Tis the season for killer deals on magazine subscriptions! Amazon has tons of popular magazines on sale right now for just $5/year — lower than the newsstand cost of one issue for some! Even better? These magazines qualify for FREE Super Saver Shipping, so that means when you just need to spend a few bucks more on something else on Amazon to get free shipping, you can add in one of these magazines to seal the deal. (Magazines aren’t actually charged shipping, they just help you get free shipping on other purchases.)

Here ya go!

• Real Simple
• Southern Living
• Sports Illustrated for Kids
• People StyleWatch
• Cosmopolitan
• Travel + Leisure
• Food & Wine
• House Beautiful

Expires: Unknown

Thanks, FrugalGirls & Jessica!

Otro nuevo anuncio a todo color en una de las revistas de mayor tirada, esta vez Cosmopolitan ofrece a sus lectoras la posibilidad de conocer el mundo Chamilia a través de un color diferente, ¿te atreves?.

Chamilia en Cosmopolitan

Con Chamilia puedes hacer que cada día sea tu día…
Porque, tú diseñas tu mundo.

Chamilia. Your Life. Your style

So, I know this month’s Cosmo Says is fashionably late (blame it on a premature reaction to Tryptophan), but it’s here now. And you should be happy because not only was the December issue chock full of goodies, but now you have something to distract you while your little cousins run around your house screaming and you attempt to digest that 3lbs of stuffing you just inhaled.

There was an equally awesome/puzzling interview with Fergie (she looks great, poses in yoga moves and has dachshunds). The gift guide contained about 70% of my Christmas list (srsly, check out the Smashbox brushes on p. 100). There were tons of adorable mini skirts, and a ridiculous article where two guys keep diaries for 10 days about everything that goes through their minds. Spoiler alert: These guys think about sex a lot. These guys also happen to write exactly like Cosmo staffers. Hmm…

The crown jewel of the entire issue, though, had to be “Hidden Secrets His Hug Reveals.” Apparently, a hug can mean more than “not just a handshake, not quite a kiss.” Enjoy what Cosmo has to say about:

The Sneak Attack

Cosmo says: If he encircles you from behind, he’s totes “blanketing your body” with his love. Unless he does it all the time—then he’s too much of a pansy to hug you from the front.

Kari says: He better have highly recognizable cologne, because if an unknown dude suddenly wraps his arms around my chest, he’s getting a sample of that self-defense course my sorority held. Other than that, IDK about this “sense of oneness” that you’re going on about, Cosmo. I normally equate those three little words with meaningful eye contact and slow dancing non-ironically to “Forever young”…

The Rub

Cosmo Says: “You can’t see your back,” so rubbing it means he wants to nurture and protect you. Also, rubbing is sexual! So don’t be alarmed if he tries to get frisky. Or, he’s just doing it because he’s sad, can’t verbalize it, and wants you to rub his back (Awww).

Kari Says: Actually, I can see my back, thanks to strategically placed mirrors I use to straighten this one crazy piece of hair at the back of my head… Anyways, whenever I get a back rub, it’s usually because I explicitly asked for it, but my second assumption would definitely be horniness. And I’m not sure how to differentiate between the varieties of back rubbing (counterclockwise if he’s horny? Above the 5^th vertebrae if he’s nurturing), but for future reference, I’ll try to make sure he doesn’t look sad while he’s doing it.

The Pat

Cosmo Says: A) he’s not into you B) he’s mad at you or C) he’s encouraging you. Or maybe D) he just isn’t into PDA or E) he’s on his iPhone.

Kari Says: Thanks, Cosmo for narrowing that one down. If I was left to my own devices I probably would have thought for days about what his “pat” meant. In all seriousness though, the only semblance of rationality I can take away from this analysis is that if you don’t know him that well, pat = bad. If he’s your 5 star chick (or whatever the male equivalent of that is) pat = neutral…or ADD.

The Waist Wrap

Cosmo Says: No surprise here! Homeboy wants to knock boots. Pronto. Oh, and if he touches his forehead to yours, he wants to “merge his thoughts with yours.” Keeper!

Kari Says: If a guy casually hugs you around the waist (as most men do, considering they’re probably taller than you), count to ten before you whip out the condoms. If there is any hip gyration involved in the hug, then yes, Cosmo, you are right on track.

Alright ladies, what’s your fave hugging style? Do you think that guys go home after Beat the Clock and intently discuss their elbow placement during your embrace? Yea, me neither…

ظهرت المغنية/الممثلة Sung Yuri في جلسة التصوير الأخيرة بالتعاون بين ماركة الماكياج العالمية Sisley و Cosmopolitan.

Allkpop

Girl friends, this is for you (so you can stop bugging me, thank you)! Your XXX questions answered by men in Singapore. Sick of magazines that only give you the dirt on what men in other countries think? Here’s where real-life down-to-earth Singaporeans (it might just be the friend beside you!) answer relationship questions thrown at them. This week, being the first week, I decided to start mild, so keep reading if you want more juice. 4 guy friends (different type & age) of mine candidly answered 12 same questions. Let’s roll into their supposedly simple minds.

X Rookie Hot

1) What type of PJs do you like your girl to wear?
Shy & ambitious, 2o: Something not too mature, comfortable material, something that reveals more skin. (e.g. matching shorts and spag, satin nightie, sleep tees) Refrain from long pants unless its cold.

Self-sufficient, 23: No preference.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Er.. actually i have no preferences since I dun wear PJs myself. I guess she can pretty much wear anything she wants.

Fat ass, 33: Just a large tee.

Caring, 42: An over-sized tee shirt. Only.

2) What makes a girl hot?
Shy & ambitious, 20:Its crap when they say its her character that makes her hot. Girls are hot when they dress well, put on nice makeup, reveal more skin and being confident of herself.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Charisma

Fat ass, 33: Pheromones

Caring, 42: Understanding and caring!

3) Why is it that guys are always nice to other girls?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Its not true. Guys are only nice to pretty girls because we are guys.

Self-sufficient, 23: Hot girls specifically, because we are wired that way

Nonsensically witty, 24: To make their girlfriends jealous.

Fat ass, 33: That’s because he’s an asshole, run.

Caring, 42: Can be nice to girls, it’s my nature what and that doesn’t mean I’m a flirt. A guy should be nice to girls cause we respect them. I’m only nice to them if rhey’re my wife’s friends.

4) When a girl makes the first move, it’s..
Shy & ambitious, 20: Thrilling, encouraging and shy.

Self-sufficient, 23: A keeper.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Kinda exciting actually. It’s always nice when a girl plays naughty by being unconventional.

Fat ass, 33: Show confidence, courage, spontaneous, she know what she wants. It makes perfect sense, cause would you rather wait for the left overs to pick you, or you would you rather pick first?

Caring, 42: Turn me on for sure

5) Why do guys like to control what we have to wear?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Guys are selfish when it comes to gfs. No over-revealing clothes because they don’t enjoy letting other guys stare at her or getting a free show.

Self-sufficient, 23: I don’t.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Because we care how you look.

Fat ass, 33: Does not apply to me, my gfs have complete control over what they wanna wear, reveal as much as the law allow, unless what she wear is totally fugly. I mean if she wears like a rebina berry, i’ll protest!

Caring, 42: Other guys do that, but I don’t! They don’t want them to show too much flesh to others.

XX Blazin Hot

6) Have you ever lied about the number of girls you’ve slept with?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Nope.

Self-sufficient, 23: No gf.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Nope. Don’t have many so no reason to.

Fat ass, 33: NO cause I do not keep a black book, and I see no point remembering all of them. Don’t worry it’s not that many.

Caring, 42: To my wife, yes! To myself, no! Lol!

7) Is there a limit to how many guys your gf have slept with?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Yes, at my age. 0. If there is, I rather not know.

Self-sufficient, 23: Yes, none

Nonsensically witty, 24: I probably wouldn’t want to know. But if i had to put a number i would say 2?

Fat ass, 33: Yes, the limit is as long as you can remember how many and who. if you cant? Good luck, sounds like a gang banger.

Caring, 42: Hey, she doesn’t bother to ask me about my past, Why do I need to ask her about her past? What has been done is not an issue anymore! It’s the future that I’m looking forward to!
On a scale of 1-10, how important is it to marry a virgin?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Ermmm. 7. She cannot have too many different partners before.

Self-sufficient, 23: 8

Nonsensically witty, 24: 1. Virginity is overrated.

Fat ass, 33: Well, 0

Caring, 42: 1! I’m not a virgin myself!
9) Is it easier talking to a girl on a ONS (1 night stand) or when you’re in a relationship with her?
Shy & ambitious, 20: In a relationship.

Self-sufficient, 23: Never had a ONS.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Definitely on a relationship since u already pretty much know the person’s interest and you probably got together because of certain common interest. ONS needs no words to be spoken anyway.

Fat ass, 33: It’s a silly question, it all depends on who, everyone is different, some you just meet talk alot and sex after, or you meet some one, you dun talk at all but end up having a ONS. or you could talk alot in a relationship, or just have a pretty quiet relationship.

Caring, 42: ONS girl is easier of course. ONS is all about having sex and forget about it after that. When I’m in a relationship, sex is never the 1st thing in my mind. I just want to enjoy her company and let her know she’ll be the girl of my life.

XXX Atomic Hot

10) Are there things you’d do on a ONS and not in a relationship?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Breaking up and feeling awkward the next morning.

Self-sufficient, 23: Never had a ONS

Nonsensically witty, 24: Not sure.

Fat ass, 33: Yes, Blood test for ONS.

Caring, 42: Dirty talks and do the things I always wanted to do during sex. In a relationship, I’ve to respect my girl and not force her to do things that she doesn’t like.
11) What’s the difference between having sex while single and sex in a relationship?
Shy & ambitious, 20: Having sex while single has no romance involved.

Self-sufficient, 23: Commitment.

Nonsensically witty, 24: Having sex while in a relationship feels like a connection between two lovers while for singles its just a satisfaction for a momentary need.

Fat ass, 33: Hum…….you lose all your f*** buddy once in a relationship. But it depends.

Caring, 42: Then, tell me the difference between having sex and making love?
12) Have you ever paid for sex? DON’T LIE
Shy, Ambitious, 20: Nope.

Nonsensically witty, 24: No

Fat ass, 33: No, they were paid for

Caring, 42: No! If I can have sex for free, why pay huh? Phobia over people who sell bodies for $. But all my guy friends have paid for it.

—

The end! Let me know if I should do one answered by babes (No guarantee I’m one of the interviewees, haha). Or you can always drop me the questions you want answered at hazelhearts@gmail.com!

Peace & love

The Karen Millen  limited edition Ruffle Dress is now available online again! After selling out within 2 days, this dress has certainly been demanding attention! We loved how Cosmopolitan styled it down with a leather biker jacket in this beautiful shot.

Buy the dress in pink or black here…

Saíram mais algumas fotos do Kellan, do ensaio fotográfico que ele fez para a revista Cosmopolitan. Está com uma menina bem exótica, que eu estou com uma invejinha dela até agora só por estar do lado desse homem mas ok. E pra ele eu não vou poupar elogios, sério, depois do Rob Patz ele é a coisa mais charmosa de New Moon. Se vocês não acreditam em mim, só dá um look nas fotos. Babei muito.

The December ‘09 issue of Cosmopolitan features a 48 page supplement called CosmoRocks featuring all things music, and clearly that can’t be a bad thing. I shot a series of portraits featuring SA performers getting all the right kinds of press. See some outtakes from the shoot here. Featured were Bongani Fassie, Thandiswa Mazwai, Jesse Clegg, Jamali, Taxi Violence, Erica Elle, Ashtray Electric and Zubz.

Now I can’t get that Lily Allen song out of my head and I’m completely fine with that.

When I was watching Twilight for the first time, something really caught my eye: Yeah, Rob did, of course^^ But that’s actually not what I’m aiming at right now. No, what I want to talk about today is something else (also because we really talked loads about Rob lately, and we can’t risk the possibility of all this attention getting to his head, you know!!). I wanted to slaughter Cathy’s work some more go on about the really awful so-called “special-effects” in Twilight! Because they just pop up in regular intervals all the time and kind of make the whole thing more funny than it’s actually supposed to be. I mean, it’s such a good story, and then – well, along comes Cathy, and it just gets…. ridiculous!! But at least that means we can hope for some better effects in New Moon, put our trust in Chris Weitz. So, in honor to the premiere of New Moon, and Soul and me being stuck here having to wait 5 more days to see it, here a selection of our favourite “Awful Special Effects in Twilight” – and therefore, what we hope not to see again in New Moon!! Here we go:

1. First to be mentioned, the all time favourite: The “Glittering-in-the-Sun”-Effect!! It goes like this: Dramatic music, Edward in the woods, looking hot like ever, the atmosphere tense and spooky…and then Edward steps into the sunlight, we all know something meaningful is going to happen now, and then….

Edward sparkling in the sun!! Very attractive, and especially manly.

Well – he turns around, and you hear bells in the background!!Yap, bells. I mean, I can’t blame any guy who watches this and says “Gosh, that’s kind of gay!!”. Because it is. And what’s even worse – I noticed that most people who haven’t read the book before don’t even get the point of this scene! So I had to explain a couple of times that Edward is actually supposed to glitter in the sun, and not to “ring in the woods” or whatever^^

2. Edward’s “Take-Off-Scene”: The one in which Edward is running in the woods, carrying Bella on his back, and then suddenly – takes off!! Well, I know he’s strong and fast and stuff, but can he also fly now? Or I mean, what else is that supposed to be? He’s running, and running, and running…. and then he just leaves the ground, and even keeps moving his legs!! Aaaah, it’s so ridiculous!! Even Edward can’t look good (or at least not as good as usual^^) when he’s hanging around in the air paddling with his legs^^

3. In this context, the famous “Hold-on-tight-Spider-Monkey”-Scene: Honestly, “Spider-Monkey”!! Purlease!! That moment kind of destroyed my perfect picture of Edward (well at least for like 3 seconds), he just can’t say something that stupid!! Well no one should, actually, but especially not Edward^^ Or imagine, what else is he going to call Bella if they should (finally) ever end up in bed? His little Butterfly-Koala? Or his dear Bumblebee-Pony? Better not think about it^^ But what you should do: Look up “Spidermonkey” on urbandictionary, article no. 4….

4. The “Bella-as-Amateur-Model”-Scene. Where Bella steps into biology-class, and sees Edward for the first time!

Bella trying to look like a model...

So is it just me, or isn’t it just a bit to much: Bella walking in slow-motion, turning around graciously to face Edward (come on I thought she was supposed to be clumsy!!) and on top of it all, it just happens that there’s a ventilator in the background, blowing her hair enticingly around her face….!! I know, the scene’s supposed to show how Bella’s scent is being blown to Edward’s direction, and it’s very important for the plot, and blablabla, but actually it looks a lot more like some 12-year-old’s try to look like the woman on her mum’s latest issue of the Cosmopolitan.

5. And of course, the “My-Friend-the-Cactus”-Scene: Bella stepping out of Charlie’s car in Forks for the very first time, carrying her little cactus!! It’s actually not a special effect, yeah, but it’s a ridiculous scene that couldn’t be left out here^^

"Bella's Cactus", the new It-Accessory - Get one, NOW!!

And again, of course it’s got a deep meaning for the plot and is supposed to be symbolic for Bella’s former life in Arizona, but aaah….It’s a cactus!! And she carries it!! Like it was her new DKNY It-Bag, or the totally hip accessory everyone needs to have now…. And then, Soul even told me lately that there were apparently rumours about another cactus-scene being planned to appear in New Moon, in which Bella is actually talking to the cactus!! Well, sure. I mean, after Edward left… why not take the cactus instead?^^

So,  we’re excited about what we’re going to see in New Moon, and let’s hope for the best!!

a

Off to send a little prayer in hope to safe me from another Spidermonkey-experience

ZeldaTheTwilightPrincess

a

So did anyone else notice the multiple awful special-effects in Twilight? What else did you notice? Which one was your favourite? Or did you possibly like the Spidemonkey scene, and imagine yourself with Edward calling you this ever since…? Hmm well if you do, I think I don’t really want to know…. but maybe Soul wants to, she’ll laugh her head off, so tell me, anyway!! Go for it and leave a comment!!

(images: google)

I have a confession to make… Although I am a woman, I prefer men’s magazines. And really when you think about it, what’s not to love? They have pictures of gorgeous, fit, half-naked men, excellent and interesting articles and give insight into the ever mysterious opposite sex.

But there is so much more to it than that. Every month I buy Cosmopolitan and Glamour magazines and I love them. In my opinion, Cosmo is mostly trash, well-packaged, but trash none the less. Glamour is somewhat more intellectual, but at the end of the day is still a woman’s fashion mag. Meaning, they feature a multitude of articles on skinny women, how to be skinny, how to be fashionable, how to land a man, how to not be attacked, murdered, date raped. WOW! It is hard to be a woman.

Let’s compare and contrast the December issues of Cosmo and GQ. Cosmo has Fergie (of Black Eyed Pea’s fame) on the cover and is advertising “His #1 Sex Wish”, Get Rid of Muffin Top”, “Colors That Make a Man’s Heart Race”, etc. While GQ has Tom Brady on the cover and is promoting him as “Comeback of the Year”, as well as “The Best Stuff of ‘09″ and “Our Obsession of the Year”. Maybe it’s not fair to compare these two, I probably should have used PlayBoy. But, these covers illustrate a larger point about how women’s magazines target our weakest link: our vanity and insecurity over our looks.

So, back to the main point. Why men’s mags are better. They convey the idea that there is more to be interested in than one’s looks. And this cannot be justified by a man vs. woman argument. Other fashion magazines such as Vanity Fair and Vogue have a large female readership and are not image centred. They actually feature interesting and cultural articles. But these are only two magazines out of how many? So why is it that I cannot read a woman’s magazine that does focus the majority of it’s space on how to improve my body or land a good looking man? I have a brain! I have interests other than looking pretty and getting a husband!

I guess I could read something else, but it’s just as well, I can’t wait for the January issues of Cosmo and Glamour, year long horoscopes anyone? Nothing wrong with a little trash now and than so long as it doesn’t define me or my gender.

No matter where we were born, geographically speaking, be it anywhere in this world, the only determining factor of what we are, is our genes. Apart from those genes, we comprise of millions of customs and rituals which were being followed, down the years by our ancestors and passed on to the descendants, and on each transfer somewhat of it was losing. Yes, through each generation aren’t we losing out on those practices exceptional and some not, by reasoning or science, laziness or lack of enthusiasm, lack of peripheral physical or mental? Today how many of us feel it is an imperative to keep the customs and traditions of our family alive? How many of us still have the sense of belonging, the kinship.

In this modern cosmopolitan mechanism, we tend to overlook or even forget those customs, those which were once an integral part of us and fail to pass it on completely since our children are in contemporary settings with largely heterogeneous society, where the mixed religion/caste/race background marriages is becoming more and more common. Parents in such cases prefer not to impose and overburden their children with all the customs from both sides.

I was only born in Kerala but I spent all my life in Delhi, till four years back when I moved to Germany. I must have visited my birthplace around 15 or 16 times in all, being kids we had no choice then, short of being dragged or handcuffed, me and my brother acquiesced each time. It took really long until we grew up to understand what it meant to have bathed in the nearby stream, spread out on paarapuratthu (rocks) waited for our goats to finish grazing, watched my grandmother fetch water from the well, running towards the backyard where the aroma of chicken being prepared filling the entire village, the walks and the thrill to reach the local movie theatre (of course thatched roof) through the paadams (paddy fields), savouring of pazham pori (banana fritters), dosa with chamandhi (chutney), kaapi (coffee) in local chaya-kada (teashop), finding film posters of Mohanlal, Mammutty, the superheroes everywhere, the hours and hours of bus-rides from paternal to maternal homes, the pamperings from relatives, hogging onto chakka, maanga, roasted cashews etc, lighting up the villakku at the dusk and waking up when radio played unfailingly Vande Mataram every morning at 6 am.

My parents followed all the Hindu traditions, customs and festivals, how deeply religiously cannot be measured, but they did so eventhough they lived in Delhi (thanks to temples and large population of Keralites) since they were in their twenties or even before, and we as children have almost entirely absorbed and imbibed all that we saw and heard. Onam, Vishu, Mahashivaratri amongst festivals, Chorunnu, Vidhyarambham, Iruvathattu (naming of baby on 28th day) amongst ceremonies are the prominent ones. I now feel it’s my moral duty to pass all these on to my children, who speak German as first language, English as second, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil yet to follow (not burdening extra languages at this juncture when my daughter has just turned 3). Should I say even the languages/mother tongue is also losing out (I am not perfect in Malayalam, my husband is not good in Tamil ). The tradition of buying malayalam calendar is definitely over as eventhough I could read somewhat but certainly never could understand the translation of months, zodiacs etc. I am glad as of now and so far so, I have been able to celebrate all the abovesaid festivals and ceremonies along with my children despite the non-availability of all the puja items out here. And I am sure when grow up, they too will realize the beauty, purity and significance of these rituals, their genes and instincts won’t fail them either.

First time I watched Chendavaadyam in a temple, I stood their unmoved obeying the deafening beats of the drums till the end, why and how was I relating to it is inexplicable. Howsoever modern or displaced your identity might have become, your five senses will never desert you. Smell will tingle your neurons, language will resound to reach your heart, the taste buds will perceive it, and sight will finally testify and shout out loud that you belong here.

Copenhagen Climate Treaty Spearheaded By Private Corporations

This isn’t about “kum ba yah” but about corporate socialism with the goal to restrict competition and consolidate money and power in the hands of a few.  Pushing the Climate treaty are international companies with no allegiance to any nation or creed. Coca-Cola, Newsweek, Discovery Channel, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, The Wall Street Journal and Clear Channel, Yahoo, Google and AOL push to cede our nation’s sovereignty.

Complete story at  http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=116310

Possible related articles:

• http://www.modernhistoryproject.org/mhp/ArticleDisplay.php?Article=NoneDare04#Corporate

As seen in Cosmopolitan

These cute Best Friends Forever necklaces from Gossip PR client Eclectic Eccentricity are making an appearance in this month’s Cosmopolitan.

Dear Reader,

Princess was in this place called The City tonight, doing some of her charity work. Tess had the wagon, driving some of her girlfriends around in search of a cool time, so it fell upon me to drive in and pick Princess up at nine thirty, when all her charity was scheduled to run out.

I took the wormhole in [that's the Eastern Freeway - Ed], and then snuck down this dirt track called Nicholson Street. I was getting toward the glitzy Victoria Parade end of things when everything suddenly livened up.

It’s hot, OK? Quite hot. So hot that my keyboard’s USB cable has gone all soft and flexible. So hot that my studio smells of the scented candle that’s not even lit. So hot that everyone in The City was driving with their windows down and their danders up.

As i’m crawling with the traffic down Nicholson, there’s all of a sudden this screaming. Some guy in the park there was going off his fricken head.

“Mwaa! Grrerp! Yeeearrrrch!”

Which got everyone’s attention.

“Hey! Hey! Mwaagreerunngngngngngng!”

Which got everyone annoyed.

“Hey, you!” Some guy in a red car yelled back. “Shut the fuck up!”

“Myaaaark! Gruuuuuung! Heeeeeeyerng! I’ve got a gun! I’ve got a gun!”

I was pretty sceptical that he had a gun for real. But this city has a history of crazy bastards taking out their inadequacies on innocent people in cars.

But i wasn’t worried enough to ziz up my windows. Not just yet.

People were walking around on the intersection ahead. Some one and a nother person had collaborated in a car accident, an achievement in which they seemed to now have only a dubious pride. There were suddenly sirens and ambulances everywhere.

“Hey! Hey! I’m HERE!” screamed the crazy bastard with the putative gun. He took off his shirt and lay down in the middle of Nicholson Street, hoping to attract some of the flashing light attention that was going around. “I’m HERE, you cunts! HERE!”

The traffic lights turned green and i drove carefully around the busted up cars, away from the crazy bastard’s attempt at psychotic Brechtian street theatre.

I parked a bit of a way up a dusty side lane called Brunswick Street and waited for Princess to ring me and tell me where exactly in the general area she was.

While i waited, a girl in a bikini walked past.

It was, remember, half past nine at night. And i was in The City; the inner suburbs part of The City. Generally not the usual place you find girls in bikinis.

Still, it’s hot, and people do some weird-arse things in the heat.

A few moments after the bikini girl shimmied past, all boobs-in-bags and naked belly, Princess rang and told me where she was. I walked there (it was only about five minutes away), and we kissed and i told her about all of my adventures as we walked back to Amber.

“See how exciting it is here in The City?” she said.

“Yeah. Shit i’m glad i don’t live here.”

Yours parochially,
Gullybogan

The new super-sexy partywear are sequins that sparkle and shimmer.

Louis Vuitton pair of shoes sparkling in gold sequin

Every high-street brand is following the revolution of the sequin that is rocking at the moment.

 From Primark to Gucci and Louis Vuitton, stores are shining with the new collections.

Marie Claire proposed on its December issue glamorous articles such as a £2,120 sequinned silk tulle dress from Emilio Pucci; a £2,360 beaded silk georgette top from Gucci; a £2,370 sequinned silk tuelle dress from Moschino.

With the message “Let It Shine”, Marie Claire makes chic high-streets simply shine.

On the other hand, Vogue proposed on its December issue bright sparks of gold sequins in a classy Louis Vuitton pair of shoes.

Moreover, Bazaar magazine tells how embellished pieces makes this collection bejewelled and  metallic. Proposing them not only as a look for evenings, but for fabulous days with a bit of distressed denim or a worn-in leather jacket.

At the same time, gives some affordable options for those who want to join this new metallic era, such as a £150 sequin dress; a £165 sequin flapper dress; and a £60 sequin top.

In addition, Georgia Jagger was destined to grace Vogue’s pages with her sequin looks that hit the fashion industry, becoming fashion’s new bombshell.

Sequin is sparkle anytime!

Georgia Jagger in Vogue shining in sequin

Georgia Jagger fearless of mixing sequin

Marie Claire proposing an Emilio Pucci sequinned silk tulle dress

Marie Claire proposing a Gucci beaded silk georgette top

I want to be a man.  If only so I can feel good about myself when reading magazines.  

I’m a smart, confident woman.  I subscribe to the Atlantic Monthly and Vanity Fair so I can stay abreast of liberal politics and sit in my “garden-level” apartment pretending to be an elitist, East Coast blueblood.  Lately though, I’ve been keeping up with women’s magazines for blog ideas.  And I gotta tell you, reading them makes you feel like dog doo. 

First are all those supermodels and actresses with their awesomely toned bodies, shiny hair and perfect skin.  Their photos are surrounded by tips on how we can achieve the look as if none of us have jobs or families to attend to.  Did you know Jennifer Aniston had two rice cakes and a teaspoon of peanut butter for breakfast?  When she wants to splurge, she eats bread.  Wild woman.  

Women have been kvetching about the impossible beauty standards set by ladies’ mags for ages.  But to me, the articles are the killers.  In the past month alone, I’ve found out my hair is unsexy (because it’s curly), stress may cause infertility and men’s midlife crises now start at thirty-five.  I read an advice column that screamed, “Help!  My Internet Boyfriend’s a Bisexual Cross Dresser” and another offering, “5 Signs You’re a Bad Co-Worker.”  And I thoroughly enjoyed reading the masterpiece, “Why I Stole My Best Friend’s Guy.”  As if skyrocketing unemployment and endless wars aren’t scary enough.  Now we have to fear our best gals mackin’ on our dudes.   

‘Course, in these mags, men are a bunch of selfish, untrustworthy hound dogs who either game-play their way into women’s undies or must be manipulated into relationships.  “Make Him Stay” and “Why Men Cheat” are constant titles, while the slew of articles meant to guide women through human relationships could be summed up by the headline, “Ten Things Women Do to Screw Up Their Relationships (and, basically, their lives…idiots).”  

The best article this week was a stunning piece of investigative journalism entitled, “Did You Know Your Vagina Can Fall Out of Your Body?”  Must be one of those secrets the medical industry keeps from us.  I can only imagine the conversations that’ll now take place across the nation: “You hear about Gwendolyn?  She was running to catch a bus and her vagina just popped right on out!”  

Ladies, we’re doomed.  If you believe women’s magazines, we’re all a bunch of horribly unfit, unlikable, deathly ill losers who no one will ever love.  And we can’t trust anyone.  Not men, not our friends and certainly not ourselves.  

Keeping oneself centered in the midst of life’s challenges is quite a feat, though usually I stay fairly balanced.  But now I find myself asking, “why don’t I look like an oiled-up Eva Mendes in my Calvin Klein skivvies?  Will the sunflower seeds I eat be linked to a healthier heart or leprosy?  And who really cares if stress causes sterility if your vagina’s gonna fall out anyway?”  

Ah, but men’s magazines.  What beacons of hope!  What tidings they bring of reassurance and good cheer!   

There’s Maxim, an orgiastic handbook of gadgets, cars, sports and half-naked starlets.  Maxim is like a guy’s frat brother urging him to have another beer (it won’t kill you), and offering tips on how to sneak out of the house or get his girl to shave everything “down there.”  

Then there’s Esquire.  I enjoy this one because their well-written articles treat readers as if they might have brains.  Tailored suits, expensive watches, fancy cars, high-end scotch and disrobing A-list actresses – Esquire’s world of men rocks.  No matter how chubby, boring or unsuccessful a guy is, reading it will make him believe he’s awesome.  They present cover boys like Matt Damon and Bill Clinton as buddies, and offer comforting words for men’s failings.  Romantic ineptitude, professional failure, erectile dysfunction – no worries, Esquire’s got your back. 

Reading the October issue, “The Feel Good Issue,” left me positively glowing.  Even before you open the darn thing, they’re already throwing roses at your feet.  The headlines on the cover offered readers the “Sexiest Woman Alive,” “Encouraging Words from President Clinton” and finished off with a “You Look Great, By the Way.”  Sure beats Shape’s, “Scary Truth about Germs.” 

Inside was a “Box of Permanent Joy,” which included ‘70s sitcoms and Mahler symphonies.  There was “A Guide to – and Celebration of – the Ablutions, Unguents, and Bathroom Rituals that Make Us Men.”  Wow, even their grooming practices are worth celebrating. 

Really, I love being a woman.  Though I love peeking into the world of men, I prefer taking on life as a female.  I only wish my magazines liked me as much as I like myself.

Image: via

Rene Russo For Cosmopolitan May 1976.

So I was watching Tough Love on Vh1 over the weekend, the reality show where 8 women are in a boot camp, receiving matchmaker, Steve’s, help in order to reform into a self loving, self sufficient and confident woman ready to fall in love with the RIGHT guy. The first episode of season 2 focused on first impressions.  First impressions are important in any case whenever you are meeting someone for the very first time.  In today’s age, people think they know everything about you just by your appearance, so making a good impression is imperative if you would like to continue any type of relationship with someone you just met. Cosmopolitan actually just published a recent study regarding the 6 things men notice about women when they first meet.  It’s good to know these things – especially if you’re single and want to mingle.  Keep reading below to identify whether you have everything on point.

1. Your Smile

Does it seem sweet and genuine? Does it seem awkward and forced? Does it seem like you ate a sesame-seed and parsley salad for lunch based on what’s lodged between every single one of your teeth?

2. Your Hair

Guys have no idea what split ends are, and if you mention roots, they just think of the band. But they do look to see if your hair looks 1. soft and 2. as though it would smell good. So don’t request “The Gosselin” at the salon, and wash it every so often. That’s all guys ask.

3. Your Cleavage

Newsflash: Dudes like to look at your chest. Now, that’s not to say they think all women should unbutton their shirts to their bellybuttons at funerals. (Though really, who are guys to judge?) But they will notice how you’re showing off what you’ve got.

4. Your Makeup

If you’re wearing so much makeup that it looks like you’ve painted an entirely new face on top of your actual face, guys will wonder if you’re trying to cover up some bizarre deformation—or if you’re Gotham City’s most dangerous criminal mastermind.

5. Your Skin

You know that blemish you’ve been obsessing over all day because it’s so huge? Chances are guys won’t even notice. What will they notice? If you look like a jaundiced Oompa-Loompa because of overenthusiastic tanning.

6. Your Bag

Are all women who haul around big purses—in other words, cavernous rucksacks stuffed full of old receipts, emergency sweaters, and half-used bottles of hand sanitizer—high maintenance? Maybe not. But guys will go ahead and assume they are anyway.

Today I bought the “Jolie”. Actually I wanted the “Cosmopolitan” but of course it was already sold out so I had to take the Jolie instead. Well, not the American version cause I’m currently not living in the US… and therefor won’t be able to watch New Moon until november 25th. Yep, you heard me right. My life sucks! But to distract myself from that I’ve planned some really great stuff for our blog, promise! So watch out!
But back to the Jolie… At home I discovered -I swear I didn’t see it before- that in there was an interview with Robert Pattinson. Headline: “Interview with a Vampire”. How very creative, like we haven’t heard that one about a million times before… I read through it and I couldn’t believe all the stuff they say about Rob. Or what Rob answered them. Or maybe what they pretend Rob answered. So without further adieu here come the most important FACTS concerning Robert Pattinson according to the (not so) fantabulous interview Jolie featured in their december issue (oh god please let there be ten, because I so love top ten lists…):

Probably the way Rob looks in the morning

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FACT 1: It seems as if you play yourself in Twilight (honestly Jolie, are you kidding me? Are you serious about that?)
FACT 2: If people would see how you look in the morning they would scream (Yeah, I totally would. Cause waking up and seeing you would so mean we spent the night together. A dream come true. So that would be worth a little screaming, right?)
FACT 3: Until your puberty began you thought you were a girl.
FACT 4: You dressed up wearing your elder sisters’ clothes. While doing that you called yourself Claudia and braided your hair (Wow, how long was it if you were able to braid it? And Claudia? Is that your favorite name? I mean you could chose any name in the world and went for “Claudia”. This has to mean something, right?).
FACT 5: You think UGG Boots are ugly. (Be honest, is that because the wolfpack is wearing them all the time? Is this kind of a werewolf/vampire thing you applied to your real life?)

Perhaps the reason...

why Rob...

hates UGG Boots

FACT 6: You actually wanted to become a pianist but unfortunately weren’t good enough. (You could still be a musician! Only thing you have to do is to finally release a damn CD. You know everyone is going to buy it. All of your fans. Every girl in the world so to speak…)
FACT 7: You admire Van Morrison. So much you even imitated him, his mimics, the way he talks… just everything.
FACT 8: Another one of your idols: Daniel Radcliffe, because he knows how to cope with all his fame and insane awesome fans
FACT 9: You got a band called “Bad Girls” (Bad Girls? Really, you like bad girls? No problem, I could arrange something there ifyouknowwhatimsayin…)
FACT 10: You and Kstew are officially together. In real life. (Honestly? Are you sure? I mean there are pictures of the two of you holding hands but still… Kristen Stewart, seriously? I got beautiful long hair, not a strange grown out mullet… sorry, just saying…)

So Rob, did you really say all that stuff to the interviewer? Or were you maybe just hungover from too many Heinekens the night before? I cannot explain how I could ever got addicted to someone who once called himself Claudia but whatever, it’s too late to change that now anyway… at least I had a fun time reading all that crap they call an “exclusive interview”.

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Off to try on my bad girl costume
Saveyoursoul

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Did I mention anything that really shocked you? Or are you that well prepared when it comes to Rob and the press that you simply can’t be shocked anymore? Any other facts about Robert Pattinson you want us to mention or write a great post about? Yeah, maybe we will… just leave a comment or e-mail us!

(images: google and celebuzz)