I am an avid reader, each birthday and Christmas I am giving books, all sorts of books, lots of books and I am never disappointed… this Christmas my other half gave me  ’COMFORT AND JOY’ a novel by INDIA KNIGHT. I follow India on twitter and read her Sunday Times columns, I have read The Thrift Book which I found both witty and helpful…so he was on a safe bet I would enjoy this latest book…I did, very much.

I have been asked (on twitter and in real world)…was it good? so here is my short take on it, can’t say the word ‘review’ it sounds a bit to up myself!

The story of a family Christmas… an honest take on what goes on at this time of year in a lot of homes and at points I swear to god she must have been to my house and met all my family, extended family members and friends!  It has so many points that made me laugh out loud and other times I welled up. I guess we have all been there, few days before the family and friends descend on us, last min present buying …pressure pressure pressure building!

Her attention to the tiniest details, almost thrown away but oh so poignant, the dialogue is bang on, mother to daughter to friend to husband, at times I felt a tiny bit uncomfy and swore I would be much nicer next Christmas or any family get-together, the detail is comical and yet heart wrenching within seconds.

I don’t want to give anything away but I can tell you it’s a good read, I am about to purchase Ms Knights other two novels My Life on a Plate and Don’t You Want Me.

HAVE JUST BOUGHT MYSELF A PAIR OF NEW SHOWS.

MY PRIDE AND JOY…soft as butter, warm as toast, totally gorgeous…and didn’t cost an arm and a leg…maybe just a foot!

http://www.ashfootwear.co.uk/

The Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus: A person who’s both stupid and an asshole.

3. Intaxicaton: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high

8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.

9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.) amen!!!

11. Karmageddon: It’s like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it’s like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you’ve accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you’re eating.

The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.
And the winners are:

1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.

2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

4. esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.

5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.

6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.

8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.

9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.

12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.

13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.

14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men The Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

A lovely sunny day….. what better than to take the day off and popped down to Chichester, West Sussex with a friend and we spent some time in the Pallant House Gallery. The exhibition we both wanted to see is the EDWARD BURRA, it did not disappoint, it opened on the 35th anniversary of his death and runs until February 21st 2012.

Of course you can’t take photos of the work but a gorgeous rotund tummied man said I could take a few snaps of the gallery (for this read  landing) he was most helpful and rather lovely, he had an overwhelming passion for this artist and was more than happy to chat and pass on a few bits of gossip to us.

The gallery space is truly stunning. Walking past a FRANCIS BACON and a couple of PETER BLAKE’s…plus two magnificent paintings by MICHAEL ANDREWS.. sheer genius. Another one of my favourites is FRANK AUERBACH, oh what that man could do with paint! This gallery has a fantastic collection, other names to look out for: BOMBERG, CAULFIELD, FREUD, HODGKIN, NICHOLSON, MOORE, PIPER and so many more.

look at this dude…only word for him, spooky but amazing.

the one below with the couple on a train….’no photos please’….

Anyway more about Burra,

“Through a selection of around 70 major works from across the artist’s career, this exhibition focuses on Burra’s sharply-observed social commentary and unique draftsmanship“.

The show features Burra’s iconic images of everyday people at leisure in bars and clubs, the black culture of 1930′s Harlem, the sub-culture of harbours and ports, his macabre and slightly scary dancing skeletons and stunning late landscapes. The exhibition also explores the influence of jazz music and cinema, and his forays into the darker sides of humanity, his work with watercolour on paper is out of this world, he is a master of the medium.

He is probably best  known for paintings executed in the 1920s and ’30s depicting seedy urban scenes and of course for telling the RA, in 1961, a big fat NO to the request to consider becoming an associate.  .

At a time when the trend-setters were obsessed with abstraction, Burra was painting people: boozing sailors; dockside barmaids; zoot-suited hipsters hanging on Harlem street corners….

I am no art critic but when you just stand and study the work at first you can’t believe it is watercolour, you can see the brush strokes, the colours, the blood, sweat and sheer unadulterated skill Burra possessed.

Highly recommend it.

This is just part of a large tree that this morning was resting….yep resting, that is tree surgeon talk for crashed onto the roof of the barn (we have a very small barn commonly known to most folks as a shed!)…

this is the half that is still up there…it will have to come down on a less windy day (I’m told) tree man said “I’m not getting up a bloody ladder any more today”

this is the biggest bit….

and this is next size down ….

then this pile….

it turns out we have two massive willows in great danger to us too….see this is going to cost a pile!

tis a north/easterly apparently causing the damage…. bloody cold were ever it’s from.

After reading an article in the paper this weekend, ‘no new clothes for a year’ I got to thinking and by that I mean looking at my wardrobe… my hub already thinks I have way to many clothes so had to hide the paper! In truth I have managed to fill the whole wardrobe in our bedroom, plus the one in the spare room and a cupboard in the office…. hangs head in shame…

below spare room woollies…

Thing is we have cats and a dog so I have  ’at home’ clothes, a collection of jeans, sweatpants, and tee’s oh and the odd very old jumper, these are not for any other human eye except those of close family….I look …well shall we say very relaxed and comfy, (hideous)  plus I couldn’t care how many hairy cats sit on me. With a dog you need dog walking kit right? thick waterproof coat, hat and/or ear muffs, gloves, welly boots or good walking shoes, trs that don’t mind the mud and brambles of a long hike through the woods…. see the list is endless for just this one activity!

Then I have my ‘nip out shopping’ range, practical but with a hint of fashion trend and a nod to gorgeousness. Boots to flatter the legs but keep you warm and looking amazing, team with a fabulous winter coat and something underneath that says vintage but not depressed mother of 5.

My ‘out to lunch’ wear is the tricky one, you want to look smart with a “this old thing, yes just threw it on” vibe, I have a section or maybe selection would best describe my look for these occasions, I want to say working gal with an eye on trends but not a slave to them, my body is a temple…but not necessarily in a good way! I want to be able to cover the fat bits and show the good bits….don’t we all I hear you cry…. so I have  fat day outfits, a ‘ooo I’m hot’ outfits and when needed… to look like a grown up outfits.

just to prove I wear colours..and the occasional check…. see above

As for party party…well that’s when you can go to town and go mad with creative juices, this is the time when I like to put a delicate chiffon with a leather or denim, silks and satins in a 30′s cut, 50′s dresses with contemporary statement jewellery…. this is the blank canvas and anything goes. Supporting new up and coming designers is great fun..fashions of the future is so exciting.

I am not a label freak but I know if I buy one or two really good pieces I can team them with high street fashion or vintage pieces and they look great… I do have a Alexander McQueen, Jane Carr and Simeon Farrar scarf… they dress anything up and make an outfit look good. A good quality bag will do the same thing…. I splashed out on a Mulberry. One of my friends has a Chanel jacket, stunning and has been worn with everything from jeans and a tee to the LBD… it is worth it’s weight in gold.

I am not sure I could go a year of not buying anything, mainly weight issues! summer-winter I change a lot…also my tastes change as quick as the wind does, one day I maybe feeling all boho chic and the next city slicker chick… but I will re-evaluate my wardrobe and see if I can down size the contents…even if it’s just to OH a bit more room.

Maybe a website swap shop would help…. or perhaps there is one already!

Over the Christmas hol’s  I meet an amazing woman, she has a body to die for and I found out the reason why…there is no end to this lady’s talents.

For me this is the way to go to get a slimmed bod and have fun….no more gyms!

Let me introduce you to Domini Winter

Domini were did you get started with your interest in dance and movement for keeping fit?

I have worked extensively in television, film and theatre as a dancer/choreographer, and as a director. So I have a wealth of experience and I have been teaching Pilates for many years. I went to a Russian school of ballet and unfortunately grew too tall to join the Bolshoi Ballet Company, so I started off my dancing career at the Paris Lido (a Bluebell dancer) and went on to Sunday Night at the London Palladium (if anyone can remember that show) and many more light entertainment shows followed.

Pilates seemed to be a natural progression from dance for me. It is so beneficial to everyone, and makes you very aware of your body and posture. I have been presenting Pilates in Europe, Australia and Mexico and currently work in Chislehurst, Beckenham & Bromley.

Tell me a bit more about Pilates? Pilates is an exercise program or series of exercises (designed by Joseph Pilates back in 1920′s) which are focused on building strength without building muscle bulk, and building mental with physical fitness.

Pilates can be performed by everyone young, old, strong, weak, flexible, inflexible sedentary or athletic. It has shown to be beneficial in rehabilitation from injury, and is therefore often recommended by physical therapists and doctors. Benefits of Pilates include increased flexibility in the body, leaner muscles, improved posture and improved coordination which all leads to increased strength.

I love the classes and you do build up great relationships.

Ok so as if that is not enough you also teach ballet and tap…. And do one to one classes.

I have devised a Ballet/Pilates mix class and a Dance Pilates class to music. I am also qualified to teach the New York Ballet workout.

The Ballet/Pilates mix consists of a Pilates warm up in parallel and then repeated in a turned out classical style position, basic Barre work follows, then floor exercises and a cool down.

The Dance Pilates is a combination of Pilates exercises set to music, a continuous flow of movement. All these classes can be adapted to the individuals needs.

Tap is great fun and another good workout with a feel good factor.

And now Nordic walking too, tell me about that.

Nordic Walking is a whole body exercise that can be enjoyed by different abilities.

The poles we use when walking are designed to enhance your natural walking gait. The upper body is used in a similar manner to the action of classic cross country skiing. I shall be holding classes in Chislehurst on Tuesdays at 10am and Sundays at 11 am.

I asked Domini about her qualifications…they are numerous and for your interest take a look at theses….

Mat Pilates Pilates Reformer/Cadillac
Pilates H2O

ARB Teachers Russian Ballet

New York City Ballet Workout

ISTD Tap and Modern

ASA Swimming Teachers Certificate
ASA Advanced Swimming Teachers
ASA Diving Teachers Certificate
Aqua-aerobics, Glenda Baum
RSA exercise to music
Reebok Step Instructor
ASA Aquafit
RLSS Pool Lifeguard
Advanced Fitness Instructor (NVQ)
Aqua-aerobics Refresher
LAYH/LAY Look after your heart Tutor
Rebounder Teacher training course
Sports Nutrition course
Fitkids Instructor
Helping People change, London Borough of Bromley.
Puma Aeroskip
Line Dancing
Indoor Stationary Cycling (Spin)
Resistance Training
Reebok Core Stability board
First Aider
Fitness Professionals Attendance Certificates

I was also interested in her theatre and film career…well another list not to be dismissed…

Domini was one of the leading Assistant director / Choreographers in the West End for many years, working on such shows as UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES, HI DE HI, DEAR ANYONE and ALADDIN at the Shaftesbury Theatre for the British Theatre of comedy and SCROOGE THE MUSICAL starring Anthony Newly, which started its very successful run at the Churchill theatre, Bromley.

As a Choreographer in her own right she created the Choreography for PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, the major film release SHERLOCK HOLMES YOUNGER BROTHER, the 1987 RUSS ABBOT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL for B.B.C. Yorkshire television, LET’S FACE THE MUSIC and the record breaking Pantomime ROBINSON CRUSOE for the Wimbledon Theatre.

Her first Pantomime as Assistant was PINOCCHIO at the Theatre Royal Brighton in 1976 and since then has worked on MOTHER GOOSE, ALADDIN, GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS and the equally record breaking JACK AND THE BEANSTALK with Russ Abbot at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Regional Theatre includes BABES IN ARMS with Su Pollard and Matthew Kelly. CALAMITY JANE with Barbara Windsor and Norman Vaughan.

She was associate Choreographer on the JULIA McKENZIE SPECIAL for Thames Television and in the 1987 series of THE RUSS ABBOT SHOW for the B.B.C.

Her films include; SCROOGE, THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE, THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, HAZARDS OF THE HEART, GUNBUS, THE DUAL OF LOVE and TRUE BLUE.

DOMINI Choreographed and Directed ROBINSON CRUSOE at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth and the Theatre Royal, Brighton. She also choreographed the Television series JEEVES AND WOOSTER, POIROT and staged the MICHAEL BALL CONCERT TOUR of the United Kingdom.

She was resident Choreographer for the T.V. series THE GOVERNOR, NO BANANAS, HETTIE WINTHROP INVESTIGATES, BRANWELL, THE BUCCANEERS, HEARTBEAT and HARBOUR LIGHTS among others.

In 1997 she choreographed the Apollo Leisure production of SOUTH PACIFIC and was assistant to the director Tudor Davies on the Royal Gala production which opened the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff in 2004. Most recently she choreographed ICONS with the American impressionist Greg London at The Venue Theatre Leicester Square.

So I’ll see you all at her next classes…

tel number  +44 7517387883 or email to book  info@pilatesdomini-plus.co.uk

http://pilatesdomini-plus.co.uk

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS…

You won’t find a list of new res’s from me… no point, I always forget them by the time I’m sober!

There won’t be a review of the year from me either, we all know what has happened…who needs reminding!

We would, however really like to say a big thank you and a happy new year to some of the most delightful people we have come across this last year….. including some gorgeous PR’s, amazaballs web sites, great designers, wonderful twitter folk/friends….

so folks, we wish you health, wealth and happiness in the new year may the new year bring you all that you want…………   xxxxx

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ….

On the first day of christmas my true love gave to me…a massive 2k yellow diamond ring

On the second day of christmas my fiancee gave to me two  prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the third day of christmas my fiancee gave to me three pink porsche’s, two  parda shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the fourth day of christmas my fiancee gave to me four hermes bags, three pink porsche’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the fifth day of christmas my fiancee gave to me five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the sixth day of christams my fiancee gave to me a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porsche, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the seventh day of christmas my husband gave to me a sick case of herpes, a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the eighth day of christmas my husband gave to me eight lipstick collars, a sick case of herpes, a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the ninth day of christmas my husband gave to me nine bad excuses, eight lipstick collars, a sick case of herpes, a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the tenth day of christmas my soon to be ex gave to me ten solicitors charging, nine bad excuses, eight lipstick collars, a sick case of herpes, a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the eleventh day of christmas my soon to be ex gave to me eleven lawyers fighting, ten solicitors charging, nine bad excuses, eight lipstick collars, a sick case of herpes, a big white fluffy wedding, five tiffany bangles, four hermes bags, three pink porshe’s, two prada shoes and a massive 2k diamond ring.

On the twelfth day of christmas my ex husband gave to me a 12 million settlement!…..

bahhh humbug…

IDEAL PRESENTS FOR: MUMS, SISTERS, SIL, MIL, AUNTS, COZ, NIECES, OH AND YOUR FELLA …de-stress treats

www.aromatherapyassociates.com. The new & exclusive Christmas Stress Reviver treatment will make the stresses and strains of the festive period melt away with customised massage and cranial and spinal pressures. Available at Aromatherapy Associates Boutique & Treatment Rooms, SW7. That’s for me…

or a visit here… with a cosy back to the womb feel…

The Arabian Back Scalp and Face Ritual by [comfort zone] is the ultimate winter warmer! Starting with a warm oil massage, this Arabian inspired ritual ignites your spirit whilst creating energy and calm for a tired body and mind. It uses [ comfort zone ] oil – a blend of intense and sensual ingredients native to Arabia comprising myrrh, amber, sandalwood, incense and coriander… evoking the experience of being in exotic lands. The foot massage includes symbolic moves from the Tuareg (nomads from the Sahara) which helps with pain removal, whilst the scalp massage is mildly hypnotic to remove you from everyday stresses. It is a complete top to toe experience which has real benefits to body and mind but unlike many rituals, this one also includes a full facial to leave you glowing and radiant. www.comfortzoneskincare.com

or maybe this will appeal… light, bright and white…

“If you were waiting for the ideal incentive to shed those extra pounds then the wait is over, The Malvern has launched the Luxury Boot Camp guaranteed to whip you into shape in true style.”

The Malvern T. 01684 898290 www.themalvernspa.com

The Malvern, Grovewood Road, Malvern WR14 1GD

ANOTHER FAVE OF OURS IS The Treatment Rooms Brighton, total bliss….

“We are a very special beauty salon where you can escape into a serene world and experience all aspects
of Beauty Therapy and Day Spa treatments for well-being”. Treatments for men & women, 7 days a week….they also sell these divine silk pillow cases.

Brighton’s largest beauty salon and urban day spa. Independently owned by local Brighton resident and beauty therapist Clare Rogers. We treat both men & women and use essential oil blends, gels, creams, muds, shells and stones to purify, soothe, revitalise & restore balance to both mind and body. Technology using ultra sound, Intense Pulsed Light, microdermabrasion, fillers and muscle relaxants for skin care and hair removal. Aromatherapy Associates, Eve Lom, Dibi, Crystal Clear and Jessica are just some of the retail ranges available.

The Treatment Rooms www.thetreatmentrooms.co.uk

21 New Road, Brighton. BN1 1UF

Tel 01273 818444

and then there is Blythswood Square, Scotland.

The Spa at Blythswood Square, incorporates a thermal experience – a series of rooms designed to transport your body on a wet and dry, warm and cold temperature journey which can help to strengthen the immune system, improve blood circulation, enhance the detoxification processes, and reduce tension; two relaxation pools; 9 luxury treatments rooms; a relaxing lounge and a café which offers an array of beautifully presented tapas dishes created by the hotel’s Executive Chef.

Blythswood Square, winner of the AA Hotel of the year Scotland has made shopping a truly indulgent experience with their new Sip, Shop Spa….aaahh Package

Gifts include pampering spa days, spa breaks, bootcamps and afternoon teas to name just a few. For more information visit www.wahanda.com

Voted ‘Best Online Beauty Site’ by ELLE UK, Wahanda is the world’s leading marketplace for health, beauty and wellness. With more spas, salons, treatments and practitioners listed than any other site, Wahanda offers an interactive community allowing customers to voice recommendations, write reviews and connect with industry experts. As well as inspiring content, Wahanda offers savings on spa breaks with real-time booking functionality, thousands of health, beauty and fitness offers, daily MobDeals plus their signature Beauty and Spa Gift Vouchers, which are redeemable at over 900 destinations nationwide. Beauty addict, fitness fanatic or yoga guru? Welcome to your new home. www.wahanda.com

AWARDS

Best Beauty Site of 2009 by FabSugar, Voted ‘Best Online Beauty Site’ by ELLE UK, Best Commerce Startup by the Europas and ranked number 38 in Top 100 Startups

DINA JSR’s First Collection available in boutiques starting March 2012

DINA JSR’s First Collection for Season Spring – Summer 2012 will be available starting March 2012

OHHHHH LAAAA LAAAAA SO GORGEOUS AND MAYBE A LITTLE TRIP TO PARIS….

N15
15, Place du Marché Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris, France

Marigold and I have shown/shared a lot of goodies with you all over this last year and thought we’d share our Christmas wish list too.

We have chatted about Theatre and bought you ‘celeb’ interviews and reviews, interesting art exhibitions and artists, music, vintage fashion, wonderful clever creative folk who design the most exciting fashions and extraordinary skincare products. Spa’s to be pampered plus shops and cafes.

Here goes: We both want this gorgeous classic cashmere scarf with the Simeon Farrar touch. cashmere scarf with birch trees, £150, in fact we love all his designs.

find it here http://www.youngbritishdesigners.com/designers/newgen/simeon-farrar/

The amazing web site YOUNG BRITISH DESIGNERS… TAKE A PEEK…

And then there is this, we would like our Christmas office ‘do’ here, we are bowled over by the beauty products of Aromatherapy Associates… so large or small box of goodies from here would be bliss….hope the OH’s are reading this!

Aromatherapy Associates Boutique & Treatment Rooms has all the key ingredients for the ultimate retail and body ‘therapy’. Aromatherapy Associates Boutique & Treatment Rooms, 5 Montpelier Street, London SW7 1EZ.

T: 020 7838 1117

www.aromatherapyassociates.com

I (cupcake) am totally in love with Alex Monroe jewellery, I was going to name my faves but to be honest anything in their little green box would be most welcome… www.alexmonroe.com | +44 (0)20 7703 8507

We would like to be wearing these on Christmas morning…with a pinny of course… this comes from Natasha Bailie Vintage:

with one of these natch … from Cloth Magpie, http://www.clothmagpie.com/category_s/20.htm

will definitely have several of these burning KAi, perfumes, room fresheners, body wash…it is all sensational, http://www.kaifragrance.com

then there is the METIQUE range, we have some of these in our bags or cabinet all the time… you can just feel it doing you good.

Can’t have this list with out our friends at Betty Hula http://www.bettyhula.co.uk all of the range smell divine.

OR Ark http://www.arkskincare.com loving this hand cream…

The Mir Difference

Our deliciously cool, clean products were originally created for women and men with sensitive or problematic skin but are just as popular with non-sensitive people seeking fuss-free, fragrance-free products that let skin breathe.

For specific information about the MIR products, philosophy and what makes Mir different from other skin care systems. http://www.mirskincare.com

To be honest we have such an amazing list of people who have inspired us along the way if we mentioned every single one our stocking would be over flowing. Our intention has always been to find wonderful products/site that we can share with you all…. and of course our own musings on life….if you have any suggestions do let us know..

The lovely ladies here at Ophelia Fancy have decided to give their lovely friends, family and loyal customers a special treat just before Christmas.

“We are going to sell off our ENTIRE archive of samples dating back to our very first collection in 2006 and including our
beloved fancy dress box in order to make our studio spic and span!”

“Eye masks, nipple tassels and pasties, bra’s, knickers, fancy dress, corsets, tights, feather fans, bridal lingerie,
everything from past photo shoots and videos, and much much more!

Never before have we sold off such goodies and starting from a bargain price of just £2, so you had better not miss this one!”

CASH ONLY

See you there
Love
Stevi and Em

I made a purchase of some delish new skin products, they came highly recommend so I thought I’d give them a go..

Got on line, first port of call was SPACE NK. Apothecary, placed my order at 11am’ish yesterday and received it today about the same time… big congrats to Space NK for an amazing service, if we were giving out new year gongs they would be first in line.

Oh my purchases… one is this, DARPHIN INTRAL

and the other one…. DARPHIN CLEANSING FOAM GEL

I am going to be using this with my Clarisonic Brush, which I love but only use once a week at the moment…with the heating on now my skin is going slightly to pot…as they say!

Anyhoo a great service SPACE NK, thumbs up www.spacenk.com

THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING SALE/AUCTIONS EVER… ELIZABETH TAYLOR,  A TRUE ICON

I admit to shameless using the press release sent on this because I was so over excited by the sheer thrill of such an amazing event…and online too… everyone has the chance to see her gorgeous collection.

THE COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR ONLINE:

CHRISTIE’S ANNOUNCES A SEPARATE SALE OF HUNDREDS OF ITEMS OF FINE JEWELRY, FASHION, ACCESSORIES AND DECORATIVE ARTS IN A SPECIAL ONLINE-ONLY SALE DEC 3-17, 2011

• · MORE THAN 950 ITEMS UP FOR BID IN CHRISTIE’S FIRST EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE-ONLY SALE; STARTING ESTIMATES RANGE FROM $100 UP TO $10,000
• · SNEAK PEEK OF SALE HIGHLIGHTS AT LUXURY RETAILER MODA OPERANDI STARTS NOVEMBER 14

Through a special engagement with the luxury fashion retailer, Moda Operandi, Christie’s will offer prospective shoppers a sneak peek at a selection of highlights from the online-only sale starting November 14 at shop.modaoperandi.com/ElizabethTaylor. Beginning November 18 the full complement of online-only lots will be available for viewing at Christie’s website at www.christies.com/etonlineonly.

New York – Christie’s is pleased to announce details of a special, online-only component of this December’s landmark sales of more than 2,000 items from the highly-anticipated Collection of Elizabeth Taylor. Given the depth and breadth of this superb collection, Christie’s has identified over 950 items of fine and costume jewelry, designer fashion and accessories, and decorative arts and objects that will be offered in a special, two-week-long online-only sale that will run concurrent with the live auctions of this important collection. Since 2006, Christie’s has offered its clients the convenience of bidding online in real-time in all of its auctions worldwide, but the upcoming sales mark the first time that the storied auction house will host an exclusively online addition to a private collection.

Given the incredible depth of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection – dubbed “The Crown Jewels of Hollywood” – Christie’s has also hand-selected over 500 more pieces of fine and costume jewelry for the online-only sale, including exceptional Art Deco-era jewelry, and an array of signed jewels by Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Ruser, among others. This vast selection is reflective of Elizabeth Taylor’s lifelong love affair with jewelry in all its forms, from the most iconic of jewels featured in the live auctions of her legendary jewels on December 13 and 14

The online sale complements four days of back-to-back live auctions of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor that begin on December 13 with the film star’s most iconic jewels, and continues through December 16 with additional auctions of fine jewelry, fashion, accessories, decorative arts and film memorabilia.

“At over 2,000 items strong, this is a collection of the highest caliber, from Elizabeth Taylor’s magnificent collection of one-of-a-kind historic jewels, to her haute couture and ready-to-wear fashions, and her exceptional collection of fine and decorative arts. To ensure the full breadth of the Collection is accessible to collectors worldwide, Christie’s has taken the innovative step of adding this special, online-only component to our live auctions, so that bidders from around the world can participate in this landmark two-week-long event,” said Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie’s Americas.