tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12372532677209472172024-03-13T16:42:56.969+00:00Judy JohnsonJudy Johnson - Freelance journalist in London. Blogger, social networker, online editor. Reviews, beauty blogs, dating blogs and more.Judy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17540283384467737788noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-37903623684365554212014-10-19T16:11:00.000+01:002014-10-19T16:31:44.467+01:0010 things that TV adverts want you to believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I watch a lot of TV, and sadly this means I have to watch a lot of adverts. Unless it involves kittens, good dancing or a catchy jingle I enjoy singing along to, I can't stand them - mainly because they all seem to base their ideas on one theme: the audience is stupid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But rather than get into an angry rant about evil advertising companies and the media, I thought I'd take a look at the world we would live in if everything in the adverts was true... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Only young, attractive women eat yoghurts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Yoghurts are also borderline orgasmic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. On that same theme, Mother Nature is an irritating woman with a bad accent who pops up when you least want her to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Injury claim companies are run by creepy looking gangsters. Wait, that one might be true...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Babies are always being cute and giggly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. Breastfeeding is a really calming, enjoyable experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. Wearing perfume or aftershave makes you irresistible to the opposite sex, even if it smells disgusting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Got any more? Give me something to read in the ad break... </i></span><br />
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spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-85040026013594534242014-07-09T12:00:00.000+01:002014-07-31T23:15:59.822+01:00My first year without prickly heat & sun cream allergies - updated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was younger, I tanned instantly and went the kind of golden brown that you now get out of an expensive bottle. My hair was white blonde and quite frankly I probably looked a bit odd, but I was glad that unlike my family, I could go brown without burning first - I was the lucky one. </div>
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That soon changed. As I grew up and coincidentally (or not) after a big allergic reaction aged 18, my skin became very, very sensitive. If you've read any of my <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/search/label/beauty" target="_blank">beauty</a> posts you've probably gathered that I still have sensitive skin and now have to be very careful about anything I use (not ideal when you're a beauty writer!) - I can't even spray perfume onto my skin, so make do with spritzing my clothes. </div>
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All this is annoying but I can live with it, especially now I've found my trusty brands to stick to (Avene, E45 and occasionally Liz Earle). But when it comes to going on holiday, for the past eight years I have often dreaded going away because I know my skin won't cope with the heat, or even worse, the suncream. </div>
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<b>Allergies</b></div>
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Until recently I thought that the awful - and I really do mean awful, it covers my arms and legs like an extra layer of alien skin - prickly heat or heat rash was just down to the heat since I'm not great in hotter weather in general, but I couldn't understand why I got it so very bad, to the point that my doctor has to give me steroids on my return from the holiday. I just did a quick Google search and can't find a photo that does it justice - mine was so terrible I even had tests to see if I had a 'sun allergy' but they came back to say I was perfectly normal (insert joke about second opinion here).</div>
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Then I started reading up on suncreams and finding out that if you're sensitive, it might be that you're allergic to the chemical filters that give them their SPF - and suddenly it all made sense. I had tried so many brands - Ambre Solaire, Soltan, Nivea, Malibu - but my skin always had an instant rash the moment I was on holiday and became increasingly itchy with use. I can't be certain that I am allergic, but I'm making a pretty good guess that I am; and this year may even have proved it...</div>
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<b>Avoiding prickly heat and allergies in the sun</b></div>
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Armed with this info and after asking around, I decided that as I was going on my longest holiday ever this year (a whole 2 weeks - post on it to come), I needed to be prepared. So, I wanted:</div>
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1) Something from my doctor </div>
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2) An <a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/gallery/sense-and-sensitivity-the-best-sun-creams-for-sensitive-skin" target="_blank">allergy-friendly sun cream</a> </div>
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3) Something to give quick relief if heat rash appeared. </div>
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The first was easy - though I'd heard about getting cortisone injections pre-holiday, my doctor wouldn't agree but did give me Telfast, a prescribed anti-histamine. You're generally meant to take one a day, but she said to increase it to two (one morning, one night time) and start taking them two weeks before I was due to leave. They didn't make me too drowsy, but when I started to feel the effects I dropped down to one a day and they still did the job. </div>
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The second involved a bit of research, but I decided on Piz Buin's Allergy range (the Aftersun is lovely), <a href="http://www.ultrasun.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ultrasun</a> sun cream, and <a href="http://www.wahanda.com/blog/wellness-wonders/tried-and-tested-avene-high-protection-cream-spf50/" target="_blank">Avene's tinted SPF 50 for the face</a> which was ideal for going makeup free on the beach. I genuinely feel like these discoveries have changed my life, and yes, I realise that makes me sound like an idiot. The Ultrasun only needs applying once a day and has no fragrance, rubs in deliciously and feels good on the skin - and I had no allergies or rashes in sight. I couldn't believe it - I was in the same country as where I had my worst hit of skin reaction two years ago and yet there wasn't a patch of redness to be seen. Ultrasun, you rock.</div>
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The third is so simple but utterly brilliant - Aqueous Cream with Calamine. This stuff is magical. It costs about £1 for a pot from your local chemist or Boots and it's cooling, calming and moisturising in one. I used it on sunburn (I stupidly managed to burn on the last day) and the tiniest hint of heat rash (which only appeared on day 10 of the holiday - miracle!) and within half an hour it had disappeared. Now I am never without the stuff, even at home.</div>
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So, it's only taken eight years but I think I've finally worked out the formula for keeping prickly heat away - I still can't cope too well with the hot weather and have to be pretty obsessive about my skin, but it's all worth it if I can go out without looking down at my arms and wanting to cry. I'll never buy a different sun cream again. </div>
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Do you suffer with sensitive skin? What products do you swear by?<br />
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*<b>Update</b>*<br />
It's important to point out here that I may have used the term 'prickly heat' too loosely - I'm pretty sure I am allergic to most sunscreens due to their many chemicals but prickly heat is something which is caused by blocked, sweaty pores and too much heat. That said, the above made sure I had no allergies and no prickly heat so I hope it works for you!<br />
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You might also find my more recent column on Get The Gloss helpful - here's my <a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/article/sense-and-sensitivity-sun-cream-for-sensitive-skin">ultimate guide to SPF for sensitive skin</a>, and my <a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/gallery/sense-and-sensitivity-the-best-sun-creams-for-sensitive-skin">top ten sun creams for sensitive skin. </a><br />
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<i>*UPDATE* I've written a new piece on <b><a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/article/sense-and-sensitivity-how-to-stop-prickly-heat">how to stop prickly heat</a> on Get The Gloss </b>with some great expert advice - check it out and hope it helps! x</i></div>
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spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-40606223416277457072014-06-08T00:54:00.000+01:002014-06-08T00:54:01.317+01:00The best decisions I ever made<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Image from www.gratisography.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am awful at making decisions. I really am. I'm one of those people who has to read the entire menu twice before I can even narrow it down to a shortlist; I'm about to move house and just trying to decide whether I should keep my desk or sell it is giving me a full blown headache. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where should I live? Where should I go on holiday? When should I go on holiday? Should I spend money on an iPad or on redoing my site? Should I send that dress back to ASOS? Do I want to go on that date? What nail polish shall I wear? What do I want? I DON'T KNOW. (Answers on a postcard if <i>you </i>know, please.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But as my mother keeps telling me, I'll work it all out. Or it'll work out in the end. I'm not sure that's the same thing. It did get me thinking, though, about the few good decisions I have somehow made before. Here are my top 5... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Getting contact lenses</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok so it's not laser eye surgery, and I wear glasses in the day to prevent going cross eyed and blind at my screen, but still. I only wish someone had told me to do it sooner. Perhaps if fewer people, while I was a vulnerable self-conscious teenager, had said 'God you look really weird without glasses' on the rare occasion I'd taken them off and instead said 'You should do that more', I might have discovered that hiding behind frames wasn't so smart after all. It's liberating and I feel like a different person when I'm wearing them. Or maybe I just feel like me? Deep...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Going to Goldsmiths uni</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's one of the stranger places to wind up - full of people in jeans so tight they're cutting off the circulation, hair that even Harry Styles would be ashamed to own and clothes that are apparently 'alternative' except everyone is wearing them there so they're actually the norm. But amid the hairspray and tattoos I found a handful of friends who have led to some of the closest friends I have today; and I like to think all those fees were worth it too as I've now got my dream job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ditching jeans</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, I don't wear jeans anymore. As a tall, widely-hipped girl I slowly realised that post '90s-flares (actually thanks to Miss Selfridge they carried on until about 2004), dresses are a far better option. Life is so much easier now I don't have to worry about that button doing up or find a new top to wear every day that doesn't make me look 12.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Joining Twitter</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've written about this before but Twitter not only found me aforementioned dream job (thank you Emma for finding me!), but some amazing friends, inspiring writers to look up to and a community where I can chat about everything from Homeland to hair products and laugh all the way through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Living in London</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It might be ridiculously expensive, occasionally stressful and full of people who will shove you out of their way on a daily basis just to get on a packed tube, but I love London. I love cities and the fact that you can find something new around every corner, and what's even better is that I've got a damn good bunch of fellow Londoners to discover them with. I've made a home here and though I sometimes miss the idyllic village of Lindfield that I grew up in, it's just a train ride away. London is the best place to be young and single - you're never bored of things to do and you never know who you might meet. That beats bumping into the same faces in my old hometown's bar any day...</span><br />
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<br />spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-20789367866229483772013-12-23T23:37:00.000+00:002013-12-23T23:38:12.272+00:00Review: Homeland Season 3 (contains spoilers)<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><b>**WARNING - full of spoilers and crossness at season three finale so don't read it if you haven't seen it yet, or if you dislike people disliking things.**</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I've had 24 hours to think about it (and to stop crying), and I've decided, I am still cross about Homeland's season 3 finale. What the hell were they thinking? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">At first, I thought they were right. Brody has definitely used up all his lives and really, to keep it realistic they had to kill him off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">But then I thought back to the rest of the series and how very irritating it is that they didn't do more with him while they still had him. For weeks I defended it on Twitter, as loyal followers slammed season 3 for having 'lost the plot' or for becoming boring and way too Dana-focused. I thought it was all part of a bigger plan, but then realised there were just a few episodes left and began to question where it was leading. Never did I think it would finish the way it did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I was never a Dana fan but I thought that the huge amount of screen time she had at the start was building up to something - more than just that rubbish 2 minutes of him seeing her at her new place and her mentioning that maybe he should have thought of whether she even wanted to see him before knocking. Really, was that all we get?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Because the other thing that bothers me is that they kill off the main character, have the audacity to jump to four months later and don't even show a hint of how his family felt about it all. After all that Dana nonsense, we don't even get to see how she reacts to his execution? I realise we don't need to watch a family mourn for hours on end but a little acknowledgment that he was a father, a husband, as well as a marine-turned-terrorist-turned-CIA-asset would have been nice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">All in all it felt rushed, yet felt like a finale for the whole series rather than just a season. They had all this time to develop Brody's next steps and instead we didn't see him for weeks, then suddenly he does a crazy murder mission, walks out and is dead 24 hours later. Hours before, he'd learned he was about to become a father again and had made it sound like it was something worth living for - then as soon as he was captured he was all 'Nah, I'm ready to die now.' Infuriating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">The execution, too, was harrowing to watch - angry Daily Mail reports are saying even Claire Danes found it hard to look at when acting - and I genuinely thought some sniper (perhaps Quinn. WHERE WAS QUINN?) might pop in, Kevin Costner Robin Hood Prince of Thieves stylee, and shoot at the crane till poor old Brody was released and on his merry way. Yes, I have quite the imagination. I thought Damian Lewis did an incredible job but the simplicity of it all made it so much harder to watch. The general acceptance that what was going to happen was unstoppable made me more upset than anything else - and I think if they'd not rushed it so much they could have made this more interesting, more touching, and if possible more dramatic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">ALSO. It massively bothered me that the most sentimental, caring lines - the only lines that really said 'Yeah, the fact he has to die is really quite shit' - came from Javadi. You know, the guy that stabbed his wife in the neck with a broken bottle until she died. Nice fella. Really? His comment about 'not just being one thing' may have been a hint that actually, as well as being a cold blooded murderer he has feelings too but come on, it's more far fetched than when they didn't spot Carrie's positively luminous hair in that dark field. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I loved what he said to Carrie - I thought it was one of the most moving scenes in terms of script. But that should have come from Saul or even Quinn (seriously, MORE QUINN), who has fast become a rather moral, and of course hot, friend to Carrie. If Saul had said it, it could have started to pave their relationship back to what it was - since the two of them stopped trusting each other it's become harder and harder to like Saul at all (and I still thought he was the mole all this time). Plus, the even sadder part was that Javadi was wrong. Everyone didn't see Brody through her eyes - Lockhart refused him a star (and I'm sure others would have backed him on it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Ah, Lockhart. My other big problem. That utter twerp who the writers really worked well throughout the series to portray as a totally out of touch loon who should never be in charge of anything. He's in charge and four months later everything's wonderful? As if. And then, just to make sure we really get angry, he promotes Carrie - that idiot who has been so incompetent her own colleague shot her to stop her from messing up. Who is also about to go on maternity leave. You don't have to believe in sexism to know that that is the most unlikely ending possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I'm gutted. Gutted that Brody won't be back, that Carrie isn't going to play happy families and that we'll probably see more of Dana in season four in a delayed reaction to her dad's demise. I would have preferred season 3 to go slower, have Brody found earlier, and play out his/Javadi's plans over the course of a few episodes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">There are so many bits of the puzzle of season 3 that feel either pointless or not tied up, too. I'll be watching next season, but only to see whether I'm right about Saul and whether Quinn gets to be on screen more. In losing Brody, it's lost a lot of its magic. RIP. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-63574621276198856242013-09-15T21:21:00.000+01:002013-09-15T21:21:05.473+01:00The decline of mags... and the one I can't put down<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last weekend I sat curled up on the sofa for two hours, devouring Red magazine from cover to cover. Including their Twitter section in which my tweet praising Rosie Green's column was included - and it's not the first time my comments have been featured.<br />
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I'm beginning to feel like a bit of a Red mag groupie, truth be told. Since reading my first issue I have tweeted through it, Instagrammed my favourite quotes and shoots and generally overshared my adoration for it to anyone who'll listen. But as a writer, and as a reader, I think it's good to share praise of what is the downward spiralling mag industry. Though the fact it's SO worth commenting on is perhaps most telling of all; before the Internet would we have been as complimentary when discovering a good read? I'd argue not.<br />
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The ABC figures recently revealed the stark truth of today's print media; most mags are plummeting, most surprisingly including the likes of Company who have had massive design and content overhauls. Though actually, I'm one of the readers who has abandoned them; an unread pile of subscription copies leading me to guiltily cancelling because their new web and blog-friendly content didn't feel like anything I would miss if I just, say, went on their site.<br />
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Red, if I can act as a groupie again, is different. I don't care much for their website; it doesn't grab me but to be honest, none of the mag sites do. But the magazine is packed full of writers I respect, whether I've read them before or not; it has well written, lengthy features on subjects I am interested in and have to mark with post-its to make sure I look up a site, a book, a writer when I'm done. It has interesting cover girls and plenty of humour; it doesn't assume you have babies but it also doesn't talk to you, Single Woman, in a way that suggests you are either madly career driven or desperate for a man. It assumes, without pretentiousness or patronisation, that we can and should have it all.<br />
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And it's for these reasons that I don't think the mag industry will disappear. Those two hours were the most calm I'd been all week; it felt indulgent but was also inspiring, I learned, I enjoyed it, and best of all it wasn't on a screen. Yes, other people will want different things from a mag - I know smart businesswomen who love their Grazia fix and I know journalists who will always look to Vogue as their bible - but that's why I think a lot of the mags out there can survive.<br />
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From the Internet, I want niche destinations - like the site I work for where health and beauty is our expertise - because if I'm going to read something short and fast I only want to read from the experts. Who has time to filter (Google) through them all? That's why mag sites have never really captured me; there's too much being covered and not in a particularly good way. There's often far more celeb content than is in print (I'm not a fan) and there's rarely thoughtful, inspiring content.<br />
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The numbers obviously disagree with me but though I think some will inevitably fail, the success stories, I hope, will be the likes of Red who understand their changing reader in the era of the internet, careers, feminism and general life today, but who don't change what ultimately they always stood for: good writing and engaging content. That's all we really want, no matter where we read. </span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-70351870483510776382013-09-04T20:56:00.000+01:002013-09-04T20:56:38.097+01:00Specs appeal... or not<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAHYp5SV8w8/UieLRvQZc3I/AAAAAAAAAco/l9cI6uYkIRk/s1600/ryan-gosling-with-glasses.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CAHYp5SV8w8/UieLRvQZc3I/AAAAAAAAAco/l9cI6uYkIRk/s400/ryan-gosling-with-glasses.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just because. <br /><i>From www.troll.me</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a thought the other day: what must it be like to be able to see in the shower? I can't remember the last time I looked down at my toes in there and could see them. All I see is a peachy blur, which makes it particularly awkward/scary when you've heard something drop and you're blatantly about to step on a razor.<br />
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People don't really talk about eyesight. I realised this when I was looking online for fashion trends of glasses in the hope I would find some inspiration for my next overdue prescription upgrade. I couldn't find anything, save for a few advertorials claiming a hideous colourful tortoiseshell was all the rage for this season (with no catwalk pics to back it up, obviously).<br />
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I would do anything to have laser eye surgery. To not have a semi permanent dent on my nose from wearing glasses almost 24/7. To not have to poke my fingers in my eye whenever I'm going out for the night; to not have to awkwardly tell a guy the first time he stays over that, er, I can't see properly the next day without these things on my face.<br />
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Sadly I can't have it yet, as my optician bragged to me last time I saw him as if he had won a game. You have to wait for your eyes to stop going more blind you see, and mine just won't stop. 'Without changing your ways, you'll never be able to have it done,' the barely-out-of-school guy quipped. 'You'll have to stop working at a computer. And you don't want them done after you pass 30 as you won't get your money's worth - at 40 they'll go downhill again.'<br />
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Great. Thanks, eyesight's answer to the Grim Reaper. Just what every 27 year old wants to hear. There goes my hope of ever snorkelling and being able to see the fish. There goes any hope of wearing decent sunglasses ever again, and there goes my bank balance as I buy yet another pair of overpriced frames that in six months I won't like... Still. I hate feet. Seeing my toes isn't *that* important, is it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In which case, if anyone can point me towards some nice frames, let me know... </span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-67636097787951491962013-08-29T22:01:00.000+01:002014-07-13T21:59:22.881+01:00If you wannabe my lover, you gotta get with my friends... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUFDTlqbG3o/Uh-2VPCRyjI/AAAAAAAAAcY/L2ENH5_fkm0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-29+at+21.57.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUFDTlqbG3o/Uh-2VPCRyjI/AAAAAAAAAcY/L2ENH5_fkm0/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-08-29+at+21.57.51.png" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OK, that's the cheesiest title I've ever written but when else can you quote Spice Girls? Not often enough, if you ask me... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway. I've always said that not only can you judge a guy by his friends, but that my friends would have to like anyone I see too, and it seems I'm not on my own; a recent survey by dating site My Single Friend revealed 86% of us think it's important our mates get on with our dates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With that in mind, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mysinglefriend.com/" rel="nofollow">MSF</a> are taking the idea offline with their new events, 'Date My Single Friend' which allow singles to take along a wingman to a speed dating-like night out. Instead of awkward one-on-one conversations, two pairs of friends are at each table and so your mate can help you find Mr or Mrs Right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As someone who loathes dates (it's not so much butterflies, more oh-god-I-might-puke) this is music to my ears and, I think, a great idea. The thought of sitting with three other people, one of which you're finding out if you like, is not scary, not intimidating and pretty much sounds like a (successful) night down the pub. I'm sold. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, a couple of months after </span><a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2013/06/frogs-and-flaws.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I swore off online dating</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, I've now cautiously headed back to the first site I ever tried for online dating: MSF. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The concept of the site makes sense and actually is different from the rest; you can't have a profile until a friend describes you, and this description sits on your profile alongside your response. It's a nice idea because it's pretty hard to sell yourself to potential dates whereas good friends, I've found, are more than happy to do it for you (and it's really weird to see yourself through their eyes). Plus, when reading up on the men on there, it's really interesting to see what their mates say compared to what they say about themselves (sidenote: any guy who then just writes 'Cheers' on their profile is a muppet). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So far, so not sure - there seem to be a LOT of men on there compared to the sites I was on before but I've only had one or two odd-sounding guys contact me and haven't paid up as yet to see what the message says (why bother unless I like their profile...?). We'll see - but I'm interested, which is more than can be said for last time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Keep an eye out for the Date My Single Friend events - dates TBC</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-56416172419409649192013-08-20T14:10:00.000+01:002013-08-29T22:23:51.046+01:00Babies: a woman's right to choose...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I watched two women sit with Kate Garraway to debate whether it was selfish for a woman to choose not to have children. Apparently having your own life that doesn't involve squeezing out some sprogs and wiping up after them for 18 years is something to be ashamed of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It amazes me that this is even a question in today's society. Just as with the question of 'should gay people be allowed to marry' and such like, I don't understand why we care quite so much about other people's choices. So long as their choices aren't, say, to murder someone, then why do we need to debate it? I don't know about you but I'm far too busy getting through my own life to worry about whether a woman has six kids or jet sets around the world on her tod (and personally, I know which one would be more annoying on an aeroplane).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think Daybreak (and others) needs to wake up and smell 2013. In my generation choice is the order of the day - thank god. Call it feminism, call it whatever you like but the point is women can almost do what they like these days - they just can't seem to do it without judgement. Have a baby too old, you're deemed selfish. Have one too young and you're immature and probably scrounging off benefits. Don't have one at all and you get the pity head tilt and idiots on Daybreak whose only argument for saying you simply must have kids or else miss out is because 'It's just an amazing experience'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well you know what? People say that about skydiving. People say it about holding a tarantula. People say it about eating a spicy curry. Not everyone likes to do those and nor should they have to just to make society shut up and think they're a good, well rounded person who has lived their life to the full. People are fulfilled by different things and having kids shouldn't have to be an opt-out option. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I probably sound like I am one of the children-hating (because clearly if you don't have children or want them in your future, you MUST have evil witch-like thoughts towards them) independent women that society so fears. Actually, I'm not sure what I am yet. The thought of kids neither appeals to nor disgusts me but I know for certain I'm not ready for them and am also somewhat missing one of the ingredients considering I'm single, so this works out rather well. Unless you take society's view that is, in which case I might never experience life to the full if I choose the wrong option. Society, frankly, should mind its own business. </span>
spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-29685735850771794382013-08-07T21:46:00.002+01:002013-08-29T22:24:05.791+01:00Twitter: where is the love? <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfBYUh2jtUQ/UgKw1xZnZQI/AAAAAAAAAao/YrluIg04Hnw/s1600/lolcats-funny-picture-lalalalala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfBYUh2jtUQ/UgKw1xZnZQI/AAAAAAAAAao/YrluIg04Hnw/s400/lolcats-funny-picture-lalalalala.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pic from http://icanhas.cheezburger.com/ </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all know I am a self-confessed Twitter addict. It's the first thing I check in the morning, the last thing I look at before bedtime, it's where I go when I'm sad, when I'm happy, when I can't sleep, when I need to SHOUT SOMETHING IN CAPITALS to vent frustration. But recently it's turned into some kind of playground where anyone who's anyone is looking for a fight.<br />
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And when I say playground I mean full on, bitchy little kids' playground. Like primary school stuff. Attention seeking, bickering and - much worse - bullying; not to mention the far more serious and vile threatening behaviour that led to the police getting involved. Let's not go <i>there.</i><br />
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It's not that this stuff shouldn't be talked about. It's not that this stuff shouldn't get us #ShoutingBack and shutting down those 'trolls' (worst term ever, trivialises the whole thing… sigh) when they act up but can we please, maybe, at some point, give it a rest? Every day it feels like someone's got their pitchfork ready to do battle and is just waiting for something to leap on. Anybody mention feminism? YELL AT THEM. Someone mention interns? YELL AT THEM. Journalist say the word 'blog'? YELL AT THEM. Someone say they like the Blurred Lines song? YELL AT THEM. And repeat. This is what Twitter's like at the moment and it's really bloody boring. Enough of the drama. Drama is for Facebook.<br />
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So instead, I've devised a list of the stuff we should go back to that Twitter is good at:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lolcats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LOL cats</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Louis Walsh jokes (at him, not with him)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tranzizzling shizzle on <a href="http://www.gizoogle.net/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gizoogle</a> and sharing dem crazy ass shizzle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Telling Katie Hopkins to shut up, Holly Willoughby style</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Praising Willoughby's boobs in that dress</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More cats</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPrEMkB91eM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cats dressed as sharks on hoovers</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drunk tweeting emotional rubbish </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Telling commuters <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2011/01/rantometer-train-etiquette.html" target="_blank">how to commute like a good commuter</a>, just like you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Asking inane questions that Google was actually built for </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Posting photos of meals you didn't even make yourself</span></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/central_perks" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friends quotes</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tweeting through <insert any TV programme here> and spoiling it for anyone who's planning on watching on +1</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Retweeting a picture of Kate Middleton holding a baby just in case the other million RTs didn't get through</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ripping <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/search/label/x%20factor" target="_blank">X Factor</a> contestants to shreds (metaphorically speaking, obviously) then doing it all again a week later</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Complaining about the Daily Mail</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Breaking news that's already been broken a gazillion times</span></li>
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I could go on. Twitter used to be a happy place full of distraction and fun and in-jokes against those people who think Facebook is the best thing on the internet and that selfies are what Instagram was built for. We need to get back to that brilliant, sarcastic, <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2010/01/year-and-bit-of-life-as-twit.html" target="_blank">hilarious place that Twitter used to be</a>.<br />
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Until then, I'll rely on Tweetdeck and my list of 'friends' aka 'nice people who don't argue with power users and always make me laugh' to keep me sane. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTfDKsMwX5c/UgKwF6V_nbI/AAAAAAAAAag/QzXSnfeG_10/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+21.36.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTfDKsMwX5c/UgKwF6V_nbI/AAAAAAAAAag/QzXSnfeG_10/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-07+at+21.36.57.png" width="580" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-54265503102310469312013-07-25T21:42:00.001+01:002013-07-25T21:42:52.751+01:00Books: The Millennium series by Stieg Larsson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdYFcwg8wJ8/UfGNsn75SsI/AAAAAAAAAYs/ejSSf4G_V5I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-25+at+21.42.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdYFcwg8wJ8/UfGNsn75SsI/AAAAAAAAAYs/ejSSf4G_V5I/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-25+at+21.42.07.png" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There really is nothing better, I think, than discovering an incredible writer who not only has a great way with words and a unique way of creating intriguing characters, but is also very, <i>very</i> smart. A lot of the books I've read (and loved) have not necessarily been intelligent works of fiction; more just very entertaining reads. But having just read Stieg Larsson's <i>Millennium</i> series I can happily say they're the smartest novels I've read in years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rarely finish a book and a) feel absolutely gutted that there aren't more and b) start researching the author, but that's what I did after finishing <i>The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest</i>. It's not that the ending isn't final enough - the books could easily stop there, it had a great finale - but that I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to those characters just yet. Looking up the author and his history, I'm now even more saddened by it as the man behind the books sounds a lot like Blomkvist, the lead male character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plots like this one don't come around often; Larsson was an absolute genius and if it's true that there are two more possible books (it seems he'd intended to write ten before he died - all for fun, too) then I can only hope that his widow (though they never married) manages to fill in the blanks in a way he would have wanted and gets them published. If not, then I'll be satisfied with re-reading the trilogy over and over. Lisbeth Salander is one hell of a heroine and even when you know how it ends, the story still grips you every step of the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The man has been <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/08/nick-cohen-stieg-larsson" target="_blank">labelled an extremist and a feminist</a>; all I can say is he's one of the best writers I've ever come across. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-53646316458529258782013-06-23T18:29:00.000+01:002013-06-23T18:29:00.043+01:00Frogs and flaws<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWbQTiEdJg/Uccv4GcvxZI/AAAAAAAAAYI/NKqFypKK-Is/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-23+at+18.26.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWbQTiEdJg/Uccv4GcvxZI/AAAAAAAAAYI/NKqFypKK-Is/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-06-23+at+18.26.20.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image from Google</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We single folk know that to find Mr Perfect we have to meet a few Mr Imperfects along the way (note to couples - it would be nice if you realised this too and stopped giving us a hard time for not finding him yet). But the problem with this, as I have recently discovered, is an issue of self esteem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First, you have to feel good enough about yourself to put yourself out there and date in the first place - amazingly, I got to this point again recently and managed to throw myself into dateland yet again. So far, so good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But then come the frogs. They're not necessarily bad - hell, you might even like them - but when they don't like you back, or they're not right, there comes a dent in your self esteem that just keeps getting bigger. Every man's failure to text back, every date that ends just a little too soon, every man that doesn't even attempt to flirt with you, hacks away at your already wavering sense of self worth and attractiveness until at some point it's almost non existent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After every date that hasn't gone quite as expected, I've been left wondering why… which I know is the most dangerous question in singledom, but it's inevitable. Why wasn't he interested? Why can't I just meet someone I click with? Why was he in such a hurry to leave? Why is this so hard? And then come the answers; the little things you don't like about yourself, that you always hope others won't notice, the things that niggle at you because all your friends seem flawless while you're walking around as one giant flaw. WOE IS ME. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Obviously, eventually you realise you shouldn't give a crap because they're all Mr Wrong, but still, the damage is done and those dents are there. I've found myself comparing everything I hate about me to everything I love about my friends (and maybe Beyonce, who would totally be my BFF if only she knew I existed) and it's not a good feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are only so many rejections a girl can take before it's time to hang up the dating shoes and go frogless for a while - something I'm currently trying. And given that my favourite dating site, Guardian Soulmates, has just inexplicably (literally - no email to notify users) changed its rules so that now to view photos and messages you have to pay up, it couldn't be a better time to give up and get back to enjoying life as a single girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, I'm sad at the constant wedding invitations that make me feel that much more alone; yes, I miss the fun of flirting - but dating? Dating is overrated. Dating involves far too many nerves, far too many hours wasted getting to know someone who doesn't want to know you, and far too many pitying messages from friends who are quick to ask how it went. For now, I'm just me. And while that might not be enough for the men I keep meeting and failing to impress, it's enough for me. </span></div>
spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-46756050847120735382013-06-22T18:06:00.000+01:002013-06-22T18:06:23.535+01:00A quick note about beauty...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This blog is still a work in progress in that I'm still deciding just what I want to do with it (it's not like it's been live for years or anything) - and so at the moment it's a bit of everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, I am feeling like it should be more personal, hence all those recent posts about dating, ranting and everything in between. What I have been neglecting is the beauty side - but given that most of my beauty posts are about sensitive skin, I feel these are better left to my new <a href="http://www.getthegloss.com/listing/sense-and-sensitivity" target="_blank">sensitive skin column over at Get the Gloss</a>. There I get to talk to experts, try new treatments and products and pretty much share my ups and downs with skincare in far more detail! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's not to say beauty won't pop up here every so often... but a heads up that more rants about life in my twenties might be coming your way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">x</span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-77233871031558174652013-06-18T23:08:00.002+01:002013-08-29T22:25:05.882+01:00Dating and the rise of the food snob<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things I don't understand about dating number one (billion): why do dating sites want to know what kind of food I like? It's been a question on every site I've joined (there's been a few) and I have still not worked out how it helps me find a date... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do I care if a man eats Indian food and I don't? Do I need to know if his favourite meal is a roast dinner? I couldn't care less. We live in a century where it's ok for a woman to order different food to a man. Where it's quite easy (if, maybe, a tiny bit more expensive) to cook two different dinners in the same sitting. I'm sure, just because I don't like peanut butter and he does, that doesn't mean we won't find a compromise on say, pizza. And even if we didn't… what the hell does it matter? So long as we agree on something like politics, morals, sense of humour then I'll be happy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That said, I do think my choices can put someone off. On a recent date in which I still couldn't tell how well it was going, the subject of food came up. First, I hate eating on a date; it's awkward and unnecessary. I'll inevitably spill something or choke on something, or like I did at a friend's house when I was about 7, cut into a rather well cooked piece of ketchup-covered sausage and see it fling its way across the floor onto the pristine white carpet in front of horrified eyes. Yeah, that happened. Second, if it's a snack and we are sharing, I hate it when I have to turn down a guy's suggestion of 'spicy [insert any kind of food here]'. I have to explain that I cannot under any circumstances eat chilli and I hate spicy food. This exact conversation happened on said occasion and by the look on my date's face I may as well have said I like to punch kittens for fun. What is it with men and spice?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This food obsession never used to be an issue. If my mum and dad (who are soon to celebrate 40 years of marriage) had attempted to bond over a love of food, his hatred of anything nutty and her love of chocolate covered Brazil nuts would have been a deal breaker. I appreciate that men are far more into cooking now than they were in my mum's day (thank goodness, as I can't cook) but the rise of the ever snobby foodie thanks to endless social sharing of food alongside other factors means they are now very hard to please. I can't stand a food snob. I guess it's just a matter of taste… and they should put *that* in their little online forms. </span></div>
spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-89645657452404791642013-04-23T00:26:00.000+01:002013-04-23T10:27:11.602+01:00Feminism fail: Vagenda Magazine on More! Magazine<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I unfollowed Vagenda Magazine after they tweeted in celebration of the fact More magazine has officially been suspended. They crowed at the fact that another brainless, preaching, make-women-feel-like-crap magazine had bitten the dust, so to speak. Being a journalist and someone who writes in health and beauty (which no doubt means I must fail at being a feminist, for how can one possibly want equality AND a good concealer?), I found this distasteful and stopped following their tweets straight away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've looked back on their account and to give credit where it's due, they handled the amass of criticism well - proof of a good social media manager who stands by their point but puts it across clearly and concisely. They even apologised. Cor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But what bugs me is that they're supposed to be standing up for modern feminism and yet they are criticising women who work hard at what they do (I don't know any More workers personally, but I know many who do) and publicly revelling in the fact they no longer have a job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They did correct this and point out that it's possible to be happy a mag has gone under yet sad at the job losses, but clearly they weren't so sad or respectful about the latter that they could keep their tweets shut and not boast about the former. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the former is what is getting to me. They seem to think that women's magazines are oppressive and telling women they're fat, telling them to get on the scales and eat less and cut their hair more and wear these clothes, etc. What I find odd about that, and the fact that they're f-e-m-i-n-i-s-t-s, is that they seem to assume we women have no mind of our own. We just swallow whatever we read. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not a huge fan of weekly mags myself; they tend to have too much celeb content and I couldn't care two hoots whether Jennifer Aniston's got a wrinkle or if Amanda Bynes has done something even more stupid than last week. Pointing out a spot on a celeb and circling it in big red marker and screaming OMG LOOK! THIS SLEB CAN'T EVEN LOOK AFTER HER SKIN! is not, to my mind, interesting. But that's not the point; there's an audience for it and why shouldn't there be?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The point is, the majority of women think for themselves. Yes, really! Most of the women I know are smart, into health and fitness, keen to know more about nutrition, holding down a career in something they love, and generally more health conscious than, say, my parents' generation who grew up reading the Daily Mail and thinking that red wine and red meat is wholeheartedly good for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, contrary to popular belief, we don't pick up these magazines and then look in the mirror and cry at how chubby our thighs are. We read them and learn from them. Yes, some are far better than others; though the most expensive mags in the industry are pretty exclusionary in my view, so quality doesn't always come with a higher price. I went into journalism because not only did I love writing, but I grew up reading mags that taught me a few of the things I needed to know growing up. I wanted to wear eyeliner, but how? I wanted to feel more confident, but how? I wanted to become a journalist, but how? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All questions, whether you think they're trivial or not, answered by writers for teenage girls like me who had crap glasses, bad skin and a slight complex about being so tall. I wanted to be a journalist as I got older because I can answer questions that perhaps I never quite got the answers to. I like to learn. I find that saying I'm a beauty journalist often gets sneered at, and yes, I know I'm not saving the world or writing about politics. But women are interested in this stuff - I should know, I'm one of them. And I'm not ashamed to admit I bloody love writing about makeup. So sue me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The web has made it even easier to read good content; I'm proud to work for a site that is well researched, chock full of experts and run by people who know what they're talking about and will only talk about it if they deem it worthy of a mention. That freedom is how the journalism industry is evolving and perhaps why mags such as More end up closed, but either way it's a sad day when a publication is cut. *side glance to Vagenda*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I consider myself a feminist (I consider anyone who thinks women are equal to men, full stop, feminist) and yet I write about health and beauty. Shock horror. It's not putting women down to write about how to lose weight, because, newsflash: some women would like to lose weight. And that's not because a magazine told them to, it's because they'd quite like to be their healthy size ten, or look their best on their wedding day, or because actually, the doctor says they kind of need to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The media has a responsibility to treat men and women equally but whinging that they write about certain content is not the way to go. How about whinging when political writers bang on about what female MPs are wearing instead of what their views are? We don't need so-called feminists like Vagenda protecting us from the big bad wolves of the mag industry; we can read one and still have our own opinions just like we can read the Daily Mail and know it's a pile of twoddle. What we need is feminists who actually believe in equality, which is why the fact they <a href="https://twitter.com/calumlynn/status/326298876401299457" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">retweeted</a> this confirms they're not someone I want to follow: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I agree with </span><a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/VagendaMagazine" style="background-color: white; color: #f7235f; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><s style="color: #fa7b9f; text-decoration: none;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal;">VagendaMagazine</b></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I find quite troubling the idea that to be a 'real' feminist, you have to support all women unquestionably." </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think feminism should be about women being entitled to do what they want to do just as men are; about equality, pure and simple. I don't see anyone criticising the men's mags for constantly using muscular models and suggesting you go to the gym. I don't see anyone pitying the poor male readers who must be so ashamed that their arms aren't burly enough because a picture in a magazine is telling them that's what Ryan Gosling looks like. How about you back off the women who write for a living (like you do, VM) and happen to write about health, beauty and body issues? Who are you to say they shouldn't? Equality and respect shouldn't be conditional. That kind of kills the point. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-60553373999508933862013-03-31T02:09:00.002+01:002013-04-03T17:04:31.116+01:00How not to get a date online...<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4998359/?claim=2umwsmn8ere">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Should online dating really be such hard work? I'm starting to think the novelty has worn off... </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Match.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ah, <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2012/11/dating-sites-are-they-worth-it.html" target="_blank">online dating</a>. I'm still giving it a go, only these days with even less enthusiasm than before. Partly, it's a matter of timing; I quite like my life as it is as I'm happy with work, still working on making home better and love to spend all my free time with either friends or family. Men don't really stand a chance, even if they wanted to. But, in the interests of an interesting life and not winding up a spinster (apparently, that's bad), I'm still logging on every so often to see if Mr Right has shown up on my little world web of dating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, it seems he hasn't. Not only am I recognising too many Mr Wrongs in the searches (been on there so long it's getting a bit stale) but I've joined another site - this time a free one, God help me - and instead of being wooed and flirted with by endlessly charming blokes, I feel like I'm being told off every time I click. Seriously, at the moment I'd rather go to the dentist right now than go online and find out what I'm being yelled at for this time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No sooner had I finished setting up my profile on a free (but not POF, give me some credit) site than I had a message from a guy telling me off for pointing out I wanted a tall man. You have to say why potential daters should message you, so I decided, seeing as I'd been unlucky in love-with-my-type so far, to be honest about what I'm after but attempt to do so with a little wit. Perhaps I failed. All I wrote was that if you're 'tall, witty and beard-less (no offence, bearded ones) then get in touch' etc etc. But angry gentleman said that I should apologise for causing offence to short men, since it's something they can't change, unlike a beard which they can; apparently, requesting a tall man is much like saying I'll only date someone white. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A tall issue </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">WELL. While I'd hate to offend anyone who is short, surely it's all relative. Most girls consider 5'10 a tall man - but the problem is, that's MY height. So I need a really, really tall man in order to feel even slightly comfortable. And perhaps it's unfair of me to rule out dating someone shorter than me, but why waste time lying? And how many men out there look at a profile of a girl over 5'9" and actually get in touch if they're not pushing 6 foot? As a girl it sucks to feel like a big fat giant, and that's what you feel like whenever you're with someone who is a lot smaller than you. It's not feminine, it knocks confidence and I don't think I know one woman who would be happy seeing a man who is shorter than her. The only difference is, all those mates are quite short themselves so it's not a problem, whereas I'm probably ruling out about 80% of guys. Thanks, Mother Nature.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To beard or not to beard </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's more, my point about beards was not to be nasty, but an attempt to convey my type. Hairy bearded men, who tend, I find, to be of the skinny-jeans-wearing variety more often than not - yes I'm generalising - are not my type. That's not to say they're not wonderful, or attractive, or whatever - they're just not for me. And isn't that kind of what online dating is about? How, when there are thousands of people online searching for the One, are we meant to whittle it down to said One if we can't even state what we're looking for?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway. I told him in no uncertain terms that he was wrong, I didn't mean to cause offence and that stating a preference for height is not the same as race, because that would make me a racist moron. He soon shut up. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nowhere to hide</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next, I get a few men who are all watching my activity like a hawk. Been online but not replied to their message yet? In pops another one questioning what's taking so long. Looked at their profile but not rated them back yet? In comes a sarcastic message telling you yes it was them who emailed you and are you going to bother getting back to them now? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I might be slow at getting back to guys online, and yes I am doing it half-heartedly at the moment which is totally my fault. But chasing me with snide comments and expecting an instant response is not really the way to pique my interest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It all feels like a hassle, and one I could do without - this should be fun, exciting, a bit scary but ultimately nothing to get too serious about else what's the point? I'm starting to dread the emails and given that I've not spotted anyone I actually want to email back, I might just ditch the whole thing...</span></div>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-91301697935766093602013-02-28T22:06:00.000+00:002013-03-01T13:09:22.313+00:00The only way is dresses<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First thing's first: I do not, nor have I ever watched TOWIE. It's just not my kind of thing - I'd much rather a good dose of sunshine in the form of Home and Away or camp drama like Revenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that that's out the way; when my friend introduced me to <a href="http://www.lipstickboutique.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lipstick Boutique</a>, on first look I didn't think it was for me based on the names behind the range - that is, girls from The Only Way Is Essex. Lauren Pope, Amy Childs, Jessica Wright... all names I've seen when guiltily scrolling through the Daily Mail sidebar of shame but not ones I'd particularly copy the style of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But then I saw dresses, and dresses are a bit of an addiction of mine. And after a quick browse, my first impression was quashed. The ranges are modelled by the girls themselves, and beyond the OTT make-up and fake lashes they all actually have quite curvy figures, which is refreshing for a fashion site and good for me in terms of knowing what will suit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of the styles are a bit much for me - my curves aren't necessarily in the right places like these celebs (cue violin, please) so I can't pull off a skin-tight body con dress like some of them can. But once I'd scrolled past the ones which were a bit too WAG, I found some I really liked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of them all, Lydia's range is my favourite - her dresses are a little more girly, quirky and interesting, with a range of prints and shapes and there's something a bit retro about them too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was offered the chance to try out one of the dresses and in minutes I'd picked the <a href="http://www.lipstickboutique.co.uk/p-georgia-55" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Georgia</a> - a prom-like dress of black lace which is exactly my style for something that's a bit more formal; plus she's wearing a headband in the photo, so it had to be The One. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was surprised at how heavy it was when it arrived, not like the thin and flimsy dresses that usually sit in my wardrobe (side glance at H&M here) but when I slipped it on, I loved how it fit. Well made, perfect sizing and a gorgeous cut that skims hips and tightens in at the waist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seeing as I have 6 weddings to attend this year this might just be one of my outfits, teamed with a pearly headband and dainty flats. I'll be keeping my eye on the new collections too... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclosure: Dress was PR sample</i></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-44394779065886522032013-02-16T16:36:00.000+00:002013-02-16T16:36:12.000+00:00What SATC taught me about life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WX71ppZ6k44/UR-0v4EOfyI/AAAAAAAAAWU/AHrto8cssXs/s1600/large_size_satcmain3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WX71ppZ6k44/UR-0v4EOfyI/AAAAAAAAAWU/AHrto8cssXs/s400/large_size_satcmain3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Channel5.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've just finished watching the Sex and the City boxset for the tenth
(or maybe millionth) time, and realised just how much I like to think of it in everyday life. Though not quite so much as Friends. It's far cleaner and
therefore more quotable...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ahhh, SATC. The show that
created my huge girl crush on Sarah Jessica Parker (she is stunning, has
great style, and writes what she wants while affording aforementioned
great style. Winning. At. Life.) and made me speak a little too freely
about dating with my wonderful friends. From cool cocktails to good
fashion sense, Carrie and co have definitely taught me a few things over
the years...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1. Dress the part</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Carrie
teaches us that you must always dress for the occasion appropriately.
Did someone mention Paris? Grab your beret quick and add 'le' in front
of everything you say. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. Be yourself</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If a guy won't even let you drink your coffee how you like it, ditch him. <span class="st">Aleksandr, take your controlling ways and go annoy someone else. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">3. Sex before marriage is a good thing</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">Charlotte
and Trey taught us that a test drive is always a good idea. Not to
mention making sure the mother in law isn't called 'Bunny' and slightly
insane (really, the alarm bells were always there). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">4. If you know a relationship is wrong, end it</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">Let's
face it, Post-It-gate would never have happened if Carrie had stuck to
her guns and dumped Berger when she realised they needed a 'bit' just to
get through a day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">5. You can be a mum and still be normal</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">One
of my favourite storylines was Miranda and the baby. She showed that
hating pregnancy and wanting the baby to be quiet for just five minutes
doesn't make you a bad mother. You can also talk about stuff that
doesn't involve babies - if someone could explain that to half my
Facebook friends, that'd be awesome.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">6. Country guys and city girls don't mix</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">Oh
Aidan. He was perfect in every way except for the fact he was not
perfect to Carrie. He should have taken Pete to that cabin and found a
nice girl who lived in the woods to marry and build stuff with long
before the affair stuff happened. If you prefer heels to hills, run for
them if an Aidan comes your way. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">7. Dildo models have feelings, too</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">Who knew?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">8. You don't marry Mr Pussy</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">I
can't believe I just wrote that sentence and hope mum isn't reading.
But this is a valuable lesson; you don't settle down with the player who
everyone's had a, er, play with. You have fun and then you find
yourself a balding lawyer with a great sense of humour. Or something... </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">9. Real friends will help with <i>anything</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">From
telling you what to do when a spot of DIY-bikini-dying goes wrong, to
giving you a downpayment on your flat (this one still amazes me) to
helping you when your birth control gets stuck (ditto this one), real
friends won't bat an eyelid if you need a hand. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">10. You'll most likely meet The One when you look awful</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bhpIvhdJ-w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie met Big</a> when she looked her worst (that hair... that make-up!) and when she dropped a clutch bag full of condoms on the street. Nice. Miranda met Steve when she rowed with Carrie on the phone. Charlotte met Harry when she was going through a nasty divorce (though to be fair, she rarely looks bad). So when you look like crap and you see that hot man in Tesco's? Yep, he could be it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span class="st">And a few things they got wrong:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">1. If a boyfriend buys you a new Mac, even if it is shaped like a handbag, you keep it. No brainer!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">2.
Just because you have a flat stomach that any 20 year old would be
jealous of, doesn't mean you have to get it out in public. Middle-aged
midriff isn't hot. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st">3. Don't give Geri Halliwell a part in an episode, no matter how big or small. Jeez. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-4632909606827440612013-02-10T21:32:00.000+00:002013-02-10T21:32:52.115+00:00Skater girl<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fashion isn't my usual blogging topic of choice, but given that I have a slight obsession for good dresses, great headbands and gorgeous earrings I've decided every so often I might share my favourite finds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My style has changed quite a bit over the last few years (I'm sure this is pretty common for anyone making their way through their twenties) but one shape I've discovered that's perfect for my fairly curvy frame is the skater dress. It nips you in at the waist, skims over wide hips and gives a flattering shape that balances out any curves. I love that dancer-like silhouette too - as a tall girl it's great to feel so feminine despite wearing flat shoes and being the same height as most men. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until now, I've mostly just bought every one that I can find on ASOS but last month I branched out and fell in love with a skirt. It's quite possibly my favourite item in my wardrobe and even better, it's still in the ASOS sale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYffQX4CO1A/URgQmbns37I/AAAAAAAAAWA/qH9VqBAkL6Q/s1600/image1xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYffQX4CO1A/URgQmbns37I/AAAAAAAAAWA/qH9VqBAkL6Q/s1600/image1xl.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Image from ASOS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I absolutely adore black and gold together - half my wardrobe is made up of the colours - and so with this buy I went a bit co-ordinated-crazy. I teamed it with a black and gold sheer shirt, black pointed pumps with gold studs from New Look and a black lace bag from Miss Selfridge with gold chain handle. I may have also added a black and gold headband, naturally... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The skirt is available now on ASOS <a href="http://www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2449765" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> for £24.50.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-69973798351804373622013-01-08T21:33:00.000+00:002013-01-08T22:49:46.204+00:00One of those New Year posts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJJaWMxEwM/UOyOwsed4_I/AAAAAAAAAVo/cV7cbhAOcfk/s1600/389676_560842148392_1189138071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJJaWMxEwM/UOyOwsed4_I/AAAAAAAAAVo/cV7cbhAOcfk/s400/389676_560842148392_1189138071_n.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">You know how at this time of
year, suddenly everyone's tweets and blog posts and Facebook comments
and Tumblrs and god knows what else is all about how they're going to be
a different person - a new year, new me if you will? Annoying, aren't
they? Well... sorry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">But here's the thing - this isn't about my <i>plan</i> to change, oh no.
This is about the fact that somewhere between 2012 ending and 2013
beginning, I have become an actual new person. Look! *twirls*</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Ah right, I should probably talk you through it. Here's why I feel
like I might have been replaced in my sleep by a better version of me... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>Weird food</b></span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I am eating actual real food that my mum has deemed 'posh'. Salmon
bagels in the morning. Bloody homemade cucumber sandwiches for lunch.
I'm planning on making an actual fish pie instead of buying one in a
ready meal pack that takes two minutes to heat. I eat olives now, for Christ's sake. Who the hell do I think I am?</span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I am a
girl who is afraid of tupperware (it's OK, I'm sticking to foil), who hasn't made my
own lunch since I was 7 (though back then my mum made it, but you know what I mean)
and who thinks a perfect breakfast is a bowl of Coco Pops. I don't even
know what triggered this madness but it's happening and I can't seem to
stop (though I am still eating Mini Eggs like there's no tomorrow, or
Easter, ever).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>Crazy hair</b></span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I have worn my hair down twice in one week. Yes, OMG. I wore it down once
last year, I think; it was for a first date and I was feeling brave. I
regretted it all day because when you wear your hair down, you have to
flick it out of the way EVERY SINGLE MINUTE or else your neck overheats, or
your hair goes flat and suddenly you're not a real woman anymore, you're just a poor excuse of one who should have brought a hairband just in case. </span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Anyway, this is big news for anyone who knows me (especially to those who
follow my old, now anon, blog) and what's weird is, I feel OK about
it. It felt nice. I felt like a girl. I don't do it in the daytime, mind;
can't be arsed with that nonsense in the morning. Flicky hair works much better with wine.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>New feet</b></span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I have bought and worn <i>actual</i> shoes. <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2012/03/things-i-hate-shoes.html" target="_blank">I hate shoes</a>. I only wear open-toed sandals of the very strappy and supportive variety (supportive
without being from Clarks, though) or boots. There is no in between.
Except for slippers, but as yet they haven't hit the fashion shows so I
can't wear them outside. </span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">The shoes did hurt my feet, I admit. I wore them out to
the most dancey place in London I know, and now my big toes feel like they
have been stamped on repeatedly by concrete, but it's OK. Because this
makes me a normal girl (even if they were flats. Heels ain't gonna
happen.) and this is what we do.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>Happy thoughts</b></span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I'm not angry every day. Last year, and maybe the year before that, and
definitely the year before that, I felt angry a lot. I was stressed a
lot, I was seeing red every which way and generally felt pissed off with
the world. I still think the world could do with a few improvements (where are the world's New Year's resolutions, eh?) but all in all things are better. I feel almost serene, when I'm not stupidly busy, but at least
I'm not stupidly busy with stupid thoughts anymore - or at least I am, but only for about 10% of the time. It's
most bizarre and I don't know how long it will last, but I am going to
enjoy it while it does. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b>Older and wiser?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><b> </b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">I'm not freaked out by being 27 (mostly). My birthday was brilliant - I spent
it with friends who actually seem to care that I'm OK, who want
to come out and dance their socks off with me, and who make me feel so
happy and comfortable in my own skin that I'm trying not to pinch myself
whenever I see them. Wow, group hug moment. </span><br /><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">This year my birthday was
not about getting old, it was about having fun - and even though I keep
thinking 'Wow, today is the oldest I have ever been' and checking for wrinkles, another more
positive, smart-aleck side of my brain then quipps 'And it's also the
youngest you're ever going to be again, ha ha!' (someone also pointed this out
on Twitter - thanks, someone). And when I think of it like that, I think
every day is really quite enjoyable. WHO AM I? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, I can still be grumpy, and <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2011/01/rantometer-train-etiquette.html" target="_blank">get cross when a commuter puts a bag on a seat</a> or when the milk runs out at 4pm just as I need a cuppa. But what's different is I have a bit of hope for this year - I'm in a good place, my parents are about to move to a good place, I have six weddings to go to this year proving 2013 is all about romance - and my friend's psychic reckons someone beginning with J might meet her husband this year. Ryan Gosling, I'm right this way. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,sans-serif;">So
there you have it. 2013 may have already brought me two hideous hangovers and
an overdue tax return, but it's also brought a new and improved me. I
wonder how long it'll last...</span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-85188893149957733232012-12-20T21:23:00.000+00:002012-12-20T21:23:06.469+00:00"Think nice thoughts"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For some reason, I haven't been sleeping well lately and have been waking in the night having had nasty nightmares quite regularly. This used to happen quite a lot when I was younger, and as soon as I wake from one now I always hear my mum's voice telling me to 'think nice thoughts' - it's what she always used to say to calm me down. Then I'd reply, brat that I was, that I couldn't think of any nice thoughts, so she'd tell me to think of the beach. That usually did it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These days I can picture Ibiza's beaches (rather than Brighton where I grew up, which is rather pebbly) but I also have a few extras to help me unwind in case my stupid thought process goes 'Ooh, a beach. Ooh, the sea. Oh crap, a huge wave. Uhoh, I can't swim. Yeah, I'm going to drown. Bugger.' Seriously, it happens. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, should you be having nightmares too (the idea of a big fat man in a red suit coming down your chimney might be too much to handle) or if you simply need to chill out, here are my latest ways of doing as my mum tells me to... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Musical prozac</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've written about this before in my post on <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2011/03/how-to-cheer-yourself-up.html#" target="_blank">how to cheer yourself up</a>, but music really is the best pick-me-up. I'd even go so far as to say it's better than chocolate. I can't live without Spotify and have lots of playlists to choose from, from <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/miss_sprig/playlist/2rVQPuS9Ng2rqgUENE8wkc" target="_blank">Musical Prozac</a> collaborated by myself and <a href="http://www.emmacossey.com/" target="_blank">Emma Cossey</a>, to my <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/miss_sprig/playlist/2U9jaanXSn8JJecmRVkBpn" target="_blank">Just Chilling</a> list which may not be particularly cool (actually, neither is the other one unless you're a 90s kid) but it works a treat for making me relax. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVyxFlPdPbQ/UNOAWelTVYI/AAAAAAAAAVA/T66hOkdmDSY/s1600/Spice-Girl-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVyxFlPdPbQ/UNOAWelTVYI/AAAAAAAAAVA/T66hOkdmDSY/s400/Spice-Girl-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic from Guardian, Fiona Hanson/PA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've also just created a <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/miss_sprig/playlist/0ibUaBGm6PBnExLKSbOywd" target="_blank">Spice Girls</a> one after seeing Viva Forever - you can't be sad around them. Fact. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Read a decent book</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It doesn't have to be funny or soft romance - I find whatever book I'm into will help me snap out of post-nightmare restlessness because what better way to escape your dream world and real world than to read about another one? </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nE9p3sFDNA/UNN_t-yKWLI/AAAAAAAAAU4/cI33K6BRk3o/s1600/TheGirlWithTheDragonTattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nE9p3sFDNA/UNN_t-yKWLI/AAAAAAAAAU4/cI33K6BRk3o/s320/TheGirlWithTheDragonTattoo.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the moment I'm reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo which certainly isn't heart-warming but it is so gripping that once I'm reading it I can barely remember my own name never mind what I was dreaming about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Light a candle</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But be careful with the matches, obviously. I've recently rediscovered just how much I like scented candles - whether it's my working life and experience in spa and beauty products taking over my brain or simply the memory of a teenage bedroom surrounded by them, there's something comforting and seemingly indulgent about lighting an aromatherapy candle and sitting back to enjoy it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOKMyoF9VBU/UNN_F4LPHsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/CTZK4BuuJiA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOKMyoF9VBU/UNN_F4LPHsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/CTZK4BuuJiA/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can get so many soothing concoctions and I've barely started building up my collection again (damn those teenage 'it's not cool anymore' clear outs) but at the moment I'm enjoying one from <a href="http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yankee Candle</a>. I love the Lotus Flower and Sea Salt aromatherapy spa one to add a really gentle scent to the air. Though I do wish they'd do one that smells like freshly baked cakes... that would definitely perk me up and remind me of home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Disclosure: Candle was sent to me by their PR. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-82092365610641794892012-11-27T21:08:00.002+00:002012-12-09T23:04:39.766+00:00Fun websites you need to know about<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Isn't the web great? You can shop on it, date on it, talk on it... who knows what you'll be able to do next. Eat on it? Sleep on it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who cares, because there is plenty more to keep us entertained pretty much forever. Here's a little round up of websites that I forget about easily, but shouldn't because they are just so brilliant it hurts. Or maybe I am just easily pleased...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Gizoogle</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because why would yo ass wanna read normal English when yo ass can have phat English? </span><br />
<a href="http://gizoogle.net/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://gizoogle.net/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Intellisult</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're going to insult someone, do it properly. </span><br />
<a href="http://intellisult.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://intellisult.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Emergency compliment</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because everyone deserves a compliment, at least once a day. Or just keep clicking until you feel better, because your hair really does look great today.</span><br />
<a href="http://emergencycompliment.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://emergencycompliment.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Fuck I'm in my 20s</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are in your twenties, or at least remember them well, you'll 'relate'. </span><br />
<a href="http://fuckiminmy20s.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://fuckiminmy20s.tumblr.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Oatmeal</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone knows this one, but it's always good to remember their best bits. Their recent comic on working online is my favourite. </span><br />
<a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/making_things"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://theoatmeal.com/comics/making_things</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Draw a stickman</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who doesn't want to create their own man? Draw one and see him come to life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.drawastickman.com/">http://www.drawastickman.com/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Any others I should know about? </span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-36316223424844179512012-11-25T15:03:00.000+00:002012-11-25T15:03:13.438+00:00Dating sites: are they worth it?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've got mail! So pay up...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's no secret (unfortunately) that I've been giving the online dating thing a go since the summer. I can't say it's been all that successful but I haven't let that stop me from browsing. It's a bit like shopping, only you have to buy before you try - and you don't get a refund if it doesn't fit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After being on one site for a while and enjoying it but wondering if 'my type' is out there on a different money-making love machine, I took a look around at some other sites. I have to say I was surprised and disappointed, so much so that I thought I'd share the pros and cons...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Guardian Soulmates</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I read the Guardian. I like the Guardian. So I thought that maybe, my Mr Right likes the Guardian too and is lurking in their mini dating site. Whether or not he is, their site is pretty brilliant. Setting up a profile is easy, and you can browse first without signing up if you're as indecisive as I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The best bit though? You can see who's viewed your profile and read your messages without paying a penny. Because why on earth would you want to pay if you have no idea if the people interested in you are people you're interested in? You can even send little automated messages like 'Tell me more' or 'I'm not subscribed yet' if you don't want to pay but don't want to leave them hanging. Such good manners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Match</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh Match, your annoying adverts almost got me. After a few vinos I signed up, without really realising that's what I was doing, to this maze of a site to see if maybe my ideal man was hiding in there. I'm sorry, but this site is the most annoying site to ever be made and I really should have seen the signs given their awful advertising which makes me want to poke myself in the eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The profile details take ages to fill in, even if it is mostly multiple choice - but where's the fun in that anyway? You can even search for men by the trait they've given themselves like 'confident' or 'sociable' - I really don't see value in that at all. Most infuriating though, is that you cannot click on who's 'winked' at you (I've always said, I hate a winker) or see your messages, or even who has viewed your profile, without paying. And it's not particularly cheap. How does anyone find romance this way? Not wanting to wind up broke, I declined, hoped that none of the winkers or viewers were my dream man and deleted it (which took about a dozen clicks). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Plenty of Fish</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ah, the free one. If you haven't heard of this site, where have you been? Getting married or something, probably. The free dating site is just as you would expect a free one to be. It's fairly easy to use, the profile pages are pretty simple and it has a lot of members. Before I get too cynical, I do know of a few people who have actually got a relationship out of it - so it can't be all bad - but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of frogs to be avoided first. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know if this works the other way, men seeking women, but all I can say is of the unluckier ones I know who use the site, there have been plenty of cases of photos being sent over. Of naughty bits. It's fair to say the men on this site are pretty forward. Which is funny, because given that it's free, they've got all the time in the world to find their perfect match...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each to their own of course - I've also heard OK Cupid is worth a go and I'm sure eHarmony sees very little sexting or whatever the online equivalent is. There's also newer site Doing Something, Zoosk (again with the annoying adverts) and My Single Friend which I tried once and gave up on, despite thinking it was a decent setup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think I'll go back to my gut instinct and stick with the site I liked in the first place before all the dating nonsense started...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-37830477468812188282012-11-24T10:00:00.000+00:002012-11-24T10:00:07.796+00:00New girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iF3za5j3FLU/UK_KRSOJGsI/AAAAAAAAATg/Olo4CEPOWyo/s1600/this+is+your+life.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iF3za5j3FLU/UK_KRSOJGsI/AAAAAAAAATg/Olo4CEPOWyo/s400/this+is+your+life.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember back in April when I said I wanted to do less talking, and more '<a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2012/04/little-less-conversation.html" target="_blank">doing</a>'? Well, since then I've done a lot of both. The talking, though, has been with great friends who have advised me, listened to me and generally inspired me (I know how cheesey that sounds, sorry) to get back on track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've got mates who try to tell me that running is easy once you know how (jury is still out on that one but I will give it a go), ones who tell me not to compare myself to others - something that's all too easy in this industry - which is definitely worth listening to, and mates who have been there when I felt like just giving up on the dream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One such friend once said to me that life is a balance of three things; your home life, your personal life and your work life. Since that optimistic post earlier this year, it's fair to say then that my whole life has been turned upside down and shaken about like a little snow globe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In just the past three months, I have moved house (the most stressful move I have ever experienced; and that includes the one when my parents lost their house), I have got back into dating (and mostly failed, but still it's good to try), I have been to my first funeral to say a very sad goodbye to my wondeful nan, and I have left my job at Wahanda, where I've been the last four years. I feel pretty shaken up if truth be told (damn you anxiety) but it also feels like the dust - or glitter, gotta love a metaphor - is finally settling and it's time for a new start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As of next week I'll be working for a fabulously stylish new site called Get the Gloss, where I'll be production editor and, of course, the new girl. I haven't been the new girl since this time four years ago when I started at Wahanda, and it wasn't half as scary because I was an intern so I couldn't massively break anything or be rubbish because I was just there to learn. But learn I did, and now it's time to take everything I've absorbed and go and use it over at GTG to help build an amazing resource for expert beauty. And I can't wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, since that little post seven months ago, I've taken <a href="http://www.emmacossey.com/" target="_blank">Emma</a>'s advice and made things happen to make myself happy. I finally live by a tube so I don't curse Southeastern Trains on a daily basis, I have (almost) got over my nerves when it comes to dating, and I've taken my next step on the career ladder towards being what I want to be. I think that's quite enough for 2012... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-78574120856499708582012-11-23T16:43:00.001+00:002012-11-23T16:50:14.962+00:00Nailing the textured look<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yesterday I spotted Jane (British Beauty Blogger) tweeting about a new 'leather' nail polish and, given my slight addiction to nail news, was planning on getting my mitts on some pretty quick and blogging about them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it seems leather isn't the only new texture to get excited about - we've had crackle, we've had velvet, we've had caviar, and now the textured trend is continuing with some even more wearable and fun looks. Here's what's coming up this December...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Leather</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0PUNcw788/UK-lpI8de6I/AAAAAAAAASM/bMX7SoNKI-w/s1600/Nails-Inc-Bling-It-On-Leather-Effect-Nail-Polish-Promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0PUNcw788/UK-lpI8de6I/AAAAAAAAASM/bMX7SoNKI-w/s320/Nails-Inc-Bling-It-On-Leather-Effect-Nail-Polish-Promo.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The leather look I mentioned is by Nails Inc, and I have to say I can't wait to give it a go despite preferring that super-gloss feeling that you usually get from painting your nails (especially with gel effect manicures... I can't get enough of them). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.britishbeautyblogger.com/2012/11/nails-inc-leather-polish.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jane's post complete with photos here</a> - I'll be looking out for this one next month!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Rubber</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGiidqokmbg/UK-nEcdAWuI/AAAAAAAAASk/ptjBPdI0tOQ/s1600/Group+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGiidqokmbg/UK-nEcdAWuI/AAAAAAAAASk/ptjBPdI0tOQ/s400/Group+Shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Image from Illamasqua</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This shouldn't work on paper, but I can't wait to try it - <a href="http://www.illamasqua.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Illamasqua</a> have launched a range of Rubber Brights, which are exactly as they sound; gorgeous bright polishes with a rubber finish. I imagine that means they'll attract dust and goodness knows what else no end, but we have to suffer for our beauty right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Apparently they're inspired by the rubber boot girls of Berlin in the 1920s... now Mr Ashman my history teacher certainly didn't tell us about these but a bit of Googling told me these are ladies of the night (cough) who wore colour coded boots based on their specialities. Interesting source of inspiration! These are available from December. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Concrete</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0RdtRh1c_4/UK-mjFUqsKI/AAAAAAAAASc/3pQgwF3S3Ts/s1600/nails-inc-concrete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0RdtRh1c_4/UK-mjFUqsKI/AAAAAAAAASc/3pQgwF3S3Ts/s1600/nails-inc-concrete.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, because who doesn't want their nails to resemble the pavement? I'm not so sure about this one. Nails Inc (again) have been busy and created a concrete-effect polish with a 'rugged, concrete finish'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Having had dry nails since the dawning of time and forever catching little 'catches' on my nails on various things, I'm not convinced this will feel nice unless it's a very very smooth concrete. I like the look of the bold shades though so we'll see. Also available from December. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237253267720947217.post-72679330251983224272012-11-22T20:56:00.001+00:002012-11-23T16:44:28.825+00:00My makeup must-haves: 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Cl_CehYiFs/UK6QvienOHI/AAAAAAAAARk/PSHbTLxm9cc/s1600/makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Cl_CehYiFs/UK6QvienOHI/AAAAAAAAARk/PSHbTLxm9cc/s400/makeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was trying to decide on my favourite beauty product earlier, and found myself torn between the best mascara in the world and my ultimate moisturiser which I consider a high achiever given that I have incredibly sensitive skin. So for inspiration I stumbled across a <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2009/11/makeup-must-haves.html" target="_blank">post from 2009 on my makeup heroes </a>- the products I just can't live without. It surprised me that a few have changed, so I thought I'd do an update. Well, in a few years time I might need to look back after all...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I still swear by the Urban Decay Primer, Bourjois Stretch Eyeshadow (which I now buy on eBay as it seems to be missing from the counters), 17 Concealer Stick and L'Oreal Khaki eyeshadow - but here are my new makeup bag regulars:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation</b> - This product converted me into a foundation wearer. I only wear it for my 'best' days or evenings out, but this super smooth gel foundation sinks into skin to give a natural glow that doesn't look like thick makeup. The coverage isn't flawless, but I top up with concealer and it's perfect. Check out my full review <a href="http://www.judyjohnsonjourno.com/2011/11/foundation-for-foundation-hater.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><b>MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara</b> - I've moved on from False Lash Effect (though I still have it as a back up for extra length) because Masterpiece Max suits my lashes so much better. It gives the same fluttery length as the Falsh Lash Effect but it also adds volume and I find it looks darker or glossier somehow. I can't leave the house without it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer</b> - Much like the foundation from the same range, this concealer is a face-saver. It's ideal for undereye circles but also covers redness and imperfections too. I find it blends really well, with no dryness (though I do always moisturise beforehand). </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq6Zf6hoRPg/UK6PuU-t_eI/AAAAAAAAARc/71tEwlhIV5g/s1600/lotionMicellaire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq6Zf6hoRPg/UK6PuU-t_eI/AAAAAAAAARc/71tEwlhIV5g/s320/lotionMicellaire.jpg" width="84" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Avéne Micellar Lotion</b> - It's no secret that I bloody love the Avéne range. I can't live without their moisturisers and though this isn't makeup you can't have makeup without something to remove it, right? This clear and gentle cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and leaves it feeling so very soft and clean that it's convinced me to ditch the face wipes (most nights, anyway). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner & GOSH Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen</b> - Liquid eyeliners are my weakness when it comes to beauty loyalty. I still love the L'Oreal one but the product runs out far too fast for my liking. The <a href="http://rimmel.rimmellondon.com/products/exaggerate-liquid-eye-liner" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rimmel</a> liner is incredible for a really glossy, dense black line with precision; it travels with me in my handbag-makeup-bag everywhere I go and is ideal for top ups. The <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/eyes/gosh-long-lasting-eye-liner-pen-008-carbon-black/invt/251161/&bklist=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GOSH</a> eyeliner is a dream to apply and lasts a long time (oh look, hence the name) so I'm sold on both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What makeup products can you not live without? Do you have some that have stood the test of time like I do?</span>spriglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287780650683845706noreply@blogger.com0