Smooth Operator

 

How much time do you spend styling your hair in the morning?

If you are anything like me then the answer is too long.

As much as we all like whipping up amazing do’s before a big night out or day – day we just want our hair to look as good as possible.

There is a styling product on the high street that helps you wake up the hair of your dreams. This is my hero

It’s time to reclaim your dreams ladies! Step forward the brilliant VO5 Smoothly Does It Straightening Lotion RRP £5.99. A new stress free straightening revolution for the UK’s No.1 styling brand.

* Simply run the lotion through freshly-washed, damp hair.

* Blow-dry and then use your straighteners.

The innovative formula reacts with heat from the straightening tools to create super straightened hair, that lasts up to three washes!!! Ladies hit the snooze button and wake up to straight, smooth easy-to-style tresses. For more inspiration on how to unleash your best hair ever visit  YouTube.com/VO5

Nashville – Tennessee.

The world is your oyster and YES you should see as much of it as possible.

Nashville Tennessee is one of those hidden gems that you need to visit sooner rather than later. There is usually one thing that draws visitors to Nashville Tennessee – music.

 

 

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the hub of country music industry and is also commonly known as Music City. Countless music shops, recording studio, live venues are scattered across the city. Musicians line the streets belting out the sounds of blues, country, rock and even a little bit of pop music. Where there is music there us dancing. Word of warning a dance club will consist of line dancing and sawdust. There are few typical dance clubs in the downtown area.

 

 

Nashville is both town and country. There is more to Nashville other than country music, skinny jeans and cowboy boots. The people are super friendly which makes Nashville a great destination for families. There is so much to see why not check out Nashville zoo, Valley Fair Amusement Park. There is lots of history, the highlight of the city for many visitors is the Grand Old Opry, this historic venue that has played host to the greatest country musicians since the 1920’s and is still home to the World’s longest broadcasting radio show. For the ultimate country music fans, the Country Music Hall of Fame is also a must-see attraction. Aside from the bright lights and loud music, if you look further afield into the history of the city there are several historic plantation house and antebellum mansions tour, which gives you a cultural view on the history of the South.

 

 

The food is your typical comfort food, good old fashioned Southern cooking. The cuisine will leave your mouth watering and your belly rumbling, dining in Nashville is popular with visitors, with a reputation for offering worldwide cuisine, bust specialising in local fare of barbecue and Southern-fried everything.

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping inn Nashville, either at the downtown stores and boutiques or the popular mall shopping at Opry Mills and Green Hills, is just as cosmopolitan as any other major city. With stores from popular fashionable retailers, with one unique extra Cowboy!! Boots, hats, shirts and suits. Whether the style us rhinestone cowboy or country farmhands you have to get yourself kitted out.

 

 

Nashville is also a good starting point before heading further afield in Tennessee, south Memphis, home of Elvis, Graceland, the blues and even deeper rooted southern culture or west to rugged outdoors of the smoky mountains, rivers wildlife, forests and not forgetting Dollywood.

 

 

Explore and visit the local places, attractions, events and happenings in and around |Nashville Tennessee.

 

 

Hotel Diva

Bow chicka wow wow!!!!

This sexy modern 5 star hotel is situated downtown San Francisco and is surrounded by gorgeous shops, beautiful theatres and you can definitely find fine dining. This stunning hotel has 114 slick rooms, which offer customised furnishings, iPod docking stations, 32 inch flat TV, complimentary wireless and a cheeky bespoke diva bathrobe.

 

The hotel is a three minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s wharf is a place to visit, with its laid back atmosphere and amazing restaurants, and little trinkets you can pick up. There is entertainment for the whole family; best of all though is the breathtaking scenery that it offers.

 

No trip to San Francisco is complete until, you have visited Alcatraz Island. From the many vantage points along the pier at the wharf, you’ll be able to see some remarkable views of this 22 acre island; boy is it eerie, however extremely impressive.

 

The reception operates 24/7. On arrival you are greeted by the warmest of welcomes, the staff are really friendly and go above and beyond to help you. The hotel offer complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There is parking at the hotel at a fee of USD $ 40 per day. If you are here on business, the hotel have superb business centre for you to use, they will assist you in every possible way.

 

Fancy eating out at one of San Francisco desirable eating establishments? Go and ask the fantastic concierge staff they will make the reservations for you. There is no restaurant at the hotel, don’t worry there is so many wonderful places to go and eat or just go grab a coffee and absorb the laid back atmosphere.

 

The 114 slick rooms that this hotel is decorated to the highest standards, in grey modern furnishings, designer desks, chest of draws. The flat screen television and the mini bar will make you right at home. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The bathrooms feature hairdryers, diva bathrobes and designer bath products. Taking a selfie in this room is a must; you really have to share this experience with your friends and family.

 

 

 

Things To Do In Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is located on the South Eastern side of Honsill. Tokyo offers many different things from tranquil temples to a bright and buzzing nightlife. A little planning and y…

Source: Things To Do In Tokyo

Things To Do In Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is located on the South Eastern side of Honsill. Tokyo offers many different things from tranquil temples to a bright and buzzing nightlife. A little planning and you could end up having the time of your life.

 

Ginza Mitsukoshi. Ginza is the district of chuo Tokyo which is known as an upmarket area located South of Yaesu and Kyobasshi. Ginza is most popular for shopping and is bursting with popular designer fashion houses, department stores, art galleries and bars. Every weekend the roads are shut off, allowing all shopaholics to walk freely to and from the stores.

 

Diver city Tokyo plaza is a new complex which is designed around anime theme with life sized robots. The amusement park has the first Gundam entertainment facility which boosts an 18 meter high Gundam statue. The futuristic complex isn’t just for shopping it offers entertainment as well as a place to relax, with many quirky additional features.

 

Mount Fiji is the highest mountain in Japan and is located on Honshu Island. Over 200,000 people climb the famous mountain every year. There are many huts along the way offering snacks and drinks to climbers. Most climbers tend to set off at night as the views of thee sunset are breathtaking.

 

 

Roppongi Hills is popular to the wealthiest citizens; many foreign embassies are located here. Roppongi Hills have an extremely active and vibrant nightlife, at the centre of Roppongi Hills standing proud is the Mori tower, a 54 storey skyscraper. The observation tower has high ceilings with glass walls giving a jaw dropping view of the city.

 

 

Sumida Park is a beautiful park, it’s a great place if you are travelling with children as they are able to run freely and burn off some energy. Springtime is a stunning time of year to visit, as the cherry blossom is in full bloom. On the last Saturday of July the park becomes an amazing viewing spot for the annual firework display.

 

 

 

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s busiest and vibrant neighbourhoods that offer some of the greatest places to eat shop and have lots of fun. Check out the gobsmacking fashions or be a dare devil and bring out the geek in you and enter the stores that are bursting with collectables such as Manga and Anime.

 

 

Kaminarimon, known as the thunder gate, is the first gate that leads into Tokyo’s most famous temple, Sensoji. This is a Buddhist temple and is one of the most popular, peaceful and colourful temples in Tokyo. The huge Buddhist structure features a gigantic paper lantern which is painted in bright red and black tones which represents thunderclouds and lightening

 

 

 

Asakusa culture tourist information centre opened in 2012. The quirky design is interesting, the culture centre offers tourist information complimentary Wi-Fi and a cafe, which is great if you want to refuel and go up the observation area on the 8^th floor, where you can take full advantage of the stunning views of Sensoji temple and the busy Nakanise shopping street.

 

 

 

Askusa is an extremely traditional in the fact that Kannonura Street is the place to see geisha’s in their stunning kimonos and traditional white makeup and immaculate hair and beautiful ornaments. There are 45 traditional geishas working in the area. You can visit a tea house and watch the talented geisha’s perform, and entertain through dance, song and instrument playing, as well as engaging in conversation and pouring you Saki.

 

 

 

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most popular destination, fun and quirky. The beautiful city Barcelona which is full of culture, oozes creativity has amazing architecture, moth watering tapas sandy beaches, t…

Source: Barcelona

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most popular destination, fun and quirky. The beautiful city Barcelona which is full of culture, oozes creativity has amazing architecture, mouth watering tapas sandy beaches, thumping nightlife and not forgetting the football.

 

There is so much to do in Barcelona, other than catching rays and clubbing.

The architecture is simply amazing. You can admire the works of Antoni Gaudi. La Pedrera is one of Barcelona’s most loved buildings, this curvy building is impressive.Le cathedral is the central place of his worship. This amazing gothic creation stands out form all the other churches. Casa Batllo is stunningly beautiful and was designed to be the most breath taking family home in Barcelona. Many talented architects have created some of the most beautiful buildings here, offering many impressive buildings for people to appreciate from gothic to modern styles.

There are many museums in Barcelona the Dali museum is the second most visited museum in Barcelona.

Salvador Dali is one of the most popular surrealist artists of all times and lived here until his death in 1984. He’s legacy lives on and he is a great inspiration to many. Dali worked in all types of media and was a fantastic artist, and he has set a high standard to all budding artists that are inspired by him. The museum is fun and quirky, just like the legend himself…unpredictable! You don’t know what you are going to stumble upon.

 

Camp nou is Barcelona’s stadium which is the largest in Europe with a capacity of 99,354, with recent approval to increase its capacity.

The grounds consist of a an outstanding pitch, spectators seating area, VIP lounge, presidential suite, press room, numerous TV studios, changing rooms, and the FC Barcelona Club Museum. Football lovers are able to get a tour of this phenomenal ground as well as taking a sneaky peak at the team’s spectacular trophy cabinet. The tour allows you to cast your mind back to the legendary players from the past from Maradona to Ronaldinho and many more outstanding footballers. Not forgetting the remarkably talented Messi who is rated one of the world’s best footballers, this young ripe player holds unrivalled honours and titles. Messi has made over 400 appearances for FC Barcelona as well as being Barcelona’s all time top goal scorer.

 

Barcelona’s beaches can get super busy during peak times, there is a lovely marina where you can grab a snack, and have a few sunny drinks. There is so much to do other than swimming and topping up your tan. Wind and kite surfing are really popular. Barcelona is renowned for its architecture and you don’t have to go far to witness some more quirky sculptures as there are masterpieces on the beach itself.

 

The city centre isn’t as big as you would expect it to be, so walking is the cheapest way for you to get around. There are public transport such as the metro and buses which are lean and reliable, which will get you t most sights and attractions. Taxis are affordable and reliable too.

 

People tend to eat out quite late in Barcelona. Most restaurants open their doors at around 20:30 and will be still serving their finest cuisines until around 03:00. There are over 180 restaurants in Barcelona offering typical Spanish cuisine. There aren’t many international restaurants to choose from.

 

Cinc Sentits is a Michelin star restaurant that specialises in Catalan cuisine.

There are fantastic tapas restaurants to suit every budget.

 

  Lasarte is a two Michelin star restaurant which is located in one of the most exclusive hotels in Barcelona specialising in fresh prawn dishes and the Crème Brule has an outstanding reputation.

 

 

Barcelona knows how to pull the music and lively clubbing scene together. Barcelona is where all the cool kids go! The music varies from funk, soul and R&B. The nightlife is thumping every night of the week; he clubs are smart and contemporary. Club prices can be expensive but you pay for what you get. You can pay a considerable amount for Euro for a VIP table with sofa with stunning mood lighting in one of Barcelona’s coolest clubs  The Elephant

 

  The Elephant is a two story club with a garden with ultimate chill out area complete with outdoor bar. The elephant is a great place to be and a great place to seen partying in.

If you are on a budget most clubs offer free entrance and flyers are dotted about everywhere so it’s easy to grab those discounted drinks.

 

The hotels in Barcelona are very reasonable compared to other major cities. There are various accommodation types to suit every style and budget. There are 5 star hotels that are perfect for the demanding traveller where as the lower star rated hotels are cost effective, you will still get the personal attention and a cosy room, you just don’t get the sparkly extras of a 5 star.

 

Yoga v’s Pilates

I have recently introduced yoga into my life, it’s only a 20 minute session for beginners, but hey, it’s a start. I didn’t really know why I chose yoga over Pilates, maybe because it seemed more popular and I like the meditation part of the session. I’m busy 24/7 and feel like I never stop, I suffer with insomnia as well, however after a 20 minute session I sleep like a baby.

I’ve had a little read up on the differences of yoga and Pilates, and this is what I’ve come up with, so here goes, and please all you pro’s out there, let me know if my conclusion is wrong and if I am barking up the wrong tree!!

Yoga and Pilates are associated by being similar, which is true to some extent, however they have huge differences.

Yoga originates from India and has been around for over 5,000 years, whereas Pilates is the new kid on the block making it more of a modern practice and was created by Joseph Pilates.

Yoga and Pilates have a great understanding that the mind and body are connected and both practices can be beneficial in everyday life.

Yoga classes offer flexible routines and many postures and sequences can be put together to create tons of different routines. Depending on the instructor, each session will be slightly different.

Pilates on the other hand offer more structured routines, due to the structure of the classes you will know what to expect upon arrival, as well as making it easier for you to practice at home.

Yoga incorporates a great element “Meditation” many yoga classes focus on meditation at the beginning and towards the end of each session.

Pilates focuses on strength, muscle toning, body control and flexibility. Pilates is extremely disciplined and needs to be done on a regular basis for you to be able to reap the benefits. Were as, yoga focuses on flexibility and broad muscle groups, as well as offering balance, endurance, strength, spirituality and physical movement. Yoga classes are so different and can range from gentle and relaxing to full on challenging and sweaty.

Both yoga and Pilates offer some kind of stress relief, flexibility, strength, control and endurance. The biggest difference between the two is the spiritual component, as Pilates doesn’t offer a spiritual experience, however being slower paced Pilates can be meditative and stress relieving.

So if you enjoy a structured workout without the cardio Pilates could be the work out for you, but if you like to move and you are a kind of go with the flow kinda person, then yoga is the way forward for you.

Whats on

Carters Steam Fair at Chalkwell Park 2016    

 

March 25 – April 3

Chalkwell Park,

London Road, Chalkwell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS0 8NB United Kingdom

Carters Fun Fair is returning to Chalkwell Park due to popular demand! The world’s largest travelling vintage fun fair promises to be an unforgettable family day out for all ages, with a line-up of beautifully restored rides and attractions! This time for 10 WHOLE DAYS!! The £1 admission fee will be donated to the Southend Mayor’s Charity. Buy tokens online in advance to get some free rides! Opening Times Fridays and Saturdays: 12pm – 10pm Every other day: 12   pm – 8pm

Easter Weekend Water Sports & Marine Activities

 

March 25 – March 28

The Beach Club,

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2YH United Kingdom

To celebrate the opening of The Beach Club on Good Friday, there will be a full weekend of beach-based fun! Activities available include: Sailing Kayaking Windsurfing Power boating Banana boating Paddle boarding Jet skiing And to keep in theme with the Easter celebrations, there will be silver eggs buried in the beach. If you find one, you win a prize!

£5

Easter Holiday Circus Workshops for 3-5 year olds

 

March 29 – March 31

Leigh Community Centre,

Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1SP United Kingdom

Avril Hockett is an experienced circus teacher and will be running circus workshops for 3-5 year olds this Easter school holiday! A great opportunity to learn fun new skills and do something a little different during the school break. After the huge sell-out success of the Seaside circus workshops last half term, Avril’s circus workshops are back for three days for 3-5 year olds! Perfect for those active children who would be excited to try plate spinning, scarf juggling,

April 2016

£2

Archaeology is Rubbish! – Southend Young Archaeologists Club

 

April 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Prittlewell Priory,

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6NB United Kingdom

Join the Southend Young Archaeologists Clubs at Prittlewell Priory for the “Archaeology is Rubbish!” session, which will explore what rubbish tells us about people who lived in the past, and what will our rubbish tell archaeologists in the future about how we live now. Children will look at coprolites, rubbish pits, food remains and pottery remains – the rubbish of the past – in this children’s introduction to archaeology.

Free

FREE Creative Writing Workshops for Kids All Ages

 

April 5 @ 12:00 am – 4:00 pm

Explore Learning Southend,

Unit 5 Blyth House, 535 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2AY United Kingdom

Looking for a creative half term activity for your child? Join Explore Learning Southend for a free creative writing workshop, focusing on enhancing your child’s creative writing skills in a thrilling way! Explore Learning Southend aim to inspire children to write creatively and they want to recognise talented young authors in Southend of any age. Three different workshops will be running, each tailored to a different age group: [KS1] Ages 5 – 6: 12pm – 1pm [KS2] Ages 7 – 10: 1.30pm

Free

Folk and Ale Festival 2016

 

April 9 – April 10

Southend Pier Royal Pavilion,

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EE United Kingdom

With scores of performers and plenty of ale, don’t miss out on the Folk and Ale Festival 2016 on Southend Pier – to fund raise for the Leigh Folk Festival! Music will vary from contemporary to traditional, shanty to cajun, and everything in between. Folk and Ale Festival 2016 performers Performers include: The Famous Potatoes Bob’s Barbershop Boys Hoy Shanty Crew Grand Reunion Revival Chris Robson Silbury Hill Mudlarks Arfur Doo & the Toe Rags and many more

Free

Southend Art Exhibition (Spring 2016)

 

April 15 – April 24

Studio 11 Gallery,

11 Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7RA United Kingdom

Southend Art Club, the largest art club in Essex with approximately 260 members and first established in 1929, will be holding their Spring 2016 art exhibition at Studio 11 (opposite the Cliffs Pavilion). They will be hanging 250 paintings and other unframed paintings to browse in a browser rack. The art exhibition helps to raise money for various charities, donating a portion of money from each sale. Open 10am – 9pm from 15th to 24th April 2016.

£35

Hide & Shriek: Dead Centre (Night 1)

 

April 23 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The Victoria Shopping Centre,

362 Chartwell Square, Southend-On-Sea, Essex SS2 5SP United Kingdom

Dead Centre (Night One: 23rd April 2016) Zombie Survival Experience to invade Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre this April! (And it’s not for the faint-hearted….) Following on from the roaring success of Hide & Shriek: The I’Scream Factory last Halloween, Hide & Shriek are back this coming April to give Southend’s zombie fans something to really sink their teeth into. This event will be unlike anything Southend has ever seen before, with HORDES of zombies taking over the entire Victoria Shopping Centre after hours. The read more

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£35

Hide & Shriek: Dead Centre (Night 2)

 

April 30 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

The Victoria Shopping Centre,

362 Chartwell Square, Southend-On-Sea, Essex SS2 5SP United Kingdom

Dead Centre (Night Two: 30th April 2016) Zombie Survival Experience to invade Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre this April! (And it’s not for the faint-hearted….) Following on from the roaring success of Hide & Shriek: The I’Scream Factory last Halloween, Hide & Shriek are back this coming April to give Southend’s zombie fans something to really sink their teeth into. This event will be unlike anything Southend has ever seen before, with HORDES of zombies taking over the entire Victoria Shopping Centre after hours.

May 2016

£40

Southend RNLI Gala Dinner & Dance 2016

 

May 7 @ 6:30 pm – 12:00 am

Park Inn Palace,

Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2AL United Kingdom

Join Southend RNLI for their 2016 Gala Dinner & Dance at the Park Inn Palace, overlooking the Thames Estuary! There will be a three-course meal (with vegetarian options), live entertainment with a band and magician, an auction and a raffle. The fabulous Gala Dinner & Dance is to raise funds for Southend RNLI and all profits will be utilised specifically at the Southend RNLI Station. Over 18’s only. Tickets are non-refundable.

MODJOOL

Let me tell you about this great jewellery company, Modjool started with the Build Ring, since then, it has grown into a whole family of interactive jewellery, attracting fashion conscious customer…

Source: MODJOOL