Cocktails for a lovely, er, spring day

The sun is shining, the birds are singing... oh wait. It ISN'T and THEY AREN'T.

It's meant to be spring. There are meant to be daffodils lining the roadside, and lambs frolicking in green grass. Instead, the majority of the country is being pounded with hail and snow and sleet and frost and smog. Maybe not smog.

However this shouldn't stop you from breaking out the picnic blanket and pretending it's spring anyway. Because imagination.

So, clear your front room up a bit and whack the heating on full power. Lay the blanket. Pack a hamper, and make a few sandwiches. Forget the Pimms because that's so two thousand and whenever, and go for one of these fresh and fruity juicy cocktails instead.

Interested? Read on...

Calling all cat ladies! The top five cat t-shirts for all occasions

It's fair to say we love our feline friends here. So what better way to tell the world you're a loving, caring cat lady than with your very own cat tee? I apologise in advance for the clawful puns (LOL).

Here's our pick of the best:

These Folk have designed a t-shirt worthy of any beginner cat fan. Called Copious Cats, we assume because it literally features every type of feline. There are Bengal cats, Persian cats and Scottish fold cats... it's a must for anyone who needs to brush up on their breed identification skills. Team this tee with skinny jeans and a retro Casio watch for full vintage effect. Have a look at their website for the full glorious image.

This purrfect t-shirt costs £20
Cat jumpers are also available.

Interested? Read on...

WIN! A Chang Beer Goodie Bag - CLOSED

It's that time of year. And although our fair isle's been a lot chillier than we're used to in March, we can't help but notice summer's on its way. Time to start thinking about where your next holiday will take you. Ibiza? America? Or maybe somewhere more exotic?

One of my favourite places in the world is Thailand. I first visited in 2004, and have been back too many times to count since. From Khao San Road, the street in Bangkok which is at the heart of any backpacker, to the tiny undeveloped island of Koh Lipe where nighlife is a beach bar, it will always be a country of contrast.

And where else could you dance in the rain at two in the morning without freezing to death?

Interested? Read on...

Make a song and dance of it

There is something rather special about having an excuse to make an extra effort to look good. And still, thousands of years after it was first introduced, the theatre provides just that chance. It gives you the perfect excuse to shop for a new outfit or drag out your favourite items from your wardrobe, to spend a little extra time working on your hair and make-up, and not to forget that the little glass of champagne or wine in your hand does nothing but encourage the good feeling that a night out at the theatre brings with it.

As one of the oldest forms of performance art, it's somewhat surprising these shows are still so popular. Perhaps it's the traditional charm that draws people. Perhaps it's because there really is something for everyone, just as with the cinema.

Interested? Read on...

Whiten your teeth the safe way (and without looking like Ross from Friends)

We all know pearly white teeth are the sign of a healthy body. And in the quest for perfect gnashers, we're increasingly taking advantage of tooth whitening procedures and products, be it for special occasions (because no one wants yellow teeth on their wedding snaps) or to improve our everyday confidence.

It's seen as one of those little luxuries - a quick and painless pick-me-up.

Yet, despite the huge amount of press attention the subject has received in recent months, there's mass confusion about the legalities and safety of salon and home whitening treatments. And as for painless, some would have a different story.

So, would you know where to go if you wanted a gleaming grin?

Interested? Read on...

Thermae Bath Spa review - serenity, scenery, and er, sick (not literally though)

Have you ever wanted to stand, dripping wet, on a rooftop in the rain, in the middle of March? For reasons unfathomable, I did. My girlfriends and I trotted off to Bath for the day to seek out solace and the healing properties of spring water.

According to their website,  the spa sits on a natural spring which was used by local people thousands of years ago for healing properties, and just for a bit of fun and relaxation. In fact, in the 1500s Queen Elizabeth I made Bath a city, and declared that the public must always have access to the springs. Popular with socialites of the day, it became a go-to place for the rich and famous, drawing in crowds from overseas. The spa was even used on prescription from the NHS until 1976. The spa is full of history, and today is a top tourist hot spot (sorry). So what did we think?

We arrived at the Bath Thermae Spa around 3pm, and had to queue for 45 minutes to get in. Which would have been annoying, had we not just eaten lunch, during which too many burgers and cinnamon doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate sauce were consumed. I was responsible for only one burger, but six doughnuts.
They were mini, so it doesn’t count.

Needless to say, I wasn’t ecstatic about stripping off in front of my much fitter friends. And the £42 charge, for four hours in the spa, towel, robe and slippers, wasn’t much of a treat for my ever-depleting bank balance either. However, once reluctantly changed, I slipped on a warm robe and padded off to the roof to see what all the fuss is about.

Firstly, the views - which is what most people seem to come for. There are spectacular views over the city, and there's something incredibly relaxing about floating in warm water while the cool rain hits your face.

The spa has two pools, one inside and one outside. I tried the inside one for a while, but it was full of vom-inducing couples, and this didn’t entertain me much, really. There are also four steam rooms, declared blissful by my heat-seeking companions. I’m not a good steamer, being of the easily bored and sensitive-skinned variety. But I was very happy sitting in the Jacuzzi bubbles on the roof, and spent most of my time waiting for a miraculous sunset. It never came, but I won’t hold that against them.

All in all, I did enjoy myself but I’m not convinced it was worth the money for me. I’m not a very good relaxer, and at 7.30 when stood on a roof, in the dark, almost naked, I thought I was going to freeze to death. I may be inclined to being overly dramatic, but the shock of getting out of the pool did damper my spirits considerably.

Also, it was very, very busy - so if you're seeking something a bit more private it's probably not for you. We went on a Saturday, so we expected as much, and as you can’t book in advance to use the pools, you'll be in the queue for at least 30 minutes. Which isn't what I'd call relaxing.

But if you need quiet time to relax, I’d look elsewhere or go midweek very early in the morning. If you’re a couple, you’ll be in good company. But promise me you won’t go overboard on the PDA?




Bess is addicted to Earl Grey tea and Classic FM. An amateur baker, she often has too many opinions and not enough tact. Her one great idea is to found a ‘breakfast and dessert’ delivery company, for all your sugar coma needs. When not exercising her right to point out bad manners, you can find her pursuing one degree too many.

Interested? Read on...

Social media and the rise of the eternal dieter

Put it away, Monroe.

As a kid, I used to be really chubby. Adults would often pinch my cheeks and squeal in delight about their chubbiness. My mother would often call me her little elephant, but I wouldn’t want to bore you with my childhood traumas. I'll leave that to my therapist.

Instead, I wanted to address a topic a vast majority of women can relate to. The topic that comes up in almost every conversation, along with those dreaded words 'weight loss', 'scales', 'fat', or 'skinny'.

Did those words just send a virtual shiver down your spine? I can only speak for myself when I say that thoughts regarding my weight and my appearance cross my mind at least once a day. Not at all surprising, when you stop to realise how we're being bombarded by mass media with pictures of stunning, skinny models who fit the stereotype of the ‘perfect’ woman far too well. We stumble across them when we wake up - from breakfast cereals promising weight loss if you eat two bowls a day, to ads saying you can be happy with surgery on the tube and bus on your evening commute.

Interested? Read on...

A yes, no and maybe for chocolate wine

There are many things that go well together. Milk and cookies. Apple and crumbled biscuits. Chocolate and wine. But together. Blended. That's right, chocolate wine.

I confess, I'm a chocoholic. I think this stems from when I was younger because every Thursday my mum and dad would take little Laura and little Lou to Tesco, where we'd each pick out our own full-size tub of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and head home to watch Friends while devouring Phish Food, and whatever flavour it was my family chose.

It was a well-loved family tradition, because for those few hours, sat silent staring at Chandler and Monica and the whole gang, we were together. Silent. But together. Which is always the way it should be when it comes to my family.

Interested? Read on...

Recipe: Courgette, Bacon and Blue Cheese Tart

To round off Bacon Week, what better ingredient to use than some lovely, salty, crisp bacon. Rather than a greasy (but delicious) bacon butty, this is a low-fat, simple dish. You can replace the courgette with any vegetables that are left over in your fridge. The saltiness of the bacon and the sharpness of the blue cheese blend really well with the smooth and subtle custard. And the best bit? The tart is even nicer when warmed up the next day.

Interested? Read on...

Why I acted like a complete fangirl when I bumped into a celebrity, even though I didn't like that particular celebrity very much

Better hair, better clothes, better looking, better bodies. Celebrities are better versions of us, generally, except the unhinged ones like Britney. I am a little bit obsessed with celebrities. Even ones I don’t like.

Case in point - this weekend I pressed the button for the lift, the doors opened and out walked Michelle Heaton, with husband and baby in pram. Just the baby in a pram, to be clear. The husband was walking all of his own accord.

Now, I don’t care much for Michelle Heaton. It took me a few minutes to remember the name of the band she was in once. She’s got a weird face. I have avoided that reunion show she’s in now. But thanks to the punch to the face that is popular culture, coming at you from every magazine, website and Twitter, I know her husband is called Hugh and she went on This Morning and had a cry.

So when the doors opened, it was like the doors to mysterious Celeb World were opening, one I usually only get to see voyeuristically. The paths between celeb and mere mortal momentarily crossed as out walked a vision of beauty, an angel, a FAMOUS PERSON, met by me, slightly hungover, slightly hungry, my Topshop hoodie metaphorically insulting her designer clothes and sky high heels.

It was as much as I could do not to grab her and tell her I loved her and thought the way she got her figure back after her pregnancy was inspirational. Even though I don’t necessarily think that, I thought it in the moment, as I gushed internally and tried to play it cool, graciously allowing the famous person to exit the lift. I even let her husband push the baby pram out before I barged my way in. I presumed my sister, who was with me, was playing it equally cool, but as soon as the lift doors shut and I yelled THAT WAS MICHELLE HEATON! I realised I was the only one playing it cool, she just hadn’t even realised she was breathing the same air as a girl from a pop band made famous in 2001.

Why do I love celebrities so? Why do magazines sell hundreds of thousands of issues a week based on which pretty little thing they’ve got adorning the cover? Because I am nosy and they know it.

There’s no point beating myself up about it, it’s always been this way. A few generations ago, we were fascinated by the make-believe lives in soap operas. Now we’re fascinated by the make-believe lives of real people living in a kind of quasi-world, for our entertainment. Once, cave women were fascinated by the unattainable, thinner cave women in the next village, who had better hair and better rocks. Probably.

My husband tells me we're neurologically hardwired to ‘follow’, it's a survival mechanism that's evolved over thousands of years. The trouble now is that the media confuse our chimp-like brains into thinking these celebs are worthy 'leader' material. Which of course in 99% of cases they're most definitely not.

So it’s human nature, see? Throw in the endless marketing potential this allows and you can quickly see the snowball effect of celebrity culture. Which makes me feel better about the fact I only own a pair of brown suede boots because Jennifer Aniston sported a pair.

Oh, Jennifer Aniston. Don’t get me started on her. If she came out of a lift I was waiting to get into, I would probably wet myself and hump her leg. Thank goodness it was only Michelle Heaton and I was able to remain relatively composed.

Kim's been writing Lunacy of Ink for five years, and likes badminton, piano, and not watching TV - she's in the 1% of the population who doesn't own a telly. She's also in the 10% of the population who are left handed, leading her to wonder how many other people are left handed and don't own a TV. (She's probably the only one.) Kim's married to a very lucky man. He's better at badminton and the piano than her, but she still loves him. She tweets at @LunacyofInk and is very funny.

Interested? Read on...

Recipe: BackDoor Kitchen's Carbonara di Fave

As an admittedly curious gal, I was most excited when the BackDoor Kitchen tweeted me about a secret supperclub in Bermondsey, one of my favourite places in London. Secrets are ALL the rage right now. Secret kitchens, secret bars... make anything even remotely secret and I am all up on that. And as a half-Sicilian, I was even more excited when I realised the chefs are Italian natives themselves. Bring on the arancini, polpetti, carne, canolli... etc.

After a bit more of a chat, and me being extremely cheeky, Rob kindly whipped up this exclusive recipe just for six out of ten mag's lovely readers. Isn't that kind?

It was taste tested by the pros themselves and got a resounding thumbs up.

Interested? Read on...

Social Networks: Whose life are you sharing anyway?

A new survey revealed that one third of UK women lies about their life at least once a month on social networking sites. The other two thirds were lying at the time of questioning. Because we all do it. The things they most exaggerate about are what they’re doing at the moment (like pretending they’re out having a good time when they’re home alone) and how much they’ve had to drink, as well as jobs and holidays.

We should probably all be terribly shocked that we’re deceiving our friends. But we’ve all done it, we all know everyone else does it, and we can spot it a mile off.

I’m not trying to make the women of Britain out to be creepy snakes in the grass. But where we do not out rightly lie, we do selectively share.

And it just so happens that we share the things we think are most impressive. When we share the bad things, we never say “I was an utterly foul madam this week, and no one deserved the barrage of abuse I gave them”. Or if we do say it, it’s probably to get brownie points from a public apology – because what kind of person really goes into that level of detail on the internet? Only the chronic over-sharer, and I’m a firm believer that such people thrive on any kind of attention, even if it means pretending their life is a car crash.
What’s more, I don’t just do it on social networking sites. I do it each and every single day:

I didn’t tell the woman on the train that most of the time I hate my degree and spend hours upon hours bored out of my tiny, little brain.

When I advise younger girls on how best to behave as a teenager, I certainly don’t tell them the kind of things I did (like not going to English class for two years... sorry Mum).

I don’t share all the times I mucked up baking: the Yule Log disaster of Christmas 2012 is never, ever, mentioned.

We live in a world defined by achievement and picture perfect, chocolate-box living. All social networks do is give another window into our world. But just like your Grandmother was selective about what she told the neighbours, I’m selective about what I tweet.

A leading psychologist has admitted that, while we get temporary happiness portraying all the positives in our lives real or not, it actually leaves people feeling more isolated in the long run. So, as a solution, Pencourage has been set up to get around the problem. It’s a completely anonymous online confession booth of sorts. And it ‘bridges the enormous gulf between what people actually say and what they really think’. There's commenting and interaction with other anonymous people, just as there is on any other social networking site. So you're free to keep your positive tweets, while confessing your deepest, darkest thoughts elsewhere.

Whilst people may start out with good intentions, once they build up a regular correspondence, it’s hard to see how the need to impress won’t raise it’s green head once more.

Plenty of social networking sites already allow anonymity. Very few of us want to admit we’re less than perfect. We need to stop striving for the impossible and learn to be comfortable in our lives and happy with our choices. Facelessness is not the answer.

Would you admit to selective sharing? Or have you outright lied about being at a star-studded party when you're actually sitting at home with a cuppa and six pack of Creme Eggs? Tell us in the comment section.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... live with cats

It’s fair to say cats are one of the most charismatic pet animals that you could own. I mean, the internet is full of them, from Grumpy Cat to LOLcats. And they seem to be the only pet to garner the obsessive cult of the cat-lady. I mean, you haven’t heard of a budgie-lady, or fish-man, right? So how can it be an animal the RSPCA cited as the most popular in the UK can be so difficult to live with?

Cats have always had a reputation as being easy to care for; they keep themselves company, take themselves for walks, and can feed themselves - although if you’re squeamish, you might want to ignore this fact. But, as any owner will tell you, it's far from easy. Sharing your house with a kitty is like living with a tiny diva. There’s a reason people say they own dogs, but are owned by cats.

I live with two cats at the moment. There's the enigmatic Jiji who seems to spend her days curled up asleep quietly, but leads a night-time double life as an indoor marathon-runner, pine cone-collector and ham addict. And then there’s Arthur, the parkour expert and treasure hunter who spends half of his life hiding in cupboards and opening doors to get to forbidden areas.
Despite their mischievous ways, there are benefits to sharing your home with a furry feline. A number of scientific journals, news websites and doctors have extolled the benefits to cat owners’ social lives, mental and physical health and empathy. It has been suggested that living with a cat can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and your risk of a stroke, as well as some of the more obvious benefits like tackling loneliness and low moods.

So, this 'Here's how to…' can be summed up in one word if I’m honest, although hopefully you did enjoy the humorous asides. That one word is respect, with a side order of love. And of course a little knowledge.

Fabcats.org is a great resource for leaflets on how to care for your feline friend, from feeding to entertainment, vet visits to multicat households. And I would urge you to check local re-homing centres if you are looking at a furry addition to your household. It may be hard to remember your cat isn’t bringing you half-chewed dead animals out of spite, or vomming on the floor in protest because you washed their favourite toy. It’s pure and simple animal instinct, and they can no more help it than you can help cleaning the various smells they make, or taking away that 3-year-old crisp packet they have formed a weird attachment to.

And if your cat can live with your annoying habit of hogging the warmest spot on the sofa, then you can live with your cat meowing at the bedroom door for cuddles at 2am, right?

That said, there are a few issues that you shouldn’t tolerate: inappropriate toileting, aggression, misplaced scratching or destructive behaviour can be signs or poor physical or mental health, and should be checked out by a vet.

So, although hard work, there are many benefits to cat ownership and you should remember this at the less attractive moments of petdom. Like the daily litterbox clean, or dishing up the foul goop that passes for catfood. And hopefully you’ll be joining the ranks of cat-ladyship very soon.

Me? I’m already there. I can tell because as soon as I mentioned I would be writing an article my family and friends immediately asked me what cat-related subject I'd be writing about!

By Louise

Interested? Read on...

Crayola Hair: it's not just for cartoons

So apparently blondes have more fun and brunettes are troublemakers, but what about women who refuse both and go their own way instead? Loads of celebs are making statements with crazy hair colour; be it cobalt blue, dark green or pastel pink. If you rock it your way, it works.

Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards, with her stunning lilac waves and that beautiful floral headband looks like some kind of forest nymph. Delicate, serene and definitely feminine, you’d expect to find her practising her scales whilst wistfully gazing across a meadow of wild flowers or trailing her fingertips through a shallow rockpool.

Lilac locks are great for a romantic look. But what if you're more tomboy than Thumbelina?

Interested? Read on...

Forget haute dogs, have a bacon truffle instead

I love a good rasher of bacon as much as the next person. It's the kind of convenient snack you can fashion into a simple sarnie with a dollop of ketchup. Equally, you can easily find yourself relaxing at home on a Sunday with a typical English fry up on your lap, with a few rashers of bacon looking quite at home on the plate.

Unless you’re a veggie - and apologies to you if you are, we'll forgive you if you decide to give this article a miss - then I need to invite you to read on because I think you’re missing out. Missing out on what? Missing out on Bacon Connoisseurs Week, which runs each year thanks to LovePork.co.uk and is taking place next week - from the 18th to the 24th March.

“Hold up!” I hear you shout, “Bacon week is a thing?”

Interested? Read on...

Recipe: Lavender Syrup Buns with Cream Cheese Frosting

These little lavender-hued buns taste as sweet as they look! Made with a quick and simple lavender syrup, the taste is delicate and smooth. Topped off perfectly with pastel icing and cute accessories, they're perfect for a party, hen-do or simply an indulgent tea and cake treat. Enjoy! 

Interested? Read on...

Those are some killer heels. Literally

I don't know about you, but I like my fashion wearable. Whilst most mags are packed with clothes and accessories impatiently waiting out of your grasp until payday, sneak a peak at the runways of London, Paris, Milan and New York and you’ll find fashion that makes your whole face scrunch up. They may kill your dignity - I don’t know many people who would wear a haystack hat but thumbs up if you’ve given it a go - but they ain't gonna kill you.

The same can’t be said of fashion trends from the past. Ouch.

Lead cosmetics
People as far back as the Ancient Greeks would use cosmetics to ensure that their skin appeared as flawless as possible. Yet, whilst Grecian goddesses avoided the stuff, no one else did. Throughout the world, women would trawl it on, applying more and more in an attempt to cover the damage that the lead had done in the first place.

Interested? Read on...

In the news: a signal for change

With the papal conclave (a lock-in at the Sistine Chapel where cardinals vote on who the new Pope should be) dominating headlines and Twitter this week, we thought it was worth a discussion. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, the decisions made will have real repercussions to 1.2billion people all over the world. Why? Because every pope in the modern age has been European.

But things have changed. The world has never been so small. With Catholicism growing in South America and Africa, and both continents offering up their contenders to the throne, what would the world gain or lose if the white smoke were to signal an African successor?

We look at the pros and cons.

Pros.
Conservatism. Peter Tukson, the Ghanaian prelate who is tapped as the African front-runner is known to be a conservative. He believes in upholding traditional Catholic law. After all, shouldn’t the next pope practice what he preaches?

Discrimination. Despite our scientific and technological advances, we do not live in a discrimination-free world. A black pope would be hugely significant in the battle against racism in the same way Barack Obama’s appointment was. Having a black pope would speak volumes about how far we’ve come.

And the cons.

Cultural differences. Peter Tukson has views that, although accepted in Africa, wouldn’t necessarily be tolerated in Western countries. And a man with a history of uninformed remarks is dangerous – there’s no knowing what kind of damage he could do with a slip of the tongue.

Tradition. According to Peter Tukson, "If one does not have access to ordination, it is not discrimination. It is just how the church has understood this order of ministry to be.” Okay. So, ‘Ladies, you can’t be pope because you have boobs. Sozzers, it’s just always been that way LOL.’ Catholics deserve a far more articulate and eloquent explanation as to why their gender is a barrier to them leading their Church.

So. There are pros and cons on both sides. The appointment of an African would be a massive signal for change; a different history, a different experience, a lack of links to the Nazi party. But if the result is more of the same, more burying of scandal, more failing to hold senior Church members to account, how let down, how disappointed and how thoroughly fed up are those who follow this faith going to feel?

Conclave begins on the 12th March, and is predicted to last several days. How do you feel about the conclave: are you interested in who will lead, or do you view it as an outdated tradition? Let us know your thoughts.

Interested? Read on...

St Pancras Spa - a cavernous, calm space in central London

I'm all about convenience when it comes to pampering. I love having a massage, and as I write this I'm in dire need of a facial. But it has to be in an easily accessible location or chances are I'll never find the time to treat myself. So this is why the St Pancras Spa is great for Londoners and commuters alike. Located right next to King's Cross station (it's pretty much built onto the station) it's perfect if you've been working and need a relaxing few hours before your commute home.
 
The first time I came here I was reviewing the place for work. The second time it was all pleasure. This is all about the pleasure.

The spa is sat neatly in the basement of the refurbished St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It's impossible to miss - a colossal Gothic building from the outside, a sympathetically restored hotel, bar and restaurant inside. The whole building is imposing with tall ceilings, wood panels and antique tiling.

The spa is a world away from the classic, dark hotel being fresh, white and clean. Moroccan lanterns and peacock fans adorn the waiting areas and treatment rooms. The staff seemed a bit cold and aloof which was a shame, but the great thing is they left me to get changed and enjoy the facilities in peace. Always a winner.

The changing rooms are huge, and the ladies room had a sauna in it so you can shower and sweat before even getting into the main spa. Of course, all the little finishing touches like eye pads and face flannels were there.

I chose a mini treatment both visits - I'm not one for spending an hour being rubbed and smoothed. I start feeling really uncomfortable and then m mouth goes dry and I can't swallow properly so I ask for water and hte whole thing is ruined and the therapist things she's rubbish at her job and runs off crying. Ok that might not have happened.

Anyway, the back, neck and shoulder massage lasts about 30 minute and is an affordable little pick-me-up. My therapist was fantastic and managed to loosen the knots in my neck. She knew I sat at a desk typing day in day out, so worked that area particularly well. A week later and my shoulders still felt loose and lithe. She was brilliant at tailoring the treatment to my needs too. No running off crying either.

After the treatment you sit in a calming relaxation area with your choice of tea. This is a great way to really get the best of the experience. Plus, it's not unusual to feel a little groggy after being relaxed to the point of snoozing. After about half an hour, I wandered into the main room - a huge cavernous, underground pool surrounded by steam rooms and saunas.

The steam rooms were a little dirty which ruined the experience a bit. I'm unsure if it's because I've visited quite late both time and the oils they use have run out or if it just needs a scrub, but I left those alone and spent most of my time floating in the Turkish Bath styled pool. There's something about being underground and seeing the shadows of people walking on the ceiling that's just so relaxing.

All in all, the convenience and setting makes the St Pancras Spa an ideal little treat after work. I'll have to actually book into the hotel next time so I don't have an hour-long commute back home.

Interested? Read on...

I'll have the Sweet Chilli Tea, and she'll have the Hibiscus Bliss

It's hard to believe, or remember, but I never used to like tea. No, it was either hot water or a coffee for me. I'd only ever accept a brew when it was forced upon me, and it would either be too milky, too strong or just odd.

Then, I started a job in a creative agency and every half hour someone would offer to make tea for the team. They guzzled the stuff. So, in order to seem polite and part of the team, I'd accept. And over time I started a healthy addiction that's still in force this very day.

The Brits have had a fascination with a good cuppa for centuries. In fact, during the Blitz tea wagons staffed with stoic women would serve tea to the rescue workers putting out blazes and aiding the wounded. Even as bombs dropped around them. THAT'S how much we love it.

Interested? Read on...

20th March is National Macaron Day

Macarons have taken the foodie world by storm. Wonderfully colourful and absolutely delicious, they're now a main feature of afternoon teas, weddings and parties up and down the country.

If you've never had one, you're missing out. The shells are made of soft meringue, and filled with a flavoured buttercream . Many a diet has been broken thanks to these little lushes. Can you tell I'm a fan?

If you've never had one, you'll have every reason to this month, because on the 20th of March, the UK celebrates National Macaron Day for the second year running. More than that, Pierre Hermé and Relais Desserts members are joining forces to support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Volunteers from the charity will rally at each Pierre Hermé Paris boutique to encourage involvement and collect donations.

Interested? Read on...

You'd rather what?!

Watch out for crabs

I couldn't believe my eyes when a survey popped into my inbox the other day. So, we know us Brits love the idea of camping. There's nothing new there. In fact, if you haven't spent at least one soggy summer trapped in a tent or caravan with a portable loo and a bed that doubles up as a kitchen table, then you're very lucky. Now, though, more people would prefer camping and caravanning abroad than checking into a hotel.

Camping is a long-standing tradition going back to the 1940s. Back then, everything was done with a cheap and cheerful spirit. Our grandparents would have dragged along the children to whatever British camp site offered the best facilities of the time. And apparently, the only thing that's changed since then is the location we choose. Self-catering apartments abroad came fifth in a survey of 2000 people, with caravanning or camping topping the list.

Andrew Shorrock, marketing manager at carhiremarket.com says: “Over the years it seems that Brits have shown a consistent appeal for self-catering holidays in the UK," he says. But things are changing. "We’ve seen more and more people taking that self-catering holiday from the UK to abroad. Now more than ever, the continent is more accessible. And with a hire car, families can simply throw a tent in the back and head over to Europe for a quick, hassle-free getaway with the kids.”
Anna Moran, 28, is a medical receptionist from Cambridge. She's married with three children, and has camped in France for the past seven years. We asked her why she does it.

"I've always loved being outside, especially being near a nice beach and hearing the waves lapping on the sand. But the weather can never be guaranteed in England - I've been camping in October and had better weather than in July - so I'd rather take time off knowing I can come back with a bit of a tan, rather than trench foot."

Has Anna ever thought of staying in a hotel or villa?

Taking swingers to a new height

"Never," she says. "I think if we did that we'd probably just stay inside and watch French television. This way, we save money and the kids are in a more natural environment. There's nothing better than spending a day on the beach, going to a local little supermarket for some fish and having a barbeque while watching the sun set over the sea. Those memories will last forever."

And what about the inconvenience?

"It's never been an inconvenience, although I could understand someone feeling a little bit overwhelmed with portable loos and stoves. But if you go with someone who's camped before they can run you through everything."

Her best holiday, she says, was camping in the south of France.

"We'd set up our tent next to another English family, but we never really saw them - when they were going out we were getting the kids ready or cooking. When we finally bumped into them at a bakery, I realised it was my brother-in-law! We had a fantastic time being together. the kids loved playing outside together, and as we were away from home, we spent many a night talking and laughing under the stars. The kids always make sure we know who are tent neighbours are now, I think they're hoping next time it'll be a superstar!"

So there you go. We'd love to hear your camping experiences, good or bad. Leave a little comment below, and let us know.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... befriend a neighbour

Neighbours. Everybody does, indeed, need good neighbours. But with most people living next to, above or beneath total strangers, it can be hard to work up the courage to find out who they are. Especially if you've shared a wall or fence for years and barely said two words to each other. I blame the internet.

So. Here's how to strike up a conversation with those strange people next door.

If you're brave, all it takes is giving them a knock. If they are in, apologise for not having the time to meet properly. Compliment them on their wheelie bin skills. Talk about your home, how long you've lived there, and ask what they do for work.
You know. Just have a conversation. If they're not in, well then you'll just have to try again.

If you're shy, it will take a bit more effort on your part. Unless you have neighbours from hell or have posted poo through their letter box, then I'm sure they'll be friendly. (FYI if you have shoved your cat's deposit through their front door, perhaps give this How To... a miss.) Anyway, before you decide to venture over, get a nice card and write all your details on it. Phone number, name, who lives with you, any pets... that sort of thing. Post it on a day you know they're not in.

Then, play the waiting game. If they don't get in contact after a few days, then it's much easier to give them a knock and ask if they got your card. Hopefully this should be enough to create a bit more of a friendship, rather than that really tense smile and a frantic effort to get your key in the lock and shut the door when you accidentally bump into each other.

Yes, like the eponymous theme song quoted above, with a little understanding (and I'm going to add effort here), good neighbours can become good friends.

Interested? Read on...

six out of ten

Wine + boredom = magazine

Hi, and welcome to six out of ten, the online lifestyle magazine for people who want to have fun in whatever way it means to them.

I should start by giving an intro, shouldn't I.

My name's Laura, I'm the editor of this here online mag, and a journalist slash copywriter slash PR bod. I've written for lots of different brands, like New Look, H&M, M&S, Which?, More Th>n, Wahanda and more. As for PR, my clients have included small vintage boutiques to huge national bar chains. So it's quite a mixed bag.

I decided to start this place one night after a few glasses of wine and a desire to quell the boredom that was rising. You know that feeling, when you're dying to be a bit creative but don't have the skills (or funds) to start your own freesheet a la Stylist?

Interested? Read on...