on why asking for freebies via #prrequest only #makesyoulookdespo

Hi everyone! it's me again - the one with all the opinions and none of the actual knowledge, but Who Likes to Think She Knows Everything. I want to talk about something that's really starting to irk the living irks out of me. Picture the scene: it's a dreary Friday afternoon, you're bored of staring at your never-ending tabs of spread sheet dullness, and so to break the monotony, you decide to head to your safe place for a wee natter; Twitter. Today though, between the usual "I #blogged this!", "#wiwt #ootd #highstreetbrand!" "Randomly Funny...

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Here's how to... eat chips while you're on a diet (and still lose weight)

With a hell of a lot of us making that same-old-same-old resolution to lose weight ("THIS year I'll finally do it!" you tell yourself, while eyeing up those leftover Quality Street), it's no surprise most stumble at the first hurdle. Just one night out on the town can ruin a week's hard work. And now we're at the very end of January, we're sure a few have fallen off whichever wagon they were riding. So we spoke to Louise Graham, author of Can I Have Chips, who explained why a fad diet is never going...

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Review: LAQA & Co. Nail Polish and Lip Pencil

New York, New York. One of the most amazing cities in the world. It's beautiful, full of culture, amazing food (Junior's Pastrami still sticks in my mind) and stores that would give any shopping addict their fix for weeks to come. So when we heard about LAQA & Co., a bright and quirky range of lip and nail products that holds its roots in New York, we were intrigued. Their whole outlook is about convenience - beauty for when you're in a rush. Each one of their products comes in the prettiest packaging designed by young artists all over the...

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Why I'll never be a fashion blogger.

We asked Erica, who co-hosts #mybchat (a PR and marketing chat for bloggers, held on Tuesdays at 7pm *join in hint hint*) with us and blogs over at www.imbeingerica.com to give her opinion on trends hitting many a fashion blog at the moment. All opinions (although agreed by many) are her own. So if you happen to love cropped jumpers and midi skirts, well, take it up with her really.  I am a blogger, yes. I wear clothes too. those two things in no way qualify me to have an opinion on fashion, and yet... somehow, I didn't get the memo. If...

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We Ask a Boy to try Synaesthesia at Lush Spa, Chelsea

Spas are for girls, right? With the robes and slippers and things that smell like flowers and all that jazz. And even more so with Lush's strong fragrances, pink bath bombs and all manner of lotions and potions with quirky names and quirkier ingredients. Well, we decided to drop a man in the middle of Lush Spa's country kitchen for an hour to see how he got on... When I agreed to go for a spa treatment, I found myself asking this question - how many girls will get their blokes, brothers or dads a spa day for a special occasion? I expect very...

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Review: The Drift Bar, Heron Tower, London

We've talked about how to get high in London before. But there are some absolutely amazing little places at the bottom of those big skyscrapers too. Take Drift for example. When I worked in the city (please, don't remind me - it was a bad time and all those 5am up-and-dressed alarms have been deleted thank you very much) I used to walk past this place all the time. I thought it was just a bar with a few alfresco tables and blankets for city workers to have a drink. Reader, I was wrong. For those not in the know with London's skyscrapers (srsly,...

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Recipe: Strawberry Milkshake Pancakes

Ok. We know Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day for the more sweet-toothed among you) is miles away. But in case you can't wait to start flipping pancakes, this tasty recipe ads a bit more ooompf to the otherwise sweet treat by using strawberry milkshake actually in the batter. So, whether you're a culinary newbie wondering just how to make perfect pancakes, or a seasoned pro looking to create a more fluffy, American-style breakfast pancake, give the below a go. Hint: We'd recommend serving with berries and cream, or going all out by spreading Nutella...

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Is anyone really surprised pop brat and general annoyance Justin Bieber got arrested?

It's finally happened. The feminine-faced pop brat Justin Bieber was arrested in the early hours across the pond for being a reckless moron and ALLEGEDLY street racing in a supercar in a tourist area while ALLEGEDLY under the influence of alcohol and who knows what else. What makes this more ridiculous is that his entourage ALLEGEDLY blocked the road so he could play his ridiculously dangerous game while his FATHER was ALLEGEDLY with him at the time. Way to parent there, bro. Seriously. Not being a twelve year old, I think I've gone through...

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Australia Day and four reasons why it (Ayers) rocks

Ah Australia. Once the land we sent all our undesirable scum and low-down criminals to, it's now a place most of us Brits can only dream about calling home. With gorgeous weather, crystal clear beaches fringed with whiter than white sand, some of the most amazing reefs in the world, hot tanned surfers, and all manner of insects that will paralyse and eat you alive while you have a morning wee, you can't help but think those exiles got an awesome deal out of it (aside from the potential death at every corner, of course). For example, their Whitehaven...

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We ask a boy: Why didn't he text me back?

It's that age-old issue. That question that most of us will ask at least once in our life. Why didn't he call after our date? Why didn't he text me back? Did I have snot hanging out my nose or something? So we asked a boy what it means, what you can do, and why you probably aren't the issue. Now, before I start, I’d just like to make one thing clear: this isn’t based on one personal experience, nor is it fantasy. It is a cumulative (almost) 30 years of experience as a male. You meet a boy. He seems charming. You’re sure he’s available, and...

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Review: Feng Sushi and the Feng Diet

As part of our favourite #VIB collaboration, we chose blogger and London girl Lisa to review a January detox with a difference - after all, one of her resolutions is to start being a bit more healthy! Here's what she thought of living on sushi, sashimi and soup... Oh, and aren't her photos just stunning?! To get on the list and be considered for the next opportunity, just click here. Twelfth Night has come and gone, the sad dry Christmas trees that lay abandoned on the streets of London have been taken away and even the Bountys have been eaten...

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Here's how to... be happy at work

A few weeks ago, we talked about how to resign from a job you're really not all that fussed about. But what happens if that's not an option? With Daily Mail having us all believe immigrants are terkin err jerbs (bonus points if you get the reference there) and purses getting squeezed from all angles, how can you really be happy at work if quitting isn't a option? Well. Cadbury Dairy Milk, who have claimed #freethejoy as their hashtag, recently held a survey on how we cheer ourselves in the office, and we just had to share it with you. Especially...

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The Super Bowl, and how to give a hoot

With the impending Super Bowl XLVIII (Superb Owl from this point onwards) on the horizon, 2nd Feb to be exact, I have been requested by my girlfriend to put together this basic guide of the game. I mean, it lasts for hours, and you don't want to be asking every 30 seconds what's going on. This guide will not only impress others with your in-depth knowledge of the rules, it will help you survive the most-watched event on TV in 2014. YOU WILL BE PART OF HISTORY. Don't see this spectacle as a waste of several hours. See it as an opportunity. Be...

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Getting closure and... hang on why did I even hit the publish button?

Closure. If you're a Friends fan, you'll remember the scene well. You know the one. Ross is dating Julie. They're getting a cat. Rachel likes Ross. Rachel needs to move on. She needs closure. There's a drunken phone call. And a voicemail. When I first saw it, I had just turned a very mature ten years old. I had no idea what the hell Rachel was on about. Until I grew up, closure was just a scene in an episod...

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Closed: WIN! Olloclip 4-IN-1 iPhone lens worth £59.99

Can't afford a dSLR? Wouldn't have the foggiest about macro lenses, f stops, wide angle vs portrait lenses, shutter speeds, and the rest? You're not alone. So we're offering our readers the chance to win an olloclip, which is basically everything a full camera kit is, minus the fifteen lenses, memory cards and huge camera bag you need to lug around. Perhaps you're a Lomo or toy camera fan. Rather than mess about with Holga's medium format film, or shelling out loads on developing 35mm, this little beauty gives you similar effects. And this...

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Fitspiration and the workout that'll have you in tears

New Year's full of resolutions. Quit smoking. Be happy. Get fit. Lose weight. So we asked ethical blogger Charlotte for her take on intensive workouts that have bloggers crippled in agony in their quest for the perfect beach body... When I first heard about the Insanity Workout, I thought it would be like all the other workout DVDs you see lining shop shelves at this time of year. Something that’s a little challenging, but is also easy enough for people to do as their first workout. Because of this it didn’t cross my mind again until I started...

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Totally addicted to blogs (wah-oh wah-oh)

Peer pressure. For some, it was the gateway to smoking, drinking, and sex. It's something, as children, we're told to resist. If your friend jumped off a cliff, you wouldn't follow them, RIGHT? But what if ALL your friends were doing it? Being in my late twenties, it's easy to think the days of your friends telling you to try it 'just this once' will subside, but honestly, it doesn't. 'Oh just put it on the card!' 'It's just one drink, don't be so boring!' 'Buy it, it's half price!' The pressure to keep up with the Joneses carries on. And what's...

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Review: Bodega Bar and Cantina, Birmingham

Birmingham blogger Tasha's found another great little place for all you midland folk. Didn't see her Home Is Where... review before? Give it a read here. Located around the corner from Birmingham Snow Hill Station is a gem of a place that serves the most incredible South American cuisine. It goes by the name of Bodega Bar and Cantina. It's far away enough from the rush of the Bullring Shopping Centre, but central enough to enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. Bodega directly translated from Spanish, means ‘cellar’ or ‘wine cellar’ and a Cantina is...

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Return of the Mack - A New Look Story and an Update

So, most of you have probably opened presents and gorged yourself on food. Now it's time to settle down with your laptop or iPad, get away from the family argument, and have a little read of what I like to call, a New Look story (seriously though, it's just about returning a coat with some mainly fictional drama). I needed a new coat. I'm not about faux fur trims or looking like I should don a pair of Hunter wellies, a shotgun, and four dead fox carcasses. I know how to wear a jumper, rather than just sling it around my shoulders. The Made in...

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Plaits, gel and ponies: Our hair trends for 2014

We’ve watched the catwalks with interest, consulted our crystal balls and are predicting a few hair trends for 2014. Will bobs be back? Will Ombre be over? Will curls be cut? Here are our 2014 hair trend forecasts. Messy ponies If you’re a hairstyling aficionado, looking for a new look or just wanting to inject some pizzazz into your morning routine, next season ponytails are really jumping the hurdles. Try sectioning your hair into three ponytails tied together with ribbon, or backcombed roots with the rest swept up for a messy, carefree look....

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