Recipe: Coffee and cinnamon sponge cake

This cake is a twist on the classic Viccy sponge. If cream and lashings of strawberry jam isn't your idea of a tea time treat, it's easy enough to spice things up by adding simple ingredients and flavourings to your mixture.

With this recipe, the cinnamon makes the cake a bit more interesting, giving it a lovely spicy flavour, while adding flavoured coffee to the buttercream gives it more of a kick.

And the best thing? It takes no time at all to whip up one of these cakes. Roughly fifteen minutes for the sponge - quicker if you have a lovely shiny bender - and while it's cooking, about ten minutes to prepare the buttercream.

So pour yourself a hot, frothy latte and enjoy a lovely (and speedy) little treat!

Interested? Read on...

Review: Evolve's Multi Peptide Single Cream

I hate to think of the amount of money I’ve spent on skincare products. I’m lucky enough to have never suffered from acne and the likes, but since being a teenager I've bought a huge number of products in the quest for a flawless face. Especially moisturisers.

Moisturisers packed full of synthetic sparkly bits to ‘add radiance’, moisturisers containing all sorts of chemicals intended to tighten pores, moisturisers full of fake tan. High end and budget brands. You name it, I’ve tried it.

Having used so many I know what I don’t like, and the trouble is that despite still wanting a moisturiser that will keep my skin hydrated and hopefully help keep me blemish free, the fact that I’m now pushing 30 means that I’m becoming rather picky. Think I'm joking? Here's my must-have checklist:

Interested? Read on...

I saw my friend crushed by a horse. A year later, it was time to go back.

I can hear the screams of my friend just as vividly as I can see her horse desperately trying to get out of the ditch that he had fallen into. I can hear the girls crying, and feel my own tears rolling down my face. Every time that I think back to that day, I get a tight knot in my stomach that makes me feel physically sick. I remember it. But I can't explain just how I felt when I watched her horse's legs slip down the ditch before he fell backwards onto my friend, crushing her. Nor can I tell you what I was feeling when her cries for help stopped. There was only silence.

It is the worst feeling in the world to think you've just stood and watched someone you care about die. Even though you know deep down there's nothing you could do, the feeling of self-hatred is unbelievable as you question why you didn’t do more.

Luckily for everyone, the horse managed to correct himself and climb out of the ditch. And if that date has left me with any positive emotions, it is that if it isn’t your time to go, you really won’t go. Everything was against my friend during that moment, yet the whole world must have been fighting for her to survive. I’m not a religious person at all, but I can understand why people might turn to a belief in God after experiencing something like that, because I really do believe that someone, somewhere, was looking out for her.

How the ambulance managed to work out where we were when we didn’t even know ourselves, with just the little snippets of information that we had given them is beyond me. Piecing the landmarks together, they got to us in about five minutes. They have my utmost respect.

Honestly, I thought that I'd moved on. Because apart from the odd nightmare, it hasn’t changed my daily life. I’ve always suffered from night terrors anyway, so the fact they've become focused on an event that I have actually seen didn’t seem odd to me. But the more that I have thought about it all, especially with it coming up to it being a year since it all took place, I’ve started to wonder if I am ok with it.

Since that day I’ve actively avoided talking to anyone about the experience. In fact I haven’t spoken to anyone about how I feel. I quite often get flashbacks at random points during my day from the incident and there are times when I struggle to talk to my friend because it brings all of those memories flooding back into my mind.

I had been thinking about going back to the ditch for a while and last week, for the first time since last August, that's exactly what I did. On my way there a friend and I joked around, but inside my stomach was doing somersaults. As we turned the bend and reached the little bridge on the bridleway, I couldn’t see or hear anything other than what I had seen and heard the last time that I was there. The whole incident went right in front of my eyes. It was as if no time had passed. I felt like I was right back there in the moment. This was when I realised I probably hadn’t dealt with the incident at all.

I had believed that going back would instantly cure me, which of course it hasn’t done. But I think it's woken me up. I've come to realise while it won’t ever be something I forget, it doesn’t have to be something I can't cope with. And I shouldn’t be ashamed it's still affecting me.

If I could offer advice to anyone who's been through a traumatic experience, it'd be to stop avoiding the
issue; it doesn’t help, it won’t make it go away and there is always someone out there who is feeling the same way that you are. You are not alone in this, so do not feel that you are. Talk, talk and talk some more, cry if you need to, just get it all off your chest. And most importantly, face up to whatever your fear is. Mine was going back to the place that it all happened. It was terrifying and initially it didn’t make me feel better, but it was vital for me to do it and I’m glad that I went.

In reality I think that day will always sit a little bit too comfortably in the forefront of my mind. But now I feel like I've stood up to the one part that was scaring me most. I have faced those memories and in doing so I have decided that I won’t be beaten by something that I cannot erase from my mind.

Roxana, from RRS Counselling, says after exposure to extreme traumatic incidents, "individuals may respond with sadness, anger, helplessness, and guilt. These are normal reactions in the context of witnessing an abnormal incident. When basic assumptions about self and the world are shattered, traumatic reactions are likely to follow, which in turn, may manifest into PTSD if left untreated."

The key is dealing with those feeling as soon as possible. "Having trained in Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing," Roxana says, "early intervention for crisis is crucial to supporting individuals’ need to ‘normalise’ their trauma, particularly if revisiting the scene of the event."

Her advice? "I would advise to try keeping to your usual day-to-day routine, being vigilant of any stress reactions or major changes and perhaps make a note of these in your journal. Be mindful that there may be triggers to stress reactions, such as hearing news or watching your favourite soap featuring a similar traumatic incident. Some stress reactions diminish within 4-8 weeks, but should these continue, you may need to seek additional support."

By Shannon.

Interested? Read on...

From rats in hats to faux fur foxes... the story of the animal hood

It’s a well-known fact among all my friends, blog followers and well, to be honest, probably anyone who has ever seen me, that I’m a massive fan of animal hats, hoods, snoods and scarves. In fact, I think my collection of animal-themed head gear outnumbers my non-animal themed stuff about 2-1. I’m a girl who knows what she likes. In fact, it took all of my husband’s willpower and pleading to get me to remove my Merrimaking bear hood on our wedding day. What’s wrong with furry headwear instead of a veil?

So, I’m absolutely thrilled Merrimaking (otherwise known as Meg and Harri) have agreed to talk to me about their animal hoods and forays into business that moved them from a festival seller to a cult accessories maker. They count Ellie Goulding, Selfridges buyer Geraldine James and of course animal headwear-connoisseur, me among their fans.

Interested? Read on...

Avoid those awkward first date disasters with our handy guide

D.A.T.E. Four letters, one word, and a whole lot of effort for all involved. Of course, you would have thought the word date would end up transferring to the word we always want to hear, L.O.V.E. Unfortunately to get Love we need to go on Dates, and this means embracing the good, the bad and ugly.

So what exactly makes a good first date? Well men, listen up. The rules are more simple than you'd think.

According to research from Cupid.com women worry about being stood up. So the first step for that all important date is to confirm it is still going ahead. Sounds simple, right? So make a note, guys. We expect you to confirm you're still intending to show, ideally from midday to 4pm. Leave it any later and there's a good chance we'll think you're going to leave us sitting at the bar.

Next step is where you'll meet your dream woman. Where should the beginnings of true love flourish? Almost all men would ideally like to arrange the venue near their date's home. (I wonder what they have in mind then...) But boys, while you may think this is a splendid idea, less than half of us want a first date to take place near their abode. So. How keen do you want to seem? The choice is yours.

Ok. So you've arranged a time and place, she's turned up and you're both looking good. The next step is to make sure you pay your lady a compliment. Trust me, it will earn you proper brownie points, as a staggering 82% of women wait to hear a genuine compliment when they first lay eyes on their man. Stay away from clichés like eyes and smile. They're totally overused and we can see straight through them. Use your imagination, but in case it's not obvious guys, that doesn't mean its ok to say 'your boobs look great in that dress'. Ever.

Whether you've had a quick coffee and a stroll around the park or a romantic meal, you should get a feel for whether you're into each other - if there are no sparks, then it's best to make sure she knows this. Keep things friendly and round off with a handshake, and a call or text the next day to explain.

BUT if it has gone well, the next potential awkward sitch is how you get home. While most of you lads want to walk your date to her door (how very rom-com) over half of us think that's a bad idea. So definitely find out whether she's a fan of a cab journey or romantic stroll up to her front door.

Whether you've taken a taxi or arrived on foot, the last moments of the date are in your hands. Over two thirds of women, a good 71%, want their man to lean in for a kiss. But you'll have to be the judge here. We can't help with this one.

So us girls know pretty much what we want from a date. It's just up to the guys to make sure they follow these simple rules, and hopefully banish bad dates for good.

Call her between midday and 4pm latest to confirm.
Try to pick a place that's an equal distance from where you both live. If in doubt, go with neutral ground.
Pay her a genuine compliment. Avoid boobs, eyes and smile. Try dress or hair.
It's half and half with the walk home. Try to get a feel for how the date has gone. If you're sensing ice, book a taxi for her.
A goodnight kiss will usually be well received, so if you're feeling brave give it a go!


By Amy.

Interested? Read on...

In the news: Woolwich, and why giving murderers airtime probably isn't a good idea

When I first saw the shocking images of Woolwich on Wednesday, I didn't know what to think. I was standing in Barclays, with a TV on mute showing what must have been the aftermath of the shoot out. The breaking news banner was sitting at the bottom of the screen and small pithy updates scrolled across. 'One man dead, two injured - one critical'. As the telly was silent I had no idea what happened - just a mangled car that had struck a street sign, a trail of petrol, and a pool of blood.

Now, South London is known for being violent in places. And much like a few patches in Essex where I live, stabbings and gang fights are a common occurrence. So for this to be breaking news it was obvious something else had gone on. Maybe it was someone high profile? Perhaps the car belonged to someone famous out on a day trip?

As the hours and days progressed we gradually pieced together what had happened, with the victim being named yesterday. But the thing that struck me the most was the amount of airtime given to the murderers, and the amount of digging into their pasts. A seemingly loving young lad not content with the injustice he saw in the world, being radicalised and finding others who believed in his way.

Without getting too political - I have neither the will nor desire to bring religion into this as it's only a tool, an  excuse, these people use to try to win people over to their thinking - the murders had a message. They wanted their cause to be known around the world. They wanted their voices to be heard. But why should we indulge their wishes?

After all, in their minds their job is done. They've killed a soldier - incredibly, they apologised to the women who had to watch - for the role he played overseas. They've gained mass international media coverage. They've brought to the surface radical clerics who are now praising their apparent bravery on national television, with the latest saying anyone who opposes their views should be beheaded. They've created unrest. Inspired loners who feel their cause is worthy enough to die in a violent haze taking as many with them as possible. Who knows how far-reaching their actions will be.

As Baroness Warsi, said: "We all have a responsibility, including the media, not to give airtime to extremist voices - idiots and nutters who speak for no one but themselves."

So why promote their message? Who cares what that message is? Who cares who they are? What they've done and what they believe is never going to make sense to 99% of the population and only serves to add fuel to the fire. Why would I want to listen to their twisted logic? Simply, I don't.

I say take away their voice, remove their names and identities, and focus on the people who did the right thing. Those three women who were so, so brave to walk up to a crazed madman, hands stained with blood and carrying weapons; Gemini Donnelly-Martin, 20, her mother Amanda, 44, and Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, 48. Then there's the victim's family and friends, his small toddler who'll one day grow up and see in full detail his father's murderers standing over his dad's lifeless body.

When terrorism strikes, in any form, if we stop giving those responsible a chance to air their message, if we stop plastering their faces over front pages and listening to their hate-filled speech, perhaps they'll realise their efforts are futile.

What do you think? Are we right to be informed of every detail? Should footage of the murderers have been broadcast? Or should we keep them silenced? Let us know below or tweet us @sixoutoftenmag

Interested? Read on...

Recipe: three cheese sauces for any dish

Cheese sauce is one of the most amazing things on the planet. Not just a staple for a really great lasagne, it can be used in pies, tartlets, veggies, fish... the list goes on. But while the finished product is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, it has a bit of a reputation for being difficult to make. There's mystery surrounding the process, particularly for the kitchen-shy, and almost everyone has their own recipe. So, what exactly is the sticking point? The secret may lie in the roux beginnings.

A roux is a sauce base that blends equal amounts of fat and flour to make a paste. Sounds simple, right? Well it is, in theory. In reality it’s all too easy for a roux to go wrong – particularly when you begin adding the components that make up a cheese sauce. In the past I’ve had to deal with lumps, separation and a thin watery sauce.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... detox while you're out having fun with friends

I feel like I've been banging on about detoxing for a while now. The thing is, food becomes something you have to think about when you're cutting out the badness. You can't exactly get a pie out of the freezer, whack it in the oven and whip up some deep fried chips now, can you? Meals take time, thought, and prior prep.

While I'm working from home - oh the joys of being a freelancer - healthy eating is a doddle. And if I run out of wheat-free pasta, I can nip to Sainsbury's and pick up a pack.

The challenge comes when friends say they want to go out for the night. What then? Cancel and sit at home with a pack of rice cakes and water while the cat judges you for encroaching on his peaceful Friday night?

I asked a few lovely followers on Twitter what they'd do if invited out by friends. And every singe one of them said they'd rather go out and have fun than worry about their diet. If they happened to give into temptation, well, that's just tough.

Actually, it's quite easy to have fun out and about without resorting to sitting on the sidelines or ditching the detox. And to prove it, we tried it out at Las Iguanas in Spitalfields, London, who pride themselves on a varied menu using fresh ingredients. Because chances are most of my mates wouldn't be too keen on a meat-free, dairy-free, bread-free, booze-free specialist restaurant. And neither would I.

Here are my handy tips for surviving the night.

Drink me
If you're on the wagon after a particularly heavy few weeks, rather than settle for tap water which will definitely only ever make you miserable and hate everyone who's ever lived, see if the bar can whip you up a non-alcoholic cocktail. At Las Iguanas, they have a selection of tee-total concoctions. I opted for an Apple Mojo-less and the boy went for a standard mojito. It's a steal at £3, and is basically a mojito without the booze. Honestly, I couldn't even tell the difference. If you fancy giving this one a go, here's the recipe:

10-12 mint leaves
4 lime wedges
35ml cloudy apple juice
5ml sugar syrup
Soda

Muddle the lime wedges with the sugar syrup to release the oils. Add in the mint leaves, apple juice and fold all the ingredients with cubed ice. Top with soda and serve. Simple! If you're on a sugar-free diet, see if the bar has any sugar-free syrups available, or ask them to leave it out all together.

Eat me
What you choose will depend on your detox. But there are a few great options if you're giving up wheat, dairy and meat. Salad can be the obvious choice, especially if it comes with a small portion of chicken or fish. Just watch out the dressing isn't packed full of blue cheese or cream, and there aren't any croutons. Fish and shellfish are a great source of vitamins, so try something like prawns with a smaller side salad if you're not a fan of the leafy stuff.

We had guacamole to start which being made with fresh ingredients, is packed full of flavour and isn't going to break any rules. For dinner, look out for veggie meals and ask for gluten free options - often it's just a case of removing the bread from that bowl of soup. I chose a rice dish, Galinhada, which hails from Brazil. The boy went for chicken and a salad. When it comes to dessert, ice cream is a no-no (you know this), so go for something like a sorbet. Very often it's just iced fruit, though do watch for added sugar!

Ok, so the meal wasn't as enjoyable as if I'd been able to stuff my face with lashings of cheese-laden fajitas washed down with a strawberry daquiri or three. But I felt so so much better for sticking to what I'd started. Plus, the inevitable bloated belly was nowhere in sight, which is always a bonus when you're wearing bodycon. And at least this way you don't have to miss out on that night of a lifetime. Although you may be relegated to designated driver...

Interested? Read on...

Boy-eauty: when male grooming becomes, well, a bit scary

Oh men, what happened to you? You used to be such lovely, rugged creatures. Your hair would stick up, your shoes were scuffed and you had a builder’s tan. You were all wide shoulders, stubble and clothes that could do with washing.

Now? Now, you’re all buying face moisturisers, having spray tans, shaping your eyebrows and wearing meggings. Yes, meggings. Leggings for men.

I jest. I have no qualm whatsoever with men who decide they fancy a bit of personal grooming; whether it be a light moisturiser to soothe their dry skin after shaving or full on waxing ‘down there’. AKA a Boyzillian, apparently. Why shouldn’t men look after, or enhance their body like women do? Why shouldn’t men relax, treating themselves to a lavender oil bubble bath and a chocolate scented face mask now and again?

Interested? Read on...

Hangover Shmangover. 5 weird ways to kick that morning nastiness

Despite taking the pledge and swearing you’d never drink again after THAT particularly gluttonous night out, you did. You drank a lot. And now your stomach hates you, you feel limp and you’re worried that you may have permanently lost all form of hand/eye coordination.

Although many people swear by a hot, fatty fried breakfast, sugary Coca Cola or dry toast and Alka Seltzer to help kick a hangover, there are other, slightly more exotic options. Whilst they may not sound the most appealing, the following remedies are renowned in certain countries for both preventing and curing alcohol induced yuckiness.

Tuck in to any one of these, and if you believe the locals, you’ll be back on top form by midday.

Tripe soup
Ah, tripe. The favourite treat of many a granddad, and apparently most of Eastern Europe. Boil the tripe with plenty of garlic and fresh cream, and tuck in. It’s as simple as that, which is lucky because you’ll no doubt be unfit for anything any more complex. If it seems a bit bland and you’re feeling adventurous, you could also add an egg yolk and a dash of lemon juice.

Pickled herring
Katerfrühstück as the Germans call it, is created by wrapping a herring fillet around a pickled gherkin and a chunk of fresh onion. If nothing else, it’ll get rid of that horrid dry mouth breath that comes with a hangover, although I’m not sure which is the lesser of two evils; that, or a fishy/oniony/gherkinny odour emanating from your mouth.

Buffalo milk
“But where am I supposed to find a buffalo?” I hear you quietly mutter, reluctant to speak too loudly in case you set your head off again. Popular in Namibia, Buffalo Milk is actually not buffalo milk. It is, in fact, a mix of clotted cream, dark rum, cream liqueur, spiced rum and whole cream. As I write this, sober as a judge, that sounds pretty delish but all of this hair of the dog business is a brave move I think. Brave or slightly crazy.

Sicilian salami
I say ‘salami’, I actually mean ‘bull’s penis'. Sicily, the beautiful home of the Mafia and our lovely Editor’s mother is also home to another strange hangover cure; dried bull’s penis. Having never tried it myself I’m not sure if you just chomp on it like you would beef jerky, or add it to another dish. Either way, dried bull’s penis apparently does the trick.

Magic
If you really don’t feel up to ingesting well, anything right now, all is not lost. Haitians believe a nasty hangover can be cured with Voodoo. The cork that once stood between you and that damned wine that made you feel ill in the first place? Stick 13 pins into it. Problem is, you’ll probably need a lot of pins. And a steady hand. And the ability to count to 13.

You’re feeling better already aren’t you?

Interested? Read on...

Forget Ascot. It's all about Goodwood Races' Three Friday Nights events

While the general public may be more inclined to think of Royal Ascot when the topic of horse racing is brought up, Goodwood Races are just as popular, if not more so, for equine fans.

Located in Chichester, West Sussex, the backdrop is unbelievably stunning. The right handed flat racing track with six straight furlongs, uphill for the first and downhill thereafter, make it quite a complex and interesting race for everyone to watch.

Then as if the excitement of horses set to thunder around the course isn’t enough, Goodwood has taken it one step further with the Three Friday Nights.

Once the thrill of the races is over, which take place from 6pm and finish with a final set off at 9pm, the Parade Ring is then turned into a spectacular dance floor where party goers can watch the sunset transform into a fabulous laser show beneath the stars.

Perhaps the most popular evening will be the first of the Friday nights, which are starting on May 31st with the East London group that's rocked music charts, Rudimental. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, tickets for the Richmond enclosure have already sold out. But for those who are still keen to be a part of what is set to be an amazing night there are limited tickets left for the Gordon Enclosure.

Considering more than 10,000 people will appear at this event, for just £25 a ticket, you really don’t want to miss out!

The second of the Friday Nights will be running on June 14th and this night will see the return of one half of Groove Armada, with Andy Cato taking over the DJ set for the evening.

The final Friday Night is to take place on the 21st June and this time Trevor Nelson from Radio One will be taking control of the music.

As if all of this isn’t already good enough, Richmond is the only formal enclosure, similar to Ascot, where men are expected to be wearing suits and women are encouraged to wear hats. If you're anywhere else you're still able to wear a slightly dressier outfits, but with a slightly more chic and summery feel than Royal Ascot. Meaning that yes ladies, you still have the perfect excuse to find a pretty outfit (because you know you love it!) for you, your friends and your partner. The general mood is slightly more laid back so you don’t have to go too far out of your comfort zone!

Simply writing about the event has concreted my excitement that I'll be attending on the first of the Three Friday Night events. Honestly, with the combination of horse racing, the excitement of betting, the amazing DJs that are set to make an appearance AND a laser show beneath the stars I don’t know how anyone else will resist buying a ticket for themselves!

If you want to get your hands on tickets, click here, and I'll see you there! (Mine's a Pimms and lemonade.)

Interested? Read on...

Merlot, Michelin stars and murder... just another day in the life of a hotel inspector

The life of a hotel inspector may seem like an easy one. After all, who would complain about staying in some of the best places in the world, eating the finest food and drinking vintage wines for a living?

We caught up with Nina who helped to co-found (with her husband and a business partner) the Hotel du Vin Group, owns and runs boutique Hotel TerraVina in the New Forest National Park, and who holds the record for being the youngest ever hotel inspector.

Here she shares her secrets. Warning, contains actual murder. Seriously.

Nina, you became an inspector at 21. Tell us how it all started.

Interested? Read on...

A twenty minute fitness challenge for bum, boobs and bingo wings

If you're anything like me, winter's a pretty amazing time of year. There's mulled wine, warming stews with dumplings and endless mugs of peppermint hot chocolates. It's the one time of year you'll be covered up with layers of jumpers, jeans and coats, so indulging in those treats often goes unnoticed. Summer however, is a different story. With denim cut-offs and short summer skirts making an appearance in shops up and down the country, hiding the results of all that indulgence under a maxi dress can only last so long.

So in an effort to get in shape, I banished those bad foods and took action! But, I have to say, the squat challenge everyone's been raving about and I didn't get on. Of course I'd love a firmer bum, but I thought it was a little bit pointless given that other areas needed work too (I'm looking at you, upper arms).

Interested? Read on...

Summer skin: do you know your A+ BB, CC and DD creams?

First it was foundations. Then tinted moisturisers. Then the beauty world was hit with BB cream, followed by CC and now DD creams.

It seems the quest for us to feel comfortable with our own skin (as well as taking up basic letters of the alphabet) is one we still strive for to this day. And cosmetic companies have latched on to our quest for a flawless face.

Ask any woman what they think about their foundation and you'll hear the same old: I don't get enough coverage, I don't like how it doesn't last all day, I find it difficult to keep it on through the summer months. Unless you're a lucky one who's found your perfect foundation (I salute you - congratulations) or you have model-perfect skin and don't need foundation (in that case I hate you a little) then most of us need a little help in the foundation department.

Interested? Read on...

Just because I'm slim doesn't mean I'm healthy. At all.

This morning, I saw a Twitter conversation where a boy had said women over a size 14 were 'void' to him. A fair opinion if you ask me - we're not all forced to like the same features of whichever gender we're attracted to. I personally hate that weird V thing some men have. You know what I mean. The hard line on their abdomen. It makes me cringe. Properly cringe.

Of course, I know plenty of women-folk who'd happily sit there admiring many a toned torso so it's horses for courses.

I think the main thing that bothered me with Twitter Guy was the insinuation that larger ladies (in this case anyone larger regardless of  height, job, diet etc.) are immediately unhealthy because they're not stick thin. True, being morbidly obese is going to have an impact on health. But does carrying a few pounds mean you're automatically doomed to a premature death?

I'm slim. A size 6-8. 5'4". Sure, I have a bit of cellulite - name one woman who doesn't oh you can't too bad - but I'd say I'm generally lean, if slightly on the underweight side. The thing is, I'm not healthy. Far from it. Look at the picture above of me in Thailand for goodness' sake. I'm stuffing my face with the third banana and Nutella pancake of the night.

So, for starters, I'm ridiculously unfit. Gym memberships are wasted on me as I have neither the willpower nor the inclination to spend hours running on a treadmill. The cross trainer hurts my knees and thanks to back problems, the rowing machine does far more damage than good. I've just started a nightly half hour regime consisting of squats, lunges, star jumps, press ups and crunches, and I can honestly say on day 4 I'm still crawling up the stairs. You think I mean that figuratively? Cute.

I often wonder if I ever had to trek through the Andes like those rugby players from Alive if I'd make it. I'm 100% certain I'd give up before the first mountain. I'd be eaten by the strong around day 4.

Also, having a high metabolism means I eat as much junk as I want without putting on much weight. Any extra pounds I do find sticking to my hips (damn my Sicilian heritage) can usually be dealt with by cutting out that junk for a week. Some say lucky. I don't. Because I get the slump. That 3pm cloud of heaviness and slumber that descends like an unwelcome storm in summer. It's more than likely the sugars and processed ingredients of my mac 'n' cheese, but because I know I'm not going to put on weight, I eat that crap daily, caution to the wind.

If I was to compare my diet to that of someone 'voided' by Twitter Guy, I'd say mine would be shocking. It would probably look like this:

Breakfast
Nothing

Lunch (2pm)
Pret sandwich
Crisps
Two chocolate bars
Tea with whole fat milk
Jaffa Cakes
Dolly Mix
Red Bull

Snack (4pm - 7pm)
More Dolly Mix
Jaffa Cakes
Crisp
Wine (glass)

Dinner (9pm)
Pasta, or Thai curry (home made) or pizza (Papa John's)
Ben & Jerry's
Wine (half a bottle)

Snack (before bed)
Tea
Biscuits

Tragic isn't it. Healthy definitely not. But somehow, my diet's acceptable because I'm naturally slim.

So. Not all size 6 women are gym bunnies with Paltrow-esque diets and a love of yoga. Not all size 16 women are slobs, gorging on Bic Macs and sitting in front of the computer all day playing Bingo. Height plays a huge part in dress size - just because someone's in double figures does not mean they are obese. And this is a really prevalent idea that the young and ignorant seem to have. They forget the side effects from malnutrition in order to get that elusive Perfect Body can mean they end up with brittle bones, no periods, thinning hair, and unable to have children. That the models they see in mags are always Photoshopped to remove those wrinkles, lumps and bumps.That the health risks of being underweight are just as serious.

Having a bit of fat on you is normal. It's attractive. And it's kinda necessary for you to, y'know, be alive. True, not everyone thinks plus size is attractive. But just like I shudder at the thought of a man's toned torso and defined abs, not everyone thinks my shape or size is attractive. I get that. It can take time to feel happy with how you look. But the main thing is to be happy in your own skin, to eat a balanced diet, to get a good half hour of exercise a day and to live healthy lifestyle.

After all, sometimes looks can be deceiving.

Interested? Read on...

SaVse Smoothies: drinks as fresh as just-picked goodies from the garden

When I started my detox on Monday, the worst thing was going to be eating more fruit. Don't get me wrong, I love sweet things. I can easily polish off a pack of Dolly Mix without a second though. A punnet of strawberries though? Not a chance. Unless sprinkled with sugar of course.

But once you cut out snacks, wheat, and dairy from your daily life being restricted to (admittedly large) portions of fish and veg leaves you feeling famished. To the point where I was this close to boiling some rice just to have something to munch on before dinner (that's the evening meal, not lunch).

The only way I can tolerate fruit is in a juice. But most shop-bought options are crammed full of sugars, from concentrate or heat treated which means nutrients are lost. If I'm going to drink a fruit juice I want it to be fresh.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... have an awesome date night without spending a fortune (and without seeming like a cheapskate either)

According to research by dating site Cupid.com, us Brits have completely changed our dating habits thanks to the double dip recession we've been dealing with the past few years.

Rather than splash out on romantic trips to Paris with our partners, we're more interested in saving the pennies. In a survey of 1,000 people, 83% of women said they wouldn't want to spend more than £20 on a first date. And while half admitted they wouldn't date a man who was unemployed, men were much more forgiving with 90% saying it didn't matter whether their lady had a job or not.

But whatever the financial climate, there's no excuse for giving love a miss. Try these tips for seducing that special someone.

Bring the romance home.

Nothing says lovin' like a home-cooked candlelit meal in the garden or on your terrace. Whip up your speciality dish or get a supermarket Dine in for £10 deal if your culinary skills aren't much to shout about. Your other half will appreciate the effort.

Don’t pay double for bubbles.

If you’re no wine expert, then don’t pretend to be! Most can’t tell the difference between good champagne and a bottle of plonk, so why pay more? Instead of pricey Veuve Clicquot, buy a bottle of Prosecco. It's much cheaper and still sparkles like the real deal. It'll be sure to put you in a romantic mood. If you want to splash out on more, Blue Nun (Alan Partridge's wine of choice) have a created a sparkling wine with real gold flecks in it, and it's only £7! Read our review here.

At the end of the day...

Traditionally, date night is Friday or Saturday meaning no rush to get to work the morning after. However there's a brilliant reason for changing your date night to mid-week - loads of restaurants offer deals. Even better, it means you can be spontaneous and surprise your special someone on a night they won't expect! For a double whammy, save.co.uk offers vouchers you can use at your favourite spots.

It's a free country.

There are always loads of free local events happening.  Visit a museum or gallery, go for a romantic stroll or find a local class you can get involved in. Trying something new with your other half is bound to make you feel closer.

Get personal.

If you want to spoil your loved one with presents, take a minute to think about what you’re giving them. Gifts like perfume aren't particularly original and can be pricey. Think about making your other half a gift that fits his or her personality and doesn't cost a lot of money; a picture collage, a meal in a fort built with your own hands, or an hour-long massage. Make sure you take the time and effort to create a gift he or she will truly love, and don't wait until the last second. No one wants to be in the same shoes as Chandler and his mixtape...

Wine and dine.

Of course, there will be those celebrations that deserve a little something extra. So if you really want to hit an expensive eatery but don't have the budget to do so, think about heading there for a few drinks and dessert instead. That way, you can experience the romantic ambience without breaking the bank.

What are your tips for frugal funtimes with your partner? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet your ideas and suggestions to @sixoutoftenmag.

Interested? Read on...

Elderflower cordial cocktail recipes

Elderflower Margarita

Ingredients
50ml Tequila
10ml Bottlegreen elderflower cordial
15ml Contreau
Juice of one lime
Lime wedge

How to make it

Salt the rim of the glass. Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into martini glass. Serve with lime slice.

Interested? Read on...

Here's how to... create a midnight picnic dinner party

Because we'll never have guaranteed sunny climes in our country, outdoor dining is still a novelty for us Brits. And although most people don't have a magical pond or weeping willow tree in their garden, it's still possible to recreate a carefree, dreamy summer picnic style dinner party in your own garden. Regardless of whether you live in a 60's style council house or Edwardian mansion, there are simple steps anyone can take to dine outdoors in style.

But how? Celebrity events planner Steven Duggan has created parties for the Katie Piper Foundation, Adele, and Leona Lewis. Simon Cowell once said one of his celeb parties was amazing, so who better to give some tips for a spectacular summer supper? We asked him to give his tips on throwing an outdoor dining experience to impress your guests.

Bunting was great for street parties at royal celebrations last year, but it seems a bit overdone. Are there any outdoor decoration alternatives?

Loads. The idea and look of bunting is to replicate a fun, kitsch style of living and decorating. If you have a tree in your garden, hang patterned paper or fabric lanterns in clusters from the boughs. Or draped pastel coloured ribbons from fence to fence, using mixed festoon lighting to link the areas. If you're a fan of Oriental, hanging origami and strings of coloured tissue tassels look amazing at night time, giving a proper party atmosphere.

What type of meal and drinks suit an outdoor setting?

Catering companies are forever coming up with full dinner menus, but light canapés or bowl food options can work wonderfully. Thai dishes with rice or noodles go down well at parties which involve alcohol. Classic fish and chip cones are a fun option for a younger event with an array of dessert options displayed within a themed space, like a sweets table. Summer picnics and soirées have stepped up a little with tasters such as Tomato Bruschetta, Goat's Cheese & Cashew Nut & Salmon Blinis.

To help digest the cuisine I would suggest a fruity Daiquiri or an island favourite such as rum cockail Perfect Storm. An elegant Champagne punch adds a classy twist to an informal setting. 

Is asking people to sit on picnic blankets too much?

Summer event furniture must be carefully chosen as it can vary with surfaces, the purpose of the area in question (whether it be a patio area or lawn) or theme of the event. As an alternative to sitting on a blanket, which can be uncomfortable after a while and impossible for guests wearing dresses, I would suggest large feather square pillows or beanbags. These can be placed randomly or surrounding low tables with light decor and canapé-style cuisine.

It's more than likely going to be a bit blustery. Are candles practical? Or are there any other lighting ideas?

Lighting is top of the list for us. It creates mood, a chosen atmosphere and romance. Candles are great as long as you have low wind conditions and use suitable glassware to put them in. If not, you can use real wax artificial carved candles. These are very effective. Bamboo cane oil lamps are a great addition to a tiki party or midnight picnic. They are fun, authentic and can be quite bright which is great if you are planning to keep the amount of light fittings to a minimum.

What happens if it's cold and rainy?

Chilly summer evenings are quite common in the UK. There are a large range of patio heaters and directional hanging heaters which usually combat this problem, or have a stack of fleece blanket to hand out if that's not an option. It is all about positioning draped walls, larger props and overhead canopies in the correct areas. Again there are some very inventive concepts to cover spaces. If in doubt, speak to an expert. For us, it's one of the main things we consider when designing an outdoor dinner.

What about the table setting?

If you're having a picnic, you can step up laid back, small-scale organisation. Include tray service and top quality crockery and glassware, which can be placed on low infinity tables with potted plants, overhead twinkling lights and lanterns and chill out music.

Steven's most important tip? "Don't get stressed! If you really want to hold an outdoor dinner but worry about setting it up, think about getting a pro in to creating a space with an intimate, family atmosphere. We're always around if you have any questions, after all, we love what we do!" If you want some extra help, visit Steven Duggan Events for inspiration.

Will you be holding a midnight picnic this year? Let us know your plans!

Interested? Read on...

Review: Simmons Bar, Kings Cross, London

I love a bar with a bit of personality. Not mass-manufactured personality you find in some bar chains. I'm not bothered about forced quirkiness, or decor for the sake of decor. Sure, I love a gimmick, who doesn't? But some are more believable than others, some go further than a marketing tool to get people through the doors. It's the staff and service that really make a quirky idea work.

And that's exactly what you get at Simmons Bar.

Whether you're a commuter on the way home from work or just visiting the Big Smoke for a few days, it's a stone's throw from King's Cross St Pancras station. And because of that, you'll find a mix of patrons sampling the cocktails on any given night.

Interested? Read on...

Detoxing without losing weight - a seven day crash course in juice, rice and fish

It's a well-known fact in my social circles that I can get away with eating junk food and not put on weight. After a Tesco spesh mac and cheese ready meal for lunch at work, a 36-pack of Jaffa Cakes would be wolfed down (earning me the eponymous nickname Nibbler) with a cup of tea followed by Kinder Bueno, salt and vinegar Chipsticks and a pack of Dolly Mix. You think I'm joking? How wrong you are.

It seems like a gift. To be able to eat whatever the hell you like without putting on masses of weight. What woman hasn't dreamt of devouring a whole tub of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food in one night (a regular Thursday occurrence when I lived at home)? After all, in all my twenty-seven years on this planet, I've only ever been a size 6-8. But while this gift can come in handy, it's actually quite annoying.

Firstly, I look like a greedy pig. Scoffing mounds of processed foods is enough to turn anyone off.

Secondly, I can't tell the damage it's doing to my body. I only really feel bloated after drinking milk, but apart from that and general sluggishness around 3pm, I feel ok. And because I only feel 'ok' I know those processed ingredients and sat fats can't be doing me any good.

Thirdly, while I'm slim, I have cellulite. Normal of course, but I'm pretty sure laying off the bad stuff will get me looking more toned.

As I have a holiday coming up in exactly one month, my plan is to get fit and healthy. How? With exercise and cutting out the crap. So I'm detoxing, not to lose weight, but to feel better.

So. Apparently, for an instant upgrade there are four habits to break and four habits to make. So, let’s start with the hard part.

Four habits to break:

1. Wheat. All wheat contains gluten and this irritates the gut. So, give your insides a week’s break. No bread. No wraps. No hot buttery toast.

2. Milk. It’s the most common food allergen and most people produce antibodies to it. In other words, it causes your immune system to react. Give your system a week off milk and all dairy products.

3. Caffeine. This might be the hardest part if you’re addicted. But that’s the point. Caffeine is an addictive toxin that makes your liver work hard to detoxify it. If you can bear it, cut out caffeine for one week. If not, then two cups of green tea a day is the thin edge of the wedge.

4. Alcohol. Of course, this is your liver’s worst enemy. Take a break for a week.

Four habits to make:

1. Drink eight glasses of water a day. After all, your body is 66% water and this alone will help you detoxify.

2. Eat superfoods to spring-clean your system. So that's fresh apricots, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, kiwi, papayas, peaches, mangoes, melons, red grapes and all types of berries. Vegetables that are especially good for detoxification include artichokes, peppers, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, kale, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, watercress, and bean and seed sprouts.

3. Load up on anti-aging antioxidants. They are the key players in detoxifying your body. If you boost your intake, from both food and supplements, you’ll definitely notice the difference.

4. Take liver-detoxifying supplements. Look for a supplement that contains: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Milk Thistle Extract, Cruciferous Vegetable Compounds, MSM, Ellagic Acid, Dandelion Extract and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

With these habits in place, I'll soon notice a difference, feeling more energised and motivated with clearer skin. Today is day one. I've had two glasses of warm lemon water, a jacket potato with beans (no butter. No cheese. No taste) and for dinner I'll be having spicy pork and rice followed by some bland popcorn. With no money or inclination to start juicing anything, we'll have to see how this week pans out.

Interested? Read on...

Can men and women ever be JUST good friends?

Well, I think so.

One of my closest friends in the whole existence of the world is a girl, and is like a sister to me. We laugh. We hug. We tell one another everything – because we like to be involved in one another’s lives. We cosy up – because penguin formation is so on trend. But we sure as hell don’t bump uglies.

I have faced strange stigma about this at various points over the last half-decade or so. The most telling of these occasions took place about six months into my university career, at a pub quiz with people from my block. I thought my mate could come along as well (not to help; she has staggeringly little knowledge of music, film or current affairs. She would agree with this, with added fake offence).

Her and I are originally from the same place – and had both been part of a dozen-strong group that had migrated to the promised land (Leeds) for further education. She had recently rekindled a romance with one of my best friends from home – they were always on and off, and had finally committed.

Across from me sat three friends whom I had known only since coming to Leeds, and next to me sat my ladyfriend from home. Now, we are good friends. Like, really good friends. She has seen me cry. I have seen her cry. I helped her through a break-up and held her in my arms as she made my shoulder sodden with tears. She is one of very few people that can be blunt with me about anything in my life, and I will listen. We have inside jokes. We have no boundaries in conversation. And we happened to sit there trading in-jokes for the duration, both of us nearing tears (happy ones) a number of times. As she popped to the toilet towards the end of the night, two of my friends leant forward.

“You two are close, aren’t you?” they remarked.

“Yeah,” I said, frowning slightly as to what they were getting at.

Almost in unison, they asked: “Have you gotten together before?”

I frowned properly now, and firmly replied. ”No.”

“Are you sure? Because she definitely likes you.”

“Yes, I think I’m sure – as she is ‘getting with’ my best mate from home at the moment,” I said, finally.

For some unbeknownst reason, they weren’t convinced by this – as if I was lying to spare any embarrassment, the truth, or any number of hidden facts – when I wasn’t. Forgive me the cliché, but we were, and still are, ‘just good friends’. And this is where I am at a loss.

I think there may be moments in a number of male-to-female – or female-to-male friendships – when those who are just good friends decide to try make it something more. Statistically, I think it is more often the male who instigates this; some sort of primal animal nature rears its ugly head, and one has inherent carnal desire appear in full view (…well, steady on. I’d rather not 'full view’ of it).

As for me? I cannot fathom why certain members of society feel that the male population must either fancy, pine for, or copulate with all humans that have breasts. We are capable of relating to people on other levels, you know, and of being just good friends. We do not need a tattered and torn sexual history with all females put in front of us to prove they are just good friends either – though I’m sure a few friends would beg to differ with this, backed with a defence of their own secondary school street cred, those blasted house parties, and a few too many blue WKDs.

It seems to me that from what I consider a normal male perspective, ie. my own, that men and women can be just good friends. I believe it is wholly possible to share a pizza and a bottle of wine with a member of the opposite sex without having to hold their hand, stick your tongue down their throat, or father their child.

By Tom.

Interested? Read on...

WIN! Models Own Ice Neon nail art box set - CLOSED

You may have noticed our series of Magic Nails tutorials over the past few weeks. To refresh your memory, we have Monochrome Nails, a black and white striped pattern, Great Gatsby style Art Deco nails - featured on BuzzFeed - and Summer Neon nails. Check 'em out!

Nail art is the perfect way to wear the latest on-trend design without spending loads on a new wardrobe. And Magic Nails are a series of easy peasy nail art effects which can be created without the need for any pricey nail art equipment. Instead, you just need Scotch Magic Tape and your choice of nail polishes.

So we’ve teamed up with Scotch Magic Tape to give you lovely readers the chance to win the ultimate summer neon nail art box set, comprising of:

Interested? Read on...

Models Own Summer Neon nails tutorial

Last week, it was all about our Art Deco nails. This week, it's about this year's trends. Summer should be all about bright colours. Neon though, is something else. Children of the early 90s will remember the horrors of polyester shell suits (stay away from naked flames) and shag bands. It's a scar on the minds of many.

So. If you're not a fan of neon skirts and bright blouses, you can still be bang on trend this year with these eye-popping talons.

Interested? Read on...

Have you ever had a braingasm?

The other day a friend of mine was using my laptop to look for a music video on YouTube. Amidst his typing, his gaze must’ve wandered over to Recommended Videos in the sidebar, because he started sniggering.

“Head massage videos? WHISPERING?! Gail, what are you on?”

My dirty secret was dangerously close to being uncovered so I thought I might as well write about it here and tell you all.

I like to watch videos on YouTube of people having their hair washed. No. I LOVE to watch videos of people having their hair washed. And head massages. And sometimes hair brushing. Especially if they’re accompanied by a softly spoken narrator.

For as long as I can remember, I've been aware that certain actions and sounds, or features of particular voices, affected me in a way like nothing else did. Be it the way a teacher at school pronounced the letter ‘s’, the sound of a hairdresser’s scissors snipping, or someone painting my nails - even seeing it being done to other people - brought me out in what I what I called ‘the tingles'.

So how did the YouTube watching start? Well, being a fan of all things beauty, I was searching for hair tutorials on YouTube one evening when I stumbled across a whole channel of videos with ASMR in the title. I didn’t know what the ASMR bit referred to, but the channel in question was packed with tingle inducing footage. Basically, video after video of people having their hair brushed by a quietly spoken American lady.
It was a revelation I now struggle to ignore. I’m addicted, and as a sufferer of insomnia I regularly seek out the videos to lull me off to sleep. It does the job far better than counting sheep ever could.

A bit of research informed me that ASMR is the common abbreviation for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response; 'an alleged biological phenomenon characterized as a distinct, pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, olfactory, and/or cognitive stimuli.' Thanks Wikipedia, where would I be without you?!

If you’ve never experienced the ASMR tingles, I offer my sincerest condolences. It’s one of the most pleasurable and relaxing sensations, and takes zero effort to achieve. In my case, it originates in the left side of my scalp. It feels like goose pimples, but inside my head. This feeling tends to end up in my legs, specifically the bottom of my thighs where it lingers and then disappears. Despite there being nothing sexual about it whatsoever, I can understand why people often call it a ‘braingasm’.

Some people experience these ‘braingasms’ several times whilst watching hair brushing videos like I do. Others prefer ‘being at the optician’ type role plays or listening to someone whispering about something mundane like filling the dishwasher. There are even hour-long recordings of a pencil scribbling on sandpaper.

Despite being the subject of numerous discussions on the internet, Facebook groups and YouTube channels, scientific research continues to find definite proof of, or reasoning behind, the phenomenon. David Huron, of Ohio State University suggests “the [ASMR] effect is strongly related to the perception of non-threat and altruistic attention," and likened it to the way primates groom each other for pleasure rather than to clean. It’s still unknown why some (lucky) people are susceptible whilst others aren’t.

It’s all very bizarre really and I’d love to know if anyone reading this also experiences ASMR, or perhaps recognises the sensation but until now, didn’t know what it was.

Right, it’s 25 minutes past midnight as I type, and I must go. I have an appointment at a Japanese hair salon.
Sweet dreams.

By Gail.

Interested? Read on...

I could've bought two Chanel handbags with the amount I've spent on glossy magazines... but who cares?

"Look, I don't know how to say this, but the magazines need to go Amy. We can hardly move and they take up too much room. I'm being serious." The words rang loud and painfully in my ears. You see, I've been a fanatic magazine collector since I was 12. It all started when I bought my first ever Elle magazine in a car boot sale for 20p. Reading it was like I had found a long lost friend. And this friend liked to talk about beauty, fashion, and make-up. She had the same interests, ideas and views as me. She had answers to my problems. She understood.

From then on, I began to save my pocket money to buy my monthly Elle magazine at the newsagents. And I've purchased magazines ever since. I dread to think how much I've spent over the years. but I bet I could have purchased two or three Chanel handbags. Gulp.

My entire magazine collection has been stored in my bedroom in clear boxes for a while now. If they have beautiful covers, they'll take pride of place on the shelf. But since moving to a new house with my fiancé they've gradually taken over our space like an unwelcome guest which is how I got to this situation.

So, the time had come. Packing all of them away ready to be recycled was quite a sad process. I know this may sound a little extreme, but I honestly think that the magazines were part of my life. They had been there for me. They'd given me comfort and joy when I needed them.

Still, as much as the magazines helped me through my life, holding onto them was also a sign I was holding
onto my past. Picking up one magazine in particular would remind me of a cringeworthy time in my life where I wore that blue eyeshadow with pride when really it looked dreadful. Another reminds me of the shameful time I would go without food at school and work to buy a magazine. I'd rather spend that fiver on paper and ink than on nourishment.

So they have now sadly been recycled and are no longer tying me down to my past. The new deal between my fiancé and I is to spend £20 a month on four magazines. Yes, it's still a little expensive but it is a vast improvement over spending hundreds a month on magazines.

With this new agreement, the first chance I got saw me rush over to my local shop to buy my magazines. They didn't have them there (damm living in the country) so I walked a mile and a half (yes really) to Tesco to buy them.

But while walking back victorious magazines in hand I suddenly stopped and thought to myself 'have I gone too far? Walked this far to get magazines? Will I be in the same place this time next year with magazines cluttering my house?' Then I instantly dismissed these thoughts. Why? Well, most people spend huge amounts of money on alcohol or wild nights out, but my 'sin' is magazines. So sorry, fiancé, I will be starting a fresh collection now. But don't worry, it'll be a little less hoardey than before.

So. That's my confession. Do you have a magazine obsession to rival mine? Let me know!

Interested? Read on...

Abercrombie & Fitch says 'we don't want fat people wearing our stuff'

This week, Abercrombie & Fitch have taken a battering online after Robin Lewis, co-author of The New Rules of Retail, lifted the lid on the psychology behind the clothing company’s advertising strategy. Lewis spoke about an exclusionary and highly divisive marketing approach, and the way it reflects the company’s CEO Mike Griffiths' personal opinion: “We want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that."

Despite the average UK woman’s dress size being a 16, Abercrombie & Fitch refuse to stock items  larger than a 14-16. Why? "[Griffiths] doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people,” said Lewis. Presumably, his highly questionable attitude is ‘larger people’ look crap and would therefore be bad ambassadors for the brand. He only want one type of customer: stick thin, beautiful women, or toned and tanned men.

Interested? Read on...

Don't risk wrinkes, or worse, this summer

We love a bit of fun in the sun. And last Bank Holiday was no exception. Parks were packed with picnickers, and beaches saw thousands of families pack their buckets and spades for a quintessential day out at the seaside. And why not? Who knows when the sun will make an appearance again, and on a Bank Holiday to boot? For one weekend, sunbeds were deserted in place of the real thing. And it was lovely.

With a recent survey revealing two thirds of people in their twenties think a tan is more attractive than Snow White skin, it's no wonder we jump at the chance of a bronzed bod at the first sign of sunshine. But there's a problem. Half us Brits think our skin colour is darker than it actually is. And while believing we're more bronzed than we actually are might not seem like a problem, it can cause damage when we decide to slip on a bikini and catch some rays.

Interested? Read on...

Why puppy farms need to stop. Now.

It’s well known we're a nation of animal lovers. We have a whole host of animal-themed TV shows gracing our screens, including Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs, which returns to ITV tomorrow. In fact, the UK was the first country in the world to implement laws and legislation protecting animals.

So why are puppy and kitten farms still permitted? In my day job, I study animal behavioural welfare. I use training and science to rehabilitate so-called 'problem' dogs and cats. And it's a sad fact a lot of the animals I see are often traumatised because of these farms, or bad breeders. This is a topic very close to my heart, and I think it’s time for change.

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the UK, with prices for pedigree animals soaring into hundreds (and in some rare cases, thousands) of pounds.

So, it should make sense we're careful to ensure our beloved, pampered pets are coming from a good source, right?

Well, according to research by Pup Aid, a leading UK animal welfare organisation, it’s actually not that simple. A lot of people can be duped into buying puppies and kittens from what they think are private sellers, but are actually farms. Pet shops may also be guilty of selling farmed animals.

So what are the long-term implications of purchasing a puppy or kitten from a farm? To begin with on the widest scale, buyers fund the farm – which means as long as the farm is a viable financial option it will keep running.

However, there are also more personal issues. Puppies and kittens sourced from farms will often suffer behavioural issues due to poor welfare. This can manifest in a number of ways, most commonly due to a lack of human socialisation at a young age. All young mammals have a period of emotional growth known as the socialisation period. During this time, it is vital they're exposed to a number of situations conducive to a happy home life, with the most obvious being humans. However, due to the sheer scale of puppy and kitten farms it's impossible for the animals to receive this care. So they miss out on a hugely important aspect of growth which will impair their ability to cope as an adult. Improper socialisation is a difficult problem to deal with, and while it can be treated, it's costly and may never repair the damage fully.

On top of this, farmed puppies and kittens are removed from their mothers at a very young age, which can lead to immune system development problems and diseases as well as further emotional issues. For instance, kittens removed from their mothers too early often develop respiratory diseases, which can again be costly and also distressing to the animal and owner.

So, what can be done to stop the barbaric practices, which often lead to emotionally and developmentally-stunted pets?

Pup Aid have issued a few pointers to follow when purchasing a puppy or kitten from a breeder or pet shop. And of course there's always the option of checking your local rescue shelter. But, if you are intent on buying a pedigree pup or kitty, be sure to check the following:

• Is the mother dog/cat present? If not you should ask where the mother is – you should be wary of sellers who will not show you the mother.
• You should ask to see the mother interacting with the young. Some disreputable breeders will use a fake mother – however by asking to see them interacting you should be able to see if the animals are behaving naturally.
• If you are unsure or uneasy, you should never go ahead with your purchase.

Finally, the most important step you can take is by joining celebrities such as Sarah Harding, Ricky Gervais, Liam Gallagher, Brian May, Joanna Page by signing Pup Aid’s petition to ban the practice of farming puppies and kittens.

It’s absolutely abhorrent that a developed nation, with largely stringent laws on animal welfare, should still allow puppy and kitten farming when it causes so many developmental and emotional issues to the animals. It’s time to say no, and stop supporting the trade.

So, will you join me in signing? It takes just a minute of your time, but could change the future of animals for ever. Sign the petition here.

Prospective buyers who suspect they are meeting a puppy farmer or agent should never agree to purchase the puppy – this simply fuels the trade, causing even more puppies and breeding bitches to suffer. Instead, report the incident to the local authority or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If you suspect that a breeder is a puppy farmer, contact your local authority, who will be able to investigate.

Interested? Read on...

Review: Brunch at Hotel du Vin, York

Wikipedia defines brunch as a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, consisting of a meal between the two, or a substitute for them (really, I squeezed this sentence in because I love the word portmanteau – we all know it’s about the food rather than the name, right?)

Brunch in my household has only ever been a quickly thrown together meal because I got up too late to eat breakfast. However, after brunching at the Hotel du Vin in York, I feel like I've been doing this middle meal an injustice. Rather than a slapdash bagel with a side of Wotsits, Hotel du Vin makes brunch a leisurely eating experience. It’s about lazy Sunday midmornings sharing naughty-but-nice cocktails in the sunshine, or the bustle of food and chat with family, enjoying a well-prepared, informal meal. As the chef of the Hotel du Vin said himself, "It’s about taking your time, enjoying the food, and the day."

Interested? Read on...

Mirror, mirror on the wall, why do you make me look bad?

It's strange isn't it. How one day we can wake up, slap on a thin layer of tinted moisturiser, pull on a summer dress and flip flops and face the world head on, feeling as gorgeous as a supermodel. Other days, however, it can take all the contents of a make up bag, the most fitted dress and highest of heels and we still feel as fat/dull/ugly as a duckling. Why is this? And just how to we begin to feel as great as we actually look?

I started to wonder. When we look in the mirror, do we really see what's in front of us, or do we tend to focus on that annoying muffin top, or wobbly bum? In the interest of research, I asked three bloggers to send a photo of themselves, and a drawing of what they thought they look like to psychologist and fashion stylist, Kate of Kate Nightingale. With her keen eye, she looked at their drawings to see if their outlook matched reality. The answers were interesting.

Just a note: Obviously, this is only a rough guide. While Kate has extensive experience and is qualified to speak on body confidence and the psychological issues behind those bad days, she has never met the girls below. Her deductions are based purely on the self-sketches of the ladies and therefore can’t be treated as detailed analysis of their self-esteem and body image.

Jodie, of Be a Goddess

Kate says: "Jodie seems to be exaggerating the size of her breasts, the width of her shoulders and the thickness of her arms. Her head and ankles are also proportionally bigger than in reality. That pattern of self-view indicates that strength and confidence in herself is important for her. Big shoulders are usually the sign of strength. She also holds her head high in the picture. I suspect that she is not so confident in real life. A self-view accentuating physical domination is quite possibly a way of compensating the not so high self-esteem level. So actually this slight distortion of reality might be allowing Jodie to stay strong."

Katrina of Carousel Diary

Kate says: "Katrina’s sketch of herself shows that she sees her hips and belly bigger than they are in reality. Her breasts are also smaller in the sketch as well as are her arms. Her legs seem to be wider too. Again, I don’t know anything about Katrina, but I suspect she doesn’t feel too attractive in her body which is quite possibly reflected in her romantic life. Where do I deduct it from? Breasts are a sign of sensuality and are one of the most important body features used by men to indicate sexual attractiveness. Katrina has downsized her breasts which in turn make me suspect that she doesn’t feel sexually attractive. The reality is quite the opposite as Katrina’s body shape is a classic, sexually attractive body shape."

Sophie of onetenzeroseven

Kate says: "Sophie’s sketch is actually quite realistic but it’s interesting that she hasn’t painted her face nor the bottom part of her legs.I can only suspect that she might not like her face or even feel faceless, invisible. Not painting her legs might also indicate that she doesn’t feel whole like something is missing; some important part of herself."

Kate has this to say about the way we feel we look: "The sketches show that people tend to see themselves slightly different than they are in reality. The differences are usually due to dislike or lack of acceptance of certain parts of their bodies as well as their psychological history, including upbringing and traumatic experiences. Each of us will have some distortion of reality in their self-view; some of them will be helpful and some of them not. However, it’s important to accept the real image of your body as the first step to change."

So. For all of us who would love longer legs, smoother skin or a svelte figure. Has it ever happened to you? Where you create detailed meal plans, diet regimes or spend hours and hours at the gym, pool or treadmill yet fail to lose weight where you want to? "If you’d like to go on a diet to lose a few extra inches from around your hips," Kate says, "you'll find it harder if you won’t accept that these extra inches are there, and even start to love them a bit. Acceptance and love of your real body can help you go through the diet and exercise more smoothly. Why? As instead of getting rid of unwanted inches, you think of it as improving your body. Positive motivation is usually healthier for your general self-esteem.

So what are Kate's tips to getting in shape? It starts with being positive about your body, even those bits we want to change. "Before you find the next diet or sign up to yet another personal training programme," she says, "start working on your attitude to your own body. Whenever you think anything negative about yourself, immediately change it to positive and repeat that positive statement at least three times. You can even write down all the negative beliefs you have about your body and change them into positive. Hanging these positive statements on your mirror or wardrobe and reading them at least once in the morning will additionally strengthen the focus on positive view of yourself."

What do you think? Is your self-perception accurate, or do you think you need to change the way you see yourself? Let us know in the comments or give us a tweet at @sixoutoftenmag.

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