A Greater Year for Sports

Heading into the start of the year I think we were all still riding the wave of success following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Records were broken, PB's were achieved and Team GB collected 65 Olympic and an awe-inspiring 120 Paralympic medals.

I can't be the only one who felt motivated to dust off my bike, pick up my trainers and get outside! It was a great proud feeling, but how were we going to top this?

2013 started well with the England cricket team beating New Zealand, the UK track cycling team took the world championship title, top podium spots were taken at the World Endurance Championships at Silverstone and Chris Froome took the Tour de Romandie title. 

This was then followed by Justin Rose taking the U.S. Open Title in style, the unforgettable moment when Andy Murray silenced the wait on becoming Wimbledon Champion and Chris Froome completed the Tour de France in the yellow jersey to take the honours.

It was a fantastic summer and the sporting achievements continued. The England cricket team retained the ashes at home, the British & Irish Lions won down under, Sir Ben Ainslie joined Oracle Team USA to help deliver the greatest sailing comeback of all time to win the America's Cup and Sebastian Vettel became a consecutive four-times World Champion. This is not all there was, there were so many stand out sporting moments this year.

I can't wait for 2014 as there is even more coming up; Winter Olympics in Sochi, Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Six Nations and the Women's Ashes!

Credit Where Credits Due for F1 Female Test Driver

It looks like Susie Wolff is finally getting to prove her point as Williams F1 development driver.

Susie has had to battle many hurdles to get recognised with the respect that is due to any driver of the beasts that are used in the Formula 1 races. Sir Stirling Moss didn’t mince his words when he publicly stated that he believed that no woman had the mental skills to race competitively in Formula 1. If anything, I think Susie has taken this and it has helped drive her desire to prove everyone wrong.

"I always said I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it was possible and I believe in myself.”

The pressure is still very much on for Susie as the expectation only rises for her to deliver. The test is a good example that while not spot on, she is competitively on-pace.

“So it was about going out there and showing what I could do. As much as I was nervous about today, I also saw it as a brilliant opportunity to show people what I was capable of."

A Summer Upgrade

It doesn't take long to realise that in the current weather we are experiencing in the UK, and I am not complaining, that most if not all foundations are not going to cut it and should be placed back in 'the drawer'.

I came to understand that minimal make up was the game. As I can no longer get away with wearing no make up to work, in fear of scaring people, I needed to look for other options as by mid morning any make up was making an attempt to escape my face for a more secure location.

Bring in the tinted moisturiser. I was a huge fan of the tinted moisturiser for the simple reasons that it was easy, light and went on without too much fuss. Benefit's You Rebel is an excellent product and has been around a long time building up a great reputation for a tinted moisturiser offering good coverage and the added bonus of SPF 15. I would highly recommend this product, it is a thick paste so only very little is needed which makes it last a long time. There are only two shades, original and lite, the original product comes out quite dark so on occasion I have mixed with a little moisturiser to even out.

For me, overtime I have become needy wanting more from my products and especially the base so when more coverage, radiance, matt effect etc were needed  an upgrade was due.

No7's new Youthful CC Cream 

There has almost been more hype and discussions over BB creams and now CC creams than the new arrival of the royal baby. I have tried several types but have found that while many are good and affordable they don't really do all that they claim - until now.

While CC creams are not the newest product on the market the new version from No7 - Youthful CC Cream, is definitely one to be considered. Bouncing onto the market this month the CC cream - Complexion Corrector packs more ammunition in one tube and is only £14.95.

Coming in two shades, the medium I feel will suit a wide range of complexions especially those that have seen a little sun already. The shade matched my own skin very well and went on smoothly with a very pleasant smell. 

While offering light coverage the cream went on really well and left a very nice finish that evened out my skin tone. Along with SPF 15 and anti ageing properties this CC cream's ingredients list also includes vitamins A and C for younger looking skin, hyalouronic acid for brighter skin and the No7 renowned firming complex that is found in the Protect & Perfect Intense skincare range. 

On top of those great additions is the fact that it stayed in place all day which will add confidence to any woman wearing it = priceless!

Inferno: Gripping from Start to Finish

Inferno - Dan Brown's fourth edition in the Robert Langdon series came, again like many of his other books, with some speculation and trepidation towards the theme and plot. As an avid reader of his books including the two standalone works (Digital Fortress & Deception Point) I am drawn in by the research and factual nature of the content weaved in with a myriad of characters, plot lines and intrigue.

 

After reading The Lost Symbol, I was left with a feeling that there was a little too much, that it drew out unnecessarily, however it was a compelling read diving back into the life of the art-loving University Professor focussing solely on symbols and their history.

 

Inferno is an exceptionally well written 416 pages providing everything I wanted as a reader; deception, crisis, conspiracy with idealistic thoughts threaded in among a scavenger hunt through time and history. I felt that while I was being pulled along with Langdon and the characters through Florence and Venice that I was learning some new insights into historic events and people.

 

Truly a ‘not-one-to-put-down’ kind of book I read this in a matter of days and will make sure I pick it up again.

A Great New Read

The new Sports Liberated magazine, issue 1 is out now!

Find the first issue, free on the Sport Chick site here. Sport Chick is former gymnast and current sport writer and videographer Jo Gunston who has written and edited this new magazine.

Having just read this first issue cover to cover in my lunch break I only have good things to say about it. Rarely now can you engage with every page of a magazine, skiping over articles that are either of no interest or relevance. Jo has brought some insightful interviews and topical columns to this first edition which is well worth a read.

Looking forward to further issues!

Formula 1: Are Red Bull’s tyre wear tantrums at Pirelli just sour gapes?

Overtaking, high speed, fast pit changeovers and fighting to lead the race are among the many reasons why F1 attracts over 500million viewers worldwide. Although I feel this is going to drop off significantly over the next races if the barrage of complaints against Pirelli continues.

I have to disagree with Martin Brundle’s recent comments on the number of pit changes in Barcelona and that the race was hard to follow. I feel it would be a mistake for Pirelli to make any drastic changes to the tyres and selection options at this time as it would seem to be in favour of one team and not for the good of F1.

To read the full Metro blog article visit the page here.

Metro Blog - Formula One: So far so good for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

When the announcement came halfway through the 2012 F1 season that Lewis Hamilton would be parting ways with McLaren after 13 years with the team it wasn't a huge surprise. I think what was more of a surprise was that he was moving to Mercedes.

Five drivers made their Formula One debut at the start of this season and Hamilton was not the only driver to change seat, but the most high-profile – dominating many column inches and online conversations.

To read the full Metro Blog head to the article here.

Enough to bring out the Trekkie in anyone

JJ Abrams pulled it out of the bag with a new, prequel to the Star Trek series in 2009. I can only imagine how this would have gone down with the die-hard 'Trekkie' fans, but as someone who, and yes I admit it, watched most if not all of the original series and films, I was impressed.

It kept in line with the original story and history and preceded them well. Not to mention the calibre of actors bringing the drama to the plot line.

We all knew it was never going to be just one film so when the rumours started flying about the second one; Star Trek Into the Darkness, I was excited. Although it has been a four year wait I have every hope that it will be a great follow-on and a gripping film. I don't think you need to be a Trekkie to enjoy this, just check out the trailer for yourself. Coming this Summer, this is going to be a one not-to-miss.


Wakeboarding Meets Art

Red Bull are well known globally for their innovation in sporting and music events and they have now taken it a step further.

This video shows the extreme wakeboarding talent of the riders in a whole new light - literally. LED neon lights were attached to the boards while timelapse photography was taken to capture the light show.

Check it out and find out more here.

Running through the rain

No excuses, I just haven't run for a while and boy do I regret it. Just a few weeks off from hitting the pavements has taken me back so many steps that I feel like I am starting again.

When I thought my mojo had gone I found a tiny piece of it and attempted to resurrect it. The evenings are lighter and a bit warmer which helps, so back in the mandatory lycra sports gear I hit the roads.

It was going so well; I was keeping pace, kept going and had a nice journey out around the country. Until it started raining! Now I am not about to tell you that I started melting or can't possible run when wet but when it turned from a light drizzle into a downpour and I still had a few miles to go. It went from being cooling and refreshing to coming at me like needles. However the only thing to do was push on and yes I made it home, all be it soaking, I actually felt good.

So now when it's raining and you are driving home watching those neon-cladded runners  heading out thinking 'nutter', I too am going to be one of those facing the rain.

Running mojo back!

Looking Forward to Catching Fire

After watching the teaser trailor for part two in the Hunger Games trilogy I am very excited for the upcoming next instalment.

Worked my way through all three books in a matter of weeks they were so good and it feels like so long ago that I sat at the first screenings of the Hunger Games.

As the next chapter, Catching Fire is not due out until November I feel the book could get dusted off and re-read in the meantime.

As trilogies go I have a feeling this one is going to be worthy of a top three position firmly pushing aside the Twilight Saga.

Review will be up as soon as I can get my beady eyes on this one!

Truly Motivating

I have taken motivation from this giant mammal to shift some blubber.

The weather is still awful, there is nothing we can do to change it and talking about it just makes me feel worse. I am going to embrace it, layer up, lace up and hit the roads.

Then, I can be smug in the knowledge that yes Spring has not really arrived, my summer wardrobe is still in its airtight bag under the bed and my hair is dying from all the heating and blow drying but I am rocking some seriously cool neon layers while out braving the chill.

 

#motivated

Metro Blog - Formula One: Is this the second chapter of a Championship title comeback for Kimi Raikkonen?

Last year saw the return of the infamous Iceman to F1 this time sitting inside the Lotus-Renault car. A two year break rally driving meant some were sceptical as to his abilities coming back to F1 to sit closer to the road.

But in a way only Kimi Raikkonen can deliver, the epitome of cool, calm and collected he ended the 2012 season as the only driver in the season to have completed every lap of every race. Combined with a podium finish and two fastest lap times, he proved to be a driver worth betting on.

To read the full Metro blog head over to the article here.

Harlem Shake for Comic Relief

The British Marine Federation (BMF) pulled together their take on the Harlem Shake today all in the name of good fun and for Red Nose Day!

While thousands of videos from all over the world have been uploaded with this flashmob it was a perfect opportunity for the team to put their stamp on it for Comic Relief.

To check out the video click here -
http://youtu.be/OFyErAtoTVQ

Metro Blog - Six Nations: Complacent England took their eye off the Italians

With a two week break leading up to the penultimate matches in the RBS 6 Nations England promised that after defeating France they would not be complacent going into their game against Italy. This year the tableshows the Italian team not sitting on the bottom but riding above France with two points and playing better rugby than we have seen from them.

Players and coaches were quoted saying they thought it was going to be a tough game, they knew Italy would bring a determined side and they had prepared. However, fans, pundits and journalists were already telling of a whitewash and a certain outcome for the 15 in white.

To read the full Metro blog visit the article here - http://blogs.metro.co.uk/sport/six-nations-complacent-england-took-eye-italians/

LinkedIn Maps

Check out this great new tool from LinkedIn -  InMaps.

This new features calculates all of your connections on LinkedIn and categorises them in colour.

Mine looks like a jellyfish!

Just proves how powerful networking is and how far reaching our connections can be.

World Book Day

World Book Day today (7 March) - sadly I was not allowed to come to work dressed as my favourite book character as were thousands of children across the UK today but it is a perfect opportunity to start my new book; Hemingway's Boat by Paul Hendrickson.
There are so many books I want to read this year, let alone all the new ones that have come out. Going from the Telegraph review, this could be a good one. And yes it is a paperback. I have not, like many others, converted to a Kindle. I won't say never but I am so much in love with paper and pages that I can't bring myself to do it.
If you are looking for a new book or something different check out the Biggest Book Show. It is free to watch online and there will be 9 best selling authors and illustrators to hear from. A great way to fill your Thursday lunchtime!

Metro Blog - Women’s Six Nations: Has Gary Street sacrificed an eighth victory for the World Cup Sevens?

There is always a huge amount of pressure put on a home team when any tournament starts as expectations rise, emotions fall and many watch willing their team to succeed. The England Women’s RBS Six Nations side went into this year’s event as hot favourites to retain the cup and to make it their eighth championships title.

"Italy is their next game, this Sunday, and the girls will really need to dig deep and work hard to beat this strong team and pull back some points."

All started well as the ladies delivered a 76 – 0 victory over Scotland in their opening game but to then see their points advantage slip away as they suffered back to back defeats to Ireland and France.

To read the full Metro Blog please click here.

Metro Blog - England step up with a three for three victory but can they bring home the RBS Six Nations title

France went into the round three match of the RBS 6 Nations against England knowing that they needed a win to not only pull themselves off the bottom of the table but to regain the faith of their fans. They came out fighting and the first half was a 40 minute display of how determined 15 men can be, wanting so greatly to beat England.

With a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude France threw themselves into everything proving to be a real issue for the England team.

"Stuart Lancaster dubbed the game as ‘a true test match’, it was a tough game and England, instead of dictating the game play and speed, had to keep up and work hard."

To read the full Metro Blog click through to the article here.

Found it - Best Beauty Product EVER!

I would say I used to be quite fickle when it came to beauty products. Sometimes my choices would be determined purely on price or availability. But more recently I need more from my product to make me want to part with my monies. I am part of that % percentage of women who want multi-purpose products, no longer is a black mascara enough, it needs to lengthen, volumise, provide fuller lashes and come dressed as Ryan Reynolds (I can forgive the last one!)

But I feel this is where some of my product choices have gone wrong and I, like many other women, end up with that ‘draw’ or ‘bag’ of makeup that is sitting unwanted and not used. I hate waste but do like to try new things. When I was recommended to use a new product from No7 – the Fanomenal Lash Serum I was dubious; it seemed expensive for its size and what it promised felt unattainable. However I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt.

And oh wow am I glad I did. This product is not only great value for money it actually works! Used every night on bottom and top lashes for the past 8 weeks I have noticed increased length and depth to my lashes. I will say that I have not noticed a drastic improvement in the overall volume but I will continue to use it as am really happy with the results, it’s easy to apply and works while I’m sleeping. I am also going to try on eyebrows and see what happens there.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone, especially those experiencing lashes lost after use of false lashes, lash extensions etc. It is also a great way to boost what you already have!

Review - Movie 43

All I can say of Movie 43 is that it was a massive waste of 1 hour 34 minutes of my life. It is the only time I can ever say that I actually contemplated getting up out of my seat and leaving the cinema before the end of the film.

The film comes with the tag line - "The biggest cast ever assembled for the most outrageous comedy ever made."

The only outrageous thing about the film was that it was not funny, not one bit and was totally overplayed by the weight and familiarity of the cast. Despite it being so unfunny, it didn't make any sense, but then maybe that was the point.

In a nutshell - disappointing, don't waste your time on this one.

A wet weather weekend hampered second round of RBS Six Nations matches

Round two of the RBS Six Nations was a weekend of drama, emotion and tough calls.
Saturday, 9 February saw France fall again, this time to Wales who very much needed the boost of a win and Italy were defeated by the powerful Scotland. This now sees France, current leaders of the Six Nations all-time table with 46 wins from 67 matches played, bottom of the table.

Going into the tournament I would have expected to see France, Ireland and England in the top three all vying for top spot position. But with these two first rounds being a washout for France it is now all open for England to run forward.

"Will the week break see a revived France comeback against England and can Wales add to their points score to beat Italy on home turf?"

To read the full Meto blog click here.

Total domination for England women against Scotland yet why was there so little coverage?

Saturday, 2 February, while the English Rugby Union squad were getting ready and warmed up to face Scotland in their first match of the 2013 RBS 6 Nations another game was already in play. However, very little was said or shown of that game.

That game, and others played that weekend, were of the Women’s RBS 6 Nations Championships. Seven times consecutive winners, England Women were playing their first match against Scotland Women.
To read the full blog at the Metro please click here.

RBS Six Nations kicks off to a cracking start

The 2013 RBS Six Nations got underway last weekend to a cracking start with a great number of tries and an unexpected defeat.

England's Billy Twelvetrees

Defending champions, Wales, went into Saturday’s game against Ireland with many having already decided the outcome. Although Wales dominated the scoreboard in the 2012 Six Nations championships their recent games have not delivered the results they needed. Injury has hampered the team and they just don’t seem to have pulled themselves together. The first half looked like it was going to deliver what had been predicted by so many as Ireland took full advantage, taking every opportunity to score and picking up on every mistake Wales made. Half time brought the relief Wales needed and the team that came back out were re-energised and more focused. The pressure came on and the score rose. It was a good hard push from Wales that sadly came a little too late to overtake Ireland.

Next up was the Calcutta Cup clash. Going into this game I was quietly confident that England would play well and retain the Cup after having such a good run in recent games.
To read the full blog head over to the METRO...

Inspired Performances

Being a fan of Spielberg's work I had every confidence that his first movie of 2013 was going to be worthy of me parting with my money. Lincoln was not only well worth sitting for 150 minutes and spending £8 on the ticket but I came away from it feeling like I had learnt something.

The history was accurate and detailed to the finest point but the most compelling feature was Daniel Day Lewis' portrayal of the infamous President who we saw as a father, husband, leader and above all a believer in equality.

 

"I am the President of the United States of America, clothed in immense power. Go get me those votes."

 

It was an outstanding performance of the role that carried real emotion but something also has to be said of the inspired performance of Tommy Lee Jones' Thaddeus Stevens. While the ending and outcome was to be expected it didn't take away the gravity and emotion of the film. One definitely worth watching.