Tag Archives: guide

Blue Badge Style Founder Named One Of Bright Shiny News’ Inspiring Women

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gbauvkdcmwafay7d5v0qFiona Jarvis, founder of Blue Badge Style, the first app and online guide to a stylish lifestyle for the less-physically-able, has been profiled on Bright Shiny News. In the interview, for the Inspiring Women section of the website, Jarvis talks about how she has overcome the difficulty of needing a wheelchair and continues to live stylishly.

Bright Shiny News is an online woman’s magazine who’s main purpose in life is to entertain readers with bright shiny things! The inspiring women section profiles a different successful businesswoman every week. The article, written by Monique Fok, talks about Jarvis’ life experience: from working in the city to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and on to setting up Blue Badge Style.

Fok writes: “It is actually an understatement to say that Fiona survived the MS bombshell; Not only has she won the battle beautifully, but she has also established the Blue Badge Style, which provides a website and app guide to the stylish lifestyle for everyone, including people with disability.”

Blue Badge Style is the only company that looks at disability from the point of view of style & design, taking a stylish, pragmatic and cost-efficient approach to inclusive access, working with venue management teams, designers and architects to improve the awareness of disabled facilities. “Style is the overriding premise of Blue Badge Style, along with a positive outlook” says Fiona Jarvis, “disability need not stop you from enjoying the good things in life!”.

The Blue Badge Style website provides style advice to the less-physically-able. Whether it’s the best places to eat and drink, fashion tips or interviews with other stylish less-able people, it can all be found at Blue Badge Style.

The Blue Badge Style free app is the first and only app to give you information on where to go near you based on not only how stylish the place is but how accessible it is for disabled customers.The  app works as a” Michelin-like” star system for the less able. It identifies cool venues near your location and uses a bespoke three tick rating system to grade it out of 5 for each category: 1.Access, 2.Facilities and 3.Style, so that users know exactly what to expect from each venue. You can then easily see the best places near you, read a review, check the Blue Badge Style rating and get directions on how to get there.

Fashion Designer and style icon, Simon Carter explains, “This app can quickly locate stylish restaurants and bars that are nearby. It also warns you if there is a problem with disabled access or facilities. I’m able bodied and I’m going to use it!”.

Hair loss and thinning – the common condition that women don’t talk about

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hair lossIt will happen to half of all women at some point in their lives, but now a new poll of more than 4,000 people in the UK* suggests hair loss and thinning is the ultimate taboo.

The research by Viviscal hair supplements, reveals the lengths men and women will go to in disguising their hair loss. Tricks include colouring in their scalp with a pen and rubbing coffee into their scalp to hide the tell-tale signs.

The main causes of hair loss are thought to be lifestyle factors, such as stress, crash diets, hair extensions and also pregnancy.

The research also reveals the impact that our hair has on our lives with four fifths (80%) saying a good hair day would affect their mood, while a third (34%) say a bad hair day would make them feel self-conscious.

Despite more than half of those questioned saying they feel their hair loss makes them more self-conscious, more than two thirds (69%) have never used any treatment to help them with their thinning hair.

A new statistically significant clinical study in to Viviscal’s drug and hormone free marine supplements has shown promising results for people who experience hair loss or hair thinning, with the trial showing that a two-a-day supplement reduces hair shedding and increases hair thickness, and that women on the trial saw improvement in overall hair volume.**

*Stress is the most common cause of female hair loss, accounting for 34% cases, followed by the hormonal changes after pregnancy, accounting for 22% cases.

**25% of women say they spend 15 minutes on their hair every day, while one in ten (12%) take 30 minutes and 3% even admit to taking an hour.

The Set Table: The Art of Small Gatherings

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the set table the art of small gatherings.

Some books are just beautiful and deserve to be endlessly browsed. The Set Table is such a book. It is a beautifully designed and full of endless domestic pleasures.

For those of us who are not domestic (me!) a guide on linen, cutlery and the art of small gatherings is a much needed and much appreciated thing. If you ever wanted to know how to buy or make linen this book tells you how. It also tells you how to get stains out and the different types of linen. Buying second hand crockery and types of crockery are also covered. Along with shapes and sizes. It also goes through different materials and tells you how to clean silver.

Hannah Shuckburgh is features editor of Conde Nast’s Easy Living magazine and you can tell. This is a classy book which will surely turn it’s readers into dinner party gods and goddesses. I loved the illustrations. The one on cutlery shapes will never have you confused about the difference between your bouillon and salt spoon again.

I also love the chapter on food. You can add lots to a meal with bread, water and sauces and this book really lets you know how.

An adorable, educational book. Brilliant illustrations and lots of useful information.

Simple and beautiful ideas for laying the table is the subject of The Set Table. From supper for two on a candlelit urban roof terrace to a picnic lunch for friends on the sitting-room carpet, the look is effortlessly artistic and uncomplicated, celebrating the intimate and unique experience of eating well. With ideas for every aspect of a well-set
table – from napkins to glassware, cutlery to lighting – Hannah Shuckburgh inspires you to make even the smallest of gatherings very special with modest resources.

Genius tips on how to unearth good crockery in junk shops; easy guides for simple but special things to make at home; ideas for styling supermarket flowers and recipes for delicious homemade condiments are accompanied by soulful photography by Charlotte Bland and illustrations by Lydia Starkey. The Set Table is about clearing away the clutter and complications of daily life creating a warm, welcoming setting for unforgettable meals with the people you love.

Hannah Shuckburgh is features editor of Conde Nast’s Easy Living magazine. She also has written for Vogue, The Times, The Independent and The Huffington Post.

The Set Table: The Art of Small Gatherings

Financial matters upon divorce or dissolution of civil partnerships

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Hill Dickinson gives Frost Readers the low down on separating.

When the majority of married couples divorce it is likely that there will also be financial matters to deal with. This may include the family home, businesses, pensions or maintenance. The same circumstances will also apply to the dissolution of civil partnerships.

 

It is important that financial matters following a divorce or dissolution are finalised to ensure that you are protected against any future claims from your former husband or wife or civil partner.

 

Financial matters will be resolved when the parties receive a final order from the court. This does not mean that the parties will need to attend court; but legal advice should be sought to ensure that you are protected for the future.

 

If a final financial order is not received then there is a risk that your former husband, wife or civil partner could make a claim in the future.

 

It is important to note that the court will consider financial circumstances at the time they are resolved. Although in some cases the parties’ circumstances at the time of separation may be relevant.

 

The outcome of any court hearing or negotiation will depend massively upon the circumstances of the case. The court in England and Wales has very wide discretion to deal with matrimonial matters as they see fit.

 

There are circumstances where assets acquired during a marriage or civil partnership could be excluded from financial matters upon divorce. So it is imperative to seek advice upon separation.

 

In 2011 the High Court heard a case where they were asked to resolve financial matters following a divorce. The wife had won the lottery during the marriage. Part of the lottery winnings had been used to purchase the matrimonial home.

 

The court found that there is a sharp distinction between “matrimonial” and “non-matrimonial” property. As the lottery ticket had been purchased following separation, with the wife’s sole earnings and without her husband’s knowledge the court found that the lottery winnings were “non-matrimonial”.

 

However, the wife had used some of the lottery winnings to purchase the matrimonial home. The court held that the money spent on the house was converted into “matrimonial” property. The High Court ruled that matrimonial property is more likely to be shared, and consequently the husband was entitled to receive a proportion of the matrimonial home.
These sorts of cases are fact specific and it is for that reason that it is essential that separated couples seek advice as to the legal consequences of their separation.

 

If financial matters are resolved at the time of divorce, the majority of orders will include a clean break. This means that the agreement is in full and final settlement of any claims either party will have against the other in the future. A clean break may not be appropriate for example if monthly maintenance is being paid to a former spouse.

 

Enterprise in Action: A Guide To Entrepreneurship

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Enterprise in Action: A Guide To EntrepreneurshipEnterprise in Action: A Guide to Entrepreneurship by Peter Lawrence is a business book with a difference. Far from being a straight business book it also has exercises, questions and case studies. Along with a summary at the end and some great ideas and anecdotes. The book works your brain by quizzing you about the case studies and giving you an exercise.

The chapter titled Niche Markets and Entry Barriers was especially interesting and insightful. Each chapter also has a message at the end and this chapters message is: NICHE AND ENTRY BARRIER ARE VALUABLE AND USEFUL CONCEPTS. BUT THEY NEED A BIT MORE CONTEXTING AND UNDERSTANDING.

 

This is what they say, “An authoritative guide to understanding and mastering the core issues and competencies involved in entrepreneurial success. Where do entrepreneurial opportunities arise? How do successful entrepreneurs exploit trends? What is the role of innovation in entrepreneurship? How do companies get started and become self-sustaining? Based on studies of 80 companies, including 30 Sunday Times Fast Track Companies, and 20 highly successful US entrepreneurial firms, this book answers these and many other key questions about entrepreneurship. This authoritative guide to the world of entrepreneurship offers valuable lessons for MBA students and established entrepreneurs alike.

  • Shows practitioners how success is influenced by factors such as industry dynamics, entry barriers, reconfiguration, and core competencies

  • Delivers practical coverage of an array of key issues, including how to exploit trends, how to foster innovation, how to get additional funding for expansion, and much more

  • Provides expert guidance on how to successfully address each of the factors or core competencies covered

  • An excellent supplement to standard graduate texts on the subject, it breathes new life into standard curriculum topics by presenting them within the context of real-world success stories”

Peter Lawrence has a brilliant mind and I am glad he has put his ideas on paper. He has written a book which is thoroughly enjoyable and has a way of getting the point across in a clear, concise way. His way of using stories of real people and businesses makes building a business seem achievable.This guide book should herd the new wave of entrepreneurs in the right direction. It is a readable book which is not stuffy at all. It thoroughly covers entrepreneurship in an engaging way. Learning about entrepreneurship was never so enjoyable and easy. An incredibly good book. I learned a lot.

 

Kiss FM DJ Justin Wilkes reveals his Little Black Book of Ibiza

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Justin’s top 5 Ibiza “Must Do’s”

1.      Catch rays at Benirras Beach

My favourite beach on Ibiza, and probably the most bohemian on the island.  Benirras is a gorgeous sheltered sandy cove on the North West coast not far from San Miguel.  Loungers are still less than 10 Euros for the day, and if you stop by for sunset on a Thursday you’ll be serenaded by bongo playing locals.

2.       Drink at KM5

Moroccan themed outdoor bar and restaurant situated 5km out of Ibiza Town on the San Jose road.  This is where you’ll find the islands top dj’s hanging out before their sets.  Great music, great cocktails and a seriously stylish crowd.

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3.       Eat at Sands Playa D’en Bossa

A fantastic place to pitch yourself in you’re staying on Playa D’en Bossa.  If you’re lucky you might even catch Carl Cox making an impromptu appearance on the decks, and the food is a fusion of Ibizan and Japanese.  As well as guest dj’s, they even have famous guest chefs making an appearance throughout the summer.

4.       Visit Santa Gertrudis

This isn’t a normal stop on the tourist trail but it’s a gorgeous little town that if I lived on Ibiza would be my location of choice.  There’s a vibrant square, some cool boutiques, a great tapas bar and new little restaurants opening every year.

         Party all night at Eden

Eden is my summer residency and the only old school night on the island.  Come to Kisstory on a Friday night at Eden San Antonio and you’ll be guaranteed more hands in the air moments than anywhere else on the island.  I’ll be joined by DJ EZ, Rui Di Silva, Wideboys, Ratpack and more.

Justinwilkes.com / @justinwilkes

Weddings – do and don’t: Creating magical weddings

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Julia Dowling of Snapdragon Parties, the leading luxury wedding and event planners, shares some trade secrets on creating an amazing wedding.

The idea of planning your own wedding sounds like fun to the uninitiated.  But unless you feel confidently creative, are commercially savvy and know how to find the best suppliers out there, it can be daunting.   As professional wedding planners we are most often asked for our top wedding planning tips.

Wedding bride and groom

  1. Do set a realistic budget and stick to it

Even a modest wedding costs a great deal.  Build a budget based on some Internet research and your judgement of how much you are prepared to spend.  As a guide, your budget should be split about forty per cent to catering, ten per cent each to venue or marquee hire, clothes, entertainment, photography and flowers with everything else coming from the remainder.  Don’t assume that hosting your wedding at home will be cheaper, because the entire infrastructure needs to be brought in.  Have honest conversations with all concerned about who will contribute and how much, and do get wedding insurance. Use your budget to guide your choices.  We always start wedding planning with a budget and then help to choose a venue and style of wedding.  Once you have set a budget, stick to it by negotiating hard with suppliers, especially if they were recommended by your venue; they will often be paying commission on your booking.

  1. Don’t pick a venue until you have a clear idea of the type of wedding you want

Many historic buildings impose restrictions on their use; a grade 1 listed castle full of ancient treasures is likely to prohibit use of candles, so if your vision is a candlelit wedding ceremony pick an appropriate venue.  Depending on when you plan to marry think about the likely weather (always have a wet weather plan) and the availability of local accommodation.

  1. Do find ways to weave in your own personality and style

There is much more to styling a wedding than copying an idea from a glossy magazine or adhering to conventional traditions. I often start by asking couples what impression they want to leave their guests with and how we can incorporate elements of their personality into the design scheme.  Other considerations include the season, the exact location, the size of the guest list, favourite colours, the level of formality which is desired and the budget.

In terms of dressing a venue, think macro and micro.  Macro styling means lighting the outside of a building, transforming the interior space and fusing the venue’s character with the nature of your event.  Micro styling means the way you dress the tables, the folding of napkins and your choice of china, glassware, place cards and favours.

Really talented florists will happily interpret your concepts with flowers, candles, feathers, wood, glass or foliage.

  1. Don’t settle for the same old wedding fare

Most caterers’ and venues’ standard menus are pretty boring.  Britain exports some of the finest food all over the world.  While no one goes to a wedding primarily for a gourmet experience, serve your guests some food that they will really appreciate.

  1. Do plan the day from a guest’s perspective

On your wedding day you may be the centre of attention but you are also the host, and so you need to think about the whole day from your guests’ perspective.  This means making sure that it flows naturally, that people aren’t left standing around without a drink while you have pictures taken and that everyone gets to spend at least a little time with you both.

  1. Don’t be afraid to save money where guests won’t notice

Wine needs to be good, but not necessarily a First Growth Bordeaux and you would be amazed at how good a wedding cake from M&S can be (yes, I’m being serious).  Once your florist has constructed something colourful between the tiers, your guests will think you spent a fortune on it!

  1. Do make your wedding stationery stand out

The invitation offers the first indication your guests receive about the character of the event.  While the skilfully engraved traditional invitation undoubtedly retains its timeless appeal, an intricate laser cut creation can be equally impressive.  When picking a stationery style and colour, remember that you have to carry it through for orders of service and table stationery.  Anything too outlandish may make it hard for guests to read the hymns or placecards.

  1. Don’t cut corners on photography

Apart from the marriage, the photographs are the only part of your wedding that will last a lifetime.   There are four basic styles of wedding photography and the best photographers can generally achieve a seamless mix of them all.  The traditional style is ideal for the posed family portraits, contemporary photography tends to be more informal and capture the spirit of the occasion.  Reportage is the fly-on-the-wall approach that captures the detail and flow of your day and the artistic approach, as the name suggests, aims to create the poster shots.    Even if you aren’t particularly traditional you should be cautious about too contemporary a style as you won’t want the photographs to look out of date in a few years.

  1. Do hire a professional to coordinate things on the day

Appoint someone as the coordinator on the day.  This could be a friend, or ideally, a professional.  Without a coordinator, you will spend the whole day worrying about the details yourself, which will significantly reduce your enjoyment.   They need to reconfirm all the details with suppliers, create a detailed running order and oversee the day.  Many wedding venues will offer you an event coordinator but remember that they won’t coordinate anything other than at the wedding venue itself.

  1. Don’t forget why you are doing this!

If you haven’t employed a wedding planner, there will be times during the planning process when you will wonder why you’re doing all this; it will inevitably get pretty stressful at times.  When the bills are flying in and you are worrying about all sorts of seemingly inconsequential details, remember that it will all be worth it in the end – and, after all, you will remember your wedding day forever!

www.snapdragonparties.com

Your Ultimate Festival Survival Guide

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festivalstyleFrom a field in the West Country to the Nevada desert, festivals are sexy! Mud, hot pants, sun, hot pants, alcohol, hot pants.  The pressure to appeal to the opposite sex is on.  Here’s our hedonistic health kit with everything you need to make you cleaner, safer, pain-free and altogether hotter this festival season!

Talking dirty

When you are jumping up and down to your favourite band in the middle of a muddy field, oral hygiene will be the last thing on your mind. If you know that the excitement of live music will be enough for you to forget the toothbrush then why not try Oraldiet. Oraldiet is an innovative oral probiotic lozenge that contains the probiotic lactobacillus reuteri. The formulation binds to your saliva and therefore stays in the mouth – allowing you to feel fresh for longer. The presence of aloe vera gel ensures that your mouth flora kept healthy at all times, leaving you to concentrate on more important things – like which stage to visit. Oraldiet is available from www.revital.co.uk. £6.35 for 30 lozenges.

Best foot forward

Plastic wellies may be great for trudging through muddy fields, but they can cause your tootsies to sweat and smell.  If your wellies are causing a stink, try using a good foot deodorant such as Carnation Footcare’s Cool Foot spray to keep feet dry, clean and sweat-free; the perfect remedy after a day’s hard welly-wearing. Carnation Footcare’s Cool Foot spray is available from www.firstaidfast.co.uk £3.83.

 

Keep it clean

A combination of dancing, lack of showers and mud means one thing: sweat! Make sure you are the last one dancing with Thursday Plantation’s Tea Tree Deodorant. The 100% Tea Tree formulation will keep you feeling fresh and clean throughout the whole day whilst the aloe vera extract will sooth your skin during the sweatiest of musical moments. It’s also organic and aluminum free, meaning you’ll be feeling at one with nature whilst shaking your body to the beat. Thursday Plantation’s Tea Tree Deodorant is available from www.revital.co.uk £4.95 for 60ml.

Get water savvy

Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at The Nutri Centre, www.nutrticentre.com, recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day ‘to help maintain energy levels, a clear head, and because dehydration will only worsen the effects of any alcohol you drink later on.  If the weather’s hot and sunny and you’re sweating a lot, you’ll also be losing vital salts and minerals.  Try adding an electrolyte solution to your water to maintain the correct levels. Elete Electrolyte water, £5.52 from www.nutricentresports.com makes 10 litres of hydration liquid, is 100% natural and is taste and calorie-free.’’