Return of the 'Caveman' diet

Is dieting really a good way to maintain a healthy size? Weight management is challenging in itself, when it comes to dieting can the “caveman” diet justify its worth…

Dieting seems to be on the end of every ones lips at the beginning of a new year.  Picking the right one for you is the most important decision and being able to stick to it is a whole different story.  It’s time to take a look at Palaeolithic diet which stands for second part of the Stone Age and to see if it can be proven to be the most effective.

With eliminating most carbohydrates from your daily food plan it is most likely to be one of the best compared to such diets as Atkins, also known to be one of the strictest diets going.

Statistics show that 69% have switched to Paleo in the last 2 years and nearly 80% in   the last 3 years. 

A full 25% of Paleo people do not believe that it is sustainable to feed a large scale population.  56% of people claim to eat less than 50 carbs per day.  This low of carbs is a shocking amount for Paleo eaters. 

Gym manager, John Chand says “Three key factors needed for effective body growth is fat, carbs and protein. Many diets always eliminate at least one of the three.  Therefore our body cannot grasp a decent balance and an internal anatomy growth.  The bottom line is – distributing the right amount gives room for your body’s natural progress. When you eliminate one of the above your body then goes into shock level where it works on a certain goal such as weight loss.”

John also disagrees with “how Paleo categories all grains as there are lots of different aspect and elements to cover.  To starve yourself of grains is depriving yourself of bare body essentials.” For instance look white flour, cereal grains or unsweetened oatmeal – all a body builders stable, how can these all be put into the same category?

“The most determined of dieters are aged between 45 and 64, with almost a quarter spending up to a year slimming. In comparison, those aged between 18 and 24 are more likely to be yo-yo dieters, with a fifth giving up within a month.”- BBC News.  The Paleo diet, unlike most wide spread diets is rational and has encourages long-term health balance.  

The whole concept of this diet is completely based on how we use to live in the age of hunting and gathering our foods such as meats, fish, seeds, plants, fruits, nuts and vegetables.  There was no nipping down the local supermarket buying foods that contain hydrated oils, chemicals, preservatives and artificial ingredients. 

The book called Paleo Solution by Rob Wolf, (£14.99, Waterstones).  In it, Wolf explains from highly scientific point of view how the diet works and what it actually does to your body.  He backs his sources with scientists who are high up in their field. This book will help understand more about how certain foods are harming our body. 

Kay Howard who specialises as a dietitian known for her expertise and techniques of guiding people to weight loss is often a challenging task to get the best results her clients want.  “Personally I don’t condemn dieting- it means restricting yourself of food for some time.  I don’t agree with weight watchers either – it’s a way of being taught how to eat.  People in the end tend to go back – it’s not really a good idea to go back and forward off of diets.”

Different dieting programs that are based on Paleo, not only deals with weight loss but other issues one may have that include acne, athletic performance and diabetes.

Whatever you decide to do on the big diet debate - Paleo is definitely a huge one to opt for as the results can be phenomenal or maybe on the other hand not suit your body at all.  

Review- from Catwalk to cover- A Front Row Seat at the Exclusive Fashion Textile Museum in London

There can be only one place to visit in the next couple of months ahead.  The amazing experience of The Fashion textile Museum has opened the eyes of people from all walks of life to visit the spectacular work of catwalk photographers, backstage to front row and not forgetting street style from around the world.

The museum is located on Bermondsey Street an industrial area of London’s south Bank with lots of potential.  Rhodes found the opportunity to dedicate it to the global fashion industry of modern times.  Walking towards the museum I could sense an aura of a cultural corridor leading to wonderfully vibrant pink and orange painted building. Also surrounded by cafes, restaurants, hairdressers and pubs make the area even more welcoming. It’s in a hidden part of London; only by word of mouth such an event would be known which has a greater sense of exclusivity.

As the Fashion Textile Museum says - “The catwalk show is a relatively recent phenomenon in fashion history.  This exhibition enables us to reflect on its evolution as well as the power of the technology to capture the moment and allow everyone to take their own seat in the front row.”

Zandra Rhodes opened the Fashion and Textile Museum in May 2003.  After shortly having to shut down ~it re-opened in February 2008 under the ownership of Newham College who also ran an academy at the museum. "I am absolutely delighted that our collaboration with Newham College has led to the college purchasing the museum," says Zandra Rhodes, 1998.

"The innovative educational work that we have developed together now has a secure future here at the Fashion and Textile Museum. I look forward to championing the many exciting initiatives that will form part of this work in the coming years". Zandra followed on to say.

"Zandra Rhodes is a perfect champion for skills development in Fashion, Textiles and Jewellery in London, She is not only herself a product of the further education system but she has gone on to achieve the very highest accolades and levels of success. Her dedication to educational work through the FTM, which she established in 2002, has been exceptional,” says Newham College principal Martin Tolhurst. (1998). Also referred to as a champion, Zandra has accomplished a huge amount during her time in the fashion industry.

“The moment when a show transcends clothing and a designer’s vision becomes a cadence of true beauty ~ that’s what I enjoy seeing on the catwalk,” says Jefferson Halk (Co-founder of Dazed & Confused).  The build-up to the entrance was almost like a catwalk in itself.  From the moment of walking into the narrow corridor added heightened expectations once in the main hall everything became clear.  The music was more noticeable and the décor was airy and fresh.

Lighting played a great part in the setup of the exhibition ~ this definitely reflected what Hilary Alexander (Fashion Director, Daily Telegraph) said. “Being in the front is like a thousand-and-one-first nights, a seat at the opera, the ballet, and the theatre.  When the lights go down you never know what you are going to see “Encore.”

“The buzz of a catwalk show is like nothing else.  Being backstage with the models all lined up, ready to walk out in your collection feels so exhilarating.” Said Henry Holland. (Fashion Designer).  This was expressed in the whole layout of the museum ~ extraordinary how well the scene was set.  Although I would’ve liked to see more of this on audio- with several arranged projectors showing clips of the adrenaline building up backstage.

The first attraction which appeared to catch my eye was the transparent hangings from the ceiling.  Hung from invisible wiring the transparent sheets of photography were elegantly hung in an organised staggered row ~ the thought of being able to weave through images gave me the creativity to connect with each image.

 

The brightness of the museum had a great effect on the overall layout.  The spotlights draping from the ceiling and black empty frames hung to the side added to the atmosphere.  The spotlights tied in well with street theme which followed and attracted visitors upstairs.

Elegantly framed images were on either side of the main exhibition area, ~ featuring designers such as Dior, Galliano, McQueen and Theirry Mugler just to name a few at their very best.  14 mounted pictures on the wall, 9 mannequins all without shoes except for one.

On the upper floor the first thing I noticed was the dark celling which felt like I was entering somewhere exclusive such as a VIP area at a bar.   Diffusers were hanging from above, which gave a studio appearance. As I continued to stroll around, I came across a stack of old televisions-with images of models.  At first I walked straight past a stack thinking it was something to do with museum maintenance, the fact that it was part of the layout didn’t cross my mind straight away.  The way in which the televisions were stacked made it look authentic ~ the old boxed tellies gave the impression of an edgy aura.  On the other side of the museum shiny white backdrops with images from various designers and echoed a photography studio.  Arranged around the backdrops were chiffon curtains which added to the light and airy mood.  Staggered in the centre part of the room were boxes – with magazine articles pasted on the front of each box. This observation was very creative as the articles that were relating to what was being presented in the box made it more interesting to look at.  The elegance and the placing of these display boxes looked exclusive; it was all about Prada in this display

Created and designed by the Ricardo and Victor Legorret the building was once an old cash & carry.  The cleverly designed warehouse conversion featured the main exhibition hall, a textile studio, a printing workshop, a café/shop and private quarters on the two upper floors.

The exhibition was curated by a photographer ~Dennis Nothdurst, therefore its focal points are based on four indispensable photographers. Just to name a few ~ one of the first famous featured photographers is Kristin Sinclair, who’s a successful fashion photographer best is known for her fashion shooting documentaries and celebrity pictures.  For the past seven years she has attended shows held in New York, Paris, London and Milan.  She has shot at the top international shows.  Much of her work featured in magazines such as British Elle, Vogue, Grazia and collections not forgetting her online presences.

Shortly after completing her BA Hons in fine Art, Kristin moved to London in 2001.  Gaining her experience through working with photographers helped her get where she is today.  Anthea Simms was the first professional photographer Kristin worked for.  Seven years along the line Kristin decided to carry on shooting documentaries at shows and along with private events for the likes of Miss Selfridge, Louis Vuitton and Arcadia.

Chris Moore has got to be one of the most well- known fashion photographers in the UK.  Chris Moore launched himself in fashion at the tender age of 18 as a photographer’s assistant at Vogues in-house studio.  Working alongside Cecil Beaton and Norman Parkinson in the 1960’s he focused on Ready to wear collections in London, Milan the New York in 1980’s.  His work was displayed in thick black frames, with individual spotlights above each picture.  The way in which Moore’s captured every image was incredible.  Moore’s work played a huge part in the exhibition and was definitely worth coming to see.

Be warned if you are into the journalism or editorial side of things, you might not be that impressed. FashionBite blog said - “If you’re entrenched in the fashion world, you may find the descriptions a tad obvious but as an introduction to the various aspects of the catwalk show it’s very good. And if you are entrenched in the fashion scene, it’s worth going to see for all the amazing images.” It’s still a must-see exhibition as there are lots of quotes from the photographers, journalists and designers organised around the hall.  I must admit I did enjoy taking my time to read all of them as it gave me a real insight into what it’s like to be involved in such shows- a feeling of rawness to sum it up!

Wolf themed photo-shoot

Photo-shoot Fun

JASDIP SAGU SHARES WITH US HIS EXCELLENCE IN BECOMING A DETEMINED AND DRIVEN INDIVIDUAL WHO BELIEVES THERE ARE NO LIMITS.

Interesting words from an up and coming photographer – Jasdip Sagu who is a semi-professional photographer whose business expanded at the age of 21.  Here he tells us a little about his lifestyle as a young photographer and how he deals with high competition the competitive nature of the photography industry. 

At twenty-four years old, just out of a dead end job and with no real knowledge about the working world, the aspiration of starting his own business was probably the last thing on his mind.  However Jasdip did exactly that and pursed his career and direction in a world of snap shots.  Although photography may seem like all fun and games, he is still determined to achieve the best and his business is still at its most powerful.

As a youngster Jasdip loved art and music, but it wasn’t until 2008 he started taking photographs. “I would attend family events and weddings and take pictures, then straight away post them on Hi5.  I got thousands of views a day and tons of comments, “That’s what drove me towards photography.”

Based in East London, Jasdip now travels all over the UK to attend shoots and he will soon be exploring Scotland and Ireland for weddings after completing a mini course that specialises in such occasions.  Pretty good for someone who is only 24 years old.  His first shoot was with a modelling agency that he teamed up with to make sure both sides got what they wanted from the shoot.  The outcome was the princess and the frog image – A picture showing this is of Sally (picture to the above)  the agency was happy with the photographs and Jasdip could be sure he was getting paid.

Not until Jasdip went travelling, and captured a picture of a guy with a wonderful looking hat and goldfish bowls for earrings, – that’s when he had that blitz of inspiration and got the old man to pose for his picture.  Soon after he made his own studio in the basement of his house, having that extra space was perfect (Picture to the right).

Jasdip began to get serious about his photography career; his passion drove him to making up his own studio in the basement of his parents’ house.  He made use of this space and wanted it to be professional as possible. He experienced a slight hiccup when inviting his first client round.

“Nothing embarrassing has happened, apart from my studio lights not working.  After around 20 minutes of trying to get it to work and phoning around I luckily manage to get it to work!  Not only that the female models are often surprised as most of them expect a female photographer but instead get a male photographer.”

“I set up my own business when I was 21. It was quite a big challenge as I hadn’t really done it before – with not much experience in the photography world.  The number one perk of owning your own company is that you get to be your own boss.  So you can work at a steady pace.  Although running your own business isn’t all happy times – being motivated and having that determination to push yourself is highly important as you have a lot of responsibility on your head.”

“If I wasn’t a photographer I would probably turn to architecture – However I don’t see myself stuck in an office doing the average 9-5, this is what I’ve been longing for and now that it’s happened I can’t bring myself to having any other career.”

His main inspiration for a shoot and to build a recognised portfolio comes from all walks of life. Anything from magazines, films, interiors or even his everyday lifestyle of meeting new personalities – once he gets that spark the idea is continuous from that point on.

Although his love is for people and capturing “high fashion shoots with gorgeous models of different races & sizes!” He aims to get the full glory and lets the personality shine through when taking pictures.  No matter what his model is always the centre of attention.  

His favourite picture is one he calls “Sense of Tranquillity.” He took the photograph at 5:30am on a quick point and snap shot.  “I am very pleased with the image and the detail, as it was a spur of the moment thing.  Luckily I didn’t miss my coach back to the airport.”

This simple photograph has turned into a popular buy for his customers who often request it on a  canvas or large print.  Jasdip believes this goes to show how planning a shoot isn’t everything and that your creativity and imagination can also show the true attraction in the world.

When Jasdip had the tables turned and became a model for the day he took to it like a breath of fresh.  Wanting to know what it was like to be a model- he wore a sleek slim fitted grey suit, with a bright white shirt, black tie, shiny shoes and a very expensive watch! “I arranged this myself so I could see a sample of how other photographers work.  The photographer actually came across quite rudely and unprofessional.  However I have learnt where he was going wrong and where I aim to correct his mistakes and treat my clients kindly and with respect.

“I hardly ever have my picture taken as I’m the one who’s always behind the cam.  It would be nice to experience being in the limelight for the day, I think I would pull off being a model quite easily.” 

Like for many others, the digital age has provided Jasdip to get creative and showcase his work online. “Some company on Facebook were advertising a cheap deal so I decided to set up my own web page.  I believe a company can increase its chances of growth with the use of the Internet, it’s a terrific way to spread your name” With technology comes other aspects of using various software such as Photoshop. “Depending on the affect I want to achieve, I try my best to capture as much beauty on the shoot.  I like to enhance my pictures using Photoshop – not compose fake pieces of work.”

What advice would you give to up and coming young photographers?

“I have never done a photography course, I learnt everything myself, I brought myself a camera and learnt via trial and error.  Learning everything about your camera is vital, be different and most importantly be confident.”

Pure Philosophy

OUTSTANDING COSMETIC BRAND THAT RELEASES THE ULTIMATE IN SUPERNATURAL INGREDIENTS

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The supernatural airbrushed canvas spf 15 is one of the signature products that will complete your make up kit this winter. Leaving your skin looking smooth and soft - with a finished airbrush exposure. This magnificent powder contains a high-pigment, talc-free that conceals camouflages and protects your skin all in one. The container includes sponge applicator that makes it easy to buff powder onto skin which will leave a sheer, even coverage.  Some highly beneficial minerals have been added to the range:  Foundations and blushers are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides.
 With having done over 25 years of research the outstanding qualities of a well and truly paramount range that have attracted so many woman to Philosophy:  Eye-shadows, duo-blushers, bronzers and illuminating powders are all made from pure mineral powders.  You won’t be able to resist the supernatural gloss sticks:  Keeps the lips looking healthy and shiny with the right amount of colour and shine that contains:  Lanolin oil, seed oil, beeswax and leaf extracts.  Products are presented in sleek transparent cases and containers, some tubes have small poems to indicate where the inspiration has come from. Launch yourself into the party season, feeling and looking at your best, and that you know your skin is happy too.

 

Should Kate stub it out?

Kate doing what she does best to the extreme on 9th March 2011, blows the audience away whilst walking down the catwalk at Paris fashion week

According to newspapers Kate smokes 80 cigarettes a day.  After a three years she struts her stuff in skippy hot pants, laced blouse and kinky boots all by Louis Vuitton.

This is just another stunt to get  into the papers and get everyone talking about her.  She obviously doesn't give a monkeys, that's why she did it.  She's already told the world "I'm not a role model,"  which is why her rebellious side has made her more desirable and more talked about. It's just another part of a fashion statement.  Really does anyone care?.....her cocaine addiction got her far more publicity than this.  All the models smoke anyway to stay super slim!

 

God, apparently as a prank, devised two sexes and called them "opposite." The sex war has raged for 5,000 years. But surely it’s time we called a truce... starting with men negotiating their terms of surrender.

Great day today having Kathy Lette doing a talk. She was awarded an Honary Degree two years ago at Solent University as did Jo brand. To be honest I hadn't heard of her before, but she's such a talented writer/ novelist.  Some of her books  to look out for:

• To love honour and betray (till divorce us do part)
• How to kill your husband (and other handy household hints)
• Dead Sexy 
• Puberty Blues
• Altar Ego 
• Men - A User's Guide 

She came today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of international Women's day.  She's a strong, bubbly and humorous character with lots of  "girl power."  Her novels are based on her and her girlfriends over cappuccinos with girlfriends.

A Downfall moment in her career is when she turned down a date with George Clooney....yes George Clooney.  She wrote scripts for a sitcom one of them being "the facts of life" where Clooney happened to play a part in.  He asked her out but she just simply wasn't interested at the time!  When one of her  girlfriends pointed out he was on ER, she screamed at the top of her lungs!!!

Kathy says that the best thing about being a writer is that you get to work in your jammies all day, drink heavily on the job and have affairs and call it research!

She really has made my day today and I have learnt a lot about her.

 

Confessions of a blogger

Lucy Robinson who’s been represented by an actress Claire Wood in the documentary -she is a blogger for Marie Claire.co.uk.  Taking you through a journey of her virtual love story based on her blog, it’s a perfect example for EVERYONE looking for love virtually.

It has been said by C4 that seven million people signed up to online dating in 2010 and there were twelve million dates alone in the U.K.

Her readers are always the first to know about her dating events.  Many who plan a date normally get their hair done or something glamorous along those lines, but Lucy on the other hand gets straight to blogging about experiences.

Online dating is no longer glared upon; it’s become the latest trend to finding love.  Lucy is not new to online dating, so she wants her profile to come across as desirable.  Standing out from the crowd is a must in order to attract that certain man. 

As described by Lucy on how her inbox gets bombarded from men of all walks of life, she says how she finds it difficult to respond to men who write in text language and indicating they want the obvious.  Taking the time and effort to respond to a potential partner is important to bag yourself a date. 

For men its woman heaven, browsing through, exciting and beautiful ladies who want relationships, just at a click of a button. 

Not only that Lucy is aware of all the tricks, heard all the lies and seen all the misleading photos.  “Men lie shamelessly on their dating profiles, mainly about their height and interests - making themselves "look more alluring.” said by an interviewee.

 

Lucy talks openly to her readers and how she stalks her dates, what she goes through after a break-up and how she visits sites where women unite and talk about their recent heartaches.  Dumped.com is renowned to be number one when it comes to lonely hearts on the web. The expert support and advice helps to move on with your life. lol!

The documentary also features several online dating know-how women, giving an insight of their version of ups and down that adds a laughable side to the world of cyber dating.  It’s definitely a subject that most woman can related to in the 21^st century

Lucy continues to find love; it’s not ‘The Final Countdown’ until she finds her perfect match. 

You can watch it on 4OD

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/love-virtually/4od#3134156

Fashion Frenzy celebrity Galliano sacked after Anti-Semitic comments!

What’s the rant about?

Wow, what a shocker John Galliano fired by Dior just a day before Paris Fashion week.
Mr Galliano can be seen blind drunk at La Perle bar in the trendy Marais district of central Paris. The video was made public on Monday. 

Slur it out
 
The video caught Galliano saying:  "No, but I love Hitler and people like you would be dead today. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be gassed and dead.” This is an absolute disgrace if I do say so myself.  Just another stunt by someone who thinks they can. 

Bad books

Natalie Portman who won award for best actress was about to promote the perfume for Christian Dior.  Overwhelmed with what happened, in her own words she said:  “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by this, in light of this video and as an individual proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Galliano in any way.” 

What should Dior do?

Nothing -  it wasn’t their fault, they're the ones who should be most angered by Galliano for tarnishing the brand.  I still think a sincere apology should be coming from Galliano and not Dior.  If they did, it would make them look responsible for his improper actions.

Who’s taking over?

Rumors have it Riccardo Tisci or creative director of Givenchy will be taking the place of Galliano. Maybe this is what The House of Dior wanted all along; any slip up from Galliano would be an immoral way of getting him out the door. 

The question is did he really mean to say what he did? 

You know the saying “a drunken man’s words, is a sober man’s thoughts.”  Of course he meant it!  His pathetic excuse for an apology didn’t do him any justice at all.  TO THE POINT - it’s just another “superior” wanting a bit of lime light, there’s no better way to boast your celeb factor.  I'm pretty sure it will all blow over in a couple of years like any other attention seeking celeb incident.


Links:

·         http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8350738/John-Galliano-rant-caught-on-film.html

·         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GngFQLo8rIY

Oscars- what's the hype?

Natalie Portman won awkward for best actress for Black Swan and Colin Firth best actor for Kings speech.  These are the leaders of Oscars 2011. The 83rd Academy Award ceremony was held on Sunday 27th Feb in Hollywood.  100 million spent on Champagne for the stars and journalist.  Alot of effort goes into the ceremonies  to represent the extremely skill set actors. 

There were plenty of tearful speeches, not to mentions Firths humorous intro where he says: " My deepest thanks to the Academy, I'm afraid I'll have to warn you I'm experiencing stirring from the upper abdominal area that are threatening to form themselves in to dance moves."

The highlight for me and many others is the red carpet.  Gwyneth Paltrow says: "It's a bit nerve racking, a lot of people are watching and I just hope I don't mess anything up." Gwyneth Paltrow  choose an awesome metallic, shiny dress by Calvin Klein teamed up with gold pumps by Brain Atwood.  She wore brooch, earring and ring by Louis Vuitton's L'Ame du Voyage jewelry to finish.

Halle Berry looking super gorgeous at 2011 Oscars wearing a nude and crystal encrusted corset - Marchesa gown with organza and silk tulle ruffles. She paired her gown with exquisite silver jewellery and nude makeup.

Aishwarya Rai one of the most beautiful women in world made a stunning appearance in a a bronze
Giorgio Armani Privegown with rows of linear amber sequins and beaded detail at the waist. She paired her gown with Jimmy Choo clutch and glittering jewels.

Ash expresses how she feels about the ceremony "Its been an opportunity to come and see cinema on this part of the world.  I have been looking forward to the experience as I've never attended the Oscars before and very graciously the Academy invited me.  Me and Abhishek were here on a holiday, so we got  this invitation last minute."