White House Week

8.3.14

Participants of the first ever White House film festival went to the Executive Mansion earlier this week to debut their films.  More than a dozen of the young filmmakers were in attendance at the first-ever White House Student Film Festival, where they presented the 16 official selections. Special guests included Kal Penn, Bill Nye, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, along with Conan O’Brien who addressed the students by video. Find out more about the selections and watch them here. 

The President also spoke his budget for 2015. Watch his remarks below:



It was also announced that the First Lady will be travelling to China from March 19th-26th and is inviting students and classrooms to take part in her trip with a focus on education and history. Click here to sign up for exclusive updates from her travels.

International Women's Day 2014

7.3.14

International Women's Day
International Women's Day seems to creep round really fast each year! This year I'm going to be speaking about my new project, Women In Web to an audience in South Wales. It's super exciting and a little nerve wracking at the same time!

I'm inspired by women who take risks and those make a real difference in society. Regular readers will know that I'm inspired by Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi, but I'm also inspired by Dayle Haddon for founding a life-changing non-profit called Women One, and Aerin Lauder for creating a lifestyle brand that has various price points so women from all backgrounds can experience a part of her lifestyle. Each of these remarkable women have inspired me in different areas of my life, and I have been fortunate to meet two on this list. As I look at new ventures in my life, including setting up my own business I use these women as examples on how to improve and how to reach for the stars!

Who are your inspirations and how have they impacted upon your life? 

Protect your tech with Coach

6.3.14

If you're anything like me, all my technology has to be protected by case. Whilst safety is key, also is style! Coach has some fantastic items for keeping your phone and tablet all safe...and stylish!





Embrace Spring with AERIN!

5.3.14


Freshen up your home in time for Spring with some fantastic green hued pieces from AERIN!

I love the Green Shagreen frame and the matching coasters! 

AERIN

Launch of Women In Web

4.3.14


I'm delighted to share with you the launch of my new project, Women In Web which has launched today!

Women In will feature Q&As, advice posts, feature pieces and interactive features with inspiring women across the globe, and wants you, the reader to be actively involved in helping to shape content and engaging on our social networks.

Check out Women In today and get involved- I can't wait to share the journey with you!

Blogging on the Go with the new iPad mini

3.3.14


Regular readers will know how much blogging has changed my life, and for me, a day without blogging is like a day without a cup of tea!

So when I travel I like to stay up to date with what’s happening in the blogging world, keep in touch with my followers on social media and update content.

That’s why the new iPad mini (available here) is essential!

I’m able to jot down post ideas on the go, and use the camera to take photos whilst out. These are all handily saved to the cloud feature that enables me to access my files on my other Apple devices. Many a time I have been sat in the airport lounge or waiting for a train where my iPad has allowed me to catch up on blog requests and comments- a perfect way to maximize my time!

I use the Twitter app for my tweets and Facebook for staying in touch with friends and family. I use the Paper app for sketching out photos or potential post layouts, and Invoice2Go for keeping track of all my receipts. Dropbox is also super handy for backing up important documents that I need when I am out and about.

The iPad mini has come in useful when conducting interviews, and I recently used for my questions and recordings at two important interviews. It was great not having to worry if I could get down all the notes down in time, and saved me having to keep looking at a piece of paper.

You could say that the iPad mini has changed the way I approach blogging and social media- and it is the first thing I pick up in the morning when I go through my inbox before breakfast.

If you’re a blogger or want a device that’s reliable and essential when you’re on the go, the iPad mini is the perfect choice.

This post is in association with Argos.

White House Week

1.3.14

This week, the First Lady's 'Let's Move' initiative turned 4! You can still get involved by sharing how you're moving by using the hashtag #LetsMove on social media to share a photo of your favorite activity or healthy snack. If enough people get involved, President Obama and Vice President Biden will share how they get moving, too.

Watch the First Lady's focus group with Will Ferrell below:


On Monday, Mrs Obama met with students from Orchard Gardens, Boston after they performed at a luncheon for spouses attending the National Governors Association luncheon.

Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon

The First Lady also revealed new food label proposals which would make calorie counts more prominent and serving sizes would be amended.

The Madison Avenue Collection by Kate Spade

27.2.14

For a sophisticated twist to your 2014 wardrobe make sure you check out the Madison Avenue Collection by Kate Spade.

Kate Spade has really amped up the drama, with refined silhouettes and luxury fabrics all in limited edition quantities.

My favorites from the collection are:



The Perfect Cape from Leslie Tessler

24.2.14


I love capes- perhaps it's the superhero element in me! I've found the perfect formula at Leslie Tessler, a fantastic company that creates classic and expertly tailored pieces that will never go out of style.

Timeless over trendy their capes are, and each style is produced in limited runs, with many being one of a kind creations.

The capes are made from superbly luxurious fabrics including Peruvian alpaca, Italian cashmere and French woven silk, with the highest caliber of craftsmanship. All pieces are handmade in Argentina.


Leslie Tessler was raised in the United States and London, and now lives in Manhattan and Buenos Aires. She is a true citizen of the world and understands that women are no longer satisfied with mass-produced pieces. 

I have been collecting and wearing vintage capes for as long as I can remember,” says the designer.  “I searched the globe for updated versions and could never find any with as much character as my vintage pieces. So I created this line of women’s capes for clients who are looking for a modern twist on a timeless classic.”

Find out more about Leslie Tessler here and be sure to check out the great Pinterest boards!

Leslie Tessler

White House Week

22.2.14

Earlier this week, the President traveled to Toluca, Mexico for this year's North American Leaders' Summit, along with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Harper. President Obama spoke about the importance of America's strong relationship with its fellow North American nations and how that relationship improves job creation and security.  For further information on the trip click here.

On Tuesday, the President directed the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation to set the next round of fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks by March 2016. This next round of standards will build on the historic work done to date, support American manufacturing innovation, and spur the development of new technologies. For further details on this initiative click here.

Official White House photo by Amanda Lucidon
The First Lady made a special appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon- watch the video below!


The Rose Balm Lipstick Collection by AERIN

21.2.14

AERIN
I can't wait to try out the different shades in this exciting new collection from AERIN! The lipsticks form part of the Essentials collection, an updated selection of carefully edited products that every woman should have as part of their daily beauty routine.

The Rose Balm lipsticks feature a luxe balm base of the AERIN Rose Balm to help smooth and plump dry lips while projecting true colour. With ten shades, there's a perfect match for every women.

Which one will you be picking up first?

AERIN

Follow me on Pinterest!

21.2.14

Leslie Tessler
I think that my love affair with Pinterest will never end! I get so many ideas from the site- from styling my wardrobe, to recipes, to blog tips and to beauty must-haves!

J Crew Outfit Inspiration

20.2.14

The horrid weather we've been having in the UK has sort of made my outfits kind of...samey. So thank you J Crew for some great outfit inspiration! Now all we need is for the weather to improve!








In Review: Still Waiting by Sadie and the Hotheads

19.2.14


Earlier this month, Sadie and the Hotheads released their eagerly anticipated third album. 'Still Waiting' marks the start of a 27 date national tour, and an exciting new chapter for the band.

The first single from the album called 'Everybody's Got A Song' is upbeat and makes you feel immediately cheery, and the distinctive fusion of blues, folk, big band, country and jazz is apparent throughout the thirteen track album.

Highlights on the album include All My Sins, I'm Doing Fine, Wild Horses and Mother Mary. Indeed, Mother Mary has a special story as it is written by the band for one of their most dedicated of fans.

The band broke with the 'normal' method of releasing music for their new album, with funding obtained through PledgeMusic, a model that allows fans and supporters alike to pledge money to help get the music released. The model has also allowed the band to maintain complete artistic control.

The band is already on its tour across the UK, and will be in Chatham tonight, and Bolton, Wirral and Warrington the rest of the week. For a full tour schedule and to see if tickets are still available click here.

The band, fronted by Elizabeth McGovern has received great acclaim, with critics describing McGovern as "holding the centre stage with a warm, mischievous smile." The Hotheads consist of veteran musicians including Simon Nelson (electric and acoustic guitar, dobro,) Steve Nelson (acoustic guitar, bouzouki, banjo,) Terl Bryant (drums, percussion,) Ron Knights (bass,) Nick Lacey (piano, keyboards, penny whistle,) and Danica Chapman (backing vocals.)

Check out the band's website here and purchase the album!

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