Here's how to... survive your first day in a new job

After following the tips and career advice I shared last month I'm pleased to say I managed to bag a job within two weeks of being made redundant. (Go me!) As was to be expected, the night before starting my new role was spent feeling a stomach-churning mix of emotions and expectations on what the job would be like. Would I be good at it? After all, it was a huge change from the job I'd been doing before. Following your dreams is great, but what happens if I wasn't made for my dream job? Not only that, how were my new colleages going to react...

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Is it good to be bad these days?

It's a question I've wondered a lot recently. Think about it, the media tends to love a drama and there are always stories about women being ‘bad’ these days.  Take Rihanna for example. In my opinion, she's an excellent singer and has great style. But all that seems to be shadowed by one thing: the attitude she has. Yes, she's talented and who doesn't love to party? But falling out of nightclubs, openly admitting and sharing images on Instagram (where many of her followers are in their early teens) she smokes spliffs and dating dangerously...

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Unique and only-a-little-bit touristy things to do in Dublin

So you’re visiting Dublin but you’re not particularly fond of The Black Stuff and you’re definitely not part of a 10-man stag party. You have all the usual tourist spots circled on your tourist map: the statue of Molly Malone, Ha’penny Bridge and Kilmainham Gaol but you’re itching for something a bit different. Here, let me scratch that itch for you. The National Leprechaun Museum, Jervis Street Here’s your opportunity to see the world as a Leprechaun does, and at the same time uncover the tales that lie behind these diminutive cultural icons...

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Why do I write about rape? (GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING)

[This article contains graphic content and traumatising descriptions of rape. Please do not read this feature if you are sensitive to the subject being discussed. Bess is currently studying criminology, which is why she was given full approval for this piece. - Laura] If you follow me on twitter, you may have noticed that I go through phases of ‘informing’ (ranting) my followers about the abysmal way rape victims are treated in England and Wales. I am often inundated with abuse (from women more often than men) about why this is so. Apparently,...

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Why I just love Kate Middleton (and why she's our Diana)

When I say Kate Middleton, what's the first thing that springs to mind? Her superb and flawless style? Her simple but stunning look? Or the fact she's married to one of the world's most most popular royals, Prince William? I can’t help but think she is our version of Princess Diana. You see, I've always had a thing for Diana. I'm aware she was like Marmite - you either loved her or hated her. For me, I was a firm Di fan. I loved her and remember being amazed at watching her wedding to Charles on a video tape that my mother had. There are some...

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Review: Hotel TerraVina, New Forest

Hotel Terravina is run by Nina and Gerard Basset OBE, a husband and wife team who've got hotels in their blood - Nina was a hotel inspector, and together they co-founded the original Hotel de Vin group in the 90s. So when I was invited to stay in their award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of the New Forest, I jumped at the chance. The hotel is nestled in the middle of a wooded area and prides itself as being a true boutique - with only a handful of rooms and individual service. On arriving, we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who...

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The top five weird and wonderful bars in Birmingham

Last year, having temporarily relocated far, far further north than I ever envisaged myself living (look, Birmingham is north to Londoners, ok?) one of the first questions I had about my new surroundings was where the best bars are. London has everything. Gin in teacups served in a lingerie shop. Secret speakeasies only accessed through dark, unmarked doors. Bars that have proper Germans serving proper German beer in proper German lederhosen. In fact, anything you want, London has. Even THOSE bars. You know the ones I mean. Weirdo. Anyway, ...

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The essential beauty packing list for any holiday

Our lovely writer Bess recently flew a few hours away to the island of Malta. You may have read about it. But with ever-decreasing luggage allowances (and strict rules on liquids if you're only taking hand luggage) packing for a week away can be tricky. So here's a mix of tried and tested fave products and new samples Bess took for her adventure holiday last month. Bonus: it all fits into one wash bag. Perfect for those stingy weight limits! For face Now I’m a skin care fiend, so prioritising space over products has been heart wrenching. Yet I’ve...

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What happens when your house isn't a home?

Every now and then, I chance upon people who work all manner of jobs. So when I was searching for people to have their say on the Greenpeace Arctic Ice Climb the other day, I virtually met Eleanor Perkins who works for Habitat for Humanity. Their aim is to help people fight poverty through building safe, decent homes. Here, she tells us what her job involves and why the stories of the slums need to be told. "The UN estimates that 1.6 billion people – approximately one in five worldwide – lives in a home that is dangerous, makes them sick, is...

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Review: Burritos at Tortilla, Charing Cross, London

Burritos are contentious things. Who would have thought a simple question like 'Where can I get the best burrito in London?' could cause so much controversy? It seems this Mexican street food tends to gain a loyal following, with Daddy Donkey, Freebird and Luardos often being the most popular options of the capital. Just in case you've been living in a cave for the past few years, burritos are a Mexican delicacy. Some say it's beef or chicken wrapped in a tortilla. But it's so much more than that. Obviously you have a choice of meat or peppers...

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So that's the Arctic saved, then

Yesterday, you probably would've heard about the six female Greenpeace activists climbing London's newest and tallest tower, the Shard. At first glance, I'll admit I was unsure as to the reason why. Was it a protest against the fact the Shard looks so unfinished? I mean, why didn't they make it pointy instead of all jagged and splintered? The organisational freak in me cannot handle it. But it wasn't. Their aim was to draw attention to the Save the Arctic campaign, saying: "Shell is leading the oil companies' drive into the Arctic... A worldwide...

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Malta: One for the beach bunnies

For those of us who see holidays as a chance to kick back and recharge; cycling, climbing and water sports are not our first port of call post hotel check-in. But there is no denying that stretching out on the sand day after day gets old and doesn’t make the most of the adventures available in sunnier climes. On my three-day whistle stop tour of all that Malta has to offer, I was treated to quad bikes, boat tours, segways and horse riding. Quad biking is a great way to see Gozo if you want an overview of the island. We went out for an hour,...

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Malta: Adventures for active people

I’m not averse to exercise, but the thought of a full-on activities holiday daunted me. I was petrified every one else was going to be a hardcore sports nut and it would be impossible for me to keep up. Contrary to my fears, it really was enjoyable, proving you don’t need to be an Olympian to have a good time. So stop making excuses. I tried a handful of adventures on offer to get the adrenaline flowing!  I hiked and mountain biked on both Malta and Gozo, and I make absolutely no apologies for preferring Gozo for both activities. There...

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Here's how to... dress for an interview (and other little tips and tricks to bag your dream job)

There comes a time in life when we need to dust off our special attire and go for that all important job interview. I know many of you beauties will be going for your interviews soon, fresh out of uni, school or just having a career change. It can seem daunting, having to prove your worth to people who've been in the business for years, so having the basics behind you when it comes to an interview is very important. It takes fewer than 10 seconds to make an impression. When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on...

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Here's how to... beat a summer cold, fast

We all expect a cold in winter. After all, the combination of freezing weather, nights in eating tub after tub of ice cream and damp days of rain would take its toll on even the most healthy among us. But a cold in summer is just wrong. As I type, the sky is blue, birds are chirping, the cat's found a sun patch and is warming himself on the window sill... people are happy. THE WORLD is happy. It's no time to be struck with the lurgy. Especially if you're a hayfever sufferer - it's a double whammy of snot and coughs for you unfortunate souls. So....

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