Thursday 29 October 2015

Wedding cake DISASTERS: Would you put up with phallic turrets, typos and melting icing?



WHEN'S a wedding cake not a wedding cake? Okay, that's a trick question - but these baked monstrosities sure can't be used for someone's big day.

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FFG Gastronomy Diaries: Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Alright, I promised and now I'm delivering - a closer look at the food the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, Italy. I suppose such an offering should come with a bit of a disclaimer. First, I'll say there aren't many words needed here as with food, well, it's all about photographing so you can taste it just by looking at the picture. And trust me when I say that I wish these pictures captured even one tenth of how amazingly delicious the dishes at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo actually were. We're talking mouthwatering, button-popping, tears of joy level goodness on offer. Yes, to holiday at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is as much an exercise in relaxation as it is in expanding your stomach walls. Bring larger sized clothes. That's my biggest word of warning. For now, prepare yourself for some serious food envy. What I'm about to deliver is the reason the phrase "food porn" was invented.









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Shoe of the month: Valentino 'Rockstud 100mm'



It’s time to dip into another ‘shoe of the month’ feature, this time we are discussing nothing less than the iconic Valentino Rockstud pumps. These have been around for years, I’m sure you’ve come across a version as they come in three heights (the high heel, kitten and ballerinas) in an endless variety of colours and finishes from block heeled gladiators to knee-high boots, the list gones oOonn.

After seeing these maybe too many times over-accessorized, I though I was getting allergic to the shoe often worn as a proof of wealth, I guess these could be named the shoe version of a Chanel bag. My affection started growing only about a year ago when I heard countless times how comfortable the Rockstuds are. Skeptical and with way too much experience of painful footwear, I did some investigation only to discover that nothing proves a heels comfort better than a beat-up, danced-out pair of pumps, which is how I discovered the Rockstuds on fellow international party girls. That’s when I knew that a shoe that looks like it belongs to a Princess but can stand repeated all nighters, had to be mine.

Dressing down this jazzy shoe is key, I wear them mostly with pants or a black dress, gathering compliments (especially from men, hello) every time I wear them. For a two-toned, patent shoe with golden studs, I finds myself wearing these surprisingly often. However they are definitely more ‘dress up’ shoes, which explains why I’ve only featured these once on the blog before. Admittedly, they are not the most fashion forward shoe on the market, but definitely one of the most beautiful. With that said my next purchase will be the same shoes in a all nude finish, the newness of a kitten heel is something that interest me at the moment, we’ll see if I can come to terms with choosing a kitten heel over the high heeled version, oh the horror!

Comfort: 5/5
One of my most comfortable pair, you completely forget you are wearing these and the adjust to your feet after on the first wear.
Quality: 3.5/5
After my first day of wearing these the stitching came apart on the side step so I had to exchange my pair. Unfortunately I’ve heard a few similar stories by other Rockstud owners. I could also be blamed for being a somewhat of a hardcore wearer, so I recommend the more durable patent finish.
Purchase price: €690 from the Valentino store in Paris in February 2015.
The price varies from £580-£1237 depending on the finish and style. Mytheresa and LouisaviaRoma has a great selection on their site.
Sizing: Runs true to size.
I bought these in a 37, my usual size and they have stayed perfect without too much stretching. The adjustable strap will keep the foot in place even if it were to stretch on you foot. Compared to Prada or Saint Laurent, there run half a size smaller, so if you are in-between, go up.
Photos by Mikko Puttonen




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Wednesday 28 October 2015

Cheap asthma drug could help fight dementia



A CHEAP drug used to treat asthma could reverse the devastating effects of ageing, a study suggests.

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Brilliant beauty tricks and treats



IT'S Halloween this weekend so we’ve rounded up our pick of the best beauty tricks and treats for you to try.

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Autumn and winter grass care vital for summer lawns



LAWN CARE doesn't stop at the end of summer, in fact some would say that autumn and spring are the most important times for ensuring your grass is looking good for the warmer months.

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"You Smell SO Good!"

jo malone mimosa and cardamon

I have a hell  of a lot of perfumes in my stash, seriously way wayyyy too many.  I tend to stick to the same sort of scents (holla at you Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess & Versace Crystal Noir), However I’ve recently been really drawn to the Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamon Perfume. Every single time I’ve worn this perfume I’ve had someone comment on how good I smelt.

I know perfume descriptions can be a bit fluffy but here’s their take on the scent:

“A new bohemia await. Mists of honeyed, golden Mimosa float about the spiciness of freshly crushed Cardamom. Creamy Tonka and smooth sandalwood woven under powdery heliotrope and Damask rose picked at dawn. warm, ethereal, mesmerising.”

I don’t think it’s actually supposed autumnal scent (Im always SO unseasonal with my fragrance!) but it’s really warming and comforting so suits the current weather really in a odd sort of way. It’s an unusual scent, I don’t think I’ve ever tried anything like it before or have anything remotely similar in my scollection. It’s sort of fresh, florally and spicy all at the same time without being heady or too youthful. Think warming spice rather than peppery spicy and crisp floral rather than old lady floral. The notes of Mimosa, Cardamon and Tonka Bean blend really nicely together and perfectly compliment each other really well. It has a sweetness thats complimented really nicely with the deeper tones. It’s a really modern and exotic fragrance at the same time and just works as a good all rounder scent.

Prices range from £42-£85.




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Heart Shayker: Irina SIZZLES in new lingerie shoot



INCREDIBLY hot new pictures of Bradley Cooper's girlfriend Irina Shayk have been released and they will blow your mind.

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Drone CRASH triggers Hollywood BLACKOUT



POLICE are hunting the drone pilot responsible for an electricity blackout across West Hollywood, California this week.

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How to be a modern day gentleman



A MODERN gentleman knows when to use an emoji and can undo a bra with one hand.

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Sick of endless Candy Crush and Farmville invites? There is light at the end of the tunnel



FACEBOOK is turning its attention to one of the most requested features – a simple way to block all online game invites.

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Do YOU know how to carve the PERFECT pumpkin?



CUT to the chase: These simple steps will hollow out the perfect halloween pumpkin.

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Young Brits THICKER than EVER - Can YOU name the seven continents of the world?



THINK you know it all? Well, it turns out we're breeding a nation of thickos.

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I lost 13st and kept it off for good



WHEN Kim McAree lost almost half her bodyweight in just three years, she defied all the odds.

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Top 10 facts about James Bond



THE new James Bond film Spectre has been released this week. Here are some facts, shaken and stirred.

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Lullabies should be every mother's secret weapon



SINGING a nursery rhyme or lullaby to a baby really does work, according to new research.

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EE is giving away FREE 4G data for one year and here's how to get it



MOBILE firm EE has announced its first Christmas deal of the season – 500MB of 4G data for FREE bundled with eligible Pay As You Go contracts.

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