Category Archives: Philanthropy & Society

Gillian Anderson launches charity’s children’s competition

Posted on by

GillianPublicityShotAward-winning American actress Gillian Anderson has launched a national school’s competition to raise money for Children with Tumours.
Gillian, the star of critically-acclaimed drama series The X-Files, will judge the charity’s annual Christmas Card Challenge which is open to all primary schools.
Children with Tumours (CWT) is the UK’s first “no frills” charity which launched last year to help raise funds to provide holiday camps for children affected by the condition Neurofibromatosis and to contribute towards vital research.
More than 25,000 people in the UK are affected by NF and every day a baby is born with the condition. NF is more prevalent than Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s Disease combined, but as yet there is no cure.
Gillian’s younger brother Aaron suffered from the rare condition and died from a brain tumour when he was aged only 30.

She said: ‘I’m honoured that CWT have asked me to judge the competition. I think it is such a good idea and I’m sure everyone who enters will have great fun designing their cards.”

The Christmas Card Challenge is open to children of primary school age and there will be six winners. Schools are encouraged to hold an internal competition to choose an individual, overall winner or two winners depending on age (8 and under, 9-11) and then submit them to the national competition.
As a prize, the winning individual will receive six packs of cards of their own design. Packs of all six winning designs will be available in the Autumn on the charity’s website www.childrenwithtumours.org
Schools are encouraged to choose their own theme but suggestions include: The Colour of Christmas, the Joy of Christmas, Christmas decorations and Through a Window. The finished cards will be printed in a 15cm x 15cm size so a square design is essential. Designs can be drawn, painted or computer graphically produced.
To register visit http://www.childrenwithtumours.org/Pages/ChristmasCardChallenge.aspx or for further enquiries email takepart@childrenwithtumours.org.The closing date for entries is 31st May.

Chris de Winter of CWT said: “We are delighted that Gillian is judging this year’s Christmas Card Challenge. All the money raised from the sale of the cards will be used to provide care and support to families with children with Neurofibromatosis.
“Building confidence and giving hope are our two key statements in making a difference to the lives of children with tumours. We aim to build confidence through social networking in the UK and overseas and giving hope to our children and families by funding the science that will make a difference to the lives of those affected.”

 

Pritch London | London Fashion Week 2013

Posted on by

The beginning of London Fashion Week saw Handpicked Media throw their opening party which was hosted by Pritch. Pritch is a high end luxury brand who only use the finest leather to make their amazing jackets. I tried one on for size in the picture below. It was a brilliant opening party. Fashion photographer Gabor Zsantai was on hand to take some pictures. My good self and the Handpicked Media team are below.

Catherine Balavage
 

The Handpicked Media team.

There was also gorgeous shoes from Karen K Boutique. Me wants.

 

 

 


 

This was a favourite of mine:

 

Here is what Pritch says about their brand:

Rebellious In a Conservative Society

A fusion of the senses and styles, this new PRITCH collection perfectly balances a
rebellious duality of rock harmony and high-end classic chic. Inspired by the multi-layered
personality, the mysterious individuality, of the desirably affluent socially active woman, the
PRITCH Autumn Winter 13 collection confidently reflects her essence and independent
lifestyle.

Made in Italy and featuring only premium leathers such as Antelope Silk, Agneau Guanterie
and Agneau Guanterie Suede, the PRITCH palette is grounded in black in all its depths,
with winter accents of grey and customized silver zips, nickel studs, metal snaps and leather
feathers.

The theme is immediately visible as a unique mix of rock ‘n’ roll and haute couture expressed
in the jackets’ wonderfully soft-feel and seductive contours but strong and outspoken designs.
With patch-worked seams, well-placed hidden studs and removable parts, we see surprising
multi-functional elements too; allowing the wearer to match the look to the outfit and
occasion as they please. As a finishing touch, every item in the PRITCH collection features
an especially comfortable lining and distinctive hand-stitched style befitting the all-round
quality of the brand.

Giving you creations perfect for an evening at the ballet when zipped, and night of untamed
rock ‘n’ roll unzipped, PRITCH delivers an atmosphere of bold ‘laissez faire’; a seamless
fusion of naturally sexy, very classy, and really quite rebellious character in a conservative
society. Perfect for the affluent and indeed fascinating cosmopolitan woman. Dare to be. You.

Diet Coke throws fashion party of the year for 30th Birthday

Posted on by

– Sparkling celeb-studded bash celebrates iconic brand and new Diet Coke hunk –

Last night saw the fashion fabulous crowd of Diet Coke fans gather at London’s Sketch to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday. Guests including Pixie and Peaches Geldof, Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffey, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Laura Whitmore, Zoe Hardman, Jamelia, Ben Grimes, Jade Parfitt and the Made In Chelsea cast enjoyed a sparkling night that looked back at the brand’s dazzling 30-year history and also saw the unveiling of a new Diet Coke hunk.

The biggest surprise of the night saw pulses race when Andrew Cooper, the new Diet Coke hunk entered the room to the famous Etta James “I Just Want To Make Love To You” soundtrack. Back, and sexier than ever, the new hunk ad is set to become one of the most talked about campaigns, and men of the year.

Event host, Hilary Alexander treated guests to a journey across Diet Coke’s 30 years, talking through the exciting campaigns and collaborations that have helped the brand become a cultural icon. She also officially opened a specially curated three decades themed exhibition, which allowed guests to view some of the most exciting moments from the brand including celeb-led campaigns ‘Just for the Elle of it’ (1987), Whitney Houston’s Diet Coke advertising campaign (1988), Paula Abdul’s ‘There’s just one’ (1992), the first hunk Lucky Vanous’ test shots (1994) and Heidi Klum’s Oscar dress from the Diet Coke Heart Truth campaign (2009).

Quirky designer and stylist Patricia Field was there and showcased her limited edition range of ‘Diet Coke City Collection’ bottles. These follow in the line of previous campaigns such as Moschino, Karl Largerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Diane Von Furstenberg, firmly cementing the brand as the ultimate fashionista accessory.

Music for the night saw style superblogger Bip Ling hit the decks, combining the ultimate party track favourites from the past three decades in a mega mix specially created for Diet Coke. VIP’s including Lilah Parsons, Jack Derges, Phil Clifton and Wretch 32, also enjoyed three-decade themed cocktails entitled ‘80’s Just For The Taste Of It’, ‘90’s Diet Coke Break’ and ‘00’s Love It Light’ all made using Diet Coke as well as decadent canapés.

Muhammad Ali’s Birthday – Rarely Before Seen Sonic Editions Images

Posted on by

Today is Muhammad Ali’s Birthday. To celebrate here is some excellent images of the legendary boxer from Sonic Editions.

 

Available in four sizes, all prints can be purchased from www.soniceditions.com

What To Bet On In 2013

Posted on by

FANCY A FLUTTER IN 2013? LOOK NO FURTHER  

 

Now that we know the world did not end and we are post the potential apocalypse, the prospect of a new year brings a satisfying dollop of uncertainty and mystery surrounding life’s important matters. Who will judge next year’s X-Factor? Will there even be an X-Factor next year? What colour hat will the queen wear at Ascot? What colour hair will the new royal be blessed with?

 

While 2013 is somewhat lacking in the trouser department compared to the major sporting, political and cultural events we’ve been spoilt with recently, there’s still plenty of going-on’s to get your knickers in a twist.

 

Whether you fancy a flutter, or just have lots of space to fill in between Christmas and New Year,  Paddy Power has given Frost a guide to nearly everything and anything that may or may not happen in 2013.

 

 

ROYAL BABY

Forget 2012 and the Olympics, Ryder Cup and Jubilee, 2013 is all about Kate, Wills and the little‘en. If you can think of it, we’ll take bets on it.  Victoria is the current joint 5/1 favourite name having started life at a lofty 20/1. George leads the way for boys ahead of 50/1 Paddy.

 

Royal Baby Name5/1 Elizabeth

5/1 Victoria

8/1 George

9/1 Diana

 

 10/1 Mary

16/1 David

50/1 Paddy

500/1 Britney

 

 Hair colour 13/8 Brown

2/1 Blond

2/1 Black

6/1 Ginger

 

 Multiple birth 6/1 Twins

50/1 Triplets

1000/1 Quads or more

 

 

 

OSCARS

The Oscars race is well and truly on. For about five minutes it looked like ‘Argo’ had Best Picture all sewn up, cruising to the finish on strong reviews and decent box office. However, with a lap still to go, Affleck’s thriller looks to have peaked too soon and run out of puff with ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ now looking unbeatable for Best Motion Picture. Meanwhile staying on planet movie, Paddy Power has tipped the Hobbit to be the highest grossing movie of 2013.

 

Best Picture 5/4 Lincoln

2/1 Les Miserables

3/1 Zero Dark Thirty

9/2 Argo

14/1 Silver Linings Playbook

 

 Best Actress4/9 Jennifer Lawrence

9/4 Jessica Chastain

12/1 Emmanuelle Riva

20/1 Helen Mirren

40/1 Judi Dench

 Best Actor 2/7 Daniel Day Lewis

6/1 Denzel Washington

7/1 Hugh Jackman

40/1 Anthony Hopkins

100/1 Daniel Craig

 Best Director13/10 Steven Spielberg

15/8 Argo

5/2 Kathryn Bigelow

8/1 Tom Hooper

33/1 Peter Jackson

 Top grossing Movie of 20132/5       The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

9/4       Man Of Steel

12/1      Iron Man 3

16/1      Jack The Giant Slayer

20/1      The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

 

SOLAR FLARE

Maybe the Mayans were onto something after all. Forget a plague of cancers, super volcanoes or dark comets laying waste to everything on earth, 2013 could be the year in which we’re paralysed by a catastrophic solar flare causing blackouts and global chaos. The once-in-a-century disaster could see power grids crash, communication systems collapse, planes grounded, food supplies hit and the internet shut down.

 

1/25 UK national grid to blackout for a day or more

5/6 UK citizens to see a bright red haze

5/1 cost of solar flare damage to exceed $1 trillion

16/1 that we will see the biggest solar flare / geomagnetic storm on record

33/1 World debt to be wiped out

 

 

UK POLITICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Cameron’s coalition looks to be weakening by the day. With a general election to start thinking about and the Lib Dems languishing behind UKIP in the polls, Paddy Power’s 4/1 for the coalition to split in 2013 could prove a juicy punt.  Meanwhile money continues to trickle in on whether 2013 will be the year for Julian Assange to have a change of scenery, 11/8 says he’ll still be holed up at the Ecuadorian Embassy in 2014 and it’s 100/1 for him to escape via jetpack.

 

UK Politics – 201310/3 Any of the main three leaders to leave their post

4/1 Coalition to break up

4/1 General Election to be held

8/1 UK Referendum on EU Membership

 Negative growth in Q1 or Q22/7 Yes

9/4 No

 

 EU – 20139/4 Any country to leave the Euro

9/4 Any country to leave the EU

16/1 Euro to cease to be a currency

 Julian Assange – Method to leave Embassy11/8 UK police car

4/1 helicopter

6/1 Diplomatic bag

25/1 Hot air balloon

 

US POLITICS

US politics poses two big questions for 2013. Will the economy suffer negative growth? Help yourself to odds of 2/1 for yes and a safer 1/3 for no. And will Wintour descend upon the UK in 2013? She is just edging behind favourite Matthew Barzun in the betting for the next US Ambassador to the UK.

 

Fiscal CliffWill there be a quarter of negative growth in 2013?

2/1       Yes

1/3       No

 

 Next US Ambassador to UK10/11    Matthew Barzun

3/2       Anna Wintour

6/1       Marc Lasry

 

 2014 Mid Term Elections: Control of House of Representatives

2/5       Republican

7/4       Democrat

 

  Control of Senate

5/6       Republican

5/6       Democrat

 

 

COMMODITIES

Given world events in 2012 – continued tensions across the Middle East, financial crisis in the Eurozone and economic stagnation in the West – you can bet your bottom dollar the price of gold will continue to rise as investors seek a safe haven for their hard earned cash. How high is anyone’s guess. Paddy Power is offering 5/6 the price of gold will exceed $1750 by the end of 2013. Meanwhile we’re offering 9/2 for the price of gold to hit the magic mark of $2000 any time throughout the year.

 

Price of gold at year end 5/6 Under $1750

5/6 Over $1750

 Golden Year 9/2 Price of gold to hit $2000 any time in 2013 Price of oil at year end 4/5 Under $105

10/11 $105 or over (Brent Crude)

 

 

HATCHES, MATCHES & DISPATCHES

Whilst England fight the Aussies to retain the Ashes urn next summer, another national treasure may be lost to the convicts as Liz Hurley and Shane Warne head up the betting for our ‘First to get married’ market at evens.

 

First to get married1/1       Liz Hurley & Shane Warne

7/4       Kate Winslet & Ned Rocknroll

6/1       Eva Mendes & Ryan Gosling

8/1       Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson

10/1      Nicole Scherzinger & Lewis Hamilton

40/1      Taylor Swift & Harry Styles

 

 First to announce they are having a baby11/10    Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall

7/1       Kate Moss & Jamie Hince

7/1       Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel

9/1       Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

10/1      Frank Lampard & Christine Bleakley

10/1      Holly Willoughby & Dan Baldwin

 

 First to split3/1       Kim Kardashian & Kanye West

4/1       Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux

5/1       Liz Hurley & Shane Warne

6/1       Kate Winslet & Ned Rocknroll

6/1       Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson

10/1      Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel

 

UK WEATHER

The UK is renowned for its unpredictable weather, and 2013 is set to be no different. Strangely, next summer is as likely to be the wettest on record as it is the driest, with both available to back at 6/1. Those dreaming of soaking up the rays on their local beach rather than the water on their kitchen floor can take 8/1 that next summer will be the hottest on record.

 

8/1       Hottest on record in UK

6/1       Driest on record in UK

6/1       Wettest on record in UK

9/1       Coldest on record in UK

 

FHM SEXIEST WOMAN

Having inexplicably voted for Tulisa Contostavlos in 2012, the FHM readers are once again being entrusted to choose the magazine’s Sexist Woman for 2013. Mila Kunis is the strong favourite at 5/2 whilst you can get 16/1 that Helen Flanagan’s ball-chewing jungle experience earns her the crown.

 

5/2       Mila Kunis

8/1       Kate Upton

8/1       Jennifer Lawrence

14/1      Nicole Scherzinger

 

 

ON THE BOX

In the fickle world of TV, Simon Cowell may bring himself back into the UK X Factor fold in 2013. The race to be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing appears to be a two-way battle between Anton Du Beke at 13/8 and Vernon Kay at 15/8.

 

Next Host Of Strictly Come Dancing13/8      Anton Du Beke

15/8      Vernon Kay

9/2       John Barrowman

7/1       Graham Norton

16/1      Ben Shepherd

 

 Who will be on the 2013 X-Factor judges’ panel?1/3       Louis Walsh

2/5       Tulisa Contostavlos

2/5       Nicole Scherzinger

2/3       Gary Barlow

8/11     Simon Cowell

8/1       Cheryl Cole

 

Jessica Ennis, Andy Murray Make Who’s Who

Posted on by

Who’s Who in 2013?

The new edition of Who’s Who is out with some exciting new entries. Including some of Britain’s brightest athletes.

The 165th edition of Who’s Who brings together over 33,000 autobiographical entries from people of, influence and interest in every area of public life. Featuring just over 1,000 entries new for this edition, Who’s Who 2013, published on 3rd December 2012, celebrates the achievements of British Society. An invaluable research tool and a unique way of measuring social change, it is the longest established and most comprehensive general biographical reference book. An invitation to appear in Who’s Who recognises lasting distinction and influence. An entry in Who’s Who is for life.

Preface by Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief at the Huffington Post Media Group, is a new biographee for the 2013 edition. She has written this year’s foreword, in which she considers the ways in which technology is rapidly transforming the media.

Olympic Idols

Included for the first time in the 2013 edition is Heptathlon darling, Jessica Ennis, who won gold at the 2012 Olympic Games. At just 26 years old, her impressive resume includes an Olympic gold, two World Championship medals, two World Indoor Championship medals, a European Championship medal and a Commonwealth Games medal.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Mo Farah makes a welcome entry this year, as does professional tennis player and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray. Born in 1987, Murray is the youngest non-hereditary new entrant.

Entertainment

Presenter and journalist, Gabby Logan is a new addition to Who’s Who 2013. She represented Wales in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, before carving out a career in broadcast where she recently presented at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Included in the 2013 edition is author and Times columnist Caitlin Moran, who was named Critic of the Year and Interviewer of the Year at the 2011 British Press Awards. She lists her recreations as ‘hair biggening, cava, eyeliner, The Struggle’.

Comedian and songwriter Tim Minchin, who composed the music for Matilda the Musical is included in Who’s Who for the first time, as is fellow comedian Richard Ayoade. Richard starred in The IT Crowd and has directed music videos for the Arctic Monkeys and Super Furry Animals, amongst others.

Cooking Sensations

Two star Michelin chef, Michael Caines is a new biographee for the 2013 edition. Head Chef at Gidleigh Park in Devon and Bath Priory, Michael appeared in Celebrity Masterchef 2011 and is one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs. He is joined by Nathan Outlaw, another South West based chef, who enjoys ‘collecting cookery books’. Star Wars fan Nathan is a two star Michelin chef who has two restaurants at the St Enodoc Hotel, in Cornwall.

Family Connections

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s brother Leo, Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Sustainability and Climate Change and sister Rachel, Editor-in-Chief of The Lady, are new names for 2013. Boris, another brother Joseph and father Stanley are already in Who’s Who making them one of the most successful families in the yearbook.

Another well-connected new entrant is Rachel Wolf, Director of the New Schools Network, who began her career as a researcher for Boris Johnson and whose mother and father are both already in Who’s Who.

Trivial Pursuits?

Lord Haskins, former Chairman of Northern Foods and Express Dairies plc, has updated his recreations to include ‘only-in-emergency harvest tractor-driver’, while Zai Bennett, Controller of BBC 3, and a new entrant for the 2013 edition, reveals his pastimes to include ‘impersonating primates for baby daughter’.

Writer and broadcaster on architecture and design, Thomas Dyckhoff’s recreations include ‘gluttony, staring out of the window, butchery and pie-making’ and Antonia Romeo, Director General of Transforming Justice at the Ministry of Justice, enjoys ‘Star Wars, Lego’. Host of Radio 2’s The Art Show, Claudia Winkleman, is another welcome addition to the 2013 edition. She lists her recreations as ‘sleeping, cuddling and bothering the children’.

Who’s Who in Numbers

4.5 tonnes – the weight of Who’s Who if all the UK’s inhabitants were in it (the weight of an Asian elephant!). It would be 94 metres thick, which is the height of the O2.

6th – where Who’s Who would have come in the medal table if it had been a team at the London Olympics (12 golds, 4 silvers)

80 – the number of jumbo jets it would take to transport everyone in Who’s Who

91 – the age of the oldest new entrant in Who’s Who 2013, Professor Yoichiro Nambu, Emeritus Professor at the University of Chicago

Who’s Who 2013

Published by A&C Black, 3rd December 2012

Hardback £235.00

Print-and-online edition £325.00 (available from Oxford University Press, visit www.ukwhoswho.com

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge unveils Natural History Museum Treasures

Posted on by

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was guest of honour at the grand opening of the Natural History Museum’s new Treasures gallery this evening. Treasures displays 22 of the most extraordinary specimens that have ever been on show at the Museum, and opens 30 November to the public.

The Duchess, who wore a green Mulberry dress for the evening, commented:

‘The Natural History Museum has a very special place in the heart of this nation. William and I are just two of millions of people who have passed through these doors, and marvelled at the spectacular wonders of the natural world, housed in this beautiful gallery. I care passionately about what this museum stands for.  Being here tonight, seeing some of nature’s finest treasures, reminds me just how precious and awe inspiring the natural world is. That is why the opening of Treasures is so incredibly exciting.  If it were ever needed, there is now even more reason to visit this wonderful museum.’

The Duchess met curators and viewed four star specimens in detail:

  • Archaeopteryx fossil – the most valuable fossil in the Museum’s collection, this 47-million-year-old rock slab contains the remains of the earliest known bird. With its combination of bird and dinosaur characteristics, it is a famous snapshot of evolution in action.
  • Audubon’s The Birds of America – the world’s most expensive book and one of the best-known natural history books ever produced. It was first published in double elephant folio size between 1827 and 1838 and is famous for its stunning life-size illustrations of birds.exquisite glass models of marine life
  • Charles Darwin’s pigeons – Darwin’s pigeons provided him with the crucial evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection. He bred them in his garden as an experiment and donated these fancy breeds of rock dove to the Museum in 1867
  • Wold Cottage meteorite – earliest surviving meteorite seen to land in the UK. The rock formed during the birth of the solar system, 4.6 billion years ago, and was seen to fall near Wold Cottage, Yorkshire, in 1795, confirming the extra-terrestrial origins of meteorites.

Each of the 22 objects have been hand-picked by Museum scientists for the fascinating story it has to tell and all objects represent an important part of the Museum’s scientific, historical, social and cultural worth.

Treasures in the Cadogan gallery is free to visit, giving a snapshot of the vast collections in a short space of time. It is located in the upper mezzanine floor of the awe-inspiring Central Hall, overlooking the iconic Diplodocus.

Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum said;

‘We are thrilled Her Royal Highness joined us to celebrate the opening of Treasures. We hope that she is the first of many visitors to discover everything the Museum represents in this special gallery.’

Leo Bancroft Party at The Ivy

Posted on by

On the 22nd of November I went to The Ivy with the lovely Nadia Gilani for the launch of Leo Bancroft’s accessories range for Tesco. The evening was a lot of fun and Leo has made a brilliant range of accessories. The celebrity hairdresser was joined by Made in Chelsea star Kimberley Garner (who is very friendly and gave me the biggest smile) , Eastenders actress Tanya Franks, the lovely model and presenter Jules Wheeler, cast from The Valleys, entrepreneur Tom Gearing from The Apprentice, and business man Richard Caring.

Check out Leo Bancroft’s haircare at Tesco.