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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 slic...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 talon...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Interested? Read on...