Skip to main content

Day: 10 December 2013

All I want for Christmas …

Written by Scarlett Whittell on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

 

 

1. A Christmas jumper

There is nothing better than a good Christmas jumper ey Santa. I have a lovely one with you on it but I desperately want a Harry Potter-esq piece to wear on the big day this year. The only problem is that nowhere sells them. But then I thought Mrs Clause can knit it for me! I know it’s quite a busy time of year, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. I’ll send you my measurements in the post.

 

ASOS £85

 

2. A Fur Coat

If you think about it, this is necessary. It’s extremely cold in Manchester Santa, worse than Lapland I’d say. Your fluffy jacket is gorgeous (obviously) but I was thinking maybe something a bit less … bright. So I had a quick look round the shops and happened to find this one. I LOVE it Santa. And I love you (please bring me the coat).

 

mac.com

3. This Mac lippy

It is imperative that ones lips look good during the festive season Santa. No one wants to be lingering under the mistletoe alone. My plan is to seduce them all with this gorgeous deep berry lipstick. They’ll be queuing up to give me a smooch, wouldn’t that make you proud!

 

Flickr: vivreabrulxxl

4. Kyle Minogue’s bottom

I’ve heard you have magical powers Santa, and I think this would be a fantastic way to put them to good use. Kylie’s rear end would make me so happy, and I’m sure that other people would appreciate it too. Thank you in advance, you’re the best.

 

Pinterest: Christmas Hunks

5. Someone tall, dark, handsome and carrying a puppy

Okay, so it’s a step up from the other requests. But doesn’t every girl hope for a scantily dressed hunk reclining under their stocking on Christmas morning? Come on Santa, I’ve been so super well behaved this year, I think it’s only fair.

Sorting out your Christmas list

Written by Alex Webb on . Posted in Books.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Best known for his book The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini released his third novel this year amid widespread positive responses. Hosseini describes the story as a “fairytale turned on its head,” where we’re brought to 1952 Afghanistan. Here the

protagonist, Abdullah, sees his sister sold to a wealthy couple to support his poverty-stricken family. The story details how this arrangement came to be and the effect it has on Abdullah’s life. Hosseini is famed for his simple telling of issues that are shocking to his audience, and, if you are a fan of his previous works, this is a definite one to pick up this Christmas.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

As one of the most remarkable acts of feminist politics this century, the story of Malala Yousafzai is not a title to miss this year. Since recovering from being shot during her stand against social injustice in Pakistan, she has continued to inspire the world. This has resulted in the release of her co-written biography, following on from the drive home on the day she was targeted by the Taliban for championing the rights of young girls to attend school. This inspirational story shows Malala going above and beyond what anyone would expect from a 16 year old, and it should not be missed off anyone’s reading list for 2014.

All The Odes by Pablo Neruda

Poetry’s reputation is often ruined by hours of meticulous analysis in GCSE English, but I encourage you to give it a second chance. Neruda has an interesting story to tell, and Ilan Stavans’ collection of Neruda’s works is one to buy this Christmas. Offering an insight into poetry from a different culture, Neruda wrote on erotic and romantic love, the political state of his home country, Chile, and his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. With such a wide range of ideas addressed, All The Odes is a brilliant and mature reintroduction to the world of poetry.

The Moment by Claire Dyer

Deemed “this year’s One Day,” Claire Dyer’s latest is sure to be a hit with fans of David Nicholl’s most famous book. Ex-lovers, Fern and Elliott thought they were out of each other’s lives forever but a 9am meeting at Paddington station changes that. The story follows the pair reflecting on their previous relationship after agreeing to meet one more time. Dyer’s new novel is for anyone who can’t resist anything that tackles romance, fate and the drama that comes with it.

The Reason I Jump: One Boy’s Voice from the Silence of Autism by Naoki Higashida

Higashida, a thirteen year old autistic boy, challenges the assumptions we make regarding this common disorder. Translated by David Mitchell, the author of Cloud Atlas, and K.A. Yoshida, this book takes accounts of autism away from professional theorists and places it in the hands of an autistic child. Presenting us with a real, and often surprising, insight into the epidemic that, in the words of Higashida, has sufferers placed “outside the regime of civilisation.” I could not recommend this title enough.

Bend it like the Beckham’s

Written by Charlie Dick on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

They’ve created national joy and celebration throughout their engagement, wedding, pregnancy and birth. She’s a brunette beauty living the perfect rags-to-riches fairytale, whilst he’s represented his country in the toughest of battles. That’s right, the Beckham’s could not be more British! We can’t help but feel a sense of bona fide pride when we see their faces in the flashing lights of foreign paparazzi. Although their fashion history is questionable, including matching leather outfits, cowboy hats and mohawk haircuts, this couple are true trendsetters, consistently satisfying the prying and style savvy eyes of the British public.

 

Press and fans the world over religiously fall at their perfectly pedicured feet. David repeatedly appears in GQ’s best dressed list, looking smooth in both tailored suits and casual jeans. However, Victoria’s decision to abandon her crop-tops and braids could be brand Beckham’s greatest achievement yet. After her stint as a British ambassador for Dolce and Gabbana, her explosion into the fashion industry has seen classic silhouettes with sharp modern twists appear in her confident, yet simple collections. Furthermore, as if she needed a seal of approval, her well matured and developed eye for design was officially recognised by winning ‘Designer Brand of the Year’ at the British Fashion Awards in 2011.

 

However, the couple’s family commitments have grown in recent years, slowing Beckham Ventures. These commitments include conceiving and birthing four children, moving to LA and back again, and tackling Rebecca Loos. ‘Posh’ must be somewhat disappointed that her fashion label has only managed to win critical acclaim from Vogue Magazine and reportedly generate an annual turnover of £60 million. Similarly, after David’s retirement from his 6 year captaincy for the English football team, he has only collaborated with one of Europe’s largest high street chains to design and launch an underwear line. Some would say the pair are slacking.

 

Still, it’s fair to say our nation regards the couple as a true asset. They bring superstar quality to the average British couple, simultaneously juxtaposing both genius and humble qualities. However, it can be argued that throughout their journey to international fashionista recognition their British eccentricity has somewhat been lost. Victoria has sold her soul to societal conformity in the form of conservative dresses and forced pouts, while ‘Golden Balls’ has sported relatively mundane hairstyles for sometime now. Is their fashion success sincere or do they pine for the 90s? Perhaps the couple will do a one-eighty and bring back the matching leather!

It’s beginning to look a lot like bankruptcy

Written by Beth Currall on . Posted in Lifestyle.

I’m sure if I’d asked you readers as little as three years ago how you felt about Christmas, you would have said that it was the most magical time of year: great food, presents, and best of all, you never had to spend a penny because you were young and still under your parents’ wings. Now, we’ve all been launched into the ‘adult’ world at Christmastime, and that includes the stress of spending a small fortune on gifts that all too often end up in a dark corner of a loved one’s closet. Is it possible to avoid the tempting calls of the overdraft extension this year, I hear you ask? Well yes, it is, if you follow these simple, shopping-savvy tips.

1.       Set a budget

It may seem tedious, but writing a list of what to buy your relatives and friends will probably save you a lot of money, and a lot of time when you’re doing the Arndale spree during Christmas week. Write down a budget for each person, and make sure you stick to it; we often succumb to the impulse buys, and it is usually these that mount up the cost and tend to make meaningless gifts. Put in the time, and your bank balance will be sure to reap the rewards.

2.       Do your research

It often seems easier to run down to the shops and get all your gifts in one day, but now we’re living in the Internet age- A.K.A, the era of dirt cheap online shopping.  Be sure to browse on Amazon or Play before you head out to buy the latest video game for your brother, or check that eBay aren’t advertising that bracelet your mum really wanted. Also, check out price comparison sites such as moneysupermarket.com, as they do the hard work for you!

3.       Ban gift-giving

It may seem like a very Scrooge-esque idea, but why not make a pact with friends and extended family members to not exchange presents this year? I’m sure they will probably breathe a sigh of relief at your suggestion, as it saves them just as much money as it does you! Alternatively, if you feel like too much of a tight-arse broaching the subject, you could place a cap on Secret Santa gifts, which prevents everyone from splashing out.

4.       Get creative

Some of the best presents are those which have a personalised touch to them- and what could be more personal than a gift made by yours truly? Get your hands on some free photo prints online- sites such as Snapfish and My Photo Prints offer you as many as 50 free photos delivered straight to your door, just for signing up with them! Then, you could stick the photos into frames, or even make tree decorations with that extra special touch. Guaranteed to be a hit with the females in your life.

5.       Save a little, give a lot

Be prepared to sacrifice a couple of your own indulgences for the next couple of weeks- Christmas does only come once a year, after all. You could save loads by not buying clothes or gadgets for yourself, and try to limit your food shopping or put a hold on eating out. Surely it’s worth having a couple of evening in front of the TV rather than pissing it up the wall on a night out, to be able to afford an extra-special Christmas this year? Remember: short term pain=long term pleasure.