The search is on for the face of "The Fashion Show 2012 at St Davids Cardiff

Fashion; the silent first impression. I love clothes, and I am constantly looking for something special that makes me so excited that I can't wait to wear it. However, majority of the time this is a rarity. The fashion industry is filled with beautiful size 8 (and smaller) women, which unfortunately does not represent a large proportion of the consumer market. 

As a young female who unfortunately is not blessed with a models figure, I find it hard to easily go out and pick up a fabulous item and have the confidence to wear it. I am constantly longing for the time where designers and stylists will realise that not everybody has the confidence to wear tiny hotpants, or bodycon dresses to keep up with the seasons styles, and look amazing. We all know that you don't have to be size 8 to be fashionable and most importantly confident, but there is no-one out there to demonstrate and flaunt that bigger is beautiful.Thankfully, St David's Cardiff is here to the rescue!

St David’s Dewi Sant, has launched a search for four real women to open the catwalks at The Fashion Show 2012 later this month. The centre is looking for four local women with a passion for fashion to be the first models to step onto the runway on Saturday 28^th April to kick off a weekend of free fashion shows highlighting all the hottest trends for this summer. 

The winners of the competition will experience a day in the life of a model, getting the chance to have their hair and makeup done professionally and have their outfits selected by stylist to the stars JP before taking to the catwalk. Each model will also receive a

St David’s giftcard so they can pick up some new season trends for themselves!

The lucky models will be showing off the summer collections from Ann Harvey and Dash and the show’s model caster is looking for women sized 14 and over who can confidently show real women how to wear the latest looks!

To enter women must send a headshot and full-length photo, as well as their dress size, height and contact details to marketing@stdavidscardiff.com by Monday 23^rd April. All entrants must be able to get to St David’s by 8.30am on Saturday 28^th April and be available until midday. The winners will be selected by the fashion show’s producer and model caster Vicki Jackson.  

So ladies, it's time to shake what your mama gave ya! ;) 

Katrina 

xx

For more information visit www.stdavidscardiff.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Don't Judge a Dog by its Breed.

Following the recent news story of the young girl who was unfortunately attacked by a Bull Terrier dog a few days ago, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is yet again experienced the wrath of the media spouting false accusations of the  entire breed. As many of you may have seen, or at least heard about, the complete slating of the Staffie on Lorraine Kelly's ITV1 show, stating that Staffies are "Dangerous Dogs" and how "You would never find an aggressive Labrador"

I really hope these people do not class themselves as experts, because this demonstration of complete  and utter ignorance proves they are not. Any dog can be aggressive, from the Staffie, and Rottweiler, right down to little Chihuahua's and Jack Russell's; it's all dependent on the owner, and how they choose to bring their dog up. 

Dogs learn by example, just like children. If you bring your child up to behave violently towards people, or things they do not like, then of course the child will grow up to be violent. Same applies to dogs - OF ALL BREEDS. 

Like many Staffie owners, I am completely fed up of uninformed, small minded people passing judgement on my beloved animals; who may I add are considered part of my family. A petition has been created to Stop Staffie prejudice on T.V, and would encourage you all to take a couple of minutes to sign it. Staffies rely on us, to give them a voice. 

Sign here at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-staffie-prejudice-on-tv/sign.html

From this, I have decided to share a story with everyone, boasting the amazing impact my two Staffie's have had on my life since having them. It's about time the Staffordshire Bull Terrier got some good press!

A year and a half ago I was crossing the road if I saw a dog coming towards me. Today, I’m cuddled up on the sofa with two Staffordshire Bull Terrier crosses, completely smitten with both.

Cynophobia is the extremely common specific fear of dogs, which can have devastating effects, limiting the sufferers contact with dog-owning friends and relatives, and restraining on their daily lives. The phobia is usually caused by a negative encounter with a dog, probably in childhood, however this is not always the case.

When I was fourteen, I was bitten by a dog. Not by a massively big dog, nor was it a nasty bite; but enough to put the fear into me. In severe cases of Cynophobia, sufferers cannot even look at a picture of a dog, or see them on T.V without experiencing palpitations, sweating, even fainting. Fortunately, I was never that bad. I have always loved animals, even dogs, and it always sickened me to hear of animal cruelty, but there was never anything I could do, because of my phobia.

A couple of years ago, we decided to get a dog. My dad was desperate for one, and I really wanted to get over my fear. As they say, to get over a fear, just face it. So that’s what I did; with a five year old Doberman/Rottweiler cross rescue dog. She was gorgeous, attentive, strong, and completely in love with my dad. But I was petrified. Granted she probably wasn’t the best dog to try and get over my fear with, but I jumped into the deep end…. And drowned. Five days into our trial period, we had to take her back. We were gradually learning her habits and personality traits, along with her abusive history to which were not told when we adopted her. It was all too much to handle and I even couldn’t cope being in the same room as her on my own.

It broke my dad’s heart to let her go, but he knew deep down that it wouldn’t have worked out. I felt really bad for him because I knew how much he loved that dog, even within those few days. I began wondering what it was that made me so scared of her. She had never shown aggression to any of us, not even to people who visited the house, but there was clear barrier I just couldn't pass.

After a while I decided to look into Cynophobia, and how to overcome my fear. There were plenty of companies who were extremely willing to take my money to help with this; however none could guarantee positive results. There were handbooks, DVDs, CDs, hypnotherapy sessions; the list was endless. But none convinced me that they would work; maybe due to my own cynical outlook on these things.

My research led me on to dogs themselves. I read success stories of people who had rescued abused and homeless dogs, and learning about dog behaviours, and meanings behind their actions. I began to understand dogs a bit better and gradually I was starting to become more relaxed around the four legged animals.

It wasn’t long before we decided to try again with having a dog; but this time it was puppies; two to be exact! At six weeks old Marley and Roxy were the new additions to the Dallimore household. We bought books, and DVDs and watched television programmes to educate ourselves about Staffordshire Bull Terriers; their heritage, personality traits, health, and what we should expect from them. 19 months down the line and they’re still as adorable as they were when we first got them, but more importantly, I’m completely fearless!

Me and my boy <3

I believe fear is due to the unknown. I had never taken the time to sit down learn about these animals, and so never understood them. Now, I can honestly say that I am not scared of dogs; I love them! I have learnt about Staffordshire Bull Terriers in particular, and believe they are one of the most intelligent and docile breed of dog around; despite public opinion. I have come so far with getting over Cynophobia, that I now volunteer at Bath Cats and Dogs home!

Roxy Baby <3

So anyone suffering from Cynophobia out there, I completely understand how you feel. I may not have suffered from the phobia as badly as some, but I know what it feels like to be so terrified of something, that you don’t know what to do with yourself. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! If you really want to get over it, then try learning about dogs. The unknown is always a scary and daunting place, but with a little knowledge and understanding you may realise that dogs really are man’s best friend. Treat them with respect, and you’ll reap the benefits tenfold.

I urge each and every one of you critics of the Staffie, to spend a day with one. Learn about them, understand them, and then maybe you'll understand why people want to own such a beautiful, loyal, devoted, and forgiving dogs. 

Please don't forget that not every dog is lucky to have someone to love, and there are still people out there who use the Staffie's loyalism, and strength for their own personal entertainment.  

And Don't Forget to Sign The Petition!! 

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-staffie-prejudice-on-tv/sign.html

Cardiff's Peppermint Bar and Kitchen Review

After a rather unpleasant experience in Zinc on St Mary’s Street a fair few months ago, I was delighted with its replacement; Peppermint Bar and Kitchen. Already well established in Swansea, Peppermint offers a fresh, stylish and classy venue, with a selection of classic and signature cocktails, a great shooters menu and lush fish-bowls! Fridays promote classic RnB music which guarantees an "Oh I love this song!" moment, every time the song changes, whilst Saturday plays all the current chart songs.

On my bank holiday booze-fest in Cardiff the other weekend, I was ecstatic to finally find a bar which not only serves tasty cocktails, but a place where I could enjoy a chilled night out with my friends without having to hit the clubs, and not have the ‘undesirable’ company which graced Zinc with it’s presence before, ruining the atmosphere.

I do not own this image

Whilst I was there I sampled a few (take that as you will) of the cocktails. My favourite being the Banana-Colada; a banana take on the classic Pina-Colada, obviously. Delicious and easy to drink, but doesn't mix well with a few double Vodka Redbulls beforehand! Some of their signature cocktails were jam based; and even served in a jam jar! Unfortunately due to my peculiar and rather annoying allergy to raspberries I am limited to what I can try, but I have a couple of reliable sources who say their cocktails were just as luscious too!

The bar staff seem friendly and know what they’re doing, and are quick to serve you. Even the bouncers are sociable creatures! The only downside, is the size. It is rather small place and doesn’t really accommodate for the sudden urge to show everyone that it was you that taught Beyoncè everything she knows, after about four, easy to drink cocktails. Nevertheless, you can always find somewhere, whether it be the floor, a chair, or a table (I wouldn’t recommend the latter two) to make a fool of yourself on.
So to anyone who is looking a change to from the usual Lloyds Bar, Fat Cats, or Varsity, and wants some good times, some good drinks, and a good atmosphere, then I suggest Peppermint. It's free to get in and the drinks prices are fairly reasonable too! I enjoyed it so much, that I spent my whole three day bank holiday weekend going to there every night! I need to try it in the day time too, so if anyone has gone there I'd be interested to hear what you think about it!



But in the meantime......Mine’s a cocktail if you’re buying ;)

Designer Boot - Cardiff

Monday saw the return of the Designer Boot in Cardiff; a quarterly event that gives ladies a place to sell on high quality clothing, shoes, jewellery and accessories and also a perfect opportunity to pick up a bargain.

I had never been to one before so I was excited to the prospect of finding a gorgeous designer piece at a fraction of what it was originally bought for, plus I just can’t resist a bargain!

Hosted at The Potted Pig and tickets costing £5 on the door (£3, if you get your name on the guest list), Designer Boot offers an avenue for ladies to streamline, and de-clutter their wardrobe, and thankfully for them, I was there to take some of their items off their hands!

With rails filled with beautiful designer dresses, tables laced with elegant jewellery pieces and shoes screaming to be filled with my feet, it was literally a haven for anyone who can appreciate beautiful clothing.

Also, there was a chance to have a bit of pampering too, courtesy of Liberty Spa, who were offering threading, lash extensions, manicure, pedicure and eyebrow shaping, all at discounted rates! :)

After getting a glass of wine from the bar, myself and my friend made our way around the sale and began to discover how inexpensive these pieces were, and couldn’t quite believe why they wanted to sell such lovely items!

After trying on masses of clothes, I decided I had to be sensible in what I decided to buy… otherwise I think I may have bought everything in sight! In the end I decided on the three fab pieces;

A striped Nicole Farhi cowl neck top (something which I have been looking for anyway!)

A Rod Beattie beach cover up (although, with the right accessories could be warn as a cute day dress too)

And a gorgeous, and probably my favourite Opera Prima feather clutch bag.

 All for a staggering price of £15! Amazing.

I cannot wait until March when the next Designer Boot hits Cardiff again. I highly recommend attending one, because you are sure to find a little treasure and it won’t cost you the earth either.

Here are a few pictures from the evening…

Beautiful Bags

So many rails of gorgeous dresses like these

Liberty Spa beauty corner!

Sparkles!

Just in time for Christmas :)

xx

The final pictures can be found on Designer Boots facebook page.. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Boot/221342011232293 as they own these images.

Site Launch - Designer to the Rescue!

Design has never come easy to me, so when it came to designing my new blog, I stumbled at the first hurdle. With platforms such as Twitter though, I was able to find a number of people who were will willing to help me design my blog for me. However, this obviously came at a hefty price.

I work alongside graphic designers, and so know how talented these people are, and how much effort they put into their work. I suppose I could have asked one of them to do it for me, but with the lead up to Christmas, work is absolute manic, and couldn’t bring myself to ask them to do even more work, outside office hours!

Nevertheless, there was one company who was prepared to help me out. Found through Twitter, Site Launch is an American company based in Atlanta GA, which was founded in 2011 to help individuals and small business build professional websites. After a few emails, Nathaniel Deal, company owner, was able to track down a few sites for me with pre-made templates which fitted my criteria I sent to him.

I do not own this Image

This gave me plenty to look through, and it wasn’t long before I was making lists of all the designs I liked. I finally managed to narrow it down to the one you see now. However being the complete technical dunce that I am, I had no idea how to upload it!

Fortunately Nathaniel was there to my rescue, and within minutes uploaded my design for me. Now, I have a beautiful looking blog (which I hope you will all like!).  

Site Design say “Our sites are custom designed for the client and are optimized for search engines; which means that a site designed by them has a far better chance of attracting new visitors and customers. We also take the time to help bloggers and start ups establish a presence on the web even if they have little money. We love to give back to the community whenever possible.”

I am very grateful to Site Launch and particularly Nathaniel for the effort he made, to help an amateur like me, start up on my blogging venture. It just shows, that it doesn't matter where you are in the world, help is always at hand :) 

Website http://www.site-launch.com/

Lazy Sundays

 <3

xx

Crabtree and Evelyn Save the Children Christmas Event - Cardiff

I do not own this Image

Crabtree & Evelyn will be hosting a Christmas event on 6 December, in aid of Save the Children.

It should be a fabulous

I do not own this Image

 evening, with festive fizz, nibbles, and pampering. And if that wasn’t enough, there's a chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping with 15% off Crabtree and Evelyn's products on the night!


The team is hoping to raise over £500 for Save the Children, so head down to help support them. 

Tickets are £5, so pop in store to find out more about it! :)

And if you need any more persuading, check out my product reviews below, and maybe you might find something you might like :)