Would you prefer a night in front of the TV to a night out with friends?

Hello. My name is Amy and I am a telly addict. Yes I admit that, at the age of 23, I would rather stay in on an evening all snuggled up in my comfy PJs with endless cups of tea, Chanel the cat purring on my lap and the promise of a good night of television. Does that sound strange to you? Or are you like me?

My addiction started when the recession really hit back in 2010. Finances got tighter, there were masses of job losses, and I came to the conclusion that lavish nights out were going to have to be limited to one, maybe two a month. I couldn't have been the only one, because as a result of people trying to save the pennies, supermarkets and broadcasters (I blame you!) found a gap in the market. Sky started to up their game and show more and more quality content, and supermarkets jumped on the bandwagon by producing £10 meal deals for the Perfect Friday or Saturday Night In.

I easily got settled into a new way of life.

Even now, I still find money is very tight. And when it comes to paying for a night out, which can cost crazy amounts if you're buying rounds for friends, or sitting in with a glass of BOGOF wine and a tub of ice cream, I'm always going to choose the latter. So don’t judge me when I say I love television. Looking at it as I am writing this now seems pretty sad but if you could see how excited I get before watching a show or just thinking ‘two more days’ or ‘six hours to go’ before getting to watch my favourite show, it gives me a highlight in my working week.

At the moment my favourite TV nights are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. I'm a huge fan of Game Of Thrones, The Apprentice, TOWIE, and Britain and Irelands Next Top Model. But now most of these series have ended it has got me thinking what to do next? It was easy when it was hot and light until 9pm, just to go for a stroll, or sit in a park. But now nights are drawing in, I'm at a loss as to what to fill my nights with. Because for me, TV isn't just something to casually fling on. It's something I just can't live without!

Are you a fellow TV addict like me and having withdrawal symptoms when your favourite show finishes? Don’t know what to do with yourself now your shows have ended? If that’s the case leave a note below with your favourite show. Who knows, we might discover something new and exciting to occupy our evenings!

By Amy.

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Why having kids in your twenties is a bad idea. Seriously.

What would you say the perfect age to have children is? 21? 31? 41? Personally, I find it slightly worrying that women in their early twenties are having babies. The rise in 2013 alone of celebrities having children - Rochelle Humes, 24, has just given birth, Frankie Sandford, 24, is pregnant, and Peter Andre's missus Emily McDonagh, 24, is also expecting - worries me. Are they really ready for the responsibility of bringing up a child? Have they even grown up themselves?

I get it. You may choose to have a family now because in the future there might be difficulties conceiving or worries about getting pregnant. I can see why you wouldn't want to leave it too late. It could be your pregnancy was a happy accident, and you're making the best of the situation, even though ideally your plans were to wait until you were settled.

But if you've purely chosen to have a baby with a loving partner, I'm curious. want to know why. How it's affected you both. And whether you think you've matured enough to bear the responsibility of an impressionable little life.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions on the matter, and I by no means am I condemning anyone, but I just don't get it. Your twenties are supposed to be carved out to work on ‘you’, a time to discover who you are, what you want to do in life, and to live out your good qualities and refine those bad traits. It’s a time to learn from your mistakes, to have fun with your friends, and to fall in love. So at which point does a baby come into it?

I know my opinion might not sit well with a lot of people. But I am just going to come straight out with it. If you're in your twenties and you have a child, you’re pretty much still a child yourself. I don’t mean in the sense that you act like you're five years of age. I mean you need to still nurture yourself, to work on ‘you’ before becoming the person you are meant to be. Because trust me, the person you think you are at 21 may not be who you are at 25.

Perhaps I have become too modern in my ways. With a mortgage, steady income and loving partner in my life, all the signs point to having children. Maybe a baby is what I am missing.  But then again, I think I still need to work on ‘me’.

By Amy.

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Here's how to... move back in with your parents

It's a sad fact of today that a lot of us will have to move back home at some point. Whether we like it or not (and most of us don't), when graduation, unemployment or financial stress hits, the cosiness of mum and dad's feels like the only option. While it's wonderful to have a pile of ironing appear at the bottom of your bed, moving back in with the 'rents can be is a deflating experience to say the least. Here's how you can survive the dreaded move back (you're welcome).

Don't beat yourself up

Uttering the words: "I'm back at mum and dad's..." is usually followed by a nervous laugh and a hurried explanation. Going back to the nest feels like going back to square one, particularly if you've got high-flying friends.

It's important to remember though, that almost every graduate goes home for an extended period, and more and more adults are living with their parents as inflation rises and salaries stay the same. Don't be hard on yourself, and keep remembering that it's only temporary.

Understand

Parents nagging or not giving you any independence is frustrating, and can potentially damage your relationship. But, you are an adult now (and if you aren't, why are you reading this? You're supposed to be at home!), which means you're more mature than when you left. and some things have probably changed.

Your parents love you unconditionally, but even they aren't exempt from enjoying a little freedom. When you left they had more space, more independence to do things their way, and one less person to worry about looking after. Try and remember that the transition probably isn't easy for them either.

Compromise

At the end of the day, your name isn't on the mortgage. It's their house. So, they have a right to adopt the "my house, my rules" attitude that parents typically do. When you move in, though, sit down and lay out some ground rules. Moving back home and expecting to slip right back in the same routine and relationship you had when you were 18 is unrealistic. Tell them they need to respect that you are an adult now, as you need to respsect that it's their house. Implement some basic rules: knocking before entering bedrooms, cleaning up after yourself, giving them a little warning when friends are coming round and vice verca. Offering to contribute money towards food or utilties will also make you feel as though you have more of a right to be there.

Knowing where you both stand with each other will make the arrangement a lot easier.

Enjoy it

This one sounds a bit stupid - but enjoy it while it lasts. Your self-esteem is bruised and battered, but make the most of the home comforts as you can, while you can. You're lucky to have parents who are willing to let you come home, so enjoy spending as much time with them as an adult before you find your feet and move out (again). Plus, who doesn't like have a fully stocked fridge?

By Lauren Cope.

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The top five weird and wonderful bars in Manchester

From vintage havens to cloud bar heavens, Manchester’s bar scene has got it all. So it's fair to say as the UK's second largest urban area, the choice of where to spend your Friday night can be overwhelming. Now, I'll admit, when it comes to travelling the world, I've been around a bit. In both directions and back again. But when it comes to England, I'm surprisingly less travelled. I confess: I've not been to Manchester, or anywhere near it.

So, having never actually visited the world's first industrial city, we asked the pros at DesignMyNight to come up with their favourite watering holes. Leaving no stone (or cocktail glass) unturned, they've tried and tested out each and every bar in town to bring you lovely readers their top five picks from Manchester’s thriving and eclectic nightlife scene. Here, Jayne explains where to spend your weekend and your hard-earned pennies.

The Whim Wham Cafe |Whitworth Street West, off Oxford Road

If tea dresses and waxed moustaches are your thing, then The Whim Wham Café will be too. Nestling in a railway arch near Oxford Road station, this 'epicurean gin saloon' flaunts an authentic 1930's air through everything from décor to the wonderful gin cocktails made with homemade cordials and tinctures. With regular vintage fairs, burlesque shows, live music and the friendliest staff in town, The Whim Wham Cafe is your one way ticket to The Good Old Days. Your nan would feel right at home, which is always fine by us.

Luck, Lust Liquor and Burn | High Street, Northern Quarter

A slice of Bat Country in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this carefree Mexicali bar (ground floor) and restaurant (first floor) has some serious sass – and serious cocktails to match. Owners famously “drove from Vegas to Mexico in a frenetic haze of food and booze”, and returned to Manchester with an exciting menu of Mexican street food and exceptional cocktails including the Blueberryf**kmuffin, the Tijuana Tin Cup and the two pint, absinthe-fuelled Bat S**t Crazy. You heard us.

Cloud 23 | Beetham Tower, Deansgate

If it's 'top’ bars you're looking for then they don’t come much more literal than this. Looming over the city from its 23rd storey perch, the exclusive Cloud 23 really does have one (or twenty) over on Manchester’s other bars when it comes to sheer wow factor. Lounge areas named after the Greek Gods command panoramic views across the mere mortals below through floor-to-ceiling windows, while elixir comes in the form of a fabulous range of signature cocktails, fine wines and Champagnes. Heaven doesn’t come cheap though – so save this one for a special treat.

Gorilla | Whitworth Street West

With a stylish bar, large club room, excellent food menu and even its own Gin Parlour, this hip venue tucked into a railway arch underneath Oxford Road Station has something for everyone. From breakfast to the small hours, it buzzes with a cool Manchester crowd enjoying its many food, drink and music related treats. Gin enthusiasts should head straight upstairs to the Gin Parlour, where you can enjoy the best gins from around the world as well as fantastic gin cocktails in the cosy mezzanine den. Try the Gin Flip for a Werthers Original in a cocktail glass.

Richmond Tea Rooms | Richmond Street, off Canal Street

Would Madame care for Champagne tea in the Bedouin tent? Or maybe a few cocktails in the indoor greenhouse? Wherever you pull up a seat, this topsy turvy tea room and cocktail lounge will take you well and truly down the rabbit hole for a unique evening on the edge of Manchester’s famous LGBT village. Cocktails are inexpensive and delicious, while the well stocked cake counter tempts guests with Alice in Wonderland inspired signs inviting you to Eat Me and Drink Me. Well, it would be rude not to.

What about you? Do you know a quirky Manchester bar I should visit? Let me know below or on Twitter!

Interested? Read on...

Plum, and The Stylist's Rail: Frugal fashion from Henry Holland to the High Street

Every now and then, we stumble upon someone who's turned a really great idea into a reality. So when Plum, a lifestyle blogger and freelance PR consultant, got in touch about her pet project The Stylist’s Rail, we just had to find out more. Frugal fashion fans, this is definitely one for you.

So Plum, just what is The Stylist’s Rail?

The Stylist’s Rail is a wardrobe sale where the stallholders are a collective of stylists, vintage aficianados, independent brands, and stylish folk with cast-offs to covet. I currently hold it on the 1st Saturday of the month in Dalston, but throughout the summer have run pop-ups and collaborations.

Where did the idea for The Stylist’s Rail come from?

Interested? Read on...

Review: The Gastro Burger Co, Brentwood, Essex - CLOSED

UPDATE MAY 2014: Following a tweet from Chris, The Gastro Burger Co. has closed its door. Such a shame.

Since The Only Way is Essex hit our screens a couple of years ago, the little town of Brentwood has been known as the tourist capital of Essex. Once a quiet town with not much of a party vibe, on a Friday night the town is full of Geordie and Scouse groups of friends on hen nights arriving in pink limousines or steely black Hummers. Yes, people far and wide visit specifically to shop in the many boutiques the show's characters have opened, or party at the infamous Sugar Hut in the hopes of rubbing shoulders with that blonde one, or the one with the tan. (Can you tell I don't watch it?).

But Brentwood has so much more to offer than a cheesy nightclub and diamante studded clothes. There's the heavily signposted Secret Nuclear Bunker. There's Weald Park and the deer that roam the hills. There's a Go Ape style treetop running adventure playground.

And rather than settle for a frozen burger at the Slug or Maccy D's, or cheap Nando's chicken during your visit, walk literally fifty steps down Crown Street, a lovely little cobbled street full of tiny shops, and you'll find a brand new family-run burger restaurant, serving fresh, delicious food to locals and tourists.

The Gastro Burger Company was set up by Masterchef finalist Chris Georgiou, who used to host pop up diners serving haute cuisine in London cafes at night. When Chris came to Brentwood he joined forces with Anthony Young and together they developed a menu they thought was perfect - cheap, handmade, hand seasoned, and hand cooked organic burgers. And keeping with their original plan, everything, from the ketchup to ice cream, is made by the family and served fresh using local products. For example, all the meat is bought from French's Farm a few miles away, an organic, antibiotic-free local farm run by a husband and wife team.

So what should you order? Try the Volcano, a deep fried spiral cut potato. Sounds strange, but's a unique twist on nachos, and absolutely delicious with the homemade guacamole. The Greek Meze is just as good. It got the seal of approval from an authentic Greek (my dining partner) so you know it's worth a try.

Now for the burgers. They are delicious, and as it's a new venture the menu's constantly evolving as Chris and Anthony work out what people love and want. Each burger is made of three types of meat that only someone with Chris' experience could ever concoct. The seasoning is a well-guarded secret, that I'm sure will be passed down the generations. There's the Juicy Lucy, with a slice of cheese melted inside the patty, the Chicken Classic and the Camembert Melt for veggies. For the extra hungry, the Fat Yank serves its purpose well. Burgers start at £3.45 which when you think about the time and effort that goes into making them, is a steal. The onion rings were a really lovely accompaniment, and I'd recommend you order a bowl or two.

If you're not full after your burger, definitely give the Margarita ice cream with a shot of tequila a go. The ice cream is again, homemade and infused with tequila, Cointreau and lime. This is one thing I hope they never take off the menu, as it was a sweet and refreshing way to end the meal.

It's a bring your own bottle place, so perfect for a cheap, cheerful and healthy meal the next time you're in town. But be quick. There are only a handful of tables and they're usually booked up by midday!

The Gastro Burger Co | Crown Street Cafe, Crown St, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4BA | To book, call 07909 262227 or tweet @GastroBurgerCo with your reservation

Interested? Read on...

The UK's best beaches: Norfolk, Cornwall, Blackpool and Northumberland

If you’re looking for something a little bit quieter than Brighton beach this summer - somewhere to really relax and get away from the world - then read on because we have a UK beach to suit everyone. Sure, the scorching hot weather may be over (thank goodness). But there's nothing better than heading out on the last few days of summer to enjoy the sunsets and light evenings before winter sets in.

For those seeking solace, pack your bags and head to Holkham Beach in Norfolk. The sand stretches for three miles and is backed by a pine forest making it the perfect secluded getaway. This is one of the few beaches in the country that welcomes horses and dog onto its sandy terrain. If you’re not then no worries, there's plenty of room to keep your distance. If it's good enough for the Queen to walk her corgis, it's worth checking out.

For those who are looking to get a bit of an adrenaline buzz, Fistral Beach in Cornwall may be what you are looking for. Home to the famous Boardmasters Festival, it is well known for it’s brilliant waves and it attracts surfers of all abilities all year round. With its own highly recommended surf school it doesn’t even matter if you aren’t sure about surfing because they are on hand to help you with group and private lessons on offer. Of course if giving the sport a go isn’t quite your thing, timing your visit in with the festival in August means you can enjoy the excitement and adrenaline buzz of simply watching the surfing competition unfold across the beach.

I don’t think it is possible for Blackpool to be excluded from this list. The beach is lined with rollercoasters, arcades, ice cream stalls and of course the donkeys offering rides across the sand. Blackpool is one of the few beaches that has continued to offer a really old-fashioned British holiday.

Sometimes though we are all just looking for something really different, something a little bit haunting and yet still breathtakingly beautiful. If this is the case for you, Holy Island in Northumberland really is the place to head to. If you’re in a reflective mood it is ideal as the beach is cut off from the mainland twice a day due to the tide, leaving you feeling as though you are in another world. The island hosts a vast array of wildlife including grey seals and rare birds, Lindisfarne castle juts out at the tip of the island and the stunning ruins of Lindisfarne Priory still stand and stretch up towards the sky; giving you plenty to explore.

So really it is up to you! Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway, a weekend of surfing, a really British holiday or the opportunity to step into another world all together; England really does have an option for you. And as no place in England is further than two hours away from a beach, chances are there must be something close by for you that you haven’t even considered before.

By Shannon Clark

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Sparkling Passionfruit nail art tutorial

We know you lovelies like a good nail tutorial. So Swedish blogger Caroline Blomst has created a nail art design called the Sparkling Passionfruit Manicure, inspired by Rekorderlig Cider's limited edition Passionfruit flavour. (These guys also do that really sweet strawberry flavour too. Lush.) Caroline created the sparkling purple and nude nail art design to celebrate summer. So try out this fun and flirty tutorial!

Interested? Read on...

Review: Caxton Terrace and Grill, St James' Park

Some places will stay with you for a long time. The Caxton Terrace and Grill is one of those places. Why? I can honestly say I had one of the most fantastic nights of the year at this unique, traditional, and downright gorgeous venue.

Housed within the imposing St Ermin's Hotel (one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen) the whole place buzzes with chatter from such an eclectic variety of people. It's impossible for even the most socially reserved of us to not get drawn into conversation with diners and drinkers, whether they're suited and booted regulars or tourists on a whistlestop visit of London and its delights. And that's what sets this place apart. Because on location alone it should be a stuffy place. The entire area is the heart of government and politics, which aren't exactly synonymous with fun-loving nights out. But if you're looking for a bit of class and elegance mixed with friendliness, then it's a winner.

Interested? Read on...

Hidden London: Canary Wharf

As a city, London really has everything. Tourists and locals head to Chelsea for a spot of shopping and soho for lively bars. But Canary Wharf, with its imposing glass buildings and concrete waterways never fails to make me feel like a tourist in my own city.

So when the guys and girls at Clarendon’s short stay apartments in Canary Wharf challenged us to check out their turf and find something to appeal to you, our readers, we couldn’t resist, hopping on the good ol’ DLR (pretending to drive it, of course) spending an afternoon among the skyscrapers while searching for the best the district has to offer.

There’s good. There’s bad. But there’s certainly no ugly. Have a look at what we got up to one in afternoon, and whether we’ll ever be going back again...

Firstly, how to get there. It’s really simple, and we've no idea why we were so intimidated by it before. Canary Wharf station is few stops from London Bridge on the Jubilee line, a few moments from Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the DLR, a cable car over the Thames from the O2 at North Greenwich, a 30 minute Thames Clipper boat ride from the London Eye, and within walking distance of Greenwich market and observatory. Phew!

So you got there ok. You're standing in the middle of manicured gardens, a vast shopping district and restaurants, feeling more like you're in New York than London. What now? Here’s what we found during our afternoon.

The river and romance - Thames Path National Trail

Who doesn't love a romantic riverside stroll? Rather than share your smooching space with countless tourists, screaming children, bossy beggars and touts trying to sell you everything from theatre tickets to rubbish souvenirs, Canary Wharf's Thames Path offers a bit more serenity in a much nicer setting. After coming up from the station, you're only a three minute walk to the banks of the river. We ambled along at our own pace, stopping to watch the boats and birds along the way. If you fancy a longer walk, it'll take about an hour to meander to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. There are cafes, pubs and restaurants along the way, so grab a glass of Prosecco with that special someone and watch the sun set over London in peace.

For gin and champagne cocktails - Tom's Kitchen

On our way back to the station, Tom's Kitchen literally stopped us in our tracks. White metro tiles adorn this cute little kitchen, which is actually a cafe, bar and deli. They have intimate booths in the main restaurant, as well as outdoor terraced seating, perfect for al fresco dining. The bar serves champagne-based cocktails, but we squealed with delight when the barman mentioned a gin and elderflower concoction. It looks like the kind of place you could stay all day, enjoying everything from a hearty breakfast to a late night tipple. Definitely one to visit.

For those looking for a slice of the country - Surrey Docks Farm

You may be in the heart of the city, but if your heart will always be in the country then pay Surrey Docks Farm a visit. It's a working farm right by the bank of the River Thames. How cool is that? Forget the crowds and expense of London Zoo and get stuck in petting the goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, bees and donkeys that roam the area. They hold events like bee-keeping and donkey rides throughout the year, too. Even better, entry is completely free. All they ask for is a £3 per person donation to keep up with running costs. You can even bring pooch along for a fun day out for all.

For the brave and adventurous - Up at the O2

Everyone's seeking that perfect skyline view of London, so why be cooped up inside a stuffy building looking through greasy panes of glass when you could be literally atop a local London landmark? If you've ever dreamed of climbing Everest, Up at the O2 is definitely an urban alternative. You'll start with a briefing at Base Camp, and change into suits, boots and harnesses. Then, the ascent on the walkway begins. You're not walking on the canvas tent itself, but on the specially designed platforms raised slightly above it. The peak is 52m and you'll be strapped to the safety wire throughout, so definitely not one for the faint-hearted! You can spot the O2 from Canary Wharf itself, and it's only only a hop across the river.

For those looking for a spot of stargazing (or a food fight in the dark) - Butler's Wharf Blackout

 

During the London Thames Festival (6th - 15th September) diners at D&D London's four riverside restaurants will be given the rare opportunity to enjoy an unspoilt view of the beautiful River Thames completely free from light pollution. How is this possible? Because they'll literally be blacking out electricity from 8.30pm every evening, leaving you free to see the true beauty of London while feasting on delicious food. There are a few other dark nights planned too. These are our faves, but check here for fire, blindfolded dining and opera. We definitely want to know more about the food fight...

6th September, 9pm: Neon Noir - a neon food fight
8th and 11th September, 6-10pm: Silent cinema
12th September, 6-10pm: Silent disco
13th September, 6-10pm: DJ and a silent disco with a fun flashmob at 9pm

So you know how to get there. You've got a few activities planned and you're going to have a great time. Now all you need to know is where to stay. If you're planning on one or two nights, we had a quick peek at Hilton Canary Wharf. It's a stone's throw from the station and some rooms have a partial riverside view (there are a few skyscrapers in the way, but we won't hold that against them). If you want to feel more like a proper Londoner and rent your own sleek, chic flat, Clarendon's serviced apartments in Canary Wharf are a great option. We very cheekily had a sneeky peek without letting our challengers know, and we were impressed. Rooms are bigger than your standard hotel, with enough space to spread out, cook your own meals, and live that glamorous London penthouse dream.

It's fair to say we're Canary Wharf converts. There's loads more going on that we discovered, like Canary Wharf's Ice Rink - that's right, in winter there's an open air ice rink, and you can bet it won't be full of tourists - Greenwich and its observatory, market and prime meridiam - you can actually stand on the line that determines GMT across the whole earth (except for France...) - the Docklands Museum, Cutty Sark, and shops upon shops. It's clear to us there's more than just glass and concrete in hidden Canary Wharf, and we can't wait to head back for another flute of riverside fizz with the girls.

Travel to Canary Wharf was kindly provided by Clarendon Serviced Apartments. Well. It was their challenge after all!

Interested? Read on...

Beauty's Best of British

We're a nation of beauty lovers, spending millions of hard-earned pounds a year on products, perfumes and potions to make us thinner, leaner, smoother and more confident. But did you know a handful of everyday staple brands we know and love actually had beginnings here in Britain? From market stalls to hte Poole, here are a few that caught our eye.

Soap & Glory was founded by Marcia Kilgore, the brains behind FitFlops. She wanted to come up with a a fun and iconic beauty range, and so S&G was born. The cheeky pink and pastel branding and oh-so-funny puns (Sexy Motherpucker has to be one of the best names around) have won countless fans, and their perfumed body mists and butters are a firm favourite. With a recent rebrand hitting the shelves, they're a favourite of beauty bloggers everywhere. Check out Victoria's impressive collection (very cropped photo above!).

Interested? Read on...

CLOSED WIN! 2 tickets to The Cake & Bake Show and an exclusive Bonne Maman gift box, worth £44!

We have a mouthwatering competition for all of our yummy readers. If you love cakes, baking and all things scrummy, then read on!

The Cake & Bake Show, an experiential live event for baking and cake decorating fanatics, will be returning once again to Earls Court in September. With even more celebrity demonstrations, live bake-offs, cake competitions, interactive classes and workshops and not to mention samples galore, it’s every sweet-toothed baker's dream.

So we've teamed up with one of the Cake & Bake Show's main sponsors, sole jam provider and household favourite Bonne Maman, to offer 3 lucky winners a pair of tickets to this exciting event, as well as a gorgeous gift box containing marmalades, conserves, and a copy of Bonne Maman the Seasonal Cookbook.

Interested? Read on...

Review: Karine Jackson Hair and Beauty

Hair really defines a person. I asked on twitter whether anyone would be willing to brave a pixie cut. Most of the replies were a resounding NO. It seems when it comes to style, we spend years and years growing it, brushing it, and dying it, only to get bored and chop it all off. Well, that's what I did earlier this month anyway. My hair wasn't particularly long to start with, but at shoulder length it was long enough to be able to twist and tie into cute plaits and scruffy buns. Despite this I wanted a change. With Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus sporting perfect pixie crops, it's given women the world over confidence to be daring and try something different. That blow dried bonce might be great for Kate, but it's a bit too bland for me.

So off I went to Karine's, who promised me a stress-free pixie cut experience. I was placing my faith and trust in one woman's literal hands.

Interested? Read on...

Does a 9p hangover cure, bruise banisher and skin exfoliator really work? Our seven day challenge tests the claims...

One of the perks of being a beauty writer means I get to test products that amaze and fascinate me, with today being no exception. So what am I trying out? A new lipstick? An innovative skin cream? Something pretty, bright and bold for my nails? No. I'm talking about Epsom Salts. Yep. You know that tub your grandma has had in the bathroom cabinet for about ten years? The very same. You can buy the salts for around £2.89, and you'll get enough for 30 treatments, making it a thrifty 9p for each.

Now I’ll admit when I was given the task of testing some of the claims I was very, VERY, sceptical. I mean, can salt (and not even the good stuff you put on chips... *drool*) really transform my pins, give me healthier skin, and cure my hangover? Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. But it turns out I was wrong about these bad boys.

Interested? Read on...

Let’s have a chat about porn

The world is obsessed with sex. Whether we’re doing it, talking about it, reading about it or debating who else is having it, sex is a constant in our lives. Watching other people ‘do the deed’ has become a particularly topical subject of late, and David Cameron’s plans to ban porn in UK households has made me think that we all need to sit down, and have a chat about porn.

28,258 internet users watch it every single second and every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is created in the US. Porn sells, and not just to the 'pervy' man down the street as out-dated stereotypes would suggest – educated men and women of all ages are watching it.

Whether we like it or not, there’s a massive market for porn, one that isn’t going away any time soon.

The PM’s plans will force internet users to choose whether they want to activate porn on their computer and devices. If they don’t actively switch on access, internet service providers will block pornographic websites in an attempt to stop the “corroding” influence of pornography on children.

“It should not be the case that technically literate children can just flick filters off… Those filters can only be changed by the account holder.”

For a leader often accused of weakness this is a brave step, one that has divided the majority. A search through Twitter suggests there are two main arguments: firstly, that children are being exposed to the negative influence of porn too early, and that the ban is the only way to ensure childhood is kept innocent. The other, that blocking porn is a step backwards and echoes the strict internet controls of countries like China. So, where do I stand?

It’s hard to disagree that children, particularly young boys, are seeing porn at a young age. It’s also hard to dispute that blocking porn from home computers is likely to minimise the amount they see. The part that I have trouble with is the opt-out approach.

Whilst not ignoring the dangers of porn - exploitation of women, troubling stereotypes, unhealthy addictions - we must accept that it isn’t all bad news. Porn facilitates discussion; what we like, what we don’t like, how to spice up a long-term or long-distance relationship. It allows for conversation and independence, an outlet for fantasies. With a little knowledge about healthy sex and body image, porn is informative. And, as with everything, although there are exceptions, the majority of users are able to watch it, enjoy it, and appreciate it for what it is.

Admittedly, I don’t watch it, but it must be enjoyable – there wouldn’t be 25,000 of us watching it right now if it weren’t. This is where the ban becomes a problem for me – rather than presenting itself as a way of protecting children, it stinks of judgment. It comes across smug, as though it intends to punish the dirty, sleazy watchers of porn into stopping, so as to avoid the perceived embarrassment of phoning their ISP and actively turning it on (pun fully intended).

If Cameron had, instead, suggested an opt-in approach, we would be in a better situation. Concerned parents would be able to opt-in and block their children from watching porn at home, and adults would be able to do what they please. We mustn’t forget that the ban isn’t even guaranteed to work; home isn’t the only place that children will have access to porn. The school playground, laddish jokes and mobile phones provide the same access that a home computer would.

There are measures to limit porn access or, at least, the negative effects of it; parental controls, informative sex education from a younger age and more input from schools, to name a few. Imposing a nationwide ban on something that tens of thousands of people do a second, however, isn’t the way.

By Lauren Cope.

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Horses for courses, but should they be made to race?

With Hickstead hosting the Longines Royal International horse show recently, I’ve seen the usual debate over how horse riding is cruel has raised its ugly head again. Are you someone who's mumbled about horse racing being worse than cock fighting or bear dancing? That the horses are whipped into a frenzy with many never finishing the race? I understand that. But perhaps I can go some way in calming any fears you might have.

It is quite a difficult concept for those who do not have a horse to grasp and understand, but the riders and horses you see on TV have a relationship that cannot be compared to any other in this world. The rider trusts his horse with his life, every single time that he sits down in the saddle. And every time the horse allows his rider to place himself upon his back he is returning the same level of trust.

I want you to think of someone that you love with all of your heart, and now ask yourself would you ever put them in danger for entertainment? No, of course you wouldn’t! It would be unthinkable. And these riders ask themselves the same question. They love their horses and would never enter them into any competition they were not capable of competing within. In fact, they wouldn’t even put them forward if their animal did not enjoy what it did.

As a horse owner myself I can vouch for this being a fact. I can honestly tell you it does not matter how many artificial aids you use on a horse, if that animal does not want to do something, there is absolutely no way you are going to make it do it. They are stronger than we are, they have their own minds and they definitely know what they want.

From Shannon's blog My Beautiful Bay

The horses that race do so because they love to run, and the rider lets them because the thrill you get from the speed and enjoyment your horse has for it provides a huge adrenaline buzz. Horses that jump love to fly through the air. I can tell you now that if they didn’t want to jump the obstacle they will point blank refuse or run around it, because they can and it is easier to do so.

I’m sure there are some people out there reading this that watched the Grand National this year. I’m sure you saw some of the riders falling from their horses, yet the animal continued on in the race. And not just carrying on rider-free, but continued to jump alone without ‘force’ from anyone. They did so because they love their job

In all honesty I think it is a subject many people who have very little knowledge about decide to comment on. If you don’t like it, then it is quite simple; don’t watch it. My knowledge on other sports is very limited and so I therefore refrain from commenting on them, despite the fact there are many things I would like to say my piece about.

And overall, even if these facts don’t wash with you, just consider that those horses are quite literally worth millions of pounds. No rider or owner in their right mind would put forward an animal worth that much to race if it was a high possibility that they wouldn’t make it across the finish line.

By Shannon Clark

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It happened to Jennifer and Courtney. So what happens if you outgrow your best friends?

Your best friends are meant to be forever, right? So say sitcoms and rom-coms, so say chick lit novels, and so say you and your friends to each other when you’re in your teens. After all, those BFF necklaces you stayed up making that sleepover can't be separated, ever. As long as you have one bit, and your BFF has the other, you'll really be friends forever, right?

Take Friends, the series most people our age grew up on. Monica and Rachel were friends from school in their fictional world, through thick (literally in Monica's case) and thin. But with the Daily Mail today reporting Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox have barely seen each other, missing important events for trivial reasons, is that how life really is? What happens when you grow up into completely different people? Being honest, if you met each other now, would you be in any way interested in getting to know them?

At the age of 23, I would like to think I now have a clear idea of my beliefs, my philosophies, my goals, my taste in the opposite sex, and what I want out of life. And I would also like to think I surround myself with like-minded people and people who don't bring negativity and bad vibes into an environment. But it’s tricky when you start to realise your so-called ‘best friends’ are just the type of people you no longer want to be around, and in some cases, you find they’re dragging you down.

The saying goes, ‘schooldays are the best of your life’. Well, whoever said that obviously never went to university. I will treasure my university memories as the years I met some of the most wonderfully interesting and like-minded people, and whom I will call friends for life. These people I would have no hesitation in calling my best friends. Why? Because I have a laugh with them. I’m comfortable talking about anything with them. And best of all, I’m completely and totally at ease with them.

I went to school in a small town and met my ‘best friends’ as a painfully shy and awkward young teen, fresh out of primary school and desperate to click with someone, anyone. They were already friends from a young age, and so I latched on. We remained close as the years went by, and as I grew up I found myself coming out of my shell, gaining more confidence. My school friends seem to like to think that it was down to them and their taking me under their wings that I attained this new-found self-assurance. And in hindsight, I don’t think they liked it. Little jibes were directed at me whenever I seemed to show any sign of my own personality which was desperate to shine through. This would lead me to not only doubt myself, but also mock myself along with them. I thought it wasn’t intended badly, but in good humour.

I was always a creative soul, interested in the arts and media. As a teenager, I became involved in a drama and art. My school friends mocked the clubs I joined and branded the people I met there as ‘weird’. At an art exhibition showcased by myself and others, they spent the evening snickering childishly and narrow-mindedly at the various pieces of art. As the years went by, it didn’t stop. They scorned my interest in fashion, implying that it was a waste of time and money. They dismissed the humanities degree I studied, insinuating that a degree or career in anything to do with the arts was useless, in comparison to their areas of study (science). I also sensed they didn’t like when I made new friends in university, as though I were ditching them. Despite the fact they had no qualms about befriending people in their own classes. They took an instant dislike to any friends I made, treating them in a somewhat hostile way and assuming them to be arrogant before getting to know them.

It became embarrassing. When introducing these girls as my ‘best friends’ to my new friends, I worried about how it would reflect on me. Until last year, when I had an epiphany of sorts. I told myself life was too short to surround myself with people who drag me down. I realised these girls thrived on viewing me as a dependant little puppy, who relied on them for assurance and friendship. I now understood when they saw me blossom from a caterpillar to a butterfly, they did not like it one bit. They preferred me as the timid twelve-year-old whom they nurtured eleven years ago.

I don’t like drama, and these are not the type of girls who would be diplomatic and understanding if I explained my feelings about this situation to them. As a result, I’ve decided to live and let live. I don’t want to fall out with them,as there are also some very good memories I treasure. There were numerous occasions when I needed them and they were there for me. But rather than express sadness at the fact that we’ve grown up and drifted, I breathe a sigh of relief I’m able to paddle my own canoe. The life I now lead is one I carved out for myself, by myself. We still stay in touch and meet up every so often, but we have different lives now and all want different things. To put it plainly, we have nothing in common.

So, again, reality trumps fiction. The rom-coms and the chick-lit novels are proven wrong once more. The cold hard truth? Your BFFs don’t always last forever. But who says that’s a bad thing? Like me, you might realise they were holding back the real you, the person you kept hidden for so many years. This realisation might be the best thing that ever happens to you. It might set you free.

By Evanne Miller

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Review: Megaro Bar, King Cross, London

Kings Cross is making a comeback. My mum remembers it way back in the 60s, calling it the kind of place you'd arrive at the station and make a quick exit. Now, fifty years later, it's seeing a comeback with a whole host of boutique hotels and new bars hitting the once-dodgy area.

So always ones to keep up with the lastest fun and unusual places to drink, six out of ten decided to pay one of Kings Cross' newest bars, Megaro, a visit. It's sat underneath Hotel Megaro down a dark set of stairs which are illuminated by a Darkroom in Use sign. And that theme continues underground, with a Picture Room, showcasing local photographers' photos, and a velvet room complete with cinema seats, rich crimson drapes and candles. Very saucy. We definitely got the subtle harks back to Kings Cross' red light days (especially with the knickers and pants on the bathroom doors).

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Review: Vapiano, Great Portland Street, London (although they are EVERYWHERE)

Italian restaurants are found all over London, from authentic Sicilian pizzerias to Milanese pasta houses. Vapiano is slightly different, an Italian street food/canteen experience. It's a chain, which isn't always a good thing, so when six out of ten visited on Friday night, we weren't too sure what to expect. After all, canteen style food conjures up images of secondary school cheesy pizza bread and deep fried everything served on a chipped plate with water-stained cutlery.

We visited the Great Portland Street branch, right next to Oxford Street's flagship Topshop store. It's literally a stone's throw from the building, so sees a mix of media and office workers and tourists grabbing a quick bite to eat. At 6:30pm it was bustling with people, and we were assured it gets far busier later in the evening.

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Doesn’t the Home Office have anything better to do?

[The photo here was tweeted by @ukhomeoffice along with the caption: A suspected visa overstayer arrested at Swansea nail bar – 94 suspected #immigrationoffenders arrested across UK" - Laura]

Picture this scene: it’s 2050. The economy is just coming out of a recession. Times are hard, unemployment is high, graduates can’t get jobs and public sector pay is frozen. In an effort to be ‘down with the kids’ the government is using social media to get across that it’s tough on crime/pro NHS/improving education (insert generic centre-left/centre-right policy here).

The Home Office has employees dedicated to running its Twitter account. And they’re tweeting pictures of a young man being arrested, because he’s ‘guilty’ of immigration offences.

He’ll be taken into the custody of UKBA, whose jurisdiction exists entirely separately from the criminal justice system, and arguably, lacks its safeguards. He’s probably scared, struggling to get legal representation, and yet to have any charges proved against him.

Only this didn't happen in an Orwellian 2050. This happened yesterday.

I find it difficult to express the abject contempt I feel towards the person who decided to take that decision to tweet the scene. And I feel fairly strongly that whoever took the decision to publish that picture should lose their job. For utter lack of human compassion, if for no other reason.

We are an overpopulated country. Net immigration vastly exceeds net emigration. As such our government has introduced stringent requirements vastly restricting the amount of skilled labour that can work in the UK from outside of the EU. We have an immigration problem. People illegally working, not paying tax and using our very limited resources is a problem. A big problem.

But that in no way, at all, makes it acceptable to name and shame them on the internet. In the UK I'm proud to be a citizen of we have due process. We have lawyers and evidence. Trials and judges. We empanel juries and listen to testimonies. We don’t march people onto the street and deem them guilty like lynch mobs in the dark ages, centuries ago. We listen to appeals for asylum and consider human rights. We spent years engaging with foreign states to ensure we can safely deport radical clerics.

We do not, ever, pander to right wing xenophobic extremism. We do not expect applause for removing human beings by force. We recognise it as the nasty, unpleasant reality of border control. Except we don’t.

Our Home Office wastes tax payer money communicating bigoted images to the twittersphere. I’m appalled. I hope, for the sake of our country, that I’m not the only one.

By Bess Obsborne.

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Should celebrities be considered role models in any way? (Features Directioners and Beliebers, sadly.)

A role model is someone we aspire to – someone that we would want our children to be and that has, we assume, done admirable things in life. Simple.

But despite the immense perks that come with celebrity - money, adoring fans, a free reign – the pressures of constant paparazzi and growing up in the spotlight mount up. Don’t believe me? Britney Spears; the blonde-haired teen with the angelic smile, who innocently posed in an iconic school-girl outfit lost her way and, in 2007, after a spate of odd behaviour, sparked a media frenzy by shaving her head allegedly under the influence of amphetamines. Lindsay Lohan, the freckled, pretty redhead from the Parent Trap, has now faced numerous prison sentences. Macaulay Culkin. Corey Haim. Do I need to even mention Amanda Bynes? Pressure and fame go hand in hand, and younger stars have a record of not being able to handle it.

Interested? Read on...