It really is a bug's life!

After reading this article on Yahoo 'It's a bug's life'
I can safely say that I agree completely. I rarely chuck out any makeup but it can in fact be a breeding ground for nasty bacteria as I discovered first hand last week when my bacterial conjunctivitis came back - yuck!! The Doctor told me to ditch all my make-up, wash towels and bedding and be extra careful. It had been coming back a few times and I have a sneaky suspicion that my eyeliner was to blame.

So it is well worth replacing eye makeup and washing brushes (Mac do a good cleaner) and fingers crossed all hopefully all you'll be seeing in the mirror is a lovely face with no nasty surprises!

Related articles

• How Do You Know If Your Makeup Is Expired? (thegloss.com)
• Get "Golden Era" Hollywood Glam With Bobbi Brown! (hellobeautiful.com)

My Christmas shopping has started early

Yes, you did read that right. I have been Christmas shopping since May! Partly because I have specific things to buy that sold out/I left it too late, last year.

There is a lot to be said for spreading it out as long as you don't make the mistake of buying too many present because you've forgotten what you've already bought. I like to use Google Docs to help me track.

I have however, come across a very useful site that could prove the key for finding something for those hard to buy for's! Have a look at www.achica.com. You need to sign up to gain access, but I have seen and bought some very good products with amazing savings.

Good luck and remember, it's only 45days 'til Christmas (so eBay keeps reminding me!!).

Related articles

• Using Google Docs for Word Processing (devicemag.com)

The great cover-up - X-Factor contestants smuggled in using Snuggies

X-Factor bosses have gone to great lengths to keep their wildcard entrants
identities secret. The four lucky acts were hidden under last year’s
fleecey fashion highlight, the Snuggie. The contestants used the oversized
blanket and its two commodious sleeves to keep themselves under wraps. The
blanket with sleeves has also proven popular with celebrities wanting to
avoid the prying lens of the paparazzi. Bruce Willis and Oprah have all worn
last year’s phenomenon.

About the Snuggie: the fleece number sold more than 1 million units in the
UK last year through UK distributor JML. With a cold, wet winter in store is
proving every bit as popular. JML has sold 100,000 in the last few days. The
idea behind the product is simple. Settle down on your sofa, read a book,
watch a film and you are kept warm. If you reach out to change channel or
want to move pages, your arms wont be exposed to the chill of your sitting
room. They come in several colours. It’s so comfortable it could sabotage
your social life! They are available from www.JMLdirect.com and ASDA for
£14.99.

So what's your chocolate horoscope?

To celebrate National Chocolate Week (starting 11th October), the UK's
favourite Astrologer and TV Presenter Russell Grant has written a fun
summary of Chocolate tastes for all 12 Star Signs. Russell Grant said " Each
of the 12 Star Signs have specific traits in terms of food, style, taste,
attitude and general outlook on life, so to celebrate National Chocolate
Week I have written a fun editorial feature to highlight which Chocolates
suit each Star Sign".

Aries – A sumptuous assortment containing a mix of fruit, rum, fudge and
other sensational fillings will make for the perfect Arian chocolate
experience.

Taurus – Rich, sexy flavours, chocolate liqueurs or a luxury collection
in expensive wrapping is just what the Taurus who appreciates packaging as
well as taste, might order!

Gemini – Belgian seashells, Swiss truffles, chocolate coated marzipan - a
combination of flavours will tantalise the versatile Gemini’s palette. A
child at heart, Gemini loves the occasional chocolate treat.

Cancer – Choose truffles or spicy exotic flavours to leave Cancer with a
refreshing and lasting aftertaste. This sign craves chocolate as an
emotional uplift and will never turn down the chance to indulge on a special
occasion.

Leo – Chocolate is many a Leo’s true passion! As much as they love the
packaging of their favourite confection, they can’t have their chocolate
and eat it too! The bigger the chocolate bar the better as Leo takes large
bites.

Virgo – Virgos care about what they put into their mouths and like to eat
healthily.
Strawberry, raspberry and cherry fillings, fruit and nut chocolate bars
with spices all make for a really rewarding chocolate experience.

Libra – Libra likes the finer things in life and is likely to choose soft
and smooth chocolate fillings preferably wrapped in a heart-shaped box to
share with their partner. Hand made chocolate moulded in novelty shapes will
amuse this chocolate lover.

Scorpio – The Sensual Scorpio will adore the sensation of creamy flavours
melting on their tongue. Other favourites will be strawberries dipped in
dark chocolate or mixed flavour chocolate truffles.

Sagittarius – Smooth dark chocolate laced with aniseed or luxury
chocolate from around the world, offer Sagittarius a tasty adventure that
will transport them to chocolate heaven.

Capricorn – Quality chocolate in plain packaging with a pleasant aroma or
organic chocolate bars are best for the Capricorn who may be hesitant to
step outside their usual boundaries of flavour.

Aquarius – To maximise their flavour options most Aquarians will opt for
a variety of decadent fillings with a mix of textures rather than one brand
or flavour. Unique novelty chocolates will fulfil Aquarian’s chocolate
fantasies.

Pisces – Romantic Pisces will appreciate a smooth chocolate that melts in
their mouth. Associated with love and romance a gift of chocolates makes
Pisces feel pampered, loved and cared for.
©COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LTD

Elephant Poo popular in York

York is famous for many things, such as its Roman Walls and the Jorvick
Viking Centre.

But now the area has also been revealed to be the biggest buyer of elephant
and rhino poo.

The odd statistic has been revealed by ShinyShack.com, who sells both as
part of its range of unusual gift ideas.

Elephant Poo In A Box is sold as a novelty item for growing an angel rose,
while Rhino Poo in a Box allows the owner to grow a banana plant.

Both use treated waste supplied by UK safari parks and zoos, to make them
germ-free and odourless, without damaging the nutrients.

However, after an audit of their online sales in preparation for Christmas,
managing director Tamer Shafik noticed that the elephant poo boxes sold
twice as well in the York post code area as anywhere else in the UK.

"It's naturally a surprise that any single area should see such strong
sales over any other, but as we were looking through our product sales to
date, we noticed this very clear spike in sales of Elephant Poo in a box
associated with YO post codes.

"It is a popular product, because it has such a surprise factor. It's among
the sort of quirky gifts no one expects, but because of its good nature,
it's unlikely to offend. The surprise for us is that it is so popular in any
specific area."

ShinyShack reports that to date just over 15% of its boxes of elephant and
rhino poo shipped to York.

"We're hoping to extend that over the Christmas and New Year period."

Swindon and Portsmouth were both the next popular destinations for poo in a
box, with these areas buying in 8% and 7% of all poo sales respectively.

Time management and how to be the most productive

I came across this very spot on and useful guide listing '37 Productivity Tips for Working from Anywhere'.

It covers - home working, office, co-working (when you're sat very closely to others in a working environment) and from a coffee shop.

Have a read yourself but some of my favourites ones are;

Even if you work at-home, get dressed for the office, go through your typical morning routine and tackle your day like you’re clocking in at 9.

Do NOT check your e-mail for the first 45 minutes that you are in the office in the morning.

Anyone got anymore suggestions?

Related articles by Zemanta

• 37 Productivity Tips for Working From Anywhere (mashable.com)
• Daily Routines - How writers, artists, (etc..) organize their days (dailyroutines.typepad.com)
• Working From Home Increases Productivity, Keeps Workers Happy and is Good For the Environment (treehugger.com)

What home grown delights are you enjoying at the moment?

I've just harvested some rather delicious home grown celery and it's a lot less stringy than the supermarket ones and it was extremely easy to grow. I recommend you try it for next year.

I have also harvested x2 bowls full of cherry tomatoes! Waiting for them all to turn red now. Awaiting more cucumber and courgette's to harvest. So whilst I wait for them I think I may have to try making some celery soup. Anyone got any good recipes?

I think the celery recipe range from Able & Cole look worth a try.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Guide to Harvesting Celery (brighthub.com)
• Rice Stuffed Courgettes (notecook.com)
• How to Grow Celery (brighthub.com)

Happy St Swithin's Day

It's 15th July, St Swithin's Day and my Mum's birthday; 'Happy Birthday Mum' :) xxx

I came across this rather good article on MSN today that talks about 10 common myths, one of which is based upon St Swithin's Day - hence the timing. Basically if it rains today then the weather system will stay for the next 40 days! I really hope not as it's pouring it down and a bit down right miserable. But it's helping out the garden so that's good and the sun is only hidden behind clouds so it's always there - blah...blah.

But anyway - check out the article as you'd discover some things you'd didn't know or had the wrong idea about, such as money is actually made from cotton not paper (and no I'm not talking about coins).

enjoy the article which you'll find here on MSN

Tiger Balm I love you!

I really do! I read recently that this amazing Thai based product can help to soothe insect bites and low and behold I had one last night. So I popped a small amount on to the inflicted area - it didn't hurt or burn or anything.

Then I noticed whilst getting ready for my shower that the bites (which were fairly large) had gone completely bar a small red dot, which you wouldn't notice. I am v v v impressed.

It's also good for colds and acts in the same way as 4Head if you have a headache or migraine. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes!

So, if you're off to Thailand or know anyone that is ask them to pick some up - it's pennies compared to pounds here, it'll last for ages and it's uses are amazing.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Drinking and smoking associated with migraine headaches (kevinmd.com)
• Announcing July 2010 Headache Blog Carnival (somebodyhealme.dianalee.net)

Are you a Cancerian or know one?

July is mostly the month of Cancer: June 22nd - July 22nd

So what are the traditional Cancer traits?

Emotional, loving, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective and sympathetic

On the other side...

Changeable, moody, over emotional, touchy, clinging and unable to let go.

Top 6 tips for keeping cool in this warm weather

I don't know about you - but I am seriously loving this warm weather we're having, although it can be a bit unbearable at times. Here's my top 6 tips to stay cool:

1. Run your wrists under cool water every few hours to cool you blood
2. Eat small meals more often. The larger the meal the more metabolic heat your body will create. Also try to avoid foods high in protein as this increases the metabolic rate.
3. Ladies - replace your usual morning & evening body moisturiser with aftersun to help lower your skin temperature.
4.Try to wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes. Cotton absorbs perspiration and as it evaporates it cools you down. Light colours also help to reflect the sun's radiation.
5. Keep curtains drawn/blinds down when you're out of the house.
6. Fill a large plastic bottle with water and place in freezer overnight. When removed this will keep your water cool for most of the day.

Hope this helps :) Don't forget the sunscreen too. Try and use as a moisturiser after your daily shower.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Keep Sunburnt Skin Soothed and Nourished With After-Sun Products! (agirlsgottaspa.com)
• Summer Excercise Tips: Stay Cool (chicagonow.com)
• The Guy's Guide to Summer Clothes (lewrockwell.com)

Discovered new site called Groupla.com

The premise behind it seems to be that a great deal is secured by the assumption that a lot of people will be buy it - which is why it can then be offered at a lower price.

This is what they say:

About Groupola
1) Each day we add a great deal at an unbeatable price.

2) Invite all your friends, because you only get the deal if enough people sign up!

3) Come back the next day to check out what our new deal is being featured.

"What's group buying?"

At Groupola, we call the process of getting the best deals in the city "Group Buying Power" - built on the concept of group buying, where aggregate demand helps to lower prices, we work with local businesses in offering a group discount on their services or products we like to partake in, theatre, restaurants, experience days, spas, workshops and many more activities, which will complete when a an agreed "tipping point" is reached as agreed with the merchant and only if a predetermined "tipping point" number of people sign up for the day's "Groupola"


Find out more and sign-up here

The amazing bionic cat - meow!

I was really touched when I heard about and then saw the video footage of Oscar the bionic cat who had pioneering surgery to replace his lost back feet after an accident with a combine harvester.

Take a look at the video from the bbc.c.o.uk report here.

or view this video taken from Youtube.

Wow - Pearl Jam was amazing

I just have to shout about how good Pearl Jam were on Friday at Hard Rock Calling (Hyde Park, London). WOW WOW!! They did an amazing 2 hour set list featuring a lot of old classics that the fans were dying for. Judging by the amount of T-Shirts knocking about the place - it firms up the general regard that they are the trend setters of the 'grunge' era!


This was there set list - think it deserves a Spotify playlist.

If you're a big Pearl Jam fan,  check out a review of the gig.

Pearl Jam truly deserve there own stand alone place in music and shouldn't be over shadowed by Nirvana. I love them more and more as time goes by.

Is considering entering...

...the Simple - Search for a Simple Star competition - http://www.simple.co.uk/Simple-Star/

Hmm... I could do with a job at the moment and I do work in the online space so know social media and marketing like the back of my hand. I wonder?

So what's on offer?

If you're under 18 you could win:

• Becoming the Official Teen Video Blogger for Simple
• A celebrity make-over and photoshoot
• A year's supply of Simple products
• Appearances in press and teen media
• An honorary place on the Simple Junior Board of Skincare Advisors read more
• £200 voucher to spend with Roxy (fashion and surfwear retailer)
• Plus the 50 finalists with the most votes will receive £50 worth of Simple products each!

If you're over 18 you could win:

• A flexible salaried role with the UK’s No.1 Facial Skincare brand*
• A holiday of a lifetime in the Dominican Republic including a VIP all-inclusive private villa with your own swimming pool, chef and maid, plus flights, a helicopter transfer, your personal golf cart and tickets to Ocean World and Paradise Island
• A lifetime's supply of Simple products
• A photoshoot session and appearances in Simple media campaigns
• 1 year’s subscription to Zest magazine
• 1 year’s gym membership at Fitness First
• 3 sessions with a personal trainer with Fitness First, plus a goody bag
• £200 voucher to spend with Roxy (fashion and surfwear retailer)
• PLUS the 50 finalists with the most votes will receive £50 worth of Simple products each!

Hm.. still not sure. You have to get people to vote for you.

I will let you know what I decide shortly.

In the mean time, enjoy this amazing weather. I am looking forward to seeing Pearl Jam live for the very first time ever at Hyde Park Calling (or Hard Rock Calling) - http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk