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Photo: Georges Biard / Wikimedia Commons

Swedish label Acne has recently opened a store in London. The brand, which is known for its quirky edge, has many fans, including pop star Kylie Minogue and the fashion features director of Vogue magazine, Harriet Quick. Acne stands for Ambition to Create Novel Expressions, and the brand aims for a look which is minimal and sleek with a bit of a modern grunge edge. Acne’s London shop, or ‘studio’, as they refer to it, will be their largest store, which will stretch over four floors. (more…)

Photo: FoundryParkInn / Flickr

Have you ever wondered what people did to look after their skin before the time of mass-produced cosmetics? Most people are so used to buying facial care products in a shop that the idea of cheap, easy-to-use natural skin care alternatives lying around at home seems a bit too good to be true. But if you read the labels of many well known face creams you will see ingredients like ‘papaya extract’ or ‘fruit acids’ are a common feature. So why not go straight to the source, cut out artificial additives and use the natural goodness of a fresh fruit facial in your skin care routine? (more…)

Photo: moonjazz / Flickr

If you love fishing but have something of a guilty conscience about your favourite hobby, remember that there are plenty of things you can do to make sure that your fishing is ethical. Doing the right thing when it comes to fish doesn’t have to stop with those who use fishing equipment, though – everyone who enjoys a fish supper can do their bit to ensure that nature isn’t harmed in the making of a tasty, fresh meal. (more…)

Photo: thatcanadiangirl / Flickr

Childhood nostalgia can be awakened in many ways. Just a small refrain of music, a glimpse of an old picture, or the forgotten yet familiar taste of a childhood treat can bring back a flood of memories. One of the most memorable delights of summer in the 1980s was the SodaStream. Do you remember standing on the chair and pushing the button on the machine which made that loud, vibrating ‘whoosh’, and the thrill of sparkling bubbles appearing in the bottle? Who can forget the delicious sweet fizz in your mouth? (more…)

Photo: Traveller’s Tales

One of the most award-winning and popular children’s book series to date, JK Rowling’s Harry Potter titles have become mainstays of the literary world, and the subsequent film series firmly embedded the title into the annals of modern culture. The themes of adventure, good versus evil, friendship, and perseverance are relayed to readers and film audiences with every plot line. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

The garden is probably the first thing guests will see on arriving at your home, and it may be what leaves a lasting impression. If these visitors are home buyers, there’s a good chance that what they see in the garden will affect what they’d be willing to pay for a property. Even if you’re not thinking of selling, consider doing some home maintenance to improve the value of your home – you might just enjoy it, too. (more…)

Photo: Captain Catan / Wikimedia Commons

Jean Paul Gaultier’s recent couture show in Paris had an added surprise for its audience when Dita Von Teese stepped onto the catwalk in her trademark dramatic make-up and a skimpy Gaultier outfit. Even in a dramatic show featuring smoking and violin-playing models, the star managed to stand out and make a significant impression on everyone watching. Meanwhile, Von Teese also lent her image to another famous brand. (more…)

Photo: Markusram / Flickr

Shoes serve a very simple and important function: they help us to walk and run. But for many women, fashion and function are often at odds. The choice between wearing flat shoes or high heels is rarely a matter of comfort or practicality. And women rarely consider the consequences of wearing high heels when it comes to their health. (more…)

Photo: ShareGraphic

Giving gifts can be costly not just in terms of money but also because of the impact that the gifts and their wrapping can have on the environment. The good news is that with some creative thought and a little extra effort it’s possible to give gifts that are better looking, better for the environment, and just… better. (more…)

Photo: redeye^ / Flickr

Fairy cakes are not only yummy, they’re beautiful too. They’re perfect for an afternoon tea, a children’s party, or when you just have to have something sweet. If you’re intimidated by baking but wish you could make fairy cakes yourself, don’t fret. Here’s a guide to the perfect fairy cakes, with tips on everything from ingredients, to getting them to rise, to chefs’ baking secrets. (more…)