Check out our guide of simple seduction tips and work your magic in minutes. All you need to pull these tricks off? A confident approach and a positive attitude.

Simple seduction tips

Try a new look... down there
 Ever thought about a trip to Brazil? Whether you're a regular devotee of waxing or have never touched the hair down there, a change in scenery is one way to amp up the sex appeal - and give you an added confidence boost in bed.
Expose some cleavage
 Lingerie brand Ultimo recently surveyed women on their top seduction techniques, and <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/09/is-a-killer-cleavage-the-best-way-to-attract-a-man/" target="_blank">flaunting their cleavage</a> came out on top. According to Ultimo's Michelle Mone: "Having a full, sculpted cleavage boosts your confidence as well as your shape, and a well-fitting bra will also make your silhouette appear instantly slimmer."
Slip on a pair of heels
 Adding a pair of high heels to your look - whether it's your basic office outfit or some sexy new lingerie - helps elongate and slim legs. If the idea of walking in heels is torture for you, just slip a pair on and perch on the bed - they'll be off in no time.
Mix masculine with feminine
 A woman in man's clothing is sexy because of the interplay between masculine and feminine (remember Julia Roberts wearing nothing but a tie and heels in Pretty Woman?). Designer Stefano Gabbana told The Telegraph: "You don't need to lose femininity by wearing a suit; the first thing I think is, 'Is she wearing lace underwear?'"
Swap your tights for suspenders
 A glimpse of garter belt and stockings - under a prim pencil skirt or dress - on date night will have him fantasising about the night ahead. The bill, please!
Wear red
 Studies have found that both women and men are attracted to members of the opposite sex wearing the colour red. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, "red is hypothesized to serve as an aphrodisiac for men because it carries the meaning of sex and romance."

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Should government set quota for women in top positions in business?

February 9, 2012, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Why most women say they're over half a stone lighter than they really are

≪ Previous: Simple seduction tips

Filed under: In the news

Should government set quota for women in top positions in business? AFP/Getty Images

David Cameron is currently pondering the age-old question: Would the world be a better place if women were in charge?

Cameron warned that the lack of women in boardrooms is curtailing Britain's economic recovery, saying he will not "rule out quotas" when it comes to getting women on boards. He is currently attending the Nordic-Baltic Summit in Sweden to learn about how countries like Norway and Iceland successfully introduced quotas to increase the number of women in boardrooms.

"The evidence is that there is a positive link between women in leadership and business performance, so if we fail to unlock the potential of women in the labour market, we're not only failing those individuals, we're failing our whole economy," Cameron said before the summit last night.

Cameron also said he wanted to boost numbers "preferably without having quotas" - 30% was the likely target he was hoping for - but would not rule them out if necessary. One in 10 of Britain's firms still have all male boards, and after a government-commissioned review last year, the proportion of female directors at FTSE 100 companies has risen from 12.5% to 15%.

While we'd love to see more women in high-powered positions, would women want to have their jobs to fill a quota? Just because it's worked for Iceland and Norway, does it mean it would work in Britain?

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Weird news

Breastmilk couriers help working mothers in Indonesia
 Indonesian motorbike couriers are feeling the need for speed - they're busy transporting freshly pumped breastmilk from new mums who have had to return to work, reports the Telegraph. This innovative service, which charges between £2.20 and £3 per delivery, ensures that mothers can feed their children with their own milk and still manage their working schedules. Jakarta's crowded roads mean that each delivery can take up to an hour, so let's hope grannies looking after the babies have a dummy to hand.  <o:p></o:p>
Mobile phone photo of grinning mortician found holding severed head
 Children in Aylesbury found a mobile phone with this photo of a mortuary assistant laughing as he held up a severed head. The children's father removed the SIM from the phone and started viewing images on his computer when he came across this photo. He told the Daily Mail: "It's like when you find a wallet, you look inside to see if there's anything to say who it belongs to." "However, after finding that, I don't want to get in touch with this guy. It's a total lack of respect for the dead." "That was probably someone's father, someone's son and someone's brother, it's unbelievable to think they could do that to someone." Police are currently investigating the case.
Man doesn't notice 9cm nail stuck in his brain
 Dante Autullo, from Illinois, accidentally shot a 9cm nail into his brain with a nail gun - and didn't notice for 36 hours. He eventually went to hospital, complaining of nausea and headaches, where it was discovered that the nail was lodged just millimetres from the part of the brain that controls motor functions, making the fact he was "walking and talking" even more miraculous. His fiancee's reaction to the ordeal? "Un-freaking-believable." Autullo had the nail removed and a titanium plate installed in his skull and is said to be recovering well.
Giant rat found in shoe shop
 Seems like the rats in New York are getting too big for the sewers - <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/09/giant-mutant-rat-found-in-shoe-shop/" target="_self">staff in a Bronx location of Foot Locker uncovered a three-foot-long giant rat in their storeroom</a>, believed to be a Gambian pouched rat. Some questioned the validity of the photo of the dead rat (was it just a trick of perspective?), which was posted to Twitter by @TheGoodFella_.
Traditional New York accent could be dying out
 <div> It may soon be time to bid adieu to a classic - the strong Noo Yawk accent (one of Woody Allen's trademarks). Kara Becker, an assistant professor of linguistics at Reed University, wrote in the New York Post that: "Current linguistic research finds that many of the defining features of local speech are losing ground."</div> <div> </div> <div> "Research shows that not all accents are created equal in the US. When Americans are asked to rank locations in descending order from most to least 'correct' speech, the New York City accent is rated second to last (only the South rates lower). Speakers of the New York City accent, it turns out, are associated with a number of negative attributes, like being unfriendly and unkind." Get outta hee!</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
Indian minister's shoelace row
 Gauri Shankar Bisen, a minister in the state government of Madhya Pradesh, has found himself a bit tied up recently - the result of footage emerging of a child tying his shoelaces as he attended a state event. Bisen - who had been advised by doctors not to lean forward after a bypass surgery and hernia operation - has since pledged to wear only slip-on shoes from now on after Congress minister Kamal Nath referred to the incident as "the most obnoxious episode" he'd seen.
Thai man marries dead girlfriend
 In the ultimate show of romance (or creepiness), Chadil Deffy (also known as Deff Yingyuen), married his deceased girlfriend in a funeral/wedding ceremony after Sarinya "Anne" Kamsook died tragically in a car accident. The footage of the ceremony - and Deffy slipping a ring onto his dead bride's finger - later went viral on YouTube, prompting critics to accuse Deffy of publicity-hounding (he also posted photos of himself on Facebook in an album called "Corpse Bride").
'Ugly' dog breeds increasing in popularity
 It turns out getting a cute puppy to cuddle and admire isn't motivating pet owners these days - new statistics from the Kennel Club show that 'ugly' dog breeds (like the Mexican hairless and Chinese crested), which provoke a reaction, are increasing in popularity. Paul Keevil, who runs a group called British Heritage Dog Breeds, told the Telegraph that the trend was about "making a statement - whatever that statement is." "There is certainly a growing appeal for these breeds, who seem to be, shall we say, a less attractive bunch. "It is a desire for the bizarre. People want something that looks a bit unusual, a bit striking. The dog is to make some kind of fashion or lifestyle statement. "Maybe it makes the owner more beautiful. They say that people look like their dogs, but perhaps it doesn’t apply in these cases."
TV gardening expert feeds his plants Viagra
 Viagra's been known to help those with wilting issues, and one gardening expert, David Domoney, has tried the little blue pill on his blooms - and claims it helps them stay alive for up to a week longer. "You only need a tiny amount of Viagra to stiffen things up nicely. Just 1 mg - there are 50mg in a single tablet - dissolved into water with your plants will make them last a week longer." "Viagra contains nitric oxide - which slows down the dying process in plants. The same chemical relaxes the muscles in a man's penis - allowing the blood rush which is how Viagra perks things up in men, too." "We are very similar to plants - our genetics are compatible in many ways. Now scientists are working on ways to market a gardeners' version of Viagra for plants." If you don't have any Viagra handy, aspirin works too - on your flowers.
Pony kept in living room of semi-detached house
 Pensioner Stephanie Noble, based in the remote Scottish island village of Back, Lewis, wasn't horsing around when she moved her pony, Grey Lady Too, into her living room after a grazing dispute left the horse without a field. "This is my own property - if I want to even keep an elephant in the house I can," Noble said. "I have had nothing but stick from people because it is unconventional. "It is not normal to keep birds in a cage, because they should be flying about, but people don’t complain about that. Grey Lady Too is very happy. "She goes out to the lawn - though she has eaten a couple of the neighbour’s plants - and comes back in the house herself. The situation is not ideal, but it is safe and secure for her."

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Why most women say they're over half a stone lighter than they really are

February 9, 2012, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Work of art or horror show? Woman gets cast of Snow White tattooed on back

≪ Previous: Should government set quota for women in top positions in business?

Filed under: Diet

Why most women say they're over half a stone lighter than they really are Getty

If you've ever felt bad for fibbing about your weight, take heart.

A new study has revealed that the majority of women cut an average of nine pounds off their actual weight when they were talking about it to their partner or friends.

In a study of 2,000 women carried out by Eat Water found one fifth of women said they always claimed to be two dress sizes below their real size.

The study also found one fifth of women claimed to weigh a stone less than their real weight.

The company's Vincent Lee told the Daily Mail: "Most people will admit to telling the odd white lie about their body shape and weight but for women to be lying so frequently is a bit of a shame."

He added: "Carrying extra weight can be embarrassing and knock your confidence and it's only natural that you might not want to highlight this to your friends and even your partner. It's especially worrying that so many women are starting to believe their own lies."

Is it ok to lie about your weight? Let us know below...

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Work of art or horror show? Woman gets cast of Snow White tattooed on back

February 9, 2012, 3:54 am

≫ Next: Cake and Eat It: Passion fruit cheesecake pots

≪ Previous: Why most women say they're over half a stone lighter than they really are

Filed under: In the news

Work of art or horror show? Woman gets cast of Snow White tattooed on back Caters

If you wanted to get a tattoo, what would be your first idea? A delicate butterfly? The name of someone you love? How about Snow White and the Seven Dwarves?

For Annfaye Kao, her love of the Disney cartoon meant she went ahead with a full back design of not only Snow White, but Prince Charming, the Evil Queen and every one of the seven dwarves.

The design took three months, was etched by tattoo artist Ping in Taiwan and won an award at the yearly Singapore tattoo convention.

Work of art or horror show? Woman gets cast of Snow White tattooed on back Caters

Annfaye explained: "It took three months to finish it as it was so detailed. It hurt really badly to get a full one on my whole back."

"At times I was in such pain that I wanted to hurry it up, but luckily I didn't give up and got it finished. I got an invite shortly afterwards to a tattoo exhibition and of course I came first in the best tattoo competition."

The 27-year-old said a dream about the Disney film sparked her desire to get the back piece done.

"The motive for the tattoo started in a dream," she explained.

"It reminded me of my childhood and my love for Snow White as she is so beautiful. As a child I used to imagine I was Snow White in a fairytale so it seemed like a good thing to have tattooed on my back."

"Snow White is a part of my childhood and therefore me, so I'm happy I will have it on me forever - it reminds me of my princess dream."

Does Annfaye's design make you happy or grumpy? Let us know below - and for a less dramatic change, check out our gallery of winter hair ideas...

Winter hair colour ideas

Icy blonde
 Just because winter calls for warmth, you don't necessarily need to go darker in the colder months. Try something dramatically different, like a Gwyneth-inspired icy blonde hue. The frosty, cool shade with ashy highlights makes a great contrast to winter's dark palette and looks gorgeous against snowy white.
Rich auburn
 Nothing adds warmth and colour in the sombre winter months quite like a deep red hue, like Drew Barrymore's auburn shade. This darker shade of red doesn't wash out the star's creamy complexion but adds texture and shine instead, and it's not too far from brunette so isn't as much of a risk as a coppery red hue. The brownish shadow and pinky-brown lip are the perfect way to accentuate the gorgeous colour.
Blonde with dark roots
 Blonde hair instantly brightens up winter's darker palette, but if you're looking to make a change that still feels familiar, try SJP-inspired ombre locks. The dark roots and tumbling golden-blonde curls are a more natural take on the trendy ombre styles of 2011, and her gorgeous caramel hue is a great way for a darker shade to go light. Works well on olive and darker complexions.
Subtle highlights on a brunette hue
 Lots of people look to brunette shades to warm up their hair for winter. A great way to update a brown shade for the cooler months is with some subtle golden highlights a la Liz Hurley's, to keep hair looking healthy and glossy.
Bright red
 Emma Stone's head-turning red shade isn't for wallflowers. Seen on catwalks aplenty this season, this copper shade is a bit deeper and brighter than most natural reds. This colour will look great on pale complexions.
Something totally different
 Katy Perry recently debuted a new look - not for the faint of heart - that saw her fuchsia hair transformed into an icy whitish-blonde hue with pink highlights. Adding non-traditional streaks to your hair is a dramatic way to make a serious colour change, and what better time to do that than in the dull winter months?
Dark brunette
 Emily Blunt went from light brown to this dramatic dark hue (and also debuted a new bob) in November, just in time for winter. Her almost-black hair hue is perfect for the winter season and looks gorgeous on pale skin. The dramatic eye makeup ensures she doesn't look washed-out.

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Cake and Eat It: Passion fruit cheesecake pots

February 9, 2012, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Skin cancer drug could 'cure' Alzheimer's

≪ Previous: Work of art or horror show? Woman gets cast of Snow White tattooed on back

Filed under: Food

Cake and Eat It: Passion fruit cheesecake pots Jassy Davis

This week's recipe is one for the lovers, especially lovers of cheesecake. It's an easy, indulgent pud that's perfect for seducing the object of your affection on Valentine's Day.

There are two reasons why this dessert is ideal for a romantic night in (apart from being delicious, obviously). First, you can make it ahead. It'll sit happily in the fridge for 24 hours, so you can make the cheesecake and then spoon over the passion fruit pulp just before serving. This means more time for getting ready, lighting candles, strewing flowers and generally doing whatever it is you do to set the mood.

The second is that it's worry-free. Because it's served in pots, there's no stress about sliding the cheesecake out of its tin, praying that it has set and won't collapse or run. Just find two pretty pots to put it in (I picked up my chintzy heart-shaped ramekins in a local pound shop) and the presentation is done.

The cheesecakes are rich, so the portions are small - no one wants to end their Valentine's Day meal feeling queasy. And hopefully one of you will have remembered to buy the obligatory heart-shaped box of chocolates, so if you are hungry for more you'll have options. Happy romancing.

Passion fruit cheesecake pots

15 minutes to prepare + chilling, 1-2 minutes to cook

Serves 2

Cook's note: Suitable for vegetarians

2 digestive biscuits

15g butter

75ml double cream

75g soft cheese, beaten

½ tsp vanilla extract

40g icing sugar, sifted

1 wrinkled, ripe passion fruit

1. Crush the digestive biscuits with a pestle or the end of a rolling pin to make fine crumbs. Melt the butter. Stir the crushed digestive biscuits into the butter to coat them and then spoon into 2 (150ml) pots or glasses. Press down with the back of a teaspoon to smooth and flatten. Chill for at least 30 minutes to set.

2. Whip the double cream to form stiff peaks. Add the soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla extract. Fold to combine. Spoon over the biscuit base. Smooth and chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. When you're ready to serve, halve the passion fruit and scoop out the pulp. Spoon it over the cheesecakes and serve.

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Skin cancer drug could 'cure' Alzheimer's

February 9, 2012, 10:22 pm

≫ Next: Shy or lonely people could be defined as mentally ill

≪ Previous: Cake and Eat It: Passion fruit cheesecake pots

Filed under: In the news

Skin cancer drug could 'cure' Alzheimer's Getty

US researchers have discovered that a drug commonly-used to treat skin cancer could not only slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease, but could also reverse its symptoms.

So far, the drug, called bexarotene, has only been tested on mice with degenerative brain diseases - but initial results are encouraging as it appears to attack the biological causes of the disease.

The Telegraph reports that neuroscientists at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland found that the mice's levels of soluble amyloid beta - thought to cause brain cells to die in Alzheimer's sufferers - dropped by 25 per cent within six hours of taking the drug.

Three days later they remembered how to build a nest from tissue paper - which they had forgotten as a result of the disease. And half of the mice's amyloid brain plaques - which is a key indicator of the disease - had cleared within 72 hours and eventually three-quarters disappeared altogether.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but Dr Anne Corbett, of the Alzheimer's Society, told the Daily Mail: "This exciting study could be the beginning of a journey towards a potential new way to treat Alzheimer's disease."

However, other experts have taken a more cautious approach, warning that treatments that work in laboratory mice aren't always effective in humans.

Paige Cramer, who is first author of the study, told The Telegraph:"This is an unprecedented finding. Previously, the best existing treatment for Alzheimer's disease in mice required several months to reduce plaque in the brain."

Her supervisor, Professor Gary Landreth, added: "We need to be clear; the drug works quite well in mouse models of the disease. Our next objective is to ascertain if it acts similarly in humans."

Have you or your family been affected by Alzheimer's? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which foods can boost your memory...

Memory-boosting foods

Egg
 Eggs are rich in choline, which can help fight off the effects of ageing in the brain - researchers recently found that those with <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/25/chicken-eggs-and-milk-sharpen-memory_n_1113136.html" target="_blank">high-choline diets performed better in memory tests</a>.
Apples (skin-on)
 An apple a day could help keep your memory loss at bay since apple skin is high in quercetin, which has been found to keep brain cells healthy and help ward off Alzheimer's.
Asparagus
 The green veggie is rich in folate - a diet high in folic acid is associated with better memory recall and an overall higher cognitive performance.
Oily fish
 Here's yet another reason to integrate oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) into your diet - the omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the health of the nervous system and help stave off memory loss.
Celery
 Celery is high in the flavonoid luteolin, which has been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and improve memory in mice. If you're not a fan of the vegetable on its own, try dipping it in hummus or peanut butter, or garnishing your morning tomato juice with it.
Tomatoes
 Add some colour to your salad with tomatoes - research has found that the lycopene in the fruit can help protect against free radical damage (associated with dementia) and can help boost memory.
Cinnamon
 Start sprinkling: By slowing blood sugar absorption, cinnamon helps to prevent cell damage and studies have found it can also improve memory.
Cauliflower
 Cauliflower is high in choline (converted to citicoline in the brain), which studies have found can help improve your brain's frontal lobe function (aiding reasoning and memory). Get the choline you need from other cruciferous veggie sources like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Spinach
 A study found that three servings of green leafy veg a day can slow the decline of mental performance associated with ageing by up to 40 per cent. Spinach is also high in memory-preserving folic acid.
Berries
 Studies have found that phytochemicals like anthocyanin and quercetin (found in berries) can not only help improve memory, they can even reverse the effects of memory loss.

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Shy or lonely people could be defined as mentally ill

February 9, 2012, 10:42 pm

≫ Next: Friday Fashion Fix: Jewellery £20 and under

≪ Previous: Skin cancer drug could 'cure' Alzheimer's

Filed under: In the news

Shy or lonely people could be defined as mentally ill Corbis

A new diagnosis handbook used by US doctors could lead to people who are shy, lonely or bereaved being categorised as mentally ill.

The Telegraph reports that the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders could list common behavioural traits, along with internet and gambling addictions, as forms of mental illness.

Even though this manual isn't used in the UK, experts worry that it could negatively influence the way that we perceive types of behaviour which are currently regarded as normal. As a result, it could increase the numbers of people who are diagnosed with mental illness and prescribed drug treatment.

The Independent reports that, among the diagnostic labels, are 'oppositional defiance disorder', to describe rebellious teenagers, 'hypersexual disorder' for those who think about sex at least once every 20 minutes, and 'dysthymia' to describe those who feel sad or lonely.

In addition, the manual lists 'paraphilic coercive disorder' to describe men who fantasise about or engage in sexual relationships involving the use of force - otherwise known as rape.

Simon Wessely, of the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, told the Daily Mail: "We need to be very careful before further broadening the boundaries of illness and disorder.

"Back in 1840 the census of the United States included just one category for mental disorder.

"By 1917 the American Psychiatric Association recognised 59, rising to 128 in 1959, 227 in 1980 and 347 in the last revision. Do we really need all these labels? Probably not. And there is a real danger that shyness will become social phobia, bookish kids labelled as Asperger's and so on."

So far, a petition launched to stop the publication of the new edition has been backed by 11,000 psychologists and the British Psychological Society has also spoken out about the proposed changes.

The fifth edition of the manual is due for publication next year.

Do you think that shyness is a form of mental illness? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some fast ways to get happy...

Ten quick ways to get happy

Look in the mirror and smile
 The last thing you feel like doing when you're down is smiling. However studies show the mere act of drawing your lips up at the corners releases endorphins, which help you feel happier. Go on - try it!
Get creative
 Paint a picture, write a poem, compose a song or learn to knit - try something new to focus your attention on something outside yourself. You'll have something to show for it if you get stuck in, so don't stagnate, create!
Babysit
 Being around small children is great for your mood. It gets the focus off your own problems and you can let your hair down and be really silly, as they'll love you for it!
Clear your space
 If you're buried under a mountain of clutter it's very hard to make plans or feel on top of things. Spend an hour sorting out your space and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
Hug a pet
 Whether cats, dogs, hamsters or tortoises float your boat, spending a little time with a pet can brighten your mood. Studies show stroking a cat or dog can help lower blood pressure, so it's good for your physical health too!
Phone a friend
 Reach out to someone you care about or a person you haven't talked to in a long time. A good natter will perk you up and you can use the time to make some cheerful plans to do something in the future together.
Wash your hair
 Grab some peppermint shampoo and head to the shower if moping about has left you feeling grungy. Show yourself some attention by washing your hair, painting your nails or soaking in a bath - whatever makes you feel a bit pampered.
Take one for the team
 Join a team and you're on the road to feeling more positive. Whether it's darts, football or a pub quiz, getting on side can really help you get over a bad mood.
Eat cake!
 Indulge in a little of what you fancy. If you're on a strict diet, make sure you occasionally include your favourite foods, otherwise life can be a bit grey. Sometimes the only solution really is a nice slice of cake.
Sing!
 Turn on the radio or put on some music and sing as loud as you can. It doesn't matter if you're any good - it's the action that counts. Think 'Twist and Shout' by the Beatles (complete with dance moves) rather than Joy Division.

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↧

Friday Fashion Fix: Jewellery £20 and under

February 9, 2012, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Doctors say chemotherapy is now 'safe' during pregnancy

≪ Previous: Shy or lonely people could be defined as mentally ill

Filed under: Fashion

Friday Fashion Fix: Jewellery £20 and under Tallulah Tu

The finishing touch to a brilliant date night outfit is all in the accessories - the right shoes, the perfect handbag and the jewellery that adds a touch of sparkle or bit of flair to your ensemble.

With Valentine's Day almost here, we've rounded up some gorgeous jewellery bargains for £20 and under - these lovely baubles not only work to accessorize your outfits, they make fab presents, too.

Jewellery £20 and under

Romantic
 Finish off your ensemble with a delicate bracelet - nothing says romance like florals and filigree. Antique rose bracelet, £10, <a href="http://www.ilovecutiepie.com/default.asp?Category=307&Product=429" target="_blank">Cutie Pie</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Retro
 These add some old-world 40s glamour to any look and are ideal for formal occasions, including weddings. Captivating class earrings, £16, <a href="http://www.glitzysecrets.com/captivating-class-earrings.html" target="_blank">Glitzy Secrets</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Faceted stones
 This stacking ring combines three rings in one, with multi-faceted gemstones adding just the right amount of sparkle for everyday. Solar stacking ring, £10, <a href="http://www.accessorize.com/en/restofworld/solar-stacking-ring/invt/18506597/" target="_blank">Accessorize</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Polished gemstone
 These natural gemstone earrings are a subtle way to work a heart motif into your look. Moda di Pietra heart stud earrings sterling silver, £13.25, <a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.602607.cm_scid.KeywordSearch" target="_blank">QVC</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Crystal
 Light up a night on the town with a glamorous bit of glitz. Bangles, £20 each, <a href="http://www.lovelemonade.com/index.php/bangles/crystal-bangle-size-4.html" target="_blank">Lemonade</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Pin it
 This 'Love' brooch adds a bit of sparkle to any ensemble.  'Love' brooch, £6.50, <a href="http://www.claires.com/store/index.jsp" target="_blank">Claire's Accessories</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Enamel
 These adorable earrings make a lovely gift. They're perfect for everyday and the robin's egg blue calls to mind the iconic Tiffany jewellery box - at a fraction of the price. Cath Kidston enamel bow earrings, £15, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Cath+Kidston+Enamel+bow+earrings/165384842,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Funky
 Less dramatic than a tattoo declaring your undying, this cheeky ring is a playful way to express your emotions. Enamel love ring, £15, <a href="http://www.tattydevine.com/shop/featured/valentines/enamel-love-ring.html" target="_blank">Tatty Devine</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Studs
 These sparkling Swarovski studs make a gorgeous present that are perfect for office-to-overtime. No one would guess they were a steal at £20! Soiree studs, £20, <a href="http://shop.stelladot.co.uk/style/b2c_en_gb/shop/earrings/studs/soiree-studs.html" target="_blank">Stella & Dot</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Shell
 This multi-strand beaded necklace is perfect for pairing with a low-cut top. Shell and sequin necklace, £15, <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/store/Shell+And+Sequin+Necklace/Red/RED-ROUGEX/" target="_blank">East</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Sporty
 This unisex band shows off your Olympic spirit and bears the Links of London signature - for only £20. 2012 Team GB band, £20, <a href="http://www.linksoflondon.com/online-shop/women/bracelets/15241-team-gb-band" target="_blank">Links of London</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Statement
 This quirky necklace might inspire you to do naughty things... Fresh cargo bronze handcuffs necklace, £12, <a href="http://www.vivaladiva.com/shop/home" target="_blank">Viva La Diva</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Deco
 Get a head start on spring's love of all things 1920s-inspired with these Art Deco-style sparklers. Crystal half-circle studs, £16, <a href="http://www.talullahtu.co.uk/earrings-c1/crystal-half-circle-studs-p179" target="_blank">Talullah Tu</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Charmed
 Wear this charm bracelet on its own or stack a couple together as good luck charms (they come in a variety of colours and meanings) for day or evening. Charmology 'Love' ring bracelet, £20, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Charmology+Charmology+%60Love%60+ring+bracelet/164992333,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Pendant
 This pretty pendant is a lovely everyday accessory - and makes a gorgeous gift on special occasions. Eternal by Diamonique 0.1 ct tw heart pendant on chain stainless steel, £12, <a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.696536.cm_scid.KeywordSearch" target="_blank">QVC</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>

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Doctors say chemotherapy is now 'safe' during pregnancy

February 9, 2012, 11:40 pm

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Filed under: In the news

Doctors say chemotherapy is now 'safe' during pregnancy Getty

Women who are diagnosed with cancer when they are pregnant will no longer have to put their lives at risk by delaying treatment - or face a termination.

A number of new studies have shown that children born to women who had chemotherapy when they were pregnant developed as well as those born to healthy women.

Cancer during pregnancy is, thankfully, very rare. The Independent reports that around one in 1,000 pregnancies is affected but, in the past, women had to choose to delay their treatment until their baby was born, start treatment during the pregnancy and risk damaging the baby, or have an abortion.

Now doctors will support patients who wish to continue with the pregnancy if possible, and the outcomes for both mother and baby appear to be good.

Chemotherapy involves using toxic drugs to kill cancer cells - but it can destroy healthy cells too. However, a study of 68 women who had three to four cycles of chemotherapy during pregnancy showed that their children were not affected.

Researchers at the Leuven Cancer Institute in Belgium, whose study was published in medical journal The Lancet, wrote: "Our findings do not support a strategy of delay in chemotherapy or [induced] pre-term delivery with [subsequent] chemotherapy to avoid harm to the foetus."

Other research, conducted at the Institut Gustave Roussy, found that chemotherapy is safe from the second trimester, but it can harm the foetus if given during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The Daily Mail reports that, in the UK, 5,000 women of reproductive age are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 10 to 20 per cent of cases in women under 30 take place during pregnancy or soon after birth.

It is often diagnosed later than usual in pregnant women because changes in the body can mask the symptoms.

Frederic Amant, from Belgium's Leuven Cancer Institute who worked on The Lancet report, told The Daily Mail: "The new insights we gained during our research facilitate cancer treatment and provide hope for mother and child in most cases.

"Most mothers feel stronger and are even more motivated to undergo the cancer treatment and its side effects, since she is fighting for her child as well."

Would you have chemotherapy if you were diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out if you're ready for a baby...

Are you ready for a baby?

Independent women
 For superstar mum and business powerhouse  Beyoncé, pre-pregnancy accomplishments were integral to being a better parent. She recently revealed she'd held off having a family "to build an empire, relationship and [her] self-worth before becoming a mother." If you're having doubts about whether now is the right time or not, Brookes suggests listing your life goals: "... then separate them into goals that are attainable even after a baby and those that would be harder. Which column is fuller? If there are a lot in the latter column it may be an indication that you don't feel ready."
The time to reevaluate?
 Even if you think your career is your priority, having a baby may change your life goals. According to Brookes: "Having a baby gives us permission to re-evaluate. We're often so busy working and socialising that we never ask: 'Is this what I want anyway?' Prior to having children our focus is on ourselves." If you're already pregnant, make the most of your maternity leave. "It's easy to want solely to relax but this can often contribute to that 'unfulfilled' feeling. Seek out local family events and get-togethers with other parents so you start to recognise everyone is having their own challenges and triumphs, too. This also allows you to look forward to a time when you aren't working and of course builds up a bank of positive memories that aren't just career-related," Brookes explains.
What about the social aspect?
 Fact: Having a baby will impact your social life. How do you feel about that? Brookes suggests asking yourself: "Are you still partying hard and living for the weekends or are you finding yourself staying in more? The more party-hardy your evenings, the chances are you may not be feeling quite ready and haven't done enough." She also recommends chatting to friends about anything they've regretted not doing before baby came along - even if you wouldn't miss the same things, it could alert you to something that would only be visible in retrospect.
How to silence those fears
 Doubts and fears are a natural part of any big decision. "Actually, they're providing an opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons of a situation, reflect upon where we are at and what needs to change," explains Brookes. Chat to other parents for some perspective, and look at your own situation (your health, relationship, etc) to see if it's your environment that's causing you to postpone your decision. <o:p>Brookes adds that: "Having a baby will not prevent you from doing anything unless you let it. Yes, you may need more support but it's doable if you want it enough."<o:p></o:p></o:p>
When is the right time?
 Over the past decade, the number of women waiting until they are over 40 to have a baby has increased by 50%. The biggest dilemma for some women is the question of balancing career with baby and feeling that they've achieved what they hoped they would. As life coach, psychologist and mum of two, Jenny Brookes, explains: "Achieving personal goals before having a baby certainly allows you to more fully engage in the process of being a mum. You enter parenthood with higher self esteem and empowering memories of adventure and achievement which can provide confidence in your own parenting ability."

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Half of women keep sexy knickers in their bag just in case

February 10, 2012, 12:06 am

≫ Next: Alan Carr attacks 'prune face' Karl Lagerfeld for calling Adele 'fat'

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Filed under: In the news

Half of women keep sexy knickers in their bag just in case Getty

Support pants can be very handy when it comes to making your tummy look flatter and your bum look firmer, but they're not exactly sexy, are they?

So we shouldn't be surprised that a new survey from Sainsbury's reveals that women are still too embarrassed to let men see them in their shape wear.

But rather than do away with their big pants altogether, it seems that 43 per cent of women keep a pair of skimpy knickers in their handbag ready to change into - just in case they get lucky.

Sainsbury's found that 60 per cent of women would never admit to wearing shape wear - even though 40 per cent of men said that they wouldn't be put off by a pair of belly-warmer knickers.

So maybe we should just wear our big pants with pride!

The supermarket's research also revealed that curvy girls are more inclined to make an effort with sexy lingerie.

It seem that size 8 women are more likely to wear plain cotton knickers, while size 14s like suspender belts - and sometimes go commando. But it's size 16s who really pull out all the stops and tend to wear sexy matching sets.

Toni-Ann Lindsay, lingerie buyer for TU at Sainsburys, told the Daily Mail: "This survey really highlights that women are embracing their curves and feeling confident about their figures.

"You might expect classic model-sized ladies to be more confident and adventurous. However it seems that the curvier ladies are more likely to choose sexier and chic underwear this Valentine's Day."

Do you admit to wearing shape wear? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some simple seduction tips...

Simple seduction tips

Try a new look... down there
 Ever thought about a trip to Brazil? Whether you're a regular devotee of waxing or have never touched the hair down there, a change in scenery is one way to amp up the sex appeal - and give you an added confidence boost in bed.
Expose some cleavage
 Lingerie brand Ultimo recently surveyed women on their top seduction techniques, and <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/09/is-a-killer-cleavage-the-best-way-to-attract-a-man/" target="_blank">flaunting their cleavage</a> came out on top. According to Ultimo's Michelle Mone: "Having a full, sculpted cleavage boosts your confidence as well as your shape, and a well-fitting bra will also make your silhouette appear instantly slimmer."
Slip on a pair of heels
 Adding a pair of high heels to your look - whether it's your basic office outfit or some sexy new lingerie - helps elongate and slim legs. If the idea of walking in heels is torture for you, just slip a pair on and perch on the bed - they'll be off in no time.
Mix masculine with feminine
 A woman in man's clothing is sexy because of the interplay between masculine and feminine (remember Julia Roberts wearing nothing but a tie and heels in Pretty Woman?). Designer Stefano Gabbana told The Telegraph: "You don't need to lose femininity by wearing a suit; the first thing I think is, 'Is she wearing lace underwear?'"
Swap your tights for suspenders
 A glimpse of garter belt and stockings - under a prim pencil skirt or dress - on date night will have him fantasising about the night ahead. The bill, please!
Wear red
 Studies have found that both women and men are attracted to members of the opposite sex wearing the colour red. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, "red is hypothesized to serve as an aphrodisiac for men because it carries the meaning of sex and romance."

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Alan Carr attacks 'prune face' Karl Lagerfeld for calling Adele 'fat'

February 10, 2012, 12:23 am

≫ Next: Would you have your dead pet freeze-dried?

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Filed under: In the news

Alan Carr attacks 'prune face' Karl Lagerfeld for calling Adele 'fat' PA

We do like it when celebrities stick up for each other - so we were delighted to hear that Alan Carr is on the warpath after hearing that fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld called his friend Adele 'fat'.

And once he got started, Alan really let rip.

The Sun reported that he said: "Adele is beautiful - leave her alone. Lagerfeld is a vile old queen. If I see him I'd rip his grey hair off the top of his prune face."

He continued: "He needs to sort his face out. I mean, he could drop kick his jowls they're so saggy."

We can't imagine that Karl is too concerned with Alan's opinions - but he has claimed that his comments about Adele were "taken out of context".

Earlier in the week he reportedly said: "she is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice."

Luckily for her, she's also got some very loyal - and very funny - friends.

What do you think of Alan Carr's comments? Let us know below...

Click on the image below to find out which skirts will suit your body shape...

Skirts for your body shape

Fitted pencil skirt with splits - Hourglass
 The most flattering way to encase those hourglass curves is in a high-waisted pencil skirt - just look to Joan Holloway on Mad Men for inspiration and team with fitted cardis and colourful blouses. This navy skirt from Jaeger is perfect for office - and the subtle-yet-sexy splits ensure it can work the night shift, too.  Double split hem pencil skirt, £160, <a href="http://www.jaeger.co.uk/Product_Detail?productid=750050C" target="_blank">Jaeger</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Pleated skirt - Athletic
 Add curves to an athletic frame with frills, pleats and embellishments. This maxi will brighten up any look and can be teamed with peasant tops and voluminous blouses to soften an athletic physique. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson pleated maxi-skirt, £40, <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/" target="_blank">Debenhams</a> - <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">Shop skirts</a>
Peplum skirt - Inverted triangle
 The playful peplum detail on this bright lace skirt from ASOS adds width to the hips to help balance out broader shoulders on an inverted triangle body shape. Play with texture and colour to add volume to your narrower bottom half. ASOS Midi with lace peplum, £35, <a href="http://www.asos.com/?hrd=1" target="_blank">ASOS</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Above-the-knee - Petite
 Lengthen a petite frame by showing off your legs in an A-line above-the-knee skirt in a darker hue. The ruffle detail on this mini from Comptoir des Cotonniers is a subtle way to add some curves to smaller frames. Team with a light-coloured blouse or jumper to draw the gaze upwards and give the illusion of longer lines.  Melba skirt, £105, <a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/eng/home_EN.aspx" target="_blank">Comptoir des Cotonniers</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Printed maxi skirt - Tall
 Tall silhouettes should make the most of their long frames in dramatic maxi styles. A printed skirt, like East's crinkly vintage floral version, draws the eyeline across the body instead of up and down.  Floral maxi skirt, £72, <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/" target="_blank">East</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Pencil skirt with flippy hemline - Tall/petite/hourglass/pear
 This tailored wool skirt from Boden is a great workwear item that suits a variety of body shapes. It hugs curvy hourglass and pear silhouettes (but has a wider hemline than normal pencil skirts to flatter bigger hips), is elongating on petite shapes and also works on taller women - just add a brightly hued top and belt to break up your lines. Flippy wool skirt, £79, <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Skirts/Knee-Length-Skirts/BQ011/Womens-Flippy-Wool-Skirt.html?strShortKey=LNU1&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Women's%20Clothes-_-Women's%20Knee%20Length%20Skirts-_-BQ011%20Navy%20Pinstripe%20Flippy%20Wool%20Skirt" target="_blank">Boden via AOL Shopping</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Belted knee-length A-line skirt - Pear
 Knee-length A-line skirt shapes are especially flattering on pear figures. We love this colourful, striped version by Hobbs since it includes pleats and a belt to highlight a tiny waist, while skimming over bigger hips and bums. Paige skirt, £119, <a href="http://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1017&productid=0112-7635-3487L00&productvarid=0112-7635-3487L00-BLACK%20MULTI-14&refpage=1199" target="_blank">Hobbs</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Frill skirt - Slender
 Slim girls should look for skirts with volume and texture - tulip shapes and anything with ruffles and embellishments are particularly flattering. This tiered frill skirt from Jigsaw will add curves to a slim frame and highlight slender legs.  Twig print frill tiered skirt, £110, <a href="http://www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1001450/J15204/womens/skirts/twig-print-frill-tiered-skirt" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Textured pencil skirt - To add curves
 A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe staple for a reason - it can work with a variety of tops and in a variety of settings, from office to evening out. This metallic leather version by Mary Portas has a reflective surface that will make slimmer frames appear curvier, so slender, athletic and petite shapes can try the silhouette (prevalent this season as it's part of the catwalk craze for all things fetish-inspired). This skirt would also suit hourglasses looking to enhance their naturally voluptuous shape. Leather pencil skirt, £199, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mary+Portas+Leather+pencil+skirt/160421592,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>
Bold print A-line skirt - Apple shape
 An A-line skirt that goes out at the knees is perfect for balancing an apple shape and keeps your waist looking slim. Opt for a boldly printed version which will draw the gaze to your slimmer lower half. High fly skirt, £45, <a href="http://www.whitestuff.com/high-fly-skirt-prod337940_graphite_b/" target="_blank">White Stuff</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=1196/page=1" target="_blank">- Shop skirts</a>

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Would you have your dead pet freeze-dried?

February 10, 2012, 2:45 am

≫ Next: The last chocolate in the pack really does taste the best

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Filed under: In the news

Would you have your dead pet freeze-dried? Barcroft Media

It's hard to lose a much-loved family pet, but now there's a way to keep them with you forever - by having them freeze-dried.

Unlike taxidermy - which tends to leave deceased pets looking rather artificial - freezing the bodies of dead pets to minus nine degrees gives a much more natural effect. So natural that animal lovers in the US are paying up to £2,500 for the service.

The Daily Mail reports that the new technique, which involves slowly removing all moisture from the animal's body, can take up to seven months.

During the process, animals are stored in a sealed vacuum chamber, then expert grooming techniques are used to help them look as good as they did in the prime of life.

Anthony Eddy, who owns Eddy's Wildlife Studio (AEWS) in Missouri, told the newspaper: "It is a very emotional thing for pet owners, they don't want to bury or cremate their beloved animal, and they want them to still be around.

"They want to have their pet around and the majority of our customers are old and have had their pet for a long time and the bond between them is strong.

"Most of these animals are old too and have died of cancer or another debilitating illness and when we receive them they do not look their best.

"We ask the owners for pictures of them as they would like to remember their pet and using silicone and stylings we can fill out thin rib cages, legs, faces and restore a lustre to the animal."

But the process isn't for the squeamish: anyone who wants to have their pet freeze dried is told to put their pet in the freezer within 48 hours of its death, before using priority mail to transport the body to the AEWS.

Mr Eddy says: It is a very slow process freeze drying. The chamber operates at minus nine degrees celsius and over the period of up to six months the frozen moisture is slowly converted to a gaseous state and then extracted.

"The larger the animal the larger the amount of moisture. We remove all the internal organs and fat from the insides of the pets and replace their eyes with glass. We check the weight every two weeks and if the weight of the animal has not decreased after a two week gap then we know there is no more moisture left. The animal is then freeze dried, just like the food they give to astronauts."

Metal rods are then used to help manipulate the pets into the desired poses.

Although he's obviously proud of his work, Mr Eddy admits that not everyone is comfortable with the idea of freeze drying.

He says: "I do accept that some people will find it weird, but it is growing in acceptance and what we do is a fine art."

Would you have your pet freeze-dried? Let us know below...

Freeze-dried pets

Freeze-drying chamber
 Employee Joe Pycke shows off the freeze-drying vacuum chamber.
Freeze-dried pets
 Dozens of freeze-dried pets on display in Anthony Eddy's Wildlife Studio in Slater, Missouri.
Lop-eared rabbit
 'I do accept that some people will find it weird, but it is growing in acceptance and what we do is a fine art,' says Anthony Eddy of the freeze-drying process.
Persian cat
 For your animal to be freeze-dried, it needs to be placed in the freezer within 48 hours of its death.
Border collie
 The freeze-drying process can take up to seven months.
Black-haired cat
 This black-haired cat gets positioned with the help of pins.
Chihuahua
 Sadly, this sprightly looking pet pooch isn't going to spring up and give you a cuddle.
Pomeranian
 Owner of Anthony Eddy's Wildlife Studio, Anthony Eddy, says: 'It is a very emotional thing for pet owners, they don't want to bury or cremate their beloved animal, and they want them to still be around.'
Reunited
 A pet owner is reunited with her beloved cat - now freeze-dried.
Beagle dog
 Anthony Eddy's Wildlife Studio in Slater, Missouri, U.S.A. uses special technology to freeze-dry your dead pet, like this beagle. The moisture is sucked from the animals' bodies as they're placed a minus nine degree freeze-dry chamber, so pets are frozen into realistic-looking positions.

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The last chocolate in the pack really does taste the best

February 10, 2012, 3:04 am

≫ Next: Is bromance ruining your romance?

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Filed under: In the news

The last chocolate in the pack really does taste the best Getty

A new study suggests that giving someone your last Rolo really is the ultimate gesture of love.

US psychologists have discovered that knowing something is about to end makes it even more enjoyable - and that's especially true when it comes to your favourite chocolates.

The Daily Mail reports that researchers at the University of Michigan gave men and women five chocolates of different flavours and asked them to rate their enjoyment as they ate.

The flavours were given in different orders and some were told when they were on their last chocolate, while others were not.

When asked which was their favourite, those who were told when they were eating the last one chose that one 66 per cent of the time. Those who were unaware that they had come to end of their supply put that one first place in only 22 per cent of cases.

Researcher Ed O'Brien said that this could happen because people felt they should make the most of the experience as it was coming to an end, or it could be that we're conditioned to expect endings to be happy.

He told the Daily Mail: "Many experiences have happy endings - from the movies and shows we watch to dessert at the end of the meal - and so many people may have a general expectation that things end well, which could bleed over into those unrelated or insignificant judgements."

He said that there's also a possibility that this type of attitude could extend into other experiences - meaning that people who are interviewed for a job last could stand a better chance of getting the job than those that went before.

Have you ever saved anyone your last Rolo? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some Valentine's Day treats...

Valentine's Day food and treats

Rococo Chilli Truffles and Red Hot Lips
 Want to guarantee a hot date? These chilli-filled truffles and red lips chocolates are gorgeous - and totally dangerous. Rococo Chilli Truffles and Red Hot Lips, £13.95, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/CHOCOLATE-SHOP/Chilli-Truffles-And-Red-Hot-Lips-Rococo/71986" target="_blank">Liberty</a>
Waitrose Valentine's Cookie Bouquet
 This cookie bouquet is even sweeter than a bunch of flowers - but we can't guarantee it will last any longer. Waitrose Valentine's Cookie Bouquet, £19.95, <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/shop/BrowseCmd?langId=-11&categoryName=Groceries&level0Aisle=Groceries&fhQuery=fh_location%3d%252f%252fwaitroseproduct%252fen_GB%252fcategories%253c%257bwaitroseproduct_10051%257d&categoryId=waitroseproduct_10051_10059_10096" target="_blank">Waitrose</a>
Taittinger Rose
 Cook a romantic meal at home... but splash out on the best champagne to make it a night to remember (well, depending on how many glasses you have). Taittinger Rose, £46, <a href="http://www.oddbins.com/" target="_blank">Oddbins</a>
The Hummingbird Bakery Red Velvet Layer Cake
 Nothing tastes more sinfully delicious than The Hummingbird Bakery's signature red velvet cake - red-coloured chocolate sponge topped with decadent cream cheese frosting.  Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Layer Cake, £30, <a href="http://hummingbirdbakery.com/order/valentines/valentines-day-red-velvet-cake/" target="_blank">The Hummingbird Bakery</a>
The Cornish Seafood Selection box
 Whether you're having a few friends around or an intimate dinner for two, splurging on fresh fish makes the evening a treat. The Cornish Seafood Selection box, £39.99 for 10 portions, <a href="http://thecornishfishmonger.co.uk/shop/fishboxes-1/cornish-seafood-selection-box.html" target="_blank">The Cornish Fishmonger</a>
Pierre Herme Paris Valentine's Macaron collection
 The tastiest macaroons on the planet have been given a special V Day makeover with this stylish hot neon packaging courtesy of scenographer and designer Marianne Guély. And don't miss the French brand's sinful Valentine's flavour: Macaron Envie, filled with violet cream and blackcurrants.   Pierre Hermé Paris Valentine's 16-piece Macaron assortment, £33; Macaron Envie, £1.85 per piece, <a href="http://www.pierreherme.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Hermé Paris</a>
Coeur de Neufchatel cheese
 Don't have a sweet tooth? This creamy French cheese is perfect for a gooey moment. Coeur de Neufchatel cheese, £5.50, <a href="http://www.clarksfoodsonline.co.uk/cheese-c1/soft-cheese-c3/coeur-de-neufchatel-200g-p146" target="_blank">Clarks Specialty Foods</a>
Cadbury Valentine Treasure Box
 This box of your favourite sweet treats (Dairy Milk, Flake, Dream, Buttons and more) is sure to excite the chocolate addict in everyone. Cadbury Valentine Treasure Box, £9.50, <a href="http://www.cadburygiftsdirect.co.uk/products/881-valentine-treasure-box.aspx" target="_blank">Cadbury</a>
Le Creuset Chocolate Pots
 Finish off your intimate dinner with a glorious chocolate dessert - and enjoy using the adorable heart-shaped Le Creuset bowls long after V Day. Le Creuset Chocolate Pots, £32 for two, <a href="http://www.fortnumandmason.com/p-7544-valentines-chocolate-mousse-chocolate-pots-le-creuset-chocolate-pots.aspx?" target="_blank">Fortnum & Mason</a>
Hot Toddy Whisky Hamper
 Nothing beats the winter chill like a warming hot toddy. The perfect accompaniment to a couch cuddle - just add a blanket. Hot Toddy Whisky Hamper, £27.95, <a href="http://www.giftinspiration.com/gifts/Hot-Toddy-Whisky-Hamper.html#a56685" target="_blank">Gift Inspiration</a>
Thorntons Alphabet Truffles
 This personalised chocolate box can deliver any message you want. Our response? BE MINE. Thorntons Alphabet Truffles, box of 22, £9.99, box of 33, £14.99, <a href="http://www.thorntons.co.uk/pages/servery/AlphabetTruffles.asp" target="_blank">Thorntons</a>
Carluccio's Valentine's Hamper
 Impress with a delicious Italian meal - without lifting a finger - with this hamper-for-two from Carluccio's (which includes a three-course meal with foccacia, Italian meats, wild boar ravioli and chocolate truffles). It also comes with a bottle of Prosecco, edible chocolate rose for the table and serving instructions. Presto! Carluccio's Valentine's Hamper, £35 for two, order at <a href="http://www.carluccios.com/" target="_blank">Carluccio's </a>to pick up Valentine's week

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Is bromance ruining your romance?

February 10, 2012, 7:21 pm

≫ Next: Has the recession ruined your love life?

≪ Previous: The last chocolate in the pack really does taste the best

Filed under: In the news

Is bromance ruining your romance? Getty

Most women would like to think that they are the most important person in their man's life.

But new research suggests that 'bromance' could be more important to modern men than romance, with 74 per cent of men admitting to being in a close, loving - but non sexual - relationship with another man.

Takeaway company Just-Eat.co.uk surveyed 2,500 adults and discovered that the majority of men put their 'bromantic' relationship above their romance.

More than four in ten men (44 per cent) said that they spent more money on a night out with their mate than they do with their partner.

And if you've wondered why he's doesn't send texts or emails, it's because he's keeping in touch with is mates instead - 45 per cent of men say they send more messages to their best friend than their partner.

Even if your man isn't the romantic type, it could be that he's sharing all his affectionate gestures for his mates - over half (64 per cent) said they had given their mate a pet name, while 51 per cent said that they regularly finished each other's sentences.

And don't assume that they're meeting up to watch football and drink beer: two thirds of men said that they enjoyed going for a day's shopping with their best mate, and almost half (46 per cent) said that they regularly go for cocktails together.

Men are even willing to put up with behaviour from their mates that they wouldn't tolerate from a woman. More than a third (35 per cent) of men say that they would laugh at their friend's bad jokes, but wouldn't do the same for their girlfriend. And a similar proportion of men can put up with their friend's disgusting habits, but not their partner's. Predictably, the ability to fart in front of a best male friend was seen as a major advantage over spending time with a girlfriend.

Even though it has traditionally been women who are considered to have the closest friendships, fewer women admit to having a 'womance' with a female friend. But when it comes to showing how much they care, women are really no better than men: the most common act of devotion, cited by 66 per cent of the women polled, was holding back their friend's hair when she was being sick. Sweet, eh?

If you're having a bromance or womance, Just-Eat is offering the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for two very special friends. Log on to http://www.facebook.com/justeat after 14th February for your chance to win.

Does your man put bromance before romance? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some simple seduction tips...

Simple seduction tips

Try a new look... down there
 Ever thought about a trip to Brazil? Whether you're a regular devotee of waxing or have never touched the hair down there, a change in scenery is one way to amp up the sex appeal - and give you an added confidence boost in bed.
Expose some cleavage
 Lingerie brand Ultimo recently surveyed women on their top seduction techniques, and <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/09/is-a-killer-cleavage-the-best-way-to-attract-a-man/" target="_blank">flaunting their cleavage</a> came out on top. According to Ultimo's Michelle Mone: "Having a full, sculpted cleavage boosts your confidence as well as your shape, and a well-fitting bra will also make your silhouette appear instantly slimmer."
Slip on a pair of heels
 Adding a pair of high heels to your look - whether it's your basic office outfit or some sexy new lingerie - helps elongate and slim legs. If the idea of walking in heels is torture for you, just slip a pair on and perch on the bed - they'll be off in no time.
Mix masculine with feminine
 A woman in man's clothing is sexy because of the interplay between masculine and feminine (remember Julia Roberts wearing nothing but a tie and heels in Pretty Woman?). Designer Stefano Gabbana told The Telegraph: "You don't need to lose femininity by wearing a suit; the first thing I think is, 'Is she wearing lace underwear?'"
Swap your tights for suspenders
 A glimpse of garter belt and stockings - under a prim pencil skirt or dress - on date night will have him fantasising about the night ahead. The bill, please!
Wear red
 Studies have found that both women and men are attracted to members of the opposite sex wearing the colour red. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, "red is hypothesized to serve as an aphrodisiac for men because it carries the meaning of sex and romance."

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Has the recession ruined your love life?

February 10, 2012, 8:22 pm

≫ Next: Whitney Houston found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room

≪ Previous: Is bromance ruining your romance?

Filed under: In the news

Has the recession ruined your love life? Getty

It's not what you want to hear in the run up to Valentine's Day, but lack of money is having a devastating effect on our libidos, according to new research.

Good Housekeeping magazine polled more than 1,000 people and found that more than a quarter of people said they were having less sex this year than they did last, with women blaming it on tiredness and men saying that they were too stressed thanks to money worries.

The Daily Mail reports that couples aged 35 to 64 are the most likely to have had less sex and a quarter of men said that their partner had lost interest in sex, compared to 15 per cent of women.

Fortunately, 91 per cent of men and 92 per cent of women said that they were still attracted to their partner, which indicates that the lack of sex has more to do with external pressures than lack of desire.

Researcher Linda Kelsey told the newspaper: "Once the hormonal fireworks of initial attraction have quietened down in a relationship, the warm-up and cool-down of sex become even more important, but there are the things that fall by the wayside when all the other responsibilities of domestic and working life kick in."

Relate counsellor Paula Hall added: "When we are stressed out bodies produce stress hormones which can affect libido very negatively."

Have money worries affected your sex life? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some Valentine's Day treats...

Valentine's Day food and treats

Rococo Chilli Truffles and Red Hot Lips
 Want to guarantee a hot date? These chilli-filled truffles and red lips chocolates are gorgeous - and totally dangerous. Rococo Chilli Truffles and Red Hot Lips, £13.95, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/CHOCOLATE-SHOP/Chilli-Truffles-And-Red-Hot-Lips-Rococo/71986" target="_blank">Liberty</a>
Waitrose Valentine's Cookie Bouquet
 This cookie bouquet is even sweeter than a bunch of flowers - but we can't guarantee it will last any longer. Waitrose Valentine's Cookie Bouquet, £19.95, <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/shop/BrowseCmd?langId=-11&categoryName=Groceries&level0Aisle=Groceries&fhQuery=fh_location%3d%252f%252fwaitroseproduct%252fen_GB%252fcategories%253c%257bwaitroseproduct_10051%257d&categoryId=waitroseproduct_10051_10059_10096" target="_blank">Waitrose</a>
Taittinger Rose
 Cook a romantic meal at home... but splash out on the best champagne to make it a night to remember (well, depending on how many glasses you have). Taittinger Rose, £46, <a href="http://www.oddbins.com/" target="_blank">Oddbins</a>
The Hummingbird Bakery Red Velvet Layer Cake
 Nothing tastes more sinfully delicious than The Hummingbird Bakery's signature red velvet cake - red-coloured chocolate sponge topped with decadent cream cheese frosting.  Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Layer Cake, £30, <a href="http://hummingbirdbakery.com/order/valentines/valentines-day-red-velvet-cake/" target="_blank">The Hummingbird Bakery</a>
The Cornish Seafood Selection box
 Whether you're having a few friends around or an intimate dinner for two, splurging on fresh fish makes the evening a treat. The Cornish Seafood Selection box, £39.99 for 10 portions, <a href="http://thecornishfishmonger.co.uk/shop/fishboxes-1/cornish-seafood-selection-box.html" target="_blank">The Cornish Fishmonger</a>
Pierre Herme Paris Valentine's Macaron collection
 The tastiest macaroons on the planet have been given a special V Day makeover with this stylish hot neon packaging courtesy of scenographer and designer Marianne Guély. And don't miss the French brand's sinful Valentine's flavour: Macaron Envie, filled with violet cream and blackcurrants.   Pierre Hermé Paris Valentine's 16-piece Macaron assortment, £33; Macaron Envie, £1.85 per piece, <a href="http://www.pierreherme.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Hermé Paris</a>
Coeur de Neufchatel cheese
 Don't have a sweet tooth? This creamy French cheese is perfect for a gooey moment. Coeur de Neufchatel cheese, £5.50, <a href="http://www.clarksfoodsonline.co.uk/cheese-c1/soft-cheese-c3/coeur-de-neufchatel-200g-p146" target="_blank">Clarks Specialty Foods</a>
Cadbury Valentine Treasure Box
 This box of your favourite sweet treats (Dairy Milk, Flake, Dream, Buttons and more) is sure to excite the chocolate addict in everyone. Cadbury Valentine Treasure Box, £9.50, <a href="http://www.cadburygiftsdirect.co.uk/products/881-valentine-treasure-box.aspx" target="_blank">Cadbury</a>
Le Creuset Chocolate Pots
 Finish off your intimate dinner with a glorious chocolate dessert - and enjoy using the adorable heart-shaped Le Creuset bowls long after V Day. Le Creuset Chocolate Pots, £32 for two, <a href="http://www.fortnumandmason.com/p-7544-valentines-chocolate-mousse-chocolate-pots-le-creuset-chocolate-pots.aspx?" target="_blank">Fortnum & Mason</a>
Hot Toddy Whisky Hamper
 Nothing beats the winter chill like a warming hot toddy. The perfect accompaniment to a couch cuddle - just add a blanket. Hot Toddy Whisky Hamper, £27.95, <a href="http://www.giftinspiration.com/gifts/Hot-Toddy-Whisky-Hamper.html#a56685" target="_blank">Gift Inspiration</a>
Thorntons Alphabet Truffles
 This personalised chocolate box can deliver any message you want. Our response? BE MINE. Thorntons Alphabet Truffles, box of 22, £9.99, box of 33, £14.99, <a href="http://www.thorntons.co.uk/pages/servery/AlphabetTruffles.asp" target="_blank">Thorntons</a>
Carluccio's Valentine's Hamper
 Impress with a delicious Italian meal - without lifting a finger - with this hamper-for-two from Carluccio's (which includes a three-course meal with foccacia, Italian meats, wild boar ravioli and chocolate truffles). It also comes with a bottle of Prosecco, edible chocolate rose for the table and serving instructions. Presto! Carluccio's Valentine's Hamper, £35 for two, order at <a href="http://www.carluccios.com/" target="_blank">Carluccio's </a>to pick up Valentine's week

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Whitney Houston found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room

February 11, 2012, 4:03 pm

≫ Next: Do you fancy a job at the Palace?

≪ Previous: Has the recession ruined your love life?

Filed under: In the news

Whitney Houston found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room AP

Singer and actress Whitney Houston has been found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room at the age of 48.

Her bodyguard found her unconscious in her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel yesterday afternoon. Emergency services tried for 20 minutes to revive her, but were unable to save her life. She was pronounced dead at 3.55pm.

The Daily Mail reports that there is not yet an official cause of death and a spokesman for the local police department said that there were "no obvious signs of foul play and no obvious signs of a cause of death."

Detectives have now begun a full investigation.

Whitney was one of the best-selling female artists of the 1980s and 1990s, selling in excess of 170 million albums worldwide. She also had a successful acting career in films like The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

During her career she won two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 American Music Awards and her album 'Whitney' was the first female album to ever debut at number 1 on the Billboard charts.

However, The Telegraph reports that her talent was dimmed by her turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown and, in recent years, she has admitted to using cocaine, marijuana and pills - all of which affected her voice and left her unable to hit the high notes that made her a star.

After two spells in rehab, Whitney told Oprah she was drug-free in 2010. By then, she was already well-known for behaving erratically and having public meltdowns.

The Daily Mail reports that it is not yet clear if her death was drug-related, although TMZ claim that she 'partied heavily' with friends in the hotel bar the night before.

However her mother Cissie apparently spoke to her daughter just half an hour before her death and didn't get the impression that anything was wrong.

Whitney was last seen in public on Thursday night for a pre-Grammy party, where she looked rather dishevelled. However she did perform a song while she was there, in what turned out to be her last performance.

Her ex-husband Bobby Brown, to whom she was married from 1992-2007, was said to be "in and out of crying fits" when he heard the news and the Daily Mail reports that he is struggling to cope with the news.

Whitney's death came on the eve of the Grammy Awards, one of the biggest nights in the music industry.

The Daily Mail reports that she had been at rehearsals on Thursday, where she had coached singers Brandy and Monica.

There is now likely to be a tribute to her at the event.

Mariah Carey was one of the first celebrities to pay her respects to Whitney on Twitter.

She wrote: "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices ever to grace the earth."

Rihanna tweeted: "No words! Just tears. I honestly can't think of anything else!!! Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!"

LeAnn Rimes wrote: "Whitney Houston was the first cd I ever bought. She had a God given gift. Hopefully, she's singing with the angels now."

According to Fox News, friends are now worried about how Whitney's daughter, 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina, will cope with her mothers death.

The two reportedly had a very close relationship and enjoyed an award season celebratory dinner earlier this week.

Despite her troubles, Whitney will be remembered as one of the greatest talents of her generation and a great influence on younger stars like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera.

Simon Cowell told the Daily Mail that she was the "number one singer" that many contestants on his talent shows wished to emulate.

He said: "We would hear Whitney songs over and over again. She was the benchmark, she truly was."

How will you remember Whitney? Let us know below...

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The new face of 40

Nicole Kidman, 42
As a naturally pale-skinned redhead, Nicole Kidman's fear of getting burnt means she has avoided the ageing rays of the sun and retained her youthful complexion. But bunny line evidence means she's probably had a little help from Botox.
Halle Berry, 43
Halle Berry puts her enviable figure down to regular cardio and free weights. And the 43-year-old insists that her fabulous skin tone is half genetic, half healthy diet and exercise.
Kylie Minogue, 41
Pop princess Kylie Minogue doesn't seem to have aged since Charlene married Scott. But last year Kylie told Elle Magazine that she had "tried it all" ? and that includes Botox. Sadly that perfect booty is all her own work.
Julia Roberts, 42
At 42, Julia Roberts is still very much a Pretty Woman. She claims that her happy family life keeps her young and beautiful. But rather surprisingly, Julia also confesses that she "needs to wash her face more" and regularly goes two weeks without washing her hair after a trip to the salon.
Rachel Weisz, 40
Rachel Weisz has only just hit the big four-O but she is already getting ahead of the ageing game. Reportedly obsessed with beauty products, moisturiser every morning, skin-brightener for the red carpet and concealer to hide redness are all Rachel regulars. She also says: "I don't set foot in the sun without a big hat."
Jennifer Aniston, 41
Jennifer Aniston turned 40 last year and is a slave to her beauty regime. As well as anti-cellulite spa treatments, Jen is rumoured to brush her luscious locks three times a day, brush her lips with sugar and water and drinks a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice each morning. Add to that her zone diet and well-documented love of yogalosophy and it's a wonder she doesn't look more tired.
Cate Blanchett, 40
Cate Blanchett credits her mother with instilling in her the importance of skincare. She stays out of the sun and stays moisturised (SK-II is her lotion of choice). She does not, however, do Botox insisting that "actresses shouldn't have a mask for a face". With skin like hers, who needs face-freezing?
Catherine Zeta-Jones, 40
Catherine Zeta-Jones takes the homemade route to beauty. She insists that the secret of her youthful appearance is to be found in the kitchen cupboard. And that means a honey and salt rub to moisturise and exoliate her body, using strawberries to cleanse her teeth and washing her hair in beer.
Renee Zellweger, 40
Despite bulking up for Bridget Jones and slimming down again afterwards, Renee Zellweger manages to keep herself young and energised with plenty of running (not to mention six trips to the gym each week). But if the rumours are true, facial fillers, lip collagen and Botox might just have aided her cause.
Claudia Schiffer, soon to be 40
Claudia Schiffer turns 40 this year and as a former supermodel, she knows a thing or too about retaining that youthful look. She insists on drinking a litre of water and several cups of peppermint tea each day for that healthy glow.

↧

Do you fancy a job at the Palace?

February 11, 2012, 4:53 pm

≫ Next: Celebrity pets

≪ Previous: Whitney Houston found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room

Filed under: In the news

Do you fancy a job at the Palace? Getty

If you're thinking about a change of career, how about applying to work at Buckingham Palace?

According to the Daily Mail, the Royal Household is looking to appoint a new housekeeping assistant, whose jobs will include running baths, packing and unpacking for guests, as well as ironing their clothes, helping them dress and arranging for tea and breakfast trays to be brought to their room.

It's a junior position with a modest starting salary of £14,200-per-year, but the successful applicant will have regular contact with the Royal Family.

They will also be expected to work at other royal residences, such as Balmoral and Sandringham, for up to three months of the year, and will be expected to help out at official banquets.

The job advertisement appears on the Royal Household website, and says that candidates should be "committed to achieving exceptional standards of service provision".

Working for 40-hours-a-week, the right person is expected to have a "friendly, polite and approachable disposition and an ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality."

Do you fancy your chances?

Would you like to work at Buckingham Palace? Let us know below...

Click on the image below for some bargain-price jewellery...

Jewellery £20 and under

Romantic
 Finish off your ensemble with a delicate bracelet - nothing says romance like florals and filigree. Antique rose bracelet, £10, <a href="http://www.ilovecutiepie.com/default.asp?Category=307&Product=429" target="_blank">Cutie Pie</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Retro
 These add some old-world 40s glamour to any look and are ideal for formal occasions, including weddings. Captivating class earrings, £16, <a href="http://www.glitzysecrets.com/captivating-class-earrings.html" target="_blank">Glitzy Secrets</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Faceted stones
 This stacking ring combines three rings in one, with multi-faceted gemstones adding just the right amount of sparkle for everyday. Solar stacking ring, £10, <a href="http://www.accessorize.com/en/restofworld/solar-stacking-ring/invt/18506597/" target="_blank">Accessorize</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Polished gemstone
 These natural gemstone earrings are a subtle way to work a heart motif into your look. Moda di Pietra heart stud earrings sterling silver, £13.25, <a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.602607.cm_scid.KeywordSearch" target="_blank">QVC</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Crystal
 Light up a night on the town with a glamorous bit of glitz. Bangles, £20 each, <a href="http://www.lovelemonade.com/index.php/bangles/crystal-bangle-size-4.html" target="_blank">Lemonade</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Pin it
 This 'Love' brooch adds a bit of sparkle to any ensemble.  'Love' brooch, £6.50, <a href="http://www.claires.com/store/index.jsp" target="_blank">Claire's Accessories</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Enamel
 These adorable earrings make a lovely gift. They're perfect for everyday and the robin's egg blue calls to mind the iconic Tiffany jewellery box - at a fraction of the price. Cath Kidston enamel bow earrings, £15, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Cath+Kidston+Enamel+bow+earrings/165384842,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Funky
 Less dramatic than a tattoo declaring your undying, this cheeky ring is a playful way to express your emotions. Enamel love ring, £15, <a href="http://www.tattydevine.com/shop/featured/valentines/enamel-love-ring.html" target="_blank">Tatty Devine</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Studs
 These sparkling Swarovski studs make a gorgeous present that are perfect for office-to-overtime. No one would guess they were a steal at £20! Soiree studs, £20, <a href="http://shop.stelladot.co.uk/style/b2c_en_gb/shop/earrings/studs/soiree-studs.html" target="_blank">Stella & Dot</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Shell
 This multi-strand beaded necklace is perfect for pairing with a low-cut top. Shell and sequin necklace, £15, <a href="http://www.east.co.uk/store/Shell+And+Sequin+Necklace/Red/RED-ROUGEX/" target="_blank">East</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Sporty
 This unisex band shows off your Olympic spirit and bears the Links of London signature - for only £20. 2012 Team GB band, £20, <a href="http://www.linksoflondon.com/online-shop/women/bracelets/15241-team-gb-band" target="_blank">Links of London</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Statement
 This quirky necklace might inspire you to do naughty things... Fresh cargo bronze handcuffs necklace, £12, <a href="http://www.vivaladiva.com/shop/home" target="_blank">Viva La Diva</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Deco
 Get a head start on spring's love of all things 1920s-inspired with these Art Deco-style sparklers. Crystal half-circle studs, £16, <a href="http://www.talullahtu.co.uk/earrings-c1/crystal-half-circle-studs-p179" target="_blank">Talullah Tu</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Charmed
 Wear this charm bracelet on its own or stack a couple together as good luck charms (they come in a variety of colours and meanings) for day or evening. Charmology 'Love' ring bracelet, £20, <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Charmology+Charmology+%60Love%60+ring+bracelet/164992333,default,pd.html" target="_blank">House of Fraser</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>
Pendant
 This pretty pendant is a lovely everyday accessory - and makes a gorgeous gift on special occasions. Eternal by Diamonique 0.1 ct tw heart pendant on chain stainless steel, £12, <a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.696536.cm_scid.KeywordSearch" target="_blank">QVC</a> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/home_jewelry.php" target="_blank">- Shop jewellery</a>

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↧

Celebrity pets

February 11, 2012, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: One-Pot Winter Warmers: Winter minestrone

≪ Previous: Do you fancy a job at the Palace?

Filed under: Celebrity

Celebrity pets GONZALO/bauergriffinonline.com

Even though celebrities seem to often have their heads in the clouds (crazy beauty regimes, over-zealous workout routines), nothing brings them down to earth like a fluffy, lovable pet.

Click through our gallery of celebrities and their pets below to see some of Hollywood's happiest pets - and the celebrity owners who love them enough to walk them without an assistant (most of the time).

Celebrity pets

Blake Lively and Penny
 A Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle hybrid), this lucky pup gets to hang out on the set of Gossip Girl with her gorgeous owner...
Ryan Reynolds
 ... and Penny's also close to Blake's current squeeze Ryan Reynolds' retriever Baxter (Ryan rescued him from a shelter in Houston in 2009).
Adele and Louie
 Adele's Dachshund Louie was almost named Britney (as in, Spears) but when she heard him howling along to Louis Armstrong, she knew she had to name him after the jazz great. Looks like he takes after his musical mum!
Barack Obama and Bo
 The Portuguese water dog gets to go everywhere with the President and First Lady, from holidays in Martha's Vineyard to the grocery store, where he sees lots of fans.
Miley Cyrus and Lila
 Miley loves to pamper pooches Lila, Ziggy and Floyd - she recently confessed on Twitter that she spends "more time/$$$ shopping for my dogs than myself."
Hugh Jackman and Peaches
 French Bulldog Peaches gets a workout as his fit dad jogs him across the street.
Ashley Judd and Rodesia
 In October 2011, the actress became the proud godparent to Lipizzan horse Rodesia - looks like they're having fun horsing around together.
Kate Bosworth and Lila
 Kate's one responsible dog owner - she was spotted taking injured Lila to the vet in December 2011 (with boyfriend Michael Polish). And that's one of the best dog-walking outfits we've ever seen.
Orlando Bloom and Sidi
 Bloom rescued Saluki mix Sidi while he was shooting his film Kingdom of Heaven. He told Men's Health in 2011: "I rescued this man in Morocco about seven years ago now. He has been everywhere with me." Aww!
Sharon Osbourne and pomeranian
 Sharon has 12 pooches - too many for her to handle on her own. In December 2011, she admitted she has 'a full-time nanny just to care for them.'
Ryan Gosling and George
 Every woman in the world who hadn't yet fallen in love with Gosling felt her heart melting when the actor brought his best bud George on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in July 2011.
Sienna Miller and Bess
 Mixed breed Bess is one of Sienna's pet pooches; the other's named Porgy after the title characters in the opera Porgy and Bess.
Paris Hilton and pomeranian
 The woman singlehandedly responsible for the 'handbag dog' trend goes a little over the top when it comes to pampering her pups: in 2009, she built them an extravagant 300 square-foot house featuring a spiral staircase, black crystal chandelier and miniature Philippe Starck furniture.
January Jones and Max
 Yorkiepoo Max (a cross between a Yorkie and a Poodle) doesn't want for attention as he gets taken for a stroll by a relaxed January.
David Beckham and Coco
 Adorable English bulldog pup Coco got a doggie sibling when the Beckhams adopted Scarlett, a French bulldog, in May 2011. The reason for the new addition? Then-pregnant Victoria was craving pets. She told Elle magazine: "When I was pregnant, I just wanted to get lots and lots of animals, for some reason. We talked about cats, but David said absolutely not."

↧

One-Pot Winter Warmers: Winter minestrone

February 12, 2012, 9:00 pm

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Filed under: Food

One-Pot Winter Warmers: Winter minestrone Helen Graves

Some rustic Italian fare for you this week, a winter minestrone, which brings out the best in the season's hardy veg.

The lovely thing about minestrone is that there is no set recipe; it should simply be made with whatever vegetables are in season; in summer, light vegetables like courgettes and broad beans and in winter, hearty roots and leaves such as kale, cabbage and carrots.

The soup is bolstered with cannelini beans and I also like to add some small pasta shapes, if I find any hanging around in the cupboard. This soup is perfect for using up any odds and ends of packets, as well as dealing with any solitary vegetables languishing in the bottom of the fridge. Mix and match according to what you have available.

Vegetable stock can be used in place of the beef stock for those who don't eat meat, and for those who do, but fancy something lighter, chicken stock is an alternative option. For those who just can't see a meal without chunks of animal protein, try adding some smoked bacon or pancetta lardons, allowing them to gently render their fat before adding the onions, celery and carrots.

The most important stage of cooking this recipe is softening the vegetables at the beginning; it's important to cook them down slowly, to get a nice depth of flavour on which to build. Herbs and stock will then do the rest of the work for you.

Serve the soup with a generous pile of grated parmesan on top. Plenty of fresh crusty bread goes without saying.

Winter Minestrone (serves 6)

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

3 sticks celery, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red chilli, finely chopped

400g cavolo nero (or kale), woody end stalks removed and shredded

200g purple sprouting broccoli

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tin cannelini beans

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 sprig thyme

1 sprig rosemary

1 litre beef stock

A few pasta shapes (optional)

Parmesan, to serve

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large pan and add the onion, carrot and celery. Allow to cook down over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

Add the crushed garlic and chilli and cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then add half the cavolo nero, the beans, tomatoes, potatoes, herbs and stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.

Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining cavolo nero, broccoli and pasta shapes and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the pasta shapes are cooked. Taste again and re-season if necessary.

Ladle into bowls and serve with grated parmesan, fresh herbs if you have any and plenty of crusty bread.

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Big meals linked to memory loss

February 12, 2012, 9:37 pm

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Filed under: In the news

Big meals linked to memory loss Getty

US researchers have discovered a link between eating large, high calorie meals and age-related memory loss.

BBC News reports that scientists at the Mayo Clinic in the US were investigating mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early sign of dementia.

They studied the effects of diet in 1,233 people aged between 70 and 89. None of them had dementia, but 163 had MCI.

Participants were divided into those who had a low calorie intake (600 to 1,526 calories per day), a medium calorie intake (1,526 to 2,142.5) and a high calorie intake (2,142.5 to 6,000), and the incidence of MCI was compared.

Although they found no difference in the low and middle groups, the high calorie group had more than double the incidence of MCI.

The Daily Express reports that at least 16 per cent of people over 70 have MCI and half of these go on to develop Alzheimer's. Now it seems that overeating could be a major contributing factor to the development of the disease, which affects more than 820,000 people in Britain.

Researcher Dr Yonas Geda told the BBC: "We observed a dose-response pattern which simply means; the higher the amount of calories consumed each day, the higher the risk of MCI.

However, the study can't prove that a high calorie diet causes MCI as people who suffer from memory loss may eat more food, or there could be another factor involved that increases the likelihood of both.

Nevertheless, Dr Geda believes that a healthy diet could help to minimise the risk of developing dementia.

He says: "Cutting calories and eating foods that make up a healthy diet may be a simpler way to prevent memory loss as we age."

Dr Marie Janson, of Alzheimer's Research UK, told the Daily Mail that there is a "desperate need" for more research into possible risk factors for dementia. She said: "It would be interesting to see how many of these people go on to develop dementia in the future, to see if there is a link to Alzheimer's disease.

"We know that age is one of the greatest risk factors for dementia, but adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is beneficial in protecting against dementia along with a number of other chronic diseases."

How many calories do you think you consume each day? Let us know below...

Click on the link below for some memory boosting foods...

Memory-boosting foods

Egg
 Eggs are rich in choline, which can help fight off the effects of ageing in the brain - researchers recently found that those with <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/25/chicken-eggs-and-milk-sharpen-memory_n_1113136.html" target="_blank">high-choline diets performed better in memory tests</a>.
Apples (skin-on)
 An apple a day could help keep your memory loss at bay since apple skin is high in quercetin, which has been found to keep brain cells healthy and help ward off Alzheimer's.
Asparagus
 The green veggie is rich in folate - a diet high in folic acid is associated with better memory recall and an overall higher cognitive performance.
Oily fish
 Here's yet another reason to integrate oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) into your diet - the omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the health of the nervous system and help stave off memory loss.
Celery
 Celery is high in the flavonoid luteolin, which has been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and improve memory in mice. If you're not a fan of the vegetable on its own, try dipping it in hummus or peanut butter, or garnishing your morning tomato juice with it.
Tomatoes
 Add some colour to your salad with tomatoes - research has found that the lycopene in the fruit can help protect against free radical damage (associated with dementia) and can help boost memory.
Cinnamon
 Start sprinkling: By slowing blood sugar absorption, cinnamon helps to prevent cell damage and studies have found it can also improve memory.
Cauliflower
 Cauliflower is high in choline (converted to citicoline in the brain), which studies have found can help improve your brain's frontal lobe function (aiding reasoning and memory). Get the choline you need from other cruciferous veggie sources like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Spinach
 A study found that three servings of green leafy veg a day can slow the decline of mental performance associated with ageing by up to 40 per cent. Spinach is also high in memory-preserving folic acid.
Berries
 Studies have found that phytochemicals like anthocyanin and quercetin (found in berries) can not only help improve memory, they can even reverse the effects of memory loss.

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