Judy Johnson

"Think nice thoughts"

Posted by spriglet On Thursday, 20 December 2012 21:23 0 comments

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.

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.

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...

Musical prozac
I've written about this before in my post on how to cheer yourself up, 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 Musical Prozac collaborated by myself and Emma Cossey, to my Just Chilling 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.

Pic from Guardian, Fiona Hanson/PA

I've also just created a Spice Girls one after seeing Viva Forever - you can't be sad around them. Fact.

Read a decent book
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?

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.

Light a candle
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.

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 Yankee Candle. 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.

Disclosure: Candle was sent to me by their PR.

Fun websites you need to know about

Posted by spriglet On Tuesday, 27 November 2012 21:08 0 comments

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?

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...

Gizoogle
Because why would yo ass wanna read normal English when yo ass can have phat English?
http://gizoogle.net/

Intellisult
If you're going to insult someone, do it properly.
http://intellisult.com/

Emergency compliment
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.
http://emergencycompliment.com/

Fuck I'm in my 20s
If you are in your twenties, or at least remember them well, you'll 'relate'.
http://fuckiminmy20s.tumblr.com/

Oatmeal
Everyone knows this one, but it's always good to remember their best bits. Their recent comic on working online is my favourite.
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/making_things

Draw a stickman
Who doesn't want to create their own man? Draw one and see him come to life.
http://www.drawastickman.com/

Any others I should know about?

Dating sites: are they worth it?

Posted by spriglet On Sunday, 25 November 2012 15:03 0 comments

You've got mail! So pay up...

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.

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...

Guardian Soulmates
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.

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.

Match
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.

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).

Plenty of Fish
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.

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...

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.

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...

dating , online dating |

New girl

Posted by spriglet On Saturday, 24 November 2012 10:00 1 comments

Remember back in April when I said I wanted to do less talking, and more 'doing'? 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So, since that little post seven months ago, I've taken Emma'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...

inspiration , personal |

Nailing the textured look

Posted by spriglet On Friday, 23 November 2012 16:43 0 comments

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.

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...

Leather

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).

Check out Jane's post complete with photos here - I'll be looking out for this one next month!

Rubber

Image from Illamasqua

This shouldn't work on paper, but I can't wait to try it - Illamasqua 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?

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.

Concrete

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'.

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.

beauty , lifestyle , nails |

My makeup must-haves: 2012

Posted by spriglet On Thursday, 22 November 2012 20:56 0 comments

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 post from 2009 on my makeup heroes - 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...

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:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation - 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 here.

MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara - 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.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer - 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).

Avéne Micellar Lotion - 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).

Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner & GOSH Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen - 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 Rimmel 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 GOSH eyeliner is a dream to apply and lasts a long time (oh look, hence the name) so I'm sold on both.

What makeup products can you not live without? Do you have some that have stood the test of time like I do?

beauty , lifestyle , makeup |

Book review: One Day

Posted by spriglet On Monday, 1 October 2012 23:10 0 comments

I don't get to read as much as I'd like to thanks to hectic London life, so aside from the sun, sea and sangria, one of the things I looked forward to most about my holiday was starting and finishing a book or two.

The first book of choice was One Day by David Nicholls, and having not seen the film (part hate for Anne Hathaway, part knowing I wanted to read it first) and after hearing plenty about it, I was intrigued - I generally avoid books that have a lot of hype but am a sucker for a good love story. Plus everybody on the tube had read it, so I had some catching up to do.

It wasn't quite as I expected - I thought it was a romantic story of a should-be couple meeting up on the anniversary of their first date, but instead it looked at where they were on that date each year whether they were together or not. The book spans 20 years, from 1988 when they meet as students to the present day.

I'd seen plenty of comments about it not being a 'traditional romance' so I wasn't expecting the usual chick-lit, but at first I found it very hard to like either of the characters. I found Em difficult rather than endearing, and Dex arrogant in the way that isn't attractive, making it tricky to care about either of them. But their lack of likeability makes them all the more real, which I assume the author was going for - this is no Disney tale of the perfect man and the perfect woman falling in love.

Both lead characters (and the people that surround them) are flawed, but through working on their imperfections they grow up together, apart, and together again. It felt incredibly genuine. While a lot of books tend to be a bit saucy or funny for dramatic effect, One Day had a real edge to it, largely I think because of the structure. Each installment in the life of Em and Dex was intriguing, but just as you turn the page to find out what happens next a year has passed and their lives have changed and intertwined, in ways which aren't always revealed in great detail.

I imagine it suits both men and women, another plus that puts it above your traditional chick-lit; Londoners might enjoy it for its depictions of the city and how the two live in such contrasting situations (Dex's snobbery at her pokey flat was particularly authentic).

I did have one big issue with it, though; the twist seemed unnecessary. I know a lot of people whinge about twists if it involves something happening that they would prefer not to happen, but for me it felt a bit like a desperate attempt at making the book 'shock' readers (and creep up the bestsellers lists in the process). Maybe I'm just too cynical?

What I liked most about the story, though, was the writing (engaging and not soppy despite dealing with emotion) and the fact that I could really relate to the relationship. It was like taking a sidestep, looking at a past relationship and seeing it for all its flaws, greatness and sadness in one.

I always like a story that teaches me a little something, and Nicholls definitely gave me something to think about - love is not perfect, for one thing; and for another, don't ever imagine Anne Hathaway when picturing a character. It ruins it.

Have you read it? What did you think?

P.S. I watched the film after and it was much better than expected. But the book definitely wins.

books , one day , reviews |

Wahanda launches online bookings

Posted by spriglet On 22:02 0 comments

Yes, this is a bit self-promotional. But it's also a bit awesome, so do keep reading.

Over the past few months I've been talking about a launch which we've been working on at Wahanda, which is the biggest we've ever done in the four years I've been there (time flies). Bigger even than MobDeals...

For years, our brilliant team has built a platform full of thousands of offers, reviews, listings of spas and salons and, in my little area, a fantastic community full of blogs and expertise. But until now, everything worked on vouchers - you could buy your spa day, spa break or manicure, getting an instant eVoucher to your inbox. It was then up to you to contact the venue (we give you the details obviously) and book yourself in within the voucher validity period.

Well pop the champagne and get out your diary because it's all change. Wahanda has now launched an online booking system which means you can see what appointments are available and book in your time and date in just a few clicks. How amazing? I know. Clever bunch.

You still get the great offers, handy reviews and fabulous content - plus more relevant emails and the option to pick a voucher if you want a deal but aren't sure when you want to go. Basically, we just got more awesome. No more requesting a Hollywood wax on the phone in front of your colleagues!

Do check it out, use JJ21 for an extra £5 off (don't say I never give you anything) and let me know what you think. Happy booking...

lifestyle , wahanda |

Ibiza 2012 - 7 days of smiles

Posted by spriglet On Monday, 24 September 2012 23:52 0 comments

As we all know (don't we?), Ibiza is my happy place. It's my favourite place in the world, apart from perhaps bed after a long day, and my parents' sofa assuming they're there and making the tea. I went for my third time this summer, and since I posted last year about my 2011 Ibiza fun I felt it only right that I do the same this year.

Ushuaia

This year was a spur of the moment booking, which I made for the day after I got back from Hideout Festival in Croatia. And I'm so glad I took the leap, did the selfish thing and booked myself the 7 days on the lovely White Isle.

I'd never taken a holiday longer than a week before, and with Croatia rolling into this trip I felt all kinds of reckless. Croatia wasn't what I expected this time round; too hot, too crowded, too full of people doing things they shouldn't and thinking they were cool because they were so out of it they wouldn't remember anything the next day. Not exactly my kind of festival (Lovebox is a million times better).

But rather than be disappointed at a wasted holiday, I could look forward to sun, sea and parties with a group of girls who are, quite frankly, brilliant. We jetted off to Ibiza on a massive high, with wine on the plane (my first time drinking in the air; we cleaned them all out. Sorry easyjet.) and directions to our low budget, all inclusive hotel - Piscis Park.

The hotel

A word about Piscis Park. It's not the Hilton. Do not expect a polished bathroom, a beautiful sea view (though you might if you're lucky) or fellow residents who won't scream and shout at 6am when you've just got home and want to sleep.

Yes, it's a bit noisy. Yes, the buffet is all kinds of weird and not suitable for vegetarians unless you can survive on cheese and potatoes. Yes, the 'all inclusive bar' is a bit crap if you want wine (the wine is bad) and the choice of sandwiches is ham and cheese, or cheese and ham. But for £400 for flights and accommodation all in, that's no surprise. It had air con, it had beds, it had food, and was right by the Egg which meant we could walk everywhere - so we were happy. And that's all I'm saying, other than lock your suitcase or get a safe...

F*** Me I'm Famous, David Guetta at Ushuaia

The beach

Now, I'm not a beach person in general, but on this holiday I could finally enjoy it thanks to my total lack of prickly heat, great friends who didn't make me feel like a whale every time I bared some pale skin and a gorgeous, secluded beach called Cala Gracio. If you've ever been to Ibiza you'll know that reps will plague you on the main beaches, trying to sell you stuff - all well and good, but sometimes you just want to rest your weary head under an umbrella and snooze in the sun.

Cala Gracio is a stunning beach up in the San Antonio area of town - we took a quick taxi from by the egg (where our hotel was) but it's a nice walk too if you have the energy. The restaurant there is brilliant - just don't eat the fruit from the guy who wanders around, it's not clean!

The parties

Oh, the parties. As is standard in Ibiza, we didn't really have any proper 'quiet nights'. The first night involved a too-good-to-turn-down deal on alcohol in the west end, followed by dancing and more dancing... and that's pretty much how the rest of the holiday went.

During the week we saw Mark Ronson and Zane Lowe at Ibiza Rocks Hotel (amazing, completely changed my opinion of Lowe); David Guetta at the b-e-a-utiful Ushuaia (worth every cent of the 100 euros we paid - it's a five star hotel!); Hed Kandi with Lovely Laura at Es Paradis (always a perfect night); some British DJ in Eden (no idea); and plenty of bruises as we braved the dodgems after a night out (again).

In between all that we visited my all time favourite bar, Ibiza Rocks, and did the Pukka Up boat party which yet again proved to me I am incapable of getting sunstroke when I drink in the day on holiday but was fun all the same.

The best bit about the holiday? It really felt like a holiday. I felt happy, on top form, rested, and laughed so much about all sorts from accidentally stolen almonds to sea urchins, to the fact that cat doesn't rhyme with dog, and the sheer amount of neon we spread around the island. Guess you had to be there... and I'm so glad I was. Roll on summer 2013!

Quick tips

Go to Kiss My Fairy and get body painted/glittered. We got our faces done for 15 euros and loved it!
Make sure you do see the sunset at the sunset cafes - we saved it for our last night and it was a very fitting goodbye.
Get the bus from the airport if you know your way around the island or roughly where you're going. SO much cheaper!

ibiza , personal |

Things I've learned from online dating

Posted by spriglet On Wednesday, 18 July 2012 22:34 1 comments

This is the ad that made me join a different site

Yes, I'm giving it a second chance. Last time I went online I basically hid from anyone who said hello and deemed them all to be nutters, quickly closing my profile as soon as someone asked me out. Let's just say I wasn't ready.

This time, I'm actually starting to enjoy it, and might even have a date lined up - no promises - but the best bit so far has been the funny stuff. I'm not going to be too mean about profiles (I'm sure mine's terrible), but I have learned a thing or two from the few odd messages and people I have come across, so I thought they were worth sharing. I'm helpful like that...

1. Lots of men either a) don't know how old they are b) could really do with some hair dye and Botox or c) lie about their age. There is no way a 30 year old can look that old, surely?

2. There is such a thing as a bat charity. Who knew? There might even be more than one. All I know is that a man works there. He looks scary and messages girls who aren't interested (me). We shall call him Batman. Not so much a Black Knight in shining armour as a daylight-dodging creep.

3. There are a lot of single men out there who think that being active and going skiing once a year makes them adventurous and cultured. They even try to make their usernames sound adventurous, like ActiveJoe or MountainBoy.

4. The same men think that sitting down is bad and boring, even if it involves watching a good film or reading. If they're not sliding around on snow, or skateboarding, or running a marathon, they're not even living. Us indoor types should be ashamed.

5. Some men can't read, and so even if you specifically say that height is important, they will still email you despite being five inches shorter than you.

6. Men often have one message that they copy and paste to different girls (yes, this actually happened - Facebook reveals all). It is generally a bit of a creepy one.

7. Men, for their profile picture, either put one of a) looking to the left/upwards in a thoughtful, super cool manner b) pulling a goofy face that is in no way flattering or c) one that could easily be a passport photo (and we all know those never look good). They then add gallery pictures which look like a completely different person, usually in a group of friends or with a pretty girl who you instantly think is their (hopefully ex) girlfriend. Cynic, me?

8. Men only want to meet confident, pretty, outgoing, super positive glass-half-full girls. Therefore they will probably wind up disappointed, because this is the real world and you can't smile 24/7, it gives you jaw-ache.

9. It is a bloody small world. No matter how wide, or how narrow, you cast your little net, there is a very good chance someone from your hometown will message you, or you'll browse and discover someone you know from Twitter. Hopefully by accident though, otherwise that's just creepy (and a total waste of money).

10. Online dating is just like offline dating. There's game playing, a sudden lack of interest for no apparent reason when you're mid-conversation and you'll always get chatted up by the odd weirdo.

Still, I'm really quite enjoying it.

Men, are women just as bad when it comes to dating profiles? Anyone had any odd messages lately? Tell me I'm not alone...

dating , online dating , single scoop |