Hi all,

I have been absent for a while... moving to London and starting a new job has taken up a lot of my time (that plus having no Internet in my new flat). But I am back.

In the current economic climate and with Christmas fast approching, every girl needs a helping hand to stay fablous. So I thought I would share this amazing site I have found to help us through the tough times.

Voucher Codes, has an amazing section for printable vouchers, giving you access to all the latest and greatest discounts and offers ranging from the high street retailers to great cheap eats.

So go on treat yourself ...

Beth’s book review – The Outcast

I am lucky enough to have just come back from a week in Umbria, Italy. Holidays are one of the only times I get the sit down and read a good book, cover to cover and the daily distractions of bad TV and my boyfriend can’t disturb me.

For anyone who wants to get lost in the world of a great book I really recommend The Outcast by Sadie Jones. Set in post second world war Surrey, the book is both gripping and devastatingly moving, telling the story of a boy called Lewis Aldridge and his fall into a dark and painful adolescence. Jone’s paints an enthralling picture of hypocritical post-war society and the lives of those within in, from the young and innocent Kit, to her violent and controlling father Dicky.

It’s a world where, on the outside, everything looks as conservative and safe as its inhabitants want it to be; but scratch the surface and alcoholism, child abuse and domestic violence cut devastating paths through people’s lives.

Nominated for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction, the book is beautifully written and easy to read, I finished after just three days and was left wanting more.

The book is one of Richard and Judy’s summer reads, which I always enjoy and I recommend to anyone wanting to find their next great book to check out their list.

Technorati Tags: The Outcase, Sadie Jones, summer reads, Richard and Judy, good books, fiction

If Paris Hilton were president…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spoof video posted by Paris Hilton on the website www.funnyordie.com has got the political world in a spin. The video sees Ms Hilton reclining on a poolside sun lounge dressed in a barely-there leopard print bathing suit and gold stilettos, and promises that, if elected, she will paint the White House pink. (Which I think would be awesome by the way)

It got me thinking, what would the world be like if Paris were really president…

1. The US flag would be re-designed to pink, pink and pink.

2. Over-sized shades would be mandatory when outside for all citizens… to protect eyes from sun damage of course.

3. People would be arrested for crimes against fashion.

4. Vogue would replace the Washington Post as the publication of choice in the White House and be the source for all current affairs.

5. Blonde is beautiful would be emblazoned across the dollar bill.

6. The new US national anthem would be sal sa sal sa sal sa (if you’ve watched the simple life you know what I mean).

7. Prisons would be equipped with hair salons and beauticians (for when she comes to stay).

8. The Chihuahua would replace the eagle on the president’s seal.

9. Curling tongs and eyelash curlers would become standard military issue.

10. Our energy issues may just be solved. Despite the comedic value of the video, critics have been pretty impressed with Paris’ ideas on energy. And who said blondes were dumb?

She’s got my vote: Paris Hilton for president anybody?

Technorati Tags: Paris Hilton, Paris for president, US Presidential race, funnyordie

Some people get all the best genes…

How hot does Christy Turlington look in this month’s copy of W magazine? At 39 I say it’s just not fair how some people get all the good genes.

The photography is amazing too. Photographer Michael Thompson is the one responsible for making us all want to top ourselves…

that or head straight to the gym to do some yoga (which is apparently how Christy stays so god damn sexy). I am now regretting eating that blueberry muffin and bacon sandwich for lunch…

 

Technorati Tags: fashion, models, Christy Turlington, Michael Thompson, yoga

Girl Power: The top 50 most influential female bloggers

Sisters are doing it for themselves. North X East has just released a list of today’s top 50 most influential female bloggers. (And no unfortunately I didn’t make this year’s list.) In reverse order, the list names the women who are taking the blogosphere by storm in what used to seem like a boys-only playground.

The list gives readers a 30 second rundown of each blogger and why they are the cat’s pyjamas. If you want to know who the blogging world are hailing as the cream of the crop, check it out. And despite what many might think, its not all lipstick and handbags…

Technorati Tags: top 50 female bloggers, North X East

Social media is like ice cream

The world of social media can be confusing to many of us, not least because of the umpteen different names that seem to be used for what appears to be the same thing. From new to social media, to Web and PR2.0, things seem to be complex right from the start. It's hardly surprising that many companies and business are shying away from something that should be turning them on.

I believe that social media has huge potential for all of today's businesses, whether a multibillion pound global company, to an independent SME.

My director Stuart sent me common craft video yesterday. It explains social media in a simple and fun way, and made me want to eat ice cream at 9.00am. I recommend that anyone struggling to get their head round social media watch it.

Check it out

Technorati Tags: common craft, social media, PR2.0

Race for Life Update

Just a quick update on my Race for Life progress. On May 18th I ran the 5KM at Temple Newsham. I managed to finish in the top 15 and ran the course in 27minutes. I'm pretty impressed with myself, particularly as, normally an inner city runner, I wasn't expected all the bloodly hills!

Thanks to everyone that sponsored me and helped raise money towards a brilliant cause. I urge all women out there to take part next year or sign up now as there are still many Races happening around the country this summer!