Ruby Room

The 20 best party dresses

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-21T14:00:00 00:00

With the party season almost upon us, it's time to snap up a show-stopping dress. From chic Chanel-inspired LBDs to sassy sequin shifts, get set to dazzle with our rundown of the 20 best party dresses.

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Confessions of...a domestic dominatrix

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-21T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Bizarre

When your 42 year-old husband ups and leaves you for a 21 year-old law student, it's big news in a tiny upper class Devonshire village.

A reputation in tatters and a ruined woman financially, I had to find a way of earning money to keep my house, car and possessions. The debtors were on my doorstep and bailiffs were threatening to take everything I owned, it was time to pick myself up off the floor and get pro-active.

However, ever since I'd met my husband 20 years ago, I'd never had a job outside of the home. All I knew was how to starch a shirt, peel potatoes and polish silver - skills unlikely to pay my bills.

Then one night a middle aged bachelor from the village came over to console me and after one two many glasses of wine, he made his move.

I was taken aback and anger that he'd taken advantage of my vulnerable state combined with Dutch courage brought me to slap him hard across the face. But strangely, he seemed to like it.

He told me to do it again. So without thinking, I did. He laughed and flipped over onto his knees and told me to strike him across the bottom and call him a naughty boy. Which again, I did...but this time I was the one enjoying it.

Getting into the swing of it I went to the kitchen, found a spatula and ran upstairs to slip into some stilettos. Now I could really act the minx.

The next day I was devastatingly embarrassed and hungover. However, he turned up later in the evening, completely unfazed, flashed £100 in crisp notes in my face and said "I want you to do exactly what you did last night, but harder. Oh, and by the way, so does Joss at number 47."

Although I had my reservations, I surprised myself by being liberal and looking at it simply as a business proposition. When I made it clear that no actual intercourse would take place, he looked as though I'd suggested something completely bizarre, which given the circumstances I thought quite amusing.

"I don't want to have sex with you," he said "I just want you to thwack me and tell me off for being a bad boy. That's what dominatrix do."

When I heard that word I felt powerful and sexy. To hell with my reputation, I'd keep the wolf from the door by beating the beast into submission!

I now deal with around 40 clients, mostly from the village, all who've been enlisted through word of mouth. I cater for everyone from nappy and bonnet wearing policemen to the stiletto sucking bin man who likes to be told he is a dirty dog.

I just wonder if my ex husband is having as much fun with his little strumpet. Something tells me he's not...

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Friends are officially good for you

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-21T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

We don't need to be told that a couple of glasses of Pinot and a good old gossip can help to ease the stresses of modern life.

But thanks to a number of new studies, science has confirmed that good friends are officially good for your health.A study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons revealed that those with a lot of friends feel less pain and that having pals around you can speed your recovery from an operation.

Mentally we benefit too, with the emotional support provided by a close confidant helping us to deal with grief, divorce and other life-changing hardships.

Apparently though, that's not all. An Australian study recently discovered that friendship can help us to live longer.

The Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University in Oz followed 1,500 older people over the course of 10 years.

Those with a large network of friends outlived those with few chums by 22%.

Researchers believe that it could be down to our friends discouraging unhealthy behaviour such as smoking and heavy drinking (although what happens when your pals are boozy smokers was presumably not explored).

And a good natter can help to ward off depression and boost self-esteem.

But possibly the best news was reported in the journal Cancer.

61 women with ovarian cancer were monitored as they coped with the disease and those with a high level of social support were found to have much lower levels of a protein linked to a more aggressive form of cancer.

How many more reasons do you need? Keep your close friends close, girls... they could be keeping you happier and healthier than you thought.

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More brides opting for a black wedding

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-21T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Most of you will probably associate black with that chic little cocktail dress or a day in the office.

But if you're soon to be wed, you might want to forget your ivory meringue as more and more brides are opting to a black wedding.Research by industry experts has revealed that a growing number of women are turning to tailored black dresses for that special day.

A spokesman for bridal website Wedding Path, told the Daily Mail: "Black is a leading trend for the fashion-forward bride who wants to make a bold statement.

"Black dresses embellished with lace and pearls are an attractive choice, but you can also consider black piping or embroidery over the classic white dress."

Odd as it may seem, the blushing bride in white idea is a fairly recent one. In fact it was Queen Victoria who started the trend when she wore rich white silk to marry Albert in 1840, thereby sparking the desire for the colour associated with purity.

But in Spain, a black dress signifies that the bride will remain faithful 'until death do us part'.

For those of you who aren't quite ready for the full black wedding, though, there are ways to keep up with the fashionistas.

Black piping, embroidery or long chic black gloves will show that you've got at least one finger on the pulse, without sacrificing your dream white wedding.

Let us know what you think. Would you wear black to get hitched?

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Women wear 515 chemicals a day

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-21T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

We may all be aware of pollutants in the air these days. But while we're busy choking on the car fumes and second-hand cigarette smoke, we're also ladling on the make-up, deodorant and moisturiser.

And a new study has revealed that the average woman is "host" to a whopping 515 chemicals every day.The survey, conducted by Bionsen who make aluminium and paraben free deodorants, revealed that the average moisturiser can contain over 30 different chemicals and your favourite scent up to 400.

But if you weren't aware of this astonishing truth, you're not alone.

More than a third of the women surveyed were unaware of the key ingredients in their wash bags and only 9% knew about most of the ingredients they lathered onto their skin each day.

However, 71% were unconcerned by their chemical skincare routine and only one in ten opted for chemical-free toiletries.

Charlotte Smith from Bionsen, told Marie Claire: "Making small, healthier changes with your toiletries an make a big difference to the amount of chemicals you carry on your body each day.

"There have been some suggested links between aluminium and parabens and breast cancer. Natural deodorants therefore provide a safer option for those women concerned about the possible associations."

It seems there's more to a healthy lifestyle than just fruit and vegetables.

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Lily Allen style evolution

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-20T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Aside from being Blighty's most prolific celebrity blogger and a superstar songstress to boot, Lily Allen has also been busy developing more than one trademark look during her meteoric rise to fame. Check out her style evolution...

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Dear Paula: Is my tutor flirting with me?

Dear Paula — 2009-11-20T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I am a student and I went to a tutor to ask him to teach me some stuff. Then we got into a social conversation and since he was married and had a son, I chatted to him. At the end of the conversation these things happened:

1. He asked me if I had a boyfriend. My answer was,'not at the moment'. Then he said,'not at the moment, huh!'
2. He was talking about restaurants and since my family is here but his is not I said that he should show me where these restaurants are (in the sense he could join my family when we go out for dinner some time). He answered that it may not be nice for him to show me the restaurants since my guardian will get angry... what does this mean?I would like you to interpret this conversation please because I don't think he is a bad individual but my friends have asked me to stay totally away from this guy. Also I said to him that I only considered him as a tutor and nothing else... it is sad I had to explain that to a person I consider with respect and as a tutor.

Dear Paula writes:
There are tutors who develop a bit of a reputation for flirting (and more) with students but it's a situation that cuts both ways. There are students who flirt with tutors and deliberately put temptation in their way. As I know nothing about this tutor, I can only speculate about what may have been read into this situation by either one of you.

He seems to have stepped out of line by asking you whether you had a boyfriend, as this shouldn't have the slightest bearing on why you went to see him but equally, you were on dodgy ground in asking him to show you the restaurants.

He may have interpreted this as a come-on on your part. For all you know, he may have had quite a bit of that during his teaching career and if that is how he saw it, he made an appropriate response in referring to your guardian being angry. It is not appropriate for tutors to get involved with students and he's clearly aware of that.

All you have to do in this situation is use your common sense. If you go to see him about your work, stick to the subject. Don't get involved in social chit-chat beyond that required by common courtesy and you won't get into situations that are open to misinterpretation.

I always think it's better to make your own judgements about people based on your experience of them rather than listening to other people. So far, this tutor isn't guilty of anything and you're old enough to be able to make sure it doesn't by keeping the boundaries clear in your relationship with him.

He's there to help you with your studies, not to be your friend or to be seeing you socially, with or without your family. If you keep that in mind, I don't see why you should have any problems. In your place, I would give him the benefit of the doubt and regard him as innocent until proven guilty.

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The 20 best festive accessories

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-20T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Shopping

Looking for that perfect accessory to polish off your festive party look? From statement necklaces to eye-catching cocktail rings, here are the 20 best.

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Victoria's Secret fashion show

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-20T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity, Fashion

The angels have descended in New York City. Victoria's Secret Angels, of course!

Supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Selita Ebanks, Marisa Miller and a bevy of other beauties are back for "the sexiest show on earth."

Click below to see them strut their stuff...

Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas took to the stage to perform, looking pretty angelic herself.

Wearing a daring green satin corset in keeping with the lingerie theme of the occasion, she upstaged most of the models on the runway.

Those gym workouts have certainly been paying off, judging by her super long toned legs!

Heidi Klum also made her first catwalk appearance since giving birth to a baby girl in early October.

Ruby Room's sister site StyleList got a sneak peek as the long-legged ladies glammed up backstage.

Here are the details

MAKEUP: Tom Pecheux
HAIR: Laurent Philippon
BEAUTY SNAPSHOT: Romantic Voyage

THE SCOOP: Victoria's Secret embodies sexy and there is nothing sexier than a confident woman wearing lingerie. So, for the fashion show's return to The Big Apple, the beauty professionals created looks that were sensual, yet natural.

Makeup artist Tom Pecheux was inspired by the models. "With a lot of new girls on the runway this season, I wanted to make it fresh," he said. "Nothing dramatic...extremely sexy and beautiful. When a lot of the body is showing, you don't want the face to appear made up."

Pecheux applied pink shimmer all over the face and added individual lashes to accentuate the smoky eye.

Hairstylist Laurent Philippon perfected loose waves for a style "that you would want to touch." Armed with hairspray, a curling iron and hair extensions, he added a touch of reality to this VS fantasy.

GET THE LOOK - MAKEUP: All makeup and hair by Victoria's Secret. Start with a clear and smooth face. Generously dust shimmer on eyelids, temples, cheeks and lips. Apply false eyelashes and layer on mascara. Smooth on gray eyeshadow along the eyebrow. Finish the look by coloring in pout with a peachy Lip Lacquer and pink Perfect Lipstick.

GET THE LOOK - HAIR: To recreate loose, sexy waves, add extensions for length and apply So Sexy Volumizing Mousse and Supersmooth Straightening Balm. Curl hair in alternate directions and softly comb through using a 1 inch comb. Finish with Natural Hold Hairspray.

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'Humans killed for their fat'

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-20T10:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Bizarre

It sounds like something from a horror film, but the BBC has today reported that four people have been arrested in Peru on suspicion of killing dozens of people in order to sell their fat and tissue for cosmetic uses in Europe.

It's alleged that the gang pounced on people on lonely roads, luring them with fake job offers before killing them and then extracting their fat, which can fetch up to £9,000 per litre.

Police in Peru say they suspect that the liquidised product has been sold on to cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies in Europe.

Although human fat is widely used in modern cosmetic procedures, it is usually the patient's own fat that is utilised and under strict legal guidelines.

Horribly, police say the gang could be responsible for the disappearances of up to 60 people in the region and that the ringleader may have been killing people for their fat for more than three decades.

At least five other suspects, including two Italian nationals, remain at large.

We don't even want to think about it.

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Barney loses an amazing five stone and starts a new life

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-20T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Animals

Think you need to slim down? Spare a thought for Barney the dalmation who was fed a diet of crisps and chocolate, leaving him so heavy he could barely move, let alone run or jump.

RSPCA inspectors seized Barney back in June after his owner, Mr Green of Macclesfield, Cheshire, refused to heed warnings to stop overfeeding him.

Officers said Barney weighed 11 stone, double what his weight should have been. Thanks to a healthy diet and regular exercise Barney now weighs just over six stone - and is looking forward to finding a new home.

Mr Green has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years. Magistrates were told how he treated Barney more like a friend than a pet, frequently giving him fattening food.

Andrew Meachin, prosecuting said: "When he had a packet of crisps, Barney had a packet of crisps."

Green's solicitor John Temperley said: "The phrase 'killing with kindness' comes to mind. He just overfed and overindulged his dog."

Green admitted cruelty and was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Andrews said: "Hopefully this case will show pet owners just how vital it is to provide their animals with a carefully controlled diet and regular exercise.

"With Christmas just round the corner it might be tempting to overfeed them, but it's important to remember that those extra pounds can have a huge impact on their comfort, health and well-being."

More than 35 per cent of Britain's dogs are overweight, increasing their risk of arthritis, diabetes and an early death, according to animal charity PDSA.

Would you love to give Barney a happy and healthy home? Call the RSPCA's Warrington centre on 01925 632 944.

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Authors compete for 'bad sex' awards

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-20T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture

You might think that the literary bad sex awards would feature a whole host of Mills & Boon wannabes.

Not so. This year's shortlist for the Literary Review's bad sex honour features a host of well regarded authors, including Booker winner John Banville and Whitbread winner Paul Theroux.But also featured is Philip Roth, a Pullitzer prize winner whose story of the seduction of a lesbian by an ageing stage actor has put him firmly in the running.

The Humbling, by Roth, sees actor Simon converting lesbian Pegeen with the use of a green dildo.

The Literary Review picked the following scene, in which Simon convinces Pegeen to take part in a threesome, as their potential winner.

"This was not soft porn. This was no longer two unclothed women caressing and kissing on a bed. There was something primitive about it now, this woman-on-woman violence, as though in the room filled with shadows, Pegeen were a magical composite of shaman, acrobat, and animal. It was as if she were wearing a mask on her genitals, a weird totem mask, that made her into what she was not and was not supposed to be," writes Roth.

Jonathan Beckman of the Literary Review explained why the scene had been picked.

Speaking to The Guardian, he said: "Roth is very anxious about his description of sex.

"Why write of a scene that repeatedly features a green dildo, 'this was not soft porn', unless you're worried that it might be taken as such."

It's a fair point, well made.

23-year-old Richard Milward, who is nominated for his novel Ten Storey Love Song, was philosophical about his place on the shortlist.

He said: "I've been there before and I'll be there again.. There's so much bad sex in my book that this is a nice accolade.

"Some authors spend five pages describing a walk in the park but when it comes to sex they'll just do two sentences - 'she rolled off him'. Sex is exciting stuff - it can be very dirty and smelly, but you've just got to get stuck in, and I'm not afraid of doing that."

Think we'll stick to Mills & Boon.

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Light up the room with an LED dress

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-20T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Bizarre

It can be tough to find the perfect party dress and with Christmas on the way, many of us will be searching for that one-off that will turn heads.

Well search no more, ladies. Fashion company CuteCircuit has the answer with a dress that is guaranteed to light up the room.The Galaxy Dress is of the high-tech variety. Embroidered with 24,000 tiny LED bulbs, it is the largest wearable display in the world.

Created by designers Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz from the London-based company, the garment is designed "to represent innovation in the field of fashion".

Ms Rosella told the Daily Mail: "The LED fabric moves with the lightness and fluidity of normal fabric.

"Four layers of silk chiffon are used to diffuse the light and move really beautifully as well.

"The heaviest part of the dress is not the technology but the 40-layer pleated silk crinoline that makes the skirt wide."

And don't worry about over-heating. The LED technology avoids the possibility of heat exhaustion and it's energy efficient too, using a number of tiny iPod batteries to glow in the dark.

But hold on. Those tiny batteries only last for around 30 minutes. What then, we hear you ask.

Ms Rosella explains: "The areas without LEDs are decorated with more than 4,000 swarovski crystals - from clear crystal to bright pink. So the dress looks good even when it is switched off."

Wear this for the party season and you will, at the very least, succeed in being seasonally 'lit up like a Christmas tree'.

Check out the Galaxy Dress in all it's glory here.

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Water won't improve skin, say scientists

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-20T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

Typical. We've been ruthlessly clutching our bottles of Evian for years now, desperate to obtain a beautifully clear complexion.

But now, apparently, science has put the kibosh on the whole 'drink water, get beautiful skin' theory.The British Nutrition Foundation claims that it's all the goodness of fruit and veg (plus a hint of sunscreen) that will give you that sought-after zit-free look.

In its Food For Skin report, the Foundation highlights a lack of studies that back up the popular misconception that water leads to a healthy glow.

Heather Yuregir, author of the report, told the Telegraph: "Just drinking water for the sake of drinking water really has no effect on improving the appearance of skin. It is just a common misconception."

In fact, it is vitamins A, B, C and E, all contained in a range of fruit and vegetables, that are crucial for keeping skin looking young and plumped.

Smoking and sun exposure are the culprits when it comes to the worst of skin ageing.

Mrs Yuregir added: "Fruit and veg can keep your skin functioning as it should and keep it looking healthy.

"And sun cream is really recommended to prevent the signs of ageing because the majority of the signs of ageing that appear on the skin are caused by sun damage."

So you can stop splashing out on bottled water now, girls... Mediterranean diet here we come.

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Underwear as outerwear - brave or too bare?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-19T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Wearing underwear as outerwear is the latest celebrity trend (though we remember Madonna doing the same thing years back).

Do you think these women are making a brave fashion statement or are they too bare?

Actress Chloe Sevigny, well known for eccentric taste in fashion, arrived wearing a taupe bra with plunging, open grey top and a high-waisted pink skirt to Prada's book launch party.

Pirates of the Carribean star Zoe Saldana also turned out with her dusky pink bra on show between the gaping front of her turquoise blouse and an equally high-waisted burgundy skirt.

Of course, they aren't the only celebs to go out with their underwear on show, as our gallery of 200+ brave or too bare women proves...

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Women we love to hate

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-19T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Bizarre, Picture galleries

We adore celebs but, oooh we like to loathe them too. Saucers of milk at the ready girls, it's time to get catty with our countdown of A-list ladies we most love to hate...

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Up and coming artists at Nomad Galleries

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-19T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture

Don't miss your chance to see works from up and coming artists at the latest 'pop up' gallery, being hosted by Nomad Galleries at St James St, London, until the 7th December.

Pop up galleries give new artists the chance to exhibit their work alongside more well known artists - and offer you the chance to grab a real bargain!

See the beautiful portraits of Isobel Peachey, who won the national portrait gallery's prestigious Travel Award. Her portrait 'Jocelyn' is shown here.

Ellen Butler's incredible photos of underwater women are in themselves worth a trip to the gallery. Pictured here is 'Underwater Cocoon 2.'

Nomad Galleries is current located at Windsor House, 55 James Street, London, SW1 and is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm. For more information, Tel: 020 3195 7292.

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Is booze good for blokes?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-19T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

Do you hate it when your bloke sneaks off to the pub? Research today suggests he could be doing his heart a favour by drinking a bottle of wine or half a dozen beers a day.

In fact, regularly drinking alcohol of any type could help cut his risk of heart disease by more than half.

A 10-year study of more than 40,000 adults found that men who drank moderate, high and very high levels of alcohol were found to have around a 50 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease than their teetotal counterparts.Those who drank a little - a glass of wine or a bottle of beer every other day - had a 35 per cent lower risk of a heart attack than those who never drank. Moderate drinkers, consuming up to a couple of glasses of wine a day or a couple of pints of ordinary bitter, had a 54 per cent lower risk.

The Spanish study looked into women's drinking and heart disease, but found that although women benefited from drinking, the effects were not statistically significant.

Before you rush to buy him another pint, British health experts have warned that people should not be encouraged to start drinking more and that the protective effect of alcohol on the heart is only seen in men over 40.

Robert Sutton, professor of surgery at the University of Liverpool, said: "This study suffers from several flaws, so cannot be taken to suggest that high levels of alcohol intake can improve health. Most importantly, all other alcohol-related diseases were completely ignored so that it is a highly biased view of the effects of alcohol."

Cathy Ross, of the British Heart Foundation, said that while moderate alcohol intake "could offer limited protection to one organ", abuse of it can damage the heart and other organs such as the liver, pancreas and brain.

Hmm, maybe it's best to re-cork that bottle of wine after all...

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Casper the commuter cat

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-19T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre, Animals

Casper the cat likes to use the bus service to get about - and he hops on and off the bus so regularly that drivers in Devon even know where to let him off.

Casper queues with other passengers as he waits for the number 3 to take him from his home in Plymouth.

Bus company First said Casper often curls up on a seat during the ride - but we presume he never pays his fare!

Of course, it's not just cats who like to hitch a lift. Sometimes our four-legged (and feathered) friends like to jump aboard - whether that means getting their very own wheels or hitching a lift on ours...

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M&S Christmas TV ad 'sexist'

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-19T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Bizarre

This isn't just any television ad, this is an M&S television ad... but is their latest commercial sexiest or just a bit of festive fun?

The Advertising Standards Authority is looking into eight complaints from viewers about their 'Christmas wouldn't be Christmas...' ad which features the straight talking (and unashamedly chauvinist) DCI Gene Hunt, the '80s police character from hit TV series Ashes to Ashes, played by actor Philip Glenister.

The offensive line is delivered by Glenister, who says: "That girl prancing around in her underwear."

The ad cuts to French underwear model Noemie Lenoir, who regularly features in M&S ads wearing a bra and knickers, who asks: "Moi?"

M&S are said to be surprised by the complaints, which accuse the ad of being demeaning to women.

The ASA is currently considering the complaints and must decide whether to launch an investigation by the end of next week.

The 50-second ad features M&S regulars Twiggy and Myleene Klass, as well as several other big name TV stars, including Stephen Fry who says he couldn't do without "a little mince".

In another segment, Jennifer Saunders says Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without "stuffing" and Joanna Lumley, her co-star in BBC comedy Absolutely Fabulous, adds: "...your face, sweetie."

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer said: "We're surprised by the ASA complaints regarding Philip Glenister's appearance in our TV ad. Our research shows that his on-screen character in Ashes to Ashes is extremely popular with our customers and his lines in the ad are in keeping with that role."

What do you think? Have the eight people who complained simply never watched Ashes to Ashes or do they have a point?

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Grumpy Old Women: Happiness

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-19T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness, Bizarre

I stumbled upon a rather odd book in the library last weekend, entitled something strangely personal like 'Why you're a deeply miserable mess and afraid of everything.'

It seemed a little assuming to say the least. However, on reflection I can see why the author thought it okay to make such an observation because, as a nation, we are depressed and downright terrified.

This isn't surprising when you consider the fact that we are bombarded every day with scientific evidence concluding that we are less attractive than we were 50 years ago as well as fatter, smellier and more stupid.

Oh and of course we are all going to die very soon from either a serious illness, obesity, binge drinking or smoking unless we pull our scabby fungal infected socks up.

It seems the scientists are conspiring to make us feel desperate and worried about every aspect of our lives - from the lard laden goop we supposedly consume to the probability of contracting a deadly virus to evidence that we will end up living alone, dribbling into our cornflakes and with only 2.5 friends (including the cat) in the entire world.

But aren't we perhaps just a little over-sensitive? Our grandparents' generation had a bath once a week, coped with epidemics of polio and diphtheria, had to survive on rationing, rarely ate meat and hand stitched blankets FOR FUN.

Yet they were a far happier bunch than we. Maybe because they were healthier both in body and mind or maybe, just maybe because they weren't so self-obsessed. When there are bombs showering your street, freedom as you know it is on the verge of being destroyed and your husband is at war, the possibility that you're not as good looking or as slim as your great great auntie Edna probably doesn't faze you much.

It's rare for a grumpy old woman like me to say this but perhaps it's time to stop listening to the mumbo jumbo, calm our nerves, take a chill pill (yes,the kind that have no side effects in case you were worried) and put on a happy face. Things mightn't be as bad those media hungry lab rats make them seem...

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Beyoncé steps out in New Look dress

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-19T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Celebrities these days seem to be all Christian Louboutin and Balmain. So it's particularly pleasing to see that some stars still have their eye on the high street.

As a pop mega-star, Beyoncé must surely be used to designer clothes and yet she happily partied the night away wearing a £20 T-shirt from high street favourite New Look.Following a show at London's O2 arena, Beyoncé decided to celebrate at Mahiki with hubby Jay-Z and Rihanna but was obviously tired of all the big name labels.

Instead she opted for the low cost Idol Batwing top from New Look, giving it her own style by buying a bigger size to create a T-shirt mini-dress.

And Ms Knowles is no stranger to high street fashion.

Earlier in the week, she stepped out in a striped dress from Reiss, along with a military jacket from the same store, while on a recent trip to South Korea the singer was snapped sporting a Topshop trophy jacket.

Absolutely fabulous she may be, but Beyoncé clearly has an eye for a bargain.

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Doctors find female Viagra... by accident

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-19T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

It's been a while coming (no pun intended), but doctors believe they may have found the answer to flagging female libidos.

But their discovery was purely accidental as they were originally testing the drug as an anti-depressant.Though it was effectively useless as a happiness enhancer, the drug's unexpected side effect would surely brighten any girl's mood.

Trials of the drug, flibanserin, revealed that women experienced more "satisfactory sexual encounters", greater desire and less bedroom stress.

Three clinical trials later and the drug is said to significantly improve sexual desire and satisfaction for the ladies.

Flibanserin differs from its male alternative in that it works on the brain rather than the genitals, says US researcher Professor John Thorp from the University of North Carolina.

It's discovery, though, is remarkably similar to that of Viagra, which was originally tested as a heart medicine before volunteers revealed its pleasing side effect.

Anti-depressant it may not be, but an increased libido and greater satisfaction is certain to put a smile on many a girl's face.

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Moss shocks with 'skinny' motto

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-19T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

With all the furore over size zero models of late, you might imagine that the darling of the fashion world, Kate Moss, would avoid the issue.

Unfortunately, it seems Kate has been in the world of fashion too long and a recent interview with fashion website WWD has caused further outrage.When asked whether she had any mottos, Kate replied: "There are loads of mottos. There's 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'. That's one of them. You try and remember, but it never works."

Moss's comments have been condemned by critics, who say they could encourage eating disorders amongst the many young girls and women who see Moss as a role model.

Katie Green, a former size 12 Ultimo model who launched the Say No To Size Zero campaign with Lembit Opik, told The Sun: "There are 1.1 million eating disorders in the UK alone.

"Kate Moss's comments are likely to cause many more. If you read any of the pro-anorexia websites, they go crazy for quotes like this."

In fact, the slogan has already been adopted by various sites that give tips on staying skinny.

Green added: "Millions of girls aspire to be like Kate Moss. These comments are shocking and irresponsible."

Denise Van Outen agreed, saying: "Kate Moss is talking out of her Size Zero backside.

"Having been in the industry for so long, she knows the impact her comments will have on vulnerable young women."

Later in the interview, Kate said: "It sounds really corny but I think that if you're beautiful inside it shows on the outside, for sure."

Which would seem a little on the contradictory side. What you think about Kate's motto?

It seems being skinny is a prerequisite for fame these days - but how thin is too thin? Meet the stars who seem to be shrinking before our very eyes...

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Men we fancy (but know we shouldn't)

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-18T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Totty of the week, Bizarre, Picture galleries

You won't find Brad Pitt in this list. These curiously alluring men can whip us up into a lusty whirl and yet leave us with a lingering sense of unshakable embarrassment. Leave us your comments and tell us which stars you are peculiarly passionate for...

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Living like an animal... the hamster hotel

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-18T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre, Animals

Children and adults alike will no doubt have fond memories of their furry pet friends. But how many would choose to live like one?

Well, apparently there are some unusual folk who enjoy the rodent experience.The hotel in the French city of Nantes, is offering the full hamster works... for humans.

For just €99 (£88) per night, guests at the "Hamster Villa" can dine on hamster grain, sleep in hay stacks and even enjoy that old hamster favourite, the wheel.

It is the latest venture from owners Frederic Tabary and Yann Falquerho, who run a company renting out unusual venues.

The pair, both architects, designed the room in an 18th century building and have included all the familiar features of the traditional hamster cage.

Mr Falquerho, reportedly dressed as a hamster, told the Telegraph: "The hamster in the world of children is that little cuddly animal.

"Often, the adults who come here have wanted or did have hamsters when they were small."

Be that as it may, we're still wondering what kind of adventure-seeker you would need to be to fully appreciate hamster grain for dinner.

Still, the owners have included some added luxuries. Wifi and a giant TV screen mean you won't be entirely without your creature comforts.

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Women in Paris banned from wearing trousers

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-18T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Bizarre

France may have a reputation for being fashion-forward and eternally chic, but the country's legal code seems to be stuck in the Stone Ages. Turns out, it's illegal for women to wear trousers in Paris, as reported by the Telegraph.

Does First Lady Carla Bruni (pictured here) know about this?

But don't start fretting about having "les cops" on your tail if you decide to go wild and don a pair of jeans, you daredevil, you.

The antiquated law has reportedly been on the books since 1800, but isn't enforced... probably because, as the paper notes, French policewomen wearing trousers don't have much of a leg to stand on.

According to the source, the law states that a woman daring to wear trousers "must present herself to Paris's main police station to obtain authorisation."

Adjustments in 1892 and 1909 allowed flexibility for women holding the reins of a horse or riding a bicycle, the paper notes.

Efforts have been made to get rid of the rule, both in 1969 and 2003, when the minister overseeing gender equality argued that it was simpler to essentially ignore the rule rather than change it.

We'll remember that should we ever act disorderly over a pair of Jimmy Choos at H&M.

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Smell like your favorite dead celebrity

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-18T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Bizarre

A company in Beverly Hills, America, is formulating what they call "antiquity" fragrances, which are based off the DNA of deceased celebrities, according to the New York Daily News.

MyDNAFragrance.com uses hair clippings (which are gathered from a celebrity hair collector, and yes, you read that right) from the deceased celebs to base the fragrances on the genetic code. But it's not clear what the fragrances actually smell like. According to the website, Blue Suede (Elvis's scent, obviously) "creates an attractiveness that lasts all day." Hmm.

One thing we know is the scents aren't literal translations. Dr. Diva Verdun, chief development officer at mydnafragrance.com told the Daily News, "I did a little research on Elvis, and he actually had really bad body odour. So we don't want to clone him in any way or create a fragrance that actually smelled like him."

There are lots of celebrities to choose from, including Marilyn Monroe (okaaaay...), Michael Jackson (already?), Marie Antoinette (!)

Plain weird if you ask us.

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Grumpy Old Women: Call centres

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-18T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

I hate customer service call centres. I especially hate them when I know full well that the person on the other end of the phone is going to be as useful as a bag of sick.

It's not that I despise the staff themselves, in fact I often feel sorry for them. The companies who employ these underpaid minions must believe that they are incapable of making an informed decision based on individual circumstances and thus give them a blunt and patronising script to abide by.

They also think that we customers are either idiots or evil swindlers, out to take advantage of their unsuspecting staff. It's so nice to feel valued.

Upon calling one such call centre this morning I was filled with my usual sense of foreboding. I am with a bank that allegedly prides itself on the level of service they provide to their customers and aims to ensure that our experience is stress-free and nothing short of orgasmic. However, this is a blatant lie.

After the phone ringing for around 10 seconds I was greeted by a recorded voice begrudgingly apologising for the wait and sarcastically claiming that my call was, like, sooo important to them. I was also apparently stupid for calling at a very busy time of day (6am) and if I wasn't too ashamed of myself I could hold and perhaps someone might bother to answer my call after they'd spoken to the other nine morons in the queue. Then it asked whether I'd ever considered taking out house insurance.

Not content with making you feel like a complete imbecile, the 'hold' music was enough to drive you doolally. Today it was one verse and chorus of Katy Perry's, Hot 'n' Cold, warbled by a pub singer with adenoids. Upon hearing this approximately 15 times, I seriously considered bludgeoning myself to death with the phone.

Finally a lovely sounding lady picked up the phone and announced, in the manner of a phone-in gameshow host, that I'd got through. I was delighted. Ecstatic in fact. Then she said: "I'm sorry for the wait, please hold," after which she immediately hung up and the line went dead. Brilliant. Maybe I'll wait for them to call me.

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Hilary Clinton's got a crush...

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-18T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Bizarre

Hands up, who hasn't had a weird celebrity crush at one time or another?

Most of us know what it's like to find someone attractive, though for the life of us, we can't think why - but Hilary Clinton's crush has got us baffled.

The US Secretary of State has a thing for David Miliband, Britain's foreign secretary, describing him as "vibrant, vital, attractive and smart."

An interviewer for American Vogue magazine joked about Mrs Clinton having a crush on the 44-year-old British Foreign Secretary after hearing his British accent on the telephone.

"Well, if you saw him it would be a big crush. I mean, he is so vibrant, vital, attractive, smart. He's a really good guy. And he's so young!" said Mrs Clinton, who is 18 years older than Mr Miliband.

And it seems Mr Miliband is equally smitten, describing Mrs Clinton as "delightful to deal with one on one. She's someone who laughs and can tease, and she's got perspective as well."

Hmm, that's one 'special relationship' that sounds pretty cosy to us!

Is there someone you fancy but you can't think why? Check out our gallery of celebrity men we fancy, but know we shouldn't...

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Men's predictability gets the girls

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-18T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

From hogging the remote control to leaving socks on the bedroom floor, there are male traits that many women would agree are more than a little familiar.

But according to science, it is this very predictability that helps the male of the species to find a mate.Researchers at the University of Exeter found that men tend to find their defining characteristics, whether reserved or outspoken, early in life and stick to them thereafter.

As most men know though, the girls tend to be more changeable, adapting their behaviour to new circumstances.

But even a fickle lady seems to appreciate consistency in a partner and will find themselves attracted to a predictable man.

Dr Weibke Schuett, who led the study, told the Telegraph: "Our study suggests that, while males tend to exhibit more pronounced personalities, including more predictable behaviour, in a range of different contexts, females are more receptive to these traits in males.

"We found a surprising level of similarity across a range of species."

Scientists believe that this could have evolved from competition between males as they vie for female attention.

Dr Sasha Dall, who was involved in the research, said: "Females like predictability in their males as it allows them to make good long-term decisions, and to deal with changing circumstances if they know their male is consistent.

"It is not one personality trait, such as being aggressive, it is the fact that they always exhibit that trait that matters."

We, however, can think of several consistent traits that we'd happily change.

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'Garage fashion': Westwood at Selfridges

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-18T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Vivienne Westwood has long been known for her quirky style. But the queen of British fashion has gone from punk to funk with her latest collection.

As befitting a woman of Vivienne's unusual stature, the Anglomania collection for Selfridges was showcased in an underground car park.Celebrities flocked to the event for a first look at the latest Westwood funky style and Tracey Emin, Sadie Frost and Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts were all there, with Dame Vivienne herself seated in the front row.

The event marked the opening of Selfridge's exclusive Anglomania concept.

Current autumn/winter collections are already on sale but this catwalk show previewed the spring/summer 2010 collection, available from late December.

The range includes everything from funky tribal prints and batiks to a burgundy taffeta ball gown.

Even 13-year-old Dionne Bromfield, who performed two numbers as part of the show, wore a printed prom dress from the collection.

She told the Telegraph: "Her clothes are so different, you just can't find anything like it anywhere."

Which goes some way to explaining why Westwood's shows are such a hit with the celebs.

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What's with Rihanna's hair?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-17T15:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity

We love Rihanna's dark and edgy take on fashion but her new hairstyle looks more disturbing than disturbia to us.

The singer was snapped leaving the Mahiki nightclub in London where she was partying with Beyonce Knowles and Jay Z after giving fans a secret preview of her new album at the Brixton Academy.

Given the state of her hair, we can only presume it was a wild night!

Of course, Rihanna isn't the only star to have a bad hair day as our gallery proves...

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Everyone's wearing...zebra print

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-17T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Animal print is always hot in Hollywood. This season the four-legged inspired fabric du jour is that of the ever on-trend, monochrome, zebra. Check out our gallery of stars in stripes...

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The kite surfers who jumped over Worthing pier

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-17T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

What were you doing during the stormy weather we had recently? Staying indoors with a nice cup of tea?

Two kite surfers from West Sussex had other ideas, and decided to make the most of the blustery weather by jumping over Worthing pier.

Click here to watch the video on the BBC...

Jake Scrace, 25, and Lewis Crathern, 24, had always dreamed of attempting the daredevil stunt, in fact they had been planning to make the jump for three years, and were just waiting for the perfect weather conditions, reports the BBC.

The pair launched into the air from Goring to the west of Worthing in 40 mile-an-hour gusts.

In case you were thinking of trying this at home (are you mad?) the kite surfers were keen to point out that amateurs shouldn't attempt anything similar, and that they are both experts with 16 year's experience between them.

"It was probably the most terrifying thing I've ever built up to," said Mr Scrace. "We were practising down the road and we were pretty confident we were going to do it but as soon as we got nearer the pier it was quite hard."

Mr Crathern said the jump was "epic". "It was everything I've lived for - amazing," he said.

We're scared just watching them!

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Put some flesh on show (but not too much) to attract a man

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-17T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Wondering how to attract the man of your dreams? Well ladies, new research has found that (surprise, surprise) revealing plenty of flesh is the way to go - though not too much.

(Male?) researchers at the University of Leeds have come up with the exact proportion of skin that women should have on show - and the magic number is 40 per cent. Any more than that, and women receive far less interest from men.

Following that theory, Cheryl Cole, pictured above in a revealing Alexandra McQueen dress at her birthday bash, shouldn't expect to get many offers.

Their findings are apparently based on a study carried out by four female researchers, who secretly observed women at one of the city's busiest nightclubs from a balcony above the dance floor.

The researchers recorded what the women were wearing (using tape recorders hidden in their handbags) and how many times each of them were approached by men on the dance floor.

For the purposes of the study, each exposed arm accounted for 10 per cent of the body, each leg for 15 per cent and the torso for 50 per cent.

They discovered that women who revealed around 40 per cent of their skin attracted twice as many men as those who dressed more modestly.

However, those who exposed more than the magic 40 per cent didn't get many offers. Experts suggest this is because men believe that women who expose more of their bodies would not be faithful.

The ladies who attracted most men combined the 40 per cent rule with tight clothing and sexy dancing (now there's a surprise). Apparently the 15 per cent of women who fitted all three criteria were rewarded with approaches from 40 men, according to the journal Behaviour.

Lead researcher Dr Colin Hendrie told the Daily Mail: "Any more than 40 per cent and the signal changes from 'allure' to one indicating general availability and future infidelity. Show some leg, show some arm, but not any more than that."

Hmm, reminds us of our mum's old rule "legs or cleavage dear - never both at the same time".

Something tells us these celebs haven't heard of the 40 per cent rule...

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Scarlett Johansson oozes fifties glamour for Dolce & Gabbana

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-17T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity, Fashion

Does Scarlett Johansson ever look anything other than deliciously sexy?

As the current face and star of their latest ad campaign, it seems Dolce & Gabbana love the actress as much as we do.

Johansson shows off her womanly curves, bringing a modern edge to vintage glamour, for their new ad campaign.

In a fashion industry obsessed with waif-like models, it's refreshing to see a woman with wholesome Marilyn Monroe sex appeal.

We wonder what Madonna, the newest star to model for Dolce & Gabbana will bring to the role?

Of course, Johansson isn't the only sexy star to feature in fashion and beauty ads, as our gallery reveals..

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Your Christmas party countdown starts here

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-17T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Fashion

The office Christmas party is just around the corner, which means it's time to treat yourself to a sparkly new dress and look your absolute best.

And if you've got your eye on a cute guy from accounts, you'll need more than a few glasses of champers and a sprig of mistletoe - you need a plan of attack! Here's how to look and feel your gorgeous best...

Preparation is everything
You've splashed out on a gorgeous LBD for the Christmas party, so you'll want gorgeous skin to go with it.

You can now look gorgeous at home with The Soap & Glory Big Softie Jumbo Holdall which contains everything you need for super soft skin. Exfoliate at least twice a week and use an exfoliating mitt every day - and don't forget to rehydrate skin with a boost of light self-tanning moisturiser for added glow.

Turn heads this year
The Christmas party is the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new hair style - but make sure you have a least one or two practise runs before the big night.

Salon perfect curls are easier to create than you think. The BaByliss You Curl features advanced ceramic heating and cooling plates to create large bouncy curls or beautiful waves in minutes.

If you fancy going poker straight, Babyliss Radiance Sleek Straighteners deliver a constant high heat for professional results. The ceramic smooth plates and ionic steam enhance the condition of your hair, eliminating frizz for a high-shine finish.

Kiss and makeup
Kissing with confidence means great oral hygiene (and steering clear of that onion dip!) Philips Sonicare Healthy White Electric Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove everyday stains to help teeth look whiter and healthier in just two weeks.

For the perfect smooch, keep lips moisturised and soft but go easy on the gloss, unless you want to lock lips forever! Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm contains shea butter, wild mango, and vitamins A and E to help smooth and repair lips - and keep them kissably soft.

Get your underwear right
To look fantastic on the night you need to start with the basics - and that means getting your underwear right. Invest in a well-fitting bra, if you haven't been measured for a while, now is a good time to ask for a fitting service.

Think about underwear early - there's nothing worse than slipping into a gorgeous halter neck dress only to realise you've forgotten to buy a strapless bra.

If you're wearing a tight number, consider investing in some magic underwear to smooth any lumps and bumps. You'll find lots of sexy styles on the high street that you won't mind showing off - should the opportunity arise of course!

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Marriage an £18,000 joy (for men)

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-17T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Since it tends to be the girls who dream of their perfect wedding day, you might imagine that they would put a high price on the happiness it brings.

But thanks to an Australian economist, it has been revealed that while men value getting married as £18,000 worth of joy, that trip down the aisle is only worth £9,000 to the ladies.Mind you, when it comes to divorce the girls are far less traumatised - equating their feelings of loss with just £5,000 where men's devastation feels like they've lost a whopping £61,500.

The calculations are the work of Paul Frijters, an Australian university professor, who has spent eight years studying the effects of major life events on 10,000 people.

Volunteers were asked to rate how satisfied they were with their lives on a scale of zero to 10 - the most common number given being eight.

But these ratings changed after life-changing events, allowing Professor Frijters to assign cash values to the happiness created by marriage, divorce and illness.

Professor Frijters explained to the Telegraph: "These are real people to whom unexpected things happen.

"They were not selected because these things would happen and, because of that, we can accurately compare their happiness before and after."

The striking thing about the study is that men seem to put a higher value on those moments that we might expect a woman to treasure.

For instance, the birth of a child scores more than £18,000 for a man, but just under £5,000 for a woman.

However, some of the findings fitted more closely with the gender stereotypes we're all familiar with.

Women feel a boost of around £1,500 when they move house. It may not seem like much, but for the boys there was a definite feeling of loss... around £9,000 in fact.

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At last... weight loss chocolate

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-17T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

It has seemed like an impossible dream for so long, but now a Spanish sweet manufacturer claims to have developed an (almost) perfect chocolate.

Called Lola, this new brand of chocolate contains chemicals that are said to trick your brain into believing that you are no longer hungry - thereby preventing the urge to over-eat.Made by the Spanish manufacturer Cocoa Bio, the sweets went on display for the first time at the fabulous-sounding international chocolate show in Madrid.

One of the inventors, Armando Yanez, told the Daily Mail: "People should eat one or two chocolates around one hour before a meal.

"They'll feel pleasantly full and less like eating to excess. The chocolate has an intense flavour and extremely high antioxidant properties."

However, you may want to close your eyes and picture a box of Milk Tray as you tuck in - the dietary supplement spirulina, a microscopic algae which contains high levels of nutrients that aid weight loss, means your chocolate will have more than a hint of green about it.

And at a cost of around £5 for a box of five, you'll need to be serious about losing weight to splash out.

But along with the microscopic algae that gives the chocolate its unusual green tinge, the makers also claim that the amino acids in the recipe stimulate the production of a hormone in the brain which suppresses appetite.

Though they are currently only sold in Spain, they will be winging their way to Britain if there is enough interest.

Our guess is that they'll be on our shelves before you know it.

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Eat fruit and veg for a healthy glow

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-17T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Health & fitness

Now that science has confirmed that beauty really is skin deep, there will be many looking to achieve the sun-kissed look of the celebs.

But in fact, it's just a rosy glow that will make you irresistible according to new research - and that means getting your five-a-day.Scientists at St Andrews University in Scotland discovered that Caucasian men and women both preferred the 'rosy' look created by eating plenty of fruit and veg.

While both sexes identified the 'golden glow' provided by sun, sea and sand as the most desirable complexion, it was the 'rosy', healthy look that they were attracted to.

Dr Ian Stephen, who conducted the study, cited the likes of Keira Knightly, Johnny Depp and Mylene Class as good examples of the healthy look.

Researchers asked 54 Caucasian participants to manipulate the skin colour of male and female Caucasian faces to make them appear as healthy as possible.

Dr Stephen explained to the Daily Mail: "Most previous work on faces has focussed on the shape of the face or the texture of the skin, but one of the most variable characteristics of the face is skin colour.

"In the west we often think that sun tanning is the best way to improve the colour of your skin, but our research suggests that living a healthy lifestyle with a good diet might actually be better.

"We allowed people to change the skin colour and tone to find the most healthy and attractive.

"If they saw tanning as the most desirable you'd expect them to make faces more yellow and darker.

"But instead they made the faces more yellow and lighter, which is more consistent with the carotenoid pigment that we get from fruit and vegetables in the diet."

So get eating those apples and peas, folks. The rosy look is most definitely in.

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The 20 best winter coats

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-16T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Shopping

It's time to invest in a snug, toasty coat. From '40s inspired houndstooth and classy tweed, to futuristic puffas and biker coats, we round up 20 of the best coats, trend by trend.

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Will the real Belle de Jour please stand up?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-16T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Film & culture

It's been a mystery since 2003 - who exactly is Belle de Jour, the high class prostitute who kept a blog, had books published, and even spawned a TV series staring Billie Piper based upon her experiences?

Well, one of the great literary mysteries of the decade is no more. Belle de Jour has revealed herself as Dr Brooke Magnanti, a student who chose to work as a high-class call prostitute to fund her PhD studies.

Dr Magnanti, 34, who now lives and works in Bristol as a respected research scientist, said she became a prostitute because she needed a job that left her enough time to complete her studies.

Talking to the Sunday Times, Dr Magnanti said she worked as a prostitute from 2003 to late 2004, and found it "so much more enjoyable" than her shifts as a computer programmer. And she said she had no regrets: "I've felt worse about my writing than I ever have about sex for money," she said.

Writing on her blog site Belle de Jour: Diary of a London Call Girl on Sunday, she said "It feels so much better on this side. Not to have to tell lies, hide things from the people I care about. To be able to defend what my experience of sex work is like to all the sceptics and doubters."Anonymity had a purpose then - it will always have a reason to exist, for writers whose work is too damaging or too controversial to put their names on. But for me, it became important to acknowledge that aspect of my life and my personality to the world at large. I am a woman. I lived in London. I was a call girl. The people, the places, the actions and feelings are as true now as they were then, and I stand behind every word with pride."

Until last week, not even her book agent knew her real name. A statement on the website of Orion Books, which published Belle de Jour's books, said: "It's a courageous decision for Belle de Jour to come forward with her true identity and we support her decision to do so."

Her employers are said to have been 'amazingly supportive' and a spokesman for the University of Bristol has said: "This aspect of Dr Magnanti's past is not relevant to her current role at the university."

What do you think? Is Belle de Jour brave to come forward or do you think her true identity is likely to hold her back in future?

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Beware the household pets that are 'half wolf'

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-16T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Animals

Are your little ones forever nagging you to buy them a dog? If you should decide to introduce an animal into your home, you might want to avoid the new hybrid 'wolf-dog' pups that are growing in popularity, according to The Telegraph.

Breed from European and North American wolves mated with domestic dogs, the hybrids may be adorably cute, but experts have warned that they present a danger to humans, particularly children who are seen as 'prey' by the animals.

A variety of domestic dog breeds can be bred with wolves to create hybrid pups, including German shepherds, akitas, malamutes, huskies and inuits. Once fully grown, the animals closely resemble wolves and even howl like the wild animal.

After a number of fatal attacks on children, hybrids are banned in some states of America, and in others are only legal once they are five generations removed from wolves.It seems that hybrids are growing in popularity in the UK due to a recent clarification of their legal status by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which means hybrids can be kept without a licence in this country if they are just three generations removed from the wild animal.

Chris Laurence, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, said: "If you have genuine hybrid wolves inside people's homes then that is a worry. I would be very concerned about that, because of their behaviour towards children."

Charlie Richardson, who plans to breed hybrids, which sell for about £5,000 each, said: "Hybrids can be good pets. For the right people in the right environment. You would never go back to an ordinary dog. The level of intelligence and social awareness in these animals is staggering. They really are special creatures. The big bad wolf myth is misleading... they are difficult dogs, but not in a dangerous sense."

However, Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, warned against them: "The relaxation in the law seems madness. To live in a domestic situation with a part-wolf is insane. Wolves are wonderful and much maligned in children's fiction, but they are hugely different from dogs and should be kept separate. Hybrids are a potential disaster area."

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Kate Moss on her new fragrance, Vintage

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-16T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity

Kate Moss has launched her latest fragrance with Coty, a delicious and fruity floral from called Vintage - and has plans to expand her brand further.

Speaking to WWD, the model revealed how she is now a full-fledged business tycoon. Aside from her fragrances, Moss also designs a fashion line with Topshop, collaborates with hairstylist James Brown on a haircare brand, and continues to model for luxury brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Longchamp.

Next up? Moss and Coty are talking about a potential collection for makeup brand Rimmel, of whose campaign ads Moss already graces.

"It's fun for me," said Moss. "I still model, and I enjoy doing that, as well. Working on the creative process is really interesting for me because I do know what I like, so it's fun for me to realize that it becomes part of you. It's not just putting your name on something; it's about being very involved in it."

And Moss's personal identity is deeply involved in her newest scent - right down to the packaging.

"I couldn't really afford designer clothes when I was young, so I just went to secondhand shops. It wasn't called vintage then, it was called 'secondhand' when I was 15," says Moss.

Of the ad campaign that features her against a mirror background that mimics the fragrance bottle design, Moss adds, "The imagery is modern, but it's vintage. Everything I'm wearing, apart from maybe the shoes, is vintage."

A 30ml bottle of Vintage costs around £23.

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Lady Gaga plays the witch in Vogue's fashion fairy tale

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-16T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Lady Gaga has made it onto the hallowed pages of American Vogue's December 'Arts' issue - playing the role of wicked witch, alongside stage actor Andrew Garfield and model Lily Cole, who play Hansel and Gretel.

The Annie Leibovitz shoot, inspired by the Metropolitan Opera's production of the fairy tale, was styled by "The September Issue" star Grace Coddington, who in a behind-the-scenes video clip at Vogue.com reveals that it was actually Anna Wintour's idea to include Lady Gaga in the special performing arts issue.

Also captured in the video is Gaga - dressed in a white rubber raincoat with nothing on underneath in order to give Coddington a "clean palette" - murmuring something about not wanting to show off her legs: "I always do that s***," she says.

The final photos show off plenty of Gaga - highlighted by Marc Jacobs ruffled bloomer shorts and a belted Marc Jacobs gold lamé jacket worn with towering fetish boot by Nina Ricci (also seen on Jennifer Connelly).

Vogue editor Hamish Bowles says that Gaga was so excited about the shoot that she arrived at the Vogue offices to discuss the project wearing a John Galliano gown and a Philip Treacy headdress with "Vogue" spelled out in white feathers.

Gaga also tells Bowles that she considers her art director Matthew Williams "my Jean-Paul Goude." Williams is, she says, "the inspiration that made the connection for me between the art world and the fashion world. He used to say things like 'If you want to make a shoulder pad, don't research jackets - research sculpture, mineral rocks, paintings.' He thinks in a different way; he is the designer of the future."

To watch the video, read the article and check out more of the fairy tale-themed shoot, head over to Vogue.com.

Check out more Gaga couture...

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Beauty only skin deep

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-16T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

It's true that you can't judge a book by its cover and it can often be said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

But scientists now believe that they have proved that beauty really is only skin deep.According to researchers from the University of Gottingen in Germany, the evenness and glow of a woman's skin is the key factor in the attraction stakes.

They photographed 170 women's faces, aged from 10 to 70, and applied their skin to an idealised computer model.

Scientists then asked 430 volunteers to score the images for attractiveness, the only changing factor being the quality of the skin.

Dr Paul Matts, a skin researcher at Procter & Gamble who worked on the project, told The Sunday Times: "The highest scores went to the models with the most even skin tone. It seems to be more important than almost any other factor."

In fact, where once it was thought that the symmetry of the face was top of our beauty perceptions, the study revealed that people were much more likely to avert their eyes from the dreaded uneven tone.

The researchers believe that humans may have developed this subconscious skin analysis as an indicator of good health.

Dr Bernhard Fink, an expert in evolutionary psychology, said: "Skin tone, especially in women, says a great deal about reproductive potential.

"Humans are highly evolved to pick up on cues like that because at one time in our past it would have been crucial for reproductive success."

But as many of us aren't lucky enough to have flawless skin, it's no wonder that sales of foundation are soaring.

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It's underwear eveningwear as A-listers show off

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-16T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

We're well aware of the current trend for the conical bra and we're even aware of the recent catwalk trend for bras as outerwear.

But if it's the celebrity look you're after then it seems underwear-as-eveningwear is the latest style statement of choice.The A-listers were out in force as Prada launched its new book but there must have been more than a few eyebrows raised as lingerie and midriffs made an appearance on more than one occasion.

Actress Chloe Sevigny, well known for eccentric taste in fashion, arrived wearing a taupe bra with plunging, open grey top and a high-waisted pink skirt.

Those who assumed that some kind of wardrobe malfunction had occurred must have taken a second look, though, when Pirates of the Carribean star Zoe Saldana turned out with her dusky pink bra on show between the gaping front of her turquoise blouse and an equally high-waisted burgundy skirt.

Others were more conservative. Both Jessicas Alba and Biel opted for classic black while Christina Ricci, who has been regularly snapped looking stylish and classy of late, wore a prom style dress, though Walk the Line actress, Ginnifer Goodwin's attempt at prom chic was arguably less successful.

But understandably it was Chloe and Zoe that got the cameras flashing. We're guessing you'll need a similarly toned and slender figure to pull off this brave style move.

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Choo chaos at H&M

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-16T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Alexandra Burke and Nicola Roberts were at the front of the queue for the launch of the Jimmy Choo range at H&M in London's Regent Street - but others had to wait for 14 hours to get their hands on a new pair of choos.

Still, at least there was more than one silver lining for those who queued in the wind and rain for a pair of this year's hottest high street heels, as just hours later, sold-out lines were available on eBay for double the price.

According to the Daily Mail, a strappy pair of black heels (priced at £79.99 at H&M) went for £155 in an online auction, while peep-toe boots, originally bought for £99.99, made their owner a tidy profit, eventually selling for £200.

Previously H&M's Stella McCartney range had seen shoppers literally fighting in the aisles, so the introduction of colour-coded wristbands and a one size per style limit were introduced for the Jimmy Choo frenzy.

Above: The queue outside H&M on Regent Street in central London as they launch their new Jimmy Choo range.

One Brighton-based eBay seller said: "We stood in the rain for hours, then in the shop for another few hours, then went into what can only be described as carnage to get them."

Above: Shoppers scramble over Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes in the store's Regent Street branch in central London, at the launch party for the new range.

If you're desperate to get your hands on a pair though, you might be best to stay away from the inflated eBay prices.

An H&M spokeswoman has assured customers that stocks will be replenished, with many of the sold-out lines available once again as of tomorrow.

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What do men want? You might be surprised!

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-15T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Picture galleries

Men can be a mysterious bunch. Ever wondered what they look for in a woman or what they need from their friends, family, careers and sexploits?

We probe fifteen fellas to get a rare glimpse into what men really want...

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Confessions of...a hangover humiliation

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-15T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Bizarre

As the slightly dishevelled, strapping hunk from advertising slunk up to my desk I began to feel every muscle in my body tighten with the blood flow to my head seemingly blocked somewhere below my knees.

Like in a laughably cheesy movie he appeared to move in slow motion, the air conditioning ruffling his locks slightly as he passed under it.

By the time he plonked his peachy perfect posterior down in front of me terror had caused my face to contort and fix itself into an look similar to that of a bulldog chewing a wasp.

I had lusted after Damian for nine months and following many failed attempts to engage him in conversation at Christmas parties and post work drinks I decided, in my inebriated state the night before, to announce my love for him to the world. Standing on the bar of our local pub. With no shoes on and lipstick on my teeth. This visit to my desk therefore, could only be to serve me with a restraining order.

Whilst I was dying a slow and excruciatingly embarrassing death in front of my love god however, I somehow managed to hear above the din of humiliation and hangover ringing in my ears, that I was wrong.

The glorious man had not only found my declaration charming and comical but he'd also come over to return my shoes that I'd discarded to mount the bar.

As he uttered the magical words "would you like to go out sometime?" I felt lightheaded. Believing I was simply giddy with joy I leant over to take his hand and accept the astonishing invitation.

As I moved however, I felt the colour drain from my face and upon opening my mouth to speak, I violently convulsed, heaved and projectile puked all over him. The stale stench of sambuca filled the air and I knew at once, my foul hangover had timed its moment of destruction perfectly.

What happened next is thankfully a blur but strangely enough, he's never visited my desk again to confirm that date.

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Dear Paula: He's never said he loves me

Dear Paula — 2009-11-15T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I've been going out with my man-friend for almost two years. We enjoy each other's company but he's never said he loves me. He mentions his ex a lot, he was married for many years but she left him and went off with someone else, after having many other affairs.

He still has photos of the two of them on the walls which I don't really like and none of me. He admitted to driving past her house sometimes out of nosiness. He claims to hate her but I am not sure.I wish he would appreciate me more - I know am a very attractive woman, easy going and I've tried very hard to make him love me but I am wondering if I'm wasting my time. I'd like to move in with him some day and hopefully get married, but I'm afraid to raise the subject. He is very pro-marriage but I think his ex's behaviour has put him off. Any advice?

Dear Paula writes:
You've let your man get too comfortable and he's taking you for granted. Some women make the mistake of being too understanding and putting up with things that maybe they shouldn't. Perhaps you should tell him you're sick of hearing about the past and more interested in where he intends to be in the future.

Ask him why he's hanging on to something that's long gone by having photos of the two of them displayed around the place. I don't want to dishearten you but there are men who use things like that to avoid new(ish) partners from making demands on them and keeping some distance. His ex is always there between you.

I think you should ask whether he's willing to leave her behind and focus on what he has with you. He could demonstrate his willingness by shutting up about her and taking the pictures down. He's not doing right by you and I don't think you have much to lose by taking the risk of confronting him about it all because if he's not willing to move on from her and demonstrate some sort of commitment to you, why are you wasting your time with him?

I think the phrase "I've tried hard to make him love me" is a telling one. You've tried too hard to be accommodating with all his nonsense and he's not giving your relationship the respect it deserves. Surely you're worth more than you're getting. Start making some demands to be treated properly and if he can't do it, ditch him and find someone who appreciates what you have to give. Too many men don't know when they're well off. It's time they learned!

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Men are quicker with 'I love you'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-15T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

We might assume that they are less romantic and more focused on the physical side of love, but apparently when it comes to declaring their love the boys are quickest off the mark.

According to a dating survey conducted for The Sunday Telegraph, the average chap will take seven months to say those three little words while the girls wait for that all important eighth month.Oliver James, a clinical psychologist and author, said that the findings confirmed that men are prone to being "swept away".

He explained: "This is because women mature sooner than men and develop to be more hard-nosed, realistic and in touch with their emotions.

"So when a man says 'I love you' it might be his way of dealing with a lot of complex, difficult emotions that he doesn't really understand, whereas when a woman says it, it might carry a greater weight.

"The classic cliché is that men use love to get sex and women use sex to get love."

Stella magazine commissioned YouGov to interview almost 2,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds about their dating habits.

And the 'I love you' bombshell wasn't the only surprise. The poll revealed that, when it comes to dating, the over 55s are the most active.

Almost two-thirds of those over 55 had joined internet dating websites, as compared to just over one fifth of 18 to 24-year-olds, and they were more ready to meet up with potential online loves.

The older age group were also keen to experiment, with one in seven attending a singles event and almost one quarter trying speed dating.

However, some of the old dating stereotypes were confirmed, with half of men confessing to dating to have sex compared to only 20% of women and one fifth of men admitted they would have sex on the first date (only one in 17 women agreed).

But at least we agree on one thing -who should be picking up the tab. On average the boys will spend £40.50 while the girls get away with only £23.20.

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Calorie counters could be too strict

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-15T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

For years now, we've been resting easy in the knowledge that sticking to the recommended number of calories each day would leave us healthy in mind and body.

But scientists now say that we could be being too hard on ourselves and depriving ourselves for no good reason.In a draft report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), experts have suggested that the guidelines (2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men each day) could be increased by 16 per cent.

And that's a cheeseburger, or two extra packets of crisps, to you and me.

Apparently, and this will definitely take you by surprise, nutritionists believe they have underestimated the levels of physical activity in Britain and thereby set the energy intake too low.

However, though the report suggests a more accurate calculation of a healthy calorie intake, some are concerned that it will send out the wrong message in the fight against obesity.

Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said it was a "dangerous assumption" to announce that adults can wolf down an extra 400 calories a day.

Just to make it clear, he told the Telegraph: "This is not a green light to eat yourself silly."

Though the draft proposal is due for a 14-week consultation before final recommendations are made, we could soon see those red or amber traffic lights turning to green.

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Housework could damage sperm count

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-15T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

It may seem like a dream come true for the chaps and a just cunning get-out clause to the girls, but according to a new study those household chores could be reducing a man's chances of children.

It seems the tools needed for general housework, including vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens and even fridges, could damage your partner's sperm count.Researchers from Stanford University in California exposed male volunteers to electromagnetic fields (which are produced by all electrically charged objects) and discovered that exposure to the vacuuming could double the risk of poor-quality sperm.

The study recruited 148 donors at a sperm bank in Shanghai and tests revealed that 76 had poor sperm mobility, shape or count, while 72 had strong swimmers.

Each participant was asked to wear meters to measure the magnetic fields they experienced during a 'typical' day.

Those with the highest readings were twice as likely to have low sperm quality as those who stayed away from magnetic fields.

Dr De-Kun Li, the fertility expert who led the research, told the Daily Mail: "I would advise men and couples trying for a baby to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic fields as much as possible.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't use a microwave but it makes sense to turn it on, then move away and go back when it is done. Keep devices, especially those with electric motors, away from the body."

But don't worry, boys... as far as we know, dusters, Mr Muscle and washing up liquid are all still safe.

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Are you really ready for marriage?

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-14T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Picture galleries

It's normal to experience 'cold feet' during the lead-up to your wedding but when those chilly toes begin to freeze it's time to ask if you're ready to take the plunge.

Check out our guide to spotting potential minefields before you become Mr and Mrs...

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15 things to do with a naked man

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-14T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Don't take your man's body for granted! From their hairy chests to their magnificent members, we don't often spend time indulging in their yummy manliness. Turn him into a playground and use our tips to making the most of his beautiful bod.

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Dear Paula: He shows no interest in his son

Dear Paula — 2009-11-14T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I split with my ex six months ago and we have a son together. We both had our faults and in the end it was too much for us to survive. I have come to terms with that but what I can't get over is his treatment of our little boy.

He is nearly 10 months old and since the day he was born his father showed no interest in him or our family. After we split he made very little effort to see his son, making excuses to avoid it at every opportunity. He hadn't seen his son in two months before last weekend, when I agreed to let him have one last chance to bond with him.He has a new partner whom he met just a few weeks after we ended and has moved on, dropping our family like it meant nothing and making me feel like we didn't matter. I feel so angry towards him and hate what he has done to us. I can't bear to be around him but I have to for the sake of my son. I just keep waiting for him to screw it up and let us down again. I really don't think I can take much more of this as I'm constantly waiting for him to hurt us again.

As a result of this I now can't trust men. He has put me off having more children as I don't think I could cope as a single mother to two children. One is hard enough and I can't see myself letting another man close enough because I don't want to go through this pain again.

Dear Paula writes:
Being a father is a privilege and one that your son's father clearly doesn't deserve. Do you really want him growing up to experience the kind of anger and disappointment you are feeling right now? You say that your ex has moved on and maybe you should do the same.

It doesn't sound as though this man is ever going to be the kind of father you want for your child. You say you have to be around him for the sake of your son, but maybe for the sake of your son, you should be moving on. Think about what it will be like for him to get to know a father who shows little interest in him and who may constantly disappoint him.

He will also be growing up picking up on how you feel and you surely don't want him to be torn between the two of you. You also need to consider the emotional toll it will take on you, having to cope with being in contact with your ex and knowing about his other relationships.

Don't let this one deadbeat put you off the idea of being in a relationship again. Men are not all rotten and you may find someone who will act like a real father to your son. It does happen. I think you should give yourself and your son a chance by leaving this man behind and looking for a happier future for both of you. Why chance having your son's feelings messed about with, simply for the sake of having contact with the man who fathered him when he's not interested in acting like a father?

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Mums do the shouting in family rows

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-14T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

There's no doubt that family rows are one of the unavoidable perils of parenthood and with Christmas approaching there will surely be plenty on the cards.

But according to a new survey, it's mums that are doing most of the shouting.The poll, conducted by family database Uinvue, revealed that flare-ups occur on average three times a day, with household chores, the kids "treating the house like a hotel" and couples taking each other for granted the top scorers in the rowing stakes.

With the average argument usually lasting for five minutes, the survey revealed that families spend around 91 hours a year with raised voices.

Of course, TV was a big source of rows, with mums keen on soap operas, dads desperate for sport and the kids preferring reality TV or movies.

Mark De Netto, spokesman for Uinvue, told the Telegraph: "It was interesting to note that mum still seems to play the pivotal role within the family.

"However the results do show that dads are getting far more involved."

While daughters were the biggest door slammers during a row, dads prefer to cool off with a long drive (though we have a sneaking suspicion that's just an avoidance technique).

Mr De Netto added: "Although arguments are a common factor in all families, our results show that they play a vital role in building and strengthening bonds within the family and act as a release valve for family members, so minor arguments do play a positive role in family life.

"We do still think it is worthwhile counting slowly to ten sometimes."

Since one in ten families polled confessed to not being on speaking terms at the time of the survey, we're guessing some of you may need to try counting to 100.

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Brush your teeth to stay sharp

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-14T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Unlikely as it may sound, there's more to brushing your teeth than just avoiding tooth decay and gum disease.

New research suggests that keeping your teeth clean could be keeping your mind keen and can help to reduce your risk of dementia.Scientists at Columbia University in New York tested more than 2,300 men and women for bugs that cause periodontitis, the disease that leaves gums receding and teeth becoming loose.

The volunteers, all over the age of 60, also performed memory tests.

And bizarre as it sounds, those with bad dental health were the lowest scorers. In fact those with the highest levels of gum disease bugs were three times as likely to have difficulty recalling a three-word sequence as those with good gums.

They were also found to be twice as likely to fail on the mental arithmetic based memory test.

Though it is unclear how your shiny white teeth can help to protect against Alzheimer's, but those pesky bugs that lurk in our gums are known to damage arteries, which is in turn linked to dementia.

But British experts say that while the US study was interesting, it proved nothing. Instead, it could be that people brush their teeth less as their memory starts to fail.

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Naomi Campbell speaks about 'fashion discrimination'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-14T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

As the first black model to grace the high fashion catwalks, Naomi Campbell can certainly be proud of her success.

But as she took to the catwalk for her Fashion for Relief charity show she had a definite point to make.The show is being held in Africa for the first time and Naomi was keen to attack "the developed world's discrimination against black models"

Backstage at the event she told the Daily Mail: "Where do we see a woman of colour in an advert? It's quite blatant.

"There's definitely space for more black models but has there been enough effort? It was getting better but it's slipped back this year."

Naomi strutted her stuff in a variety of colourful designs, with beads, peacock feathers and chunky jewellery made by local designers and was joined by a number of aspiring models all currently competing to become the new 'Face of Africa'.

Campbell's previous Fashion for Relief shows have raised as much as $1 million for relief from natural disasters and this year's event in Dar es Salaam will go to support maternal health.

The supermodel added: "Women of colour who have had a great experience in life need to share their experiences with others. The world is not made up of blonde hair and blue eyes. We need to share ourselves."

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Victoria's Secret Fashion show to feature Asian model for first time

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-13T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Picture galleries

The highly anticipated Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is quickly approaching, and behind closed doors the lingerie powerhouse is finalising its model lineup.

Three of the top VS Angels, Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima and Heidi Klum will not be walking the runway this year due to recent or current baby bumps. However, Klum is set to host the show.

Without these three sexy supermodel regulars, pressure is on to fill the coveted spots.

And apparently, one is now taken - Liu Wen will reportedly strut her stuff as the first Asian model to appear in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, according to Modelinia.

Accompanying Wen on the catwalk will be the five fresh models VS is focusing on (and possibly naming as new Angels), including Chanel Iman, who will be featured prominently in the show and is already starring in ads for the company.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs on December 1 on American CBS - if you can't wait, here's a recap of the highlights from last year's show...

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Weird and wonderful designs at China Fashion Week

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-13T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Bizarre, Picture galleries

Designers who show in Paris have always been considered among the most avant garde in the world, but China Fashion Week took it to a new level recently with its kooky creations that included a polka dotted body suit affixed with clocks, a comic book-esque checkered jumpsuit with cat ears and paws, and colourful Harajuku girl-inspired ensembles (replete with stuffed animals of course).

There was also a smattering of walking metal art sculptures and candy coloured confections with matching tights.

But while the designs were more funny than fabulous, not all was lost. There was a nod to the ever-so-prominent military trend (this is a communist country after all) and edgier silhouettes emerged with the sculpted shoulder jackets (a la Balmain).

Click through to see the interesting mix of Chinese designs. Eat your heart out Alexander McQueen!

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How pleasure drives decision-making

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-13T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

We'd all like to think that, when it comes the important decisions in life, we will make an informed and sensible choice.

But according to the latest research, it could be our continued pursuit of pleasure that is driving our decision-making abilities.Conducted by University College London, the study revealed that a reward chemical in the brain plays a key role in our choices, from holidays to careers and scientists believe that this chemical could be putting "pleasure" high on the list when it comes to the life-changing decisions.

The chemical in question, dopamine, carries messages between brain cells. When we're feeling all warm and fuzzy, such as during sex or eating our favourite food, there's more dopamine floating around.

The researchers, however, discovered that the brain is flooded with the chemical, even during ordinary decision-making, as we try to imagine the possible outcome.

Dr Tali Sharot, lead author of the study reported in the journal Current Biology, said: "Humans make much more complex decisions than other animals - such as which job to take, where to vacation, whether to start a family - and we wanted to understand the role of dopamine in making these types of decisions.

"We found dopamine seems to have a role in determining the expected pleasure we will receive if we make a certain choice. We then use that information to make our choices."

It might not sound sensible, but since the scientists believe that a lack of dopamine, sometimes caused by depression, disease or drug addiction, could lead to poor life choices, perhaps our ongoing search for a hedonistic lifestyle isn't such a bad thing after all.

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Men spending more on mum for Xmas

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-13T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Shopping

If you're resting easy in the knowledge that your man is currently deep in thought over your Christmas present, you could be mistaken.

A new survey has revealed that there are plenty of mummy's boys who put far more effort into a gift for their mother than they do planning their latest romantic gesture.Conducted by TK Maxx, the poll of 2,000 adults showed that almost half of the men surveyed were thinking of the perfect present for mum, before even considering their wife or girlfriend.

Top of the mummy's boy list were the Newcastle lads, with 60 per cent saying mum's present was the most important but they were closely followed by 53 per cent of Glaswegian chaps.

On the other side of the coin, one in five admitted to persuading their partner to buy their mother's Christmas gift.

Gabrielle Teare, a personal shopping consultant, told the Daily Mail: "It is like they want the meant-well factor but don't want to put in the effort to go and get the present.

"And if they do go shopping, it tends to be on Christmas Eve."

Sound familiar?

The survey also revealed that there are plenty of us who aren't happy with the gifts we receive. 18 per cent were unhappy with last year's present haul and a whopping 42 per cent were bracing themselves for further disappointment.

Least successful in the gift list was vouchers. 30 per cent said they had never used vouchers from previous Christmases.

But if you get a voucher this year, it's worth bearing this in mind - with the value of each un-redeemed voucher an average of £36.40, should the whole of Britain 'forget' to use them, it would amount to an astonishing half a billion pounds in unclaimed Christmas gifts.

Bet those book tokens don't seem such a bad idea now, do they?

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Cut stress with chocolate

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-13T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

The news just keeps getting better for chocolate lovers. And the latest is that a bar a day keeps the stress away.

A study by Dutch and Swiss scientists found that a small bar of chocolate (dark, obviously) can cut levels of stress hormones and rebalance other chemicals in the body when we're feeling anxious.Volunteers, both men and women, ate 20g of dark chocolate morning and evening while scientists monitored their stress hormone levels.

Those under the most pressure found their high hormone levels dropping after just two weeks of choco-therapy.

Researcher Sunil Kochhar (who suspiciously works for Nestle) said the study, reported in the Journal of Proteome Research, "provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40g is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy volunteers".

However, note the use of the word "healthy" there, folks. It might reduce stress and even help to cut the risk of heart disease, as another recent study revealed, but there's still that healthy diet and lifestyle to consider.

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Was Rihanna's wardrobe malfunction an 'accident'?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-12T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

No woman is immune from a wardrobe malfunction - not even the celebrities with their armies of personal stylists - but was Rihanna's recent over exposure an accident or not?

Vote in our poll then click the gallery below for more shocking wardrobe malfunctions...

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Lindsay's collection 'a disaster' says Ungaro

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Lindsay Lohan may find it tough when she returns to the world of high fashion next year.

Her first foray into fashion, as Artistic Adviser for Ungaro, resulted in a serious slamming by the majority of critics.And now the founder of the famed French fashion house has spoken out about her catwalk collaboration with designer Estrella Archs, labelling it "a disaster".

Speaking to the press in Lisbon on Monday, Emanuel Ungaro said: "I'm furious. But there isn't a thing I can do."

Strange as that may sound, Emanuel, who founded the label in 1965, retired in 2005 and the fashion house continues to use his name despite the fact that he no longer has any involvement with the label.

Seemingly keen to distance himself from any aspect of the new design direction, Emanuel said: "I have absolutely no link with that house" before adding that it was "on its way to losing its soul".

Lindsay's largely panned Spring/Summer 2010 collection was put together in less than a month.

She is expected to work on a second collection early next year.

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Winter's hottest makeup trends

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-12T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Shopping

Get ready to sparkle! We reveal the hottest makeup trends for winter and explain how to wear this season's key looks for eyes and lips...

Get ready for '80s retro
In case you hadn't noticed, '80s style is back with a vengeance this season. To rock the retro trend while keeping your look up to date, opt for perfectly lined lips and coatings of hot pink lipstick.

Team muted matte finishes in attention grabbing colours with a lip liner of a matching shade. For a long-lasting finish, fill lips in with pencil to provide a base before applying lipstick. We love Yves Saint Laurent lipliner pencils, £14 each. Remember to keep eyes toned down when wearing bold lips.A passion for purple
Mysterious and magical, the colour purple is big news this season, taking centre stage on the runways of Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Dior and Versace.

Purple eye shadow is the easiest way to rock the trend - and deep plum or sparkly amethyst eye shadow makes the perfect partner to black kohl-rimmed eyes, the other big eye trend of the season.

The big name cosmetic brands have all launched eye makeup in shades of berry, plum, mauve and violent violet this winter, but which shade of purple should you wear?

If you have blue or green eyes opt for light purple shades which, teamed with lashings of mascara, will give eyes real 'pop.' Smoky mauves and rich dark shades are the perfect complement to brown eyes.

Front Cover Eye Encyclopedia holds a gorgeous array of catwalk trends in ready to wear collections, £35 from Boots.

Goth goes grown up
The catwalks were awash with goth chic this season. Black lips were the signature style at Rachel Roy, Rodarte and Tuleh and MAC and Chanel have both brought out intense, black lipsticks for winter.

Admittedly, black lips are not the easiest trend to wear. If you're feeling daring, use a lip brush to paint on the colour, then lightly blot with a tissue, or try Clinique's Almost Lipstick Black Honey, £14 from Boots for a sheer, non-staining lip colour with a high gloss finish.

If black is a step too far, you can get a similarly strong look with deep brown or dark purple. Thankfully classic red lipstick, à la the golden days of Hollywood, is also bang on trend this season - and much easier to wear.

Smoky black, kohl-rimmed eyes are an easier goth trend to pull off. Look out for glittery black and midnight blue eyeliners to add extra sparkle and remember to add lashings of mascara for maximum effect.

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Now probiotics could combat weight gain

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

As if we weren't already confused enough about the pros and cons of probiotic drinks, scientists now say the tiny yoghurt drinks could help to combat weight gain.

US researchers have discovered that there are nasty little bugs living in our stomachs that could be causing us to get fat.Apparently, these naughty bacteria thrive on junk food, making weight gain even greater so the notorious "friendly" bacteria contained in drinks such as Yakult could help us to avoid piling on the pounds.

The research team at Washington University in Missouri, "transplanted" bugs, more usually found in the human gut, into mice.

They soon discovered that junk food triggered an alteration in the make-up of the bugs, with some thriving and others struggling to survive.

Taking the stomach bugs from mice being fed fatty foods and injecting them into lean mice revealed that even a low-fat diet couldn't prevent an expanding weight problem.

It is thought that the bugs that thrive on junk food affect the metabolism, leading to more fat being stored.

But probiotic drinks could, in future, be used to boost numbers of those happy little bugs who prefer a healthy diet, thereby keeping us trim - now that is what we'd call a friendly bacteria.

The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine reports.

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Dannii 'euphoric' over Cosmo award

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

The ladies were out in force last night for the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year Awards.

Walking the glamorous red carpet were the likes of Alesha Dixon, Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh who looked stunning in a floor-length white, backless gown.But it was Dannii Minogue who stole the show... in more ways than one.

The judging panel, including Fearne Cotton, Alesha Dixon and Vernon Kay, awarded Miss Minogue the Ultimate TV Personality of the Year award, after a tough but increasingly successful year on the X Factor.

And Dannii, who wore a dramatic asymmetric dress with a chic bobbed haircut, was "euphoric" over the award.

She said: "When you're having a good time at work and in your love life, I guess it shows on your face."

Other winners included Holly Willoughby as TV Presenter of the Year and EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, who took the Celeb Who Made Us Care award for her anti-knife campaign in the wake of her brother Ben's death.

And while the majority of celebs opted for chic but simple black or white dresses, Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon, got the cameras flashing wearing a Catherine Deane chiffon and silk dress that was rather daringly low-cut.

Transforming her look through stints on hit soap operas, a pop career and now as a judge and mentor on ITV smash, the X-Factor, Dannii Minogue has become an established style chameleon. We take a look back at her style evolution...

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Has Catherine's style deserted her?

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

All too often Catherine Zeta-Jones is snapped looking impossibly elegant and stunningly attractive.

But of late the Oscar-winning actress has been looking more like a granny than a red carpet favourite.Currently in New York rehearsing for her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, Catherine was spotted last week wearing a long coat, unflattering baggy dress and strange floppy hat pinned with a brooch - an ensemble more than a little reminiscent of an eccentric old lady.

And her wardrobe doesn't seem to have improved.

On Monday Catherine was snapped in an 80s-style jumper dress, cowboy boots and seriously distressing distressed animal-hide coat.

But then shades of brown seem to be a recurring theme for the actress these days.

Only yesterday, she sported a beige woollen cape and beret, brown leggings and sheepskin boots.

Though her most recent outfit was a step up on previous days, we're beginning to think that Michael Douglas may having a say in his wife's wardrobe.

Bring back glamorous Catherine, we say... we may have been insanely jealous but at least we weren't calling the fashion police.

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Ultimo launches Mega Boost bra

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

It can be a tricky manoeuvre going from office to night out. While work may require a look that's on the demure side, the cocktail bar is an altogether different matter.

But underwear giant Ultimo has come up with a solution that will take you from business to bar in a matter of seconds.Their latest product is cunningly named the Mega Boost 'Day to Night' Bra and does exactly what it says.

A normal bra by day, the Mega Boost means that with the flick of a bra strap, you'll have an enviable cleavage that adds two cup sizes.

What's the secret? Well, it does involve silicon pouches but according to Ultimo, these aren't your average chicken fillets. Instead they mould to the skin to give you a "natural, authentic rounded shape".

Of course, you can wear the bra with or without these bust boosters enabling the wearer to switch from demure office worker to eye-popping cleavage, and the design can be adjusted to halterneck, one-shouldered, criss-cross or strapless to fit with your chosen attire.

But the novelty is that these are the first breast enhancing pouches to come with their very own bra.

So confident are Ultimo over their latest launch that they claim it will convince any woman that surgery is unnecessary.

Ultimo boss Michelle Mone told the Daily Mail: "People talk about cleavage being back but it never really went away.

"The best thing about the new Mega Boost Day to Night Bra is that you can change your cleavage on a whim and it's completely hassle free.

"The effect of this bra is both visible and dramatic without the drastic measures of surgery.

"Any woman even considering breast implants, forget it, this bra will give you the exact same effect."

We may have to test their theory.

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Hurley reveals secret to figure... vodka

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-12T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity

At the age of 44, one would imagine that Liz Hurley's still stunning figure was down to a punishing workout at the gym.

But apparently a degree of her enviable toned physique can be put down to vodka.As unlikely as it sounds, Liz has revealed that she swapped Shiraz for Smirnoff in a bid to hang on to her youthful figure.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Liz said: "I don't miss having a glass of wine because I've switched to vodka.

"I don't really like vodka that much but if I'm at a party I have a small one with a lot of fizzy water and a huge squeeze of lime. Initially it's like medicine but I've got used to it now."

Now that sounds like our kind of diet.

But there's more to Hurley's eating and drinking habits than just vodka, of course.

"I used to drink an awful lot of coffee, but I was told after the age of 40 you have to be careful with coffee and wine," she adds.

"Apparently, that can be one of the reasons older women get bloated around their stomach."

But before you go rushing for the herbal teas, remember this - last year it was reported that in those moments when you just need to treat yourself, Liz resorts to... wait for it... a square of organic chocolate or one tablespoonful of ice-cream.

Not as easy as it sounds, is it?

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Winter boots and party shoes: the 20 best

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-11T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Shopping

Thigh high, biker or wedge; whatever boot style you decide to work this winter, stay one step ahead in the style stakes with our pick of the best. And as that all important party season draws ever closer, we've also selected the season's most glam going out shoes. See our top picks...

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Win a meal for two at the River Café!

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-11T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Book Club

Wondering what to buy that foodie friend this year? The River Café Classic Italian Cookbook is definitely going on our Christmas wish list.

If you love classic Italian cooking, you'll love the The River Café Classic Italian Cookbook, packed with authentic regional dishes from Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers.

To celebrate the launch of the book, Penguin is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a meal for two at The River Café, plus a signed copy of the book. Five runners up will also receive a signed copy of the book.

- Click here to enter!

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Madonna - the new face of Dolce & Gabbana

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-11T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Proving that there's nothing the queen of re-invention can't do, Madonna is to become the face of Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

The 51-year-old singer has already enjoyed two seasons as the face of Louis Vuitton, and is now ready to take on her next modelling challenge.

This isn't the first time the Italian designers have teamed up with the queen of pop. Madonna first collaborated with the Italian designers in the early '90s when they designed the iconic costumes for her 1993 The Girlie Show tour. The Italian duo also created the costumes for her Sticky and Sweet tour last year.

"To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true," Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana told their online magazine www.swide.com.

Dolce & Gabbana's spring/summer 2010 collection celebrates the Italian roots of the brand and revisits iconic pieces such as the corset, so it seems only fitting that Madonna with her Italian heritage should be the one to showcase the new collection.

The ads were shot last week in New York City by photographer Steven Klein. Are you looking forward to seeing the photos or do you reckon we've already seen more than enough of the singer?

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Curvy = clever

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-11T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Bizarre

In case you needed another good reason to throw out the diet books, new research suggests that curvy women are likely to be brighter than their skinny counterparts, and may even produce more intelligent children.

Researchers in the US studied 16,000 women and girls and discovered that those with womanly curves performed better on cognitive tests - as did their offspring. In fact, the curvier the woman, the better the performance, according to the BBC.

Researchers believe this is to do with fatty acids found on the hips, which contain Omega-3, that is thought to improve a woman's mental abilities as well as those of her child.

Not everyone in the scientific community is convinced, however. Martin Tovee of Newcastle University said: "On the fatty deposits being related to intelligence front, it's very hard to detangle that from other factors, such as social class, for instance, or diet.

"And much as we logically like the idea that men are interested in the waist to hip ratio, it actually features relatively low down the list of feature males look for in a potential partner."

A smart girl with gorgeous womanly curves? What's not to like?

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Catwalk cattiness causes curvy model to quit

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-11T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Australian supermodel and actress Gemma Ward is quitting the modelling business amidst criticism about her weight, the model's agency has told Australian paper the Daily Telegraph.

The 22-year-old beauty has been the subject of Internet taunts after being spotted with a fuller figure last week, the paper reports.

Photos of the more voluptuous model surfaced online, and comments poking fun about her piling on the pounds reportedly followed.

Ward has been the subject of fierce scrutiny about her weight since she took a break from modeling early last year in the wake of rumored boyfriend Heath Ledger's death in January 2008, according to the paper. Clearly, the attacks have taken their toll.

"Gemma hasn't committed to returning to modeling any time soon," a spokeswoman for her agency, Vivien's Model Management, told the paper.

Ward's weight gain made headlines this past January when she hit an Australian beach in a bathing suit that showcased her new curves.

"I was really surprised when I saw her, considering what she used to look like," a source told the Sunday Telegraph at the time. "I had to do a double-take after I saw how much weight she had put on."

While there's no doubt that Ward has put on some weight, we think the public needs to cut her some slack - we'd rather see bodacious than bony any day! Besides, these days, the catwalk is showcasing varying body types.

What do you think? Should Ward let the critics stop her from modelling? Leave a comment below...

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Men leave pants buying to wife

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-11T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Shopping

Somewhere in your husband's underwear drawer, we're guessing there's a lucky pair of pants... but that's more than likely the only pair they actually bought.

In fact the average man buys their own underpants for just 17 years of their lives, new research has revealed.The peak of underpant buying for men, occurs at the tender age of 23, according to the survey by Debenhams. At this point, super-tight briefs are the popular choice, but by 26 the chaps are moving on to the less revealing boxer short, while the over-33s are already buying Y-fronts.

Rob Faucherand of Debenhams told the Daily Mail: "You can tell when a man is looking for a partner by the number of new underpants they buy.

"If he buys more than 31 pairs every year, he's either still trying desperately to impress the woman in his life - or else she's not The One."

That may prove handy for ladies wishing to test the seriousness of their current relationship.

The research also revealed that, though a man's brief buying declines after the age of 33 due to the onset of the stable relationship, it often picks up again between the ages of 38 and 40, where break ups are common.

But by 44 years of age, your man's pant-buying days are well and truly over as they hand the responsibility to their loving partner.

Mr Faucherand said: "It is odd that even the most macho men delegate the duty of buying new underpants - the garment closest to their masculinity - to women as soon as they can."

We put it down to laziness, but still, as Mr Faucherand says: "This is the one issue that feminism has never addressed. It's not who wears the pants in each household - it's who has to buy them that counts."

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BeautifulPeople rate Brits the ugliest

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-11T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Picture galleries

There's more bad news for the Brits today. According to the 'beautiful' people, Britons are among the ugliest in the world.

Dating website BeautifulPeople.com is only for the brave as existing members rate the attractiveness of newcomers before they are allowed to join this exclusive club.

And apparently the Brits aren't too welcome. Fewer than 12 per cent of British men (that's one in eight) have been accepted and only 15 per cent (three in 20) of women who have applied have graced the pages of the site.

In fact, since the website was launched in the UK, of the 295,000 Britons who have applied, only 35,000 have become approved members.

We don't understand what they're getting at...

Where the chaps are concerned, it's the Swedish men who are proving the most successful with 65 per cent accepted, while Norwegian women are clearly taking good care of themselves - 76 per cent of those that applied have made the grade.

Managing director Greg Hodge, told The Telegraph: "Asking why British people are doing so badly is a tough question. It hurts me - I'm English.

"I think there is less emphasis on appearance in the UK than overseas. If you go to some countries they are very into how they look - very health and body conscious.

"The UK attitude is a bit more about kicking back and relaxing, and having a few drinks in the pub after work."

Which is a fair point. But bear in mind folks, that since the site went global just over two weeks ago, a whopping 1.8 million people from 190 countries have already been turned away.

So if you're included in that 83 per cent, you probably shouldn't feel too bad.

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Help at hand for eco style

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-11T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Most of us will have had the odd fashion dilemma in our time. In fact, we've probably had a fair few.

And if it's eco fashion you're after then the problems may be greater and possibly more frequent.Getting advice on what to wear to a wedding or for that holiday in the Bahamas is valuable enough and but few personal shoppers will be concerned over how ethical your fashion choices are.

But help is at hand. Daily eco magazine Greenmystyle.com is devoted to the best in ethical fashion, beauty and home style.

A network of stylists, editors, designers and celebs trawl through the rubbish to reveal some ethical treasures on eBay so that you don't have to.

And now the site has launched a new personal styling service.

Powered by experts at Eco Concierge, ethically-minded fashionistas can simply log on for a consultation with stylist Zoe Robinson.

A style questionnaire, phone consultation, insider tips and free goodies are all available for those desperate to get their very own unique eco style.

But it comes at a price girls... £75 to be precise. Still, it's a small price to pay for being ethically beautiful.

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What his cuddling style reveals

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-10T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Picture galleries

There's nothing better than getting a hug from your hunk but those warm embraces can reveal more about your man than you might think. Read on to see what his cuddling style reveals about how he really feels...

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Couple accused of having 'unnatural' noisy sex

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-10T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Bizarre

Some people are more vocal than others when it comes to getting passionate in the bedroom, but one couple from Wearside are alleged to have made a racket so bad it was described as "murder" and "unnatural", reports the BBC.

A Newcastle court heard how Mr and Mrs Cartwright's nightly sex sessions were so loud they drowned out their neighbours' televisions.

To prove the point, a 10-minute recording of their love making was played in court, which had been taken by specialist equipment installed in a neighbour's flat by Sunderland City Council.

Even the local postman and a woman, who walked past the house taking her child to school, complained.

Mrs Cartwright, 48, has lost her appeal against a conviction for breaching a noise abatement notice that banned the couple from ''shouting, screaming or vocalisation at such a level as to be a statutory nuisance''.Next door neighbour Rachel O'Connor told the court she was frequently late for work because she overslept having been awake most of the night because of the noise.

She said: "It is not very pleasant living there and it has been quite stressful. The noise sounds like they are both in considerable pain. I cannot describe the noise. I have never ever heard anything like it."

Unemployed Mrs Cartwright said she was not able to control the noise she made during sex and and instructed a sexual psychologist to give evidence on her behalf.

"After I got the Noise Abatement Notice I tried to control it," she said. "I even tried to use a pillow [over her face] to try and lessen the noise. I did not understand why people asked me to be quiet because to me it is normal. I didn't understand where they were coming from."

What do you think? Should a woman be allowed to make as much noise as she likes in the bedroom? Leave a comment with your views...

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Expelled for wearing a short skirt

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-10T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Bizarre

Brazil is known for its tiny bikinis, beaches and carnival excess, so we were surprised to read about the case of Geisy Arruda, a 20-year-old student who was expelled for wearing a mini-dress.

Following a flood of intense criticism on the Internet, and support from Brazilian celebrities, Bandeirante University has now reversed its decision to expel her - a happy ending you would think.

Unfortunately, Arrunda is afraid to return to college after the incident, in which she was made to wear a professor's white coat to cover her short dress and was escorted away by police amid a hail of insults by students, some of whom shouted "whore."

Arruda said she was humiliated by the experience: "If a security guard or a professor had told me something I would have humbly returned home and changed my clothes," she told a packed press conference, accompanied by seven lawyers.

Brazil's national student union and minister in charge of women's policy were outraged by the incident and called for the university to explain why it had kicked her out.

The university claim that Arruda disrespected "ethical principles, academic dignity and morality." University lawyer Decio Lencioni said: "The problem is not her clothes," he said. "It's her behaviour, her attitude."

The university alleges that Arruda raised her dress and stopped to pose for photos - and also chose the longest way to get to class to attract the attention of more students.

Arruda vehemently denied the claim, saying, "It's a big lie that I raised the dress."

What do you think? Is expelling a woman for wearing a short dress an insult to women's lib - or is it time students dressed more modestly?

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We can't look! A woman falls on to train tracks

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-10T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

We've only just recovered after watching a pram (with baby inside) fall on to a train line in Australia, so we feel for onlookers in Boston, America, who witnessed a woman fall on to subway tracks - just as the train was approaching.

Waiting passengers waved their arms and alerted the driver, who managed to stop the train just in time. Police say the woman was drunk at the time of the incident. We can only imagine it must have sobered her up - fast.

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Mineral make-up on the rise

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-10T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

The recession has brought women flocking to buy make-up as thousands attempt to ditch the gloom by putting on a fabulous face.

But there's a new foundation in town - the mineral variety and according to L'Oréal, sales have soared by 15 per cent.Where conventional foundation is liquid, the mineral version comes in powder form and is applied in a gentle circular, buffing motion with a handy brush.

But why are so many changing to this powdered alternative? Well, firstly, it's low in additives and fragrance free - good news for all you sensitive types.

And that's not all. The minerals from which the powder is made provide a sunscreen and skin-soothing anti-inflammatory properties, not to mention the smooth, light finish.

While some say that it feels unnatural and heavy, the experts put this down to a lack of practice.

Benjamin Rousseau, national make-up artist for Lancôme, explained to the Telegraph: "This happens when too much is applied in one go. You need to build it up in layers. Less is more."

For novices though, there is a chance of losing most of the product to the surrounding areas.

Rousseau advises: "Shake a little into the lid, swirl it around with the brush, tap against your wrist, then apply."

Simple.

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Burberry launches trench coat website

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-10T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

The trench coat has been around for many decades and graced many a celebrity wardrobe.

And though it has been missing from the high-fashion houses for a while, this year has seen the wardrobe staple returning to the catwalks.Now Burberry, who have long championed the versatility of the trench coat, are giving the iconic design its very own website.

Theartofthetrench.com has already been launched and is devoted entirely to the trench coat in all its forms.

Like a social networking site, it encourages trench coat lovers from all over the world to share their love for the Burberry favourite.

Street style photographer Scott Shuman, otherwise known as 'The Sartorialist', has been commissioned to snap the most stylish wearers from around the world and site visitors will be able to comment on the portraits and share their thoughts via Facebook and Twitter.

Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey, explained to Marie Claire: "Everybody has a different story related to their coat or the first time they came into contact with one.

"I love the idea that people from all over the world can share those stories and images with each other."

Even if you're not into chatting about your trench coat, just exploring the portraits could find you wasting many an hour online.

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Feel younger... retire

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-10T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

You might imagine that by the end of your working life, retirement would only add to any feelings of being over the hill.

But a new study has revealed that employees actually feel a good ten years younger after leaving work.Researchers from Stockholm University analysed data from 15,000 workers at a French gas and electricity firm and discovered that, though the prospect of retirement left many feeling unwell, the reality was a considerable improvement.

Before you sit back and relax, though, it's worth bearing in mind that these particular workers enjoyed retirement from the age of 55 and were blessed with substantial pensions.

The study found that between the year before retirement and the year after, the risk of workers admitting to feeling unwell, fell from 19 to 14 per cent, which researchers say corresponds to a health gain of eight to 10 years.

Published in The Lancet, the report said: "Put another way, in terms of the risk of suboptimal health, people suddenly got eight to 10 years younger when they retired." They also continued to feel better throughout the next seven years.

These days though, politicians continue to push for longer employment in a bid to limit pension liabilities.

Hugo Westerlund, who led the research, said: "Our findings should cause concern for policy makers attempting to convince workers to stay longer in the workforce."

He added: "Arguably the best option is to redesign working life for older workers to make it healthier and more satisfying than at present and... achieve improved occupational health and quality of life, increased productivity, and a larger proportion of the population in work."

Let us know what you think. Could retirement really make you feel younger?

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Everyone is wearing...
Over-the-knee boots

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-09T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

The thigh's the limit for over-the-knee boots this winter. We take some inspiration from the long-legged A-listers...

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Diets begin as festive season approaches

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

While most of us would associate the New Year with dieting resolutions, new research has revealed that many women will be vowing to shed a few pounds before the festive season even begins.

And they're starting today. According to the study, carried out by British Lion eggs, six out of ten women will be looking to lose weight in order to get into all those glamorous party dresses they've bought.The study revealed that around 58 per cent of women are looking to slim down and tone up for the office Christmas party, but while 71 per cent plan on a healthy diet to achieve it, almost one in ten are relying on missing a meal to help them.

A spokesman for British Lion eggs, told the Daily Mail: "The Christmas party has become one of the biggest events of the year, and for many, it's an ideal time to impress a male colleague to be the envy of your female workmates.

"So while January is well-known to be the time Brits detox to try to undo the Christmas indulgence, this study shows that women are also dieting in the run-up to the festive season as well.

"But simply cutting food out won't work. The best way to lose weight is to eat sensibly and have three balanced meals a day, particularly breakfast."

The average target is a weight loss of 10lbs and 14 per cent of women admitted that they buy their party outfit in a size too small in the hope that it will steel their dieting resolve.

But it seems we'll never learn... more than half of those have had to return to the shops for an emergency outfit after failing to the lose the weight in time.

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Gym time 'can reduce woman's fertility'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

It's hard to know what to do when it comes to exercise these days.

Not enough and we're resigning ourselves to weight gain and possible illness, and now too much and we could be risking our chances of a family.New research has found that exercising daily or to the point of exhaustion can have a serious effect on a woman's fertility, with problems three times more likely to occur.

Though experts agree that physical exercise has some obvious benefits, too much could be sapping your body of the energy it needs to reproduce.

Scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted the study, and asked 3,000 women about the frequency, duration and intensity of their fitness regimes between 1984 and 1986.

10 years later, they followed up with a survey of the same women's pregnancies.

Sigridur Lara Gudmundsdottir, who led the study, told the Telegraph: "Among all these women, we found two groups who experience an increased risk of infertility. There were those who trained almost every day, and there were those who trained until they were completely exhausted. Those who did both had the highest risk of infertility."

Younger women were found to be more vulnerable to the risk, with a quarter of fitness fanatic under-30s unable to conceive during their first year of trying.

But if you've been a treadmill addict for a while, there is good news, as the negative effects did not appear to be permanent.

Gudmundsdottir added: "The vast majority of women in the study had children in the end.

"And those who trained the hardest in the middle of the 1980s were actually among those who had the most children in the 1990s."

So if you're after a family, it might be time to relax just a little - after all, that extra baby weight will give you plenty of reasons to get back to the gym.

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Has Cheryl's success spelled marriage trouble

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Sex & relationships

With her first number one single under her belt, a string of hits and awards via Girls Aloud and a top spot on the X Factor judging panel, you might imagine that Cheryl Cole had plenty to smile about.

But it seems her success might just prove her downfall when it comes to her marriage.Much has been made in recent weeks of possible trouble in the Cole household.

Though husband Ashley was there to witness her first solo live performance on The X Factor, he was not present at the aftershow party and reportedly he refused to attend a celebration that Cheryl had organised when her single, ironically titled Fight For This Love, went to number one. She apparently cancelled the bash in tears.

But where Cheryl resolved to try to fix the marriage when Ashley was caught out with single mum Aimee Walton, and even forgave his arrest for being drunk and disorderly while she was busy climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, he does not seem so willing to reciprocate her support.

It may explain why Cheryl's £160,000 wedding ring was not upon her finger during Saturday night's live X Factor show. Though a source at the show insisted that she had merely forgotten to return it to its rightful place after washing her hands, it was notably absent once again on Sunday night.

A friend of the singer told the Daily Mail: "The truth is the marriage is over, even if neither of them wants to confront it.

They still have the occasional moment of fun but they both know, particularly Cheryl, that this isn't going to be forever.

"The pattern of their relationship seems to be that she achieves something, he goes off in a sulk and she spends the next three or four days massaging his ego and building him up again. He can be petulant, pouty and vain.

"She might look like a superstar but Cheryl isn't a diva. She wants to make her husband happy and her success doesn't seem to do that. When her single comes on the radio at home, she turns it down out of consideration for him.

"Supporting Cheryl doesn't sit well with Ashley's need to be alpha male."

It may have looked like a dream marriage, but with her own achievements currently outshining those of her "pouty" husband's, perhaps it is time for Cheryl Cole to ditch the WAG role in favour of her already glittering career.

What do you think? Should Cheryl stay or should she go?

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Fitflops for the winter months

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion, Health & fitness

Fitflops, the shoe that promised a work-out while you walk, may have seemed like an unlikely hit. But they proved something of a phenomenon during the summer months.

And there's more good news, girls. They're now available in a lovely warm boot variety.The idea of the Fitflop was that the curved sole encouraged the wearer to make use of their core bottom, thigh and calf muscles in order to maintain their balance, thereby body toning without all that painful gym equipment.

Even the celebrities were getting involved, with Julianne Moore, Carly Zucker and Jessica Biel all snapped wearing a pair.

Summer, however, is well and truly over. Enter the Mukluk.

This snugly boot, more than a little reminiscent of Uggs, can be worn at calf height or with the woollen lining rolled down to the ankle and promises all the same benefits as the Fitflop.

There's even a moon boot version called the Snugger.

It might feel like you are continuously walking uphill, but the shoe is rumoured to improve posture, ease foot and back pain and even help conditions such as sciatica and osteoarthritis.

While the Mukluk costs £125 and the Snugger £85, you'll save yourself a considerable amount on that post-Christmas, unused gym membership.

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The 'cougar' boom

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Twenty years ago, the idea of having a toyboy was more the realm of the shoulder-padded temptresses of Dynasty than that of real life.

But things have changed. A new survey has revealed that one in three over 40s are on the lookout for a younger man.Even the celebrities are at it, with Madonna, Demi Moore and Dannii Minogue all dating (or marrying in Demi's case) considerably younger fellas.

In 2005, only eight per cent of single women in their 40s and 50s confessed that they would date a man five or more years their junior.

These days, more than a third are considering a younger chap.

The survey of 4,500 singles, conducted by online dating service Parship, found that 34 per cent of women in their 40s and 50s would be happy with a toyboy.

On the male side of things, those open to the seductions of an older lady has increased from just five per cent four years ago, to 18 per cent today.

Parship's dating expert, psychiatrist Dr Victoria Lukats, told the Daily Mail: "For many women, their priority becomes finding a partner with whom they are compatible, irrespective of age."

That may well be the case, but we're sure there are some other advantages.

Tell us what you think? Is dating a younger man more acceptable these days and would you consider, as Madonna has, dating a man who is nearly 30 years your junior?

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Academics call for end to airbrushing

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-09T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Fashion

In the wake of a number of recent airbrushing scandals, it should come as no surprise that a number of academics have expressed their concerns to advertising watchdogs.

More than 40 of the world's leading experts on body image issues have today called for a ban on digital retouching and airbrushing in photographs that advertise to the under 16s.The academics, from Britain, America and Australia, composed a letter to the Advertising Standards Authority, insisting that the "clear majority of adolescent girls" are experiencing problems with "depression, stress, guilt, shame, insecurity and body dissatisfaction" as a result of the unnatural-looking girls featured in magazines.

More than 1,000 complaints about airbrushing in adverts have been sent to the ASA in the past three months, but the watchdog has previously refused to act, saying that the complainants have provided no scientific evidence to back up their claims.

In response, four academics have written a report that details the results of more than 100 academic studies worldwide.

Written by body image experts Dr Helga Dittmar of the University of Sussex and Dr Emma Halliwell from the University of the West of England, as well as researchers from the US and Australia, the document has been signed by a further 40 doctors and psychologists worldwide.

The researchers write: "Exposure to the media ideal is linked with greater body dissatisfaction and more unhealthy eating beliefs and behaviours in women.

"It is very significant in women who already have some body image issues, and among adolescents.

"We hope that the advertising authorities in the UK and other countries will give this evidence serious consideration and see the urgent need for policy change."

While the ASA is quick to remove any advertising that is deemed sexist or promotes unhealthy eating for children, it remains to be seen whether this new pressure from the academic world will tell.

Let us know what you think. Should airbrushing be banned in advertising?

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Dear Paula: He's bi-sexual and wants a threesome

Dear Paula — 2009-11-08T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I need some advice please. I have been with my boyfriend for near enough 18 months. We have had some good times and some horrid times but we have got through them as stronger people. He has now dropped a BIG BOMBSHELL.

He has told me he has been intimate with another male on two occasions. He now wants me to participate in a threesome with another guy. Listening to what he has done is one thing but to see it, I don't know how I would feel.

He has said that he would forget the whole threesome thing but that has left me thinking if I don't, he will go and see a man behind my back. I'm confused as to what to do. I believe a threesome would break us but if I don't go through with it, will that break us too?

Can I continue in a relationship in which my boyfriend is bi-sexual? Can I trust him? It has taken 18 months for him to come clean about this. What else could he be hiding? Please, please, please help me!
Dear Paula writes:
When it comes to sex, my advice is always, don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with. It's a delicate area and very much tied up with self-respect and identity. Don't let fear of losing him push you into something you're not happy about, as this will damage the relationship anyway.

If your boyfriend feels a need to express his bi-sexuality, this issue won't go away. His wish to involve you in his sexual adventures suggests that he doesn't want to give up his relationship with you or with same-sex partners so I can appreciate that you now have no confidence in him.

I don't think that what else he may be hiding is the real issue. The issue is that you don't trust him anymore and trust is fairly critical in relationships unless you are one of those people who can work on the 'what you don't know can't hurt you' principle.

There are, of course, relationships in which one partner can deal with the idea of the other having same-sex affairs but it takes a special person to be so understanding. I don't think you should do yourself the (probable) emotional damage of agreeing to the threesome as seeing him having sex with another man will change the way you feel about him and about yourself.

Whether you decide to trust him not to deceive you is for you to decide. I'm sorry you find yourself in this situation but the best advice I can give you is that you should be true to your own feelings, even at the risk of losing him because if you do something that doesn't feel right to you, you may regret it and resent him for placing you in that situation.

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Winter beauty survival guide

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-08T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Shopping

With harsh weather, frosty temperatures and fierce heating to contend with, winter can wreak havoc on your skin, nails and hair. Fight the elements and look fabulous all season long with our beauty survival guide.

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Dear Paula: Does age really matter?

Dear Paula — 2009-11-08T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
Is there really chance of a guy liking a women eight years older or am I wasting my time - I'm 33? Any advice would be great.Dear Paula writes:
I can't tell you how many people write in with concerns about age gaps. Eight years is absolutely nothing and this question wouldn't arise if he were eight years older than you.

Many 25 year old men would be thrilled at the idea of an "older woman" being attracted to them. That (slight, in your case) age gap is often enough to confer an increase in maturity which makes relationships easier.

We tend to get a bit less self-involved and demanding and more inclined to consider the feelings of others as we get older. An older woman (though I would hardly class you as such)i s often easier to get along with as long as she's comfortable in her own skin. How you feel about yourself is really the issue, rather than the age gap.

These days it's very hard to tell how old a woman is and I think this worry about being older than the man is a hangover from the past when women suddenly had to look and behave middle aged at 30. You only have to look at how fantastic many 60 year olds look compared to 30 years ago, when they might well have been wearing crimplene and having perms.

Believe me, eight years is nothing as long as you feel confident about yourself. If you convince yourself that age is irrelevant and stop thinking about it and mentioning it, there's no reason why it should be any kind of a problem.

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Henry Holland heading for Debenhams

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-08T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Hot young designer Henry Holland rose to fame from relatively humble beginnings.

In fact, by his own admission, he began his entire business "as a joke". But things are a little more serious now and he is set to unveil a collection for department store giant, Debenhams.At only 26-years-old, Henry became one of Britain's most sought-after designers thanks largely to a series of rhyming slogan T-shirts.

His now famous "I'll Tell You Who's Boss Kate Moss" T-shirts were originally designed for his friends but rapidly became something of a fashion in-joke.

Since the popularity of the shirts soared, Henry founded the House of Holland and now finds his clothes stocked in Harrods and in Barneys, New York with the likes of Lindsay Lohan and supermodel mate Agyness Deyn all being snapped sporting his designs.

His collection for Debenhams, though, is an altogether more sensible affair.

In an interview with the Guardian, Holland was asked if he had any concerns over designing for the high street.

"Possibly when I first started, but it wasn't like I came into the interview and said, 'Let's do a full leather body sheath.'
You know, I was thinking about the Debenhams customer already. There's something for anyone in there."

And so there is. Floral-printed tops, leather pencil skirts and neon leggings will all be available (with a touch of the Henry Holland quirkiness, of course) and at those reasonable high street prices, we're guessing this will be yet another designer/high street collaboration that will be flying off the shelves.

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